Thursday, December 24, 2015

A lovely surprise!


Hello Dear Readers

Last Saturday Darling Hubbie and I had to go out shopping -  I needed more white embroidery thread to finish my Christmas stitchery (which is still not finished unfortunately!) and while we were out we went to a lovely little Tea Room (eBear's Attic Tea Room & Charity Boutique) a few doors away from the sewing shop!

Embroidered Christmas Tree
For anyone who may not have seen my tree
 before this was stitched from a pattern found
 on Super Mom - No Cape's blog


It was hard to find somewhere to sit, it was so busy. They make such lovely lunches, snacks, and treats, and people get there early to eat the wonderful jacket potatoes!  We had to settle for toasted sarnies which are also delicious, but I had really wanted one of their jacket potatoes - they are cooked properly in the oven, not in a microwave!

While we were there we bought some raffle tickets. We didn't consider that we might win, we just wanted to put some money into their funds as its for a charity - aadc research trust, for children with a rare brain disease (we had not heard of the charity before but their website explains in detail about the very worthwhile charity). We knew the raffle would be drawn on Tuesday, and we were really surprised when later we had a message on the answerphone to say we had won their gingerbread house.

The following day on collection of the gingerbread house the staff told us that other people collecting their prizes had asked if they could have the gingerbread house in place of what they were offered.

We were totally impressed with the size of this homemade gingerbread house, and couldn't believe how incredible the detail was in its creation.  Even the boundary fence around the garden is a lovely chocolate covered toffee.  However, we have so far resisted nibbling at it.

The gingerbread house is approximately 12" wide by 15" long and approximately 11" tall, and was quite heavy to carry!

Gingerbread House
Its a gorgeous cake, but it was difficult to picture it properly.

Gingerbread House, view 2
I wanted to keep the cover on it to protect it,
but that did make it hard to photograph

Gingerbread House - view 3
The cow bells are really pretty, and surprisingly heavy!

Gingerbread House, view 4

Gingerbread House, view 5
The back of the house.

Gingerbread House - View 6
Trying to show the side of the house a little better.

Our new front door!
Just a quick picture of our new front door,
with our first ever Christmas Wreath!

It only remains for me to wish you all 

A Very Happy Christmas!

I hope you all have a super time!

and I look forward to seeing you all again in the New Year.

Hugs!

Barbara xx


16 comments:

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Lovely win! Merry Christmas!

FlashinScissors said...

We were delighted with it! Merry Christmas!
Barbara xx

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Merry Christmas Barbara. Cool win and I love that you still use your first wreath.
xx, Carol

Lilly's Mom said...

Christmas greetings dear Barbara. I love the gingerbread house! I hope you're having a wonderful day,Pat

Chris of UK City Crafter said...

Hope you had a lovely Christmas day and enjoy the rest of the season.

handmade by amalia said...

What a treat, Barbara! Good for you.
Amalia
xo

FlashinScissors said...

Thank you for your comment, Carol. Well yes, it is our first wreath - in fact hubbie bought it about a week ago! Obviously there's been a misunderstanding, as on looking back I now realise what I wrote could have been taken two ways! Hope you are having a great Christmas. Hugs!
Barbara xx

FlashinScissors said...

Thank you my friend, we had a lovely day, even though it rained - and we actually managed to fit in a small walk between meals! I hope you had a terrific day. Hugs!
Barbara xx

FlashinScissors said...

Hi Chris, I have replied on your lovely blog, and I hope you are also enjoying a restful time this Christmas holiday as well.

Barbara xx

FlashinScissors said...

It's funny, we don't normally win in raffles, but we were lucky this time! Turned out to be our Christmas treat!

Barbara xx

KimM said...

WOWEE! You struck pay dirt, didn't you? The gingerbread house is so cute! Lovely stitching, too ;0)
xxx

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Lovely gingerbread house, what a great win.
I made one once but my son got really hyper on whatever was in it so I haven't repeated it!

Lara B. said...

What a treat to win the gingerbread house. It sounds like the perfect trip out Barbara. :)
I had to look up what a jacket potato was. We call them baked potatoes here and you are right: they are so much better baked than microwaved.
Hope your Christmas was merry and bright!

FlashinScissors said...

Thank you for your lovely comment Kim. We were really surprised to win the gingerbread house - I've always thought they looked really pretty, so seasonal!
Hope you had a lovely Christmas. Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Hugs, Barbara xx

FlashinScissors said...

What a shame your son got hyper!
Hope you had a lovely Christmas.
Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year for you and yours.
Hugs, Barbara xx

FlashinScissors said...

Thank you for your lovely comment Lara.

When we were children I remember the jacket potatoes being wrapped in silver foil and baked in the bonfire on November 5th - Guy Fawkes night. The potatoes tasted even better then, but I don't suppose anyone cooks like that these days, with Health and Safety!
Best wishes to you and yours for a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Hugs, Barbara xx