Christmas shopping

 We have already done some Christmas shopping as we have had to post presents abroad. But there is something totally enjoyable about buying presents. 

Plasticine

 We found some plasticine, well not plasticine that I remember. The original mixture I seem to remember had a smell to it - linseed oil? But this modern version has no smell and is just as good if not better.

There is something quite theraputic about moulding it into various shapes.

Toffee or not toffee

 I used to enjoy going in to a Thornton's chocolate kabin not only for chocolate but my favourite - toffee.

Although the chocolates were great, particularly choosing single ones to make up a bag or box and the nougat casket was a fantastic treat, for me there was nothing to beat toffee. Whether original, brazil nut, nut and fruits, liquorice or more recently chocolate smothered.

I didn't like that it used palm oil/fat. Surely the recipe originally used butter? Was palm oil even around when Stanley created his recipe?

Thornton's has beentaken over by Ferrero but doesn't seem to be bringing back the variety or the shops.