Post Christmas catch Up - The Tree!

Christmas has gone but I need to catch up and blog a few things, if anything, for my own memories and documenting this new life of mine.

The first week in December was tree week and we started a new tradition. When looking for a Christmas tree I knew I wanted to get a real tree and also it had to come from somewhere equivalent to my previous Cheshire tree stop at Delamere Forest. It couldn't just be a shop or a farm where they had bought them in.....I know, super picky!! So I found this gorgeous place on the outskirts of Shrewsbury called Leaton Forest, an estate where one of the enterprises are Christmas trees with a plantation where you can pick your own and have it cut down for you.

 We drove over there after an early start going to a car boot sale which turned out to be a waste of time, then a McD's brekkie for the hungry young foresters in the group. Now to choose the perfect tree.

We walked along a very muddy squelchy path, so oozy that Toby fell splat in! A few wipes with some grass and the mucky explorer was on his way again. We wanted a Nordmann fir as I like their shape the best and they don't drop needles. Passing the Norway spruces and the unusual Korean firs, we came to a plantation of firs. So many to choose from, some already reserved with tags, including the most perfect one I'd ever seen. Alas, we had to pick another, 7ft, 8ft too tall, keep it in budget, walking around and around, do we give up? A forester told us of a couple who had been there hours trying to choose. This could not be us for the teenagers wouldn't allow it although I think Toby would have been kind happy, oozing the mud, touching the piney branches, turning in circles and hiding, breathing in the fresh forest scent.

Eventually, we made our choice.

And now I didn't know if to feel happy or sad, the tree was leaving its friends, that's how it felt to me. How long had it taken to grow this big. One would be planted for each one cut so that helps to think it's an ongoing process. And then off we went, back through the plantation with Sweep carrying it on his shoulders.

Were we being watched, like we were looting the forest of their tree family.....

Past the mistletoe boughs and holly wreaths off the shop, we loaded her up onto the van. Ready to take home and decorate and for Christmas to start.

The very start of Christmas

Over the weekend we headed over to the first significant event of the Christmas period, the Ludlow Medieval Fayre. However, there was so much festivity on the way that they we actually arrived there later in the afternoon. The first little distraction was Stokesay Castle and the adjacent church, looking like a little fairytale escape and a medieval taste of things to come later that day. We stumbled by some broken boughs of fir and cones that we bundled into the car to take home and decorate with, now adorning the kitchen. The church was framed with holly trees absolutely bursting with berries, has it been an especially good year? The birds must be very happy about that.

Back into the car, we then stopped off at a frost fayre in Church Stretton with stalls of crafts such as knitted teddy bears and Christmas cards, all the usual crafty things, glass and jewellery and mince pies and raffle tickets. Nothing grabbed our interest but it did get me thinking about making a start on some Christmas shopping and what I need to buy. Little Bird is especially tricky to buy for as he has autism and doesn’t understand the concept of toys so much, often clothing is a better option for him. Places like the Condor UK Online shop with a large range of knitwear would be good for some snuggly items for him, he loves to be cosy at home more than anything. I’m also looking for a dressing gown and some pyjamas for him for over the Christmas period, perfect for watching The Snowman in, as is our tradition. Clothing is such a great present option, from children’s cotton socks to boots and jumpers, it’s probably what I’ll ask the family to get him too. Off out into the cold, we then had a little look around the pretty town itself with steam engines chuffing around and shop windows full of seasonal cheer.

I’ve been to Church Stretton before, significantly here when I wrote about it, little did I know that I’d be living not so far away! Funny how life pans out. We had a browse around charity shops and I bought a couple of Christmas carol cd’s for the car, had coffee and cake, then did a little homeware shopping. There is a wonderful store that sells ironware for the house – brackets, signs, door furniture etc and they do garden stakes according to the season. Near Halloween, Sweep picked up a pumpkin, witch and bat one, today I found a Rudolph one, promise to show soon with all the rest of my Christmas goodies. The florists here had a selection of wintry feel plants, skimmia, cyclamen and small firs, I made a mental note to look out for some back in Shrewsbury to tidy up the brick planter at the front of the house. I drive myself silly with checklists that I have to complete before Christmas, not only gifting but smartening the house up and making sure it looks just right. This year being a little tricky as I only moved across to Shropshire in the summer.

The houses here are very pretty and we played a little game of ‘where would we live….’ Obviously out of our price league but fun anyway, walking down the roads by the church, looking in estate agent windows and discussing where we could live when we retire (long way in the future!) Perfectly symmetrical houses with cute windows and some already with Christmas trees and lights put us in such a good mood. Father Christmas drove past driving a tractor and waved, so all in all a very good start before we had got to the Medieval Fayre…..and that will be another post….

*Collaborative post

Thinking back to Christmas

Late to capture the Christmas cheer
Well into the start of another busy year
Yule now just a dried up sprig of fir
Behind cupboards and lurking in corners behind a wreathless door
Memories contained in that gold glitter sprinkled
and the remnants of wrapping paper used as a bookmark crinkled

Toys not yet played and gifts not yet homed,
Waiting for chance to look at them I moaned
Cards of robins giving tidings from over in Yorkshire
Still not thanked them, really must oughta

But now the momentums been lost like the giftcard for Boots
Gone with the brazil nuts, salted peanuts, dried fruits
Ah no wait a minute we have bags of them left
Bought far too much, they'll do for this year instead

Still using up sprays and candles all cinammon and spiced
Can't quite switch to spring posy or cotton sheet nights
Spare fairylight bulbs in the Santa mug on the shelf
A lingering troupe of mantlepiece angels and where is that Elf?
Armchair book stacks of old wintry tales,
Pop-up Nutcracker and the folklore of wassails.

The evening clouds roll in soon after tea
Kindling pinecone lit fires, sat with dog outstretched on my knee
Longing for spring but then happy to wait for its start
Keeping the spirit of Christmas-not-quite-finished in my heart

Liverpool light in darkness

 Cold night warmed up by the soaring music of the Swedish Lucia celebrations at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Candlelit crowns and the procession of a goosebump inducing soul stirring choir dressed in white gowns. Utter bliss. It couldn't have been any more wintry followed by a hot chocolate with whipped cream in the pop up ski lodge under the illuminated Christmas tree in the heart of the city.

As we walked around, past revellers and festive romancers we found a light show projection onto a building at the historic Albert Dock and fairy light scattered carousel horses reflected in those cold waters of maritime tales and yellow submarines. The lights of Liverpool. a city of great culture and a lot to explore day or night. Stumbling upon the oldest building in Liverpool that is now an arts venue,the security guard couldn't have been any more helpful and despite it being closed, he delighted in telling us all about the history of the place. But that's what you come to expect from Liverpool, proud people full of life just like their city. 

Christmas trees at the forest train station

By Delamere Forest is a vintage train station, still on a working line so you can get the train right into the heart of the grand fir trees, a place of natural beauty on my doorstep. The old station building is a cafe serving all sorts from hot chocolates to sandwiches and it's unbelievably cute with old signs and at this time of year even better for Christmas trees are sold here. 

Propped up against vintage red telephone boxes and old lampposts are all types of firs and pines. The beautiful fresh balsam scent of trees stacked by rusting signs and nostalgic adverts. Red ribboned wreaths and kissing boughs were being made whilst a little festive tune tinkled merrily in the cold air. We had hot chocolates with snowy whipped cream on top and walked around breathing Christmas in.

Christmas Degustabox time

 There was much excitement for the delivery of the Christmas Degustabox and wow what a box it was, absolutely full of amazing items with a really festive feel. 

J2O Glitterberry £2.49

Sparkly gold drink excitement, just beautiful and what a nice drink to serve for those, like me that are usually driving. It's a zingy grape and cherry drink with edible gold glitter and a super product.

 

Hartley's Glitter Jelly 2 x 75p

More glitter! Very, very happy with these and will be using them for a Christmas trifle. A pink raspberry jelly and a blue mixed berry jelly. It's my son's birthday in early January so I think a blue jelly dessert will be on the menu. 

Michel et Augustin Dark chocolate with a pinch of sea salt . 4 cookie squares 89p
Delicious! Dark chocolate and sea salt is the most perfect combination.

Ryvita cracked black pepper crackers £1.29
Ryvita Thins £1.89
We had a girl's weekend to Ludlow and I took these for us to snack on in the evening with cheese, dips and wine. Low in saturated fats and sugars but pretty wholesome, these make a great Christmas snack. Very, very moreish.

Appy Kids Co The Gruffalo Golden Apple Fruit Drink £1.49 (pack of 3)
Perfect size to pop into my bag for the journey to Ludlow. A tasty and refreshing drink. 

Broderick's Crunchy Slam-Dunk Peanut Chunk £1.20
I love anything with chocolate and peanut butter so this was a winner. A handmade rice crispy peanut butter bar with whole roasted peanuts and Belgian chocolate. This was divine and I need more!

Pipers Crisp Co Wild Thyme and Rosemary £2.00
First of all, such a pretty colour packet! Gorgeous handcooked crisps as a treat or on the buffet table. Would love to have these again. 

Jules Destrooper Butter Crisps £ 1.19
More gorgeous packaging with these continental, lovely biscuits. So, so sweet and utterly delicious. These would be great to make a Christmas sundae with. Taste the butter and caramelised sugar. 

Christian Potier Hollandaise Sauce £2.50
A pack of 3 sachets of hollandaise sauce which is usually eaten with asparagus or  eggs benedict. We haven't used them as yet but what a clever idea for ease of use as I wouldn't fancy my chances at making the sauce from scratch myself. Simply pop into the microwave for a short time and you have a scrummy sauce ready. Other flavours available too. 

Ahmad Dessert Tea - Strawberry Velvet Cake £4.00
Pretty packaging and how unique, a pleasant and quirky sweet tea.

Butterkist Sweet Cinema Style Popcorn 28p
Butterkist Choc Mallow Popcorn £1.49
A firm favourite in our household and the Cinema Popcorn was quickly eaten by my son. The Choc Mallow Popcorn was my favourite, really sweet and tasty - excellent product.

The Good Cider 2 x £1.50
We have had this brand before and it's a very nice quality cider in which I would look out for again.

A wonderful Degustabox for Christmas, loved all that was sent as part of the festive package in terms of a well thought out selection for some goodies and rich treats for over the holidays. A definite winner for us.

If you would like to try Degustabox, the code 1GWLB will get you your first box for just £5.99. It's such a great surprise each month and I really love that element and how it encourages you to try new food and drink out.

*I was sent a Degustabox for the purpose of the review, words are my own honest opinion.