Doings, Makings & A Christmas Giveaway

The Mr and I have completed our Slimvember challenge, where we had decided to cut out snacks of the biscuit, cake and chocolate variety, plus a reduction in our wine intake. We're not heavy drinkers at the best of times but we realised we were having a glass or two of wine nearly every night. We have both lost a good few pounds and are keeping up with our revised habits. I've been trying out a few different recipes too, which I'm glad about as I do get so bored with cooking the same things. I usually cook from scratch and try to use up anything lurking in the fridge. Yesterday it was cod loin with roasted veg and mashed potatoes. I used some herbed olive oil that I had saved from our little pack of olives we had earlier, delicious. I recently also made a superb Scandi style salmon soup with veg and fresh dill. We scoffed it all before I thought to take a pic, next time we have it I'll post the pictures with the recipe. You will thank me, ha ha. My Christmas tasks are going well and I feel that this year it has felt very pleasurable finding gifts for folks. I decided not to buy an expensive wreath this year for us, which I normally can't wait to put on our door. Instead I used some dried hydrangea heads to embelish the felted heart door wreath I have on the door all year round. I'm pleased with it and it has saved some money too.

And finally I'd like to present a Christmas giveaway to all my followers, why not? Adam Wide inspired me to recently buy a couple of Christmas Tree brooches and I'd like to gift one of them together with the most mystical book by an author who I have only recently discovered, Mary Webb. Her writing style is of it's time and quite unique, very immersive and a a wee bit strange.

If you would like to be entered into the giveaway just let me know in the comments section please, don't be shy and I'll endeavour to pick a winner and send it off in time for the Christmas festivities.