So here we are, it’s the end of another month and, of course, the end of another year… how time flies!
Whilst I’d usually round up my month by writing a list of my ‘top ten’ things from the past thirty days or so, due to personal circumstances I’ve found listing ten things a little tricky at times and thus have simplified things by fettling my monthly lists down to a more manageable and favourable figure of five items.
On that note, I would like to announce that from January 2024 onwards #LikedandLoved posts on my blog will come to a close as I have decided to host a monthly linky (of sorts) which you are most welcome to join/participate in. ‘My Five Favourite Monthly Moments‘ will be live on the final day of each month – hopefully, I’ll see you there!
So without further ado, here’s my final #LikedandLoved post of the month, the year, and on this here blog…
The White Stuff
It’s not often that we get snow here on the coast, it’s so rare in fact that our ten-year-old daughter has only ever seen a slight dusting which usually melts within an hour or so. Earlier this month however we were given a good old dousing of the white stuff and with almost three feet of snow to contend with we found ourselves somewhat stuck. Thankfully the snow had timing as it landed early on a Saturday morning leaving us with the entire weekend of festive fun building snowmen, sledding, throwing snowballs, making snow angels, and such-like.
Showtime
This month saw E’s final Christmas in primary school and boy did she bring the house down! E had a busy schedule as she coordinated three days of nativity plays (where she starred as Frosty the Snowman) alongside two evenings of tap and ballet dancing followed by various Christmas meals, parties, and general celebrations. J meanwhile enjoyed a Christmas meal with his friends at school alongside various events leading up to the much-needed break. Needless to say, we were all exhausted by the end of the week and certainly more than ready for the holidays that later commenced.
The Annual Festive Outing
Each year Paul and I traipse into town to complete our Christmas shopping and despite the horrendous wet and windy weather, this year was no exception. Once we’ve completed our ‘big shop’ we usually celebrate by going to our local Italian restaurant for a slap-up meal but for some reason this year we decided to do this mid-way through the shopping… I’m not so sure that was a good idea as we then spent the rest of the afternoon feeling far too full to be doing anything never mind scouring the stores for the final festive bits and pieces.
Christmas
Christmas seemed to fly in this year – one moment I was busy writing lists and wrapping parcels and the next thing that I knew I was squishing wrapping paper into bin bags whilst feeling rather startled by the speed of the event. Despite personal difficulties, I somehow managed to pull together the annual Christmas Eve family buffet followed by dinner for all the family which was quite the Christmas miracle considering…
The kids (which are my main concern and priority) were, as always, spoilt rotten with gifts and cards galore. They, thankfully, seemed to have an awesome time opening their parcels and they have both since informed me that they really enjoyed Christmas so I guess that’s a win!
Not So Nigella
It wasn’t just the kids that were spoilt rotten with gifts this year, I too was also spoilt with a pile of presents including a brand new Air Fryer (as featured on Nigella’s Amsterdam-based cookery show), Lush Bath Bombs, a new 2024 diary/ journal, and a beautiful new blanket that was handmade by my amazingly talented friend Kathryn.
I’ve spent the majority of the blur that has been the time since Christmas in the run-up to the New Year either wrapped in my beautiful blanket or tinkering with various Air Fryer recipes in the hope that I might give Nigella a run for her money. As it turns out, I’m not so Nigella…
Thanks again for reading my blog – I hope that you enjoyed reading what I have #LikedandLoved throughout December.
If you fancy sharing some of your #LikedAndLoved points from the month then why not join in either through your blog post or by leaving a comment below, I would love to hear what you #LikedAndLoved this month!
Thank you for all your time and support throughout my #LikedAndLoved posts, it’s been a blast but it’s time for it to come to a close…. Look out for ‘My Five Favourite Monthly Moments‘ – a new monthly post which I hope you will join me in by either commenting or participating and sharing your posts.
