A Spot of Gift Wrapping

On account of the piles of stuff (presents mostly) cluttering up our bedroom, I've spent much of this afternoon doing a spot of Christmas gift wrapping.  I managed to get most presents for everyone apart from OH and Little Bird wrapped, save for a few stragglers here and there and a couple still to be bought.  They are now all nicely packed away in a large strong bag ready to take Up North when we eventually go. 

I used some lovely new wrapping paper (amongst others) that I bought from IKEA this morning.  It's a red and white candy stripe and was a bargain having been reduced to £1.25 for 15m.  I ended up buying two rolls as I can always use it for wrapping birthday presents too. 

I also got a few gift boxes reduced to 45p each which are great for wrapping items of clothing or other awkwardly shaped items.

Whilst at IKEA I couldn't resist buying some of their gingerbread shapes for hanging on the Christmas tree.  At 90p for 10 you could hardly make them cheaper than that, and they're a lot less hassle too, especially in the busy run up to Christmas. 

To be honest I doubt that they'll last very long on the tree anyway, between me, the dog and Little Bird.  They've made them in hearts and stars this year which makes a change from the usual hearts that I've bought in the past.  I just need to thread them with ribbon and they're ready to go.

Talking of hearts, I couldn't resist this little heart-shaped succulent plant they were selling, to add to my growing collection, the one on the left in the picture in the white pot. 

It's my latest obsession.  Here they all are on my kitchen windowsill.  I've been picking them up here and there at school/church fetes, Lidl, B&Q,  and now IKEA, over the last few months.  I need to find them their own little spot.  I've got my eye on a place, but just haven't got around to reorganising it for them all.  The Christmas Cactus I bought from Lidl the other day is now starting to flower and is beautiful. 

Anyway, I didn't go too mad in IKEA today, in fact I ended up returning one item I'd bought straight away as it was damaged and I decided I didn't really need it anyway.  I bought a couple of items for LB to go with some things I've bought her for Christmas and that was it really.  I find myself quite selective in IKEA these days.  Gone are the days when I'm happy to fill a trolley.  We've got enough 'stuff' as it is plus I don't have the money at the moment too of course.

Tonight I've been roasting some chestnuts on our new wood burner after buying some at a local market today whilst out and about.  It always reminds me of being a child and the many nights I spent sat in front of our solid fuel fire waiting for the chestnut to be done so that I could eat them.  Happy days.  I had to try it out and I must say that it does a fabulous job.   It's the first time I've been able to roast them properly since then.

You do, of course, have to remember to take them off when they're done.  I ended up leaving them on there a little too long and they were a bit burnt.  They still got eaten though.  Waste not want not.