Farewell 2017...

So ends another year - and my, oh my, has it been a memorable one!

We laughed lots, and we cried.

We went to Amsterdam - one of our best holidays yet. It’s a city we both fell utterly in love with.

We ate lots of delicious food. Maybe too much at times?

We became tourists in our own country, exploring the Cotswolds, Oxford and London to name just a few.

The Black Dog paid me a visit. With the help of my amazing family and friends, psychological therapy and medication, I managed to get rid of him fairly quickly.

I turned 25 years old.

I fell even more in love with Mr Maggie May than ever before, which was convenient really, as we also became engaged to be married!

2017 has been an amazing year, but the next one is going to be even better!

Happy New Year - and thank you for continuing to read The Secret Life of Maggie May. Stick with me in 2018, as there are lots of exciting things to come...

The images in this post were taken by the wonderful Clayton Jane.

The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie, Cheltenham

One of my favourite things about the Christmas season is the opportunity to get dressed up for festive evenings out with friends and family.

So when we were invited to the launch party of The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie in Cheltenham, our answer was, of course, yes!

The Grade I listed Rotunda building in the town is a beautiful landmark, and one we have longed to step inside ever since we moved to the Cotswolds. Now, it's home to the latest addition to The Ivy collection.

Maggie's Christmas Gift Guide 2017

It's Chriiiiiiiiisssssstmmaaaaaaassss!

Which means it's time to get shopping, if you haven't already.

We're not doing too badly this year - I think I've got Mr Maggie May sorted, and some of the gifts for our nieces and nephews. We've still got our grandparents, godchildren, parents, aunts and uncles to buy for though...

If like me you've still got some present choosing to do, then fear not - my Christmas Gift Guide is here to help you! With a range of gifts for the most important people in your life, I reckon you'll be all done by the end of the week, leaving you with more time to put your feet up and gorge on mince pies.