I have had a quiet week this week and I wasn’t sure I’d even share anything today at all. But the short answer to things I’m loving this week is friends and family, especially my friends going through a tough time. This year can anyone really say that anything matters more than those close to us? I don’t think so.

I will never share anyone else’s personal story on my blog, but I couldn’t just post as normal without acknowledging it so that’s all I’m saying. But I am sending all the good vibes to those who need it, especially at this time of year.

Last year the run up to Christmas was absolutely manic for us, we didn’t sit down and relax until Boxing Day when we had a marathon of Harry Potter films. Good old Dumbledore popped into my head this week again.

So I am throwing myself into the slower paced Christmas this year and just praying we can see people at some point in December. 

I ordered some Christmas cushion covers and a new throw, bought more fairy lights, and another set of Winter Spice candles. If I have to spend all Christmas at home this year I’m going to enjoy being in it and so our tree went up yesterday too. 

I really hope we are in tier 2 when we come out of lockdown, I need to see people and I’ve already started planning some days out with friends again if we are.

The only blog post I shared at the start of the week was my guide to bringing the Christmas markets into your home this year. I will really miss Christmas trips to Edinburgh and York, I can’t remember a year where we haven’t gone to at least one of them. 

All week Kieran and I have walked Arthur with Joey & Pheobe (Kierans mum and sister’s dogs) as they’ve been isolating. The three of them together are absolutely manic but it’s been hilarious trying to cope with them all darting off in different directions. I keep saying it but aren’t dogs just the absolute best? 

I watched all of the new series of The Crown on Monday and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you haven’t watched it yet it’s so good put it on your list. I’ve also been watching more of Schitts Creek which although started a bit slow I just find so funny.

Driving along the coast on Friday night I spotted The Grand hotel have their trees up in the bay windows looking so festive and many other houses along there did too. I’m all for it get them up.

We got a taco takeaway from Lobo Rojo on the fish quay, including margaritas. Just like the first lockdown they were amazing, the best Mexican food in the north east IMO. 

Today we are going to Raby Castle for a walk, we were supposed to go last weekend but got rained off. We passed it when we went glamping in September and I’ve wanted to go ever since. I hope it’s cold, sunny and blows a few cobwebs away. 

Blog content should resume as normal this week if I can get my act together. I’ve also decided to do Blogmas which for anyone who doesn’t know is a blog post a day through December. I have so many coming that I might actually have to start before the 1st. 

That’s it for this week, stay safe and look after each other x