21. Exotic Meats

I'm not much of a meat eater, but when I saw Kangaroo meatballs and Ostrich burgers in the freezer at Iceland I had to try them out!

And the verdict? 

Well, Libby and I both liked the ostrich burgers, Jared and Lydia preferred the kangaroo meatballs and Steven wasn't impressed by either!

20. Raise £100 towards the new Blue Cross shelter at Wherstead

I have been selling my hand made birthday and Christmas cards at work and have raised £100 towards Burts Big Build - the appeal by the blue Cross for £3m to build a new re-homing Centre at Wherstead. 

2 of our cats (Millie and Moxxi) came from the over-crowded Centre at Felixstowe, so I know how needed a new facility is needed for Suffolk.

I'm glad that I have been able to make a small contribution - but there is still along way to go if you would like to make a donation too!

19. Harry Potter Studio Tour

A trip with Jared and Lydia on Christmas Eve to experience the magic of Harry Potter! 

Interesting to find out how the films were made, the props and costumes they used and how the special effects were put together. 

I had to wear my Christmas Witches hat - which was much admired by the staff. 

The model of Hogwards school at the end of the tour, covered in snow was amazing - as were the prices in the gift shop!!!!

18. Made My Own Christmas Wreath

Yesterday I went to a willow weaving wreath workshop (try saying that in a hurry!). We made the frame and the hanger for the wreath from weaving strips of willow into circles and then wove fresh pieces of foliage and berries into the frame to each make a unique and different wreath.

It took and 45 minutes and this is the finished article

I might add some ribbons and baubles now to match my xmas decorations. The willow frame can be reused in future years with just fresh holly, leaves and berries added each year

The workshop was hosted by Realise Futures - a great organisation that helps people into paid employment and gain new skills. Each Friday they come to the offices of Mid Suffolk District Council at Needham Market and sell their fresh locally grown fruit, vegetables and plants.

ps This week my poppy of experience number 2 arrived safe and sound!

17. Try out some new Ciders!

Not a hard one for me because I love cider! I spotted these new ciders when shopping and had to try them out. I am a big fan of Aspalls and they describe the Harry Sparrow cyder as 'Medium dry and sessionable with a floral aroma and cedar overtones of apples' .... I describe it as 'very drinkable'!

The Bulmers Indian Summer cider is a lower alcohol version that is "a unique cider with a subtle spice, made with apples and a hint of ginger and cardamom". I enjoyed this one too and would buy both of the ciders again.

16. Decorate a bottle!

No, I have never decorated a bottle before.... so when I spotted an evening workshop to decoupage an empty wine bottle, it sounded something I should give a go!

The workshop was held at Wigglywoo's Craft Emporium in Ipswich - where they also hold sewing, jewellery, Christmas decorations and painting workshops. They also sell a great range of hand crafted items to!

There was a class of 8 of us and we were give a range of ready painted bottles and patterned napkins to choose from. I went for a dark purple and gold pattern for mine. It was very relaxing pasting on parts of torn tissue all over the bottle and finishing off with some embellishments round the neck.

This was my finish article, which can be used as a candle holder and goes well with the decor in the lounge!

15. Help crowdfund a good cause

Its only a small amount but I have made a donation via a crowdfunding site to support a local community group.I choose NF2 -  based in Stowmarket

 NF2 is a rare genetic condition that causes the growth of multiple benign tumours throughout the nervous system, most commonly seen in the brain and spine. NF2 may be passed on from parent to child at the time of conception, or it may start in a family with no previous history of the condition. It occurs in 1 in 35000 of the population, is often life limiting, and currently has no cure.

Can You Hear Us? C.I.C (CYHU) is the first UK organisation to provide informal Social Gatherings that bring people with NF2 together in a carefree, friendly atmosphere. The primary aims of the Gatherings are; to reduce the effects of isolation, increase resilience, improve confidence and self-esteem, and build a supportive community for people affected by NF2 in the UK.

Many people affected by NF2 require psychological support and often carry the burden of multiple disabilities such as hearing loss, visual impairment, facial nerve dysfunction, swallowing complications, chronic pain, balance difficulties, muscle wastage, restricted limb function, and sometimes are reduced to using a wheelchair.

The Social Gatherings give people the chance to try new things in a supportive environment by featuring a variety of fun, and sometimes slightly challenging, activities that help people to build positive attitudes towards their abilities. Contrary to the usual focus on what NF2 patients cannot do, attention is projected onto the things that they can do, which, with occasional support from others, is much more than they think.

There are lots of  crowdfunding sites such as 

http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/
https://www.buzzbnk.org/
http://www.zequs.com/
http://www.sponsume.com/

So if you have a tenner to spare, why not consider giving  it to help some people do something good??