Thank you to all who have given their lives in conflicts here and far away for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Our thoughts are of you and your loved ones today as we remember.
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Both D and I wanted to start today with the poppies as a reminder of all the good things we can enjoy because of the selfless sacrifices of others.
One of the activities that D and I enjoyed together last weekend was the Baking and Christmas Craft show at the NEC Birmingham.
We spent all morning in the cake and baking parts of the shows, which were incredible. The detail on the cake decorating was unbelievable, and although we do enjoy dabbling in cake making, these cakes were art masterpieces.
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Whatever your thoughts are on royalty, this full-size decorated cake model of King Charles was jaw-dropping.
We also enjoyed watching one of our favourite bakers, Jane Dunn, giving a demonstration of her Caramel Ginger cake. We were very inspired.
We bought a small kitchen chopper, which works by pulling on a cord to turn the blades around a central pivot quickly. I have already found out how sharp those blades are... ouch!!
After lunch, we made our way around all the fantastic Christmas stores full of gift ideas for the coming season. There was so much to see, and keeping those purse strings shut was difficult. However, while there, we picked up a few gifts for my son and his fiancée.
D bought some jewellery-making kits to try her hand at in the coming months, and some lovely paints sorely tempted her. Maybe next year, she said!
I bought some bits and pieces for card making, especially for making cards for men, which is always tricky. I also purchased a lovely pattern for making a bag, which may stretch my sewing skills, but it will be fantastic if I can manage it.
We both came away happy and with many ideas and inspiration to see us through until the next show.
Looking at the weather, it seems like this is a 'staying-in' week, so a few new projects may get started. Whatever your own plans are for the week ahead, D and I hope you enjoy them.
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