Time to plan ahead for Christmas with these helpful tips

I've written two articles with tips for adding some easy home made, (homemade if you're in the USA), items to your Christmas 2012. I'm not suggesting you go to extremes, but a few hours spent making some home made sweets or candies, or making a lists of how you can organise easy home made decorations, will pay off, as you'll get a warm glow of satisfaction at a job well done, as well as praise from you guests. I've hosted our family Christmas for over 30 years- I've built up lots of tips.Click through here to find a collection of tried and tested tips for easy gifts to make this Christmas I've written another page here, that gives you some easy and inexpensive ideas about decorating your home and Christmas dinner table. Start planning now!53 days to go!

Turn your photos into gifts

These days, lost of us have lots of photos. We take them all the time, using our phones or easy digital cameras. I've got an idea - why not use these photos to make some unique home made Christmas presents. I've got some good ideas - even if I say so myself! Click through this link to find ways to turn your homemade photos into presents this year Here's one of my latest photos. I think it would look great as part of a series on the Lake District on a digital photo frame. I could give this to someone who love the Lakes, but doesn't live here- like my relatives in the USA.

Reflections in Grasmere Lake, taken just a few days ago.

Will someone please buy me a Diptyque candle?

Top of my wish list for Christmas would be Diptyque candles, but I know no one will ever give me a Diptyque candle as they don't really, truly believe that they're worth the price. Here's why I think Diptyque candles are worth it! Is there someone in your life who would be thrilled to receive something from Diptyque this Christmas? Readers in the UK can buy their wonderful Diptyque gifts here.

The humble celeriac takes the Number 1 slot

My Squidoo lens How to use celeriac has risen to the top of my lens list this morning, overtaking the long time #1 How to make homemade chocolate truffles. There's a food theme here of course- I love good food.

That may be why lenses #3 and # 4 are on the topic of The Dukan Diet!

Back to celeriac. Someone left a message that they'd read the page but couldn't be bothered to try celeriac as it looked too weird. Sad. Celeriac is tasty and healthy. Celeriac is easy to cook. There are lots of great recipes for celeriac. Top chefs love celeriac. If you don't use celeriac then try it. If you do use celeriac, you might pick up some new ideas. I'm thrilled it's my # 1 lens!

 Readers in the UK can buy this book by top veggie lover Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall for more great veggie recipes.

1 September- time to get back to the blog

I've neglected my blog "What's she going on about now?" She's not been going on about anything. At least, not on the blog. Now, there's a nip in the air, and it's the start of my favourite month. Last Monday was Bank Holiday in the UK, but it rained so hard that lots of events were cancelled, and I couldn't get out for my usual afternoon walk- so I made a new lens for Squidoo . It's called The Best Christmas Stockings to make and Buy I didn't know that you could buy these great kits. I don't really have the time ( or the inclination if I'm honest) to make one, but if you're good with a needle and thread, you might like to try this.

It's hard to feel summery in the UK

We're having a wet , cool summer in the UK, and it's hard to feel in the summer mood right now.
Over in the USA, my online friends and experiencing temperatures that are too high for comfort. Guests from the USA tell me how lovely it is to be staying in England- "it's too hot at home"!

Anyway whatever the weather, visitors to the beautiful English Lake District can enjoy the scenery. Our guests have all been brilliant, telling me that they love the White Moss walks which you can start at the front door of White Moss House. "All you need is proper waterproofs"

If you're buying waterproofs for hiking, don't go for the cheapest- they really don't work. I love Berghaus, and in fact all my waterproof gear is Berghaus. If you're visiting the home of William Wordsworth, Grasmere Village you can buy your hiking clothes from a wide choice of shops, stocking all makes at a range of prices. Alternatively you can order ahead from amazon.
Here's my choice of the best Berghaus jacket right now for women.

London 2012 Olympics

Here's my own London 2012 Olympic souvenir.The Olympic torch on the top of an open air bus going past our house, White Moss House, (award winning Grasmere bed and breakfast!)

For more conventional London 2012 Olympic Souvenirs you might like The Best London 2012 Olympic Souvenirs. I've picked my favourites.

It's less than four weeks now to the Olympic Games. Are we all getting excited? We've left our flags up from the Jubilee and hope to have lots of celebrate!