Scattershot thoughts

I'm spending the last day of 2006 getting ready for 2007.

Namely, this means taking down the Christmas tree.

Normally, I would leave the tree up until Epiphany, January 6. But this year the tree took matters into its own hands by shedding nearly every needle in a shower of green, carpeting our carpet a quarter-inch thick in prickly, not even all that fragrant debris. We ordered it from the same company who delivered last year's tree, a gorgeous, well-behaved fir that stayed pliant and fresh throughout the festive season. We're not quite sure what happened this year - we filled the stand with water and tree food, we placed it away from radiators and other sources of heat, we festooned it with cheerful lights and glass ornaments. But the tree has clearly had enough of our company and is dying - literally - to leave. The poor thing is a bare brown twig skeleton. Oh well, off you go to the council recycling program on Tuesday. May you be happier in your next incarnation.

I'm also catching up on newspaper reading. In the 24 December Sunday TImes Style magazine, Bethan Cole mentions that she has been to the US twice in the last two weeks - oy, the jet lag and the carbon emissions - and she has two whole thoughts on the experience. One, bring Anthropologie to the UK. A sentiment I heartily endorse, even if Bethan completely missed Anthropologie's USP (and Bethan, if it is Korres body lotion you are after, try the link or your local John Lewis. Or pop across the Channel and go to Monoprix, aka the French Target.)

Bethan's second complete thought is that American nail bars offer good value. I'm not sure what an American nail "bar" is - unlike the Brits, Americans don't need to relate eveything to alcohol - but yes, American nail salons are far more cost effective than anything in the UK. This is why my cuticles are ragged, my hang nails hang all ten, and my nails are split and uneven. I ain't paying $40 for a basic polish job.

What Bethan failed to point out is that almost EVERYTHING is better value in the US than the UK. It's called an "exchange rate," dear Bethan, and at the moment the US dollar is very weak compared to the pound. It's all well and good that Bethan is calling for cheap manicure/pedicure options in the UK - hey, I'd be happy, but then I am easily pleased- but how can a nail technician earn a living wage in London if only charging US rates? It's not like the cost of living here will also be accordingly adjusted. And that's assuming that manicurists even make a living wage in the US.

No, sadly, mani/pedis in the UK remain a treat, high on the self indulgent scale. And that's okay.

Not the most erudite thoughts as we enter 2007, but hey, blame the Sunday Times for today's shallow post.

And a very happy New Year to all!