Things I have loved this December

Y Riding in the first carriage in the Parisian metro. If you stand behing the driver's window, you can just make out the tracks, tunnels, and approaching stations. An eerie and lovely feeling.
Y Paris, generally. I was lucky enough to go twice this month, and loved it both times! The Christmas market at the Sacré-Coeur was beautiful.
Y Making my own presents for colleagues - a real nice, rewarding thing to do!
Y Staying in a lot for the last 10 days. It's so good to be home, read, and recharge the batteries whilst simply watching the Christmas tree.
Y Finding unexpected bargains in the sales in the last couple of days. Is it me, or is it really worth it this year? Driving past a Lush shop today, I couldn't believe it, they also seem to have sales on, which I think they never did before...might have to go!

Y Anticipating the start of 2012, a big year to come...

Season's greetings from Paris

A small gift to you all: enchanting pictures from Paris earlier this week. I hope everyone has a fabulous Christmas.

This year the Galeries Lafayette went for a rock 'n mode theme, as reflected in their windows.

I felt like a child watching them for ages! The Galeries were fabulous, but nothing came close to Le Printemps, with not only their still windows but also their automated ones dedicated to Chanel in general, and to Karl Lagerfeld in particular...beautiful!

I really like this last one, with its blurry impressions between real and fake Paris. The christmas market on the Champs-Elysees was pretty too...shame about the rain!

A twist on traditional lavender bags

You have to hate winter for the poor light you get in the house this time of year! But these little birds and bags have been a pleasure to make over the last fortnight - not to mention I finally got rid of scraps of fabric I just couldn't bear seeing anymore. I left them in a little basket at work with an honesty box. Most were gone in a couple of hours, with colleagues telling me how very nice they were. Now that's a warming feeling when it's starting to snow outside ;) 

Christmas pouches

Only a few days of work left before the big break - can't wait! I bet you are all waiting for the holidays too, no? This year, due to a serious lack of time and organisation, I have only had time to sew together a few bits and bobs for my esteemed colleagues. Nothing fancy, just a selection of chocolates and nougats from France in a red Cath Kidston fabric bag. They looked cute together that I couldn't resist snapping a quick picture of them. But I wonder, what does everyone do for Christmas for their colleagues? It is the only time of year I do something, and I kind of feel a responsibility to "produce" something in certain people's pigeon holes, but finding the right thing to give is not always easy. What do you all think?

Little pouch bags

Here's some of the things I've been up to in the last few weeks. I have to say that I've not been anywhere near as productive as I meant to be. But to break the routine we've had people over every weekend for the last three weeks, so there's not been much time available.
Not to mention that we bought the Millenium movies after hearing so much good about the adaptations. To be honest, they are quite entertaining but, as always, not too faithful to the original story. And who on earth decided to cast that woman as Erika B? I pictured a sexy woman with my big blond hair and a killer dress sense. Bit disappointed on this one. Then there's Mikke himself, supposed to be this Adonis whom no lady can resist...and all we get is this not-so energetic man. Charming, granted, but not irresistible.
Anyway, back to business now: I have completed a handful of pretty pocket pouches, who are awaiting a new home for January 2012. There are still two on the way, and a couple of extra things I haven't quite finished yet.

Cutest poodle fabric from Toto in France

If you are lucky enought to have a beautiful Advent calendar, I really REALLY envy you. This year I have been through and through London trying to find a pretty one like in Berlin, but it was not to be. Snifff. Oh well, I guess it's all for the good cause of trying not to get obese before I fit into Ya certain dressY next year...can't wait to share that with you in a few months' time!