The Heat is On!

Even after 9 years of living in Australia, I don't think I will ever get used to the fact that the Christmas season here coincides with summer.  Somehow, it just doesn't feel right to me. While it did not (and still doesn't!) snow in the Philippines (where I grew up), a cool change in the weather during the months of December and January was always very welcome.

In this part of the world at this time, it BURNS.  It's so hot and dry, my sweat seems to evaporate even before it gets the chance to drip out of my skin.  I don't like summer at all for somehow the heat kills my Christmas joy in general. I would even say I actually hate it if not for one small reason...

The only time I am able to confidently bake bread is during hot weather. There are even times when I look forward to the heat just so I could successfully work with yeast.  Anyway, yesterday was one of those 'good to bake with yeast days'.  It was a scorching 39 degrees Celsius (102.2 deg F).  I decided to make some bread rolls for dinner. Don't you just love the smell of freshly baked bread in the kitchen?

Those are really beautiful...I really wish I could make them everyday.  The recipe came from here.  I skipped the corned beef filling and the bread crumbs, but will certainly try that variation some other time.  One of these days, I am also going to give this a go.

Can't believe it's just a week till Christmas day.  Admittedly, I have not done so much handmade stuff to give as presents this year.  Ok, I actually have managed to sew only one thing...this...

 ...and I'm not even too keen on giving it away.  This softie is One Red Robin's peg bear, the pattern and instructions of which appear on the new book One Yard Wonders.  I have been wanting to make one of this for a long time so I was really stoked to find the pattern in the book.

My gift-giving plans for Christmas?  I have gotten lots of rave reviews regarding my cupcakes lately that I've decided that, while I have no handmade presents this year, I will be giving away lots of my homebaked goodies. Next week will be a busy baking week for me!

In the meantime, it's nearly the Toy Society's Worldwide Christmas Toy Drop.  Have you got your toys ready?  I do!  Another exciting thing to look forward to.

Well, that's about it for now. I hope all is well with you. Will be back real soon!

My First (and Second) Toy Society Drop!

This is long overdue.  I signed up with the Toy Society in April and have been postponing my toy drop since.  Well...at last, I decided that today was to be THE day.  I took out two of my handmade softies yesterday, printed out the tags and letters, and packed them in zip lock bags, ready to be taken into the streets to look for a new home.

I set out really early this morning just to make sure no one will be watching me while I make the drop.  First stop was at a kindergarten just a few kilometers away.  Luckily, the gates weren't locked even on a Sunday and I was able to slip in easily.  I am really excited about the kids' reaction once the school opens tomorrow!

Second drop was over at the public library.  The library opens at 2:00pm (I think) on Sundays so no one was on sight that early.  I put my package right at the entrance.

So...what did I learn from this fun adventure?  Just one basic thing really... It is great to give and receive something in return.  But the joy that comes with giving something for nothing is so much greater.  I truly believe the giver is blessed by the whole experience in the same way as (or even deeper than) the receiver.  I'd gladly do this again anytime.

Want to spread the love this Christmas?  Why not sign up for the 2009 Worldwide Christmas Toy Drop?

Update (9th of November):  Yay! My two toy drops are now posted in the Toy Society site.  See them here and here.