Climb every mountain.

Succinctly put in the Sound of Music.

Sometimes you have to take each opportunity that comes your way and other times you just have to make things happen regardless. The last few weeks have been hectic and if I'm honest I think things had crept up on me more than I'd realised. On a spur of the moment thought a month ago we decided to book a weekend away for a little escape in the gloomy space between the last dregs of summer and Christmas. We love the Peak District for short breaks as the scenery and terrain is wonderfully undulating, so different from flat ol' Norfolk and yet it's within a convenient distance to drive for the weekend.

We hired a beautiful old cottage to spend three glorious nights over a long weekend. There is something so relaxing about sitting in front of a fire while the weather rages around outside. I brought books and writing paper, films and provisions and prepared for the worst; storm Abigail was set to hit.

Fortune prevailed and we found that we were able to get out for a good while. It did feel much colder than at home so I was thankful that my pessimism had insisted I take my hat, gloves and scarf. I also got my first opportunity to test out my new jacket from Mountain Warehouse which not only kept me warm but dry as well when the rain arrived. It's the Bracken 3 in 1 jacket in turquoise – such a gorgeous colour, but it also comes in purple and black too. It's down to £89.99 with the 50% off they are running at the moment,hurrah! The coat has a waterproof outer shell with a removal hood, then a warm inner lining which can be detached and worn alone, so there are 3 ways to wear it. As I prefer my coats to be more on the roomy side I always buy a size larger so I have plenty of space for baggy jumpers and the like underneath. My Merlin rucksack is also Mountain Warehouse and is now just £19.99 in the sale - I could buy one in turquoise to match my coat!

My most trusted Magnum boots kept me sure footed; they are the absolute best for ankle support and comfort, yet to find anything else that compares. Much to C's distaste I flatly wont wear le 'practical trouser', instead staying with the safer territory of a pair of skinny jeans. My super fun bobble hat is one I bought a few weeks ago in support of Masato's beanie collection campaign. They donate a beanie to a homeless charity for each one that is bought (you get to choose out of the four) (which I supported last year too). I bought this Masato snowstar beanie this time as I love the pattern and it's going to keep me warm and I feel guilt free as I know it will help keep someone else warm too this winter.

I'll share more from the weekend soon.

Sophie