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.

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!

Easy, simple snacks for your little ones and you!