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.

Time to start making those homemade goodies

If you're thinking of giving home made sweets or homemade candies for Christmas, you can make my delicious
homemade chocolate truffles now, and freeze them .
If you take a look at my guide on How to make home made chocolate truffles you'll see lots of variations on the basic recipe, so that you can personalise your homemade Christmas gift. For example, if you're making chocolate truffles for a man who loves brandy, use some brandy in the recipe- simple!
If  you're making my homemade chocolate truffles for someone who loves nuts, rolls the truffles in crushed pistachios.There are lots more ideas suggested.

I've also suggested ways of packaging your truffles to make the gift look really professional. Good presentation is important.

Now that clocks have gone back, and the days are shorter, spending time messing around in the kitchen is a pleasant way to pass a few house. Just make sure you don't eat all the truffles yourself right now! Obviously you'll need to try a few, to "test" them , but try to save some to freeze for Christmas gifts.