My boy lollipop

The other day I saw Susan's gorgeous gingerbread house on her blog.  It was decorated with 2 candy canes formed into a heart.

Genius!  We always have candy canes at Christmas and knocking about for age afterwards, why had I never thought of this?!!

So, I started playing about with my candy canes, as you do (I really must get out more) and decided they'd make great lollipops.  Of course, a quick internet search for suitable ingredients revealed that this was not in fact an original idea, they were everywhere.  Will anyone ever be able to come up with an original idea ever again with Google, blogs, pinterest and Facebook? I wonder...

So here's what you'll need to make sweets for your sweet:

Candy canes (if you don't have any left over from Christmas, you can buy then in old fashioned sweet shops of online)

Candy Melt (again, you can buy online at Amazon or eBay or in specialist cake shops)

Sprinkles, glitter etc of your choice

Greaseproof paper

Paper lolly sticks

Cellophane and ribbons to wrap

1. Unwrap your canes and arrange on the greaseproof paper into heart shapes.  I didn't like the elongated shape they made full length, so I snipped them shorter with a pair of scissors to make a rounder heart.  If your canes snap or break, hold the broken end over a gas flame for a fraction of a second and join back together.  Once you've filled with the candy melt, they should hold fine.

2. Open up the pointed end and lay a lolly stick inside.  Two of mine I didn't put in far enough and the end results were a bit wobbly, so I'd recommend putting the stick inside at least as far as the one on the left.

3. Melt the candy melt in the microwave as per the packet instructions.  I used about half a bag for 3 lollies (6 candy canes).  Pour or spoon inside and gently spread to ensure even coverage.

3. Go as mad as you like with your sprinkles.  Then leave to set for about 20 minutes.  Don't put them in the fridge, just leave them out on the side, away from curious little fingers.

4. Wrap with cellophane and tie with ribbons.

Easy & Stylish Chocolate Fondue

Chances are you chucked your fondue set out years ago.

But fear not, there's a super easy way to make it in your slow cooker.  You can make it on the stove over a pan of water, but I prefer the hands-off approach of using the crock pot.  It means that it's being made while you're enjoying your main course - that's the kind of multi-tasking I like.

Ingredients:  Serves 4ish depending on how greedy you are. Adjust quantities by half if it's for a romantic meal for 2!

2 large bars of dark chocolate (70%) - 200g
1/2 tin of condensed milk - approx 200g
1/4 - 1/2 pint of milk

Break the chocolate into small pieces and put them, along with the condensed milk into the slow cooker.  Heat on high for about 40 minutes. Try to resist the urge to poke or stir before it's fully melted otherwise you risk it turning grainy and lumpy.

A couple of minutes before serving, add the milk and stir vigorously until you get a smooth, glossy liquid.  Start by pouring in about a quarter of a pint, and judge whether you need more after you've stirred it all in.

Serve in pretty vintage tea cups with a selection of goodies to dip - try strawberries; sliced banana; marshmallows, biscuits etc.  Pretty cake forks are the perfect implements to use, or use skewers.

Just because we don't get the chance to do 'couples' stuff all that often, here's one each for my family!

Land of Sometimes Launch Party - win a copy of the CD

Hopefully, you read my review of the Land of Sometimes CD?  If not, please do, it's hand on heart one of the loveliest children's music concepts I've ever come across.

I was bouncing up and down with excitement when I got an invite to the official launch party held last week at the famous Groucho Club.

You see, it's not only Ruby who has become entranced with this magical land, but I've kind of got sucked into it now too.  So I was really keen to go along and meet in person the creators, musicians, singers and everyone involved.

As I should have expected from the unique style of the project, this weren't no ordinary launch party!  We feasted on food from the Land of Sometimes - cream cheese, fruit slices and jelly.

Four seasons pass within one day in the Land of Sometimes, and each season was represented beautifully (and edibly!)

And, well, if wouldn't be a party without a drink or two would it?

Once my wheels were oiled, I chatted and mingled - as you do.  Everyone was SO lovely.  It didn't feel like an official PR launch at all, more like a big happy, fun party full of friends and family.

That's exactly what this crew are, one big happy family.  Francessca Longrigg who came up with the concept,  wrote it, sang on it and even played on it, is an amazing lady.  A totally wonderful, enthusiastic and charismatic lady, you get the feeling that people are spellbound by her and will do anything for her.  I guess that's how she managed to get this eclectic bunch together in the first place!

Chicky Reeves (producer) & Francesca Longrigg

I spent a lovely time chatting with the illustrator who has bought the characters to life through his artwork on the album cover and booklet, and on the website.  Howard McWilliam is an acclaimed illustrator and a genuinely lovely guy.  He and his wife are due their first baby soon - I do hope some of the tales we told him haven't put him off. Mind you, it's too late now!

Howard McWilliam

As well as being a respected newspaper and magazine illustrator, he's produced work for countless children's books and has even designed the new Matey bubble bath characters! Who knew!

All the actors and singers involved were so friendly and passionate about their involvement.  I made a point of seeking out the voice behind the Chameleon Catcher - the only character that Ruby is a little unsure of.  She's a teensy bit scared of him, so I wanted to be able to tell her I'd met him and how nice he was.  Well, Austin Howard was indeed a joy, even though I do look scared in this picture with him (the expression is more to do with having a huge long lens camera pointed at me!)

He's a fascinating guy and has a colourful background in the music industry.  One of the Stock Aitken & Waterman gang, he had a hit single and is still touring and singing now with his new band Ruff as Stone.  I really enjoyed meeting Austin, and hope to catch one of his gigs sometime.

Oh look! It's Jools Holland!  I was too busy chatting and missed the chance to say hi to him.  Such a shame because he's such a hero, not to mention the man I've spent more New Year's Eves with than any other!

I had an amazing evening, and want to thank everyone so much for their warm welcome and for having me along.

The CD is out now and is available to buy here.

I'd also like to offer you the opportunity to win your own copy of this stunning CD.

Please leave a comment below saying you'd wish to enter and don't forget to include a way for me to contact you.

For an additional entry, like the Land of Sometimes facebook page, and leave a comment with your Facebook name here.

For a further entry, follow the Land of Sometimes on Twitter and leave an extra comment here with your twitter name.

For one final entry, please tweet the following and leave a comment to say you have done so "I want to enter the magical world of @landofsometimes with @missielizzieb here http://bit.ly/zwz0GQ "

The competition is open to UK entries only.  Closes at 5pm on Saturday 18th February 2012.

Photo credit: photos by Anstro

Pinstant Craft Gratification

Oh pinterest pinterest, how I love thee!

My boards are full of beautiful projects to make and inspirational ideas.

But sometimes there just isn't the time to spare on a big, impressive crafty exploit.  Sometimes the thought of gathering (or buying) all the materials is too overwhelming.

At times like that I need an instant hit. Something I can make in seconds and admire for ages.

I spotted this pin, and it seemed like the quick fix I was looking for.

Originally from Bella Dia's blog.  How adorable are they?  Plus, it means I have another creative outlet for my growing button collection.

Super simple to make.  You can use regular glue like superglue or UHU, but I found that it took too long to dry - plus I was overcome with glue fumes!

Much better to use a glue gun, then you'll have these gorgeous paperclips done in minutes from start to finish.

Here I used big buttons and small coloured paperclips.  I think I'll pick up some of the larger clips next time I'm in town. I used buttons with shanks, but you can also use the regular kind with holes.

On these I used small vintage buttons with a tulip motif, on matching red paperclips.  They are perfect for keeping my papers in order and also work as bookmarks.

Pop over to the Pinterest Challenge to see what other pin addicts have been up to!

If you want to follow me on pinterest, you can find me here.  If you want an invitation to join, give me a shout with your email address and I'll send you an invite. x

Linking up with Red Ted Art and Handmade Thursday.

Spend Vouchers, Get Rewards!

 

I wrote a post some time ago about how to check for 'lost' Tesco Clubcard vouchers - those that you've been posted and never spent.  It remains one of the most popular posts on my blog, so you guys are obviously keen to make the most of your Clubcard points.

If you're not already familiar with the loyalty card or want to learn how to make the most of the Clubcard Deals then read on.

Most items you purchase at Tesco stores, online at Tesco.com, and at their petrol pumps will earn you points.  Often there are items around the store which will have special offers with extra points on.  Look out for those and your points will soon add up.  In addition, if you have a Tesco credit card and use that to shop, you'll earn even more points.  There are lots of additional ways to increase your points, such as switching your energy, buying your glasses and booking your holiday.

For every 150 points you collect, these will be converted into vouchers - 150 points = £1.50.  Now,  you can simply spend the cash value of that voucher in-store or online, but to absolutely maximise the benefits, then I suggest you look at the Clubcard rewards. 

I know people who, with savvy purchasing have managed to collect enough vouchers to cover the cost of their annual family holiday, and others who save them for airmiles to visit family overseas.

 

 

The special deals on rewards change regularly, so keep an eye out.  There's masses of choice to suit every lifestyle - from meals out, hotel stays, cinema tickets, magazine subscriptions, you can even donate them to your chosen charity. There are over 600 different rewards to pick from.

In these belt-tightening times we use our rewards as special treats, meaning we can still enjoy little luxuries that we've now cut out of our budget.  With every £5 clubcard voucher currently worth £20 in rewards, it means we can still 'afford' to treat the family to a meal out or a trip to the pictures.  I've used our vouchers to pay for magazine subscriptions for birthday gifts and last year we visited Thomas Land at Drayton Manor - all 'paid for' with Clubcard points.

 

Ordering your reward vouchers is quick and easy online so there's no excuse for not maximising your points!

What do you spend yours on?

 

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Viral video by ebuzzing

Take One Jumper Challenge - the results!

I was SO happy with the buzz that the take one jumper challenge created, and so many joined in with your awesome thriftiness and craft skills.

However, it left me with the impossible task of choosing a winner for the Jenny Maizels clothes plasters.

I simply couldn't pick a favourite, so I copped out and resorted to a random draw carried out by my glamorous assistant.

The name he picked out was......drum roll.....

Lulastic (@lulasticblog on Twitter) which I've very happy about because she gave us not only these felt slippers but also showed us how to turn sweater sleeves into socks - perfect tootsie toastiness for the January snow.

Well done Lucy, please DM me your address so I can mail out your prize.  Thanks to everyone for their FABULOUS entries.  Expect much jumper cutting up at my house. x

Magpie Monday - and it was all yellow

I seem to have been colour co-ordinating my purchases again - what's that all about?  Am I so matchy-matchy that I have to buy things that are the same colour?  Guess I must be.

It started with this HUGE roll of ribbon that I picked up in a junk shop.  Just pennies for yards and yards of vintage yellow ribbon.

Yellow is my new favourite colour now.  Bright and sunny like spring flowers.

I've already used quite a bit of this on gift wrapping and it's going to be perfect for Easter gifts and crafts.  Even just to liven up some plain glass jars full of daffodils or baskets of polys.

With the ribbon in my bag already, I was drawn to this vintage skinny rib polo.  I'm hoping I will look cool and retro rather than like a deranged banana, but time will tell.

What I love most about buying second-hand or vintage is the memories invoked.  Just look at this BHS label. It takes me right back to days of shopping with my mum for school uniform.

We didn't sweat in those days

The times when our High Street was populated with stores like Woolies; Littlewoods; C&A and Etam.  When you could do your grocery shopping in the town centre at Safeway or Bejams.  Shoes were brought from Freeman Hardy and Willis (if your mum was with you) or Dolcis (if you were with your mates spending your birthday money).

Happy days of meeting up with giggly girlfriends outside Debenhams and spending the day trying on lipsticks and sneaking sweets from the pick-a-mix at Woolworths.  Making dates with boyfriends from payphones that only cost 10p, and arranging to meet later at Wimpy for a milkshake.  Times before Amazon and itunes, when you could buy vinyl or cassettes from Our Price.  Even Boots and WHSmiths sold singles in those days.

Ahh, free nostalgia with every charity shop purchase.

So, have you had any trips down memory lane recently inspired from a second-hand buy? I'd love you to grab the badge and link up to share what you've found.




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