THE SHOPPING THREAD :-)

[cookie1]

Very nice Margaret. Definitely a good buy.

[Cornish Cream]

Lovely jars Margaret. They will book great filled with goodies for a Christmas gift.

[mab19]

I found them in the $2 shop, paid $2.50 each for them.

[mcmich]

As we don't exchange gifts at Christmas in our family, I've been lucky enough not to have to go to the big shopping centres. I do however make small gift bags to open at Christmas lunch for everyone. A bag full of nothing really. The last thing I bought to go in them was a box of mangos. I think fruit will be the finishing touch.

[cookie1]

That's lovely Mich.

[judydawn]

Yes it’s nice to receive something and you would have put a lot of thought into it Michele.

I’ve just wrapped my family’s presents and rather pleased with myself as I didn’t have to ask DD this year what the grandies would like. 

[Cornish Cream]

As we don't exchange gifts at Christmas in our family, I've been lucky enough not to have to go to the big shopping centres. I do however make small gift bags to open at Christmas lunch for everyone. A bag full of nothing really. The last thing I bought to go in them was a box of mangos. I think fruit will be the finishing touch.

What a thoughtful thing to do Michele.

[Cuilidh]

I made most of my presents this year ... the most successful of which was honey and cinnamon roasted almonds - I have had to purchase a large quantity of almonds as I have already been asked to make more from one of the giftees (our stationers) - it turns out one of the guys has a TMXat home so I gave him the recipe as well so they are happy.

[achookwoman]

Love the effort that people make with their gifts. Very lazy this year. Money mostly. A few extras.
Buffalo milk Parmesan cheese for BIL. Rabbit place mats for DS, ( will post a photo).
A selection of goodies from the Italian deli in Lygon Street for several friends and lots of olive SD loaves and jam for trade people.
Ral usually buys me some ridiculous thing that I don’t need, but love never the less and I buy him chocolates. He would rather have a nice expensive sports car.,!

[cookie1]

My DH would like ANOTHER vintage car ( which is on the cards in the next couple of years) and DD would like the expensive sports car.
DH and I decided we wouldn't buy each other gifts this year as we tend to go and buy anything as we want it! I will buy him a lotto and he is buying me a scratch and win ticket.
We have out anniversary on the 27th, so that will be another lotto.

[mcmich]

I made most of my presents this year ... the most successful of which was honey and cinnamon roasted almonds - I have had to purchase a large quantity of almonds as I have already been asked to make more from one of the giftees (our stationers) - it turns out one of the guys has a TMXat home so I gave him the recipe as well so they are happy.

Handmade gifts are the best. Would love the recipe for your almonds Marina.

Cookie, I do think it gets to the stage when there is just nothing left to buy for each other.

[achookwoman]

I have bought Ral a spare battery charger thing for his iPad as he is constantly running out .
Ral is a bit frustrated at the moment as he can’t think of a surprise for me.   Like Cookie we buy what we want as we need it. 
I shouldn’t admit to this but I bought a large pav for $6 .  Visitors  today.  The topping cost double this.

[Cuilidh]

I made most of my presents this year ... the most successful of which was honey and cinnamon roasted almonds - I have had to purchase a large quantity of almonds as I have already been asked to make more from one of the giftees (our stationers) - it turns out one of the guys has a TMXat home so I gave him the recipe as well so they are happy.

Handmade gifts are the best. Would love the recipe for your almonds Marina.

Cookie, I do think it gets to the stage when there is just nothing left to buy for each other.

Here is the recipe - you don't have to use raw almonds, it seems almost any nut, except peanuts, work.  It is quick, easy and, surprisingly, very easy to clean up afterwards.

https://www.recipecommunity.com.au/side-dishes-recipes/honey-cinnamon-roasted-almonds/du8j8xwh-38f03-789045-cfcd2-kb3jlv83

[obbie]

Cookie, I understand about old cars, we have 5 now, only 1 more to be restored..

[cookie1]

We only have 2 cars restored Robyn, one still to restore. It's getting hard to find parts for some of the old dears, ok I guess as they are 90 years old. I doubt I will have any spare parts around if I make that age.