Sundaze 266: Marrakech, our anniversary and feeling festive
Happy Sunday, my loves!
It feels so good to actually have a moment (and the writers’ urge!) to sit down and write a Sundaze post. For a few weeks, I simply didn’t feel like myself and felt zero urgency to share much at all online. If you follow me on Instagram, though, you’ll know that that’s slowly starting to change. I’m happy about it! My online community are just so kind and lovely, and it’s nice to be back in the swing of things a little bit. I’ve genuinely missed being here more often and, well, I’m a ‘90s kid, I’m of the oversharing generation.
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For starters, I can’t believe that it’s December. Autumn raced by this year and I’m really glad in a sense that I was so offline and that I really made the most of my favourite season. From cosy nights by the fire with a book to snug pub afternoons with friends, I think this was the first year in a long time that I’ve felt really balanced, happy and content.
One final trip for the year… to Marrakech!
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My boyfriend and I have just returned from a little break to Marrakech. It was our final trip of the year, and all to celebrate our two-year anniversary! We spent a day exploring the souks, wandering Bajia Palace and the Secret Garden, and absorbing the grandeur of Koutoubia Mosque, then another checking out El Badi Palace, Ben Youssef and La Jardine Majorelle. Then, we spent our anniversary evening out in Agafay Desert, moon-gazing, eating traditional Moroccan food and singing Berber campfire songs. Like our one-year anniversary trip, I don’t think I’ll share a blog post about the visit here, but I’ve shared a few snaps over on Instagram.
Celebrating two years together
Of course, Marrakech was our proper anniversary celebration, but I also took us away to AIRE Ancient Baths in London for a treat. This has become one of our favourite spots and traditions: seven baths and we also add in a couples’ massage. It’s a real ‘treat’ sort of place, but one that we’d totally recommend. After a busy year full of Life, it’s been so special to spend the last few weekends celebrating together.
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Feeling oh so festive
Having landed home to -2°C weather and dressed-up Christmas trees at the airport, I am feeling oh so festive now! I adore autumn, but the festive season hits differently. We’ve had endless work parties! On Friday evening, my sister and I cooked a Christmas party food feast, watched The Holiday and put up our family Christmas tree, which was the most fun! It’s always one of my favourite nights of the year.
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Then, my boyfriend and I visited our local farm shop to choose our annual baubles, then put up his Christmas tree on Saturday night. You could pretty much hire me for all of your tree-decorating needs by now, friends! And, as we speak, I’m trying not to fall asleep after a Chai family Christmas lunch out at our favourite country pub. I can barely hold my smiles in from such a packed, festive weekend!
Don’t forget to book your cervical screenings
Lastly, before I fully sink into my Sunday nap, I had my cervical screening/smear test/pap smear yesterday morning. It was another speedy appointment and I’m very grateful for the easy access we have to these. After last year’s abnormal results and subsequent colposcopy appointment, I had to have another sooner than the usual three-year recommendation, but I couldn’t be more thankful for it. To all of my readers with a cervix, please remember to book in for yours – it’s so important.
Links I’ve Loved
- Enviroline Blog has shared nine clutter-free Christmas gift ideas, in lieu of a gift guide, and I love all of the options!
- My friend Kristabel is talking all about renting in London.
- And my beloved A Cup of Jo shared a gift guide for friends – I want everything.
- 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before a Career Move via The Everygirl
How was your week? And how has life been lately? I’ve missed you!