Yo! Yo! Yo! JIngling all the way with Gourmet Girlfriend

Generous of spirit and knowledge, Gourmet Girlfriend is one of those women you'd love to have as your neighbour.

I've been lucky enough to know Ruth for the last few years. She's always on, always full of energy, and always awesome. Ruth regularly shares wholesome, nutritious and delicious recipes on her blog - among my favourites are her gozleme (my favourite Sunday night quickie).

If I was getting Ruth a gift for Christmas, I'd get her: some new colourful clogs!

Let's get to what you really want to hear. Let's talk to Ruth.

What do you do on Christmas eve?

Mostly panic about getting the presents wrapped in time. 

Please tell me your favourite Christmas childhood memory.

I can't think of one stand out memory- because it feels like every one was a standout. Christmas time was always a delight in our house. A noisy kitchen filled with activity & delicious smells. My parents were always in great spirits and our house was always filled with extra people and a generally overwhelming feeling of love & joy. There was always plenty of food, loud music and favourite people- the triumvirate of all good celebrations. 

What did you leave out for Santa? 

We always left a really perfectly ripe stone suit or cherries & some home made Baileys Irish cream. 

What time do you get up on Christmas morning?

We are so lucky that our kids don't get up outrageously early- even on Christmas morning.  I think last year it was a very healthy 7am. 

Favourite part of Christmas?

Always it's the joy on the little kids faces when they see their Santa sacks which have gone from flat and sad looking nothingness on Christmas eve to an overflowing wilderness of surprises on Christmas morning. Just the BEST

What's on your wish list this year?

I have stopped wishing for things at Christmas.  I feel as if as I get older it is about being grateful of call the things I already have. 

What's one thing you'll be gifting/giving this year?

I will be using the Shout app to donate to a children's charity. 

Read more about Gourmet Girlfriend here. 
Follow Ruth on Instagram. 

pics are courtesy of Ruth, of her family decorating their Christmas tree. Cute. 

I'm So Dog Tired. Please. Hold Me.

How did I end the weekend even more tired than when it began?

Friday night we went to The School. I got home late. 

Saturday night Matt got home from work looking sicker than any dog I've ever seen, and went straight to bed. I sat up by myself, and when I finally went to bed he woke up. It was one of *those* restless nights. Then Tiny came in. Then I took Tiny back to her bed. Then Matt tossed and turned. He was hotter than a volcano. In temperature. I lay awake. Then I finally fell asleep. Then Tiny came in. And so on and so forth. Repeat. 

I finally fell back into a deep sleep at 6:08am - when really, I could have just gotten up, but I was soooo doggone pooped. 

Then I ran around, and went to work. I didn't eat lunch, I just kept going and going. 

Man. Totes pooped. 

Two good things I did today? Made pikelets for my babes in the morning. And made Gourmet Girlfriend's haloumi and spinach gozleme for a crazy late lunch. 

What was good about your weekend? 

PS - I have a giveaway coming up this week! Stay tuned.