tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64229797250878855072024-02-19T03:21:22.996+00:00Cheats guide to becoming a domestic goddess Hints tips and hacks for Mums like me who'd like to be all 'Martha Stewart' but let's face it we're just not the creative types.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111377231849776957noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422979725087885507.post-72917154062386004552015-05-10T21:51:00.000+01:002015-05-10T21:51:04.304+01:00How to avoid a 'Mummy Meltdown'?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlu6y00sefruVrZAyNiHLNd4A2R9J3ZNm7Fe46qtP3J2fg6Rx3Z88FDFR5zotLVTPXnYDbeQ_v4xfJpdbNJIH1xga-42HAoC2xvhXEHB86VRP_5DbQ5CBZFw_aKG2Qy3cNuz18wsvzRy-/s1600/Stressed+Mama+with+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlu6y00sefruVrZAyNiHLNd4A2R9J3ZNm7Fe46qtP3J2fg6Rx3Z88FDFR5zotLVTPXnYDbeQ_v4xfJpdbNJIH1xga-42HAoC2xvhXEHB86VRP_5DbQ5CBZFw_aKG2Qy3cNuz18wsvzRy-/s640/Stressed+Mama+with+text.jpg" title="How To Avoid A Mummy Meltdown" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This week has been a bit of a....roller coaster for me and for (mostly ridiculous) reasons that I won't bore you with, I had a 'Mummy Meltdown'. I'm a real Mum, not a superhero and it happens to us all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Whatever kind of Mum you may be it is us that in most families must take on the role of 'Family Manager' (regardless of the other jobs you may already have), it's a huge role and a massive challenge that you may have no previous experience for! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So from the planning of the family holidays, food shopping, restocking the children's wardrobes and planning birthday parties, to handling illness and check ups, arranging days out and managing homework...it all becomes our responsibility and has to somehow fit in around our other full time commitments! Argh!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So its hardly surprising that every now and then (when we least expect it) we take a moment to think about the things we need to do that day and it unwittingly spirals into being swamped in a sea of ALL the things we are in charge of AT THE SAME TIME!
Big mistake! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A Mum should never try to think about all her responsibilities at once (inevitably due to the sheer volume) or the panic will start to rise, the palms sweat, the choking out of control feeling raises it's ugly head and WHAM a full on wobble attack will hit from nowhere! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Depending on your personality type this will either result in serious floods of tears, slabs of chocolate being eaten, a bottle of wine for one or furious tantrums and shouting. I'm my case i'll admit it's often all of the above!
So how do we avoid it? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rule No 1 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">NEVER try to think about your to do list as a whole, it's way to big to handle! Take a few deep breaths. Then release the tension by whatever healthy means necessary, a walk, the gym (loud music helps me) and move onto rule 2.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rule No 2 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Break down the stress into things you need to do today, tomorrow and things that can wait. Focus only on today and maybe tomorrow for now. Grab a pen and paper and write a list (or multiple lists if you like) and include key dates that things need to happen. You will feel better once you have had a brain dump at the very least.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rule No3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Embrace technology!
Move your usual lists to your mobile phone or tablet so you can add things on as they pop into your head. Add the key dates to your calendar and set up reminders so you don't have to remember yourself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rule No 4 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Delegate where you can, you are not superwoman!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rule No 5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Don't beat yourself up when you have a bad day. A good melt down is actually good for you and releases all that built up tension to make you a better Mum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I personally have constant rolling lists for food shopping, gifts, party planning, school projects, holiday packing, DIY plans, generic things to do, really anything goes! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Get yourself an in tray and spend just 15 minutes or so each day checking the calendar, dealing with the contents of the tray, adding dates and reminders to the diary and looking to the week ahead. It's amazing what a difference this makes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I set reminder alerts for just about everything from taking medicine to remembering to leave for the school runs! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All this organisation won't stop the occasional wobble but it will help you feel calm and in control at least some of the time! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So whats your secret? How do you do to avoid feeling overwhelmed?? Any tips are welcome!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18117836@N00/184475499">the death of created life</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)</a></span></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111377231849776957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422979725087885507.post-42374810642912122812015-05-07T13:44:00.000+01:002015-05-07T13:44:51.079+01:00CHEESY SALMON PASTA: A realistic 15 minute dinner for a busy school night<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQouG9dTQo_wkUv-n96vHvhdhKadP7UEtY1ZtwNOLmHSf8ewfZgc16LoUsNwQ11-vWIwFqgQA-2QJuv-qeNPjQK0Y4HWemykYo8WuKgCBjnnIwJ00zIvBtyi-_pUNox66NCntU_YlIScF/s1600/Salmon+pasta+with+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQouG9dTQo_wkUv-n96vHvhdhKadP7UEtY1ZtwNOLmHSf8ewfZgc16LoUsNwQ11-vWIwFqgQA-2QJuv-qeNPjQK0Y4HWemykYo8WuKgCBjnnIwJ00zIvBtyi-_pUNox66NCntU_YlIScF/s400/Salmon+pasta+with+text.jpg" title="SPEEDY SALMON PASTA" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now I'm definitely not an amazing cook but I do try and family life has taught me that sometimes you need to be clever and be able to come up with a family dinner in 15 minutes flat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I don't think I have mentioned before but I am a SAHM who also works part time in the evening so our schedule can be a little crazy some week nights. It's a tag team affair but dinner has to be simple and above all fast!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I thought I would begin to share with you some of our everyday family favorites that are budget friendly, can be whipped up in no time and always give me smiley happy kids (and Daddy) with full tummies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm telling you, ANYONE can make this meal, its very easy and is done in 15 minutes flat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Salmon and Cream Cheese Pasta (aka 'Cheesy Salmon Pasta' in our house)</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What you will need:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 Salmon fillets</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">About 250-300g of pasta shapes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A 200g tub of cream cheese with garlic and herbs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Around 150ml of milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Green vegetables, ideally broccoli and green beans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dill (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First things first, I whack on the kettle to boil the water for the pasta. Pop it in the pan to cook as soon as the water is boiled as the rest will be ready by the time the pasta is done. About half a standard 500g bag or so should do and we use twists or shells but it doesn't matter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Next I chop a head of broccoli into a microwaveable dish and add a handful of trimmed green beans or sugar snap peas (or any other green veg). Add a tablespoon of water and cover with cling film ready to steam for 2.5 mins in the microwave on full (ours is 800 watt).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then I grab a pan and add a few glugs (maybe 150ml) of milk and a whole tub of garlic and herb cream cheese. I use a light Aldi variety but any would do. Careful, as this is the tricky (ish) part. This needs to be warmed on a low to medium heat so that the cheese melts into the milk. Please don't let it get too hot or boil or it will split and look bad (still tastes good though)!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now put 2 Salmon fillets into a microwaveable tupperware (with a lid) along with a tablespoon of milk and a sprinkle of Dill (if you have it). Microwave on full for 1.5-2 mins (yes that really is long enough) with one corner of the tub slightly open. Being totally honest I think those tubs you can get with Chinese takeaway in work best for this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Grate some cheese, about 100g I think and add half to the cream cheese sauce, remove it from the heat and stir in until it has melted. I also add some black pepper here. The rest of the cheese is what my kids refer to as 'sprinkle cheese' for the adding at the table.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Finally drain off the veg and snip into small pieces with scissors. Drain off the pasta and mix with the veg back into the pasta pan. Pour over the cream cheese sauce and mix.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then pop your cooked salmon fillets out onto a board, gently remove the skin (trying not to burn yourself) and chop up. Add this to the pasta pan and give it one last stir.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now call the hungry troops to the table, you're done! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This feeds our family of 2 adults and 2 children with a leftover portion to go into the fridge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I made this last night and we happened to have lightly smoked salmon fillets (as they were on offer) and I have to say it was really lovely and a must try, plus a also added a handful of sweetcorn to the sauce to mix it up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I also have to make a teeny apology for the pictures as I took them of our leftovers the next day and not our initial dinner (due to the need for speed factor on the night I forgot). The actual dinner is very saucy and creamy and gorgeous but as with all pasta dishes the leftovers loose a bit of their sauce factor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I hope you give it a try and let me know how you found it.</span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111377231849776957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422979725087885507.post-89823059875350565652015-05-04T14:37:00.003+01:002015-05-04T14:40:43.765+01:00How to clean your bathroom without actually spending time cleaning your bathroom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIYJtyx7dC-VXr9RWC7qRnLDMHlZcvOJFl7oYTj1cfGpPTdkvqPRCK0xMwnNahTJWtPZu54xzPxMz_qB1mg64FMxxcU3o0yhM5ApYCmlH2tuEfkvd11aTfOqyfUvZ21685LHopvb7i0Yr/s1600/Rubberducks+with+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIYJtyx7dC-VXr9RWC7qRnLDMHlZcvOJFl7oYTj1cfGpPTdkvqPRCK0xMwnNahTJWtPZu54xzPxMz_qB1mg64FMxxcU3o0yhM5ApYCmlH2tuEfkvd11aTfOqyfUvZ21685LHopvb7i0Yr/s400/Rubberducks+with+text.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So my inspiration for this post is purely my absolute hatred of having to clean a dirty bathroom. It's the one job I totally put off until I wish I hadn't put it off that long and its then really hard work if you let it get gunky! It is also one of those jobs that, if you leave it you're bound to get a visit from Grandma or your Mother-in-law and be left totally embarrassed at your lack of cleaning prowess.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well I have good news and will happily admit that I no longer have to make time to 'clean' my bathroom (as such) and it isn't dirty! No really!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what is my trick, well its not a trick really just something that has developed as a habit since having my little monkeys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>My secret is ... bath-time! </b> I will inevitably be spending a good 10-20 minutes in my bathroom with the mini's most days and a good portion of this time is spent doing nothing other than dodging the water splashes (and the odd bath toy) and reminding my toddler to sit down and stop drinking the water (eww right)!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I also found that I sit there making a mental to do list, thinking eugh I really need to scrub that grout or noticing the dust or some horrible soap slime starting to build up somewhere that I'm itching to wipe. So now I do! Every bath-time I choose a couple of bits to do like give the toilet a wipe around and put cleaner inside, wipe over the whole floor, clean all around the sink, organise the towels, tidy the toiletries, clean the mirror and tidy the cabinet, clean the blinds, clean the shower screen...and the list goes on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This way all I have to do is give the bath itself a quick wipe over after the kids get out and ta dah! Constantly clean bathroom with virtually no effort. I'm not even as strict as to keep a stock of bathroom cleaning wipes at the ready at all times. Sometimes I just use baby wipes (and it still works).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The only other job I need to do is to attack the grout and that plastic runner thingy at the bottom of the shower screen (that collects all the gunk) with an old toothbrush and a mix of bicarb and vinegar once a month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And before I get slated for not watching the children or joining in bath-time play, I still do that too! We have a small bathroom and I just clean and chat and play at the same time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This one little change means that I no longer have to have the dreaded 'Clean Bathroom' constantly on my to do list and it is now much cleaner than it ever was before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm totally at ease with the bite-size bathroom clean (so it might actually get done) and I feel like I'm really making the best use of my time too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I hope this little cheat of mine helps some of you to keep on top of your bathroom nemesis too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34883952@N02/5469616624">59/365</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a></span> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111377231849776957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422979725087885507.post-9194543441930959492015-04-29T14:48:00.004+01:002015-05-04T14:39:04.386+01:00How to avoid a runaway toddler?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2u5vvyuKKDkiJrB-kl6Tl5XSw2eIxP2nRUqNBeGzFm5DGrWRK-nbhPkRsPvFMPUL6Mu_Xw3Kkb-UxuxQjugnZrDaxVF3BnabPLqRQwqwE3pwc6DAU1xyAqqKNF5EeeACH2qGwQiP78Ru/s1600/Toddler+Splashing+On+Reins+with+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2u5vvyuKKDkiJrB-kl6Tl5XSw2eIxP2nRUqNBeGzFm5DGrWRK-nbhPkRsPvFMPUL6Mu_Xw3Kkb-UxuxQjugnZrDaxVF3BnabPLqRQwqwE3pwc6DAU1xyAqqKNF5EeeACH2qGwQiP78Ru/s1600/Toddler+Splashing+On+Reins+with+text.jpg" title="Toddler Splashing on Reins" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our little 20 month old monkey is VERY crafty and has taken to making the most of every opportunity to climb, escape and generally put himself in harms way. This is new territory for me as my daughter wasn't this way inclined at all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what are we doing? Well, following his latest escape attempt which resulted in Dad running down the street after him in a teeny tiny towel after jumping out of the shower, we have implemented a few simple extra security measures:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lock your doors <b><u>and remove the keys</u></b> as it doesn't take the crafty ones very long to work this out.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Consider fitting a latch if you are worried you or someone else in the house (aka partner or absent minded siblings) might forget.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Use window locks.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Keep garages and sheds locked up if the children are playing outside. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Safety gates can also be useful to keep them away from open doors or other temptations. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are also a few tricks and games that I have picked up along the way to help keep control of everyone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I would highly recommend using <b>reins</b> in busy places and car parks, even getting into and out of the car at home if you don't have garden gates and live by a road. I know some people find them controversial but believe me if you have more than one child to hold onto and a few things to carry while trying to get into or out of the car they are essential. There are so many cute styles these days too, some with little back packs and soft toys but I go with the bog standard plain variety and my little boy loves them!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Explain your expectations to your toddler before you leave the house or car. For example 'You need to stay with Mummy and hold my hand while we are in the car park'. You might not think they understand yet but you might be surprised and this is a good routine to get into anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Get your little one to sit down on the doorstep while you lock the door. Its usually just enough of a distraction so they don't run off before you are ready to run after them!</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Try and give them something to carry back into the house to make them feel important and avoid any de-tours.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> If you
have multiple children with you get them to hold hands and stay
together, keep hold of the littlest or most likely to wander.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Teach them the <b>'Stick like glue' game </b>in car parks so you know where everyone is at all times. This is a really basic game we started while trying to get everyone in the car. When a grown up shouts 'stick like glue' everyone has to keep a body part stuck on the rear car lights (or any other bit of the car that works for you) and if they let go they are 'out'. You can shout out new body parts every 30 seconds if you want to keep them engaged or are taking longer than you thought. We do Hi 5's at the end and it works a treat especially if you are enthusiastic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As they get a little older we play the '<b>stop-go game'</b>. To teach older toddlers to follow instruction and allow them a little freedom we started to play the stop go game in parks. It's another simple idea where they have to stop or go according to your commands and if they mess up they are out and have to come back but if they do well they get to be the leader. Its especially good to practice when they are on scooters and could zoom off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Discipline them for not coming to you or stopping when called and for running away etc</span>. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm just talking a stern face to face chat with them here so that they know it is just not acceptable. Don't forget to reward them for doing well, just a little enthusiastic praise will do the trick.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Give your littlest plenty of chances to run free where it is safe. Don't be tempted to use reins or harnesses for ease when you are at a park or other safe places. I know its tempting if you have a runner but its not great for them and they will struggle to learn to be independent and follow your instructions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Make sure you explain to them the places where they should always stop and wait for you, for example road curbs, shop exits, lifts, escalator etc and why. Have a little family chat about it and get them to come up with ideas of places too. The older they are the more they will understand but start to tell the little ones too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When you are out and about (and have time) let them decide if it's safe to cross the road. The good old green cross code can't start early enough if you ask me and this way they will be much more aware of the danger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So this is what we do to try and contain their crazy urges to run away and I hope it gives you some new ideas and inspiration but I'd love to hear any ideas you have or tricks you use to keep everyone safe so please do comment!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96552203@N00/6814378457">22 January 2012</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a> </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111377231849776957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422979725087885507.post-22685775884765193462015-04-25T17:36:00.000+01:002015-05-08T10:50:01.213+01:00The mystical cleaning powers of baby wipes, bicarb and hairspray!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't know about you but I am not particularly skilled I in the art of 'home making' and unlike Martha Stewart I seem to muddle my way through most problems via the somewhat mystical cleaning powers of my 3 hero's, baby wipes, bicarb of soda (or baking soda as they call it in the US) and hairspray!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ok, so I know it might be cheating a little but there aren't many problems that I can't fix with one of these 3 little gems, they are truly amazing tricks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The humble baby wipe is cleaning way more than just bottoms and sticky fingers in my house. Here are just a few of the little jobs I use them for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Removing marks from just about anywhere:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pencil and crayon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Face paint and makeup</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">UPVC black scuff marks</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Baby sick or milk from carpets (followed by bicarb if it's bad)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grubby fingerprints off walls, doors light switches etc</span> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Removing sticker residue</span></span> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They also make great cleaning companions for:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dusting the house plants</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sprucing up plastic shoes </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cleaning your car interiors</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spot cleaning floors and carpets</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Added to a Swiffer for a shinny clean floor</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spot cleaning clothes (especially school uniform)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cleaning up plastic or wooden toys or dolls</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cleaning down outdoor toys or furniture </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Leather cleaner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cleaning your skirting boards</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bathroom surface or floor cleaner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Shower screen cleaner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cleaning computer screens and keyboards</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fridge cleaner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Microwave cleaner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Blind cleaner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Removing sticker residue</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bicarb is my best friend No 2 and will literally get bad smells out of just about anything (even the <i>really</i> bad ones)!</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sick odor remover (amazing)!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fridge freshener</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Litter box freshner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mattresses freshner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stinky bin freshner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stinky drain cleaner and deoderiser</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bathroom mould remover and grout cleaner (when mixed with vinegar)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Boosts your laundry detergent as a freshener, degreaser and washing machine cleaner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dishwasher cleaner and deodoriser</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Polishes silver (in a paste)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cleans the microwave, hob, oven or burnt on food pans (in a paste)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cleans smelly sports wear and gym bags</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Shoe deodoriser</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Carpet cleaner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preserves cut flowers (when added to the water)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And finally, my go to girl....Hairspray:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The biggie for me is the removal of <u>ink (inc permanent maker) stains</u>!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lipstick and grease stain remover</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stops ladders from forming from nicked tights</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Removes sticky glue residue (if baby wipes fail)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preserves cut flower heads (spray on rather than in the water)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lint remover</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Artwork fix (for anything loose, glittery or chalky)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As long as you have these 3 secret weapons in your cleaning cupboard you'll be able to tackle most of the challenges family life throws at you. OK, so maybe you should also add superglue and plasters to that list but you'll be on the right track! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now I can't be the only one making the most of these little tricks and many more I haven't yet come across so I would love to hear any that you have to add that might help me along the way?</span><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://www.youbabymemummy.com" title="You Baby Me Mummy"><img src="http://youbabymemummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Badge-150-x-150.jpg" alt="You Baby Me Mummy" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111377231849776957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422979725087885507.post-40400183438781087032015-04-25T13:24:00.000+01:002015-04-25T13:24:21.546+01:00Scuttle Bug - Tried and tested review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Assembled Scuttle Bug</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First things first, this isn't a sponsored review I just wanted to share what I thought was a great little product with everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We ordered our Scuttle Bug as I wanted something for my 19 month old Will to use while we were out with our 6 year old Faye on her scooter. He was getting very frustrated that he is too small for a scooter and didn't want to ride his trike as he can't peddle it yet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We ordered ours from amazon while it was on offer for £24.00 which I thought was very reasonable for what you get. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I loved the cute animal designs and chose the grasshopper for Will.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was surprised by how small the box was when it arrived and it also says 'adult assembly required' on the front (que internal groan). So I was pleasantly surprised when we opened it up and it was just stored in its folded down position. All I had to do was click out the back wheels and steering column and it was ready to go, bonus!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AuLUqI0fV4c/VTEPBtM4iMI/AAAAAAAABvc/jKx2G06Zx3Y/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AuLUqI0fV4c/VTEPBtM4iMI/AAAAAAAABvc/jKx2G06Zx3Y/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Folded Scuttle Bug</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is just as easy to fold away to with obvious release buttons so no faffing about at all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Will absolutely loved this toy, I think because it has a little face and was very easy for him to get the hang of straight away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because the Scuttle Bug is very slim it is easy for him to get on and off and he soon got to grips with steering. Its also very lightweight so easy for him (or Mum) to carry around which he always wants to do with these things.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do you think he likes his new Scuttle Bug?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We are using ours indoors and outdoors at the moment which is working great as the wheels are narrow so they don't pick up dirt and it keeps Will happy if the weather isn't good. He is a little slow riding on the street if we are off to the park but if you have a little patience he really enjoys the trip. I also used a harness while we ride on the footpath so I have hold of him if he veers into the road unexpectedly. He handles the steering very well though so it hasn't been an issue yet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The box says this will be suitable until he is 20 Kgs or 3 years and since his sister is also very keen on it (and very upset to find she was too big) I think it will be getting very well used at our house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hope you enjoy yours as much as we do if you are off to buy one!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111377231849776957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422979725087885507.post-14582095140023399432015-04-21T13:17:00.001+01:002015-04-25T15:30:40.528+01:00Easy Oreo pops and truffles: quick and easy treats for any occassion<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So you need to come up with some treats for a children's party, afternoon tea or a baby shower type event and don't have a great deal of time (or lets face it the skills)to bake up a storm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I always seem to have one of these occasions pop up where you would love to make something really cute that everyone will love but end up buying something from the supermarket (and feeling a bit rubbish about it).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">No I'm not advocating 'competitive mothering', you know the kind of Mum who its obvious have spent an entire week creating a professional 'Bake Off' worthy offering in order to keep up with the Joneses but I do like to at least look like I care and made an effort.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If this is you then next time you should try one of these two little gems and voila, problem solved! You really don't need to do a lot with these two REALLY easy no bake treat solutions I promise its mainly melting and dipping!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Oreo Lollipops</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What you will need:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lolly sticks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Oreo's (or the Aldi version that I used is fine)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Chocolate or candy melts (any kind is fine)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sprinkles </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Choose the chocolate and sprinkles that fit your theme. I went with white chocolate and multi-coloured sprinkles but anything goes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Step 1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Open your Oreo's and gently insert your sticks a good way into the biscuit to make sure they are secure</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1PONIYwWmU/VTYLxLfX6GI/AAAAAAAAB2I/yZHnSH5UFSY/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1PONIYwWmU/VTYLxLfX6GI/AAAAAAAAB2I/yZHnSH5UFSY/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" height="320" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Naked Oreo pops ready to coat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Step 2</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Melt your chocolate in the microwave in short bursts, stiring in between until fully melted. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDkipiqAt4c/VTEVmBiP3PI/AAAAAAAABwM/d1M0sRLxAQA/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDkipiqAt4c/VTEVmBiP3PI/AAAAAAAABwM/d1M0sRLxAQA/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG" height="320" width="295" /></a></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Step 3</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Coat your Oreo pops in chocolate, holding them over the chocolate and turning to allow the excess to drip off and lay them out on greaseproof paper.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7-UNikurj0/VTYLxFN__5I/AAAAAAAAB2I/HfQgm-AWDbQ/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7-UNikurj0/VTYLxFN__5I/AAAAAAAAB2I/HfQgm-AWDbQ/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG" height="176" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lollipop drying station</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Step 4</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sprinkle with whatever you like and leave to set on the paper. All done (told you it was easy)!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tip: You might want to wipe any excess chocolate from around your pops before they set if you have a lot of excess chocolate pooling as they dry. Just make sure you twirl over the chocolate bowl for a little longer to stop this happening with the next one.</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oreo Truffles</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jGZxn0f9xg/VTYK4b7BdWI/AAAAAAAAB10/phvEPYxcwzk/s1600/IMG_1183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jGZxn0f9xg/VTYK4b7BdWI/AAAAAAAAB10/phvEPYxcwzk/s1600/IMG_1183.JPG" height="163" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What you will need:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3 packs of Oreo's (or the Aldi version that I used is fine)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 pack of Cream Cheese </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Chocolate or candy melts (any kind is fine)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sprinkles </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Choose
the chocolate and sprinkles that fit your theme. I went with white
chocolate and pink and blue sprinkles as this batch were for a baby shower but anything goes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Step 1</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Blitz up your biscuits into crumbs. Either in a food processor or in a frezzer bag with a rolling pin and bash away. I blitzed in 3 batches in the food processor in small 2 second bursts and they came out like this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O45_V56G0xo/VTYK4cyAtOI/AAAAAAAAB10/b2u3HpSB0IM/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O45_V56G0xo/VTYK4cyAtOI/AAAAAAAAB10/b2u3HpSB0IM/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" height="282" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oreo crumbs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Step 2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mix together with a full pack of cream cheese until it forms into a dough like so:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0aAemBclyc/VTYK4XdGngI/AAAAAAAAB10/9KpYBpeGurI/s1600/IMG_1176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0aAemBclyc/VTYK4XdGngI/AAAAAAAAB10/9KpYBpeGurI/s1600/IMG_1176.JPG" height="284" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Oreo truffle dough</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Step 3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Form into small balls in the palm of your hand and put into the fridge to chill for 20 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jq6NznVUzZk/VTYK4Ux8dPI/AAAAAAAAB10/Sk4saBbHym8/s1600/IMG_1177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jq6NznVUzZk/VTYK4Ux8dPI/AAAAAAAAB10/Sk4saBbHym8/s1600/IMG_1177.JPG" height="320" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Truffle balls ready for the fridge</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Step 4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Melt your chocolate in the microwave in short bursts, stiring in between until fully melted.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Step 5</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Lower your truffle on a spoon into the melted chocolate and turn until coated. Remove gently and place on greaseproof paper.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tip: If you would like to make your truffles appear like cake pops then use a pretty wide drinking straw pushed into the truffle as the stick. Pick up your truffle by inserting your straw and dip it into the chocolate to coat. Then place your truffle pop upright in a glass to set.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Step 6</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sprinkle with your chosen decorations or some crushed cookie to finish</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ4JjkYcik4/VTYK4TRNo6I/AAAAAAAAB10/0mQ_kBVPbj4/s1600/IMG_1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ4JjkYcik4/VTYK4TRNo6I/AAAAAAAAB10/0mQ_kBVPbj4/s1600/IMG_1179.JPG" height="320" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This recipe does make quite a large batch of truffles, around 30 or so but they are sooo good that really isn't a problem!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111377231849776957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422979725087885507.post-60334040620540819732015-04-17T23:40:00.000+01:002015-04-25T13:25:13.046+01:00Yummy Easter Bark<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In an effort to get rid of the rest of our Easter egg glut and have some serious fun too we had a go at making yummy Easter chocolate bark today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now I have to admit that our version is a little less 'designer cute' and a little more 'chuck it all on' but then the kids did make it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We were inspired by a recipe that I found on Pintrest and added our own sparkle and flair. Check out my <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/DomesticDivaBev/easter/" target="_blank">Pintrest Easter board</a> for the original post.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is what we used from our Easter grotto</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-veHbSmyfnMM/VTEVmFrC5UI/AAAAAAAABwM/qk5_mP2I7B8/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-veHbSmyfnMM/VTEVmFrC5UI/AAAAAAAABwM/qk5_mP2I7B8/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" height="320" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What you'll need for your Easter Bark</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now we set about smashing up our white chocolate bunnies and our eggs and melted them in shot blasts in the microwave is 2 separate bowls.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MgJWUzxYqA/VTEVmOSEeCI/AAAAAAAABwM/XvQjAMOd9qQ/s1600/IMG_1149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MgJWUzxYqA/VTEVmOSEeCI/AAAAAAAABwM/XvQjAMOd9qQ/s1600/IMG_1149.JPG" height="200" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mmmmm, all ready for melting</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDkipiqAt4c/VTEVmBiP3PI/AAAAAAAABwM/d1M0sRLxAQA/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDkipiqAt4c/VTEVmBiP3PI/AAAAAAAABwM/d1M0sRLxAQA/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG" height="200" style="cursor: move;" width="184" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You will need to bash up your Oreo's into crumbs with a rolling pin before you start and lay out all of your Easter egg sweeties ready. We had Smarties, some Minion Mini Eggs, Jazzies, mini marshmallows and a selection of sprinkles from our baking cupboard.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNsPsE9_VEk/VTEVmC0vFsI/AAAAAAAABwM/DUsg4gBH6IE/s1600/IMG_1151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNsPsE9_VEk/VTEVmC0vFsI/AAAAAAAABwM/DUsg4gBH6IE/s1600/IMG_1151.JPG" height="320" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Clingfilm your tray for ease of removal</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Set up your baking tray with 2 layers of cling film to make it easy to get your bark out later and sprinkle with a handful of your sweets and some Oreo crumbs.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E3ef7YdTbZc/VTEVmJ-BZAI/AAAAAAAABwM/S9CScV5_EVU/s1600/IMG_1154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E3ef7YdTbZc/VTEVmJ-BZAI/AAAAAAAABwM/S9CScV5_EVU/s1600/IMG_1154.JPG" height="229" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Easter Bark creation station</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once the chocolate is melted pour it over the scattered sweets in the tray any way you like as you will be swirling it together.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ctLTffSJNRE/VTEVmItpI0I/AAAAAAAABwM/Xxe74GedG-4/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ctLTffSJNRE/VTEVmItpI0I/AAAAAAAABwM/Xxe74GedG-4/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pour over the melted chocolate yummyness</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then, with the wrong end of a spoon give your chocolate a gentle swirl until it looks something like this.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8ameJN-4Go/VTEVmL4lKgI/AAAAAAAABwM/GlI0cLWBAJk/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8ameJN-4Go/VTEVmL4lKgI/AAAAAAAABwM/GlI0cLWBAJk/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" height="233" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Swirly whirly time</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now all that is left to do is let the children cover it with sweeties and chocolates, sprinkle over more Oreo crumbs and then top with a selection of sprinkles and a little edible glitter (if you have it).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYQ30hV8DP8/VTEVmPVSqmI/AAAAAAAABwM/asSkJgCYMUw/s1600/IMG_1159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYQ30hV8DP8/VTEVmPVSqmI/AAAAAAAABwM/asSkJgCYMUw/s1600/IMG_1159.JPG" height="207" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ta dah, sugar heaven!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pop this into the fridge for about an hour to set firm and then break it into slivers and enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj30I6bqQOg/VTEZBRhY4oI/AAAAAAAABw4/pIQsd_XzMdI/s1600/15%2B-%2B9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj30I6bqQOg/VTEZBRhY4oI/AAAAAAAABw4/pIQsd_XzMdI/s1600/15%2B-%2B9" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And now for the best part...eating your Easter Bark</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was a sure fire hit in our house so we hope you enjoy it too.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hMNRb2gR-uM/VTEZBVZlc-I/AAAAAAAABxI/auwI13Rvck4/s1600/15%2B-%2B11" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hMNRb2gR-uM/VTEZBVZlc-I/AAAAAAAABxI/auwI13Rvck4/s1600/15%2B-%2B11" height="320" width="239" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjFLKyx2Rx8/VTEZBSGnmuI/AAAAAAAABwo/sLC12h1M4GI/s1600/15%2B-%2B10" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjFLKyx2Rx8/VTEZBSGnmuI/AAAAAAAABwo/sLC12h1M4GI/s1600/15%2B-%2B10" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="235" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111377231849776957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422979725087885507.post-6830227909713453382015-04-14T22:31:00.002+01:002015-05-01T15:12:43.893+01:00Why not pop over and follow me on bloglovin?<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13956043/?claim=6ew2r655tug">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111377231849776957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422979725087885507.post-6475788141909376902015-04-14T17:00:00.000+01:002015-04-25T13:25:57.308+01:00Easter egg recycling ideas to keep them busy in the holidays<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">OK so I don't know about anyone else but we seen to have more than enough Easter eggs in our house to last us until next year so today we have set about using a few up, getting messy and being (a bit) creative.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am not reinventing the wheel here as you will see these ideas are oldies but goodies and I thought we would share anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivDn9_OtUXk/VSuV8TPuWDI/AAAAAAAABdo/Q3p5m6YTcBg/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivDn9_OtUXk/VSuV8TPuWDI/AAAAAAAABdo/Q3p5m6YTcBg/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="246" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, first of all we had great fun with the egg opening and chocolate smashing, melting and spoon licking to make these beauty's.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwsbj7wFYX0/VSuV8Shj-xI/AAAAAAAABdo/cK49gnpf8xg/s1600/15%2B-%2B4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwsbj7wFYX0/VSuV8Shj-xI/AAAAAAAABdo/cK49gnpf8xg/s1600/15%2B-%2B4" height="320" width="217" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Easter nest anyone?</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm not going to include a recipe as I'm sure you all know how its done but we had fun doing it so I'm sharing all the same!</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The next bit (what to do with all the shinny papers) was surprisingly good fun. We drew our best Easter egg designs onto sugar paper, got out the glitter glue and ripped the shinny paper and some tissue paper up into little bits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our inspiration came from <a href="http://supermumhacks.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/design-your-own-decopatch-letters-for.html" target="_blank">yesterdays decopatch</a> experiment which also went surprisingly well (for me and children's crafts that is)!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Fill in the different sections of your Easter egg design with either a mosaic of glued down shiny paper or screwed up tiny balls of tissue paper, like this: </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TB_E5nQlZDc/VSuV8bxC2kI/AAAAAAAABdo/kbCFhzrOYqo/s1600/15%2B-%2B2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TB_E5nQlZDc/VSuV8bxC2kI/AAAAAAAABdo/kbCFhzrOYqo/s1600/15%2B-%2B2" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The creation station</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0plXgAsb1Y/VSuV8dbvSbI/AAAAAAAABdo/ZgqFzrkKsy4/s1600/15%2B-%2B3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0plXgAsb1Y/VSuV8dbvSbI/AAAAAAAABdo/ZgqFzrkKsy4/s1600/15%2B-%2B3" height="320" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Et Voila!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now all you have to do is leave it to dry and hang it up on your fridge door for a lovely Easter decoration!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For some more Easter craft ideas why not check out my <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/DomesticDivaBev/easter/" target="_blank">Easter Pintrest</a> board?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As we STILL have a small Easter egg shop in our living room we are also planning to give a version of this <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/296745062924011217/" target="_blank"> Easter Bark</a> a try later in the week or maybe some Easter chocolate tiffin so keep an eye out.</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111377231849776957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422979725087885507.post-66850292263818825322015-04-13T13:08:00.000+01:002015-04-25T13:26:16.191+01:00Design your own decopatch letters for an easy, fun craft<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you have more than one little one to entertain then the age gaps can mean it's sometimes really hard to find activities that you can do with both or all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These cute and very simple decopatch letters are a quick craft to set up and can easily be done either during a nap time or with the little ones too if you don't mind getting messy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They really take very little skill so don't need a great deal of adult help and the results are really lovely.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBF92KOpQ0g/VSUkyWzMMcI/AAAAAAAABaI/RoQTnAg3NN4/s1600/IMG_1116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBF92KOpQ0g/VSUkyWzMMcI/AAAAAAAABaI/RoQTnAg3NN4/s1600/IMG_1116.JPG" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our finished decopatch letter </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I cheated and bought this little kit from our local craft cafe <a href="http://createitcheadle.co.uk/" target="_blank">Create It</a> but all the bits and pieces are easily picked up from places like amazon, eBay, The Works or <a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/brand/decopatch?resultsPerPage=100" target="_blank">Hobbycraft</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What you'll need:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cardboard letters or other object to decorate. These can be picked up online or from craft shops.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A small paint brush</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Scissors</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">'Mod podge' glue (again easily available from craft shops or online)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Decopatch papers, the prettier the brighter the better!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Jewels, buttons, sequins of other pretty bits and bobs your might have.</span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5DNHOvvlyM/VSUkyV_k_9I/AAAAAAAABaI/Dhfi4jc0GTU/s1600/IMG_1113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5DNHOvvlyM/VSUkyV_k_9I/AAAAAAAABaI/Dhfi4jc0GTU/s1600/IMG_1113.JPG" height="200" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Decopatch kit</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDSzBspF15c/VSUkyZq8nQI/AAAAAAAABaI/y7T_NlE5vDE/s1600/IMG_1114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDSzBspF15c/VSUkyZq8nQI/AAAAAAAABaI/y7T_NlE5vDE/s1600/IMG_1114.JPG" height="191" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The creation station</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What you do:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Start by cutting the papers into small squares so you are ready to go, they are very thin so children's scissors are fine for this but would also help to avoid boredom kicking in. Faye was very precise (if not painfully slow) at this bit and there were lots of papers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Next you paste a small amount of 'mod podge' glue onto the letter, place your paper square over the top and then add a layer of glue over that to flatten it down and seal it in place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Overlay the papers to get a nice patchwork effect and keep going until you have covered the whole template, ta dah! It dries really fast so don't paste too large of an area or you get a build up of dried glue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now you could stop here but we all love a little glitz so now you can add a little glitter or some embellishments to your project using the same glue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We used some buttons, sequins and gems but you can literally add anything!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our kit was for a small letter but you can but bigger ones which look great on kids room doors or a full name of letter to go up on a shelf. You can also decopatch things to already have, boxes, animal figures or for a bigger project <a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40216357/" target="_blank">these</a> little sets of drawers from IKEA would be great. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The kits are a great idea for birthday presents or even a birthday party activity. The possibilities are endless and we will definitely be doing it again! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have fun!</span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you are anything like me and looking for an easy way to make mealtimes a bit more smiley and a bit less shouty then these pitta pizzas are a great activity that is cheap, easy to set up and simple to get even the very little ones involved and eating!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6mEMCsf8FU/VSUs8RgAFUI/AAAAAAAABak/c1jJQO_HsP4/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6mEMCsf8FU/VSUs8RgAFUI/AAAAAAAABak/c1jJQO_HsP4/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our finished pizza creations </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All you need are some pitta breads (I use wholemeal but you don't have to), tomato paste, cheese and a selection of toppings of your choice. The more colorful and exciting the better!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRiW5zIhtaU/VSUs8cAUhZI/AAAAAAAABak/NX0MeDKUupk/s1600/15%2B-%2B3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRiW5zIhtaU/VSUs8cAUhZI/AAAAAAAABak/NX0MeDKUupk/s1600/15%2B-%2B3" height="170" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The creation station</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Give them a helping hand getting started with the tomato paste and then really let them loose! Resist the OCD urge to help them 'do it properly' that I certainly have. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kDigbfi94PQ/VSk1ZTBy3NI/AAAAAAAABbA/0RwOEM9nZLY/s1600/15%2B-%2B8" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDigbfi94PQ/VSk1ZTBy3NI/AAAAAAAABbk/T2omsQLFmuI/s1600/15%2B-%2B8" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDigbfi94PQ/VSk1ZTBy3NI/AAAAAAAABbk/T2omsQLFmuI/s1600/15%2B-%2B8" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Smiley face fun!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Make sure you make a note of who made which one though or it could all go terribly wrong!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I also add in a few dips if I have any in as my toddler loves anything dippy so all the more fun.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3XNLlxpqfY/VSk1ZeXEkrI/AAAAAAAABbM/M-ORqcD8RWQ/s1600/15%2B-%2B7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3XNLlxpqfY/VSk1ZeXEkrI/AAAAAAAABbM/M-ORqcD8RWQ/s1600/15%2B-%2B7" height="320" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Watch them go!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It really doesn't
matter what they put where as long as they get some cheese on the top
and then pop them under a hot grill for about 5-6 mins until they are
starting to brown mmm.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Top Tip: I normally let them eat the leftover toppings while they cook to help with the waiting as 6 minutes is a long time when you're pint sized.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmY8PLwRqLc/VSk1ZUdfLgI/AAAAAAAABbc/uTe_K_hJgNU/s1600/15%2B-%2B9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmY8PLwRqLc/VSk1ZUdfLgI/AAAAAAAABbc/uTe_K_hJgNU/s1600/15%2B-%2B9" height="320" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Nearly ready...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love making these with the kids as they really enjoy the activity, its a quick meal and they are really nice for grown ups to so its win win.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Et Voila, happy full tummies and zero whinging! They will be begging to make them again believe me. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111377231849776957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422979725087885507.post-5996444671169571322015-04-07T15:29:00.001+01:002015-04-25T13:27:02.781+01:00Stress free and simple Frozen Pamper Party<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As this week is my little Faye's 6th birthday we have just recovered from the 'most fabulous party of the year' to celebrate (or so Faye keeps telling me)! I love it when a plan comes together and they actually enjoy something you have put a little effort into creating for them (phew).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I managed to survive a pretty stress free party this year and kept to a fairly modest budget so I'm really proud of myself. Especially proud of the bit where I don't turn into partyzilla Mum and really enjoyed the party with her!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I thought I would share how I created a magical party for the girls without killing myself stress, time, effort and budget wise!</span><br />
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<img src="webkit-fake-url://EC76703E-7D47-4F2F-93E8-C6F46AA2A132/imagejpeg" style="cursor: move;" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5k3C0UqwJdOBX43vuYOIWDk_osYt-d2R3NmPhfh7jk5-_Z-bcAdy88vI7Y6alz83Ftg-wwJIUwzGkFAMf8aU0f6e89QF0pIwH2QMxy8vLdgybQmeOte1qAax_mOYJvYE_PPSFbuB-Hj1/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span id="goog_522726142"></span><span id="goog_522726143"></span><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5k3C0UqwJdOBX43vuYOIWDk_osYt-d2R3NmPhfh7jk5-_Z-bcAdy88vI7Y6alz83Ftg-wwJIUwzGkFAMf8aU0f6e89QF0pIwH2QMxy8vLdgybQmeOte1qAax_mOYJvYE_PPSFbuB-Hj1/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" height="200" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here's what I did.............I'm not a fan of the shop bought merchandised party look so although we had a Frozen theme I didn't want to go down the branded products route. I'm more of a DIY and get the look at half the price kind of Mum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My number one tip is don't do it at home<b>!</b> You'll be stresses out and won't enjoy the party with them because your twitching at every spilled juice or dropped sweet being trodden into your carpet. We chose a small local salon to hold our Frozen pamper party for 10 girls.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L52IrM712mA/VSPZSBCgWMI/AAAAAAAABWA/Jplz_LpcnDU/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L52IrM712mA/VSPZSBCgWMI/AAAAAAAABWA/Jplz_LpcnDU/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We didn't really need any party games as the salon kept the girls busy with nails, glitter tattoos, hair, sparkly makeup and much more. I did do a quick pass the parcel and had some activity sheets at the ready in case it looked like they were getting bored (which they didn't).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found a couple of things like the beads, snowflakes and baubles for our Frozen tree in our Christmas decorations box but they are all pound shop buys so cheap enough. The tree itself I borrowed but you can buy them for around £10 from Hobbycraft. The picture frame and white flowerpot were past bargains from Ikea that we already had. We also had the snowflake lights not pictured but they are budget Ikea ones too. Basically I used what we had first so it's worth a good look around the house for blue and white bits and bobs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The table cover was a pound shop buy and the snowflake hanging decorations were bought from amazon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I downloaded this <a href="http://www.familyshoppingbag.com/img/thumb/jump/2998/banner_3">http://www.familyshoppingbag.com/img/thumb/jump/2998/banner_3</a> free banner template and used it to decorate brown lunch bags for party bags too. I used another free download for the cute buffet labels.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I picked up some mini nail blue sparkly nail polish from an online chemist for under 50p each, packs of Frozen chocolate bars from Quality Save and this ready made toy pack (which they loved) from amazon. <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Frozen-48pc-Favor-Pack-Value/dp/B00KQ18JVU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1428416553&sr=8-2&keywords=frozen+party+fillers">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Frozen-48pc-Favor-Pack-Value/dp/B00KQ18JVU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1428416553&sr=8-2&keywords=frozen+party+fillers</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC0HtH9So8_5HTLpbY_S7tCYM0QfXUPlwZ9S_-DGLhlJUlu2w_W4XZbRyzFFFGygi7xgPTux3UDxaI5AikMs1FzfDwVfeIvSBJR6VRhTVjVWxAjYBt6AyLUcIhxlQY_eZl9dWLCLdPNTl/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC0HtH9So8_5HTLpbY_S7tCYM0QfXUPlwZ9S_-DGLhlJUlu2w_W4XZbRyzFFFGygi7xgPTux3UDxaI5AikMs1FzfDwVfeIvSBJR6VRhTVjVWxAjYBt6AyLUcIhxlQY_eZl9dWLCLdPNTl/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Faye was desperate for a sweetie buffet so I dug out some disposable wine glasses and bought a selection of blue and white sweets for them to pick and mix into little tubs I picked up at the pound shop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I kept the rest of the food simple so minimal prep time. Check out these super easy Oreo truffles <a href="http://allrecipies.co./recipie/oreo-cookie-balls/detail.aspx">http://allrecipies.co./recipie/oreo-cookie-balls/detail.aspx</a> which I covered in a blue candy melt and I used ready made rice crispy treats and dipped them in the same blue candy melt and sprinkles, et voila Frozen treats!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The star lollies are soo easy to make if you get hold of a cheap star lolly mould that you can buy online for buttons and then it's just sprinkle melt and fill. We did simple ham and cheese sandwiches and just cut them out with cookie cutters to make them cute. The rest was shop bought so no effort needed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I made fairy bread with sweetened cream cheese covered in blue and white sprinkles </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cake was made by a super talented cake making friend of mine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And that's really all there was to it apart from a few well placed mini frozen figures scattered over the buffet table! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I hope someone finds this useful and just drop me a comment if there is anything I missed out.</span><br />
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-KkughFiCh2A%2FVSPZSHxaFfI%2FAAAAAAAABWA%2FlTJXN0Z3ibA%2Fs1600%2F15%252B-%252B3&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkughFiCh2A/VSPZSHxaFfI/AAAAAAAABWA/lTJXN0Z3ibA/s1600/15%2B-%2B3" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkughFiCh2A/VSPZSHxaFfI/AAAAAAAABWA/lTJXN0Z3ibA/s1600/15%2B-%2B3" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkughFiCh2A/VSPZSHxaFfI/AAAAAAAABWA/lTJXN0Z3ibA/s1600/15%2B-%2B3" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111377231849776957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422979725087885507.post-2867225580425697282015-04-01T22:33:00.000+01:002015-04-25T13:27:18.977+01:00A whole new world<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So this is new! Here's me writing my very first blog about my very new full time job... that is the most important of jobs ...domestic goddess and super mum of course!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now how to appear to be super efficient and creative while still making plenty of time for cuddles and coffee shops. Please tell me it doesn't have to be all military laundry routines and cleaning rotas right?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have 2 little munchkins, our princess Faye who is 5, very soon to be 6 (4 sleeps and counting) and cheeky monkey William who is 19 months and more than a handful most days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My list of achievements so far include becoming best friends with several appliances (my slow cooker, dryer and second freezer), pulling together a list of local toddler groups (rated by their hot drinks and snack provisions) and mastering the art of doing everything possible the night before therefore avoiding the 8.15 buggy pushing sprint to the bus stop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Things I have discovered about myself include, being able to get presentable in under 3 minutes, your iPhone is your friend so reminders and alarms can be set for everything (including reminding you to get your bum off the sofa and wash your hair the night before) and it is important to appear to work verrry hard at all times or risk the other half thinking you have the easy job, pah!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are however also a list of tasks that I am enjoying having more time for in my role as school run mum, like having time to plan the holidays, arrange nice birthday parties and be more involved in school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So why am I writing this blog if I am so busy you ask? Well there is one part of the working world that is hard to replace and that is the fun banter and colleagues to bounce off. Here's hoping that by sharing my journey in my blog it will a) stop me talking to myself and rocking in a corner on bad days and b) let me share any genius tips and shortcuts I find along the way to domestic bliss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Whether anyone will be interested in my journey, well we shall see.......</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111377231849776957noreply@blogger.com0