So little Lyra is just four months old now and growing fast. Since our last update she’s really cracked the house training thing and actually whines at the back door now to go out. Trouble is, if we don’t know she’s there, she’ll still piddle on the doormat, but hey, pretty impressive for four months. She adores the boys and showers them with kisses every time she sees them (and a few nibbles - we’re STILL working on that).
We’ve also attended our first puppy class (‘HEEL!’) during which I went through about a kilo of sausage, but did succeed in completing a successful recall exercise and getting her to sit. Woohoo!
Work wise it’s been really busy. I’m really sad that my partnership with the Sunday Times Ultimate Cookbook has now finished. You can find all the posts here if you want to catch up. The dinner party one is particularly fab. Chocolate nemesis baby!
I’ve also been working with London Gatwick Airport to provide families with Christmas shopping tips - here’s the finished article - I’m pretty proud of it, got to be honest!
A Cost and Time Efficient Christmas: Shopping Tips for Busy Mums
As a busy wife and mum to two, Becky Wiggins (aka English Mum) shares her advice for getting ahead of the impending Christmas present buying panic:
First things first: make a plan: grab a pen and paper (old school!), write a list of people you need to buy for and have a think about your budget per person. Then stick to it! Consider cash as that helps avoid overspend. Keep the list handy so you can note down any gift ideas next to each person if you think of any.
Take time to sit down with your kids and write letters to Santa. It’s a lovely tradition and will give you great insight into the sort of presents they’re after - even if your budget won’t really stretch to a pony this year (again).
If you’d prefer to cram it all into one mammoth shopping day, start early. If you can, pick a midweek day and stick to your list. Oh, and it goes without saying to try and pick a date before Christmas Eve.
If you are shopping early, be on top of the present hiding. There’s nothing worse than gifts being discovered before the big day - be creative: use empty suitcases, boxes in the garage or even high kitchen cupboards!
If you’re travelling before Christmas, use airport waiting time to make the most of the favourable prices vs the high street and the fabulous shops all under one roof. Gatwick in particular has a good line up having just opened a raft of stores including a new Harrods Department Store, Aspinal of London, Hugo Boss, Mango, Superdry and Ernest Jones (plus Zara, Victoria’s Secret, Fat Face, Snow + Rock and Ted Baker arriving early December). They also offer a ‘voucher passport’ with a range of special offers and a free ‘Shop Fly and Collect’ service, meaning you can go to town on buying big gifts or stocking fillers. You simply leave shopping bags at the airport and pick them up on your return!
Whilst abroad, consider buying a few gifts to bring home: local wines, soaps, pastries and cheese (if you don’t mind stinking out your suitcase) make wonderful presents, especially if you’re not certain on people’s tastes. Just step away from the castanets.
If you’re buying for teenagers, gift vouchers are your friend. In the run up to Christmas, I add a gift voucher into my shopping basket every week. It spreads the load and no teen will sneer at iTunes or Top Shop vouchers.
Get baking: there’s no rule that says you have to buy your presents. Home made presents show that you’ve really thought about the recipient, so bake an extra couple of Christmas cakes, knock up a batch of boozy mince pies or make chocolates, lemon curd or chutney.
Think quality rather than quantity. We’ve cut down on the amount of silly stocking fillers that cost money and were discarded by Boxing Day. Favourite shower gels, shampoos and chocolate bars are all great stocking fillers that you can stock up on in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Have a couple of small emergency presents handy: wrap a nice box of chocolates or a scented candle just in case guests arrive at the door bearing gifts. There’s nothing more awkward than receiving an unexpected gift so be prepared with a backup. On the plus side, if you don’t give them away you get a surprise extra pressie for yourself.
And finally, give your children a small budget to buy something for each other (or for you) - it’s lovely for them to experience the joy of present giving!
In other news, Sam has got his first uni offer - much excitement! - and Charlie is working hard towards his GCSEs and going to multiple gigs in London. This pleases me as I’ve always been a fan of spending money on experiences over material things.
Latest Instagrams have included this little beauty.. Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva which smells exactly like black jelly babies and is absolutely delicious.
Next up, I’m working on the brand new Big Christmas Bakeoff and some wine and cheese matches as well as loads of new wine recommendations. Watch this space!!
