Christmas shopping and special Christmases gone by

I have been somewhat panicked after last Friday's gem show with Jilly, when so many of you texted and rang in to tell us how organised you are with your Christmas present buying! The fact that I was still sunbathing in October has lulled me into a false sense of security and, as I admitted on the night, I have only just begun to break the back of my shopping list! 

I don't think Jilly was much further forward than me, although she rather fancied the boots I was wearing on the night and caught me unawares just before we went on air (see photo left)! So now you know what goes on underneath the table  - Jilly was in a sleeping bag! :) 

Actually truth be told we always have a bit of an issue with the air conditioning in that Studio - it's either freezing cold or boiling hot, but as long as my feet are warm I'm OK. 

My Christmas checklist

I have to admit to nearly choking on my licorice tea when I heard Dawn Bibby say there were only 89 days until Christmas, which made me realise I needed to start gathering my thoughts and my plans!

Ordering the turkey

To be honest this year - as with the last two - I shall order my Christmas turkey, gammon, sausages and other meats from Exmoor Style here at QVC because you can either have it delivered in November or just before Christmas - depending on how full your freezer is! Or in my case how much room there is as I haven't defrosted it for ages!

Christmas and Thursday's Today's Special Value

Isn't it amazing how we spend months planning Christmas and then it's all over in the blink of an eye! I found a turkey in the end, and even had all my presents wrapped by midday on Christmas Eve which was quite a feat for me.

I recorded The Polar Express which is a truly traditional Christmas film in which Tom Hanks plays every character with the exception of the reindeer and that's only because they don't speak, and then I forced my boys to watch it! Even though they're 19 and 15 it brought the spirit of Christmas back for them and they had already opened their stockings by 8am Christmas morning!

We had a lovely day and not only did we all get some lovely thoughtful gifts but lunch was served on time and every morsal was eaten. I have to let you know that I had some help in the kitchen, courtesy of our New Year's Day Today's Special Value. I'll be bringing it to you at midnight on the 1st January and I know you're going to love it.

Only a few days to go...

... and I've just realised that I haven't bought the turkey!! There's gammon in the freezer, and Christmas pudding in the cupboard, but I'm praying I won't have to resort to chicken pieces on Christmas Day!

I have to be honest and tell you that one year I put the turkey in the garage as there was no room in the fridge. It was meant to be below freezing overnight... unfortunately the temperature rocketed and the rather attractive pistachio green tinge that coloured our bird meant drastic measures had to be put in place, hence the chicken pieces. I thank my Girl Guide Training for that one! 

I hope you've managed to be a little more organised than me?!

Microphones, Christmas and my old Mini

Even though I was working three days this week and didn't get to see Dale, Sara or Julian, I checked QGossip and now I know what they've been up to! 

Both Dale and I had busy shows with Dennis Basso on his anniversary visit this week, and it's always great fun to spend any time with the big man himself - Dennis that is (Dale's quite sweet too)! 

That aside, it's always a problem knowing where to put my microphone during these hours so that when I try on all the coats it's not buried in a faux fur collar!

We managed but I'm currently in talks with our sound department to see if I could have my mic worked into my hair-do like in the West End musicals, which would be perfect unless Dennis brings us a selection of hats next time - which will be the 2nd December if you want to make a note!