In our house first came canine then came man. Well boys. Our beloved westies Mabel and Moose were our babies for 2 years before the first of the Heath brothers was born.

They adapted really well the first time, as big boy didn't take a huge interest in them and they soon realised that if you wait patiently under a toddler's high chair, eventually a soggy treat will head your way.

However, small boy thinks they are the world's best walking toy. Something to pounce on when they are sleeping on the sofa, has a tail that must be asking to be grabbed, if it's waving so joyfully at his chubby hands. Something that will quite happily tickle you with slobbery kisses if you have leftover jam on your face.

I have always been cautious. After all they are dogs. I am always aware that in a second a harmless playful situation could turn ugly, even with the gentlest of dogs.

A way that we have encouraged our 4 babies to play in harmony is role play. Welcome to the Heath Veterinary Centre!

A simple game of vets under my watchful supervision has led to the dogs being more used to being closely handled by the children and reinforced gentle strokes and smoothes from the boys.

I show the boys how grown ups check their ears, mouths and feet and then we brush their coats, a productive activity all 4 enjoy. We use our toy vet set and talk about how some people's dogs might not like to be stroked and that you always have to ask the owner's permission.

We retell the story about Moose being so poorly as a puppy with a shunt and draw X-rays to hold up as if we are at the vets. How Moose had to be very brave and have an operation, thank goodness for our pet insurance, it saved us, and how funny he looked with his tummy all shaved.

It has helped big boy's understanding and fear of operations and emphasises the need to be gentle.

We read all sorts of books and helpful information online about which breed was most suited to a family environment but the supervised physical interaction between them has undoubtedly help strengthen the relationship between the children and the dogs, plus the dogs feel included! It is so easy for the pets to feel left out when babies come along.

One of my favourite vintage fairs hosted a Christmas special at the Exeter Thistle Hotel. Crikey It's Vintage was home to over 55 stalls of handmade loveliness, vintage finds as well as clothes, home accessories and antiques.

Armed with a small boy in a buggy, which was both brave and stupid, I apologised my way round the stalls, trying not to bump into the trestle tables and wheel over people's toes.

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I saw some super cute fabric crowns by Maid in Devon, which you could reuse every Christmas instead of the useless paper ones that rip apart as soon as you place them on your head! I fell in love with some animal heads made from cardboard by Rob Mason. Check out his website, if just for the graphics! I lusted after the seagull for big boy's nautical bedroom but decided to pin it for when he's a little older, although I am kicking myself now as they were half price especially for Crikey!

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I spied some delicate fabric creations by Jeanie Deans and swiftly put a green and blue print caddy in the bottom of the buggy! £10 too and perfect for holding my SLR when I need it accessible. I swiped a beaten up vintage camera which I am going to use as a paperweight for £3 and it makes a great prop too.

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Then I discovered Claire Close a talented local artist selling hand screen prints (check out the floral one I bought on sale for £5), cards and giant colour in posters for kids! I snapped up a couple of cards too.

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I managed to find time to sneak some beautiful ceramic jewellery, hair slides and anchor earrings into my bag (all under £3) and a fab bow cushion from Kimbows which goes with my office decor perfectly.

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After watching the boy have a jig in the pushchair to the Santa Babies girl group I had just enough time to Face time my husband at home to show him a painted window frame mirror which I have been on the look out for, for the lounge, for ages! I couldn't believe it when the seller was Karen from The White Approach! I follow Karen's blog on twitter and it was a pleasure to actually meet her!

Small boy was as good as gold and I scooted back up the motorway before I was missed for too long!

Roll on the next Crikey It's Vintage fair!

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!