Are We Ready...

...you bet your life we are!

Or maybe not...whichever the case may be.

Confession time at Red Roses blog. I have not been running around like a headless chook this Christmas, rather I have been quite lazy about the whole shebang. Admittedly this situation arose from re injuring my dodgy foot and being somewhat laid up and unable to rush around looking for tasks as I invariably do each silly season.

Today I am springing into action (not really cause I'm not allowed to spring anywhere) but will sedately and most serenely involve myself in a spot of cooking in the kitchen using ingredients purchased yesterday with the help of Mr redroses and darling daughter. I am fortunate in having a girl who likes to plan menu decisions and organise the delectable offerings at our Christmas Day feast.

My darling son and his lovely girlfriend arrive home tomorrow evening from an overseas jaunt and so will start our family celebrations. 

So before I sign off and hunker down to eat my way through our pantry and watch corny Christmas films here are a few snippets of the lead up to my Christmas.

Lucky lucky little old me received a early present in the acquisition of a beautiful Kitchen Aid mixer. These beauties cost a bomb in Australia so we saved up bank reward points to help offset the cost.
Here she is in all her loveliness dressed up for Christmas and ready for action. Might just pop on a Nigella dvd to set the tone.
Don't fear..I've not lost the plot when I style some of my pics for this blog. If you're a follower you will by now realise my writing is not in the running for a Pulitzer, my love affair is with the visual ie. vamping and styling a photo, hence Miss KA's pretty pink bling. She is sooo worth it!

Another love affair of late is my addiction to anything remotely relating to a cranberry shade. Hair adornments, nail varnish, cushions. 
Very Christmasy don't you agree?

A bowl of fresh produce to whip up delicacies. Grateful beyond words to have healthy food at my table

This bird decoration is a replica of one saved from my childhood which broke several years ago. Upon finding a replacement set in a gift shop last year I literally jumped for joy

 My mother can no longer bake her best ever fruitcake so now the task is mine. I swear this recipe is fabulicious

Rum balls that have obviously ingested far too much of their own rumminess because the pic has fallen on it's side 

Embracing colour for summer festivities. Nearly turned myself inside out attempting this shot

No doubt on Christmas morning I shall be channeling my beloved dahlink Eva dressed in a Christmas frock and pearls and ever so quietly bossing everyone around.



Thank you one and all for sharing my blogging apprenticeship since August, I'm having a ball and learning something new every day.
Best wishes to all my cyber and real life blog pals, may you enjoy a truly wonderful celebration with family and friends.

Annie xx