Weekend Update: Manchester Christmas Markets

How was your weekend lovely followers?

Mine was spent checking out the awesome Manchester Christmas Markets which opened on Friday night. I had the pleasure of strolling around in the cold, all wrapped up and drinking creamy, hot chocolate all at the same time. It was, without a doubt, the best hot chocolate I've ever had. I think being in the cold and drinking something so hot and delicious was soothing.

If you find yourself in Manchester between now and December 22nd, I can't recommend the markets highly enough. There is an array of food stalls, amazing handmade gifts on sale and German style pop up bars serving all kinds of mulled wine and hot apple cider. I reckon the markets will be a regular haunt for me over the next couple of weekends so do pop down to the city centre.

The boy and I also strolled over to the ice rink and laughed as we watched many a skater grip on to the edge of the rink for dear life. We also watched young children, who without a second thought, would jump and skip in the air and perform all kinds of tricks. I envy their lack of fear. I've never tried ice skating, but I will be soon! Some work colleagues have organised a mini Christmas party to the ice rink, so I'll have to start practicing my best Torvil and Dean impression pretty soon. 

I'm starting to feel a bit festive. I haven't a present bought for anyone and I've yet to start making Christmas cards for friends and family, but the opening of the markets and listening to Christmas song in work has me in fine festive form. I get I better get cracking on that Christmas present list.

Are you feeling the Christmas spirit yet?

Christmas Gifts

Like many of you out there, I'm already thinking about gifts for Christmas! I'm finding it a tad difficult to decide on what to get my nearest and dearest, especially the other half! After six years together, it gets harder to 'surprise' him.

Below are some possible gift ideas!

For the sister who says "I'm not hard to buy for" but in reality she totally is!

A perfume tray to hold all her sweet smelling perfumes that smell pretty and floral. These are the scents she likes!

Or perhaps some comfy Pj's, but remember to buy them a size too big, 

as she like them that way!

 

Which could be accompanied by this fun print!

For your mum who always says "You went to Art College and I have no art belonging to you!" (Yup, its true, I should really remedy that!)

Some gorgeous cushions, just cas!

 

For your boyfriends dad, who loves wholesome organic foods and lots of cheese!

or a fun Christmas jumper, cas you know he'll wear it! (for a least a minute anyways!)

For the boyfriend who is clean nut, enjoys a workout at the gym, considers himself to be a bit of a 'Jamie Oliver' in the kitchenand generally makes you laugh everyday!

A manly looking Kitchen aid!

 

A decent looking gym bag - minus the holes, cuts and tears!

 and finally, some scents to keep him smelling fresh!

What are you planning on buying? Share your gift ideas here!

Positive Quotes

Happy Friday everyone!

Today and for the weekend, my lovely things will include:

- A lovely cuppa tay on a cold autumn morning

- A brisk walk around my lovely neighbourhood

- Create a bunch of lovely Christmas stock

- Perhaps, do some 'lovely' PhD research.... (it's lovely because its exciting!)

Christmas in Limerick

In the nearly ten (eekkk, has it been that long?) years that I've been living in Limerick, I'd never spent a Christmas in Limerick...this year that all changed as I cut my Nepal trip a little short to come home and experience all that there is to a family Christmas.

I spent it with my boyfriends family, and props to him mum, Christmas Dinner was amazing (sorry mum!) - I even wanted seconds!

Those of you in Ireland, will know that we had some extraordinary weather, the mist we experience on Christmas eve was errie and fantastic - I had to shoot a few photos. I've also uploaded some shots from Christmas Day!!

Nepal!!!

So as some of you know, I packed my bags and jumped on the volunteer bandwagon and embarked on a three week adventure to Nepal! My misson, to volunteer for Christmas in a child protection home in Katmandu. I've uploaded a few of my favourite pics of what really is a wild and beautiful place - I have to say I'd love to go back but only with someone or as part of a group. The poverty levels really are shocking and it really gave me an insight into how lucky we are in Ireland, we may not think or feel it at times, especially as many of us out there have lots jobs or have had to experience a finanical cut some way or other...but the important thing is to treasure what we have and know that material things and expensive items really are not that important.

In the child protection home, I counted about 5 toys...really simple old toys, like a worn football and an old rusty slide, yet the children were the happiest I'd ever seen or met. They had nothing, their parents were in prison, they had no family....but they were so happy! It broke my heart and enraged me a little to hear about my boyfriends nephew getting a wide screen TV for Christmas....he's only five!.....that some food for thought!

Come and see LuckyRainbowDesigns in action!

Two big dates for your diary....especially if you're in the Munster (Ireland) area, more so if you're in Lovely Limerick.... LuckyRainbowDesigns will be selling at the following events!
*Friday, November 20th - Mungret GAA Hall, Co Limerick at the Sparke & Shine Event
*Tuesday, December 1st, University of Limerick Farmers Market from 12 - 5pm

Come along and get all your special handmade cards at affordable prices! I also hope to have a range of handmade paper decorations! The direction of LuckyRainbowDesigns for 2010 will be expanding, but more about that after Christmas! :)

Hope to see you the events!! :)x

Phew!!! this is hard work!!

Phew this is hard work!! designing, photographing, blogging, uploading....you get the picture! I envy those out there who get to do this as their full time job, how wonderful and fullfilling that must be, can I say I'm jealous! Oh so jealous!!! One day I may get to join you all, but for now and as the saying goes "The kids need shoes"

I've been very busy this week, alot of Christmas card and birthday card orders have come in and that wonderful thing 'word of mouth' is slowly but very surely getting my name around the place! I am grateful to you all!!! so THANK YOU!!! :)

Below is a selection of my most recent creations, I really do love making them! Soon, my website will be ready, I am now the proud owner of http://www.luckyrainbowdesigns.com/ - It's not live yet so don't click!!! :)

The Noel Collection - Christmas 2009

Yes, yes, yes I know you don't want to hear the 'C' word, but we all know that those who prepare well for the 'C' word tend to have a stress free (I'm just going to say it!) Christmas!! and with this in mind I have launched the first of my first ever Christmas Card Collections. The Noel Collection takes traditional colours and uses them to cream bright, colourful and thoughtful Christmas cards which you can send to your loved ones all around the world!

Remember, if you're looking for a particular card or wish to have something specific created for you, then look no further! LuckyRainbowDesigns is here to help and ensure that you get the perfect card you're looking for!! Be sure to email me (luckyrainbowdesigns@gmail.com) to get those Christmas orders in soon!