Heartmade Project ~ Heartmade Hampers
Give a collection of small things, arranged in a pretty basket or box.
You can adapt this idea for anyone and it’s great fun to think up collections. They don’t have to cost much, you may well have some of the things you need lying around the home and if you buy things to put in the hamper, think small and inexpensive. It’s the time and thought that goes into this gift that’s important.
For example, if you know someone who loves gardening, you could fill a trug with a pair of pretty gardening gloves, some twine and garden wire, a gardener’s knife, some mini pots, a few plant labels and a couple of packets of seeds, or some bulbs, or maybe a couple of tiny plants. You could add some secateurs, or a hand fork and trowel; maybe you have a spare pair you could give away. It’s a nice idea to add a small journal or gardener’s diary and pencil. And maybe a lovely mug; gardener’s enjoy a cuppa at the end of a hard day! A packet of biscuits or a slab of fruitcake might be appreciated too. Your imagination (and the size of your basket or box) is the only limit here … have fun!
The way you arrange and wrap your hamper will make it extra special too. Wrap each thing individually, or at least tie a ribbon and pretty tag around things and decorate your basket or box too. If you are doing a hamper for a gardener, try tying some flowers or fresh greenery around the rim of your basket or the handle. You could use moss or straw between the items you put in your hamper.
Heartmade Recipe ~ Mulled Wine
Make yourself some of the ultimate Christmas drink. Warm, festive and perfect for sharing.
Recipe
Use a cheap red wine (keep the good stuff for drinking as it is) and warm gently in a pan, adding, to your own taste, the following:
Orange juice, slices of orange (and lemon, if you like)
Some brown sugar (or honey, if you prefer)
Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, freshly grated nutmeg (though you could use ground spices if you prefer) build up the spices slowly, tasting as you go
Not only does this taste yummy (and totally taste of Christmas), but it makes the house smell gorgeous too … here’s to your good health this festive season!
Heartmade Tip ~Reminders
Be sweet to yourself this Christmas! Use some post-it notes in cheerful colours to remind yourself of the essential stuff. I don’t mean the things on your To Do List, more the kind of things your Mum or a friend would whisper in your ear, if they were with you!
Here are a few ideas:
Have you had some time out today?
Treat yourself.
Smile.
Be silly.
Slow down a little, busy bee!
Go for a walk.
Put your feet up.
You’re a star!
Stop. And stretch for five minutes.
Just stop for five minutes.
Stand (sit) up straight!
Have an early night.
Take your morning coffee back to bed.
Breathe!
Or you could write some of your favourite uplifting quotes. You could even use pictures instead of words.
Stick them up wherever you will notice them. Or need them. If you put one by your door, it will be the last thing you see as you leave the house and the first you see when returning home.
And listen to your own advice! Be good to yourself. :O)
