~It's Nearly Over For Another Year!~

Well, it's nearly New Year and all over again for another year!  Time to think ahead to 2012 and the joys and challenges it will bring. I need to really have a concerted effort to get back into my cycling and circuit training (cheap exercise, no need for expensive gym membership) as I've not exercised for a few weeks now due to my back  - and also not wanting to venture out of hibernation. 
We've had a busy family Christmas, very enjoyable with lovely get-togethers, food and drink; but now I need to *step away* from the Fox's biscuits, Christmas cake, cheese, Prosecco and sloe gin and consider my expanding waistline.
We've had more shopping in York, with time for China Rose Petal tea at Betty's...


Little Betty's in Stonegate, York

I've had a clearout of my wardrobe and drawers (destined for the Sue Ryder shop) and done a little bit -very minimal amount-  of sales shopping as I am not a big fan of malls/shopping centres and the bad-tempered crush that they bring.
Crafting wise, I am still knitting wristwarmers...the ones for my brother's partner were only finished late on Boxing Day prior to her visiting on the 27th.  How rubbish am I?
My current project is these lovely ones...


I'll show them when they're finished.
All that wishes is to say Happy New Year to you all and see you soon on the other side in 2012! I'm going to have a think as well about resolutions - I want to make some changes this year and am determined to be determined!

~York Shopping & Cath Kidston treat~

Gosh it's cold this weekend. No snow here yet though; just a keen frost. Small Dog has needed his cosy jumper, even in the house...

I've treated myself to some new fleece welly liners from Seasalt - my favourite shop when I'm in Cornwall.

They were half price in the pre-Christmas sale - £7.50, free P&P and I got a free jute bag too. Free P&P is on until midday tomorrow (Monday 19th December) which is last chance to order for Christmas. My Festival Hunters are now 4 years old and have scrubbed up well for another year.  They've withstood allotment digging and are so comfy, even on long walks.

Yesterday we ventured into a twinkly and Christmassy York at 4pm - daughter L was at work and son J was at a party/sleepover - so it was just us two which is rare! We had some hot fruit punch from a street stall and wandered round the pretty streets ...



Minster Yard/Low Petergate,  York

...managing a decent stop-off in Cath Kidston in Stonegate, where OH treated me to this beauty...



Cath Kidston Carryall Bag - Stone Country Rose

It's a shopper, but big enough to use as an overnight bag. I love their pretty Christmas paper bags too.

Off now to do a bit of wrapping!

~Winding down for Christmas~

Catching up with reading lovely blogs and their beautiful seasonal photos just now makes me feel very cosy, smiley and festive - and a little guilty that I haven't done much in the way of festive posting.  To be honest, I haven't had much time spare due to work and home/family day-to-day stuff, but I finish work on Thursday for the Christmas break! Hurrah!
 I'm admiring nostalgic decorations on other blogs (especially at Beyond the Nook today).  My kitsch mini-kitchen tree is home to my thifted vintage baubles...

 ... unfortunately they're not family heirlooms; I only wish I had kept my Nana's Christmas stuff.

(Excuse the overflowing drinks trolley, by the way!)

My mantlepiece has been jollied up with a garland I've made by stringing together handmade vintage wooden decorations on garden twine.  My Mum gave me them this week to take care of...

I just need to do some hedgerow greenery-snipping this week and add the holly and ivy.
Fairy lights are everywhere, on mirrors, pictures, even in the downstairs loo!
I get them from Lights4Fun, a Yorkshire company based in Harrogate.
And I bought 2 tins of this gorgeous stuff...

Peppermint Bark...yum! Half price in M&S at £4.   Julie at Little Cotton Rabbits blogged about this last December and has a recipe for the homemade version here .  Yes, I really should have made it myself, but coveted the lovely reusable red tin it came in, which will be used to store my ribbons and buttons.

Have a lovely week everyone - I'm looking forward to Thursday evening when J will be singing at the Primary School carol service in the beautiful village church.