A belated ‘Merry Christmas’ & a Happy New Year!

Hello, hello, hello! A very belated ‘Merry Christmas’ and a Happy New Year from South-East London! What started as a few days off blogging due to lots of festive things going on, has turned into a much-needed couple of weeks mini-break. I knew I wanted a little breather and time to recharge the old writing batteries, when I realised that a blogging event i’d decided to attend clashed with a pre-arranged coffee meet up with my neighbour. I instantly chose coffee, cake and a good old catch up, and it made me think that a little time apart from my blog, without having to squeeze posts in around nativity plays, drinks with friends and Christmas shopping (I know, hard life), would probably do me the world of good! I’m also a sucker for the ‘New Year, Fresh Start’ way of thinking, so I’m hoping i’ll steam into 2015 with some fresh ideas. I think everyone who blogs has a little ‘lull’ from time-to-time anyway, and I think it’s healthy to put down the camera sometimes and not think about it being a blogging opportunity (although watch my rankings plummet this month!).

We’ve had such a great Christmas this year- lots of time with family and friends, far too much good food, and it was the first year that Freddie truly ‘got’ Christmas, which made it even more magical. On Christmas morning he ran into our bedroom at 5am (not quite so magical), and whispered loudly “Mummy, Daddy, Father Christmas has filled up my stocking!”, which really was lovely, and such a special moment to remember. 🙂 We went over to my in-laws for Christmas Day, which was fab although really hectic with the children plus my nieces (5 little ones under the age of 4 makes for an interesting sit down dinner!). On Boxing Day we held a party for Adam’s side of the family plus my Mum, which I was a little nervous about hosting, but it actually went really well (our utility room was turned into a bar, which naturally helps people get into the swing of things!). For New Year’s Eve F & S went to Nanny and Grandad’s for a sleepover, and Adam and I were able to go to our friends’ house a short walk from ours for a bit of a party. I’ve definitely decided I’m getting too old to be going to bed at 2.30am! #rocknroll

Anyway, I hope 2015 is a fantastic year for anyone who reads my blog. I am excited although a little nervous about how much we have to do over the next 6 months or so- continue wedding planning (we really need to crack on with this), Freddie turns 4, Sasha turns 3, a few hen and stag dos (including our own!), actually getting hitched in June, a honeymoon to Venice, another lovely break to Butlins as one of their ambassadors, Freddie starts school, and a possible loft conversion later on in the year. Now, I like being busy and don’t pretend not to enjoy it, but even for me this is a lot! I think by next Christmas I’ll be well and truly done in!

After a few ‘blips’ I want to continue my new clean-living way of life, starting with Dry January, that will hopefully continue as a dry rest of the year, we will see! I say it every year, but I also really need to fit in some sort of exercise, no excuses. Hopefully this will be easier once Sasha starts preschool along with Freddie in a couple of weeks, and I’ll have an extra morning on top of my two working days to squeeze something in. I was hugely inspired by the lovely Katie last year, so hoping to take a leaf out of her book!

Blog-wise, I’m happy to continue as I have been, but I feel that I’ve been enjoying my more interiors-focused posts, along with keeping a bit of a family diary. Emma (‘Life at The Little Wood’) and I chatted a couple of months ago about possibly collaborating on something blog-wise to to with house and home, so watch this space…

Enjoy the rest of your weekend before things go back to ‘normal’. It’s raining heavily here, so I feel a chilled out day pottering and playing with the children is in order, and some general house ‘admin’. I can’t be the only one who secretly loves getting everything clean and organised post-Christmas decorations, and everything in order for the new year ahead?!

x

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.