Approaching 2012

Well that's Christmas Day 2011 over with. How was yours?

We had a relatively quiet day with lunch with the immediate family, followed by tea with more family members and some extended family too. I love seeing the family going through cycles of growing larger and then smaller and then larger again, as the kids grow up and then have their own kids and then they grow up and have their own kids. Seeing Christmas through a kid's eyes is rather magical. 

We always have Father Christmas who comes to visit at Christmas time and hands out presents to the kids and the little ones, the 2 and 3 year olds, were mesmerized by his appearance. So cute!

So now we're in that final week of the year - the one between Christmas and New Year - and there are invitations to houses and parties and just generally meeting people which is always nice.

And soon we're going to be heading in 2012 which is going to be a huge year for me! Turning 30 and getting married - those are two major life landmarks and I'm looking forward to both :) Yes, even the turning 30 one...  

What are you looking forward to in 2012?

Season's Greetings

The Leaning Tree

Having posted pics of my latest Christmas tree ornaments, it's only sensible that I post pics of the actual tree! Obviously these photos don't show it all lit up but you get the general idea. This is likely to be the last year that this particular tree will be used because if you look closely at the photos you'll notice that it's leaning rather precariously! It's especially evident in the second photo, leading it to be nicknamed The Leaning Christmas Tree of Maple Court!

Christmas tree ornaments 2011

I love Christmas tree decorations and every year I try and add a couple of new ones, so these are my Christmas 2011 oranaments :)

This is a hand-blown pink glass ornament from local glass blowers. It's a beautiful piece although it's a bit heavy for a tree. So I've managed to place it on the shorter branches which won't droop. I bought this after the President's Fun Run in Valletta.

Flying snowman and flying Santa from The Soap Cafe. I saw them last week at the Frock Swap and I thought that they were totally cute. I love Santa pieces.

A closer look at the Flying Snowman. I love his starry, red top and scarf.

 

A closer look at Flying Santa. He's got a green hat, very un-traditional :)

These Irish angels are totally adorable. I got these during our Ireland trip in September!

I like having edible ornaments on the tree. Last year I had Milkybar baubles; this year I bought locally-made rum balls from Patches Market. I can't wait to try mine!

Walking for Charity

Last Sunday we participated in the annual President's Fun Run/Walk. This was the first time that we entered so we decided to do the walk; however, having done the walk we're sure that we can do the run next time round. The run is 7km and the walk is about 4km I believe which we did at a very leisurely pace within an hour. It was good fun and all for a good cause.

Below is a mobile pic of us and my friend during the walk :)

Winter Frock Swapping

Last week I attended my second frock swap of the year organised by the lovely Abby. This time it was held at The Soap Cafe which is a lovely shop full of... soap! Soap in all shapes, forms and colours. But you'll also find lovely ornaments and other bits and bobs. 

This time round I got myself a lovely faux wrap dress, a striped shirt that ties up at the back and a very pretty necklace (which I've already worn about 3 times!)

It's such a great idea and everyone seemed to have a good time. Some girls found loads of clothes!! We were also treated to some yummy cupcakes and chocolate balls, and wine and cheese... just fabulous.

If you've never been to one of Abby's Frock Swaps, be sure to attend the next one! She's promised to organise a Spring one so that's something to look forward to for 2012 ;)