Silk flowers and sales

I don't 'do' sales. I avoid the town centre when it's sale time. I love to shop but not when it's hectic. Being elbowed in the ribs by someone going beserk trying to find the best bargain is not my idea of fun. And I know I'd get swept up in the panic buying that is sale shopping, and would end up buying a load of rubbish in the wrong size, or a colour that I don't actually wear, something completely pointless, or something that was a great price, but not necessarily what I would have bought had it not been reduced. You get my point. I don't go out specifically to shop in the sales. However, if when out and about doing normal shopping, I happen upon something that is reduced and that I would have bought had it been in the sale or not, then I consider it 'meant to be' and snap up the bargain.

I was thrilled today, when looking for sheets and oven gloves in 'Dunelm', I spotted some glass mercury style candle holders. I decided they would be used as vases, as they are similar in size to two mercury vases that I use a lot. I chose some silk flowers to put in them (you can never have too many silk flowers in my opinion). They were not reduced in price, and I must hasten to add that I haven't arranged them properly in this photo. So, I have two rather lovely vases, with silk flowers for the grand total of .... £4.97. The 'vases' were down to 99p each, the small bouquet of silk flowers a snip at £2.99. I've started to lightly dismantle Christmas. Just little bits and pieces here and there. Enough to make me feel that I'm already under control when it comes to removing Christmas completely. I even plugged in a lavender scented air freshener, because I needed a fresh, floral smell, instead of the heady spicy ones of Christmas. I'm in no rush for warmer weather or for Christmas to end, but I do like to make a start at putting things away early. I'm ready for the house to get back to normal now.
That said, last night I wrote a little list of things I want to make for next Christmas, along with a list of materials needed. I didn't want to forget any of the ideas I've had. I'll share them here as and when I make them. I'm looking forward to working on them, they should be fun to do.

As I look at my Gorgeous Girl I have to smile at her fingernails. She always notices when I paint my nails (usually done at speed before I go to bed as it's the only chance I have), and has asked many times if I will do hers too. Well, as a special Christmas Treat I granted her wish and painted her tiny fingernails. She has had her first French manicure ~ we have matching nails! Not the clearest of photos, but you can just about see her prettily painted nails squidged unerneath my hand (to try and hold her hand flat)!