Christmas: 83 days to go

83 days ‘til Christmas. Let the games begin! If we’ve learnt anything over the past 9 years, it’s that Christmas starts in October here at Jonny’s Sister. Although it comes at the same time each year and no matter how much we like to try and prepare ourselves, we’re never ready!

With 20 days and counting, we’re soon to be moving our studio to a new location (blog post on the way- keep your eyes peeled!). At Christmas we have our lovely little handmade gifts coming out of our ears and are sick of the sound of jingle bells by December 1^st. But this year we will be ready. Although October has only just begun we have already started preparing; finalising our exclusive Christmas range, mass producing gift cards and gathering the troops!

Here are a few shots from last year- look at poor old postie trying to squeeze those all prezzies in!

Famous for a day by Jane

The week before last I was invited up to 10 Downing Street as part of a team of small businesses to discuss ways that the government can help us. Apart from being hugely flattered, I had never been to Number 10 and was dying to see inside. After meeting up with everyone at the Horse Guards Hotel (lovely hotel so long as you don't get landed with the bill) we all trooped over to Number 10. We all felt very smug as we filed past all the tourists and through the gates, all desperately trying to look as though this was 'just another meeting with Dave'!

As you go through the door, you realise just what a huge building it is. Full of wonderful antique furniture and paintings. In fact in one room they have 2 Turners over a fireplace.

The meeting was very good, some excellent points were raised and we really felt that they were listening. After the meeting we had a tour of the place which was a mixture of beautiful formal rooms and old rooms that hadn't seen a lick of paint since Gladstone.

We managed a pic outside with Daniel Korski (Special Adviser to the PM) which was good as we were originally told that it might not be possible. Sadly I look like Daniel's mother who dropped by on her way to the shops!

All in all a great day and fingers crossed that some of our suggestions are put into action.