CUP CAKE FANTASY

Kelly's Birthday

2010-07-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

My daughter is horse mad, so I decided to do something different this year and booked a beginners trek. We hired the horses, Kelly invited a couple of friends and booked the party at the stables which had its own cafe.

The trek itself was really good - I even had a ride on a horse myself (a huge stallion that wouldn't leave the female next to it alone)!

But the cafe - Oh Dear! It was absolutely awful - and filthy!! How we got away without food poisoning I'll never know. I started drinking my coffee and there were bits in it - Ugh!

The kids seemed to enjoy it though - but next time we take our own food!!

Patience!!

2010-07-18T07:04:00.001-07:00

I don't normally sew - well when I say sewing I mean actually making something from scratch such as a dress, skirt or cushion etc. I love other crafts but apart from the odd bit of sewing a button on or hemming a garment I am absolutely useless!

This is not really in keeping with the way I was brought up. I learnt to knit when I was 3 and my grandmother was a seamstress. She spent hours and hours teaching me all she new about everything. But sewing had me baffled! I admit I don't have the patience to keep pressing seams and going from the sewing machine to the ironing board - and I really don't know why!

And sewing machines - well they're another matter! I inherited a little old singer from a family member. It had worked for years - until I owned it! Thinking it was just getting old I decided to buy a brand new one with grand ideas of making all my own clothes and soft furnishings.

Yeah sure! - the machine is wonderful when its working - but why do they play up so much? I faffed around with the thing one day that by the time it was working I had completely gone off the idea of doing any sewing at all!

I have come to the conclusion that I am much better sewing by hand. I managed to produce a lovely little patchwork cushion and a Shabby Chic rabbit, without even going near that flaming sewing machine of mine!

The machine (out of use as there is something wrong with the bobbin - I think it is the way I wound it, but I don't have the patience to find out) is now at the bottom of my wardrobe hiding away from me (I think it may have found itself through the window if I had spent anymore time with it)!

But I have had much better results sewing by hand - without going near that metal contraption. Maybe the seams are not as strong - but a least I am still in control of my mind!!

One day maybe, I will become friends with my sewing machine - but I really can't see it myself!

Jaffa Cake Pudding

2010-07-18T06:20:00.000-07:00

I came across this recipe in Best's 'Just For Kids' recipe collection, however I changed the make up slightly as I thought is was a bit fiddly.

Ingredients:

1 Orange Jelly, cut into squares
375ml Orange Juice
1 x 10in Sponge Base
275g Plain Chocolate
350ml Double Cream

Heat 150ml orange juice until boiling and use to dissolve jelly, add remaining juice. Leave to cool and partially set for a few hours - jelly should be quite thick but not completely set.

Spread jelly onto the sponge flan case and refrigerate until set.

Break chocolate into a bowl and add half the cream. Set over a bowl of hot water and stir until dissolved. Leave to cool.

Whip remaining cream until it forms soft peaks and fold into chocolate mixture. Refrigerate until set.

Wiccan Lullaby

2010-04-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

A TASTE OF WALES

2010-02-28T07:33:00.000-08:00

As tomorrow is St David's Day, here are a couple of my favourite recipes.

WELSH CAKES
250g Plain Flour
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
Pinch Salt
125g Butter
100g Caster Sugar
75g Currants
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 tbs Milk

Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a mixing bowl and rub in the butter. Stir in the sugar and currants. Add the milk and egg until the mixture makes a firm dough. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and roll out to approx 5mm/1/4in thick. Cut out rounds approx 2 1/2 - 3in in diameter.

Heat a little butter in a heavy based frying pan (if you have a bakestone - even better). Cook the cakes for approx 4-5mins on both sides. Transfer to a wire rack and sprinkle with caster sugar. Leave to cool.

BARA BRITH (speckled bread)

225g Mixed dried fruit and chopped mixed peel
225ml Strong Hot Tea, strained
225g Self Raising Flour
1tsp Mixed Spice
25g Butter
100f Brown Sugar
1 egg, Lightly Beaten

Put the fruit in a heatproof bowl and pour over the tea. Cover and leave overnight.

Pre-heat oven to 180'C/Gas Mark 4, Grease a 21b loaf tin (or use a liner).

Sift the flour and mixed spice into a large mixing bowl. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar, then add fruit with it's liquid along with the beaten egg. Stir well to make a mixture with a soft consistency.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf tin and level the surface.

Bake in the oven for approx 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Turn out on to a wire rack and leave to cool.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2010-02-14T03:55:00.000-08:00

VALENTINE BISCUITS

2010-02-14T03:42:00.000-08:00

1 Medium Egg

50g Caster Sugar

50g Soft Brown Sugar

75g Golden Syrup

80g Butter

1 tsp Mixed Spice

1/4 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda

375g Plain Flour

Preheat oven to 180'c. Rub the butter into the flour and then stir in the dry ingredients. Add the egg and golden syrup and bring together to form a dough.

Roll out onto a floured board and cut out hearts using a heart shaped cookie cutter. Arrange on a greased baking tray and bake for approx 20mins, until they are a golden colour.

Decorate with icing or icing pens.

LITTLE COTTON RABBITS' BEAUTIFUL CUPCAKES

2010-02-13T06:39:00.000-08:00

I have been after a good cupcake pattern for a long time now, but have never been able to find a really good one until now. I popped over to the Little Cotton Rabbits blog and came across her wonderful patterns. I bought this pattern from her site on Folksy, but she also has lots of lovely free patterns on her blog - they are absolutely wonderful. I can't wait now to knit some more of them!

MY KNITTED BAG

2010-02-13T06:19:00.001-08:00

At last!! I've managed to make this patchwork bag. I've been meaning to make one for ages and kept putting it off. In the end it took just over a week to make, evening only, so not too much time spent on it. The pattern was from last month's Let's Knit magazine, which was well worth the money as there were lots of good patterns in it this time as well as the free handles.

I lined the bag with some gingham which was one of those things which I bought for those 'it may come in handy for something' moments!!

It's smaller than I imagined it to be, so I think it will be used to hold my current cross stitching project. Very pleased with the result!!

MONKEY BREAD FOR THE BREADMAKER

2010-01-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE BREAD

1/4 Cup Warm Water

3 1/4 Cups Flour

1 Egg

1 tsp Salt

1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar

3/4 Cup Warm Milk

25g Margerine/Butter

1 Sachet Dried Yeast

FOR THE COATING

115g Butter, melted

1/2 Cup Chopped Mixed Nuts

2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

3/4 Cup Demerara Sugar

FOR THE DRIZZLE ICING:

1/2 Cup Icing Sugar

Enough milk to make a thin icing

Place all the ingredients into the bread maker in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Set breadmaker to dough programme.

Preheat oven to 180'c. Grease and flour a bundt pan (a large sandwich tin works just as well).

Place the chopped nuts, cinnamon and brown sugar into a small bowl and mix. Place melted butted into another bowl.

When the breadmaker has finished, pull pieces off the dough and roll into 1/2 inch balls, roll the balls into the butter and then roll in the nut mixture to cover. Arrange in the pan in a circle.

Bake for approx 20 - 25 minutes or until browned and the bread sounds hollow when tapped underneath.

Leave to cool. Make the icing by sieving the icing sugar and mixing with enough milk to form a runny consistency. Drizzle over the bread and leave to set.

AMERICAN:ENGLISH CONVERSION CHART

2010-01-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

I own lots of American recipe books, but some of the measurements have often been awkward to work out. I do now have a set of cup measures, but this chart still comes in handy for liquid & butter measures etc.

LIQUID MEASURES

1 Cup US = 275ml

1 Pint US = 550ml

1 Quart US = 900ml

SPOON MEASURES

1 Level Tablespoon Flour - 15g Flour

1 Heaped Tablespoon Flour - 28g Flour

1 Level Tablespoon Sugar = 28g Sugar

1 Level Tablespoon Butter = 15g Butter

SPOON MEASURES

1 Cup Rice US = 225g Rice

1 Cup Flour US = 115g Flour

1 Cup Butter US = 225g Butter

1 Stick Butter US = 115g Butter

1 Cup Dried Fruit US = 225g Dried Fruit

1 Cup Brown Sugar US = 180g Brown Sugar

1 Cup Granulated Sugar US = 225g Granulated Sugar

QUEEN OF PUDDINGS WITH COCONUT

2010-01-17T11:19:00.000-08:00

INGREDIENTS

150g Stale White Bread or Brioche

Vanilla Extract

1 tbs Caster Sugar

Finely Grated Rind of 1/2 Lemon

200ml Milk

50g Butter + Extra For Greasing

300ml Coconut Milk

4 Eggs, Separated

2 tbs Bramble Jelly

100g Caster Sugar

Salt

Preheat oven to 180'C (350'F) Gas Mark 4. Grease a medium sized oven proof dish.

Process the bread crumbs and tip into a mixing bowl. Add a few drops of vanilla essence with the tablespoon of sugar and the grated lemon rind.

In a small pan, heat the milk with the butter. Just before it boils, pour the hot milk over the breadcrumbs, then add the coconut milk. Lastly beat in the egg yolks.

Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, put into the oven and bake for about 30mins. The cream should be just starting to set.

Warm the jelly gently and spread it over the cream, when it has cooled a little. Whisk the egg whites until stiff with a pinch of salt, add the sugar (reserving 2 tsp) and whisk again. Spread the meringue over the cream, sprinkle with the remaining sugar and put in the oven for about 15 minutes, just long enough for the meringue to brown in places. Serve hot.

A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS!

2010-01-17T05:26:00.000-08:00

Just recently I seem to have accumulated one or two 'things' - what with Christmas and everything and just wanted to show them off.

The first things are a lovely red polka dot tea pot, 2 make up bags and a matching 2 tier cake stand. The were meant as Christmas presents but arrived too late. I couldn't possible send them back now could I? Lol!

The other thing I had was a set of cookery books in a hat box. Each little book was given such appetising name such as Strawberry & Guava, Apple & Pear and Orange Flower Water & Violet. I am planning to do some of the recipes from these in the next couple of days - I just don't know which ones to do first!

There is also nothing nicer than something for free and I had this gorgeous little sewing tin as a free gift with a magazine - so no more lost scissors.

COFFEE AND WALNUT CAKE

2010-01-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

2 tbs Coffee Essence (eg Camp)
175g Butter, softened
175g Caster Sugar
3 Medium Eggs
175g S.R. Flour
100g Walnuts
For The Filling
125g Butter, softened
250g Icing Sugar
2 tbs Coffee Essence (eg Camp)
8 Walnut Halves

Pre-heat oven to 180'C/Gas Mark 4. Grease and flour 2 x 7in sandwich tins. Place all the ingredients into a bowl and beat until smooth. Divide between the sandwich tins and bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until just firm to the touch in the centre.

Remove the cakes from the oven and cool in the tins for 5-10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the filling, beat together the butter, icing sugar, and coffee essence until smooth, adding 1tbs boiling water if the mixture is too thick. Use to fill the cake and spread on top. Use walnut halves to decorate.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-12-29T13:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone - I hope you all had a good Christmas and wish you all the best for the new year!

This Christmas I decided to make my own Christmas cake and Mincemeat. I was really pleased with the mincemeat - the taste was out of this world. But the cake was a little disappointing - it tasted exactly like a bought one, even though there must have been 1/2 bottle of brandy in it. I keep telling myself this is a good thing as at least it didn't taste horrible!

The only problem now is I still have half a cake left and I am supposed to be eating a little more healthily!! - it will keep I suppose, lol

Mouse Skins!!

2009-11-22T05:43:00.001-08:00

My daughter Kimberley is crazy about cats - so she has organised a coffee morning to be held in a couple of weeks in aid of the Cats Protection League. Guess who has been roped into it - yes, me!!

She has been sent lots of promotional material from the CPL and has been busy advertising her posters in shops etc. The Coffee Morning boasts a cake stall, tombola, a raffle etc. But guess who has to make the cakes and organise the prizes - yes, right again - me!!

I am also making Catnip Mice for her to sell. So far I have 10 unstuffed ones. My aunt is also busy with her needles. We hope to get a jar full by the time the Coffee Morning comes along!

Cross Stich Christmas!

2009-11-22T05:18:00.000-08:00

I have now completed the full set of seasonal cushions. This is the last - the Winter Cushion.

Also on a Christmassy theme the kids and I have been making cross stitch cards. My youngest is only 8 and I am really pleased with the progress she is making with her needlework. I have also taught her to knit. There are not many 8 year olds these days that can knit!

We have also made mini cushions from the free cross stitch designs which come free with the monthly magazines. I sometimes find making them into cards a bit monotonous, so tend to do something a bit different with them now and again.

PUMPKIN SOUP

2009-10-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

500g Pumpkin
25g Butter
1 Onion - chopped
2 Garlic Cloves - crushed
1 1/4pt Chicken or Vegetable Stock
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
Salt & pepper

Slice the top from the pumpkin and discard the seeds and remove the rind. Chop into cubes. Melt the butter and fry the chopped onion and crushed garlic for 2 - 3 minutes then add the pumpkin and cook for 2 minutes more. Add the stock and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to the boil and simmer for approximately 20 minutes. Leave to cool and whizz in a blender until smooth.

A BIRTHDAY, WEDDING ANIVERSARY AND CRAFTY SHOPPING!

2009-10-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

It seems ages since I last posted anything on my blog. The reason being is that September was an exceptionally busy month. What with getting the children back to school, shopping for new winter clothes for them and of course getting all my craft projects in order!

It was my birthday on the 26th followed 2 days later by our 15th wedding anniversary. In between, on the 28th was the anniversary of moving into our house 2 years ago. Everything seemed to happen in September for me!

Most women would want to be taken out for a meal on their birthday and bought jewelery or chocolates - well not me! All I wanted to do was to spend the day in Hobbycraft - so I did.

I came home with some gorgeous goodies - some sock wool, 3 books - one of sock patterns, a book about gift baskets, and one on making favours, a few other bits and bobs which I required. But mostly I ended up spending most of my birthday money on the kids! - they came with us so of course I had to buy them something too. Plus dinner for them in Pizza Hut! I didn't mind though - we probably eat in fast food restaurants no more than about 3 or 4 times a year.

I can't wait to get round to making more socks - although I have just started a jacket for myself. Hopefully I will start them before next spring!

Knitted Embellishments

2009-09-14T03:55:00.001-07:00

Having rather a large stash of wool, I decided to make one or two little things that are easy and quick to make. As a way to make a little extra cash some of these goods are for sale on Folksy and in my blog shop. I very rarely have time to support our local schools, so I thought I might make similar things for their Christmas Fayre, as I'm sure I can make quite a few fairly quickly.

SEW SUNNY HOMESTYLE

2009-09-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

I have (yet again!) bought another book - and its lovely! I know its a little late to start crafting for summer, but lots of the things in this book will do for any occasion. There is also a Christmas book by the same author - so I know what I will be wanting for my birthday from my Hubby!

PEAR AND GINGER UPSIDE DOWN PUDDING

2009-09-10T03:11:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 x Tin Pears

50g/20z Soft Brown Sugar

Sponge:

100g/4oz Butter

100g/4oz Caster Sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 tbs Ground Ginger

175g/6oz Self raising Flour

Pre-heat oven to 180'C/350'F/Gas 4. Lightly grease a 6 inch/15cm round cake tin. Drain Pears and arrange at the bottom of the tin. Sprinkle over the brown sugar.

Place all the sponge ingredents into a mixing bowl and whisk on high speed for approximatly 3 minutes. Spoon the mixture over the top of the pears and bake in the centre of the oven for about 25 minutes.

Turn out onto a serving plate and serve with custard, cream or ice cream.

Four Seasons Cushion - Autumn

2009-08-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

I have just completed the third cushion in the Four Seasons Collection. I did not have any narrow ribbon to embellish it with like the other two. But rather than buy I used some wider ribbon from my stash. Not sure I like it though - I'm trying to resist going out and buying some!

Pili Palas

2009-08-16T11:13:00.001-07:00

We took the family to a place called Pili Palas Nature World in Anglesy today. There is a Butterfly Jungle there and they were absolutely beautiful - and massive!! They were just flying around and landing on people. I couldn't believe it! As well as butterflies, they also had birds, reptiles, mini beasts (not my most favourite!) as well as a farmyard with pigs, ponies and peacocks. There is also an adventure playground which includes a huge bouncy castle, a cafe and gift shop. The prices were reasonable too, and so was the gift shop - not over priced like some you go too.

All in all a great day out - well recommended!

DANGER UXB!

2009-08-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

My first lot of wine is now bottled and is maturing. It seems OK though and everything went to plan in the making of it. My next has proven a bit of a problem. I am making a type of mead - it contains honey, spices, apples, oranges and lemons. I had to boil everything for about 20 mins in 4pt of water, add another 4pt of water and then add the yeast.

The recipe said it would start fermenting in about 6 weeks. 6 weeks? More like 6 minutes! After about 2 hours I went to check it and it was frothing up through the airlock, down the side of the demijohn and onto the worktop! I had to separate it into 2 demijohns. But as you can see during the night they must have both frothed up to nearly the top of the jar!

Hopefully after about 10 days I will be able to transfer them back to the one demijohn - so long as there are no further happenings in the meantime!

My New Cupcake!

2009-08-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

My hubby and my two daughters have been away for a couple of days. They went to Dolwyddelan in our caravan. I don't mind going but if I stay at home it gives me a chance to get round to doing all those horrible jobs in the house. This time I rearranged the living room and bedroom so I could make room for our computers. They looked unsightly downstairs so mine is now upstairs.

The other advantage to staying at home is that they always bring me back a present! This time they gave me this lovely little ceramic cupcake, which now sits on my kitchen window sill. I think it's lovely!

Banana Coconut Cake

2009-08-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make a Chicken Korma last week and the recipe called for coconut milk. I couldn't get it in our local Tesco so I had to buy dried, which worked just as well. However there was a recipe on the back of the box and it was fantastic. If you can find Maggi Dried Coconut Milk this cake is delicious:

185g Butter

1 Cup Caster Sugar

4 Eggs

2 Cups Chopped Walnuts

3 Cups Self Raising Flour

1 Cup Maggi Dried Coconut Milk

1 tsp Cinnamon

1 Cup Orange Juice

CREAMY HONEY FROSTING:

125g Cream Cheese

30g Butter

1 tbsp Honey

2 Cups Icing Sugar, sifted.

Preheat oven to 180'C. Grease & line a 25cm round cake pan (I used 3 sandwich tins). Cream butter & sugar until light & fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in banana & walnuts. Fold in flour, Coconut milk and cinnamon with orange juice. Spoon into greased tins & bake for 1 - 1 1/4 hours (I baked mine for approx 35 mins as I used sandwich tins). Cool on wire rack. To make the frosting beat the cream cheese, butter and honey together until smooth. Gradually beat in the icing sugar. Use to cover cake (or also use as a filling & topping if using sandwich tins - there is plenty left for this)

100 Flowers to Knit & Crochet

2009-07-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

This delightful book arrived this morning from Amazon. It's absolutely gorgeous. Take a look - the flowers are so life like. There are 128 beautiful pages and it only cost £7.03. A real bargain!

My Dishcloth Pattern

2009-07-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

A dishcloth should be large enough for its purpose, absorbent, mildly abrasive and quick to dry. This simple pattern in moss stitch, using double knitting cotton, moss stitch and large needles satisfies all these needs. Prettiness can be added by choosing pastel or vibrant colours to match your kitchen, but remember when bleached the colours will eventually fade.

LARGE CLOTH

Requires 1 x 50g ball 100% Cotton Yarn (Double knit)

Using 5mm needles cast on 65 stitches and knit 2 rows.

Row 1: k2, (k1,p1 to last 2 sts) K2

Row 2: K2, knit all purl sts and purl all knit stitches (single moss stitch) to last 2 stitches, Knit 2.

Repeat last 2 rows until 61 rows have been worked in pattern.

Knit 2 rows. Cast off.

SMALL CLOTH

Cast on 50 stitches and Knit 2 rows.

Work 46 row in moss stitch as given for larger cloth.

Knit 2 rows. Cast off.

My Plum Jam Recipe

2009-07-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

I have come across many recipes for plum jam and have had one or two disasters. One recipe called for boiling the recipe with the sugar for 20minutes. As you can imagine you end up with plum toffee! So this recipe is my own and it seems to work for me:

Ingredients:

1kg Plums

1kg Preserving Sugar

Put a saucer in the fridge to test the jam for setting. Have ready at least 4 jam jars washed and sterilised - I put mine in the oven directly after using it, but switched off. Cut plums into quarters and twist to pull out the stone (This is messy so wear an apron and have a cloth on stand by!). Put the flesh in a preserving pan with all the juice and skins, bring to the boil and simmer for approximately 20 minutes (The skins will boil down with the rest of the plums).

Add the sugar and dissolve gently. Do not let it boil at this stage. When sugar has dissolved bring to the boil and boil rapidly for 3 minutes, take off the heat and put a teaspoon on the cold saucer to test for setting. If the jam is not set boil rapidly for a further minute and test again. Take off the heat and bottle immediately. It is advisable to try and get hold of a jam funnel - I was balancing a ladle, the pan and the bottles wrapped in kitchen paper as they were hot - not a good idea as I scalded my fingers twice.

Shell Plant Pots

2009-07-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

The shells that we collected on the beach last week came to good use today, and I very cleverly roped my husband into helping my daughter to cover the plant pot. I asked him to strip the old plant pot of a couple of decorations that were one it, and just happened to mention that the new box of Polyfilla was under the sink! We had also bought a small collection of shells from a little kiosk on the prom to bulk ours out a bit, hence the starfish!

Home Grown Produce

2009-07-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

It seems that every time I move to a bigger house the gardens get smaller and smaller. I used to live in a little 2 bedroom cottage, but the gardens were absolutely huge. There was an abundance of flowers and I had a full sized greenhouse. Our next house had a medium sized garden, which was OK, but the garden here is rather pathetic - hardly room to swing a cat, let alone grow any real produce. But I have managed to grow some lavender, various herbs, salad leaves, radishes and strawberries. But I do miss my huge garden!

Black Cherry Wine

2009-07-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

I have recently taken an interest in wine making. Well not strictly true, like the jam making I tried it when I just left home. But this time I seem to have a bit more patience! Just for starters I used a kit for Black Cherry Wine, but next time I want to try my hand at making it from scratch. I've been given a huge pail and 3 demijohns, plus all the extra little bits and pieces that are required.

This first batch will soon be ready for bottling - and I have to say that it looks and smells good - the proof, I suppose, will be in the tasting!

Kelly's Craft Day

2009-07-22T12:34:00.001-07:00

As the weather forecast was atrocious for today, we planned to stay in and I was to help Kelly do a bit of paper crafting. Now, I don't do paper craft, I just happen to be useless at it and I can't draw for toffee. Believe it or not, this creation took us 3 hours! Can you tell what is is yet?

My Vintage Charm Bracelet

2009-07-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

My Aunt wanted me to have this lovely charm bracelet that belonged to one of my Great Aunts. I love bracelets and feel a bit lost since I snapped one of my favourites.

The charm of the silver doll belonged to my Nan, from when she was a child. The rest I think have been added at various times.

The Shamrock must have had great sentimental value, as I do not think it is silver and is not hallmarked. However she had gone to the trouble of having it soldered on, which seems a bit strange.

I did have plans to wear it on a regular basis - but now I have it, I'm worried about losing it!

Jam Making

2009-07-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

I recently bough a new book called Homemade, and I think it is absolutely fantastic. There are loads of ideas for makes in it based around the 4 seasons. I just had to have a go at the strawberry jam and homemade scones.

The first time I made jam I was 17 and just left home. It was banana jam and it turned out absolutely awful. In fact it was safe to say that it resembled mashed banana with sugar.

However I followed the instructions for strawberry jam in Homemade to the letter and the result was fantastic. It's definitely jam! And it tastes yummy.

I have now borrowed a book from the library and I intend to make a lot more jams and chutney's. Just watch this space!

Picnic On The Beach

2009-07-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

I had promised Kelly a picnic on the beach today, but when we got up it was poring it down with rain. However I told Kelly if the weather improved after I had done the housework we could still go.

Sure enough it stopped raining, so off we went, even though it was still dull. We walked down to the beach, and guess what? We were the only ones mad enough to be there! It wasn't a bad day though, it certainly wasn't cold - and the picnic went down well.

Kelly enjoyed herself - we gathered a few shells which we are going to use to cover a plant pot. We also saw quite a lot of the sea-life. Apparently Pensarn Beach is a nature reserve as there are quite a few rare plants that grow along the coast. Such things as Sea Holly and Sea Radish, which I didn't even know existed.

We stayed for 3 hours until I had to tell her I had to be back to start the tea, otherwise I think we would still be there now!

The First Day Of my Holidays!!

2009-07-20T11:06:00.001-07:00

Today was technically the first day of my holiday - a whole month off - yes! I have planned to do lots of things during this time, namely taking the kids on a few day trips and going camping. I will also be doing a lot of planning for my new venture. I have already designed my flyers which I am going to deliver to some of the houses and businesses with the help of the kids (I see some extra pocket money being asked for, somehow). I will also be placing some on the notcice boards of local shops and at the community centre.

My intention was to start my new business in a couple of months time, after going back to work and then working my notice. However, I then realised that Christmas would be just around the corner, and I would be taking a hugh chance. Both in terms of getting any work or even ending up with no presents for anyone!! I have now decided to stick my job out until the end of December - if I can hold out that long! Then I am definatly going to make a break and go for it. In the meantime I will still be advertising and fitting in one or two people on my days off each week.

Well enough of my plans for now, I'm sure I must be boring you. Back to what I did today!

After finishing the housework, we went for a long walk up to Gwrych Castle. The building has been derelict for years, but a hotel company have bought it with the intention of renovating it. I think the recession has caught up with them though, as no work seems to be in progress. There are some lovely walks around there as it is set in the middle of woods. It was so peaceful and almost surreal. It reminds my of the derelict Narnia at the beginning of Prince Caspian! It seemed really weird when we were walking back home into the middle of town - you wouldn't believe this castle was only a few hundred yards away (I can actually see it from my landing window). Kim wanted to to walk up to the look-out tower, which is quite a way into the woods, but I was worried that we would get lost, and be away for hours!

When I was a child I lived in a little village called Llysfaen, and there was a large mansion (Plas-yn-Llysfaen) set in its own ground. Apparently an underground tunnel was supposed to run from the masion all the way to the castle, which was about 3 miles away. My grandmother knew the owner of this house and she told me that the owners' son had brought her back a mumified hand from Egypt (Yuk!) complete with a jewelled ring. When the owner moved out, children were caught playing football with the hand (minus the ring), and the police were alerted. However the ring was never found.

Well thats it for stories - I often wonder it was true. But I did once go in the property when it was empty and see a tunnel that was blocked off on the ground floor.........................

Kelly's Makeover Party

2009-07-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

I have just found some pictures on my camera of my youngest daughters birthday part. She was 8 on the 24Th May and she decided to have a makeover party.

The party organiser put beads in their hair, put make up on them and let them have a go in the foot spa. In addition she provided a High School Musical disco and karaoke. There was also a chocolate fountain and a drinks fountain, which they all seemed to enjoy. A great day all round, but I was glad when it was all over - look at the state of my kitchen!!

Four Seasons Cushions

2009-07-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

I have just finished the Summer cross stitched cushion pattern from one of the issues of Cross Stitcher. I had already done the Spring one earlier in the year. I have just received the latest issue and can't wait to get started on the Autumn one.

They don't take that long to do, but I had only been able to stitch for a couple of hours in the evening, which slowed me down a bit.

MY CAR BOOT SALE

2009-05-03T11:12:00.001-07:00

Today we decided to have a car boot sale. We had been planning it for weeks and the kids wanted to make some extra pocket money. Kim was saving up for a new mobile phone so unlike any other morning she had to get out of bed early.

We arrived about seven o'clock and set up our stall. Of course we had the 'vultures' around first, but I just wanted to get rid of stuff and sold a freestanding mixer for £8 and a craft set for £4 which was worth about £40 new.

Kim made enough money to buy a new phone, but Kelly ended up spending what she made on a huge animal hospital helicopter and some books!

All in all it was a good morning, we came away with just over £100 between us, but I came worse off than all of them. I only made £15 and 2/3 of that went to pay for the space in the field!

However I did get some bargains - 2 pairs of curtains, brand new, still in their packaging and some lovely books, one named Hints and Tips From Times Past, which particularly looks interesting.

VINTAGE COOKERY

2009-05-03T11:02:00.001-07:00

As promised a few weeks ago my Auntie bought me some cookery books that belonged to my nan, and look what I found inside - some four-leafed clover that I found as a child. I even remember putting them there! The clover must be at least 32 years old if not more!

The book, by the way, was published in 1936.

MY EASTER SWAP GOODIES

2009-04-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received my Easter Swap goodies from Mary at Sew Hot Mitmot. This is what I received:

A beautiful lemon basket

A gorgeous chicken/heart hanger

Some egg decorations

A fabric egg

Some Easter Embellishments

Easter Napkins

A Lovely Hand Made Brooch

A Tissue Holder

oh! and erm.....ahem..... some Chocolate eggs ...... they just seemed to disappear from the photograph!

Thank you to Mary for such wonderful swap items - they were lovely!

MAKING ROOM WITH AMAZON

2009-04-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Still on my clearing out theme, I decided to get rid of some of my books. I love books and I have 2 book cases in my living room - 1 floor to ceiling, 1 on the landing and the kids have a bookcase each in their bedrooms. All these are absolutely overflowing with two rows of books on each shelf.

I was not going to get rid of any of them to begin with as I am quite attached to them all! But common sense had to take over in the end - no one needs 3 chocolate cookery books, and paperbacks that were read years ago and never to be read again. So I listed a few on Amazon.

I couldn't believe it! I was still in the middle of listing some items and I was getting emails to say that the items were sold. I made just under £100!

So anyone wishing to clear out their books - Amazon is the place - Brillliant!

MORE THRIFTING....OR IS IT?

2009-03-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever lent anyone anything and not had it back. I have. A couple of years ago I lent someone ALL my Jean Greenhowe toy patterns and did not get them back. We have since lost contact with each other, so there is no chance of getting them back now. However I managed to buy all these toy patterns for only 10p each at our League of Friends stall at the hospital. I was very pleased and thought I had definitely got a bargain. But if I had got them back to begin with I wouldn't have had to buy them again would I?

EASTER MUFFINS

2009-03-29T13:47:00.001-07:00

INGREDIENTS:

300g Plain Flour

1 tbs Cornflour

100g Caster Sugar

100g Sultanas

2 tbs Candied Peel

1 Egg, beaten

175ml Milk

6 tbs Sunflower Oil

100g Marzipan, finely grated

Zest of 1 Lemon

ICING:

200g Icing Sugar

2 tbs Lemon Juice

Yellow Food Colouring

36 Mini Eggs

Preheat oven to 200'c/Gas 6. Place 12 large muffin cases in muffin tray. Sift flour with baking powder and caster sugar, add sultanas and candied peel.

In a separate bowl combine egg, milk and oil then add marzipan and lemon zest. Combine with dry ingredients until just mixed together (do not over mix).

Divide mixture between the 12 muffin cases and bake for 20 mins. Allow to cool.

Sift icing sugar and add lemon juice and yellow food colouring to make icing. Use to decorate muffins and top with 3 mini eggs on each one.

HEART SWAP GIFTS

2009-03-29T11:56:00.001-07:00

On Friday I received my Heart Swap Parcel from Alex at Pink Feather paradise.

I received these lovely items:

A Hand Made heart with beads (absolutely gorgeous).

A big red stuffed heart decoration.

A lovely quartz key ring (hand Made) in a little pouch (again, this is beautiful).

A mug decorated with hearts & 2 pairs of heart socks.

Silver heart braid.

2 Phone charms

Hair clips and bobbles

Cup cake paper chain papers (lovely!)

and.... A Thorntons chocolate shaped lolly!!

I couldn't believe there was so much in the parcel. Alex had obviously gone to a lot of trouble.

Thank you Alex for such wonderful gifts!!

HAND MADE CARD WITH ORIGAMI

2009-03-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law has recently been very ill. She suffers from Crohn's disease and has had part of her bowel taken away for the second time. She developed an infection after the operation and has only just recovered. In view of this she missed my daughters birthday at the beginning of March.

She makes all her own cards, including everyone's at Christmas time. She also made all her own Wedding Invitations, Order of Service and Menus for her own wedding (she is one of those people who have A-level art!).

This is the card she made for my daughter, which she received last week. I think it's fantastic. She has also folded a £20 note into the shape of a pig. Brilliant!

IRISH SODA BREAD

2009-03-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

450g Plain White Flour
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda
400ml Buttermilk

Pre heat oven to 250'C

Sieve all the dry ingredients and make a well in the centre. Add the buttermilk. Using your hands, mix together until it forms a soft dough.

Turn out onto a floured board and form into a round loaf shape. Cut a deep cross on the loaf and prick with a fork.

Bake for 15mins then turn down oven to 200'C for 30mins until cooked. To test if it is done, tap the loaf - if cooked it should sound hollow. Cool on a wire rack.

Soda bread is best eaten on the day it is made.

CHOCOLATE CHIP TRAYBAKE

2009-03-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
250g Butter
250g Caster Sugar
4 eggs, beaten
250g Self Raising Flour
50g Cocoa Powder
150g Plain Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 180'C and grease a 20x30cm roasting tin or cake tin. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Adds eggs a little at a time and add a tablespoon of flour if the mixture curdles.

Sift the remaining flour and cocoa and stir into the mixture. Add the chocolate chips. Spoon mixture into the tin and bake for approx. 30 minutes. Cool in the tin and cut into squares.

I'M A WINNER!

2009-03-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

I was the lucky winner of Mrs L's monthly giveaway on her blog 21st Century Housewife. I won this wonderful pair of hand knit socks. They feel so soft and snugly and I just know they are going to be really cosy - thank you Mrs L.

If you have not visited Mrs L's blog before there are some wonderful hand knits that she makes and also some really nice recipes and photographs of nature. In fact her whole blog is centered around nature and living more in harmony with it. A really lovely blog.

ROLO TARTS

2009-03-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
1pk Shortcrust Pastry
24 Rolos
24 White Chocolate Buttons

Preheat oven to 180'C. Grease 2 x 12 hole bun tins. Roll out pastry and cut out 24 round or square pastry shapes big enough to cover holes in bun tin. Put one Rolo in each tart. Bake for 10-15 minutes, then immediately put one large white chocolate button on top of each tart. Leave to cool slightly. Eat while warm.

MY CATH KIDSTON BAG

2009-03-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

I recently bought the book Make by Cath kidston. It came with a blank bag that you could applique yourself, so at the weekend I cut stars from the pattern inside the book and decorated the bag with them. The fabric I used was left over from the curtains from my doll's house.

The bag is just the right size for holding my lunchbox and book that I take to work and it's nice and light to carry.

COLOUR SWAP GOODIES

2009-03-10T12:44:00.001-07:00

I recently joined a Colour Swap with Jessica at Kid's Napping? I'm Scrapping. You had to send your partner craft items in a colour that they specified. My swap partner was Emma from Stitching Magpie, and this morning I received a beautiful pink parcel from her.

There were some really lovely items in the parcel including a hand made bunny (according to the kids it's name is Miffy, so this is what we have called her), a cupcake bath bomb, lots of ribbon and beads and some gorgeous fabric in various shades of pink. There was also 2 beautiful wooden pink hearts.

Thank you to Emma for the lovely gifts - I am so pleased with them. Also thank you to Jessica for organising the swap - I have really enjoyed it.

I'VE RECEIVED AN AWARD!

2009-03-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Nana Grace at Nana Grace's Place for giving me the Sisterhood Award. I am so honoured to receive this award from her. Please check out her blog to view her lovely crafts.

The rules connected to the award are thus:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post

2. Nominate at least 10 (11) blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received your award.

I am passing the award over to the following people:

At Home With MelMel

21st Century Housewife

La Stanza di Guiggiola

Kitschen Pink

Little Gems World

I have informed everyone about the above, but I am having problems reading MelMel's blog tonight. If you are reading this Mel, then you will know I have given you this award!!

VINTAGE TREASURES

2009-03-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are the pictures of the things which my Aunt brought for me last night. There was a huge suitcase to sort through but I only wanted a few things. These have been in my Aunts loft for between 10 and 15 years since my Nan and Great Aunt died.

It started by my saying that I quite fancied taking up crochet and my aunt said she had some hooks that belonged to my Autie Gertie (yes, I said Gertie - my Nan's name was Florence Winifred - lovely old fashioned names!!) To get some idea of their era my nan was born in 1907 and my Aunt Gertie 1905, although some things are fairly new, such as the crochet hooks. I had an apron, a set of crochet hooks, a vintage pattern book complete with patterns for woolly knickers, an unfinished embroidered tea cosy, embroidered tray cloths , some filet crochet lace edging that my aunt made (no picture) and some old knitting patterns for doll clothes.

Next week my Aunt said she would bring some cookery books for me that go back to the war.

KIM'S BIRTHDAY

2009-03-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

Monday 2nd March was Kim's birthday (she was 14). As it was a school day I said she could have some friends to sleep over at the weekend, so this is what she did last night. Not sure what time they went to sleep as I was asleep first! (My two are the two with the lighter hair).

She had some birthday money so she decided to buy a Wii Fit, which of course I had to have a go of! I'm still aching - but they are fantastic, well worth the money. This has nicely coincided with the fact that I started a diet last Tuesday. I'm not overweight but my BMI could do with lowering from 24 to about 22, which I hope to achieve in about 6-8 weeks.

The picture is of the girls after invading the kitchen and making ice cream soda! They stayed in their pyjamas until about 2pm, which is not normally allowed as I like them up and dressed straight away in the mornings, so this was a bit of a novelty.

My Auntie came this evening and let me sort through some craft items belonging to my Grandmother and my Great Aunt. I was told to take whatever I wanted, so tomorrow I will show you what I have got - lots of lovely vintage items!

Welsh Cakes

2009-03-07T06:50:00.000-08:00

350g S.R. Flour
2tsp Baking Powder
175g Margerine
100g Currants
3/4 tsp Mixed Spice
1 Large Egg
about 2tbs Milk
Caster sugar to finish

Put flour and baking powder into a large bowl and rub in the margarine until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the sugar, currants and spice. Beat the egg with the milk, then add this to the mixture and mix to form a firm dough, adding more milk if required.

Roll out on a lightly floured work surface to a thickness of about 5mm and cut into rounds with a 3 inch (7.5cm) plain round cutter.

Heat oil in a griddle or heavy based frying pan and cook Welshcakes on a low heat for approx 3mins on each side until golden brown. Do not cook too fast as the centre will not be done.

Cool on a wire rack and dust with icing sugar. Serve buttered. Best eaten on the day they were made.

LEEK AND POTATO SOUP

2009-03-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

As it was St. David's Day on the 1st, I thought I would share this recipe, it's delicious:

2 Large Leeks
1 Onion
1 Large Potato
20z Butter or Margerine
1pt Hot Vegetable Stock
1/2 pt Milk
1/4pt Double or Whipping cream
1/4pt Natural Yoghurt
Salt and Pepper
Dash of Tobasco Sauce
2 tbs Chopped Chives

Wash and trim leeks and cut into rings. Finely chop onion. Peel and dice potato.

Cook onion and leeks in the butter or marg. until softened. Add potato and stock. Bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer gently for 20mins. Add the milk. Blend soup in a liquidizer until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and whisk in cream, yogurt, salt, pepper and Tabasco.

This soup may be eaten hot or cold. If serving cold garnish with freshly chopped chives.

THE HAPPY HOOKER!

2009-02-28T11:45:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I decided to master crochet once and for all, so I decided to buy this book from Amazon. I've got to say that I am really impressed. It explains everything in detail - I'm sure a child could learn to crochet from this book. There is only one drawback though - it's American and their crochet terms are completely different to ours!

However, for anyone wanting to convert American crochet patterns to British, these is a conversion chart in the book.

EASTER CHICK

2009-02-28T11:36:00.000-08:00

I hope you like my Easter Chick. The pattern is a free pattern from Alan Dart's website. It is supposed to be shaped and sprayed with hairspray to give it a more 'egg' shape', but I have got to buy some in the week. At the moment he looks like he's in a tin bath!

WHAT DOES THE NAME JAYNE MEAN?

2009-02-22T12:11:00.000-08:00

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.You are rational enough to see every part of a problem.

You are great at giving other people advice.You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in.You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising.You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What Your Name's Hidden meaning?

MY FAVOURITE CUPCAKE RECIPE

2009-02-22T11:56:00.001-08:00

INGREDIENTS

4OZ (100G) Soft margarine

4oz (100g) Caster Sugar

2 eggs

4oz (100g) Self Raising Flour

1tsp Baking Powder

FOR THE ICING

8oz (225g) Icing Sugar, sifted

2-3 tbs Warm water

Sugar Decorations

Pre-heat oven to 200'c/400'F/Gas 6. Place about 18 paper cases in bun tins.

Measure all ingredients and place in a large mixing bowl and beat well for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is well blended and smooth. Half fill the paper cases with the mixture.

Bake in preheated oven for 15-20mins until the cakes are well risen and golden brown. Lift the cakes out of the bun tins and cool on a wire rack.

Place the icing sugar in a bowl and blend in warm water until you have a fairly stiff icing. Spoon over the cakes and decorate with the sugar decorations. Leave to set.

GRANNY SQUARES!!

2009-02-22T05:38:00.001-08:00

I can't believe I have actually taught myself to crochet - well, kind of. I have been meaning to do it for years, bur have always been baffled by it for some reason. I even hold the crochet hook like a knitting needle for a start. No matter how hard I look at the diagram in the 'how to' books, it just does not feel comfortable when I hold the hook like that!

Anyway, my first two attempts. Neither are particularly good, especially the first, but I can see a little bit of potential. Well you know what they say - practice makes perfect. I think I need to do quite a lot of it.

Now, what was the next thing? Oh yes! Crochet flowers...............................

MEET SVETLANA!

2009-02-22T05:32:00.000-08:00

This is Svetlana - a rather red faced one due to the fact that I did not have any pale pink felt in my stash. She is the largest doll in a set of matryoshka dolls featured in the current addition of 'Let's Knit' magazine. Her two sisters are named Tatyana and Ivana who may be accompanying her soon!

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

2009-02-21T07:09:00.000-08:00

INGREDIENTS

175g Self Raising Flour

1/2 tsp Salt

75g Softened Unsalted Butter

75g Brown sugar

75g Caster Sugar

1tbs Vanilla Essence

1 Egg

125g Chocolate Chips

Stir together the flour and salt. Do not sift. Beat the butter until creamy, then add the sugars and vanilla and stir them in until combined. Add the beaten egg, mixing well. Stir in the flour mixture. Stop the instant it has been incorporated. Stir in the Chocolate Chips until they are distributed evenly. Form the dough into a log, wrap it in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Heat the oven t0 180'C (350'F/gas mark 4) and grease baking sheets.

Cut the dough into thin rounds, place on baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden.

ONLY _ PEOPLE IN THE WORLD CAN READ THIS - CAN YOU?

2009-02-16T13:25:00.000-08:00

Cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs rpsoet it. OLNY RSEPOT IF YOU CAN RAED TIHS. CNAHGE THE NMUERBR AT TOP TGOHUH, "ONLY __ PEOPLE IN THE WORLD CAN READ THIS...CAN YOU? " Go up a nmuber if you can raed it...lte's see how hgih we can get!

NATURAL CLEANERS

2009-02-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

ALL PURPOSE CLEANER
Mix 2 heaped tablespoons bicarbonate of soda with 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Store in an airtight container.

CREAM CLEANER
Make a paste from bicarbonate of soda and water.

CHROME CLEANER
Apply white vinegar and salt to a cloth, rub over item to be cleaned, rinse, and buff with soft cloth.

TILE CLEANER
Use a slice of cut lemon to apply salt to the tiles.

JOSE-MARY'S VALENTINE GIFTS

2009-02-15T13:18:00.001-08:00

Now I know that Jose-Mary has received her Valentine's Swap Goodies, I can now show you what I made for her.

There were two Valentine Table Favours similar to the one photographed here (I forgot to photo this one!), a Valentine's knitted doll, a beaded heart hanging, a Valentine cushion and a bar of Green and Black chocolate.

I then wrapped each item in tissue paper, enclosed some heart confetti and ribbon and then wrapped them all in heart pattened paper.

I hope she liked everything!

VALENTINES CAKE

2009-02-14T10:52:00.001-08:00

For a simple Valentines Cake use a basic Victoria Sandwich recipe and bake in a heart shaped tin. You can either make two cakes and sandwich together with jam or make one and use butter cream as a topping (or you could make two cakes AND use butter cream for the topping!).

Decorate with sugar hearts.

ANOTHER KNITTED CAKE

2009-02-14T05:33:00.001-08:00

VALENTINE'S SWAP

2009-02-14T04:33:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

My Valentine's Swap arrived from Jose-Mary on Thursday and this is what arrived:

A Beautiful Wall Hanging with my name on!

A Cupcake candle.

A Lovely Hand Made Book Mark and Book.

A Yummy Chocolate Lolly

And a gorgeous hand knitted heart!

A big thank you To Jose-Mary for all the lovely gifts and also thank you to A Thrifty Mrs for organising the swap. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely do it again.

TOBLERONE CAKE

2009-02-10T03:34:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago, I bought this lovely little folder to put all the recipes that I wanted to keep from magazines etc. I was handed a recipe for a Toblerone Cake in W.H. Smith of all places. I have never made it but I thought it looked interesting:

Ingredients

200g Toblerone

60z Digestive Biscuits

3oz Butter or margarine

10fl oz Double Cream

Flake or White Chocolate

Method

Melt butter in pan. Pour over crumbled biscuits. Mix and use to line an 8" tin. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Melt the Toblerone. Whisk the cream (not stiff). When the chocolate has started to cool, fold in cream. Pour the mixture over the base. Return cake to fridge for 1 hour. Decorate with flake or white chocolate.

MISSING PATIENT ON THE BUSES!

2009-02-09T04:44:00.001-08:00

I work weird hours - 12 midday to 8 at night to be precise. I also get the last bus home, which picks me up in the hospital grounds.

Last week I was the only one in the bus shelter when a man appeared with all his hospital belongings and was not in a very good mood with the nursing staff on his ward. He was calling this poor nurse for everything he could lay his tongue to.

"One of the nurses in there is a real battle axe," he said "they promised they would let me out today and I've got my daughters wedding tomorrow. Do you know where the nearest 'phone is. I need to ring my sister so that she can pick me up." I replied that it was in the foyer. He then said he wasn't sure he wanted to go back indoors as the staff would probably find him. After routing through his pockets he wasn't sure if he had enough money to make a call anyway. The poor man seemed desperate.

After giving him a lecture about leaving I eventually said he could use my mobile. He looked down at himself and realised that he still had his pyjama trousers on and said he'd made a dash for it and had just put an outdoor jacket on over the top. He also told me that he was in hospital because of a fall. I believed his story and was just about to hand over my 'phone when my bus arrived. I apologised, but said I would have to go. As he still looked desparate I decided to give him some extra money for him to make a 'phone call, and told him not to worry about the change.

What happened next I could not quite believe - he said he was getting the bus and going to his sisters anyway. She lived miles away and the bus was not going that way. He did not have enough money anyway. The furthest he could go was to Abergele where I lived.

Once on the bus he gave me his sisters number. I managed to get through and said I had her brother with me and handed him over. After a couple of minutes he handed the 'phone back to me "she wants a word with you" he said.

"Oh my God where is he?" I told her what had happened and that we were heading for Abergele, telling her about the money I had given him for a 'phone call, his hospital belongings and the fact that he had got his daughters wedding the next day. "He's not of sound mind. His daughter is not getting married tomorrow and he has no clothes with him."

It was agreed that I would wait with him at the bus stop in Abergele while his brother-in-law came to pick him up and take him back to hospital. At this point he was still only wearing his pyjama trousers and it was freezing cold. I was trying to get him to put his trousers on in the middle of town at the bus stop only yards from the police station - I was just waiting to get arrested!

His brother-in-law arrived and the first thing he said was "You are an absolute ...." I was waiting for the words fool, idiot - anything derogatory for giving him some money (it was only £1), but then he said "angel" "Thank God you stayed with him, anything could have happened to him" Hospital security had no idea he had gone missing and were only alerted after his sister alerted them after our telephone call. While I was looking in his bag for his trousers I noticed a lot of drugs in there from the pharmacy. It turned out that all the clothes and the drugs belong to someone else - he had stolen them! It was also revealed that he had not had a fall but had recently had a colostomy operation!

I couldn't believe I had been taken in by his story, but he seemed so believable. I will definitely not be giving anyone any money for 'phone calls in future, however desperate they seem!

Later that week I had a visit from his sister who gave me a bottle of wine and some chocolates as a thank you for looking after him. But I still feel so guilty for giving him some money. I learned that he is still in hospital but will be OK. Thank God everything worked out OK - I still keep thinking of all sorts of things that could have happened!

CRAFTS BEAUTIFUL

2009-02-08T13:20:00.001-08:00

I made a New Year Resolution not to buy any more magazines, however I could not resist the latest issue of Crafts Beautiful Magazine as it has so much in it. First of all it comes with cupcake patterned backing paper and also a little book all about cupcakes (baking and card making).

Inside the magazine are two free patterns for knitted cakes, with a down loadable pattern for doughnuts from their web site. I don't know why I want to knit a cake, but there you go, I just do. When they are finished I will donate them to the League Of Friends at the hospital.

Also on page 23 there is a recipe for a Banana Cheesecake, which looks delicious.

So, I think it was worth breaking my resolution for, don't you ?

P.S. A cupcake I knitted earlier.................

ICED LEMON TRAYBAKE

2009-02-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

(for Pixiedust!)

8oz (225g) Soft Margarine
8oz (225g)Caster Sugar
10oz (275g) Self Raising Flour
2tsp Baking Powder
4 eggs
4 tbsp Milk
grated rind of 2 lemons

FOR THE ICING:
about 3 tbsp lemon Juice
8oz (225g) Icing Sugar

Preheat oven to 180'C/350'F/Gas 4. Grease and line a 12 x 9 in (30 x 23cm) roasting tin with greaseproof paper. Measure all ingredients into a large bowl and beat well for approx 2mins. Place mixture in tin and level the top. Bake for 35-40mins until cake has shrunk from sides of tin and springs back when pressed in the centre. Leave in tin to cool.

Mix lemon juice with the icing sugar and spread over cake. Leave to set.
Makes about 21 slices. I have halved this recipe before now and it works just as well.

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES, LEMON TRAY BAKE AND A CHEAP CREDIT CRUNCH SUPPER

2009-02-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

As I have now finished crafting for for my Valentine Swap, I decided to spend the afternoon baking and cooking. As I am trying my best to cut costs I made chocolate cupcakes using cocoa powder for the chocolate flavouring - they taste just as good as using real chocolate. I made 18 about 3hrs ago and there are now 11 left!

I also made a huge Lemon Tray Bake (I bake them in my roasting tin) with a view to them lasting all week. Although this rarely happens with my kids around!

The best money saver today though has to be our supper. I made Tomato Pasta using a Jamie Oliver jar of pasta sauce. These are on offer at the moment at Tesco for only 89p a jar. I added a pack of spaghetti costing 49p and topped it all with a little grated cheese. There was more than enough to feed all 4 of us.

I then made pancakes for afters using ingredients from my store cupboard. This has to be the cheapest meal I've ever cooked - I'm now going to see if I can better this one next week!

ANOTHER AWARD!

2009-02-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

I have received an award from Rosanna at La Stanza di Giuggiola. This award, we think, means Your Hand In My Hand, and is a token of friendship and encouragement to others, which I am most honoured to received. I would like to pass this award on to:

Nana Grace

Jose-Mary and

Doreen

MEET KITTY !

2009-02-03T12:29:00.000-08:00

The cat on the stone bench is not our cat, it's the neighbourhood stray. We've called him Kitty. However there is no need to feel sorry for him as virtually all the neighbours look after him and give him food. He will come in the back door when opened and meow for food and a warm, which he gets from virtually all the street! After trying to trace the owners unsuccessfully, one of the neighbours has now taken him on permanently. However old habits die hard and he still does the rounds. The photograph does not do him justice as he is in fact rather large!

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!

2009-02-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Pixiedust at Faerienuff. I have to show my fourth photo on my fourth file and pass it on to 4 others to do the same. So here goes!

This is my hubby, Graham. It was taken one Saturday afternoon just before we went out (although he does tend to keep his cap on most of the time indoors, and then says it's hot when the rest of us are freezing cold!).

The 4 others I would like to tag are:

Debbie at Tiny Treasures

Erika at Erika's Miniatures

Buffy at Buffy's Charms

Rosanna at La Stanza di Giuggiola

FABRIC SAMPLE FREEBIE!

2009-01-31T14:06:00.001-08:00

With thanks to Mel from At Home With Melmel, who gave me the idea, I too have been trawling the internet for fabric samples. This is what arrived in the post last week from 2 different companies.

I thought the character patterned pieces could be used for applique or cardmaking. The others are going to be used for some fabric hearts.

I hope to get started by the end of next week, although I do have 2 cushion covers to make and a cross stitch cupcake picture I quite fancy stitching. So many things to make - so little time....oh well.....

THE LURGY AND BAD HAIRCUTS!

2009-01-27T15:39:00.001-08:00

So sorry I have not posted anything for a few days, but I have not been well at all - think I may have got flue. On top of that I went to the hairdressers on Saturday and came out with the worst hair-do I've had in years. The hairdresser has cut much too much off and my bright blonde hair is now brown. I seem to have aged about 15 years. I've spent most of the weekend in tears!

Anyway I'm better now and I have a visit to another hairdresser in the morning, who is going to give me my blonde hair back! Unfortunately my budget doesn't run to extensions, I'll just have to wait a few months for it to grow back.

I am back at work tomorrow and will be busy with my Valentine Swap pressies in the evenings, so I will say goodbye until the weekend.

Love Jayne xxx

BLOG AWARDS

2009-01-24T08:20:00.000-08:00

The following 15 blogs that I would like to pass my award on to are:

At Home With MelMel

A Thrifty Mrs

Andrea Fay's

21st Centuary Housewife

Buffy's Charms

Cake Makes The World A Better Place

Fairie Nuff

Gingham and Flowers

Jellybelly*Jellybrain

Josie-Mary

Kitschen Pink

Knitty, Vintage and Rosy

Little Gem's World

Mollycupcakes

Rosesposes

Do not feel obliged to collect the award, I just want you to know that these are some of my favourite blogs!

Love Jayne xxxx

THANK YOU DEBBIE!

2009-01-23T13:43:00.000-08:00

I've won my first Award! It was given to me by Debbie at Tiny Treasures. Her blog is well worth a visit as her work in creating miniatures is amazing - always full of detail. Diagon Alley has to be one of her master pieces.

One of the rules of this award is that I have to pass it on to 15 other people. I will post the winners tomorrow evening as I am going to have to think about this one - there are so many blogs I love!

Once again thank you Debbie - I am so pleased!

CREDIT CRUNCH RECIPES

2009-01-22T14:08:00.000-08:00

A everyone has been feeling the pinch just lately, I have been going through my recipe books for cheap and cheerful recipes. I came across this one other day and I didn't have to buy any ingredients at all - they were all in my store cupboard!

BANANA BUTTERSCOTCH PUDDING

For The Pudding:

125g plain flour

3 tsp baking powder

125g caster sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 banana, mashed

250ml milk

1tsp vanilla extract

85g butter melted

For The Topping:

100g soft brown sugar

2tbs golden syrup

150ml boiling water

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to serve(I used a tin of Evaporated Milk)

Preheat oven 180'C. Gas Mark 4. Sift flour and baking powder into a bowel. Add caster sugar. Mix together beaten egg, mashed banana, milk, vanilla extract and melted butter. Pour into a 1.25ml dish and place on a baking tray.

To make topping, mix brown sugar, syrup, and boiling water in a pan and bring to the boil. Pour slowly over pudding. Bake for 30-40mins until golden and firm in the centre. The pudding will separate with the butterscotch sauce at the bottom and a spongy topping.

Yummy - a great one for the kids.

IN PRAISE OF READIT SWAP IT

2009-01-19T05:29:00.001-08:00

Having Seen The Thrift Book on quite a few blogs, I decided to buy a copy. Wow, I was impressed! There are lots of money saving tips some of which I already use and lots of new one's too. There are also lots of useful web addresses, one being the Read It Swap It site (you simply swap books with other readers).

I joined up on the Monday and put on 17 books, within 2 days all my books were wanted, some with 2 or 3 people wanting the same. The hard part was choosing who to swap with!

One word of warning though - be careful with the size and weight of each book. I've just posted 2 hard backs and the postage came to nearly £10! Definitely one for paper backs only!

WEDGWOOD V PINK

2009-01-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

WEDGWOOD OR PINK -

Yes, I know, it's an absolute crime to cover Wedgwood with this cosy (especially as my father's from Stoke-on-Trent). But I've wanted to make one of these for ages, and the colours do go well with my kitchen.

TROUBLE IN THE PARK

2009-01-13T03:03:00.000-08:00

Hope now one minds if I have a moan today. I promise it won't happen again - honestly! However on the 2nd of the month my daughter was assaulted in our local park. As you can see its a rather beautiful place and has everything from a lovely pond with swans, standing stones and a play area for children of all ages. It is situated only a few yards from our house.

Last Friday a girl in the same school as my daughter dragged her to the floor and kicked and punched her and then spat all over her (ugh!). She wasn't particularly hurt and I thought it was just one of those scrapes that all kids of that age go through at least once in their lives. I wasn't too worried until I called into the school to mention it when they went back on the 6th.

Apparently the girl in question is known to have a lot of problems and it is thought that she is known to the police. She was sent to a special school that deals with these sort of things. However, and this is the unbelievable part, she clashed with another girl in this school and was sent back to mainstream school as they couldn't do anything with her! She is now housed in the 'Inclusion' centre at our local school, which is really the 'Exclusion Centre' to anyone with half a brain as it is a separate building, but they are not allowed to call it that as no child is allowed to be excluded from school (??!!). The school, by the way, were unable to help as the incident did not occur in school time. My daughter was worried she might bump into her again so the only thing I could do was contact the police. (I do not know the girls parents or where she lives).

The following weekend we took our daughter to a special police house which was set out just like a normal home and she had to give video evidence due to her age. The matter is now in the hands of the police.

What baffles me is the fact that this girl obviously has problems and needs help, yet everyone seems to have given up on her. In view of recent media coverage about vulnerable children being overlooked I thought maybe our system would have got a little better. After all, even though she is in no danger from anyone, she herself is a danger to other people - namely my daughter! I just hope that the police deal with the matter and that the girl is stopped from bullying any other children in the future.

I am beginning to wonder if school is a safe place to send our children. I feel like giving up my job and teaching my kids myself.

Am I being too dramatic or does any one else feel the same as me?

.......................................................................

Anyway, on a much lighter note, look what I have got. An absolutely huge piece of material for only 50p from the Cats Protection League. I was so pleased. I haven't a clue what to do with it yet, though I'm sure I will think of something. My Auntie does voluntary work at the CPL so I get to know all the bargains as soon as they arrive in the shop, but this has got to be the best bargain yet!

BAKE ME - I'M YOURS (CONTINUED...)

2009-01-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

Day 2 was much better. The finished result wasn't too bad - not bad tasting either, even if I do say so myself. Bang goes the diet (again).

BAKE ME - I'M YOURS!

2009-01-10T10:48:00.001-08:00

One of my Christmas presents from DH was this lovely book:

So this afternoon I set about making petal paste to model pink hearts for a recipe in the book. What a nightmare! First of all the paste wasn't stiff enough, so I added more icing sugar. Then it got stuck to the bowel, then my hands, the worktop, the rolling pin and then my hands again. I eventually managed to fashion one or two that could actually pass as hearts and they are now drying (hopefully).

Tomorrow I will bake the cakes and decorate them (this should be the easy part).

Next time I will buy ready made cake decorations!

MY FIRST SOCKS!!

2009-01-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

I fancied a go at making socks. I have been knitting for years but for some reason I had always been put off with socks - I don't know why - so these were made on two needles and double knitting yarn (left over from my throw). They will probably make a good pair of bedsocks for someone!! I have now bought some specialised sock wool and started a 'proper' pair on a set of four needles. I will post a photo of the finished result when they are finished.

PANNETONE BREAD PUDDING

2009-01-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

I needed to use up the Christmas and New Year leftovers this weekend, so I made this delicious recipe from Jamie Oliver's book The Naked Chef 2:

Ingredients:
1pt Milk
1pt Cream
1 Vanilla pod
170g Caster Sugar
Pannetone, thickly sliced & buttered
1 Orange, zested
3 tbs cognac
A Little Icing Sugar

Bring the milk and cream to the boil. Cut vanilla pod in half & scoop out seeds and add to the pan with the orange zest and cognac. Whisk eggs with the sugar until pale. Add to milk and cream mixture and remove vanilla pod.

Preheat oven to 160'C/Gas 3.

Dip each slice of pannetone into the custard mixture and pile into a buttered baking dish. Pour remaining custard slowly over bread. Sprinkle with icing sugar.

Fill a roasting tin half full with boiling water and add the baking dish. Bake for approx. 45mins. When cooked it will have a slight crust on top, but will be slightly wobbly inside.

CUP CAKES GALORE

2009-01-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! and Happy New Year. I have not posted anything for a while as I have been rather busy, but I have been keeping up to date with everyone's blogs.

I just wanted to show you something that one of my daughters bought me for Christmas - a cup cake hook! I think it is probably to hang a tea towel from or something, but I am using it to hold my kitchen calender.

It goes with one or two other cup cakey things I have in my kitchen:

MY CHRISTMASSY HEARTH

2008-12-16T03:36:00.000-08:00

Complete with chandelier lights, ginerbread houses and stockings.

MY COMPLETED THROW!!

2008-12-16T03:28:00.000-08:00

I have at last finished it. I took me two years to complete as I kept puting it away and doing other things, on top of working full time etc. etc. Life is so much simpler and calmer now I work less hours. Happiness and time with my family are far more important than money.

CHEESE AND ONION FLAN

2008-12-15T05:15:00.000-08:00

Ingredients
8oz plain flour
2oz margerine
Pinch of Salt
2-3 tbs cold water
4oz chedder Chese, grated
2 eggs, whisked
1 onion, chopped
1/4pt milk
Salt & pepper for seasoning
Mixed dried herbs

Method
Preheat oven to 190'C. Grease and flour an 8in flan dish.
Sift flour and salt into a bowl. Rub margerine into flour. Add enough water to make a soft dough.
Roll out and line the prepared dish.
Mix together the milk, eggs & salt and pepper and set aside.
Next, place the cheese and onion in the flan dish and pour over the seasoned egg and cheese mixture. Sprinkle with mixed herbs if liked.

Place in oven and bake for approx. 40mins or until golden brown and the egg has set.

CARLA'S BIRTHDAY VISIT

2008-12-14T12:08:00.000-08:00

My eldest daughter came to visit today (she lives with her boyfriend) as I had not seen her for a few weeks. She opened her birhday presents while she was here as she is twenty next week.

She also arrived with my auntie who, I might add, looks twenty years younger than her seventy years and fixes her own roof tiles!!

THE TOOTH FAIRY

2008-12-14T12:02:00.000-08:00

I'm not really sure what to make of this, but kelly loves it.

It now sits on a shelf in her bedroom (pattern by Alan Dart).

I am also knitting Alan Dart's Christmas Tree but there is no way that it will be finished for this Christmas as I started too late.

EMBELLISHED THROW

2008-12-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

This is a photograph of the throw I have been working on. It is now finished thank goodness, as I seem to have been working on it for ages.

Photograph of finished item to follow soon.

CROSS STITCH TREE DECORATIONS

2008-12-14T11:34:00.000-08:00

One Christmas Tree decoration is now ready to go on the tree. Another two to go.