It's December! The Marmite of all the months, but I most certainly love it. It still feels like Autumn here in Cornwall as I haven't seen a drop of snow anywhere and it's been firmly above freezing point. Despite the mild weather, December has been as magical as ever so far...
One: Decorating the Christmas Tree.
This year I got to have my first ever real tree. We went for a potted tree so that we can bring it in every year and watch it grow and grow. We picked a little tree from the nice-smelling varieties at
Bodmin Nursery. It fits just perfectly in our little living room in the cottage.
I didn't want any tinsel or sparkly stuff on our tree because it's not really my style. Instead we went for a shabby-chic/nature look and opted for a mismatched effect, buying ornaments from different places. I got a couple of
Gisela Graham ornaments from a cute shop in St Austell and the Gingerbread men were from
The Clementine in Fowey. I really liked the variety in
Wilko and bought the floral baubles and leaves from there. The Christmas bunting was an ebay find and we topped the tree with a willow star from the
Eden Project Shop.
Two: In fact, all things Christmasy!
Ryan's Mum has been here in Cornwall all week so we have been doing the touristy rounds with her which has been really fun. Everywhere has pulled out their Christmas programmes so there has been plenty of new things to see and do. The
Lost Gardens of Heligan had a reindeer trail and a postbox where you could write letters to Santa. As well as Christmas crafts, Heligan are also offering free entry on certain evenings to see their Christmas lights. As an Eden employee I can get people in for free (one of the many perks) so we obviously had to check out the
Enchanted Rainforest! Eden always has one event or another happening so I like to wander round and see whats happening now and again. It was awesome to see the reindeer and witness the bizarre sight of snow in the rainforest.
Three: Winter Drinks.
I am a massive fan of hot drinks and can't get though the day without a cup of tea. Now is the time to put down the Pumpkin Spice Latte and opt for a Gingerbread or Toffee-nut flavour instead. I've already had myself some mulled wine and spiced apple this year and I'm sure there will be plenty more! You can try and make your own
mulled apple juice using this recipe from BBC GoodFood. Innocent drinks also have a recipe in their
Hungry book for a warm spiced milk that is perfect for bedtime.
Four: Winter Walks.
I love going for walks any time of the year because there is always something beautiful to behold. It has been gorgeous round here with plenty of Winter sun! We have been making the most of the lack of rain/snow and getting out and about to plenty of different places. As most families do, I usually go for a Boxing Day or New Years day walk. I love wrapping up warm and feeling the cold bite on the end of my nose.
Five: My Birthday
Yes, I am one of those irritating people that have a birthday really close to Christmas. Though it's not quite as bad as my Uncle who was born on Christmas day! It's a bit of a tradition to go to the cinema for my birthday because there is usually something awesome out.. this year it's the final part of the Hobbit!! As my birthday falls on a Monday this year, I've asked Ryan if we can have a day out in Totnes, checking out the markets and unique shops, the weekend before. Usually I come up with a list of things I'd like for Christmas and I have money for my birthday that can be spent throughout the year so I might spot something I like in Totnes. Most of my birthday money has already gone on this gorgeous
Seasalt waterproof coat. It's hanging up outside my bedroom door and I just can't wait to wear it!
