Less than a week to December! There wasn't really any need to remind you of that though, was there? Because right about now everyone starts to be a little more aware of the date than usual, mostly expressed in deadlines - last posting day, days left of term, final order date for turkeys, grocery delivery slots. There's such a frenzied sense of countdown.
Which really renders the whole idea of Advent calendars pretty redundant for adults. When so much headspace is already dedicated to what needs to be shoehorned in before the big day. I think that is probably why hubby's beer advent calendar always goes down well, signifying as it does, a moment of reprieve from the responsibilities of real life. Yup, he's getting one again this year.
But what I really want to achieve in time for Christmas, is for my Toast style lifestyle to materialize. You know the one I mean - when the house is beautifully uncluttered with the personal treasues significant to us allowed to shine. When everything is orderly and I can enjoy the company of family and friends instead of rushing around doing my finest impression of a headless chicken. Where there are whole stretches of the day devoted to staring into the middle distance and pondering, whilst wearing cashmere.
So I've made myself an Advent calender, out of the flier that Toast kindly posted through my door on Saturday.
And over those little pictures of lifestyle desireability, I am going to stick bits of paper with the stuff I need to accomplish between now and the big day. The boring stuff like clean the microwave and finally get round to putting the halloween decorations back up in the loft and as I get them ticked off my to-do-list, I am going to remove the bits of paper and watch my perfect lifestyle emerge.
Think I'll make it by Christmas?
That is a brilliant idea. I might try and find a suitable picture of my own.
Posted by: Anna | 26 November 2012 at 14:15
I like that idea! I think though I need to up the ante on the decluttering to achieve it sadly. Hope yours goes well.
Posted by: Jane | 26 November 2012 at 14:19
What a fab idea! I have Christmas gift supplement envy every year - perhaps I could use a similar system but with pages from the Sundays? I often spend a couple of hours in Toast in Bath, just sort of hovering (not hoovering). I did buy a spotty swimsuit once.
Posted by: Janice | 26 November 2012 at 14:53
Toast -pah! I am too fat for Toast, their loss because if I weren't they might have the pleasure of my custom as it is Gudrun Sjoden is the lucky recipient of my money.
The approach of 1st December is of particular significance for me, and I think you Ali -or have I dreamt that?
Posted by: Sue | 26 November 2012 at 14:54
You can do it, Ali! Yeah, where is my toast lifestyle?
Posted by: Kirsten | 26 November 2012 at 14:56
That is the most inspired Christmas idea yet!
Posted by: Laura | 26 November 2012 at 15:20
That's so funny and utterly brilliant - I like your thinking.
Nina x
Posted by: Nina - tabiboo | 26 November 2012 at 15:45
Priceless. I got one of those too. Best use for it.
Posted by: Lucille | 26 November 2012 at 16:24
The beer advent calendar is an inspired idea. Sadly if I tried the Toast idea, I'd reach Christmas Day with a sheet of paper still covered in bits of paper unless my bits of paper were just labelled "Tidy up - remove this bit of paper". Good luck.
Posted by: Anne @GtSlamseysFarm | 26 November 2012 at 16:31
Love this idea! I'm an adult who can't say no to advent calendars, the old fashioned type, not the choc ones, as my gran always used to send me one in the post and now I'm grown-up I always enjoy choosing one - this year a postcard-sized one of a snowy Japanese scene. Enjoy your customized one!
Posted by: Diktynna | 26 November 2012 at 18:32
I'm doing that beer thing for the hub this year... Do you leave the stuff in a big box?
The boys' advent is in the making too. Not cans but cute paper bags this time.
And as for the Toast lifestyle.... sign me on for one too if you find the magic door key!
Posted by: monica | 26 November 2012 at 20:37
What a great idea, Ali - both your advent calendar and hubby's!
Even though we'll be having a very quiet Christmas this year there still seems a silly amount to do. I kicked off today by 'finding' the conservatory from beneath piles of cumulated stuff as that's where I'm planning to put the tree.
That's one step towards my own Toast home :o)
xx
Posted by: Lesley | 26 November 2012 at 21:03
I agree with Sue, good 'ol Gudrun's where it's at!
Love the Advent calendar idea though, but don't you think those Toast models always look rather smug!
Posted by: Annie @ knitsofacto | 26 November 2012 at 21:56
I regret to say that my house gets progressively more chaotic as we approach The Big Day. Is there a catalogue for that?
Posted by: Alice C | 26 November 2012 at 22:06
I thought everyone only put the Hallowe'en decorations back in the loft when the Christmas ones come out - is that not true? LOL
Posted by: Kate | 26 November 2012 at 23:18
This is awesome.
Posted by: Lynn | 27 November 2012 at 03:56
Aaah. The Toast lifestyle. I can but dream.
Posted by: rusty duck | 27 November 2012 at 10:43
Fantastic idea!
Posted by: Julia@kolo | 27 November 2012 at 10:46
What a fun idea -- you're brilliant as always! And good luck as your perfect life emerges! ;-D
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 27 November 2012 at 11:14
Yes, yes,yes!!! (And that goes for all of us too!) Now where is my list...
Posted by: Kim | 27 November 2012 at 12:37
No lists here - I know that the Co-op will be open on Dec. 25th...
Posted by: Toffeeapple | 27 November 2012 at 18:21
I had swottily put our Halloween decorations back in the loft but I keep finding things I hadn't put into the box...
I do not want a big list on my wall reminding me of all the things I haven't accomplished. I need a wine Advent calendar to help me forget!
Happy Days, Ax
Posted by: Magic Bean | 27 November 2012 at 21:19
Turkey deadline!! (thank you!).
I know the Toast thing is out of my reach - I'm a bit too keen on mismatched decorations and kitschy glitz.
I like the beer advent calendar idea.
Posted by: Helen | 27 November 2012 at 22:07
hi there!
what a fabulously simple and eco-friendly idea! ah, a Toast house, yes, on the wish list.
Posted by: Monica | 27 November 2012 at 23:55
You have great ideas Ali! I love the Advent calenders. I bet your hubby is looking forward to getting his one!
Posted by: Simone | 28 November 2012 at 17:42
Brilliant idea Ali. I am hoping in vain that when December begins things will maybe start to get easier.... I haven't turned the page this week on the wall diary as it was just too scary. I am muddling on. Adding to an already MANIC period is the FLOODING and BLOCKED ROADS. Yes water up the garden, yes move chickens into playhouse, yes guineas onto doorstep, yes drive the children to alternative bus route etc etc. Roll on this weekend. Advent = Exhibition, workshop and No 1 turns 14. Sorry ranting xx !
Posted by: Natalie | 28 November 2012 at 21:13
Ha -I too am aiming to accomplish some staring into the middle distance whilst wearing cashmere! Panicking in polyester is more likely though :(
Posted by: Jo Carter | 29 November 2012 at 10:02
Sounds good to me but in all honesty I am with the husband and the beer or at least something alcoholic as an advent calender.
Posted by: Mitzi | 29 November 2012 at 15:13
What a brilliant idea! I got that flyer too - I recycled mine. I know that my perfect life is far, far away, and even if it wasn't, it wouldn't take place in brown wool.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 03 December 2012 at 13:17