"Have yourself a very Birdie Christmas…"
18 January 2009

Well gals (and guys) it’s our very last mail of 2008…
So here’s to a festive Birdie send-off – to you, our super-fabulous readers!

We’ve scouted Jozi looking for our pick of festive buys to give you some ideas to get you in the buying (and don’t forget giving mood). Enjoy our finds, have a merry Birdie Xmas and New Year to all and safe flying till we see you again in 2009!

•    Gifts on 1st in Victory Park is a treasure trove of well…gifts. A simply gorgeous store where you can get lost for hours just browsing around. Our object of affection is their Napkin Rings – they come all straightened out, beautifully adorned on a wire with all things pretty on them; just wind them around your napkin and Voila! You can also wind them around wine glasses to add that extra “pizzazz”, and we hear that when shaped into an ‘S’ they even make adorable place settings! And if there’s one thing us girls like, it’s a good multi-tasker! Look out for their packets of stunning coloured sugar sticks…it’s the acceptable adult rock candy.
The Napkin Holders retail for R120 (Pack of 6) and the Sugar Sticks for R30 (Pack of 6)
** We have one packet each of Napkin rings and Sugar Sticks to give away!

•    The African Toyshop (44 Stanley Avenue) is making this festive season one to remember by helping us to add a ‘truly South African’ flavour to all our decorating this season. Beautifully made Chrissie ornaments from all over Africa are on hand to make your tree one-in-a-million this year. And if there’s one thing these birds like, its giving back to a good cause and supporting the talented individuals whose creativity and art is lovingly crafted into each and every ornament. The African Toyshop Christmas Ornaments retail for R60 each.
** We have 2 gorgeous Christmas Ornaments from these folks to giveaway!!

•    A holiday is never quite a holiday without a book!

How would you say goodbye to the people that mean the most to you in this world if you found out that your time was running out? That’s just the decision that Barbara must make and with four daughters, each at different crossroads in their lives, she takes on the greatest challenge ever, in the face of the greatest personal challenge she has ever faced.  Things I Want My Daughters to Know by Elizabeth Noble (Penguin Books, R120) had this birdie laughing, crying, and most importantly pondering all… The words will touch everyone differently, but at the end will have the same message, to take the time to validate and appreciate those near and dear to us while they are still here – now if that’s not a good message for the season, we don’t know what is!

Cookbook for Girls: Fabulous Food for Gorgeous Girls (Penguin Books, R160) is simply a delight!  Whether you cook on your own, or share the kitchen with your mom, daughter, sister or niece it’s the perfect way to spend time this festive season. The recipes are fun and easy, and step by step pictures ensure that even the most inept in the kitchen don’t mess up! We loved the easy to follow recipe for Chocolate Fudge, and don’t forget the Mango Ice Lollies, simply deelish!
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