LONDON BOUND FOR 2012

AS PROMISED

Steve's Holiday Wreath Bread turned out fabulous! We had it for breakfast this morning, although it tasted more like dessert. Teg, Greg, Liz, Connor and myself felt spoiled. I think Steve was pleased as punch with his handy work. Well done Sweet!

We have started our Christmas clean up today with a little Miles Davis. Proper!

THE GIRLFRIENDS GUIDE TO PREGNANCY

I received this book in the post last week from a Canadian mother also here in England and what a treat! I laughed so hard I cried when I shared some of the chapters with my husband. It was so nice to be reassured that I'm not the only mad mom to be out there. I'm in my 3rd trimester now and loving it!

CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST WREATH

Holiday Breakfast Wreath

Hello, I hope everyone has had a very merry Christmas!

We've had some amazing music, family, friends & feast over the last week & Santa Claus was very good to everyone in our house.

 Yesterday was turkey day and that means today we will be having leftovers of JO's Turkey Leek pie ( a family favourite) can't wait!

The other day I saw this breakfast bread wreath on one of my fav. blogs and Steve's giving it a go today. I'll let you know how it turns out. xoxo

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE GILLESPIE'S

Love- Christy, Steve, Connor & Master Bump!

WILDLIFE

Yesterday C and I went to The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to check out the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Here are some of  our favorites. The mountain Goat photo just blew my mind! Want to get away from the madness of Christmas for a few hours, check out info on the free exhibition at http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/museums-and-galleries

Only 2 sleeps left!

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. 


 ~W.T. Ellis

HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE

Depending on where you are in the world, December 21 or 22 marks the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere: the official beginning of winter, and the longest night of the year. Happy winter solstice enjoy your short day! xoxo

MR MEN

Yes Please! Sometimes I like to post things on my blog so Husband remembers how much I love it. I know it's too early to buy books for baby but I really love the Mr. Men books.

CHRISTMAS GIFT SUGGESTIONS

“Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.


To an opponent, tolerance.


To a friend, your heart.


To a customer, service.


To all, charity.


To every child, a good example.


To yourself, respect.”

ALL WRAPPED UP

Time to wrap the presents!

LOVE

This is the most popular played song in England during the holidays. And although the words are a bit rough I absolutely love it and turn it up as loud as I can every time it comes on the radio. It kinda reminds me of Nova Scotia!

THE HOOK

I was star struck this weekend when we saw and met David Hasselhoff who is staring as the Hook in the Peter Pan Christmas Pantomime. He's sooo tall and yes I'm saying it GORGEOUS! I'm not sure if it's the California sun or the botox but that man is doing something right. His voice boomed in the Bristol Hippodrome, he has a great singing voice and girls were jumping to their feet in appreciation for it, throughout the show. We always have a great time at the Christmas panto, Andy Ford takes care of this but congratulations to the Bristol Hippodrome for bringing in the HOFF! If you ever watched Knight Rider or Baywatch growing up you would completely get it! 

Laura has just left this morning to fly back to Canada. It was wonderful to spend time with her. We attended her Masters graduation last week in Lancaster as her faux parents and then celebrated her birthday this weekend in Bristol Connor even carved Laura a birthday pumpkin-awww. Happy 26th L!!! xo We will miss you lots! 

HAPPY FRIDAY

Happy Friday!

GRADUATES

Congrats L!!!!

ADVENT STOCKINGS

MARTINI & MISTLETOE 2011

We had our last martini & mistletoe in England on Saturday night.

It's the anticipation & preparation that I love the most. Decorating the tree, baking, putting up the mistletoe's, L & C coming up with the names of martinis and creating the menus.Steve, Connor & Laura were amazing in helping pull it all together.

I hope everyone had a fabulous time (even if I called last call at midnight) this year the night caps were very strong!

Thanks for coming everyone, I had a fantastic weekend. Can't wait  for next year!!!  xoxo

HAVE AN AMAZING WEEKEND

It's finally here- I've been waiting patiently all week for Connor to come. We will be decorating the tree tonight, baking tomorrow and hosting our annual martini & mistletoe this weekend.

Happy Friday xoxo

CHRISTMAS PUDDING

UNKNOWN

L BROUGHT GIFTS FOR THE GILLESPIE'S

Thank you L I love them !!!

TOM JOULES CHRISTMAS WELLIES

FRIENDS ARE RELATIVES WE MAKE FOR OURSELVES

My friend's TL & Vanessa gave me a heart that says "friends are relatives we make for ourselves."

I have been a military hobo for so long that I'm blessed to have "relatives" in most spots. I value keeping all of these friendships. I may not see them for 10 years but always keep in contact and know that I'm welcome back in their home for Christmas, Thanksgiving or any other family holiday.

On a side thought... Do generation X and Y care more about their friends then their family?  My mom was the first one to say this to me (years ago) maybe because I live 5000 miles away and spend most holidays with friends? The thing is, It has not been assumed in our family that someone ie Mom, Brother's will host holiday dinner and sadly I'm not sure when this stopped. Maybe when our family outgrew the dining room table? I hope these traditions might be different with my children and we always welcome friends, and family in our home.

L came yesterday "our teenage daughter-another friend" I'm finally feeling really festive. We went shopping, started decorating the house and put the lights on our Charlie Brown UK tree. I feel like she brought Christmas from Canada for me- thanks L! xoxo

ON THE....

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three twinkling golden retrievers,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree. 

GET YOUR MITTS OUT

HAPPY WEEKEND

We will be spending the weekend cleaning the house from top to bottom doing some practice baking runs for the party and finally, getting my Christmas goods out of the Loft! Christmas is coming... xoxo

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

May you all have a festive and lovely December!