One of those entirely unplanned but perfectly lovely days.

Lazy lie-in then a spontaneous agreement to meet Michelle for a catch-up cuppa. I hadn't appreciated just how awful the weather was until I stepped outside! Still, I managed to avoid getting swept across Princes Street (though while crossing the road it was a close call!) and was very happy when I stepped through the Starbucks door.

I had met Michelle back in September and we both agree that this was no coincidence. However, life has got in the way and, although we see each other in church frequently, this was the first time we were really able to sit up have a chat. So over hot chocolate that's exactly what we did and it was lovely!

As I was in town I had a nosy in some shops which was largely unproductive but nice to see Edinburgh less busy than in recent weeks. Unsurprisingly the weather meant that most shops had only one or two doors in use so it was probably just as well.

This evening has been an enjoyable mix of baking and reading. One of my Christmas presents was a little spice crusher and having some eggs that needed using up seemed like the perfect excuse to try it out! As I have an abundance of pistachios in my cupboards now I looked up a recipe and came across one for raspberry, white chocolate, pistachio & cardamom blondies. Although I didn't have raspberries I did have cranberries and so it was straight into the kitchen with some music.

They didn't quite turn out like the recipe photos (do they ever?) but they are tasty, just the right balance of gooey, chewy and crunchy.

Over the holiday I made the most of various ebook deals, one such offer was a free (!) copy of Relationships: A Mess Worth Making. I have been reading it over the past few days and it is so far proving to be worth every penny I didn't spend! Really helpful book which is leaving me with lots to think about and begin putting in to practice.

In the mean time, bed calls! Maybe tomorrow's weather will permit a run..