Hello, I'm not sure I'm going to make this a weekly feature but it's nice to do a quick round up when life is busy, and the time available for blogging is limited.

I've been getting that familiar feeling of melancholy again, I'm wondering if it's seasonal as it made it's presence felt this time last year too. I know it will pass but it makes a busy time feel like hard work.

Still, lots of nice things to focus on this week.

Going to work with my husband. Last Sunday I accompanied him as he drove around checking on things - pheasant feeders, grain heaps, beet loading - and we finished by taking a walk in a local wood. From the edge of the wood you can see the roof of our house in the distance, and he says it's one of his favourite places on earth.

Celebrating birthdays. My best friend, and Andy's best friend have birthdays 5 days apart, every year we get together to celebrate. Andy's friend prefers a curry followed by beer, and mine a lunch in a nice restaurant with stunning views. Time spent with friend's is never wasted, and it's something I should do more often.

Finishing my Christmas shopping. I don't like to leave things to the very last minute when it comes to presents, it stresses me out so it feels good to have everything sorted. Wrapping will begin next week. The tree goes up this weekend so it'll start to feel really festive (and hopefully so will I).

Receiving some lovely parcels in the post. Sophie sent me a beautifully wrapped gift this week, and I also received a parcel as a result of taking part in Jo's 12 Days of Christmas Swap. I took part last year too, the idea is that you open a present everyday starting on the 25th. It was really nice to have gifts to open after Christmas Day. And it's fun finding 12 little gifts to send off. I was partnered with April who makes some fabulous handmade cards. Also, I took part in Char's Blogger's Secret Santa and received a most delicious smelling parcel this morning - I can't wait to see what's inside!

Talking about resolutions. When asked I told of my desire to build a fruit cage in the garden and grow soft fruit, and to swap my chemical cleaners for the baking soda / vinegar / lemon variety. It surprised me as these thoughts hadn't manifested themselves before, they'd been whispers of thoughts, only fully forming when I was asked the question.

Also: Losing hours on Pinterest, reading Nella Last's War, designing a new logo for my freelance business, and watching The Holiday on repeat.

What have you been up to this week?