So, this is Christmas

I've been finishing off my wrapping today as more last-minute online purchases have been arriving through the post. I've also taken to wrapping up all mum's presents for her old-lady friends, which has been such a pleasure, because they're the sort of gifts that I wouldn't necessarily buy for my own pals, but they have such a steadfast, traditional loveliness about them (think tins of shortbread, packets of mint chocolate thins, floral notebooks and rose-perfumed toiletries). 

On in the background has been the last few episodes of Jamie's Family Christmas, which has fueled me with some festive food inspiration. I'm determined to have a go at his Mulled Cider idea, adding a vanilla pod to the mix, as well as his buttery roast potatoes and clementine-infused roast carrots. I also really want to make the Hairy Biker's Christmas Panna Cotta so I'll be jotting down some ingredients this afternoon. 

I've had several ideas for new directions I want to take my work in come the new year, because I've really not been happy with how some of my stuff's been turning out of late. Like, it's okay but it's not really indicative of what I feel I'm all about. And I think to make this happen, a lot of change is on the horizon. Time wasting is out (do I delete facebook and MySpace?) and good routines are in. With that in mind, I'm off to finish some designs I've been working on!