Our Local Authority are proposing to cut back on over 15 lollipop ladies at the school gates, across North Somerset by March 2014. It's a topic that is fresh in our minds as big boy is learning all about road safety at pre school. His pre school is nestled amongst trees in a picture perfect village setting where you can drive right up to the front door. However, the local school in the village is on the busy main road and has been fortunate to have a loyal lollipop lady who has worked outside the school gates for over 24 years!

He jumped at the change to make our own zebra crossing and lollipop and role played in the cul de sac, with our neighbour in giggles at how serious he was! He would make one strict lollipop man! We played until it got dark and I was so proud of how much he had absorbed from his pre school leaders.

I have signed an epetition urging the Government to take note of the need for safer crossings outside schools. You can support the petition here.

One of my favourite vintage fairs hosted a Christmas special at the Exeter Thistle Hotel. Crikey It's Vintage was home to over 55 stalls of handmade loveliness, vintage finds as well as clothes, home accessories and antiques.

Armed with a small boy in a buggy, which was both brave and stupid, I apologised my way round the stalls, trying not to bump into the trestle tables and wheel over people's toes.

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I saw some super cute fabric crowns by Maid in Devon, which you could reuse every Christmas instead of the useless paper ones that rip apart as soon as you place them on your head! I fell in love with some animal heads made from cardboard by Rob Mason. Check out his website, if just for the graphics! I lusted after the seagull for big boy's nautical bedroom but decided to pin it for when he's a little older, although I am kicking myself now as they were half price especially for Crikey!

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I spied some delicate fabric creations by Jeanie Deans and swiftly put a green and blue print caddy in the bottom of the buggy! £10 too and perfect for holding my SLR when I need it accessible. I swiped a beaten up vintage camera which I am going to use as a paperweight for £3 and it makes a great prop too.

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Then I discovered Claire Close a talented local artist selling hand screen prints (check out the floral one I bought on sale for £5), cards and giant colour in posters for kids! I snapped up a couple of cards too.

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I managed to find time to sneak some beautiful ceramic jewellery, hair slides and anchor earrings into my bag (all under £3) and a fab bow cushion from Kimbows which goes with my office decor perfectly.

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After watching the boy have a jig in the pushchair to the Santa Babies girl group I had just enough time to Face time my husband at home to show him a painted window frame mirror which I have been on the look out for, for the lounge, for ages! I couldn't believe it when the seller was Karen from The White Approach! I follow Karen's blog on twitter and it was a pleasure to actually meet her!

Small boy was as good as gold and I scooted back up the motorway before I was missed for too long!

Roll on the next Crikey It's Vintage fair!

Who says Christmas has to be in traditional red, gold and green?! My Christmas is going pink!

I love Rosé wine. I could quite happily drink it all year round. So here's my Christmas Rosé cocktail! Plus there's a non alcoholic version for the drivers, pregnant ladies or kiddies at your Christmas parties!

You will need:

• Fruity Rosé wine (sweeter works better with the syrup so go for a Zinfandel)
• Lemonade
• Sugar syrup (you can but it ready made and flavoured in the supermarket coffee aisle or make your own with a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. Bring to the boil then simmer and cool)
• Cranberries
• Cinnamon and sugar for the rim

Pour some of the sugar syrup onto a shallow plate. Hold your glass upside down to coat the rim.

Transfer the glass to a shallow plate of a cinnamon and sugar mix and turn the rim through the sugar and spice mix until coated.

Fill the bottom of your glass with cranberries and dribble a little syrup over the top. Pour in half a glass of Rosé and top up with lemonade. Watch the cranberries bob to the top!

Enjoy!

For a non alcoholic version use cranberry juice and sparkling water instead. I used an old Frappuccino glass jar for the kids and skipped the syrup!

Cheers to the Christmas holiday season!