My goals and projects for 2026

For me, the New Year begins today, on the day that the children go back to school. I need to wait until we get back into a routine, all the Christmas food has been eaten, and I can give the house a bit of a reset.

I have a few projects that I want to work on this year, some of which are quite long term, so I need to make plans to tackle them a bit at a time. My first goals for January are fairly typical - mainly getting back into healthy eating and exercise routines!

January goals

Pick up my exercise routine again. I was doing really well before Christmas, but I've not exercised properly in weeks! I do different types of exercise throughout the week, and I plan my week to fit in around the other things that I'm doing. So I know exactly what I want to do and when to do it, it's just a case of getting on with it!

Improve my eating habits after the Christmas lapses. It's not just about losing some weight, although that would be nice, it's about cutting back on the chocolate and making an effort to increase fruit and vegetables.

Work on decluttering the house. I enjoy a decluttering challenge so I'm aiming to find five items a day to get rid of, and I've been stocking up on sturdy bags for charity shop donations. This will involve sorting through our filing cabinet which has become too full for new paperwork, and going through the food cupboards to look for expired food and things which need to be used up.

Finally, our home project for this year is refurbishing our bathrooms. Apart from some minor repairs we've not done anything to them, and as they are original to the house they are over 25 years old! Things are starting to fall apart, and they are all looking rather sad and limescale clogged. So we need to make a start on the planning, go through some brochures and work out what we want.

Longer term projects

Then there are the things that I want to work on over the rest of the year.

Over the next few months I'll be planning my garden. I'll be deciding what seeds to plant and what larger plants I'd like, to fill in the gaps in our borders. The front of our house is quite bare, and so I'd like to put some kind of trellis on it to soften it a bit. We are also planning some kind of living wall or vertical planter for the wall along one side of our patio. I'm not really sure where to start with this, so some research is required!

In the summer we have a big holiday to Japan coming up, and although we've booked the flights and worked out a rough itinerary there is plenty of planning and research to be done before we can book hotels, trains and attractions.

I have several large boxes of family history files which need to be sorted through with the rest of the family and then stored. This has prompted me to think about all my photographs, both printed and digital, and how best to enjoy them. I'm wondering about putting together some photo books, maybe one for each year containing my favourite photos. I have a couple of photograph albums which I enjoy looking through, and I think if I had some physical books I would appreciate the photos more.

Hobbies and interests

Then I have my personal projects for the year. I have a few cross stitch kits which I would like to complete, starting with this Be A Light cross stitch from Dimensions which I picked up on holiday a couple of years ago. It's quite simple, not too big and without much backstitching, so I'm hoping that it won't take too long. The only tricky thing is that the dark background is easier to work on during daylight.

In terms of reading I'm doing very well with my To Be Read piles, both physical and digital. I have an interest which I want to explore this year which is reading about climbing Everest, something which has fascinated me for a while now. So I've put together a list of books which I want to read and I'll be doing a sizeable World of Books order at some point! 

And then maybe this will also be the year that I finally tackle War and Peace...!

What things do you want to work on this year?

What I read and listened to in 2025

Happy New Year! As the New Year gets underway, I've been looking back on what I read and listened to in 2025.

What I read

I love to keep track of the books that I've read, and I've been doing this in Goodreads for a few years now. Every year I enjoy looking back over my reading year, and here are some of my stats from 2025:

I don't worry too much about the number of books, as I usually read a variety of books including some very long ones. This year I read 91 books, which compares to 115 last year, which wasn't a surprise as I knew that I had read less in 2025. But just look how much I read in October as I powered through my Kindle "To be Read" folder on a week long holiday in the Dominican Republic!

I was surprised to see that my top genre was Romance as I like to imagine that my reading tastes are more highbrow. A lot of those free Kindle reads probably fell into that category, and also at times this year I did seek out books which were a little easier to read rather than any longer classics.

What I listened to

We have the Spotify family plan so that we can all keep our listening interests separate. And although it's not cheap we definitely get our money's worth. I was quite impressed with my listening time of 7,182 minutes (119 hours) but it pales in comparison with my son who managed 61,191 minutes - that's over 1000 hours!

Here are my top stats:

Not surprisingly, Pulp are at the top, especially after the release of their new album this year which led to my three favourite songs from the album falling in my top songs list. Spotify gave me a listening age of 47 based on listening to music from the early 90s which is only a year out. However I think that my age estimate may have been lowered based on the fact that the K-Pop group Blackpink made my number two. 

This was mainly due to repeated listens to Shutdown before we went to see them in concert over the summer. I was learning the rap so that I could join in and embarrass my daughter! I also love their song Jump which reminds me of our trip to Seoul in the summer when we watched the video release of the single on a huge screen.

The top artists also reflects the amount of time I spent listening to set lists as part of our year of concerts. Maybe it spoils the surprise for some, but I like to be familiar with the songs that are going to be played so that I can make sure I know them well enough to sing along!

Reading and listening plans for 2026

My to be read pile is currently very manageable, but I'll be starting with books that I received for my birthday in October and haven't yet read!

I've decided that I want to really indulge my interest in Everest this year. I love reading accounts from climbers, and I'm particularly interested in the commercial side of climbing and the companies that take people up when they aren't quite as experienced as they should be. I've read a couple of books already, and I'm putting together a list to purchase second hand.

In terms of music I want to try and find some new-to-me music to listen to rather than just repeating through my favourites. I'm intending to look up a list of what are generally considered to be the best albums and work my way through those, as well as listening to older albums from my favourite groups where I'm only familiar with the singles.

Our building up to Christmas traditions

Along with the build up to Christmas come a whole host of traditions, some that I've put in place over the years but lots that have just sort of happened!

Christmas starts for me with an early trip to the garden centre when they've just opened their Christmas displays. Our local Haskins does several different themed areas, and if you get there early in the season you can enjoy everything before it all gets picked over. I never actually buy anything, but I love browsing the displays and seeing what they've decided should be in fashion this year.

Come December and the elves are back. We've been happily welcoming the elves into our home for the run up to Christmas for what feels like forever. There has been some criticism in recent years that their antics have become less interesting compared to the more exciting earlier years, but they've managed a few surprises. 

We don't watch much television so we never buy a paper TV guide, except when it's time to get the Christmas TV guide. It's a big part of my husband's Christmas, so he always makes sure to buy one as soon as they are released. But we very rarely splurge on the expensive Radio Times, he always manages to find one of the more budget friendly ones. 

One of our most time consuming traditions is the yearly baking, assembling and decorating of the gingerbread houses. I've been making two for years, almost always making my own gingerbread from scratch. I've got it down to a fine art now and although it's an effort I really do enjoy making them. The children love decorating them too, and they are always delicious.

At some point before Christmas we always sit down and watch Nativity! I'm not quite sure why this film appeals to me so much, but it wouldn't be Christmas without watching it. My favourite part is the establishing shot for the Mayor's reception which was filmed at Coombe Abbey where we got married, and I love all the festive songs and decorations. It's just a really fun film building up to a really sweet Nativity celebration.

Delivering the neighbour's Christmas cards is another festive tradition that the children have been helping me with for a few years. When they were younger I used to let them go out together, anxiously watching them from the window to make sure that they didn't get lost in our tiny cul-de-sac. Now I still send them out, but I don't feel the need to stand there hovering any more!

I never introduced Christmas Eve boxes, but the elves do always bring new pyjamas for the children when they leave on Christmas Eve. As they are a little more fussy now I've asked for some help this year to make sure that they get a set they really want!

Also on Christmas Eve we still make and sprinkle reindeer food. I keep it simple with just oats, some Cheerios, raisins and a bit of sugar for some sparkle. I love seeing them out in the garden in their pyjamas sprinkling it on the grass, even though they are enormous teenagers now!

The final Christmas Eve tradition is my husband wrapping his presents for me at the last minute. I didn't even realise that this was a family tradition until my daughter mentioned it this year. I hadn't known it was such a big part of her Christmas!

What things do you find yourself doing every year as Christmas approaches?

Places that I'd like to visit for a cold winter getaway

I've been lucky enough to enjoy travel all around the world, but when it comes to planning a holiday we tend to prioritise places with a lovely, warm climate. In fact I can only think of two places that we've visited that have been unbearably cold - Iceland in April and Chicago in December. Most of my holiday memories involve warm seas, cooling towels and an appreciation for air conditioning!

But that doesn't mean that there aren't places I would like to visit that enjoy much colder temperatures.  One place in particular that I've always wanted to visit is Hammerfest in Norway, the world's northernmost town. This was inspired by Bill Bryson, writing in Neither Here Nor There, which I've read many times. When he visited in winter he had to take a thirty hour bus ride from Oslo although I think the transport may be easier now - I know that my parents stopped there on a cruise a few years ago. 

Of course the main reason that people are prepared to brace freezing conditions is in hope of seeing the Northern Lights, and that's definitely part of the appeal for me! I had a glimpse of them in Iceland, before we had fancy phones that let you photograph the lights when they aren't visible to the naked eye, but it was a little late in the year to see them properly. I'm realistic and I know that they aren't as spectacular in person, but I'd still love to spend some time gazing at the skies.

Ideally I would be watching them from something like this - a glass igloo. I think that they look amazing, imagine lying in bed and watching the Northern Lights above you!

Photo credit Vincent Guth via Unsplash

Another type of accommodation that I'd like to try is an Ice Hotel. They are a bit of a novelty and definitely not designed for a long stay - mostly people visit them in the day just to look around and marvel with no intention of staying to sleep - I've never heard of anyone that has actually spent a night in one! I've been doing some research and it looks as though the rooms don't have luggage storage, a bathroom or even a door, so you literally just wrap up warm before you lie down in a sleeping bag on the ice block and go to sleep! I found some interesting information here if it's something you also like the sound of - Ice Hotel Guide. I think it would be a really unique experience!

Photo credit William Warby via Unsplash

Alaska is another northern place that I'd like to visit, ideally as part of an Alaskan cruise. We came very close to booking one earlier this year, but because the cruise lines that do the best tours aren't the big family ships we decided it's probably best to do one in a few years without the children. It's a good idea to look for the cruise lines that can sail all the way into Glacier Bay - and only a few are allowed each year. I love the idea of sitting on a balcony, wrapped in blanket with a hot chocolate and watching the glaciers pass by.

A little easier and closer to home, for a winter getaway I think that a European city break at Christmas is perfect. I do love a Christmas market, and while they can be found all over the world, Germany will always hold a special place in my heart. I love wandering around clutching a sticky mug of mulled wine and nibbling a decorated gingerbread heart.

I spent a year living in Germany as part of my studies, and it was fantastic to see the little town I lived in decorated for Christmas. They went all out with the decorations, even all that time ago, but it was really tasteful and gorgeously festive. I still remember the bus ride back to the airport before I came home for Christmas - many of the houses had a realistic life-sized Father Christmas on the roof or climbing up the chimney!

Which colder destinations appeal to you for a winter holiday?

Craft activities that work well during long family journeys

This is a collaborative post

Long family journeys place specific demands on both adults and children. Confined seating, limited movement, and extended travel times often lead to restlessness if preparation is poor. Calm, structured activities help reduce tension and support a smoother journey for everyone involved.

They encourage focus, support creativity, and reduce reliance on screens. With the right planning, crafts fit easily into travel routines without creating mess or disruption.

Planning Craft Activities for Car Travel

Successful car-based crafts rely on preparation. Activities must suit confined spaces and remain manageable while the vehicle is in motion. Families benefit from selecting crafts that require minimal materials and simple steps.

Portable craft kits work best when materials are pre-sorted and secured. Small containers with tight lids keep supplies organised and prevent items from spilling. Each child should have their own kit to reduce distractions and maintain independence during the journey.

Families travelling in accessible vehicles often have more interior space, but compact activities still matter. Many parents who view quality used WAV vehicles consider interior layout when planning longer trips, as well-organised seating and storage make craft activities easier to manage.

Low-Mess Craft Options for All Ages

Mess control remains essential during car travel. No-glue and no-scissors crafts reduce risk and allow children to work independently. Pre-cut shapes, peel-and-stick materials, and dry formats support calm play without constant supervision.

Sticker-based crafts remain popular across age groups. Reusable sticker books allow children to build scenes, rearrange layouts, and stay engaged over longer periods. Thick stickers help younger children handle pieces without frustration.

Magnetic activity sets offer further control. Magnetic boards keep small components in place during movement and reduce the chance of items falling onto the floor. Some families use flat metal trays as lap surfaces, creating a stable base for both crafts and snacks.

Paper Crafts Suitable for Long Journeys

Paper crafts adapt well to travel when prepared in advance. Pre-cut origami paper removes the need for scissors and keeps tasks focused. Laminated folding instructions allow repeated use and help children work independently.

Photo credit Carolina Garcia Tavizon

Paper dolls and character sets encourage imaginative play, making them a strong choice for paper crafts for long journeys. Outfit changes and themed designs provide variety without additional materials. Storing pieces in labelled envelopes allows quick access and easy clean-up during stops.

Colouring activities remain reliable when chosen carefully. Thicker paper prevents tearing, while compact colouring books limit space use. Refillable water pens offer colour without ink spills, making them suitable for extended journeys.

Sensory Craft Activities for Different Needs

Sensory crafts support children who benefit from tactile engagement. These activities help manage restlessness and support concentration when movement is restricted.

Threading activities using large beads and cords suit younger children and help develop fine motor skills. Older children may prefer smaller beads or pattern-based threading challenges. Preparing strands in advance reduces frustration during the activity.

Sensory bottles provide visual engagement during quieter travel periods. Secure containers filled with water and floating elements offer calming movement without noise. These crafts require supervision only during preparation, not during use.

Texture boards offer another option. Cards with attached fabric samples allow children to explore different surfaces, aligning with common sensory play ideas that support focus and calm engagement. These crafts require no loose parts and remain contained throughout the journey.

Textile-Based Crafts for Car Travel

Textile crafts work well during longer journeys when activities must remain controlled. Finger knitting uses simple hand movements and pre-measured yarn lengths. Children can create bands or chains without tools or additional supplies.

Self-adhesive felt shapes allow children to build pictures without glue, making them a practical option within fabric crafts for children during longer car journeys. Felt adheres easily to backing cards and removes cleanly when play ends. Providing each child with a sealed set of shapes reduces sharing conflicts.

Fabric-based crafts remain quiet and structured, making them suitable during motorway travel or congested traffic conditions.

Travel-Themed Crafts That Connect to the Journey

Journey-linked crafts help children engage with the route itself. Travel journals encourage observation and reflection, with prompts such as drawing landmarks or noting favourite stops keeping attention focused on surroundings. Simple travel journals for children give structure to long journeys and help reduce repeated questions about arrival time by turning the route into part of the activity.

Map-based activities support geographical awareness. Laminated maps with dry wipe markers allow children to trace routes and mark progress. Visual tracking often reduces repeated questions about arrival time.

Postcard crafts offer another travel-based activity. Children can complete postcards during breaks and post them along the route. This adds purpose to rest stops and creates lasting keepsakes from the journey.

Nature-Based Crafts During Breaks

Craft activities do not need to remain inside the vehicle at all times. Nature collection during rest stops supports movement and sensory engagement. Leaves, flowers, and small natural items can later be used for pressing or collage work.

Waxed paper books or small presses help preserve collected items without damage. These materials take little space and support later craft sessions at the destination.

Children often remain more engaged during the drive when activities connect to what they have seen outside the vehicle.

Balancing Digital and Hands-On Activities

Digital entertainment plays a role during long journeys, but balance matters. Alternating screens with hands-on crafts reduces eye strain and supports focus. Structured routines help children know what to expect during travel periods.

Printable activity packs provide flexible options. Colouring sheets, puzzles, and drawing prompts related to the destination maintain interest and support learning. Binding pages into simple booklets gives children a sense of progress.

Audio-based prompts add another layer. Story-led drawing activities combine listening and creating, keeping children engaged without visual overload.

Practical Craft Preparation Tips for Families

Preparation determines success. Craft kits should be assembled before departure and stored within easy reach. Parents benefit from testing activities at home to confirm suitability, especially when applying family road trip planning tips that focus on structure and realistic pacing.

Each activity should meet three criteria. It must stay contained. It must suit the child’s age and ability. It must remain manageable during movement.

Clear expectations help children transition between activities and rest periods. Short craft sessions followed by breaks often work better than long uninterrupted play.

Long family journeys become easier when craft activities are planned with care and intention. The right mix of structured, low-mess projects supports focus, reduces tension, and creates a calmer travel environment for everyone. Good planning turns travel time into shared time, not something to manage or endure. When children stay engaged and settled, families arrive less stressed and more connected, ready to enjoy the destination together.

How can parents help teens manage screen time without constant conflict?

This is a collaborative post

Screens have become a huge part of everyday life for teenagers. Whether they are chatting with friends, exploring new hobbies, or watching the latest trends online, screens feel almost unavoidable. While technology offers incredible opportunities, it also brings new challenges for families trying to maintain balance at home. 

Many parents want to guide their teens without turning every conversation into an argument. That is the real goal: finding ways to support healthier screen habits without friction or constant policing. This guide explores the reasons behind teens' screen use, the role parents play in setting boundaries, and practical methods for creating healthier routines that work for everyone.

Why Do Teens Struggle With Screen Time?

Understanding why teens are so drawn to screens helps parents respond with empathy and create more effective solutions. Teenagers are naturally drawn to screens for many reasons, and understanding these motivations helps parents respond with empathy rather than frustration. 

Social media gives teens a place to connect, share their interests, and feel included. Gaming offers excitement, teamwork, and sometimes even a sense of achievement. Streaming platforms provide entertainment and escape, especially after long school days.

Screens also support their development. Teens often use online spaces to build friendships, discover new skills, and express themselves. These experiences matter, but they can become overwhelming when screen time starts pushing aside sleep, exercise, homework, or in-person interaction.

Excessive use can create problems such as:

• Disrupted sleep due to late-night scrolling
• Increased anxiety or pressure from social comparison
• Eye strain and headaches
• Reduced physical activity

Recognising that screens are both useful and potentially problematic helps parents build a balanced approach rather than a restrictive one.

What Role Should Parents Play in Managing Screen Time?

Parents play a crucial guiding role, but balancing authority with understanding is what keeps the relationship strong.

Why Can Setting Boundaries Feel So Difficult?

Enforcing screen limits often leads to tension. Teens may feel controlled, misunderstood, or singled out. When rules feel unfair or sudden, it is easy for them to push back. This is where communication becomes essential.

How Can Understanding Improve Cooperation?

When parents take time to understand their teen’s favourite apps, games, or routines, it creates a shared language. Teens are more likely to respect rules when they feel heard. Simple conversations about how screens affect sleep, mood, or schoolwork can open the door to mutual respect.

How Do You Balance Rules With Trust?

Clear boundaries work best when paired with trust. Teens need to feel capable of making responsible decisions, and they often rise to the challenge when parents show confidence in them. Instead of constant surveillance, families can create systems based on honesty, gradual independence, and regular check-ins.

What Strategies Actually Help Reduce Screen Time Stress?

A few practical, consistent strategies can reduce tension and help families create healthier tech routines.

Why Do Clear Boundaries Make a Difference?

Teenagers need structure, but they also appreciate fairness. Establishing clear limits, such as no phones at dinner or placing devices outside the bedroom at night, gives the household predictable routines. The key is consistency. When parents follow the rules too, everyone wins.

How Can Parents Model Healthy Tech Habits?

Young adults notice everything. When parents scroll endlessly or keep their phones on the table during conversations, it sends a message. Demonstrating healthier habits makes the conversation about screen time feel balanced rather than hypocritical. Adjusting your own behaviour builds trust and shows that the goal is shared wellbeing.

How Can Screen Time Fit Into a Healthy Routine?

A balanced lifestyle makes screen time feel less overpowering. Encourage children to enjoy hobbies, join clubs, spend time outdoors, or participate in family activities. When their day includes a variety of experiences, screens naturally take a more reasonable place.

What Tech Tools Can Help?

Many families find success using apps that help monitor or limit usage. These tools can set timers, block certain apps at specific times, or highlight how much time is spent on each activity. Features like night mode can also reduce eye strain and help teens sleep better after evening device use.

Why Should Teens Be Included in the Decision-Making Process?

Involving teens in the conversation encourages cooperation and helps them build responsibility.

Why Is Giving Teens Some Control Important?

Teens respond better when they feel involved rather than controlled. Allowing them some say in their screen limits gives them ownership. They become active participants instead of reluctant followers.

How Do You Start Constructive Conversations?

Rather than listing the dangers of screen time, encourage a two-way conversation. Ask how they feel when they spend too much time online. Talk about energy levels, concentration, and sleep. These discussions help them recognise the impact of their habits without feeling judged.

How Can You Create Mutual Agreements?

Collaborative agreements are more effective than strict rules. Sit down together and discuss expectations. For example, your teen might agree to finish homework before using social media, and you might agree to allow extra time on weekends. These shared decisions build trust and reduce arguments.

Photo credit Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash

How Do You Handle Resistance Without Escalating Tension?

Handling pushback calmly can prevent arguments and build a more respectful relationship.

What Should You Do When Teens Push Back?

It is normal for teens to resist limits, especially when they feel overly restricted. Stay calm and avoid reacting emotionally. Listen to their concerns and look for the reason behind the frustration. Sometimes a simple adjustment can defuse the situation.

How Can You Stay Consistent and Still Be Understanding?

Adolescents respect boundaries more when parents stay consistent. If you change rules depending on your mood, it creates confusion. At the same time, acknowledging your teen’s feelings can strengthen your relationship. You can be firm and compassionate at the same time.

Can Compromises Help Reduce Arguments?

Compromises can work well. Many parents use simple reward systems such as extra screen time after chores or school tasks are completed. This approach keeps the relationship collaborative rather than confrontational.

What Habits Help Families Build a Healthy Screen-Time Routine?

Healthy routines make a big difference in how teens relate to their devices. When parents focus on practical, steady habits rather than strict rules, screen time naturally becomes easier to manage. The goal is not perfection. It is creating a rhythm that supports wellbeing, balance and focus throughout the day.

How Can Parents Build a Clear Daily Structure?

A predictable routine helps teenagers understand when screens fit into their day. Parents can guide this by setting gentle expectations around schoolwork, rest and leisure. For example, screens can be used after homework or chores are completed, or during specific hours in the evening. When the flow of the day feels organised, teens are less likely to fall into endless scrolling or late-night device use.

What Can Parents Do to Encourage Healthy Breaks?

Small breaks reduce eye fatigue and help teens stay aware of how long they have been online. Parents can encourage short pauses every hour to stretch, hydrate or simply rest their eyes. Techniques like the 20-20-20 rule allow the eyes to relax and reduce strain. Many families also find it helpful to establish “device-free moments” during meals or family conversations.

What Can Support Better Wellness?

Simple things can make routines smoother. Features that manage notifications, limit nighttime brightness or remind teens to take breaks work well when used consistently. Accessories such as blue light glasses can also support comfort by reducing eye strain during long study sessions or evening device use. These small adjustments help teens stay comfortable without feeling heavily restricted.

How Can Parents Support a Balanced Lifestyle?

Screen time becomes healthier when teens enjoy a variety of activities. Parents can encourage hobbies, outdoor play, creative interests and in-person friendships. When teens have fulfilling alternatives, screens lose their hold and become one part of a wider, more rewarding routine.

Conclusion

Managing screen time does not have to be a source of daily conflict. When families communicate openly, set fair boundaries, and involve teens in decisions, the process becomes smoother and more respectful. Every teen is different, so ongoing adjustments and honest conversations will always be part of the journey. With patience and collaboration, parents and teens can create healthier digital habits that support wellbeing, balance, and a stronger relationship.

This year's Gingerbread Houses!

Last year we were coming to the end of a long home renovation project, and although our kitchen was slowly taking shape I didn't feel that I could manage our full yearly gingerbread house tradition. We went with some pre-made gingerbread houses from Ikea, but even though it takes ages I do quite enjoy making our gingerbread houses from scratch, so I was glad to revive them this year!

I've been making a yearly gingerbread house for years - my very first gingerbread house was back in 2012. I'm still using an original Tesco recipe, although luckily I printed it out because their website now links to instructions which use a pre-made dough mix. I also bought a set of gingerbread house cutters a few years ago which are brilliant, and I've worked out the recipe quantities so that I can make up the exact amount of dough for two houses. It's a process that has taken years to perfect!

This year was a bit of a struggle though. Most the family have been suffering with a nasty cold, and I wasn't feeling at my best. I couldn't find my usual powdered Royal Icing sugar so I tried some readymade icing in a tub and it didn't really do the job - it took a long time to set and so the houses kept slowly sliding apart if you didn't watch them carefully.

However the good thing about a gingerbread house is that as long as you can achieve some basic semblance of rigidity, any minor structural inconsistencies can just be covered with lots of sweets.

Our gingerbread houses are made to eat, usually making a start on the same day that they are finished, so the taste is the main thing and these were delicious!