Well, Christmas Day is over and I’ve fed, watered and entertained the relatives. When I was young Christmas was easy, nothing to worry about other than how I was going to wake up my parents at 5am so I could run downstairs to open my presents. Well, how things change! I now have my mum and my Grandma to stay and it’s down to me provide a dinner fit for a king. Well, one good enough to almost live up to my mum’s legendary yummy Christmas feast. I try to be as prepared as possible now, my first attempt was a real shock to the system…we had to set my alarm clock so I would wake up at some ridiculous time and go downstairs to begin cooking the turkey crown! Honestly, what is that about!? When did the transition happen that meant I suddenly had all the responsibility?

December has been lovely, we’ve seen a little snow fall, been on some lovely walks with the dogs and been out and about in Derbyshire shopping for presents and decorations. I consider myself incredibly lucky to be on the doorstep of Derbyshire, 20 minutes in the car and we’re completely surrounded by fields…it’s almost enough to make me forget how absolutely freezing it is!

My favourite event this month was Blackbrook House Food & Gift Fair, which was lovely and food was just delicious. I am addicted to mince pies and Christmas pudding and Blackbrook House make their own, so I treated myself and took home a pudding that was far too big for the two of us, but the smaller one was too small…it makes sense, better to have too much than too little I always say! Well, December wasn’t all about present shopping, I also found some new fabulous places for the website…

January will be an exciting, but very busy month for me. The website’s first event will be taking place on the 22nd January at Shottle Hall Country House Hotel. The fabulousplaces.co.uk Showcase is the first of many activities I have planned to support Derbyshire’s small independent businesses. The Showcase has been supported by some great names…Weleda (offices based in Ilkeston), Crips (scrummy crisps from South Derbyshire) and Dorset Cereals (not Derbyshire based, but they wanted to give their support to the event as many outlets in Derbyshire stock their yummy products). Each person arriving with an invitation will receive a free drink and will receive a ‘fabulous’ goody bag. I contacted some fantastic businesses to let them know about the event and they very kindly wanted to donate to the goody bags.

There will also be a fantastic raffle being held on the night and include:

• A night’s stay for 2 at Shottle Hall Country House Hotel (inc. Dinner & Breakfast)
• Limited edition teapot celebrating 200 Years of Denby Pottery
• Spa Day Risley Hall Hotel & Spa
• Facial at the Heritage Clinic, Belper
• Dorset Cereals hamper

My task now is to work like a trooper and make the evening as fabulous as possible! There will be lots of places there who are featured on the website. You’ll have an exclusive opportunity to browse an array of Derbyshire products, food, services and much more!

It’s absolutely free to come along, the more the merrier! To receive a free drink and goody bag, please click on the link below and request an invitation. Thanks!

For more information please visit www.fabulousplaces.co.uk/showcase.

With only 2 days left, if you haven’t already got a New Year’s Resolution, here are a couple of nice and easy ones to help you on your way:

Choose Local – say no to items shipped from halfway around the world and make a change to purchasing from local companies. An easy way to do this is to join us at the Showcase at Shottle Hall at 7pm on 22nd January 2009.

Recycle – this is an easy one, but it makes so much difference. For some easy green tips click here.