My Logo SOS!

I launched Little Treasures nearly 2 years ago and I think its about time I christened it with a lovely designed logo. I have done many doodles and sketches of what I would like but its getting it from paper to computer that I am struggling and disparing at.

So I thought this Logo SOS would be a fun way to gain my long awaited Logo.

The brief:

My business is Gifts, I create a whole array of gifts varying from New Baby Gifts, Wedding Favours to Kids Party Bags as well as Nappy Cakes, Hampers and Sweet Gifts.

My business is called - Little Treasures Kettering

Web address - www.littletreasureskettering.com

Imagery wise I am thinking something resembling a gift tag, ribbon, bow or something along those lines that fits in with what I make and colours to match and blend well with my website.

The Challenge:

For you to create a logo following my brief and email it to Littletreasures@live.co.uk 

The Reward:

I shall then choose the one I am most happiest with and the winner will receive FREE advertising on the homepage of my business website for the life of the logo. Which I hope to be for many many years!

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CLOSING DATE is - 8th July 2012 12pm

Winner to be announced that same day at 7pm

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*Please note: If you are selected you must agree to hand copyright of the logo to Little Treasures Kettering.

So who is up for the challenge then?

Foodie Penpals! - June 2012 Reveal

I am so excited to have discovered Foodie Penpals through the land of tweets and this month was my first time taking part.

I love cooking, I love eating and I love discovering and tasteing new foods so this is really exciting for me and to be a part of a circle of lovely ladies (and men, if there is any) and discover food together...did I mention how excited I was? if I didnt, just to let you know I was SUPER excited! :)

The lady who got me as a Foodie Penpal was named Lisa and she contacted me straight away for my address and details.....it was also her first time, so she was excited too. She was very lovely in all of her correspondance and even let me know when she had sent it on its journey to me.

I received my parcel promptly and I am sure you can imagine how I felt picking it up from the sorting office...yep....EXCITED. I could not drive home fast enough to break into it and see what was inside. I burst through the door and screamed at Mr LTs "Its here!" he probably just rolled his eyes but to be honest I wasnt taking much notice of him lol.

I peeled of the brown packaging wrap and here it was all pretty in pink.

I think I may of let a sqeal out when I lifted the lid!

Even I was suprised by my self disaplin (I read the card first) and held off peeking at what was inside, I just wanted to savour the moment :)

Lisa introduced herself and wrote about a few of the items she had included. Lisa also prepared me for a little spice and told me about the recipe she had written and abit of where her family came from.........by this point I was excited and could not hold off any longer......

Cue BIG squeal, clapping hands...and lots of ooooohs......arrrrrrrrrssss.......and yums!

What I was lucky enough to receive:

Teapigs Morning Glory Tea Bags

Cottage Delight Salsa and Cracker Dippers

Thai Chilli Rice Snacks

Chocolate Pencil & Candy Sticks

Homemade Creole Mix - Made by Lisa

Recipe to use the Creole Mix in - Louisana Gumbo

Afternoon Tea Coasters

I was delighted with EVERYTHING! it really showed that Lisa had did some research and looked at my blog/website to see I liked abit of spice which showed some thought. Each item had a little note on to say why she had sent that item which was a lovely touch and the hand written recipe was fabulous, I definitely can not wait to give it a whirl.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to Lisa, you were a fab Foodie Penpal!

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Here is what I sent to my Foodie Penpal

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If you want to read more about becoming a Foodie Penpal please follow this link:

http://thisisrocksalt.com/foodie-penpals/

I highly recommend it.

Roll on July :0)



Blog Wave Wednesday!

Welcome

to

Blog Wave Wednesday

 

We are always wanting more blog followers, and there is nothing better than stumbling across a new fab blog.

This is something I have been wanting to set up for a while and today inbetween catching up with orders I have finally done it. I have tried my very best to keep it as simple as I possibly can....so here we go...

To begin:

Complete the small form below - once that is completed you shall be added to the 'Wave' list.

Get waving!

Now all you need to do is start at the beginning of the list and visit each blog and FOLLOW.

So that person knows you are a NEW follower please leave a comment on one of their blog posts and give them a *wave*

Dont forget to say who you are and pop a link to your blog with your comment.

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Share on Twitter and Tweet  #BlogWaveWed
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Easy...right?....I hope so :)

Here is the form:

A Toddlers 'To do' List

Working as a Professional Nanny I am endlessly seeking different ways to entertain the children. I have been doing some planning this afternoon and with the help of Pinterest I have found some really cool and unique things to do and make.....hope you find them fun to!

1 - Bottle Top Stamps

I have a whole stash of foam shapes and I would never have thought of this idea, how fab!

See full instructions here

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2 - Make your own Moonsand 

This is one of my own recipes and it is perfect and exactly like the well known (expensive) Moonsand brand which keeps kids amused for hours!

Mix together 4 cups of sand, 2 cups cornflour, and 1 cup of water and voila!....just add children :0)

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3 - Waterproof Finger Puppets

What a great way to brighten up a bath time and so simple to do. Just cut off the fingers from a rubber glove and use waterproof markers to draw faces and create characters....I cant wait to do this, the kiddie winks will love it I am sure!

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4 - Table Setting Placemat

This free color-in place mat doubles as a simple way to teach the kids how to set the table. 

 Laminate them so they will last abit longer too!

To print template click here

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5 - Cress Egg Heads

Cress is the perfect thing to grow as it grows fast and its yummy mixed with egg for a sandwich :)

I think that will keep my busy this week :) oh and the kiddie winks ofcourse!

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Whilst I was browsing I also came across this idea which I think would be a wonderful keepsake to create and its something that you canb keep adding to as the kiddies get older!

Handprint Keepsake Ring

Take a handprint or cut out on the first day of school every year and pop them all on a keyring chain along with a tiny message. Such a lovely idea of a keepsake!

***

What do you think? will you be giving any of the above ago this week? if you do please email a piccy to Littletreasures@live.co.uk and I will share them on here :)

Thanks for reading!

The 'Get to know me' Quiz - its all me me me and oh and me!

I have seen a few people post this quiz and so I thought why not do it myself, its all about ME I'm afraid :)

1. What time did you get up this morning? 10.30am arrrrr my day off lay in!

2. How do you like your steak? Well done

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Avatar - We don't go very often lol

4. What is your favourite TV show? Masterchef Australia

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Somewhere with a sea view

6. What did you have for breakfast? Te and Toast

7. What is your favourite cuisine? Mexican! yum!

8. What foods do you dislike? Pork Chops.....but on because of the word 'chops' lol that is why we call them Pork 'Steaks' hehe

9. Favourite place to eat? Rio Bravo Mexican in Market Harborough http://www.riobravomexican.co.uk/ the food is amazing! and Me and Mr LTs went their the night he proposed..awwwww!

10. Favourite dressing? Tomato & Basil Dressing at Tescos - shame they stopped selling it :( if Tescos ever read this...please please PLEASE stock it again!

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? A very noisy Seat Ibiza....I sound like a boy racer at the moment, not the look I am going for!

12. What are your favourite clothes? I love a bargain....no labels in my wardrobe....I would not pay above £15 for a pair of trousers or over £10 on a top

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Mexico, Australia again and America

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 full

15. Where would you want to retire? somewhere surrounded by my family

16. Favourite time of day? Early summers morning or I'm a lady of the night...not literally though ha

17. Where were you born? Kettering General Hospital

18. What is your favourite sport to watch?  F1 without a doubt

19. Who do you think will not tag you back? everyone because I haven't tagged anyone lol

20. Person you expect to tag you back first? no one see above answer!

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?  I will probably get a phone call from my Dad

22. Bird watcher? I wish I had the time to sit still for long enough...

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? night

24. Do you have any pets? after our Hamster 'Incidents' we took a vow of no more pets :)

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? In the last 3 months my website has had 14890 visitors....I just fell off my chair when I read that!

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A Nurse, Teacher, Wife and Mummy

27. What is your best childhood memory?  Sunday Mornings with my Dad

28. Are you a cat or dog person? neither

29. Are you married? To Be! (Engaged 6 years oops)

30. Always wear your seat belt? YES of course!

31. Been in a car accident? Never...touch wood.....I am a good woman driver! ;)

32. Any pet peeves? Bad customer service in shops, women who act thick to be funny and people who moan about the government but they don't vote!........don't get me started! lol

33. Favourite Pizza Toppings? Fajita (the ones at ASDA are the best!)

34. Favourite Flower? Lillie's

35. Favourite ice cream? Mint Choc Chip

36. Favourite fast food restaurant? McDonald's and KFC

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? none....I am a first time passer...oh yeah!

38. From whom did you get your last email? A lovely new customer with a fabulous order....yippee!

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Tesco....I could buy all sorts...Clothes, Shoes, Bags, Food Shopping, Furniture, Kitchen bits and book all in one go!

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? About an hour ago I spring from my seat and made some Salt Dough....how impulsive am I ;)

41. Like your job? Love being a Professional Nanny & Running my own Gift Making Business! I am very lucky

42. Broccoli? YES YES YES...by the bucket load....yum!

43. What was your favourite vacation? Every holiday is a favourite!

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Mr LTs

45. What are you listening to right now? Dave Lamb on Come Dine With Me

46. What is your favourite colour? Red

47. How many tattoos do you have? Nil

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz? non people can copy if they want :)

49. What time did you finish this quiz? 17.26

50. Coffee drinker? the odd one

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Did you enjoy that? :0) hopefully you know me a little more now.

Enjoy your Saturday evening everyone xxx

So much more than a Loo Roll!

 

Ive been on a googling mission to find ways of jazzing up my downstairs loo walls and I am amazed at the Toilet Roll art I have found....

How to:

Materials:

Toilet Paper rolls
Scissors
White glue
Stapler
Paint + brushes
Laundry pins

Steps:

1. Crush paper roll

2. Cut into approximately 5 equal parts don’t have to be exact

3. Place the rolls on a flat surface creating a desired pattern. spend time trying different compositions and patterns.

4. Glue where rolls are touching, hold with laundry pins to dry. You may use a stapler as an alternative, what ever is easier. I find that glue is easier for the younger kids.

5. You may paint and add sparkles. Sprinkle the glitter on the wet paint, this way it will sticks and you wont need any glue.

6. You may expend the pattern in to an organic cell growth.

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I can not wait to give these ago, I think I will paint mine white and go for a flowered pattern....will make sure I take photos as I go for you!

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If there are any toilet rolls left over look at how they can be recycled>

WOW I will never throw away another toilet roll! will you?

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I am currently ranked 12th in Best in Britain Independent Business Award at The Great Exhibition 2012. I am counting on your votes to get me to 1st! please vote here and I will be eternally grateful!

http://www.thegreatexhibition2012.co.uk/greats/little-treasures-kettering

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Sweetcils!

Sweet-cils

Packs of Rolos or Tubes of Smarties crafted to resemble a good old school pencil!

I was so happy with how they turned out this morning and I was super excited to launch them on my Facebook profile (add me here)

I think they will make really cute gifts for children to give their friends on the last day of term or even on their first day of school!

Also a nice cute gift for the teachers and something unique to give them to say thank you.

I can change the message to read whatever you would like it to say and personalise the name tag.

If you are interested in placing an order please contact me at Littletreasures@live.co.uk

Hope you like them xxx

Super Easy & Super Yummy! - Enchiladas

Super Easy & Super Yummy! - Enchiladas

This is a firm favourite in the Little Treasures household so I thought I would share my personal recipe with you. There is no need to spend a fortune on jars for a authentic Enchilada sauce, this sauce is made from scratch in such a simple way, you can not go wrong! - Enjoy :)

All you need is:

This makes 8 Enchiladas!

3-4 Chicken Breasts - Cut into strips

8 Flour Tortilla Wraps

3 Peppers (whatever colours you like!) - Sliced

1 large onion - Sliced

Fajita Spice Mix

Tomato Passata 500ml

Kidney Beans (optional! - I added these as I had them in the cupboard!)

Here we go> 

1 - Fry the Chicken in the pan on a high heat until cooked through, don't be afraid to get a little colour those strips, it all adds flavour!

2 - Once Chicken is cooked add in a sprinkling of Fajita spice. The amount you add in does depend on how spicy you enjoy your food, you are best to add it little at a time. There is a chance later to add more if need be.

 3 - Add the Onions and soften.

 4 - Add in the Peppers and soften

 5 - Once peppers are slightly softened pour in the Tomato Passata, all of it, this is also the time to add in the Kidney Beans if you choose to add them.

 6 - This is the time to taste! if it is not spicy enough you can sprinkle in some more Fajita Spice until you are happy OR if it is too spicy add in some plain yogurt or a spoon of sour cream, even a drop of milk would do the trick and calm down the spiciness :)

7 - Leave it cook for about 5 mins and season to taste with salt and pepper. Then turn off the heat and leave the Chicken and Peppers to cool down a little to make it easier to wrap the mix and so you don't burn your fingers!

Wrap it!

If you have some mix left just spoon it over the top of the wraps and sprinkle some cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated over 180 degrees for 20-30miins until golden brown.

Enjoy with a lovely crisp lettuce salad :)

A week full of creations :)

Here is what I have been up to this week> and what a busy week it has been!

Sweet Cones with a Peppa Pig theme.

I had a very special request for sweet cones with a Tangled/Ranpunzel theme :)

A lovely customer asked if I could create a red nappy cake for a mummy to be because she doesnt like pink....I REALLY enjoyed making this, who says Nappy Cakes have to be pink or blue :)

 I raided my card stock and found this strawberry paper which was perfect to use as a tag!

I was so excited to finally use my new Sizzix handbag die cutter! 

These would be perfect for so many ocassions! 

I love creating the Nappy Trikes

 I also offered to make some Baby Shower Favours and these are what I came up with, Bottle shaped boxes filled with yummy goodies!

 My New Dad Survival Kits have gone down really well and are so much fun for the expentant Dads :)

 Tea Break Purses - perfect Teacher gift, they can fit nicely into a handbag and can be enjoyed anywhere, each purse has inside teabag, biscuit spoon and chocolate square :)

 Tie Shaped Sweet cones for the men!

Hello Kitty Party Favour boxes

and last but not least Disney Princess party favour boxes!

I did say it was a busy week :0)

Hope you all had a lovely week?