That went well then!

Whoops!  I seem to be very good at saying I am going to blog & then never getting round to it!  In my defence I have just finished my Beauty Specialist Diploma and am now fully qualified in Manicure, Pedicure, Waxing, Facials, Eye treatments & Make-up!

So it's 3 days to Christmas & I have almost finished shopping, have made a slight dent in the wrapping & am looking forward to spending time with my family.  Although we will be in the car a lot over the holidays so we have decided to spend the big day at home next year. 

Apart from being asked every 5 minutes by my four year old if it's Christmas yet and sending my six year old a video from the Portable North Pole to tell him he's got two days to buck his ideas up, things seem to be going well.  All I need to do now is survive the rest of Christmas!

So it's cold outside, the kids are high as kites on festive cheer and if you're giving presents this year you are probably looking for something to do that doesn't cost a fortune.  Here are some ideas based on what we've been up to this weekend.

We've been to our local cinema (fondly referred to by some as the flea-pit) to see the kids showing which 
is only £1 a ticket.  This time the boys choice Justin & the Knights of Valour & it was a hit with Daddy too! 

I got the inspiration for our next activity from Pinterest.  I am absolutely addicted to Pinterest - you can follow me here http://www.pinterest.com/norfolkhomemade/   
All you need is some salt, a tray of some kind & some inspiration.

I originally set up this activity for my four year old to practise his common words.  He's a typical boy (not keen on picking up a pencil) and gets very frustrated when he can't get the pencil to do what he wants.  I can sympathise with him as I vividly remember getting frustrated when my hand could not keep up with the thoughts in my head.  We poured the salt into the trays and used our fingers to write letters and common words.  I never thought my six year old would want to get involved but he soon requested his own drawing tray.  He even said it felt relaxing playing with it!  The children soon took over with their own ideas - drawing waves, salt angels and much more. 

As long as you can convince your children not to lick the salt it seems to be a success & one that is easily hoovered up too!