December round up before a break

Hi friends, Merry Christmas to all! 

Later today I start my annual summer holidays so this will be my last post for awhile, possibly until mid to late January, so I wanted to take the time to thank each and everyone of you - thank you so much for visiting my blog, sending me messages and emails, and always leaving positive comments here and on Instagram. It always makes my day to hear from you. I can't thank you enough xx

These are the last of my 2023 Christmas ornaments, given to family and friends.

Merry One by Plum Street Samplers:

Peace on Earth by Emily Call Stitching 

Holly Jolly by A Little Patience

Feeding the Reindeer - Jenny Hoffman, Country Rustic Primitives 

Yuletide Angel by the Humble Stitcher

Another recent finish, Summer Sweets by Scattered Seeds Samplers.

Earlier in the month I met up with my stitching buddies for a day of festive fun and to celebrate three of the ladies' December birthdays - Val, Kath and Lisa.  We had such a lovely day together, swapping secret santa presents, birthday goodies and other treats.

Clare had recently made these gorgeous bags, they are amazing!

I made some treats for the ladies - Russian fudge and Apricot Bailey's truffles, 

Some jars of sunshine - lemon honey 

Clare and I also had a fun morning together swapping our annual Advent swap gifts. This swap is so much fun! I started collecting items back in January, also picked up things on my travels to Christchurch, and then spreading out the swap ideas throughout the year.  

I remembered to get photos this year - these are all the amazing goodies from Clare:

A very cute ornament from Clare too

These are the gifts I put together for Clare:

I made a project bag, from a favourite Little House Needleworks pattern.

This year's ornament to Clare - from a free Heartstring Samplery pattern 

Hannah had her final dance performance for 2023 last Saturday and we are so proud of our beautiful dancer. She received certificates for this year's exams, which she passed with Distinction Star marks, in ballet, jazz and tap, with 92%, 94% and 96%, amazing!

Last weekend Glenn, my Mum and I checked out a new market, which is now being held monthly at our local racecourse.

I had the yummiest burger for my lunch, it was delicious and the rain held off until the market had finished. 

Hannah had her final day of high school in Year 10 earlier in the month, and she's had an amazing year, receiving various certificates in English, Social studies, Maths, Science and Business Studies. She's now is very excited she is a Year 11. 

Last night, with some of the clients from my work, we visited a new Christmas lights display in Central Hawkes Bay. The lovely people from the Takapau Christmas house have set up an awesome display at the Takapau Town hall. It was so much fun checking out the displays. We also did a drive around town checking out the entries for the local Christmas lights competition, some amazing efforts people go to. 

All the best for the Festive Season, I wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas, filled with lots of happy times, laughter and yummy food too. 

See you in 2024!

Katrina xx