Weekend Ritual #10

With just five weekends left until Christmas, and Halloween well and truly behind us, it's time to get our festive hats on and start compiling wishlists, planning parties, and keeping Mr Kipling in business (the best mince pies IMO). The Christmas markets opened in Manchester on Friday, and the city already resembles a winter wonderland, with log cabins, fairy lights, steaming mugs of gløgg, chestnut roasting stalls, and pine trees as far as the eye can see.

Deck the halls indeed!

In true autumn/winter spirit Danny and I plan on starting our Sunday off with a walk in the park - a Christmas soirée is on the agenda for December and I'm intent on decorating the flat in festive log cabin style, so pinecones are a necessity.

This afternoon is ALL about snuggling up on the sofa in my chunky Whistles knit, lighting a gazillion candles, glugging down hot chocolate, and trawling The Outnet/Space NK/ASOS for gift list inspiration ('one for you one for me'-style).

After a series of late nights at work I'm psyched to spend what remains of my weekend in full-on relaxation mode ; candles, face mask, bubble bath, the whole shebang. That little DIY project I mentioned a few weeks back? Check out the finished result above ; a bath bridge created by yours truly, which I am VERY excited to put into action tonight.

+ My latest article for A Little Opulent is live, so for a rundown on all things cream, head on over. + + Another one for the MUST BAKE list : chocolate & vanilla cheesecake bars c/o The Lovecats. + + + Jen's blog is really leading the way in a new field of content creating and advice. Every post brings something different, fresh, and original to the table. I adored her post this week on writing for your friends and not for your critics - definitely one of the most valuable lessons a writer can learn. + + + + Bridie (who gave us some stellar beauty recommendations in this post) has joined the world of blogging - four posts in and I'm already adoring MAISON ELLIS (so will you). + + + + +  Whilst women's place in history is definitely gaining more attention within academic circles, it hasn't garnered quite as much attention in the media. I was delighted to see this piece on women's roles during the war feature in The Guardian. + + + + + +  If your Christmas list needs beefing up and you fancy spending your Boxing Day with your head in a book (I personally wouldn't have it any other way), then Vogue have compiled a list of festive-worthy fashion favourites.

Whatever you're up to this FINE weekend I hope you have a wonderful time!

G x

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