Christmas Crafts :: Chocolate Star Trees

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

A couple of weeks ago, I made a huge culinery mess delightful little Christmas Tree out of rice chocolate crispy cakes cookie cuttered into star shapes. It didn't really turn out as spectacular as I would have liked but it was cheap and cheerful so I'm still happy.

I must confess, I can't take credit for the idea, I saw it on a Kirsty's Homemade Christmas a couple of years back and thought I would give it a whirl. It's the perfect last minute craft and a great activity for little hands if you have the kiddies round on Christmas Eve.

To make mine I used:

Rice Crispies

Chocolate

A big bowl

A microwavable bowl

A tray

Spoons

Star cookie cutters in graduated sizes (I bought mine from Hobbycraft)

Glitter, choc drops, sprinkles, whatever you fancy to adorn your creation. You can buy edible glitter online from a variety of sites (ebay it if you're lost) but mine came from Hobbycraft and I opted for an opal green shade. It's Christmas after all!

This craft isn't rocket science. Melt the chocolate, add the crispies, spoon out onto a tray, leave in the fridge to set, cut out star shapes, stack, decorate, eat!

There is something far too inviting about molten chocolate. Mmmmm.

Tada!! I will just say- I don't think chocolate crispies are the best mixture for this, they crumble EVER SO EASILY. If you are a better baker than I (which wouldn't be hard), try biscuits or gingerbread for a more visually pleasing tree. If you want fun and speed, go for crispies!

There were a lot of 'crumble casualties' and someone had to eat them all which was such a shame. I didn't want to eat handfuls and handfuls of it but you know, waste not want not and stuff. Tehe.

If in doubt, call it abstract. ;)

If the tree doesn't tickle your pickle, or you have a fair few folk to feed (oof, try saying that fast), make individual star crispies and bejewel with sweeties to make even the oldies smile.

Are these something you think might creep into your home this weekend?

Merry Christmas!

xx

Christmas Table Extras

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

For me, what makes Christmas isn't huge presents and grand gestures (although if you have a huuuuge present for me Father Christmas- thank you very much!), but the little touches that add glitz and magic and merriment to all.

This year we're cooking for nine (why oh why?) and this is my chance to really make a splash. I've picked out a few of my favourite things that you could scatter round the home or table, to entice and excite.

(Image taken from ebay and listed below. If I had made it bigger, it'd be uber blurry-sorry!)

These Iridescent holographic Party Poppers would be sure to start Christmas morning off with a bang.

Scatter these cheery little guys over the children's table (how much did you used to hate being relegated to the children's table by the way? I used to get such a sulk on hahaha), to add frivolity, or sprinkle in cards and wrapping papered gifts.

To break the ice with the other half's parentals, try these. You'll be having fun in no time. And if not, at least you'll have a conversation starter!

Sprinkle these edible gold stars into your glasses of bubbly to add zizz to your fizz and look ever the domestic goddess.

I have a couple of Christmas Craft posts coming up with DIY items that you can make as well as a whole album of saved weheartit pictures of magical wintery scenes. I really am getting into the spirit of it all!

Are you?

Toodlepip!

xx

Christmas Crafts :: Inspiration

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

If, like me, you have a somewhat unhealthy obsession with crafts, glitter and handmade trinkets, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of year.

If you can't throw sequins on something and call it 'customised' at Christmas, when can you?

I think I have mentioned in a previous post that I have a few Christmas craft tutorials up my festive sleeves for you, but before that, I thought I would share on of my favourite Christmas things with you.

Every year, about October/November time, when the festive itch scratches, I start to look at homey magazines. Throughout the year I'm a More, Reveal, Look, Glamour kinda gal, but come winter, I start to feel a real need for this 'grown up' magazines, with their tips for good housemaking, recipes and craft tutorials.

Over the years I have racked up a few of these Christmas edition magazines. I'd suggest if you buy one, to keep it til next year because lets face it, a brushed felt robin decoration is going to be the same in 2011 as it is in 2017, non? Also, they usually retail around the £4-5 mark, which for a glossy mag, is pretty pricey I think.

I really love flicking through these. I always try some of the little projects (and sometimes fail- I actually made a video last week on how to make a 3D Chocolate Crispy Tree, but it was a total disaster and never made it to YouTube!) and always take decor inspiration from them.

I urge you to don your hat and scarf, skip down to your local news agents, grab a bag of maltesers and a Christmas magazine and immerse yourself in the festive cheer of it all.

What do you do to get yourself in the Christmassy mood? Also, I feel like I've typed the word 'Christmas' about 5,000 times!

Toodlepip!

xx

Magic With The GlossyGirls

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Last week, after a rather weird journey, Zoe and I hotfooted it down to Waterloo to board that most magical of wheels- The London Eye.

Having never been on it and wanting to for just about forever, I was almost delirious with excitement!

Playing with my new camera- slow shutterspeed, speedy hands, happy LouLou!

This was snapped by Zoe and her swish camera. She's a wizz!

Little Festive Market nearby- tres cute.

This snap and the one above are from the GlossyBox Facebook Page. Do go and say 'hi'. 

I won't write too much because I plan on making a video about this (just as soon as I'm not plagued by this awful fluey thing) and showing you all the footage from the evening. My photos didn't come out as well as I would have liked (I think I needed a tripod, but who lugs one of those around in their handbags?!), but I did do a lot of filming so if you keep an eye on my YouTube channel, you won't miss out.

I met some fantastic new ladies, caught up with old chums and had some really interesting chitchat with the GlossyTeam. I have to take my hat off to them, they are so lovely, so knowledgeable and knew all of our names! You might be thinking, "of course they know your names, you have blogs and whatnot", but I was pretty impressed. I was even asked about Baby Glitter, which I thought was very sweet.

We had champagne, canapes, two rotations and lots of talk about what's coming up in GlossyWorld. I'm pretty excited for the Men's Boxes. They'll be quarterly and contain 7 products. I don't know about you, but most the men in my life (oerr that sounds a bit wrong! I mean like my Husband, Dad, Brother's-in-law etc) like to look after themselves, so this will be a welcome product.

If you'd like to have a mosey around GlossyBox for yourself, HERE'S their website. (Defo have a look, I've just seen the male model for the men's box- hubbah-hubbah!)

Are you a GlossyBox Gal? Have you tried any of the other beauty boxes on the market?

Toodlepip!

xx

Holidays are Comin', Holidays are Comin'

Aloha Sprinklerinos?

On a scale of one to ten, how much do you love the coca-cola Christmas advert (hence the title). I think I would say about eleven. As soon as I see it, I declare it Christmas time. I know a few people feel it crass or OTT to be Christmassy before December the 1st, but frankly, I'd be ready to celebrate from September onwards I love it so much.

I have so many Christmas related posts lined up for you! I plan on doing a few Christmas themed weheartit posts, like last year some Christmas Craft posts, tips for surviving Christmas, maybe a few gift guides, Christmas Money Saving ideas and since Ebay Hearts was so well received, I'm going to make that a regular feature and do a few of those too!

I love writing posts like these, where I get to offload my thoughts a bit and let you into what is coming up and going on. I currently have a horrid cold, so filming youtube videos is on hold and Matt is looking after Baby Glitter and bringing me plenty of lemsip!

If you don't already, be sure to follow me on twitter, because I chitchat all day and I like to say howdy to you all!

What sort of Christmassy related posts do you want to see on Sprinkle of Glitter?

Toodlepip!

xx

Superdrug's Salvation Army Support

Aloha Sprinklerinos!

Can you say the title of this post over and over, really quickly? I can't.

This Christmas, for the fourth year running, Superdrug are supporting the Salvation Army's Christmas Present Appeal.

(Image: www.weheartit.com)

From November the 23rd to December the 18th, Superdrug customers are able to drop new, unwrapped presents into the store. Then, Salvation Army volunteers will wrap the gifts and distribute them to families and children who may have otherwise had nothing or very little this Christmas.

I think this is a lovely idea and next time I'm in town doing a spot of Christmas shopping, will remember to stop by my local superdrug. Even if it's just a couple of fun toys from PoundLand, you could really bring a smile to someone's face.

Do you think you would consider taking part in this?

Toodlepip!

xx

Chilli Pepper Palette

Aloha Bloggerinos,

We've just spent a fun filled 5 hours at Northampton Accident and Emergency, after Mattmoo was in a car accident :(. Some woman smashed into the back of him at considerable speed because she was too busy not looking at the road. Great. He's OK, but we can expect another long round of physio for his back. Great again. I know I sound 'raaarrghhh' but life sometimes seems like it's just one thing after another doesn't it?

Anyway, I'm all awake all wide eyed so I thought I'd do a little blogspot, but a nice easy one. You Bloggerinos always cheer me up, I feel like you're my little chums :)

So, this is just a little eyeshadow palette that my Auntie bought me for Christmas and I really very much enjoy it. I did a little googling but it didn't come up with much so it's a mystery palette! Any wizz kids out there know much about this brand??

I love the colours, they remind me of peacocks, which if you've been reading for a long while, will know I luuurrrvvee and I think the packaging is really cute and feminine.

It comes with a mirror, very handy, and a double ended brush. I probably won't use the brush but if I was travelling or having to do my makeup on the go, it would be useful I'm sure.

All in all, I likey likey. How's about you?

Sorry for the shortness and lack of any real info, my brain is all mushy and garbled. *Sigh*

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews :: Lush - Once a Year

Aloha Bloggerinos,

What a festive Saturday I'm having! Matt is here tapping away on his laptop, the cat is curled up, Love Actually is on, I've done a bit of present wrapping and we just had bacon rolls- bliss, bbuuuurrrrliss!

With this in mind, I thought I'd give you my thoughts on the most Christmassy massage bar I have ever smelt- Once a Year. This massage bar retails at £3.95 for 60g which is quite steep in my opinion but if you can't treat yourself at Christmas, when can you?

It consists of the big pink oval and a quirky cream moustash which has gold sparkles in it. I did detect a hint of shimmer in the pink oval too but nothing substantial, so if you aren't a glitter fan (a crime in my eyes) then you'll still be alright.

This little number is packed with shea butter (your skin will love you for this), almond essential oil and hazelnut oil which is said to have deep moisturising properties and form a protective layer around your skin without blocking pores- super!

Sparkle sparkle!

When I first smelt this I thought "Mmmmmmmmmm Christmas!" but couldn't quite put my finger on it. Maybe desserts and suchlike? Since looking on the website, I have discovered that is in infact Brandy! Whilst brandy isn't my usual tipple, the scent is distinctly festive and something I really enjoy. I would also say that the fragrance isn't overly feminine or girly, so could be used with a loved one...ooerr missus ;)

I love this so much I may well buy a backup because it saddens me greatly when LE items leave us, like Jingle Spells did, and never come back.

Have you tried this? How's your wrapping coming along? Anyone want to send me another Once a Year? Mwahaha!

Toodlepip!

xx

Merry Breakfast One and All

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Today I have put a festive twist on my usual breakfast cereal. I have replaced the cereal with mince pies and the milk with double cream, mwhahahahaha! I am sooooooo game for Christmas! Being the kind owner I am, I offered Mindy some cream but she looked disgusted. What kind of a cat doesn't like cream?? I was all set to make witty remarks like "Oh she looks like the cat that got the cream" etc, but no, I was robbed.

This week, since we last spoke at least, I have been continuing with my Christmas Crafts and made a whole host of christmas cards, some christmas stockings, some big fabric hair bows for my sister (she actually requested these about six hundred and twenty years ago but I'm only just getting round to it-woopsie), notelet packs, bracelets, christmas tree decorations annnndd that's about it. Which, if any, would you like to see tutorials for?

On Thursday my Auntie Judith took me to the most amazing fabric place EVER. It was like material heaven and I nearly did a little wee in my maternity jeans (never going back to regular ones now) I was so excited. I was quite restrained though and bought a couple of fabrics to make teeny weeny skirts on my sewing machine and a couple of really soft quarters to make pretty burp clothes. I know she'll only sick up on them but they'll be nice for special days out etc. I'm hoping to get good at little skirts for her, that will go over tights and body suits and then make loooaaadss. I have tonnes of lace and rick-rack to embellish so I'm pretty excited!

I'm in the process of making a few more flower rings as these went down a bloomin' storm last time.

Well that's all for now, enjoy the festive snap courtesy of googleimages.com.

Toodlepip!

xx

Christmas Crafts :: Fabric Brooches/Corsages

Aloha Bloggerinos,

With Christmas around the corner (46 festive nights away to be precise), Santa (aka, me) is busy busy in his workshop, crafting all sorts of lovely gifts.

These corsages are so easy to make and require very basic sewing skills.

What you will need:

1. A few different colours of synthetic material. It HAS to be synthetic to make the edges curl, more on this later. I picked my sheer organza type fabric up from a place called Abakhans in Liverpool. If you live in scouseland, I strongly suggest you check this place out. It's an Aladdin's cave of bargainous craft stuff, everything you can imagine :)

2. A candle and matches/lighter.

3. Scissors.

4. Needle and thread.

5. Safety pin or brooch back. (I used a safety pin as I had these to hand).

6. Embellishments. I used assorted glass beads and a few flat faux pearls. You could use buttons, sequins, beads, stick on gems or anything jazzy that you can get your hands on. Don't go crazy spending money if you can't, this is the perfect opportunity to use the bits of that broken necklace or old buttons.

How to make your corsage:

1. Cut out varying sizes of circles from your materials. The more circles you use, the fuller your brooch will look. I usually go for about five circles, but it is entirely up to you. Cut the circles by eye, you're going to be curling the edges so no need for total accuracy here.

2. Melt the edges of your circles over a lit candle. This is quite easy but its best to have a couple of trials first. You want to just run the fabric through the flame to create a curled edge and enhance the petal-like effect.

3. Stack the petals on top of each other in size order until it looks how you want it. It should now look corsagey.

4. Using your needle and thread, pop a few stitches through the centre of the corsage to tie all the petals together.

5. Sew/glue on your chosen embellishments.

6. Sew/glue on your safety pin.

This project is great as it's so versatile and can be kept basic for beginners or jushed up a bit for a more advanced crafter. You can go to town with embellishments, colours, layers and textures. Why not incorporate bows or feathers?

These will now be carefully wrapped, sent to Father Christmas and dropped down my Aunties chimneys. Lovely.

Is this something you have, or might in the future try? If you have any questions, do let me know :)

Toodlepip!

xx

Christmas Crafts :: Chic Garland

Aloha Bloggerinos,

With winter well and truly here (as I type, my windows are about to be blown in by gale force winds and also, veering of course a bit here, my 60 something year old neighbours are having some shockingly loud 'couple time' if you get my jist- erlack), I felt it time to crack open the craft box and get busy.

As previously mentioned, I am currently rich in time but poor in mula, so this Christmas is going to be inspired by vintage, handmade and upcycling- very fashionable dontchya know? I've set myself the challenge of using up all the copious supplies I have and will not, not, NOT go to HobbyCraft under any circumstances!!

So, one of the first things I have made was inspired by my Ideal Homes (I think) Christmas magazine which Matt bought me at an M6 service station, I do love that man. Basically, it's a paper garland that you can adapt to however you like and hang pretty much anywhere- versatile oui??

I would described the skill level of this project as- superduper basic. A monkey could do it I would think.

What you need:

1. Paper. I used paper from a music book jobby that I bought at a charity shop last year (gawd knows why). 2. Scissors/Stamp cutter. I already have a circle and heart cutter from HobbyCraft, but you could just use scissors to cut whatever shape you like. I suggest using a template for accuracy though.

3. Ribbon or string cut to whatever length you want your garland (remember to leave a little bit at each end to loop or hook.

4. Glue. I used kiddy type PVA, just because that's what I found first :)

5. Gems/Glitter/Embellishments. This is optional. I used hot pink crystals. Ohh yeeaah.

Cut/stamp out your shapes. I went for circle and then heart alternatively. Next time I'll do just hearts but you live and learn.

Squeeze out your glue into something. That pot is an old nailvarnish wipe pot. You seeeee crafts and cosmetics go hand in hand. Ho ho.

On one side schmear (mm love that word sscchhmmeeaarr) you glue and lay the ribbon/string on it. Then, take another shape of the exact same size and lay it on top, to make a ribbon/strong sandwich if you will.

To add a bit of festive sparkle, embellish however you fancy. I stuck on little gems. I used the end of a plastic fork to splot the glue on so that I could make a small gem sized blob and prevent a glue related nightmare!

Leave to dry and voila, a very unique garland that you can hang from the tree, mantelpiece, banister or wherever you fancy. You could also adapt this for other occasions- pink hearts on red ribbon for Valentines, orange pumpkin shapes on green ribbon for Halloween etc. I may even make some for the nursery in girly shapes and colours of boyish ones. It's a nice easy project that you need very little for. Super.

If you would like to buy a kit for £3.50 (inc P&P anywhere) pop your paypal email in the comment box and I will send it out to you. Kit will include 32 hearts or circles or a mixtures (please specify) which is enough for 16 shapes on the garland, 100 crystals in clear (which is enough for 6-7 on each shape) and 125cm of fairy pink wrapping ribbon (you know like the type you can curl). All you'd need to sort out yourself is your glue, and voila- Your Own Chic Garland Project Kit :)

What do you think? Is this something you might try?

Toodlepip!

xx

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Do excuse the title and unrelated images, I'm just in that merry wintery christmas kinda mood- oohhhh yeeaahhh :)

As you may have noticed, I have been a bit slack on the old blog front of late, so I thought I would fill you in and give you a bit of a chatty post, as these seem to be rather popular. I luurvvvee chatty posts because I feel like I'm off loading my thoughts and find it really theraputic.

(I want trot through here in a nice dress and heels. Mmmm heels, the bump puts paid to any thoughts of sexy high shoes nowadays. Roll on March!)

Well, in the last week or so I have been tres busy. I signed up to a recruitment agency because the job search was going nowhere. They send me on various assignments and my most recent has been at a very well known cosmetic surgery clinic. It's a lovely place, very swish and my main roll (brace yourself) is to label the pictures of ladies boobies, before and after the surgery!! Basically, every man's dream job. Mwahaha.

I've also been temping at my Dad's office, which involved phoning around various international holiday resorts and taking a few details. Out of about 100 calls, I found the American's the best and luurvveedd how they all wished me a good day. I know it's not sincere but I do wish us Brits could share the love a bit. What do you think?

(J'adore wrapping presents and making gorgeous Christmas cards. Pretty pretty)

In pregnancy news I am officially five months pregnant now and blooming! I have a full on bump and am thouroughly enjoying maternity jeans. I am seriously questioning why I have spent my life agonising over jeans shopping, when I could have just bought these beauties and been done with it. Sod dignity, I'm NEVER leaving the bliss of stretchy waist bands. NEVER!!

I can feel him (I think it's a boy) moving about and have had a few light kicks which feels amazing. My scan is this Friday and providing bambino is laying in the correct position, we will see if it has a winky or fairy and can get cracking on painting the nursery- wahoo!!

Being as I'm not working full time, I have found myself rich in time but poor in mula, so this Christmas will be handcrafted as much as possible. I have some super ideas up my sleeve and will be giving you a few tutorials on how to do these too. None of them will be difficult so you will all be able to give them a whirl!

(I want to sit here -on a waterproof somethingorother- and drink hot chocolate and smooch Matt. Tehe)

Our lounge is finally, after 18 months, decorated so I have a "Home Corners" planned for you.

I am love love bloomin' well loving the wintery feel nowadays. I live for this time of year and will literally die with joy if it snows!! There's nothing better than being ll cosy in doors, eating chocolate and snuggling the cat.

I haven't taken any snaps in about 50 years, but I promise I will get cracking and and whip up some homey and crafty posts for you, unless you have any other requests?

Let me know how you're getting on, I love hearing from you all.

Toodlepip!

xx

All images from www.weheartit.com

Easy Peasy Wreathy Peathy

At this time of year in this neck of the woods, it is tradition to shlep to the florists, buy a wreath for oodles of mula, and then hang it on your front door. Well bloggerinos, not this time! No more Miss Nice Guy! This year, I have made my own!

It's not as fantastic as you might expect....yet. I plan to add more and more embellishments as the years go on, but for my first year in my first home, this'll do!

The big one was made this year, but the little slinky one was made up in Liverpool last year.

Merry Christmas!

Toodlepip!

xx

Baubletastic Cards

As each day passes, and more Christmas cards plop through my letter box, I remember more and more people who need a card sending to them. And with that, I happily turn to my stash of handmade cards and secretly smile to myself on the inside that they are so sparkly and cheery and made with love. Awwww!

So without further ado, here are a few photo's of them and them in the making. Even the Fiance was put to work on operation "Cracking Cards!".

So quick, get checking your letterboxes, one of my creations could be on its way!

Toodlepip xx

Someone's ready for Christmas

On a recent trip to heaven, ahem, I mean Hobbycraft, to buy Christmas card supplies, I was given this brilliant photo opportunity. Issobelle was so eager to get the Santa hat on that she didn't even take if off the stand. If that doesn't show commitment to the festive season, I don't know what does!

Toodlepip! xx

Festive Frolics

Happy 1st of December! You know the Christmas song that goes, "Tis the most wonderful tiiiime, of the year!", well no truer a sentence has ever been uttered if you ask me!

My cards are made, written and by the door ready to be handed out, my tree is dressed, my lights are strung, my festive nibbles are in the cupboard ready for my drinks and nibbles do...oh yes, I am organised! And not to mention a little smug! hehe

Anyway, these cheeky chocolate chappies are on my tree and ready to be pilfered by little hands (mainly Issobelle's- she's had her eye on those two), so I thought I would snap them before they are gobbled up.

So its glad tidings from me and even more glad tidings from the little chocolate santas.

Toodlepip! xx