Three things I learnt at the hairdresser's.

I've got a day off today. Hurrah! I popped into my hairdresser to see if there was any chance of a cut and blow-dry today or tomorrow - and was told she could fit me in in about 15 minutes, if I'd like to wait.

Excellent! So I sat and read a Good Food magazine. And I have learnt three things -

Firstly that, although stollen topped mince pies sound wonderful, four of them together would contain a whole day's worth of calories...

Secondly that there are some things in life that I am never likely to need - I am never going to have the lifestyle that would require me to use place-holders on my table so that guests know where to sit. Any guests would already know to sit within reach of the food...

Thirdly that there are some gifts that could be a step too far for some people; you can buy someone a rare-breed piglet and they will receive regular pictures of it and can go and visit it regularly - you know, like sponsoring a tiger-cub or whatever. But once their piglet reaches a certain weight it then comes to them - in a series of nicely packaged portions ready for the table or the freezer...