Archive for the ‘Special Events’ Category

Didi’s Christmas Cake

Sunday, October 16th, 2011

I make no apologies, this Christmas cake has been in print for over 21 years.  I have been making this cake since 1994. Over the years I have adapted it to our taste. I choose a weekend when I know the family are at home and make sure that they all take turns in mixing and making a Christmas wish.  It heralds the start of the Christmas festivities and the spices fill the house with wonderful aromas.  (more…)

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Sand Painting

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

Here is a good seaside activity to do using coloured sand to make an original artwork. (more…)

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Seaside Treasure Plaque

Monday, July 4th, 2011

Here is a simple and fun craft to do with your preschoolers, either upon returning from a beach holiday or take the ingredients with you and make it while at your holiday spot! (more…)

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Plain Biscuits ala Carla

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Plain Biscuits ala Carla

What you need:

  •  225g self-raising flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • 150g butter
  • 100g caster sugar
  • 1 beaten egg

 What to do:

  1. Put flour and salt in bowl
  2. Rub in the butter til mix is like breadcrumbs
  3. Add sugar *
  4. Add egg and mix to a very soft dough
  5. Knead til smooth on a floured surface.
  6. It is best to leave it to chill for 30 mins before rolling it out.
  7. Roll out and use cutters to create desired shapes
  8. Bake in 180C for 10-12 minutes depending on thickness of  biscuits

 *Choc chips/nuts/currants/smarties can be added at stage 3

*Be careful when removing from baking tray-these harden as they cool-so let them cool for about 5 mins before moving them or they can break. Once cool they harden nicely and are perfect for decorating.

 

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Mother’s Day- April 3rd

Friday, March 18th, 2011


Mother’s Day is an annual holiday that recognizes mothers and  motherhood and is set aside so that families can show their appreciation and gratitude for their mothers.

When is Mothering Sunday (Mother’s Day)?

Mothering Sunday is always the fourth Sunday of Lent.

  • Mothering Sunday in UK in 2011 – 3 April
  • Mother’s Day in USA in 2011 – 8 May

Flowers have long since been a part of celebrating Mother’s Day and Mothering Sunday.

In the USA Carnations have come to represent Mother’s Day, since Anna Jarvis delivered 500 of them at its first celebration in 1908. Religious services copied the custom of giving away carnations. Partly due to the shortage of white carnations, and partly due to the efforts to expand the sales of more varieties of flowers on Mother’s Day, the florists promoted wearing a red carnation if your mother was living, or a white one if she was deceased.

What happens on Mothering Sunday in the UK?

Mothering Sunday is a time when children pay respect to their Mothers. Children often give their Mothers a gift and a card.  Many churches give the children in the congregation a little bunch of spring flowers to give to their Mothers as a thank you for all their care and love throughout the year.

Why is Mothering Sunday on different dates each year?

Mothering Sunday is not a fixed day because it is always the middle Sunday in Lent . This means that Mother’s Day in the UK will fall on different dates each year and sometimes even be in different months.

Mothering Sunday has been celebrated in the UK on the fourth Sunday in Lent since at least the 16th century.

From the founding of Mother’s day in both the USA and UK flowers have played an integral part in the gift giving and thanking of mothers.

So why not treat your Mum to something special with a beautiful bouquet of Mother’s Day flowers and plants at M&S Mother’s Day Flowers

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Valentines Day for kids

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011

“I Love You” Day

Valentine’s Day is often considered a more adult celebration. But it need not be. Have some lovey dovey fun making hearts, homemade heart shaped cookies or sweets and decorating the table with reds, pinks and whites. (more…)

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