Enjoy this next couple of weeks: it’s the last time you’ll be able to hear yourself think before the Christmas frenzy really takes hold and life starts whizzing by far, far too quickly. This is a good time to do some pre-Christmas meal preparation ; did you get your Christmas cake done? If not and you’re suddenly filled with the whimsy to make one, you can just about sneak it in now and it’ll still have 6 full weeks to sit and mature – and don’t forget of course, the obligatory feeding with spirits every now and again! Alternatively, you might want to get some side-dish preparation underway so it can be popped in the freezer until the big day so it’s a bit less work for whoever is the Christmas day chef. Whitland produce market will be open on Saturday 14^th. You could pick up what you need there and enjoy the best of local on the day! Find out more here https://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/carmarthenshire/events/feature/whitland-produce-market-1431515185-9021

On Friday 13^th, Cats Protection Carmarthenshire would love to see you at their volunteering drop-in session that will be held at Ammanford Library between 10am and 12pm. You’ll get the chance to meet some of the existing volunteers and find out about the roles that they’d love you to help them fill. Read more here https://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/carmarthenshire/events/feature/recruitment-day-1446380123-4721

On Saturday 14^th December, those with previous felting experience are invited to take part in a Calonwlan felt workshop at Carmel Village Hall where they’ll be making waistcoats. Read about it here https://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/carmarthenshire/events/feature/felting-workshops

Laugharne welcomes a West End Star and some home-grown talent on the evening of the 14^th when Peter Karrie’s ‘Small Halls’ tour rolls into town and he and special guests raise money for a local charity. Find out here how to get your tickets https://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/carmarthenshire/events/feature/peter-karries-live-small-halls-tour

This weekend (14^th and 15^th) at the National Botanic Garden of Wales see the Garden Gift Fair – all you need for Christmas under one roof and what a roof it is! There will be Welsh slate, Quinnell Candles and fingerprint jewellery among many, many, many more. With lovely food to relax with available and entertainment to boot, this is a perfect Sunday whatever the weather. Read more about it here https://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/carmarthenshire/events/feature/garden-gift-fair

Does Monday give you the blues? Then let it be for all the right reasons with the Blues and Jazz Club at Stiwdio Stepni in Llanelli on the evening of the 16^th. This is where you can find out more. Niiice! https://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/carmarthenshire/events/feature/blues-and-jazz-club

On Wednesday 18^th, Llety Cynin Leisure Club is holding another of its popular Spa Days. The prices are refreshingly modest and you’ll come out of there feeling just grand, especially if you take advantage of their afternoon tea offer whilst you’re there. Find out about it here https://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/carmarthenshire/events/feature/spa-days-at-llety-cynin-leisure-club

Thursday night isn’t quite the weekend but I can still think of better things to do than cooking dinner and staying home – calling with Mike and the team at the Railway Inn, Llanpumpsaint is one of them. £5 gets you curry and entry to their regular pub quiz – perfect! Much more fun than the telly and washing up, eh? Read about it herehttps://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/carmarthenshire/events/feature/pub-quiz--the-railway-inn

The Christmas lights will be turned on all over the county before long and gift fairs will be everywhere you look so enjoy a bit of quiet time and I’ll see you next week with all you need to know about enjoying the last few weeks of 2015.

Take care and stay safe!