Monday 30 December 2013

Gifts

If you asked I'd probably say I'm not very materialistic. There's not much in life I feel I need or want. Designer names don't mean much to me and I'm just as happy with a good charity shop find as I am a luxury item.
 
 
I had a lovely selection of Christmas gifts ranging from garlands to ribbon, chocolates to wine and I was equally thrilled with all of them... getting a present is fun whatever it might be. But this year I received something very special, something I've thought I would like for quite some time...

 
This beautiful shiny red mixer from my eldest son Ben. I know that getting a kitchen appliance might not be everyone's idea of the ideal gift but I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled and taken aback I was. It came wrapped it a lovely big parcel that he'd carried up on the train from London... and I just LOVE it! And it's shiny... and red... and it made me feel like a child getting a brand new toy. And much as though I feel done with cooking for the time being, I had to put it to the test...

 
It made a very good clementine cake!

 
Did I say how much I love it? Did I mention that it is very shiny... and red! And for the cynics on Facebook who suggested there were ulterior motives... Ben doesn't even live with us. But you can be sure I'll bake him cake when he comes to visit! Thank you Ben... I really do love it!!!
 
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Still time to leave a comment on this post. The draw for the giveaway will stay open until midnight tomorrow.

31 comments:

  1. We all know how much you love to bake Gina so I can imagine how exciting it was to get that amazing present. What a clever, thoughtful son for buying it for his Mum. That's not a kitchen appliance, that's definitely a toy!
    V xxx

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  3. I totally get that you are axcited about the mixer!
    I am home at holiday at my parents, and they bought a mixer some months ago.
    And it is awesome:) I use it as much as I can while I am at my parents. It can do everything - It got tons of accessories. So handy!

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  4. What a fab present - and what a thoughtful son you have. Your cake and your turkey pie below look so delicious. x Jo

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  5. Fabulous Gina - and red too!
    I have a 30 year old Kenwood but it still works so well I can't justify replacing it!!

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  6. A perfect gift for you, Gina!

    And yes, it is VERY shiny and VERY red!!

    xx
    ps I made a clementine and almond cake this week - absolutely delicious and it didn't last long!

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  7. I'm fortunate I have a nice shiny mixer, but I was just as excited as you to get one. Of course there are ulterior motives, a good mixer will last a long time and guarantee many a cake - can't say as I blame him really :) with cakes as good as yours

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  8. What a fabulous gift your son Ben has brought you, Gina! Isn't it grand that a piece of machinery could also be a beautiful design...shiny and red. Fantastic.

    May I also mention that the clementine cake looks rather delicious?

    Happy 2014 to you and yours. xo

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  9. Wow -- your Ben knows you well. It's beautiful Gina! I suspect it will be a treat for us too -- will we see more beautiful baked goods in the new year? ;-D

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  10. ooh my gosh Gina, I can imagine you were very excited to receive your lovely red mixer and what a smashing son you have! well - you just can't afford to fail on the baking front now can you? lol

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  11. Love your new red mixer, enjoy using it! Happy New Year!

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  12. I'd be thrilled too and Ben knew you would put it to good use. My trusty old Kenwood, which my husband bought me 38 years ago, is still going strong though it doesn't look nearly as glamorous as your lovely shiney red one.

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  13. Sometimes our kids really do surprise us , well done Ben for knowing your ma so well.

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  14. Me likey very much! And love that your boy and not the courier brought it to you.

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  15. Its red and beautiful and will get so much use. A son who knows you well.

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  16. Like you, I don't give to receive and I'm not that worried what I have but I can't deny that I totally understand what it feels like when you get something, from someone special, who really knows you and has put the thought into what to give you. I really 'get' the passion for the mixer Gina. I feel sure we'll be seeing the fruits of its labours on these pages in 2014!

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  17. A red mixer - fab and useful!!

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  18. Red mixers go faster! Your Ben sounds like a generous fellow and obviously loves his Mum xxx

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  19. A fantastic present, I would have loved it too. Happy Baking! X

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  20. What a lucky lady - anything red and shiny is always nice, but when it creates yummy food, its even better! Enjoy with gusto.

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  21. What a fabulous toy and such a special gift from your son I'm sure it'll make you smile every time you use it.

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  22. That looks like a very smart mixer! I know you'll put it to good use :-)

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  23. Fabulous gift. I can see that getting plenty of use.

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  24. A shiny red mixer might even get me baking, what a beauty. Looks as if Ben had one of those "I saw this and thought of you" moments.

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  25. You have clearly brought up your children to be thoughtful and generous people. I hope mine turnout as considerate when they are big. Happy New Year! Ax

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  26. Who cares if there was an ulterior motive - I think it is a wonderful present and I am very envious as I only have a (very good) hand mixer. Happy New Year to you and yours

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  27. That mixer looks like a great compromise for a non-label girl who requires a luxury item!

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  28. Red? Shiny? - a real Ferrari of a gadget! Happy New Year to you xxx

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  29. What a lovely and practical gift. Happy New Year Gina
    twiggy x

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  30. What a fantastic gift - it is wonderful that your Ben knows and loves you soo much to know the exact right button when giving you a gift. Lucky you on having him as a son and the red mixer which I admit to coverting!

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