I'd hoped to post more than once this week, but life got in the way. Workwise I've got more work to do than is acceptable at this time of year (don't people know I just want to sit about reading and eating mince pies?!), I'm trying to decorate (yeah I know, really bad timing), we're preparing for some new french doors to be fitted, and a new pergola to be built, and then there is Christmas to organise. Although on that front I'm almost done, just a few last minute bits and pieces to finish.

I'm feeling brighter this week, the dull haze of melancholy has lifted and I'm feeling quietly festive.

Here's what I've been up to -

Having a follow up appointment for my allergy tests. I'm very pleased to say that I'm no longer allergic to dairy (with the exception of butter but I'm going to treat that after Christmas), and alcohol (hurrah!). I'm also going to tackle my allergies to diesel fumes, cat and dog hair, house dust mites, and sugar.

I'm now able to start introducing dairy and alcohol back into my diet but I'm doing so very slowly, I'm a little bit worried that too much, too soon will trigger a reaction and I'll have to start all over again, but I'm pretty sure that feeling will disappear the moment I'm in the same room as a piece of brie.

Loving wrapping paper with grids on the back - isn't this a revelation! I love it, it makes wrapping so much easier, why did it take so long for someone to have this brainwave? All wrapping is done, but I'm pretty sure I'll be roped in to help do Andy's for him.

Decorating our Christmas tree. I love the day we get our tree. Andy and I go out together to choose it and then I spend a few hours getting the lights and decorations just right. It takes a few cups of tea, a film on the TV which I largely ignore, and when I'm done I sit back and admire my efforts, moving things slightly until I'm satisfied that 'it's better than last year'.

Opening my secret Santa parcel. I caved and opened it early, it just smelled so tantalising! I discovered the aroma was created by a handmade goats milk and lavendar soap, and two scented candles - one White Lily and Peony, the other a Yankee Candle Christmas Pine.

My Secret Santa was Gemma from Lipsticks and Lashes, and she created a pamper night in a parcel for me. Along with the scented goodies I received a homemade hot chocolate that I just need to stir into hot milk, a fluffy pen, and a book for making lists (I do so enjoy a list!). Thank you Gemma - it's all lovely x

Watching The Jane Austen Book Club over and over, and adding the books mentioned in the film to my Amazon wish list, namely The Left Hand of Darkness and The Lathe Of Heaven by Ursula Le Guin, and The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe.

Also: wondering where the time is going / straining and adding sugar to my homemade elderflower gin / soaking the fruit for my hot toddy fruitcake aka my Christmas cake.

What have you been doing this week?