With the year drawing to a close, here at Dashing George, it is packing suitcases that seems to be the call of the day...and before the plane leaves tomorrow, I wanted to send you a video of Christmas wonder to fill that stocking hanging above the mantlepiece...I will be taking the rest of the year off to touch base with family and I wish you all the very best new year imaginable. If you are on the road, travel safely and if you are lucky to have those close to you nearby, then hug them with both arms and enjoy the festive cheer. Till 2017, my friends, take care and be good!

Picture Credit: wallpapersafari.com

I need something to lift the mist outside and what better than a picture of someone with enough charm to chase away any bad weather...say hello to Laura, a face spotted a few times already on my blog, but a face that manages to be different each and every time...with enough charm and personality, she lights up my screen when I am granted new pictures of her.

Photograph Credit: Lisa Knauer

Okay, so this HAS to be the perfect antidote to any Monday blues...let's face it, a beach holiday, or better yet, an island holiday, is the perfect way to while away the hours...thank you, to my cousin, Romy, in all her fabulousness, who allowed me to publish this picture, which does make me miss my Thailand holiday...and with 3 degrees outside, I am indeed envious of this little mermaid.

With a difference in temperature of over 30 degrees, I say a warm hello to you all, despite the frosty weather outside. It has been a wonderful holiday where all the right boxes were ticked: great location, friendly service, pristine beaches, warm hospitality, delicious food and a pool to die for (the longest saltwater pool in Thailand) All other pools will dwarf in comparison, unfortunately. I am glad to say that the batteries are recharged, especially as I had the rare luxury of being able to read a stack of books. Now, it is back to the swing of daily life, but with the festive season, I have Christmas cheer in my home and heart, much to the annoyance of my neighbours, I am sure...so, hello from Switzerland where we have minus 2 degrees...and now to get into more editorial work so that you have some streetstyle to look at! Have a great weekend...