WELCOME TO Val's Alentejo -I write about my region of Alentejo. My art ,painting, my cottages, Family life, my animals -Travels And my love for Roses- and rural country life.

Sunday 28 October 2012

Something different.

Years gone by, when all my children were around, I seemed to always leave christmas shopping to the last minute.  I would often buy something early, then closer to Christmas, would add more to my christmas gifts,always thinking that there wasn't enough..Or this one wanted this or that! 
 Around the christmas tree the presents extended and overflowed into my lounge.
Christmas tree and gifts still overflow in our home, but in a different way. My children add all their gifts for their children  and the family to mine under the tree.. so the overflow is even bigger.

For the past couple of years, I have tried to start my list and looking around for Christmas gifts somewhere end of September.
It seems to be working.   Its made life much easier. I don't rush around and seem to have more time to plan.
Getting prepared with some ideas.  I went over to Suzy's blog. "Rustic Vintage Cottage".. She always has something cute on her etsy shop site.    After seeing some hearts she had posted there.  I decided I liked them and that I would order some items from her.   Something different for christmas ..
                                               Beautifully sewn red hearts with green silk ribbon.
                                                       The cutest little cotton bottle top cover's.. I chose various colour's and Suzy, added her gifted touch too.  I am so thrilled with them.  They are so pretty- pink's and blue's and yellow and white with pink and red flowers..
                                                     Testing the cover's on my new bottles.. filled with all sorts of spices and for eventual goodies!.. I think they look rather splendid.   Some of that old country cottage simplicity, will be around this christmas..
                                             Dear Suzy wrapped each of  the bottle covers all in individual little  soft coloured tissue paper .. It was like Christmas for me  just opening them all.

                                                   I would like to say a big thank you to Suzy.
                                    You might like to pay her a visit. She has a lovely blog.
                                                 "Rustic Vintage Cottage"..

                                                                    Thank you Suzy.. am so thrilled with my goodies.

Happy last Sunday in October everyone.

                                                                               Val

                                              

44 comments:

  1. Val, those tops are precious!!! What a sweet, useful gift!!!...:)JP

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    1. Thank you JP..
      Just something different to add to the list.

      Delete
  2. Hi Val,
    You would think that working in a gift shop, I would be organised,but not always..
    I tend to leave it till nearer the time, as i love the December build up..hehe!
    I love those pretty items from Suzy and will check out her blog..
    The nicest gifts to receive are those made with love from the heart.
    Love Mariax

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    1. Thank you Maria,
      How wonderful to work in a gift shop. I am sure you are often tempted.
      I start now..but still leave some until December.
      We are a large family so must start early

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  3. that is very cute.

    (regarding cell phone photos - i email them to myself from my phone. then i download them from my email onto my laptop. that way i can then use them for my blog posts.)

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  4. Thanks Tex for filling me in on this process.
    I thought that it might be something like that.. but now i know.. simple really.
    x

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  5. Great gifts. I'm a last minute person - and always regret it. This year I may start early ...
    June

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    1. thank you for coming over my way June.
      I am enjoying shopping early.
      But I have it all sorted as to what i will do for xmas.
      simplify it all.

      Delete
  6. Oh they all look so pretty Val.

    I think the love hearts are beautiful.

    Enjoy x

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  7. Hi Val,
    Oh yes, Suzy is a bloggy friend of mine, and she is very creative, especially with her photos. These gifts are so special for Christmas. I love the red hearts. I always love getting spices and treats in glass jars - it makes the present so personal, as it is homemade. My friend bakes cookies every year for everyone, and I think that's one of my favorite presents. I think that is smart that you start your shopping in September. I start mine in November, and I am thinking now that it might be better to start earlier. Christmas time sounds lovely at your home with the grandkids and all. It is my favorite time of year. Have a lovely Sunday, Val, and I appreciate all your sweet comments.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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    1. Yes, I saw that she was also on your blog.. Suzy's blog is nice, because its not all about selling..she takes some great photos like you said.
      This year will be simple.. pretty much like your friend.
      I too like to see the stores .. thank you Sheri.. for your kind comments.
      '

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  8. Good Morning Val. I was a late shopper when the kids were small and I'm still a late shopper! Don't like it but that's the way it is. You are so smart to start early, I hate the last minute rush, would much rather spend it around the tree, sipping egg nog. One year I ordered all presents from a catalog. I didn't leave the house and had everything in plenty of time. Was GREAT!! I do like to take time to go around to the little towns and just look at decorations. I follow Suzy, she does have a great blog and you really got some cute things, someone will be lucky! Thanks for your kind words about my Fraidy Cat. That fits her perfectly, she is so timid..Happy Sunday..Judy

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    1. Starting early is really nice.. I set projcts for myself. So then i get to go around some of the nice gift shops.. but its so commercial now.
      sounds great to order all from a catalog Judy.
      I do agree, to visit the lights in the villages here is nice..but the crisis now doesnt allow for too much extravegance.

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  9. What lovely items you bought from Suzy. They are so pretty and I love home-made things . I try and get most of my presents early I hate the last minute rush too.
    Sarah x

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    1. Hello Sarah,
      I am so thrilled with my things from Suzy.
      It will be simple and home made..with maybe a few extra's this year.
      We are a large family, and there is always so much.
      I am enjoying taking my time.. thank you Sarah..xx

      Delete
  10. I'll have to go over and have a look!
    I have most of my Christmas shopping done already, as so much has to be mailed. I leave the things for my daughter and husband to the last so that I have the pleasure of wandering through the decorated stores, in the evening when all the Christmas lights are twinkling - the best of both experiences!

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    Replies
    1. Wow, Pondside.. that is great. If you have to mail off its the best way, to get them posted early.
      I always buy myself a nice gift.
      Christmas is a lovely time of the year.
      thanks for your comments.

      Delete
  11. Hello Val
    You are very organised, It is lovely getting parcels through the post,
    I do try to be organised but always seem to fail Ha Ha!, I love Christmas and I do look for those special presents here and there...
    Thank you for your wonderful words as always
    Thea x

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    Replies
    1. Hello Thea,
      I am trying to be organised. Yes, it was great to get the parcel.. it felt like christmas for me.
      Thank you for coming over.. always nice to see you.
      x

      Delete
  12. Dear Val
    You have choose wonderful gifts . I always try to gather my gifts early , usually at the end of November but I always forget something ! So ,the last years I buy something extra for each case !
    Have a nice day
    Olympia

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    1. Dear Olympia..
      yes, i too will add more things as I go along. this year however, I want to make it simple.
      for me anyway, at least i am trying. I usually buy myself a nice gift too.
      I like to decorate my house ..but we can't forget its about the holy family too and the birth of jesus.. this christmas eve..we will all the family go to mass.

      Delete
  13. What special things you got. I love pretty hand made items, they are so much nicer than anything you can buy. Isn't it wonderful to be able to order things from all over. I love the sweet hearts!

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    1. Thank you Lavender Dreamer.
      I am really thrilled with Susy's work.. she has made them with love.
      I now have something from England.

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  14. So tell me how many children and grandchildren do you have?

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    1. Hello dear Sandie,
      I have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.
      We are a large family. 2 of my children are married and two are not.
      happy monday to you.

      Delete
  15. Dear Val - good for you getting organised early. I prefer to prepare early too, my mother always left it to the last minute and it drove me to distraction chasing around the week before Christmas helping her.
    My problem is getting answers from the family as to what they would like. I am in their hands.

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    1. I never thought organising for christmas could be so easy and less stressful .
      I mainly concentrate on my grandchildren. We seem to give presents all through the year to each other. Its really the thought that counts. This year we are all going to midnight mass.We all decided that's what its all about.
      thank you dear Rosemary.. you will have to trick them into giving away what's on their wish list. x

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  16. Hello my dearest Val!

    I learned here in Norway to be very organized when it cmoes to Christmas gifts. I don't like to stress at the last minute when shop are crowded with stressed people...
    You have chosen some really good gifts!

    Something cute that happened early this morning: When my daughter woke up to the first snow of the year she asked me if it's Christmas now : D

    Lots of love from Winterland

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    1. Sweet Demie,
      Hello there in winterwonderland.. how cute ..It's true..when the snow falls we relate it to father christmas.
      pleased you liked my post.. i too dont like any form of stress.. i find shopping must be a pleasure and not a necessity.
      xxx

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  17. Hello Val. I generally do all my shopping quite early and post off the cards by the beginning of December. I like to be organised early. However I have to admit that I really miss the last minute rush to the shops when everyone else is rushing around too. I love Christmas and enjoy soaking up all the joy of the season. I think I shall have to look at Suzy's gifts too.
    Patricia x

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    1. Thank you Patricia..
      I too love Christmas.. but no rush now.
      still some time before the rush.

      Delete
  18. An award for you please !
    Olympia

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  19. Thank you so much Val for showing my 'makes' and I'm so pleased that you are happy with them. It is good that you are organised with your Christmas shopping and start earlier to make life a little easier. Big Hug....Suzy xx

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    1. I am really happy with my little gifts.. amazing how something so small can give one pleasure..but I know you made them with love Suzy..
      My priorities are different now at my age.. simplicity is the name.
      I will still go see the lights ..
      hugs to you to suzy..
      val

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  20. Dear Val, I have so many posts to catch up on now I am back online. Suzy's things are really pretty; I love the floral jar covers, and the red silk hearts are a winner. This year I started thinking about Christmas very early, then became extremely side-tracked. Back onto it now, though, and have been out sourcing things for my overseas family. Looking forward to seeing more of your goodies. xxx

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    1. Hello there Patricia.
      nice to see you over my side..
      I find it far more relaxing to shop now end sept. november..
      happy shopping.

      Delete
  21. Hi...indeed...what a beauty! Love it!
    You have got talent , did you know'
    xx
    BShell
    (Oh,,,yes...life is beautiful- I just feel sad sometimes...)

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    Replies
    1. Hello Blue shell..
      Nao sejas triste.. a vida e bela..
      todos nos vez em quando tem momentos..
      amanha e outro dia..
      xx

      Delete
  22. Dear Val,
    Such a lovely post. You think of some really good topics:) I like the idea of country cottage simplicity. Suzy has made some beautiful items and I'm sure your family and friends will love receiving such goodies.
    I havn't started shopping for Christmas, but will have to think about it now that November is here.
    I enjoyed your previous post too Val. What a lovely girl your great-niece is. Beautiful hair ... it must run in the family.
    Thank you for your welcome comment on my last post. The tall trees you were asking about are very old tree ferns. It takes many years for them to grow so tall.
    Enjoy your day. Betty

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    1. Thank you dear Betty for your most generous comments.
      I sometimes dont know what to blog about.. i get "bloggers block"..
      I try to keep going.
      Yes the hair runs in the family.. I too am a red head. My sister is a red head, her brother a red head.. its handed down a few generations.
      Oh thank you Betty for telling me about the tree.. I thought it looked like a fern..but i have never seen any quite so tall. very beautiful indeed

      Delete
  23. Hi Val, starting Christmas shopping earlier is a good idea. I am beginning to plan what kinds of gifts I would like to give out this Holiday season. The finds from Suzy's shop are all so lovely.

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  24. I find it difficult to believe that Christmas is so close, I am impressed at how organised you are.

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