1. A very happy birthday
On Saturday I turned 36 (36, man!) and had a lovely, lovely day. Cards and cakes and messages and wine and wonderful people meant I entered a new year on the planet feeling happy, lucky, and surrounded by love. I'm so fortunate to have the people I have in my life.
2. Gifting
I love organising Christmas presents and treats for people, so I am going full on elf at the moment. So lucky to be able to share the season!
3. Gilmore Girls
I both adored the four new episodes and had opinions about it all. I was very glad that both my favourite characters (Emily and Paris) were still awesome as ever, and still wanted to have a word with Rory (trust me, that's a whole other post!). I think I'll rewatch the quartet over the next few weeks and will no doubt spot plenty of new things to enjoy!
4. Northumberland fun
I had a nasty bout of stomach flu at the end of last month, which unfortunately meant that Matthew and I had to cancel our Christmas visit north to Scotland. I was heartbroken, but with a fever and poorliness I didn't want to be the person who got on a flight and made everyone ill! So Matthew and I will be planning extra visits north to my family next year instead!
I was grateful to be well enough by the next weekend for us to be able to visit Matthew's side of the family in Northumberland. We ate fish and chips in the sparkling cold of a Whitley Bay afternoon; saw a castle and enjoyed a splash of history in Bamburgh; and I braved the shopping crowds in Newcastle on a bustling Saturday to catch up with one of my dearest friends from my last school, Jo. It was so nice to be up north!
5. Yorkshire adventures
After a few days in Northumberland we drove down to Yorkshire to stay with our lovely friends Emily and Adam and their sweet doglets, Cooper and Digby. The visit was full of long chats, exploring, catching up with friends and delicious food. So good for the soul!
6. Visiting my new school
I'm very excited to be starting a new job in the new year. I rarely write about my work here, but I'm always open about the fact I'm a teacher and that I love teaching! If things get a little quieter on the blog in January it will be me readjusting to the teaching/writing/blogging/life balance. I am beyond thrilled to be returning to the classroom, I've really missed it!
7. Christmas goodies
When we lived in Germany, the Christmas goodies were a big part of the celebrations. So whenever I spot Bahlsen products in stores I have to pick up a few. We nibbled on Lebkuchen over the weekend and have a beautiful stollen to enjoy with tea next weekend. Yum!
8. The Shires
Last night Shona and I went to see The Shires in concert at the Shepherds Bush Empire. They were amazing! If you like good, soulful country, they are well worth a listen.
9. #TodayImGrateful
The divine Katie started the #TodayImGrateful hashtag on twitter a few weeks back, and it's truly a thing of beauty. It's so lovely to share the things I'm thankful for, and to see what's making everyone else happy too!
10. Christmas cheer
This part of the year is just magical. Twinkling lights, festive films, curling up...I love it. I hope you're enjoying the start of the festive season too!
Have a great week, all!
