Sunday 1 December 2013

Playful Advent giveaway (c/d 13 December 2013)

"I'm late, I'm late", I keep saying like The White Rabbit. I meant to start this giveaway early in the morning, but with it being Sunday and kids asking this and that, I'm afraid I am fashionably late.

I invite you to join in my Playful giveaway. Each day for 12 days I will be revealing a new gift (chocolates, gift tags, ribbons, vouchers etc) and asking a new question.

Day 1 gift: a personalised teacup and saucer.

The winner's name will appear on this cup

I have been doing gifts for my little man's teachers and TAs, writing their names with porcelain paints on china cups, and have one spare cup. The winner will have a name of their choice written on the cup.

For a chance to win this prize (and those that will follow) just answer today's question.

1. What gift(s) do you ask Santa for this year? (please go to question 2 below for 2 December)
Please leave a comment below.
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I can see that day no.1 was a big success, many thanks for all your comments, I really enjoyed reading all your wishes. I won't be able to comment on each one, but wanted to say that I appreciate each and every one of them.

Now, day no.2 is here. The other day I happened to be browsing the chocolate aisle in Waitrose, when I noticed the shiny new chocolate bars. I'm a bit like a magpie, shiny things attract me, even better when they are chocolatey. I haven't seen them before but I liked the sound of Seriously Velvety hazelnut truffle milk chocolate and Seriously Nutty almond milk chocolate. Hope you will like them too. If the winner is allergic to nuts, I will try to buy an alternative nuts-free version, though as they are all together on the shelves, I cannot guarantee they are not contaminated.

Question for Day 2: When it comes to Christmas desserts, are you a traditionalist and go for a Christmas pudding, or do you enjoy a slice of panettone (or any other alternative dessert)? (question 3 is below)


Two chocolate bars

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As I am going to be on the run all morning, I decided to reveal the third prize a bit earlier today, and hope you don't mind. You can always leave an answer to the previous question until the giveaway is closed if you want.
In fact, I wanted to mention, if it's the first time you are on this page, don't think you have missed the giveaway. You can start right now, and good luck!

For Day 3 I offer you a Tiptree trio: 2 small 42g-sized jars of jam (black currant and strawberry with champagne) and a little dish with a spoon to serve jam.



Trio of Tiptree goodies



Question no.3
What do you like for breakfast on Christmas day? Anything special like a full English or continental breakfast or something very light to have space for a big meal ahead?


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Day 4:
We love Kelly's of Cornwall ice cream, it's fabulous in summer and winter. Just the other day I served it with caramelised kumquats.
To share our love of Kelly's, today's prize is four vouchers for Kelly's of Cornwall ice cream of your choice (this prize will be dispatched by the brand representative separately).

Four tubs of Kelly's of Cornwall ice cream (Vouchers)
Question no.4: What is your favourite way of eating ice cream: in a cone, straight from the tub or in a fancy glass or dish like Knickerbocker Glory? (find question five below)

For a bonus entry, Like Kelly's of Cornwall on Facebook and leave a separate comment that you do/did so.
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Day 5.
The prize of the day - five vouchers for any Rachel's Organic yogurt.

Five tubs of Rachel's Organic yogurt (vouchers)

Question for day 5: What do you plan for Christmas dinner, is it a traditional turkey, goose or duck? A huge ham? or  a vegetarian feast of flavours like squash and blue cheese Wellington or nut log? (question 6 is below)
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Day 6.
Today prize is a selection of cardmaking goodies, six in total, to continue with the theme, including two lovely A5 Decoupage & Pyramage Kits from Papermania, two sheets of beautiful Glitter transfers (Papermania), a small book of notelets (Papermania) and a paper craft tape (4x5m rolls).

Six cardmaking goodies


And the question no.6 is: Christmas cards, homemade or bought? And if homemade, how far in advance do you start making your Christmas cards? (see a new question below)

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Day 7: More chocolate is added to the total prize:
a selection of Green & Black's mini chocolates.


Seven mini-chocs from Green & Black's


Question no.7: What is your favourite brand (and type/flavour) of chocolate? (see new question below)

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Day 8: a small but useful pack of festive Christmas gift tags from Waitrose (8 tags in a pack).

Eight Christmas festive gift tags


Question no.8:
What was the best Christmas present you ever received?
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Day 9. Oh my, it is already day 9. Soon all these goodies will be sent to one of my blog readers, who hopefully will enjoy unpacking, eating and crafting.
For day 9 you will get Nine Ladies Dancing, or to be precise, nine metres of Gisela Graham wide ribbon (63mm wide), very pretty and festive.

Nine metres of festive ribbon by Gisela Graham


I have been entering hundreds of the Advent competitions online like crazy, but have nothing to report win-wise, except two teeny-tiny bubbly Santas from M&S Pass the parcel.
My question no.9 is: do you enjoy entering Advent competitions or cannot be bothered, and have you been lucky? (see new question below)

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Day 10: Time flies, we are on day 10 today. And the prize for today is ten Swiss chocolate truffles from M&S (milk & dark). Very moreish.

Ten Swiss chocolate truffles
Question no.10: What is your favourite Christmas song or carol?

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Day 11: We attended our younger son's Nativity play yesterday, and he was a little calf. Not a major part, but one can argue that the cows are more important than the three kings and shepherds as they came later, while the cows where present at the time of the birth.
For day 11 there is a small bag of white chocolate coins, I didn't open the netting to count 11 coins, so there are more than 11, but do forgive me for not being very precise with the numbers.



Question 11: Do you love pantomimes, and which is your favourite Panto?

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Goodness me, it is already Day 12. Have you had any wins from those Advent comps? They seem to elude me, and I'm on the point of giving up on them. Wishing you all good luck!
Now, the last prize to be added to the total one is a set of 12 Gisela Graham Jingle Bells in white and red.



Question 12: What is your dearest Christmas memory? 

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T&Cs:
The giveaway is open to the UK residents.

You don't have to answer questions every day, but do come and have a peep at what will appear.

If you answer questions every day, you will have a bonus entry for each separate comment. There will be a different question every day (a new question and photo of the gift will appear some time around 9am).

The giveaway will end on the 13th of December (last prize/question will be posted on the 12th). The winner will be chosen from all entries and contacted at once. If the winner doesn't respond in 3 days, I will redraw another winner (sorry, for the short notice but due to the nature of the gift - I will have to write a name, wait for 24 hours for it to dry before baking in the oven) I want to make sure everything arrives before Christmas.

I will do my best to wrap the gift in the bubble wrap etc, but if it arrives in pieces thanks to the Royal Mail, I won't be sending a replacement, as I don't have any spare cups.

This giveaway is not sponsored, I have bought most of the prizes (except one that was offered by a brand).

If you are commenting as Anonymous, please leave your name in the comment and some means of contacting you, like your Twitter name.

That's it, folks!
Good luck and Merry Christmas!

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Thank you for all your wonderful comments, I really enjoyed reading them.
It took me ages to write down all the names on little pieces of paper, and the winner as selected by my younger son Eddie who cannot read and can be considered a totally fair & unbiased judge, is...

JENNA GLEAVE

Big well done, Jenna! I have emailed you, you have three days to get back to me (as specified in the T&Cs above). Hope to hear from you soon


450 comments:

  1. This year i have asked santa for a garlic press- its one thing i havnt got in my kitchen and i love garlic! you can tell i am a mummy trying to make my first house homely!

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  2. I am picking up my new chihuahua puppy on the 23rd December - I'm calling her Honey as she is cream and honey and has a long coat! Cannot wait!

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    1. How exciting Tracy! Would love to see her photos!

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  3. I would love a new pair of boots

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  4. I have asked for a box of Ringtons Chocolate Brazils - I love them but only get them at Christmas.

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  5. I'd like a personalised teacup and saucer.

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  6. I would ask santa for a holiday!

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  7. I would love a new handbag - I'm a bit of a collector :)
    @xxcarollxx

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  8. I just want my health and happiness and a new cup and saucer as mine is cracked :0

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  9. I'm hoping for a new curling wand

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  10. Some Elemis or a curling wand

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  11. i have asked santa to bring peace and quiet and no dramas over xmas lol oh and a dressing gown :)

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  12. I've asked Santa for some new books :)

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  13. some jewellery as girl can't go wrong with a bit of jewellery :)

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  14. A big bottle of limoncello!!! For the part 2 Christmasses I've not been able to drink due to bring pregnant! I'm going to enjoy myself this year!!

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    1. I do love a bit of limoncello over the vanilla ice cream, yum!

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  15. I've asked for a new coat this year to cover my growing bump :o) c.sullivian@sky.com

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  16. I'd love a tiered plant stand for the garden

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  17. seeing as i just smashed my nice vase I could do with a new one
    Spencer Broadley
    s.broad@hotmail.co.uk

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  18. slippers and a Lush bath bomb!

    r-phillips1@hotmail.co.uk

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  19. A nice handbag, Hush Pyjamas & Lush bath bombs (like Rebecca above!!)

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  20. Going to ask for a new oven as ours just died, right in the middle of cooking Sunday dinner :(

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    Replies
    1. Oh no, what a disaster! we had to replace a kitchen sink and tap, as I managed to break our very dated one, that was a totally unplanned expense.

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  21. i'm really wanting an ipad or something similar

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  22. I've just bought my own xmas present if that counts - the complete boxset of Sopranas, which I never watched but everyone said was good

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    Replies
    1. I only watched some bits of it, never the whole series, I think you will enjoy it.

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  23. I would love a new spine this year or if that is asking a bit much ;) a funky warm coat .

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    Replies
    1. Aww Melanie, hope your old spine gets better

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    2. Thanks me too . but could be worse off i suppose x

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  24. I'd like to ask Santa for a filing cabinet as I seem to be drowning in paperwork at the moment and it would be great to have somewhere to hide it away!

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  25. I've asked santa for a cosy dressing gown, keep me warm in the winter.

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  26. i've asked for bones and criminal minds dvds

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  27. Some nice cosy jumpers - I seem to have managed to destroy a few since last winter.

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  28. I'd like a potato ricer, apparently they're good for squeezing the water from spinach as well as making amazing mash.

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  29. just to see big smiles on my children's faces thats all i want

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  30. slightly odd i know but i asked for a steam mop!!

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  31. I asked for an ipad but unlikely I will get one lol

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  32. I have asked Santa for a day off but failing that a new pair of pyjamas would be great

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  33. Some winter clothing, as some nice cosy layers :- Jumper, trousers etc. Plus a pair of nice sturdy boots :- suitable for snow etc.

    Rachel Craig

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  34. just kisses and cuddles for me this year, money is tight so its all about the kids this year, xxx

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    1. And that's what really matters in life, kisses and cuddles from those we love

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  35. I don't want anything in form of presents. I just want a day of world peace. x

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  36. i have asked for a bottle of Prada Candy x

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  37. i have asked santaa for some running shoes

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  38. I have asked for a new bicycle to replace my old rusty one.

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  39. An iPad air, but he does not have enough penny's this year

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  40. Some nice cosmetics and baking goodies

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  41. I would just like to spend some quality time with my family :) x

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  42. I asked Santa for some goodies from Lush :) x

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  43. I would like a new handbag

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  44. woolly socks for my always cold toes!

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  45. I've asked for a bag to carry my laptop in :)

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  46. I'm hoping for comfy loungewear - showing my age!

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  47. Twitter name is @NatalieWhite91 by the way!

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  48. A new party dress... pleeeaassseee

    @LDChesterfield

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  49. a penguin. Or maybe just a penguin onesie

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  50. Pyjamas - as every year :D

    Becci Cleary

    rcleary57@yahoo.com

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  51. I'd like a new laptop, my screen is all funny!

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  52. For my mum to come to Christmas dinner x

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  53. Some new PJ's, a book by Dorothy Koomson called Flavours of Love.

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  54. Some pjs and enough pennies to be able to afford what my kids want!

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  55. What I would really like is a personalised cup and saucer. Fingers and toes crossed!

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  56. Some carpet for the stairs in my new house, not what i would usually want but we really need it :) liaburns18@hotmail.co.uk

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  57. this year i have asked santa for new laptop ;-)

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  58. Some slipper socks

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  59. Santa is busy enough, I'll buy my own present thanks anyway.

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  60. I will be asking for an Ipad or new laptop, but I'll settle for a cuddle in bed christmas morning with my amazing little boys,

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  61. a new laptop cable!

    lutin_de_miel@msn.com

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  62. @quavering

    I have asked him for a new coat, it is needed! But mainly, all I want is a peaceful 2014, he gave me a horrible 2013 unfortunately!

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  63. @clozza_90

    Some nice warm winter clothes!

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  64. 2 new jobs, new crates n beds for the dogs n for my family to enjoy the day

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  65. I've asked Santa for books and/or bookstore vouchers.
    Next year I WILL get back to my bookworm roots.

    Hopefully he won't just bring me gift sets I'll never use...

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  66. I would ask santa for a lovely spa break for me and the hubby xx

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  67. I haven't asked him for anything yet, better get thinking... :)

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  68. A pair of wooly gloves - cold fingers!!! x

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  69. The same every year just a pair cheap pair of slippers will do me

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  70. I have asked for some lovely facial products. With the stress of looking after two young children, Im afraid its starting to show. I need a miracle cream from santa.

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  71. Tickets to see Spamalot

    jamesthered2004@btinternet.com

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  72. This year I'm asking Santa for a job, maybe he'll help :)

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  73. I'm after a build it yourself robot arm me.

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  74. I'm wishing for a bottle of Midori

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  75. A PlayStation 4, fingers crossed

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  76. A onesie and some warm socks.

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  77. SLIPPERS!!! i hate cold feet! and socks just dont cut it ! x

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  78. Some lovely new pyjamas

    kirstyjfox [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  79. some new boots x

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  80. I'm asking Santa for a coffee machine :-)

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  81. Ive asked for loads of things, but just one would be nice and really just seeing the smiles on my childrens faces is enough

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  82. I'd love a saxophone. I've always wanted to learn how to play!

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  83. An evening out maybe a meal without the children x

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  84. a vintage dress I just love vintage style

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  85. If I got a voucher for the hairdresser, that would be awesome. I have an awful lot of hair, but am too tight to pay to go :D

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  86. An IPAD 4 would be nice!

    TWITTER USERNAME @sunmoonstars66

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  87. I don't really want gifts, just my health and to be happy. My family insists that I must have a gift, so I've asked for a new pair of Biker Boots.

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  88. Some lovely perfume please! :)

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  89. A new winter coat - I've been needing a new warm one for a while and as it's so cold I'm hoping for one!
    @mollycricket

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  90. I've asked Santa for some new hair straighteners

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  91. I have asked for some weights, my upper body strength is rivaled by a child's!

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  92. I've asked santa for a pile of crafting goodies! @hannahprosser

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  93. I've asked santa for a couple of books I've had my eye on, some chocolates and some fancy coffee. It would be lovely to drink it out my fancy new personalized cup though ;)

    (entered via Twitter name)

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  94. Fluffy pink slippers

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  95. A trip to new york...aiming high this year ;)

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  96. I am wishing for a laptop

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  97. i have asked for some scented candles

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  98. I am spying some new kitchen accessories from Ikea... and some chocolate. Always chocolate. Other than that, I want the kids to have the best time this year, after quite a miserable year in 2012.

    The age gap between our 2 kids is the same as yours, then I noted your older child has Autism... mine too... this was a massive part of why we waited a while in between children, was it the same for you?

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    1. Yes Jenna, that was one of the reasons we waited. I so wish now we had one more in between. Wishing you all the best!

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  99. To be pain free or a body that works, even just for christmas day

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    1. If semi-heathen's prayers count, I am saying a Russian healing prayer for you. Hugs

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  100. My sister in law is having a terrible time getting the educational support required for her 5 year old autistic son. She has also spent months in court ensuring that her step daughter is protected from her abusive mother. All this while her husband had a serious accident at work and needed care and support while not working. Oh and she works 48 hours a week too.

    This year for christmas I just want her to have a little bit of luck in life.

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    1. I'm really sorry to hear about your SIL. I know how tough it is to have a child with autism, sometimes it feels like nobody wants to help and you are on your own. Wishing you and her all the best!

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  101. A set of crochet hooks and some hand dyed wool

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  102. I would love and have asked for a Kindle. As a very busy working Mum it would give me everything I need 'on the go' :-)

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  103. Hi Galina. Materialistically speaking, as I never got to catering collage as a youngster for various reasons and it is something I've always wanted to do, in the first months of next year I'm going in for some intensive royal icing cake decorating courses. Therefore, if Santa wants to come around, he has to pass any store that stocks Wilton items first ;-) x Bruna Deriu - facebook

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    1. Ah Bruna, that sounds great! I would love to go on a cake decorating course, to learn how to do things properly,not just from watching the Youtube videos

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  104. Lovely idea Galina. I've decided, what I really need is a pair of walking sticks, so I can get fit again and not worry about busting my knees.

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    1. Hope your knees are better in 2014, and you can go for a good rambling walk.

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  105. This year all i want is a new basket for my bicycle :)

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  106. Santa is bringing me a mixer, had to buy it myself

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  107. I would really love a little hamper, there is something magical about that. x

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  108. For British Gas to bring their prices down and let have some worry free warmth this winter! Boring but true

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    Replies
    1. I second that. they are a racket with their prices going up all the time

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  109. A new dressing gown.

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  110. NewTires for my car! Not at all exciting

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  111. Asked Santa for a new laptop :)

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  112. Ive just had to go off work sick today with anxiety, (going to see doc later) all Im asking for- is to be better, back on track and sorted with meds for xmas.

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  113. Definitely a traditionalist, love our Christmas pud.

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  114. I go for Stollen. Darn Lidl for being so close to me and the fact I tried Stollen 5 years ago.. I have held off so far but once we start buying it we chomp it til the cows come home lol x

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  115. I don't have a ny as I am too stuffed from the savouries but I said I really fancy getting a panettone this year.

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  116. A new dressing gown to keep warm

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  117. i normally have to wait a while for pudding as dinner is huge but i do like pudding and cream so traditional

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  118. I don't like Christmas pudding so we have trifle here instead :-) Yummy x
    @sarahannemarley

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  119. I would love some books and new pj's.

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  120. I am a traditionalist when it comes to puddings, i like hunting for the 5p in the pudding

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  121. If I could I'd have Christmas pudding and chocolate panettone ;)

    @mrsemmadavies

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  122. sherry trifle with my lunch and tea...

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  123. I love mixing ice cream with sultanas, raisins apple and spices and freezing it in a pudding mould. Looks like Christmas Pud but tastes better

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  124. i normally have a plate of nibbles for dessert, usually peanuts pringles cranberry sauce turkey ham and potato and coleslaw and maybe a wee bit of stuffing lol but it wont be til later that night :)

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  125. Traditional for me! You can't beat a nice plate of Christmas Pudding with a large dollop of clotted cream on top!
    I am @LindyHine on twitter

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  126. Profiterole with more cream on top! OOOOOOOOOOOh!

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  127. Black Forest Gateau

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  128. @clozza_90

    I don't like Christmas Pudding, am happy with almost anything else though!

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  129. Oh it has to be Christmas pudding with pouring cream - none of this brandy butter or custard.

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  130. I love chrsitmas pudding and Brandy butter

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  131. I like the sticky toffee christmas puddings!

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  132. Christmas pudding every time - love it!

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  133. Kathryn Roberts, and I love warmed Stolen with brandy butter.

    kathryn.lydia.roberts@hotmail.co.uk

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  134. I have asked for a tablet so the children keep taking over the computer

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  135. We always have a selection of desserts as half the family like traditional and the other half prefer something chocolatey!

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  136. A blackcurrant sorbet , my name is TRACYMOORE66 on Twitter

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