• Chocolate Gingerbread recipe
    baking - Crafts for adults - gingerbread

    Chocolate gingerbread recipe

    October 4, 2015 - By 

    I’m always on the look out for gingerbread recipes and a friend recently introduced me to an amazing Nigella Lawson recipe for Chocolate Gingerbread. Once I’d made it I couldn’t believe I hadn’t discovered it before, the combination of gingerbread and chocolate makes an amazingly rich cake, and a ginger glaze really sets it off. Chocolate Gingerbread cake ingredients: 175g unsalted butter 125g muscovado sugar 2tblsp caster sugar 200g golden syrup 200g black treacle 1/4tsp ground cloves 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp ground ginger 1 1/4tsp Bicarbonate of Soda 2 eggs 250ml milk 275g plain flour 40g cocoa 175g…

  • book review - What I'm reading

    What I’m reading: The Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay

    October 3, 2015 - By 

    I recently read a brilliant book that I wanted to tell you about. I have to admit that I was drawn to the cover of this book by the title as I love the novels by Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte. The title and cover image really appealed to me and luckily the contents did too! My latest good read was The Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay, published by Thomas Nelson on November 3rd 2015. When Lucy’s secret is unearthed, her world begins to crumble. But it may be the best thing that has ever happened to her. Lucy Alling…

  • Mollie Makes wall hanging loom kit
    crafts - handmade - Mollie Makes crafts

    Jenny Makes Mollie Makes wall hanging loom kit

    October 3, 2015 - By 

    Every month I challenge myself to make the Mollie Makes magazine cover gift. I’ve subscribed since it first came out and have a drawer full of unopened kit. But no more! I’ve been trying out the kits, learning new skills or using them to create something new – and having fun in the process! Jenny Makes Mollie Makes wall hanging loom kit Mollie Makes issue 58 included a Mollie Makes wall hanging loom kit. The kit included a laser cut loom and shuttle, three colours of yarn, a plastic needle and cotton. I tied the cotton around the teeth of…

  • Bento - Friends of Sylvanian Families

    Sylvanian Families bento lunch

    October 2, 2015 - By 

    I have one very tired 3 year old at the moment. This is her second week of pre-school and as much as she loves going, she is also tired and grumpy after each session. To cheer her up at the end of the week I thought I would make her a bento lunch inspired by her favourite Sylvanian friends. She has to have an early lunch for her afternoon sessions so bento is perfect for filling her up and making lunch time fun.  Sylvanian Families bento lunch My daughter’s favourite Sylvanian, Freya Chocolate Bunny, helped me decide what to include.…

  • playing - toy review

    Teksta Robotics Scorpion from Character

    October 1, 2015 - By 

    With a 5 year old interested in computers, gadgets and radio controlled cars I was interested in the Teksta Robotics Scorpion from Character. This is aimed at children aged 5+ and we were sent one to review. Teksta Robotics have produced a wireless motion control interactive toy in the shape of a scorpion. It uses intuitive motion control technology via a module you wear or hold to control the scorpion. His powerful jaws capture the power core. Teksta Robotics Scorpion: the light up eye shows you he’s ready to be under your control the scorpion moves in all directions stop…

  • playing

    Play Spiderman and the Avengers games with Marvel Kids UK

    September 30, 2015 - By 

    My children love the warmer months when they can play outside after school. When Autumn comes we often turn to other pursuits to amuse ourselves. I try to give my children a good balance between reading, crafting and the screen time they so desperately crave 🙂 My 5 year really enjoys discovering new games, especially those featuring his favourite Marvel superheroes. Have you ever visited the Marvel Kids UK website? It features plenty of games, videos and activities which are sure to keep your children occupied. My son loves Marvel favourites Spiderman and The Avengers and I must admit to…

  • Baker Ross Blogger Network - Halloween crafts - Handprint art - Kids crafts

    Halloween decorating ideas from Baker Ross

    September 30, 2015 - By 

    We are currently enjoying a sunny and warm Autumn but that hasn’t stopped us making a head start on our Halloween decorations. We received some great value craft kits from Baker Ross and I thought I would show you the end results, you can order from them online here. Halloween decorating ideas from Baker Ross My children like all kinds of crafts and they enjoyed trying something new with the Spider weaving placemat kit. The pre-cut spider shape is huge and my 5 year old immediately knew how to weave the ribbons through it as he had tried weaving in…

  • Christmas - gingerbread house - sewing

    Monthly makes – September

    September 30, 2015 - By 

    July and August were pretty busy months with my children on their break from nursery and school so I didn’t have much free time to make many things. They are both happily back at school now though and I have had some grown up crafting time. My Monthly makes for September First up is this cool felt gingerbread house from a pattern in this years’ Mollie Makes Christmas. I was a little disappointed with the magazine as it contained a lot less patterns than last year and many of the projects were taken from the free cover gifts or previous…

  • competition - Miffy Mums

    Win a plush Miffy as Miffy TV Comes to Tiny Pop!

    September 29, 2015 - By 

    As you know Miffy is celebrating 60 years this year. I have some exciting news to share with you today as Miffy’s Adventures: Big and Small launches on the Tiny Pop channel on Friday (2 October 2015). Miffy TV Comes to Tiny Pop! A new generation of British pre-schoolers can discover the charm of the classic character, Miffy, when a new TV series, Miffy’s Adventures Big and Small launches on Tiny Pop on 2 October 2015, at 7pm. Featuring the iconic white bunny from the storybooks by Dick Bruna, the new series marks the first time Miffy has been seen…