Dec 15, 2012

Tagged and Aussie Christmas Nail Challenge - BBQ

Our next Aussie Christmas Nail Challenge theme is BBQ.  A good Aussie tradition, especially in summer, but in our family we don't have a lot of BBQs.  Rather we have cremations (in more ways than one, we live next to the cemetery).  My darling husband (he who buys me polish) is Master of Burnt Offerings.  So I considered gluing lumps of charcoal to my nails, or just painting them black and serving with sauce, but BBQ seemed like the perfect excuse to wear this polish I made myself.
I call it Pest Control.  It's perfect for exterminating those pesky sausages and looks a lot like the charred remains that grace our dinner table after a BBQ.
Looks like I should add another coat and a shiny topcoat.   It looked OK to my naked eyes (and glasses) but the macro lens shows up so many more imperfections and this looks just a bit too thin, rough and flat.  Like one of hubby's BBQ steaks :P

Elissa from Lissa's Polish Addiction tagged me in the Holly Jolly Holiday Tag so I'm going to have a go at answering these questions.  I don't mind answering questions but I suck at coming up with questions myself.  This is easy though I can answer and pass the same questions on :)  I'm not going to tag anyone specifically though because I can't work out who, after Lissa's post, has been tagged already and hasn't posted yet.  So I'm throwing it open to anyone who'd like to join in.  Just link me up if you do (in the comments) so I can read your answers :)
1. Do you start your Christmas shopping on Black Friday or wait until the last minute?
We'll we don't have a Black Friday here but I start early, around the middle of the year when the half yearly toy sales are on.  That's what comes from having kids.  I look out for bargains and also try to anticipate what the kids interests will be by Christmas.
2. If you could be in any Christmas movie what would it be?
Can I choose a TV show instead of a movie?  I'd love to be in any of the Doctor Who Christmas specials.
3. Which do you like better: Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Christmas Day.  Christmas Eve usually involves a lot a mad panic wrapping, cooking and cleaning. 
Christmas Day is also a lot of hard work with everyone coming here.  I think this year, at the latest count, we have 8 for lunch and then at least another 9 joining us for dinner.  That's even more than last year but I love it and a looooove giving people presents so Christmas day is the best :)
4. When does your family put up your Christmas tree and who decorates it? 
These days the tree goes up earlier each year as the kids understand Christmas more.  It used to be something that happened the week before Christmas and it was always my job to decorate the tree.  I had to have it perfect!  This year the tree went up as soon as we hit December and the kids have half decorated it themselves.  I may finish it, I may not.  I'm loosening up :)
5. White lights or colored lights?
Coloured!  Must have rainbows of colour!  Like holo polish :)
6. Are you guilty of peeking at your presents or do you like the surprise?
I much prefer surprises, even if I have to buy them and hide them for myself.  I've bought a couple of things this year I needed (like some stuff for my hair and nail polish) and hubby can give them to the kids to wrap up and surprise me.  
7. Would you rather live in a gingerbread house or in Santa's Workshop?
Santa's Workshop.  I love men who are handy with their tools and can you imagine the crumbs in a gingerbread house?
8. Tell us your Christmas Eve traditions! 
Christmas Eve we take the kids to my parents where Santa has a parade around the local streets.  All the neighbours put on a light display and line the curb with candles in cut off milk bottles.  We sit out the front tending the candles and waiting for Santa and then we walk up and down admiring the lights and catch up with neighbours we haven't seen since last year Christmas. Some people set up tables outside and have their dinner on the front lawn.
Here's some photos from last year.
The kids and Grumpy talking to Santa and his helpers.
Catching lollies from Santa.
The kids and Nana off for a walk down the road.
Getting arty with the zoom lens.
Looking back at the boys watching the candles.
This year we are hoping the boys with stay at their grandparents for the night which will give us a chance to spend the night doing last minute preparations for Christmas day without disturbing the kids.  Then they can all come over in the morning to see what Santa brought :)
9. If you could be under the mistletoe with anyone who would it be?
My husband of course.  I'd be in trouble if I said anyone else right?
10. What tops your tree?
A red star from Ikea but I'd love a weeping angel.  If anyone knows where I can get a Doctor Who weeping angel please hook me up. 
11. Can you name the 12 days of Christmas?
As in the song?  Yep.  Though I've noticed these days most people seem to think the 12 days are a count down to Christmas but I was taught it's a count down after Christmas.  In religious terms it's 12 days after Christmas to the Epiphany on January 6th.  As a child for me it was always 12 days after Christmas that Dad was on holidays and the decorations had to come down on the 6th and Dad went back to work on the 7th.  Which was sad because it's my birthday on the 7th :(   I still believe it's unlucky to leave the decorations up past 12 days and many Australian businesses still shut down over Christmas until the 7th.
12. Have you ever gone Christmas caroling?
nope.  Does anyone do that in Australia?
13. Do you countdown to Christmas? If so, how many days are left?
Yes and not enough!  We have an advent calender which the kids open each day.  and I have a list of mail I'm expecting and I'm running out of delivery days before Christmas :(  I ordered stuff from overseas last month that hasn't arrived yet.
14. What are some foods and treats you can count on having every holiday season?

Mom's mince pies and Christmas cake.  She makes it months in advance then pours alcohol over it regularly in the weeks before Christmas and I get to decorate it.   My Mom is the best cook!  This year I'm doing roast pork and turkey, trifle and tiramisu for lunch.  Leftovers, ham, vegetarian lasagna and nibblies for dinner.  Maybe a pineapple cheesecake as well.
15. How has Christmas kept its magic for you as you've grown older?
For me Christmas is all about family and our little family is growing.  Having kids makes it extra special, it's all about making it amazing for them now and I looooooove giving people pressies.  I get so excited about planning the prefect surprise for people.   All that's missing in my brother and his family, in Sweden.

3 comments:

  1. Hey, the meats normally only burned on the outside!

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  2. Pest control is very interesting, especially with the turquoise and green (or blue?) glitters. Can I ask what macro lens do you use? If you're using a Nikon.
    I also tagged you with HJH ;) Your neighbourhood Christmas Eve tradition is excellent for kids! There's no way it can happen in inner Sydney. And now I know the 12 days of Christmas =) Ann

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Ann :) I'm using a Tamron 90ml macro with a full frame Canon. It's a great lens. I'm pretty sure it's available in a Nikon mount but unless you're using full frame you might be better off with something closer to 60ml, unless you have really long arms :)

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