HAPPY WEEKEND.....

.....and getting in a festive mood!

Via: Pinterest

It's Friday! 

Such a great feeling having the anticipation of the weekend stretching out in front of us all.  

Last week of November already,  and we are heading at full speed to one of my absolute favourite times of the year!  My birthday is at the beginning of December, and I always endeavour to use this as my deadline to get everything prepared for Christmas by this date....presents bought and wrapped, cards written and sent, menus planned....so that I can feel calm and organised, free to enjoy the socialising, carol concerts, pre Christmas cooking and just soak in the festive atmosphere, because I almost think that the December run up to the big day itself, is almost more enjoyable!  Some years, I have of course had the inevitable client design projects that have had a manic Christmas deadline, but at least with everything else under control, it helps keep the stress levels at bay!  This year, I am pleased to say, everything feels a little more paced.

I am a great fan of shopping online, as I know many of you out there are too, so that is where I have done the bulk of my Christmas shopping....trying to avoid the dreaded 'High Street' and usually finding some more original and unusual gifts.  As regular readers will know, I also visited the fabulous 'Spirit of Christmas Fair' at London, Olympia the other week with my daughter, which is always an enjoyable way of finding something special.  Tomorrow I plan to go to one of my other favourite Christmas shopping destinations, 

'The Wealden Times Midwinter Fair'

which is held in the grounds of Bedgebury Pinetum, near us here in Kent, which is a great place to find something a little bit different amongst the array of stallholders....along with beautiful vintage interior stalls and a food marquee showcasing the best of our local artisan food producers which is a great opportunity to stock up with edible Christmas goodies.  It will also be a lovely morning to catch up with my sister and mother, who will be joining me!  I look forward to sharing the Fair with you, after the weekend. 

How do you like to do your Christmas shopping?  Do you have any favourite suggestions?  I would love to hear!

Wishing you a very happy weekend.....

Sophia xx