Countdown to Christmas || Day 1 || A Mess In A Dress

So here it is, Merry Christmas.  It’s the 1st of December and advent has finally begun! Let’s crack out the mince pies, mulled wine and festive tunes.  Today’s post is going to kill two birds with one stone. On one hand it will fulfil my monthly Life Lately post with a quick round up of November.  On the other hand it will serve as an introduction for my 2017 Christmas blog content.

So, let’s quickly review November:

LIFE

It’s been another pretty busy month.  Among other things we’ve crammed in a couple of bonfire/fireworks displays, Miss Mess went for her first official playdate with a school friend and last weekend both girls took part in a youth production of Elf the Musical!  (They made seriously cute elves!)

I did manage to sneak in a few early festive activities.  We paid our first (but certainly not our last) visit to see the new Christmas display at Chatsworth House and then finally, on Friday, I decorated our own house for Christmas.

BLOG

November was a bit of a rubbishy month for the blog.  I only posted four times!  Four! That’s useless!  I’ve been back in a slump and really struggled for motivation to sit down and write anything.  These dark nights aren’t helping. I just want to snuggle with my electric blanket and a good book, not do more work.

Over on Youtube, however, I’m starting to build up a little portfolio of videos on my channel.  My Chatsworth vlog has been particularly popular.  I don’t have any expensive equipment and the production quality is low, but I do my best with what I have.  Hopefully I’ll improve as time goes on.  I really enjoy making the videos and for me that’s what matters the most.

My 3 most popular posts for November were:

Chatsworth House 2017 Season | Friends of Chatsworth Membership Review

Oh Dickens It’s Christmas at Chatsworth House

Our 2017 Holiday Blogs || Day 6 || Afternoon tea at The Midland Hotel

LOOKING FORWARD

It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of Christmas and December is absolutely my favourite month of the year.  I’m really hoping that my love for this time of year will pour into my blog and give me a seriously needed inspiration boost.

The eagle-eyed among you will have noticed that the blog has a little festive makeover, featuring a fabulous new header by the lovely Jemma of Dorkface.co.uk. I did Blogmas last year and didn’t want to just repeat myself.  Instead, I’ve decided to publish a series called Countdown to Christmas, all about how we like to prepare for the big day in our house.

If all goes to plan this should include posts about gifts, baking, carol singing, decorating and many more Christmassy activities.  I also have some non-christmas content that I still want to get up sooner rather that later so somedays you may get more than one post.  (That’s a big “may”)  There may also be days where I miss a post, because let’s be honest, I’m not great at sticking to schedules.

Whatever happens I’m sure we’re going to had lots of fun and hopefully get right into the festive spirit.  I’ll see you again tomorrow for Day 2!