I suppose this is my Christmas message, just like the Queen! Creating this blog has been a wonderful experience this year.

Sometimes it has caused a few arguments ... blog rather than bed ... but overall everyone has been really supportive of my new creative outlet.

It will be a beautiful memory for my boys, almost like a digital journal of their childhood.

Thank you so much for everyone who has read a post, commented or is kind enough to subscribe and read it every day!

My New Years Resolutions for the blog:

1. Stop calling it the bliggety blog. It drives my husband insane.
2. Take 99% of the photos for posts in natural light, even if it means waiting a day for better weather! The difference between a perfectly naturally light photo and one taken in harsh overhead kitchen spot lights with a flash is amazing.
3. Be braver. I have played it safe on the whole, which is silly. There are a few parenting issues, including gender selection, that I would have loved to post about, but worry about offending readers. When in fact informed debate is far more interesting sometimes.
4. Stick to a schedule. I plan out my posts each week on a chalkboard in my office but often get sidetracked creating more work for myself! I love posting everyday but it is a pressure. However, sticking to a schedule enables me to finish posts a couple of nights in advance which takes away all the pressure! One click and publish!
5. Use automated functions. I need to use my Facebook page better. At the moment I post in one place then another instead of taking advantage of the automated options. Time savers!
6. Join in more linky posts. I have become loyal to several weekly links including Magpie Monday, Do Something Crafty Friday, Silent Sunday and Tot School Tuesday. I have found some great blogs to read by the others who join in, but it would be great to join in some others. Perhaps start a collaborative one of my own .... watch this space!
7. Spread the word. I am really proud of how this blog is evolving and there is nothing wrong with a little self promotion! I am going to be part of something exciting next year ....

I am going to take a little break over the next few days to enjoy the magic of Christmas with my family. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year. Have wonderful Christmas times where ever you are!

Much love, Lucy xxx

A super easy idea I originally saw in the supermarket. No need to pay lots of money for a kit when you can easy make them yourself at home.

Ingredients:

• Card
• Rice crispys
• Chocolate
• Icing sugar
• Decorations
• Paper straws

Instructions:

• Make a cone shape from your card securing with sticky tape.
• Melt the chocolate and mix together with the rice crispys. (I used the chocolate ones so they were the same colour as the chocolate)
• Pour the mix into the cone and place a paper straw in the base. Lolly sticks would work just as well.
• Set in the fridge for several hours.
• Remove the paper cone and decorate. I used white icing as tinsel and little round decorations as baubles!

You can change the size of the trees depending on the size of your cones. Try mini ones without straws!

Last year I found this great wall chart and we measured every member of the family and all the friends we saw over Christmas.

I have got it ready for this year, and am going to bring it our every year to see how my boys are growing!

Last year Sammy was as tall as a newborn elephant! He is so tall for his age, but with me being the shortest in my family at 5' 9" he was never going to be petite!

Ollie was a red fox! Cute!

And I was the height of an average British Man! Great!

How tall are you and I will let you know where you feature on the chart!

Do you play games at Christmas? I remember as a child we never watched an television on Christmas day it was just endless games! My poor Mum must have been exhausted! She always makes up a Famous Faces Quiz and this year I am going to do a children's version with faces of the famous characters!