All I want for Christmas...

One of the #BEDN topics asked about what I'd like to find under my Christmas tree this year.

At this time of year I tend to struggle when deciding between things that I want and things that I actually need, but this year I think I've asked for more things I'll use over and above pretty things I want just because they are pretty... or sparkly... or shiny.

To get me moving - running trainers because I WILL start running again. These are trail trainers so would give more grip than my current ones. I run off road and when it's wet I slip all over the place (as if I don't look enough like an idiot when I'm running).

New Balance Minimus

To splash - because we can't be sure that it'll snow but we know it's going to rain... my first instinct when it rains is to reach for my wellies but they're not always practical for shops, supermarkets etc and not the easiest things to drive in either.

Timberland Earthkeepers

To find my way - I really dislike getting lost. Even though I print out Google directions to unknown destinations, I find that a lot of country roads don't have street name signs so my printed directions are often rendered useless.

TomTom Start 25 M Sat Nav

My final wish doesn't fall under the need category - no where near in fact - but I do like to have a choice when it comes to watches. And if looked after properly a watch will last for years.

Fossil Georgia Cuff Watch or Fossil Delaney Watch

I'd also like it to start snowing gently on Christmas Eve at round 8pm. Every year since I was little I look out the window hoping that I'll wake up to a perfectly white Christmas.

What are you wishing for this Christmas?

Love

A Winter Wardrobe

Having recently added some great pre-loved knitwear to my wardrobe and I think I'm just about ready to declare I have everything I need to see me through the cold months ahead. In total I spent £48 on nine charity shop items, which is an absolute bargain for a new season.

I was a little unsure about this cape when I got it home because the arm slits just looked like huge tatty holes, so with a little wool and even less knitting know-how tried to fashion some contrasting pocket edges.

I failed and so I did what every self respecting woman does when she doesn't know what to do... I called on the talents of my Mum - the knitting aficionado. True to form she did a fabulous job and has transformed this cape from 'ho-hum' to 'holy crap that's fabulous!' or at least I think so anyway...

Cape, £2.50 from Barnardo's  |  Top, charity shop  |  Jeans, Gap  |  Boots, New Look  |  Pockets by Mother

Not only do they improve the look of my cape they are also act as rather nifty draft excluders, making this all the more cosy. Winner!

You'll notice that I'm not wearing a hat today, thankfully I was able to lift my left arm up enough to wash my hair over the sink (this will only make sense if you read yesterday's post). It's a little tricky to do one handed (especially with your less dominant hand) but I managed. When it came to drying it one handed, I hung my head upside down and blasted the roots, then I brushed it though and left it to air dry. It doesn't look too bad considering.

What do you think to my cape make over?

Love

BEDN The End

You know that I love a challenge but BEDN (Blog Everyday in November) beat me, just like BEDM (May). I think that 21 posts in a month is pretty good going for someone that doesn't ordinarily post everyday, and it's an improvement on my efforts in May, so I'm chuffed. For me BEDN didn't end with a thoughtful, well written summary, it just fizzled out quietly - illustrated neatly by the fact that I'm posting this two days late. I enjoyed it none-the-less and I'll still be posting some of the topics from the month, albeit rather late! And keep an eye out for the new blogs coming soon to my blogroll, discovered thanks to BEDN.

Today I'm joining in with Megan and Nora's Monday Inspiration. I can't believe that I don't own a grey roll neck jumper - not that I need anymore winter woolies. But I might see if I can find a pattern to knit myself one. After talking about knitting for BEDN I've had a hankering to get my sticks out again and at the rate I knit it'll probably take me until next year to finish it.

I love this poncho, I've had it for about three years now and every winter it comes out to keep me warm. I find it really nice to wear over layers without adding yet another layer to my arms - I hate the bulky feeling that comes with one layer too many, but at the same time I don't do cold. Warmth always wins. I am one of those people who sees a girl wearing a short skirt (no tights!!) and no coat on a night out and starts mumbling about her 'catching her death'.

Do you like my shoes? They're from Next and are fast becoming my favourite pair, more interesting than a plain black pair and the sequins are subtle enough make them perfect for day or night. Super comfy too.

I also added a hat to the outfit, it's a new hat - I wanted to wear it - but more than that, after hurting my shoulder at the weekend I can't get my arms up high enough to wash my hair (not without quite a lot of pain anyway). I can't turn to my right or sit in one position for too long either. Fingers crossed I'll be more flexible tomorrow. If not, I'm going to have to get Andy to do it for me and I know that will end in an argument or one or both of us being drenched. Probably all of those things.

Hope you're having a good Monday.

Part of #BEDN hosted by Elizabeth and Inspiration Monday hosted by Two Birds.

Love