There's no doubt the weather can affect our mood.
This week it's been so cold, I can't be bothered doing anything.
At night, I just want to put on my jammies and snuggle on the sofa with a cup of tea or even better, a hot chocolate.
I pull all the curtains and switch on the Christmas lights and that's us, snug.
There is zero chance of any type of work being done and don't even mention having to go out - not a chance.
Of course, if I had my way, I would do the school run in the mornings dressed exactly the same way - if I thought I could get away with it.
Many moons ago, there was a time when going to the shop in my jammies with my coat on over them was a regular thing but not now, not a chance.
The last thing I would want to do is embarrass the kids but why is it only mothers who feel they must put on a show, so to speak?
We should be able to venture out however we see fit - no make-up, hair tied up, wearing what we want.
Instead, society makes us feel that this is not acceptable and so dad's can go on the school run wearing whatever they want, looking unshaven and in `seen-better-days' work clothes - not a word said.
This week, US actress Blake Lively caused quite a stir on social media simply by posting a fresh-faced photo of herself looking a million miles away from being red carpet ready.
The 35-year-old Gossip Girl star, who is married to actor Ryan Reynolds, is usually snapped boasting stylish looks with perfect hair and make-up but this week, she wasn't afraid to show that she too is only human.
Uploading a picture to Instagram, the image showed Blake looking like she had just rolled out of bed, with frizzy hair and in her PJs.
In a message, she wrote: "How did not one person find the time to mention to me that this is what my hair looked like today?".
Of course, she still looked beautiful but I just thought it was a breath of fresh air for a celebrity to be realistic about life.
When the pandemic arrived, I found myself wearing less and less make-up and even now, to be completely honest, I just can't be bothered.
Of course, on the days I don't wear any make-up I am always asked if I am sick because apparently I look so pale and tired.
But, it's just me, au naturale.
The truth is, if I don't wear make-up or have freshly washed hair, there's nothing wrong and there is certainly no need for the third degree.
It's great to see a famous face posting a real life photo, in a way, it gives the rest of us hope that not everyone gets out of bed looking perfect.
Thank goodness because it sounds like a lot of work.
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Thirteen years after Avatar became the highest grossing movie of all time, its sequel has arrived in cinemas this weekend.
Once again directed by James Cameron, Avatar: The Way of Water is an American epic science fiction film.
In this instalment, fans find Jake Sully and Ney'tiri have formed a family and are doing everything to stay together.
However, they must leave their home and explore the regions of Pandora.
But, when an ancient threat resurfaces, Jake must fight a difficult war against the humans.
Starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver, fans are in for quite the experience.
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Competition
Cosy winter evenings are upon us so how about an "enjoyable read full of good friends and bad characters" to help you relax into the festive season?
Christmas with the Surplus Girls by Polly Heron has been described as a "real page-turner that will tug on your heart strings".
Manchester, 1922: Nancy Pike is out of her depth at Miss Hesketh's school for surplus girls.
Her only joy is getting to know the children at St Anthony's orphanage - and working for Zachary Milner twice a week.
Alone since the death of his brother, Nancy's presence has brought a little sunshine back into his life.
But when she makes a terrible mistake, he has to let her go.
However, Nancy is determined to bring some Christmas cheer to the orphanage - and Zachary Milner.
I have five copies of Christmas with the Surplus Girls to give away.
If you would like the chance to win a copy, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com.
Closing date for entries is noon on Tuesday December 20.
(Q) Who wrote Christmas with the Surplus Girls?
Normal Irish News rules apply.
COMPETITION WINNER
The winner of the Abba Arrival competition is Ruth McClure, from Carrickfergus
