Tis the most wonderful time of the year

Mulled Berries and Roasted Nuts

Last night was market time in Bath.

Going to the Christmas market is a tradition we started when we moved here four years ago. It's great. Little huts wind their way around the cathedral and Roman baths stocked with an array of artisan treats and ; chocolate wine, handmade soaps, cave aged cheeses, the list is endless. And in amongst the wares are the food and drinks stalls. The aroma of mulled spices, caramel nuts and venison and wild boar burgers making everyone hungry.

After a hectic, and expensive, couple of hours finalising the purchase of our new ; I've never bought anything that cost so much money... we headed to Bath and the market.

We got there about 17:30. We knew it was going to be busy. It always is. But last night was a Saturday and it turned out Bath Rugby were playing, and finishing at 17:30 as well. It was packed. Crowds of people swamped the roads as we made our way in the car, swaying on their feet and bumping shoulders, and mindlessly stepping out into the streets in front of the traffic. I actually can't believe how stupid and obnoxious some people are once they've had a few . My patience isn't the best since being pregnant - is wasn't great anyway - it's worse now. The prospect of finding a parking space didn't look good, but we decided to try our at the first car park, which paid off as someone was leaving just as we turned the corner on the lower level.

Once we're wrapped up in scarfs and beanie hats, and donned our gloves we were ready for an evening of shopping and perusing in the crisp air. We couldn't resist the lure of the spiced drink, but opted for the non-alcoholic versions. It warmed us up as be strolled through the crowds. I was tempted by the waffles and pancakes but decided to be good, unlike Guy who succumbed to a Brockhurst roll. In the end I relented slightly and bought a packet of warm roasted nuts. It's not the Christmas market without roasted nuts.

There were so many things I could of bought for bump and lots of foods I wanted to try but can't at the moment due to the - I can't wait until next year.

I'm looking for a nice wreath this year. Something unusual. Up until this year we've always opted for a real fir wreath with dried oranges, limes, cranberries and cinnamon sticks, but it's messy and costs about £40, which is a lot for something that doesn't last. So I'm still on the look out. I've seen ones made of baubles, ones of dried fruit, even ones entirely of fabric but I haven't decided on one yet. I'm tempted to make one. I've seen classes advertised.

I did manage to find for both my dad and brother-in-law so the trip wasn't a waste. Only Guy to buy for now and I've already made a start. Guy on the other hand has only just asked what I want... I may be writing out a list for him tonight.

While we had a nice time I was a little disappointed. I'm not sure if it was just because my back started aching after the first 40 minutes, or the mass of loud drunken people who seemed to have no regard for the shoppers, some of whom were children, that were out trying to capture some magic. Their language left a LOT to be desired. It could have also have been the number of elbows I received as people made their way through the crowd... I was glad when we got back to the car. Next year we'll go during the day, in the week to avoid the crowds. I can't imagine it being fun with a buggy.

On the way home we stopped at the supermarket to pick up a few things for tea, where a new cookie cutters (a mitten shaped one) and a present for Guy may have slipped in the basket. I might be baking cookies tomorrow... I'm in the mood to bake.