I've been ill over the last couple of days and was very busy before that which led to the being ill. We have friends over from Australia , so was making the most of seeing them whilst they were in the area. I went to see Sally Morgan, the psychic the other night, wasn't very impressed with her but it was a night out. Work were having a bake sale on Monday so I spent all of Sunday baking - I made 100 cakes and biscuits. They raised over £300 and were sold out by 11.30!
Tomorrow Little Man will be 5, seems to be such a milestone! He is very aware that it is his birthday and I have made some cake pops for the party bags and some cupcakes for the birthday cake. Pics to follow.
I'd best try to get to sleep before Mr S gets home.
Night!
Wednesday 27 June 2012
Monday 18 June 2012
Sunday - I finally finished and delivered the latest order of cakes.
Cupcakes. Mum wanted a blue theme and he wanted Yellow! So there was a compromise of the two and I think they actually go together quite nicely.
I'm sure there is a way to get the pics closer together but after today I can't cope with that!
Saturday 16 June 2012
Another busy day what with a meeting in school first thing, shopping for cakes that are to be made later today and then rounding up small people while Mr S goes out gallivanting!
I have 24 cupcakes and a cross shaped cake to make for a Communion on Sunday. So tonight I have cut out the cupcake toppers and the lettering and decorations for the cake. Later on I will bake the cakes and try to keep the small people away from them. I have some plain cakes left over from the earlier bake in the week, i gave one to Little Man after his tea and he was very disappointed that there was no icing or butterflies on it!
Pics to follow shortly when everything is assembled.
It is now 01.36 so time for bed xx
I have 24 cupcakes and a cross shaped cake to make for a Communion on Sunday. So tonight I have cut out the cupcake toppers and the lettering and decorations for the cake. Later on I will bake the cakes and try to keep the small people away from them. I have some plain cakes left over from the earlier bake in the week, i gave one to Little Man after his tea and he was very disappointed that there was no icing or butterflies on it!
Pics to follow shortly when everything is assembled.
It is now 01.36 so time for bed xx
Thursday 14 June 2012
I've had had the most exciting day today in a long time. I've not been at work this week but went in today as we had a VIP visitor. The office was teeming with Police, they were checking the bins, cupboards, the ceilings everywhere!
Because............................
http://www.flickr.com/photos/enherts/sets/72157630127263064/
I made some cakes for the occasion which were admired by the police with one asking who made them and was she married!
I gave up trying to pretend to work after a while as there was far too much commotion with the crowds and the Brass Band playing (they always choke me up).
It was a very special day ending with the fact that I can now park in the car park nearest to my workplace and my new permit was ready! Trust me it was exciting, the last permit ran out in September!
Hopefully I will sleep tonight after all the excitement!
Because............................
http://www.flickr.com/photos/enherts/sets/72157630127263064/
I gave up trying to pretend to work after a while as there was far too much commotion with the crowds and the Brass Band playing (they always choke me up).
It was a very special day ending with the fact that I can now park in the car park nearest to my workplace and my new permit was ready! Trust me it was exciting, the last permit ran out in September!
Hopefully I will sleep tonight after all the excitement!
Tuesday 12 June 2012
I have been very neglectful in the last few months! Housework, blog etc but not the children! I have still been making things but slowly and have some unfinished projects hanging around. 2 of them are jelly roll quilts that need quilting but haven't found the time or space to do that yet!
I am still very pinterested and saw a lovely piggy project which I thought would be ideal for a piggy loving friend and her birthday. Here are my little creations before they went in forroasting baking!
They were a great hit and well recieved! I used sculpey for the first time and just kind of rolled and shaped it till I was happy.
A pencil was used to poke in the beads for eyes and make the nostrils.
These 4 were made from 3 packs of clay hence the multicoloured one on the left!
I will be back soon with more makes. I've got cupcakes to bake for Queenies visit on Thursday and a confirmation cake to do for Sunday! EEK!
I am still very pinterested and saw a lovely piggy project which I thought would be ideal for a piggy loving friend and her birthday. Here are my little creations before they went in for
They were a great hit and well recieved! I used sculpey for the first time and just kind of rolled and shaped it till I was happy.
A pencil was used to poke in the beads for eyes and make the nostrils.
These 4 were made from 3 packs of clay hence the multicoloured one on the left!
Friday 10 February 2012
Pinterest/Pinaddicts
As both Mr S and Little man were home sick today, I escaped to the kitchen to do some baking. I have become very 'Pinterested' recently and have spotted these gluten free muffins (I'm a Coeliac) so have decided to make them for the Pinaddicts challenge; https://www.facebook.com/pages/PinAddicts/317504048287231?sk=wall
They should have looked like this;
but they looked like this;
They taste great though and no different to 'normal' cakes. Luckily I had some cup measures to hand!
The recipe is here; http://www.livingwithout.com/recipes/gluten_free_cinnamon_doughnut_muffins-2573-1.html
Here’s the recipe for a doughnut shortcut. Just bake these in 12 muffin cups—nice and easy. If you can, let muffins cool completely before enjoying them so the cinnamon-sugar topping has that satisfying ‘crunch.’ (It’s worth the wait!) This recipe can be made with egg replacement.
¾ cup milk of choice
1 cinnamon stick, optional
½ cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter or dairy-free alternative, room temperature
⅔ cup sugar
2 extra-large eggs
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend of choice
¾ teaspoon xanthan gum
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with unsalted butter or line with muffin papers and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, heat the milk and cinnamon stick, if desired, whisking constantly for about 6 minutes or until reduced to about ½ cup liquid. Strain mixture and discard cinnamon stick. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter or dairy-free alternative and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and vanilla and mix until well combined.
4. Whisk together the flour blend, xanthan gum, baking powder, salt, cream of tartar and ground cinnamon and add to the wet ingredients. Add the cooled scalded milk in a slow, steady stream, mixing to combine. Beat the batter until it thickens and becomes a bit more elastic.
5. Divide the batter evenly among 12 prepared muffin cups. Place the muffin tin in the center of preheated oven and bake 15 to 18 minutes or until muffins are lightly brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the middle muffin comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
6. While muffins are baking, make the topping by combining cinnamon and sugar in a medium-size bowl. Once muffins are finished baking, allow them to cool slightly and then roll tops (while still warm) in the topping. Set aside to cool completely.
They should have looked like this;
but they looked like this;
The recipe is here; http://www.livingwithout.com/recipes/gluten_free_cinnamon_doughnut_muffins-2573-1.html
Here’s the recipe for a doughnut shortcut. Just bake these in 12 muffin cups—nice and easy. If you can, let muffins cool completely before enjoying them so the cinnamon-sugar topping has that satisfying ‘crunch.’ (It’s worth the wait!) This recipe can be made with egg replacement.
¾ cup milk of choice
1 cinnamon stick, optional
½ cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter or dairy-free alternative, room temperature
⅔ cup sugar
2 extra-large eggs
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend of choice
¾ teaspoon xanthan gum
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
½ cup sugar1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with unsalted butter or line with muffin papers and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, heat the milk and cinnamon stick, if desired, whisking constantly for about 6 minutes or until reduced to about ½ cup liquid. Strain mixture and discard cinnamon stick. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter or dairy-free alternative and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and vanilla and mix until well combined.
4. Whisk together the flour blend, xanthan gum, baking powder, salt, cream of tartar and ground cinnamon and add to the wet ingredients. Add the cooled scalded milk in a slow, steady stream, mixing to combine. Beat the batter until it thickens and becomes a bit more elastic.
5. Divide the batter evenly among 12 prepared muffin cups. Place the muffin tin in the center of preheated oven and bake 15 to 18 minutes or until muffins are lightly brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the middle muffin comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
6. While muffins are baking, make the topping by combining cinnamon and sugar in a medium-size bowl. Once muffins are finished baking, allow them to cool slightly and then roll tops (while still warm) in the topping. Set aside to cool completely.
Each doughnut muffin contains 239 calories, 5g total fat, 5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 61mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, 2g protein.
For Egg-Free Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins, replace 2 eggs with 3 tablespoons applesauce + 1 teaspoon baking powder + 1 tablespoon flaxmeal + 3 tablespoons hot liquid (combined and mixed well). Add ¼ cup additional flour blend to dry ingredients if dough is too wet.Will it ever end!
I have been so slow in updating this blog as so much has happened since the last post. It was Young Lady's birthday which went well. She had a great time and got some presents and money which she was very excited about. She had an Aero Mint Cake from Tesco which she loved and then we saw some friends in the evening. I negotiated a return to work one day a week for the time being as the winter has really caused my fibromyalgia to flare up. Luckily I managed to do one week before a weeks annual leave which means I am back on full (not sick) pay. Yay! During my AL it was my birthday, I'm a firm believer in not working on your birthday so i always request a day off or AL. Unfortunately, I got tonsillitis! It is a usual occurance at this time of year and is not the first time that my birthday festivities have had to be postponed! We have also had some snow! The kids had a great time and Mr S took them sledging which they loved.
During all these exciting time Little man has been ill many times with vomiting, eye infections, sore throats, coughs and colds, it is never ending! he hasn't done a full day at school since before Xmas. I thought this week was going so well with 4 full days under our belt but at 01.35 this am, off we went again!
Oh well, we will see how he improves but have made him and appointment at the GP's for an MOT!
During all these exciting time Little man has been ill many times with vomiting, eye infections, sore throats, coughs and colds, it is never ending! he hasn't done a full day at school since before Xmas. I thought this week was going so well with 4 full days under our belt but at 01.35 this am, off we went again!
Oh well, we will see how he improves but have made him and appointment at the GP's for an MOT!
Friday 20 January 2012
Tomorrow is the BIG day!
Finally it has got around to being Young lady's birthday! The cards are written, presents are wrapped, cake bought (BAD Mummy), banners are up, venue and guests all arranged and party bag contents made!
I finally went with making button bracelets and felt rose flowers. managed to get some big paperclip bookmarks that already had a decoration so did not need to add anything to them. Just need to hang up the ribbon wreath once she has gone to sleep!
Little man has been ill this week so we have had a couple of broken nights and days off school. Mr S and others thought I might as well keep him off today but as Chair of Governors, I probably ought to have my child in school as much as possible! He was tired but well enough to go in, so he did! Friday is their best days as Mr S only works till 1 so if he is not distracted by golf, then he will walk up to school with their scooters so they can scoot home, which they love. They both got new scooters for Xmas.
Young lady has visited a new Guide unit as she is too old to be a Brownie but due to other commitments we needed a Wednesday Unit. Their theme this week was an Eco one. She was asked to bring some clothes that didn't fit/she didn't want for the evening. As none of her wardrobe fits that bill, it was up to Mummy to seek some alternatives from the Charity shops! I have no problem in shopping in charity shops and have had some lovely items from there. I managed to get 5 items from different shops for £1 each! She was happy with them and had a great time at Guides. They basically did a clothes swap and she came home with more than she went with including a pair of boots! I think she wants to go again!
11 years ago, I really had no idea how life was going to change. Would I go back to that time? Oh no NEVER! When they smile at you and say 'I Love You' it makes all the shouting, sleepless nights and low bank balance worth it!
I finally went with making button bracelets and felt rose flowers. managed to get some big paperclip bookmarks that already had a decoration so did not need to add anything to them. Just need to hang up the ribbon wreath once she has gone to sleep!
Little man has been ill this week so we have had a couple of broken nights and days off school. Mr S and others thought I might as well keep him off today but as Chair of Governors, I probably ought to have my child in school as much as possible! He was tired but well enough to go in, so he did! Friday is their best days as Mr S only works till 1 so if he is not distracted by golf, then he will walk up to school with their scooters so they can scoot home, which they love. They both got new scooters for Xmas.
Young lady has visited a new Guide unit as she is too old to be a Brownie but due to other commitments we needed a Wednesday Unit. Their theme this week was an Eco one. She was asked to bring some clothes that didn't fit/she didn't want for the evening. As none of her wardrobe fits that bill, it was up to Mummy to seek some alternatives from the Charity shops! I have no problem in shopping in charity shops and have had some lovely items from there. I managed to get 5 items from different shops for £1 each! She was happy with them and had a great time at Guides. They basically did a clothes swap and she came home with more than she went with including a pair of boots! I think she wants to go again!
11 years ago, I really had no idea how life was going to change. Would I go back to that time? Oh no NEVER! When they smile at you and say 'I Love You' it makes all the shouting, sleepless nights and low bank balance worth it!
Sunday 15 January 2012
A Week!
I can't believe a whole week has gone by without me making time to add something here.
Even though I am currently not at work I seem to be busy (and resting too). I have decided to make some things for the party bags next Saturday instead of spending money on plastic tat that will be thrown away! So, we have button bracelets, felt flower brooches, bookmarks and maybe headbands if I can find the right basic ones. I have got all my ideas from Pinterest and spend far too much time just browsing! The ribbon wreath is finished though!
Mr S has got the tidying bee in his bonnet (cue much arguing) and we started on young lady's bedroom. She seems incapable of hanging any clothes up in her wardrobe or putting any dirty clothes in the laundry bin - we just have to keep on nagging! Little man, on the other hand, is very good and will do what he is told when he is told to do it!
Friday the 13th passed fairly safely for us and we ended it by going to see the Pantomime! Beauty and the Beast, it was a fab production and even though it has been going since November and finishes next week, it is clear that the cast still enjoy it and were having fits of giggles at times! Little man was a bit worried about the beast , he kept saying that he doesn't look right! Young lady was obsessed with Disney princess' at this age so knew all the stories but I guess he doesn't as we don't watch them anymore. Bernie Nolan was in the cast and looked well and did a fab job - yes, we did have to sing 'I'm in the mood for Dancing'. I would go again and again if I could and would think that the very last performance will top the lot!
Anyway after a busy weekend - time for bed to begin the week again tomorrow!
Even though I am currently not at work I seem to be busy (and resting too). I have decided to make some things for the party bags next Saturday instead of spending money on plastic tat that will be thrown away! So, we have button bracelets, felt flower brooches, bookmarks and maybe headbands if I can find the right basic ones. I have got all my ideas from Pinterest and spend far too much time just browsing! The ribbon wreath is finished though!
Mr S has got the tidying bee in his bonnet (cue much arguing) and we started on young lady's bedroom. She seems incapable of hanging any clothes up in her wardrobe or putting any dirty clothes in the laundry bin - we just have to keep on nagging! Little man, on the other hand, is very good and will do what he is told when he is told to do it!
Friday the 13th passed fairly safely for us and we ended it by going to see the Pantomime! Beauty and the Beast, it was a fab production and even though it has been going since November and finishes next week, it is clear that the cast still enjoy it and were having fits of giggles at times! Little man was a bit worried about the beast , he kept saying that he doesn't look right! Young lady was obsessed with Disney princess' at this age so knew all the stories but I guess he doesn't as we don't watch them anymore. Bernie Nolan was in the cast and looked well and did a fab job - yes, we did have to sing 'I'm in the mood for Dancing'. I would go again and again if I could and would think that the very last performance will top the lot!
Anyway after a busy weekend - time for bed to begin the week again tomorrow!
Sunday 8 January 2012
Busy day!
Today has been busy! Nanny picked the small people up at 9.30 for the day as she has not seen them all week. Mind you, the mood they were both in, she was welcome to them! Why is it I can be in bed and hear them chatting and getting along but as soon as they know I am awake they start fighting!
It is A's birthday in 2 weeks and she wanted a bowling party, so I duly went to the bowling alley and booked said party. All very easy even if there was a long queue behind me and it was BUSY, the girl didn't get flustered and just carried on! Although they gave me invites they were not up to madam's taste so we had to craft some tonight for her to take to school tomorrow.
Next stop was Homebase where I purchased some pipe insulation to hide under the sofa to stop cars, balls and assorted small toys venturing under there, never to be seen again as I can't move the sofas myself at the minute.
Then it was into Hobbycraft, which is a VERY dangerous shop! I had a list and was determined to stick to it, I found what I wanted (cheaper than t'internet) and got out of there quite quickly. I am making a ribbon wreath for the birthday girl and can't wait for the ribbon to arrive (I love eBay!)
Then to Tesco's for a couple of bits for lunches this week then home for a coffee and sit down before Mr S. arrived home from golf and I had to look busy again by doing some laundry and a bit of ironing.
This evening it has taken some time to settle the small people (Nanny chocolate overload) and Little man was complaining about a sore nose so Mr S. got him to blow down each nostril in turn and out popped an aquabead a la Fatima's cockroach! Now I feel bad as I didn't think he would do such a thing and we have no idea HOW long it has been up there! Needless to say he blamed his sister for putting it up there! I think not.
This evening's craft search has been cupcake related as a friend wants me to make some for her Mum's birthday party, the colour scheme is purple and silver so am looking forward to doing those even though I won't be able to eat them!
It is A's birthday in 2 weeks and she wanted a bowling party, so I duly went to the bowling alley and booked said party. All very easy even if there was a long queue behind me and it was BUSY, the girl didn't get flustered and just carried on! Although they gave me invites they were not up to madam's taste so we had to craft some tonight for her to take to school tomorrow.
Next stop was Homebase where I purchased some pipe insulation to hide under the sofa to stop cars, balls and assorted small toys venturing under there, never to be seen again as I can't move the sofas myself at the minute.
Then it was into Hobbycraft, which is a VERY dangerous shop! I had a list and was determined to stick to it, I found what I wanted (cheaper than t'internet) and got out of there quite quickly. I am making a ribbon wreath for the birthday girl and can't wait for the ribbon to arrive (I love eBay!)
Then to Tesco's for a couple of bits for lunches this week then home for a coffee and sit down before Mr S. arrived home from golf and I had to look busy again by doing some laundry and a bit of ironing.
This evening it has taken some time to settle the small people (Nanny chocolate overload) and Little man was complaining about a sore nose so Mr S. got him to blow down each nostril in turn and out popped an aquabead a la Fatima's cockroach! Now I feel bad as I didn't think he would do such a thing and we have no idea HOW long it has been up there! Needless to say he blamed his sister for putting it up there! I think not.
This evening's craft search has been cupcake related as a friend wants me to make some for her Mum's birthday party, the colour scheme is purple and silver so am looking forward to doing those even though I won't be able to eat them!
Saturday 7 January 2012
At Home.
I always have lots of ideas of what to do at the weekend or any other day really but am limited as to how mobile I am due to pain etc. Today has been a slow day and I have spent a good deal of time perusing the internet and I am very interested in http://pinterest.com/ . I have applied to be invited but can see lots of lovely things on there! I think most of my presents to be given this year will be hand-crafted.
I really NEED that lottery win so I can get a sewing room for my rapidly growing fabric stash which I have to keep moving so Mr S. doesn't know how much there really is!
As I said, my activities are limited by my Fibromyalgia and this explanation is excellent for people who don't 'get' it http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory-written-by-christine-miserandino/
My 'spoons' decrease as the weather gets bad/cold and increase as it gets warmer or if I don't do much. I am probably at about 3 activities a day at the moment but even that is flexible. A night out at New Year resulted in a whole day/night in bed as I was so exhausted (not hungover!).
I really NEED that lottery win so I can get a sewing room for my rapidly growing fabric stash which I have to keep moving so Mr S. doesn't know how much there really is!
As I said, my activities are limited by my Fibromyalgia and this explanation is excellent for people who don't 'get' it http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory-written-by-christine-miserandino/
My 'spoons' decrease as the weather gets bad/cold and increase as it gets warmer or if I don't do much. I am probably at about 3 activities a day at the moment but even that is flexible. A night out at New Year resulted in a whole day/night in bed as I was so exhausted (not hungover!).
New Project
Recently, i have rediscovered the sewing bug! I have made crayon rolls, notepad holders, little bags for girls, and a bespoke address file for my best friend. I would post some photos but the computer is not playing at the minute! Some of my stuff I have given as presents and some of it has been sold :).
My next new project has been inspired by Sonia who is knitting ascarf blanket made from different colours depicting the weather ( http://www.leafcutterdesigns.com/projects/SkyScarf.pdf). I am really not good at knitting and have never attempted to crochet so thought I may do something in fabric. How I will interpret a days weather in one piece a day, I don't know as it can change so drastically throughout the day but always there is rain at 3pm!
I have, therefore, ordered some fabric squares which arrived today and have ordered some pompom trim from http://www.myfabrichouse.co.uk to depict clouds.
So I will take a note of the main weather of the day and pick a fabric to suit. Who knows what I will end up with!
My next new project has been inspired by Sonia who is knitting a
I have, therefore, ordered some fabric squares which arrived today and have ordered some pompom trim from http://www.myfabrichouse.co.uk to depict clouds.
So I will take a note of the main weather of the day and pick a fabric to suit. Who knows what I will end up with!
Wednesday 4 January 2012
What have I done!
I have decided to start a blog! A couple of friends have inspired me to start though it may end up just being a rambling of what was for Tea today (home made Steak and Kidney pie).
Today was the first day back at school for my 2 small people. Little man started last term but should have started today if the local authority hadn't changed from a 2 term intake down to 1. Therefore he has already done a term and is still only 4yr 6m.
Think I may post this to check it works or I may be thrown out for being too boring! I was never any good at writing stories at school so what you get her is the truth! Daughter is fab at storytelling though!
Nic x
Today was the first day back at school for my 2 small people. Little man started last term but should have started today if the local authority hadn't changed from a 2 term intake down to 1. Therefore he has already done a term and is still only 4yr 6m.
Think I may post this to check it works or I may be thrown out for being too boring! I was never any good at writing stories at school so what you get her is the truth! Daughter is fab at storytelling though!
Nic x
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)