Pass the mince pies- Christmas Chat Thread Part Deux

Mollyb60 · 15-11-2019 10:25am

I was reading about cat allergies yesterday and discovered that Pine oil is actually poisonous to cats which is really disappointing. Even if it's in the air it will land on their fur and they then ingest it when they groom. Something to bear in mind for anyone with kitties in their houses. So I'll have to find some other way to make my house smell of Christmas.

chuckles30 · 15-11-2019 10:35am

Wow - just 5 weeks - you guys have really cheered me up this morning!!

Actually - it's just two weeks until the Toy Show - this is getting real!! Definitely have to get started on cleaning/tidying this weekend!!

TRS30 · 15-11-2019 10:40am

CheerLouth wrote: »

Me four!

Proper icy out this morning, car had a wobble on the way to dropping the kids to school. Thankfully Mr. CL was driving as I was having a flashback to when I crashed the car on the same stretch of road at the beginning of the beast from the east. Not helped by the fact that there had already been a tip in the same spot this morning! Will have to find a different route to the creche - which is hard when you live in the sticks and the routes are limited & generally crap roads.

Glad to hear all ok CL. Can be very scary, had the backend swing out on a roundabout (later found out some oil had split on the road) and the feeling of helplessness is not nice. Luckily was in car on my own and no harm done.

TRS30 · 15-11-2019 10:48am

@LoughC

Boss, is it rude to enquire how the post count is going mid way through the month??

DvB · 15-11-2019 10:50am

TRS30 wrote: »

@LoughC

Boss, is it rude to enquire how the post count is going mid way through the month??

Dont worry, your contributions are noted

:D

TRS30 · 15-11-2019 11:20am

DvB wrote: »

Dont worry, your contributions are noted :D

D'oh.... I though I was being subtle

Graces7 · 15-11-2019 12:14pm

Mollyb60 wrote: »

I was reading about cat allergies yesterday and discovered that Pine oil is actually poisonous to cats which is really disappointing. Even if it's in the air it will land on their fur and they then ingest it when they groom. Something to bear in mind for anyone with kitties in their houses. So I'll have to find some other way to make my house smell of Christmas.

??? bolded.

In decades of cats and pine and other oil never a problem , . So I am continuing to use it.

NB I just checked this and there is apparently a "raging debate" about this. Two sides, as re various other pet foods etc eg milk.

You use oils very very sparingly. Too costly etc else and the aroma spreads without actual contact.. A little on a lower branch of your tree will be enough.

AND! As Christmas trees contain pine oil they would need to be banished? I have had cats ( and I have 5 cats climbing and clawing pine trees, indoors and out.

15-11-2019 12:22pm

Maybe the pine oil is more of an issue if used in one of those misty yokes. Good tip nonetheless Molly. I personally wouldn't take the risk after my cat got a tiny bit of Lily pollen on his fur, groomed himself and ended up having to have his kidneys flushed.

15-11-2019 12:27pm

Graces7 wrote: »

AND! As Christmas trees contain pine oil they would need to be banished? I have had cats ( and I have 5 cats climbing and clawing pine trees, indoors and out.

The oil you buy is far more concentrated though. I wouldn't panic over the tree.

CheerLouth · 15-11-2019 12:35pm

chuckles30 wrote: »

Actually - it's just two weeks until the Toy Show - this is getting real!! Definitely have to get started on cleaning/tidying this weekend!!

I need to get my cleaning buzz on but I've zero energy and zero interest in doing it this year. I think I'll make a list of what's in the freezers with a view to emptying them in the next two weeks & defrosting them.

CeeCeeBloom · 15-11-2019 12:39pm

Major excitement here, getting the tree tomorrow.

Wanted a real one, but going for pre decorated as it matches the colour in the room so well, Herself keeps asking can we put it up and it is killing me saying no!!

We have the bed sheets in and a few decos, space made for stuff so it is all getting real.

Going to do a big shop on black Friday & have begun stocking up the shed. Needless to say himself has taken the keys off me to avoid a snackcident or worse a winecident :eek::eek:

CeeCeeBloom · 15-11-2019 12:42pm

CheerLouth wrote: »

I need to get my cleaning buzz on but I've zero energy and zero interest in doing it this year. I think I'll make a list of what's in the freezers with a view to emptying them in the next two weeks & defrosting them.

We bought an oil recently & dumped it, I love the pine smell but this was overkill, It sent me to bed with a headache and a queasy stomach.

Do love the real deal smell, we used to get one and have a real fire back home the smell & warmth is such a lovely memory!

Mollyb60 · 15-11-2019 1:06pm

Graces7 wrote: »

??? bolded.

In decades of cats and pine and other oil never a problem , . So I am continuing to use it.

NB I just checked this and there is apparently a "raging debate" about this. Two sides, as re various other pet foods etc eg milk.

You use oils very very sparingly. Too costly etc else and the aroma spreads without actual contact.. A little on a lower branch of your tree will be enough.

AND! As Christmas trees contain pine oil they would need to be banished? I have had cats ( and I have 5 cats climbing and clawing pine trees, indoors and out.

I wouldn't dream of telling anyone else what to do with their pets Grace, I just thought it prudent to pass on the information that I read. I'll be passing on the oil I've bought to my family with no pets anyway because even if you've never had a problem with it, I just couldn't take that chance.

Graces7 · 15-11-2019 1:24pm

Deleted User wrote: »

The oil you buy is far more concentrated though. I wouldn't panic over the tree.

I don't have a tree and when I did never an issue

But yes oil is in the tree and oil from a bottle should not be anywhere near a cat.
As an experienced cat breeder etc..I am very aware and very knowledgeable .

The real trouble is that folk drastically overuse oils and sprinkle them liberally ONE drop is enough for a room. Not sprinkled so no danger. Just a single drop in eg a small bowl of water or on cotton wool away from any critter will perfume a whole room. Not the idea that you are using it wholesale. My small bottle has lasted several years already.

They speak of it being in the air which it is not.

I read several google entries on this and there are as many contesting the theory

Bleach and household cleaners are far more toxic.

But there we are! lol.. My place will be redolent of pine as always. Just lovely

Graces7 · 15-11-2019 1:28pm

Mollyb60 wrote: »

I wouldn't dream of telling anyone else what to do with their pets Grace, I just thought it prudent to pass on the information that I read. I'll be passing on the oil I've bought to my family with no pets anyway because even if you've never had a problem with it, I just couldn't take that chance.

It was prudent of me to counter the false claims too! Your tree is more "danger" than a drop of oil, ie no danger . If used correctly it cannot get into the air or on fur, and the only risk is overuse.

pigtail33 · 15-11-2019 5:08pm

The light projectors are set up opposite the Custom's House again. I get my bus from there, and they really brightened up my commute home last year, looking forward to them being switched on.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 15-11-2019 5:36pm

pigtail33 wrote: »

The light projectors are set up opposite the Custom's House again. I get my bus from there, and they really brightened up my commute home last year, looking forward to them being switched on.

That has remined me. I must dig out the laser projector I bought last year and make sure I have all the bits and bods to run a line to the garden.

freshpopcorn · 15-11-2019 5:54pm

I honestly can't believe that in five weeks we'll be into Christmas week, the schools will be off and all the fresh turkeys, etc will be out!
It's sort of scary!

Loughc · 15-11-2019 8:03pm

TRS30 wrote: »

@LoughC

Boss, is it rude to enquire how the post count is going mid way through the month??

975 posts up to and including today

We’re almost half way in the month and we are almost half way to last years total

freshpopcorn · 15-11-2019 8:13pm

Just back from town Tesco's have poinsettias and I saw an apartment with a tree and window lights and a house with candle bridges in the window!

freshpopcorn · 16-11-2019 12:00am

We're into the thirties!

Can't believe we're half ways through November and less than fifteen days until Advent calender's can be opened in December!

Loughc · 16-11-2019 12:06am

freshpopcorn wrote: »

We're into the thirties!

Can't believe we're half ways through November and less than fifteen days until Advent calender's can be opened in December!

How. Just how 39 days. Like seriously can time slow down now please.

Mam of 4 · 16-11-2019 12:17am

Loughc wrote: »

How. Just how 39 days. Like seriously can time slow down now please.

Ha I agree !
It's double edged , on one hand can't wait for it to arrive , on the other , just a few extra days to get everything sorted please

tickingclock · 16-11-2019 7:47am

CeeCeeBloom wrote: »

Major excitement here, getting the tree tomorrow.

Wanted a real one, but going for pre decorated as it matches the colour in the room so well, Herself keeps asking can we put it up and it is killing me saying no!!

We have the bed sheets in and a few decos, space made for stuff so it is all getting real.

Going to do a big shop on black Friday & have begun stocking up the shed. Needless to say himself has taken the keys off me to avoid a snackcident or worse a winecident :eek::eek:

Absolutely cracking up with laughter here. I'm only too familiar with a snackcident. I've zero self control. I mean none at all. So I also hand over the keys of the shed. But a winecident is hilarious, id have it drank. Glad I'm not the only one!!!

Cork Lass · 16-11-2019 8:54am

Just back from a short holiday in Portugal. Arrived home late last night and drove through Douglas Village only to see lots of Christmas lights - magical, but damned cold. We’re in the 30’s now

freshpopcorn · 16-11-2019 10:07am

Homestore and more just sent out a text saying This CHRISTMAS, Home Store + More have 3 great 1/2 Price offers. ALL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS, ALL CHRISTMAS TABLE LINEN & ALL CASHEL LIVING GIFTWARE are 1/2 PRICE. Use code 053655 FROM TODAY in store or online at www.vip.hsandm.ie; but hurry because when they're gone, they're gone!

iguana · 16-11-2019 10:38am

Loughc wrote: »

Try clearing your cookies and cache and see if your recent purchases go away, it might help hopefully. As you said you'd love to keep that amazing surprise a surprise.

Clearing the cookies didn't help but with a lot of research of a lot of posts written by frustrated people who's surprises were nearly or actually were ruined by Amazon's stupid system I eventually learned that I had to archive all my orders. Which is actually a bit of a nerve wracking thing to do before I actually receive them in case something goes wrong with the order. But hopefully the email confirmations I have will suffice if I have a problem. And now my laptop won't suddenly give my Santa game away if S is sitting next to me at the wrong moment!

SarahLil · 16-11-2019 11:05am

Morning everyone, chilly morning out there, wow into the 30s now I agree a few extra days please to get everything done
I tackled my kitchen presses and utility room yesterday all clean and tidy, I was quite happy with myself till I realised I forgot one press il tackle that shortly
I had to make a return to M&S this morning I got my chocolate supplies while I was there, I'll leave them in my mams till nearer Christmas, I'll have to make another trip to M&S their dark chocolate dates were out in January I want some dark chocolates as part of a gift

DVB enjoy the Christmas GAA celebrations this evening

Whats everyone else up to?

Littlehorny · 16-11-2019 11:16am

First of the neighbours have their Christmas tree up. i was out walking the dog and stopped in front of the house to just stare at it.
I was pushing the wife to get the tree up in the last week in Nov but she is having none of it.

We are going to IKEA later, do they do anything for Christmas up there?

cherryghost · 16-11-2019 1:07pm

Well feck I've been coerced into taking down the Christmas decorations later today

Indestructable · 16-11-2019 1:15pm

The decorations are coming down today to be put up next weekend.
We're away to Dublin the last weekend of the month to the Festive Taste of Dublin in the RDS, looks like it'll be a real treat. Is anyone else going?

SarahLil · 16-11-2019 1:51pm

Since we are into the thirty’s now who’s had their first:
Tub of sweets
Christmas coffee or hot chocolate
Christmas meal deal sandwich
Mince pie
Christmas pudding
Baileys
Christmas dinner
Christmas Yule log cake

I’m holding off on all of the above but I have had 2 turkey and ham dinners since Halloween

Cork Lass · 16-11-2019 1:57pm

I’ve had more than one mince pie

freshpopcorn · 16-11-2019 1:57pm

SarahLil wrote: »

Since we are into the thirty’s now who’s had their first:
Tub of sweets
Christmas coffee or hot chocolate
Christmas meal deal sandwich
Mince pie
Christmas pudding
Baileys
Christmas dinner
Christmas Yule log cake

I’m holding off on all of the above but I have had 2 turkey and ham dinners since Halloween

We had a bag of Heros in August and tub of Celebrations in September.
I wouldn't be overly into coffee or sandwiches but we had a had a full Christmas dinner last weekend. I also had a ready meal of that counts.
We had mince pies, cake slices, cookies,etc.

16-11-2019 2:03pm

Mini Christmas in Mam's today! So will answer those later. Gonna be able to tick off a few!

New Home · 16-11-2019 2:09pm

Is there a trivial Christmas annoyance thread here? I just spotted a card that read "Happy December Day". They should be shot.

Loughc · 16-11-2019 2:54pm

New Home wrote: »

Is there a trivial Christmas annoyance thread here? I just spotted a card that read "Happy December Day". They should be shot.

There’s a Christmas trend that should go away thread and yes the makers of that card should be shot.

Loughc · 16-11-2019 2:55pm

SarahLil wrote: »

Since we are into the thirty’s now who’s had their first:
Tub of sweets
Christmas coffee or hot chocolate
Christmas meal deal sandwich
Mince pie
Christmas pudding
Baileys
Christmas dinner
Christmas Yule log cake

I’m holding off on all of the above but I have had 2 turkey and ham dinners since Halloween

Just one tub of sweets back in October. But excited to tick the rest off the list soon

New Home · 16-11-2019 2:59pm

On happier things, I'm on my sixth box of mince pies.

SarahLil · 16-11-2019 3:14pm

New Home wrote: »

OnN happier things, I'm on my sixth box of mince pies.

I’m jealous
mine are stocked in my mams for safe keeping

Eleysian · 16-11-2019 5:13pm

Delighted I have my Christmas trees, decorations, lights and the rest ready to go. My friends daughter is coming over in two weeks to help me put the lights on the main tree. Whilst sorting through things I found our Elvis tree decorations. Al in the best possible taste of course

jellybear · 16-11-2019 5:28pm

Doing a bit of online shopping today

Have most of my family sorted for Christmas. About 5 others to buy for then.
It's our 14th Christmas together so hubby and I, well I decided and he agreed, we'd do a hamper for each other this year. Limit is €50. Looking forward to making it

Staph · 16-11-2019 5:33pm

That’s a lovely idea Jellybear. Is it just food/drink items in the hamper or other bits too?

jellybear · 16-11-2019 5:43pm

Staph wrote: »

That’s a lovely idea Jellybear. Is it just food/drink items in the hamper or other bits too?

Anything goes! I've just ordered a keyring with one of my favourite pics of him and our little boy and am hoping to get a couple of batman/joker tshirts as his are threadbare they get worn so much!! Will probably put in some of his favourite treats and maybe some PJs. Useful things that won't lie around the house gathering dust!!

Loughc · 16-11-2019 8:26pm

The neighbour across the road for me has their decorations up. I’m jealous and didn’t know that the neighbour wanted a Christmas turf war but here we are.

16-11-2019 8:35pm

SarahLil wrote: »

Since we are into the thirty’s now who’s had their first:
Tub of sweets
Christmas coffee or hot chocolate
Christmas meal deal sandwich
Mince pie
Christmas pudding
Baileys
Christmas dinner
Christmas Yule log cake

My mam was supposed to make a mini Christmas dinner today because my brother is going away tomorrow and missing Christmas. But she lost the run of herself and made a FULL Christmas dinner. Like turkey, ham and beef, all the trimmings, breadsauce, even homemade cranberry sauce for feck sake!!! I'm fit to burst here! Pudding and trifle after. And now she's after breaking out a box of quality Street. So I've ticked a few things off my Christmas list anyways.

tscul32 · 16-11-2019 8:39pm

Mollyb60 wrote: »

The lights are turned on this Saturday in Belfast. AND the Christmas Market is opening. It's so exciting! I can't wait to have my annual Christmas Tartiflette. :D:D

Saw it today....hmmmm

SarahLil · 16-11-2019 9:44pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

My mam was supposed to make a mini Christmas dinner today because my brother is going away tomorrow and missing Christmas. But she lost the run of herself and made a FULL Christmas dinner. Like turkey, ham and beef, all the trimmings, breadsauce, even homemade cranberry sauce for feck sake!!! I'm fit to burst here! Pudding and trifle after. And now she's after breaking out a box of quality Street. So I've ticked a few things off my Christmas list anyways.

Brilliant fair play to your mam, thats a brilliant send off for your brother enjoy your evening

16-11-2019 9:48pm

SarahLil wrote: »

Brilliant fair play to your mam, thats a brilliant send off for your brother enjoy your evening

Thank you!

Jude13 · 17-11-2019 5:12am

I have had my first hot chocolate and we opened a 1.5kg tin of Quality Street at the weekend.

I got the decorations out of the shed Thursday. Friday we put the tree up with the help of my OH pal's kids. They also decorated it but my OH is going to un-decorate it and do it the way she wants....So it's a bit of a mess. I put the candy cane lights out the front but need a voltage converter as my one broke. I put fairy lights on the ground at the edge of garden which looks nice. Loads more to do.

I also made mulled wine to assist with the decoration. I made the baileys fudge but haven't had any yet. It was a mad weekend of work/exams/people dropping in and then barely decorating.

I see by the white christmas thread that its a possibility.

Pass the mince pies- Christmas Chat Thread Part Deux

Comments

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens