Has it really been that long?

I can't believe it has been so long since I posted here, that is dreadful. I do have lots of excuses though as we have had so many illnesses passing through the house this year that one of us always seems to be ill. Anyway I really need to get back to blogging here. I have decided to get organised and start planning for Christmas because I want to make my own cards again this year and also make quite a few pressies too. I love giving handmade gifts that you have planned and made specially for someone. I'm going to be making bracelets, scrapbook layouts, cookies, jams, chutneys, traybakes and sweets so that should keep me busy for quite some time.

Just to give you a taster, here is one of the bracelets I made at jewellery class.

Published!

Not sure if I've said this before but one of my hobbies is digital scrapbooking and I am so excited to tell you that I have had a layout published in this month's Scrapbook Inspirations magazine. It was all done using the fabulous kits from Weeds & Wildflowers and it was the first time I had ever submitted anything to a magazine so I am well pleased.

Nachos

As promised a few posts down, here is a pic of my Famous Nachos. Sorry its not a great pic but I had to take it very quickly as they were in danger of all being gone by the time I had fiddled with camera settings.

Help!

I haven't posted here for ages cos we have had a really bad tummy bug doing the rounds in the house for the last month. We can't seem to get rid of it. It goes away for a few days, then just when you think you have finally seen the back of it, its back. Hubby has been laid up for the last four days with his second attack of it, DD2 was off school for three days the week before, DD1 for two days the week before that and now I seem to be getting it again too. The only one who seems to have escaped so far is DS and that is most likely because he is a 15 yr old boy so rarely comes out of his room. My friend Alison thinks I should put up a sign with Unclean! Unclean! on it on the front door and I am starting to think it might come to that.

Anyone any old cures for a tummy bug????

Anyone??

Do you love Jamie Oliver?

I have to say he gets on my nerves a little with all the banter but he does do some cracking recipes. His chilli and his bolognese are to die for and his steak sandwich is just divine. I did find the chilli wasn't quite hot enough though, even for me who doesn't do really spicy. I whacked in a few extra chillis and used hot chilli powder instead of mild and it was a big hit. Had some friends round and did a big pot of chilli for the carnivores and a vegetarian chilli (which was surprisingly nice) for the vegetarians with rice and a huge bowl of nachos. My nachos are really popular and so easy to do. I get a couple of packs of Chilli Heatwave Dorritos (any flavour will do though) and sprinkle them on a large microwavable plate, put dollops of Salsa on top and sprinkle lots of cheese on top of that. Put it in the microwave till the cheese melts and serve with sour cream - lovely. Now I am drooling on the keyboard and that is soooo not a good look.

Ok so now I have to go out and get some Dorritos cos I want Nachos - RIGHT NOW!

Will post a few pics of them later, hopefully before I finish them off or it will just be pics of an empty plate.

And the goddessness goes on

Still baking away and overflowing with goodies for Easter. These Easter Nests are delish and much the best way to eat shredded wheat IMO.






I've been thinking quite a bit about making food from scratch and I really can't understand why more people don't do home baking, it is so easy. I am also constantly amazed at those who buy trolley loads of ready meals full of additives when they could make something with much more taste and far better for them, not to mention that it would probably cost less too. Take tonight for instance, I wanted to make some oat and raisin cookies but I didn't have a recipe so I googled it (don't you just love Google), found one and had them baked all in the space of half an hour. Oh yeah, and they tasted fab too.

Cupcakes and Cookies

Here are a couple of shots of some of my baking so far. The Piggy Cupcakes are so cute I am almost tempted not to let the kids eat them LOL.



I've also done Smartie cookies, Chocolate Chip cookies and Double Chocolate Chip cookies. Did you know that Smartie cookies like this are about £2.00 for 6 in many supermarkets and I can make two dozen for much less than that!



Tomorrow I will do Easter nests, Chocolate Brownies, Oat & Raisin cookies and some muffins. This will keep everyone going right through the month and means there will always be some tasty home baking if anyone drops in. I much prefer to bake rather than buy now because I know what is going into the goodies. Even if you've never done any baking before you should give it a go, you'll be so pleased with what you make and everyone will really appreciate the time and effort you've made. Go on, Try it!