Christmas Countdown...... 2 days to go

It is getting so close to Christmas now and I hope you have all been having a nice relaxing and fun Christmas preparation. 

As I was thinking this morning about the last bit of Christmas shopping I have to do I was reminded of the great organisation we will be helping with  out Fawcett Family Christmas donation this year.  So in today's countdown post I though we could talk about that group for a moment. 

But before we do I have a request for you all. Please email me or comment on this post any Christmas music you would like me to add to the playlist for Friday night. What are your  favourite songs for Christmas? If you can comment that would be great and we can start a discussion on the topic but if not just send me a quick email :) 

Stitches of Hope Cambodia
From the website: http://www.stitchesofhopecambodia.com

Stitches of Hope is passionate about providing clean water, sanitation, homes for families and education for the children. We sponsor skills training to empower and enrich the lives of under privileged widows, young girls and families i Cambodia.

We have commenced loans to those who are keen to improve their lifestyle and provisions for their villages and families, taking them out of the poverty mentality cycle which has been part of their generational line. The loans to village people can be as small as $50 - $100 to enable them to purchase the necessary stock or equipment to fulfil a dream they have had in their heart for many years.

For example, on one occasion people gathered to welcome us to their village. We shared a little of our life with them and walked along the track to visit many of their homes. They loved having us there and the leaders discussed with us how we could help them.  

 

This is a typical Cambodian village home
We financed material for new roofs for 30 homes and bamboo for the floors, many of the homes were in a bad state of disrepair. We also paid for 30 water filters, a second hand motor bike for the leader of the community, 5 bicycles to enable some of the village people to transport their vegetables to market. Tables and chairs, books and pens, white board and markers to start some of these precious children in their education.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Friday and being able to join together in supporting this cause :) 

Remember to take some time to just enjoy the fun and excitement of this season! 

Sim. 

Christmas Countdown.....3 days to go

For any of you looking for some last minute decorations I spent this afternoon making some salt dough decorations and it was a blast. Fun for kids too :) 

2 Cups flour
1 Cup table salt
1 Cup hot (not boiling) water

1. Mix all together and kneed for 5 mins

2. Roll out to the thickness you want (I found about 1cm was best for me) 

3. Use cookie cutters to create whatever shapes you want for your tree. I used a bell and then had a friend who is good at art to turn it into a Dalek for my Doctor Who theme this year but tree's, star's and Angels are all great options and usually in most cookie cutter kits for those wanting more traditional less geeky theme :) 

NOTE: I found using a straw to poke the hole in it before cooking to use to hang them up was great. Just keep cutting the ends of the straw as you go. 

4. Bake in a 120 degree C oven for 2 hours or until they are all dry

5. Paint how ever you want and use varnish for long lasting decorations

I would post pictures but mine are still drying at a friends place so later..... 

Have fun make sure you have some great Christmas music or movies on in the background. Personally I love Miracle on 34th Street and Love Actually for my  Christmas viewing and when I have time any and all corny Christmas movies I can get my hands on :) 

Sim.

Christmas Countdown......4 days to go

Hi all

Sorry for not posting yesterday I was busy with cooking and having Christmas Dinner with my housemates. We had such a wonderful time eating, talking about geeky things like Harry Potter and Doctor Who for ages while watching Christmas Movies and songs on youtube that I lost track of time and wasn't able to post :) 

Hope you all had a great Sunday too. 

Mum (Jan) and I are completely in love with Pintrest and I noticed she pinned something today that looked way too good not to share with you all.....

Since is is so hot here this Christmas and in this heat I think most of us dream of a White Christmas (I know I definitely do) here is a link o make your own snow for the kids :) simple and with things you probably have in your house already. 

Create your own snow

Hope you have a great snow fulled day :) 

Sim. xxx

Christmas Countdown..... 6 days to go

Today's post is inspired by the young talented teenage daughter of my friend and her friends. Tonight I watched them put together their own musical production (Choreography and all) and film it. I was reminded of a group I found a while ago and decided some Christmas music might be in order :)

I found this group Pentatonix a little while ago. They are an incredible acapella group whose creativity and talent amaze me. 

Here is a Christmas song from them. 

I discovered them when I was sent this link from a friend and although it is not Christmas related I thought I'd share anyway because of it's awesomeness :) 

Enjoy and remember I'll be posting every day this week and please send me anything you might have as well :) 

Sim. xxx

Christmas Countdown.....1 more week to go

1 more week to go....... 

Just a reminder that those who have not had a chance to let Jan know what you are bringing food wise to please comment on this post or give Jan a call :) Thanks!

Just think this time next week we will be getting prepared to head to the Fawcett's house for Christmas Dinner. 

1 more week......
7 More sleeps.....
174 hours and 15 mins...... (approximately) 
10455 minutes.....(approximately)

I will be posting more and more fun stuff in the lead up so check back each day for more information and entertaining things (some kids games and craft will be posted soon)in this last week before Christmas. 

Also a remember if you have anything you want to share, thoughts, games, video's, music etc please send it through to me and I'll put it up!

Sim. xx

A Christmas Poem

As we head towards Christmas and the craziness in the shops, the moaning and complaining of all those who have to face the chaos and trauma Christmas can bring I am reminded of one of my favorite Poets Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poems 'Christmas Bells'  Published in 1864.  

Please find your own way of relaxing, personally I like a nice cup of tea or coffee (iced in this heat) and a beautiful view (garden, Beach or just a busy street with fascinating people to watch), and let the beautiful words from century's ago that still have such relevance today wash over you and remember that Christ is not dead nor is he asleep he is alive and living through us to bring peace on earth and goodwill to all :) 

I hope you enjoy it.

Here's the poem.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The Carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
'There is no peace on earth,' I said;
'For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!'

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
'God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!'