5 Summer Ready To Roll Icing Cupcake Ideas

Summer is nearly here, and although the sunny weather hasn’t managed more than a sporadic showing it’s time to start getting ready for picnics and days at the beach. What better cakes to make for lazy summer days than cupcakes. Small, portable and oh-so tasty, cupcakes are great for including in picnic hampers and packed lunch boxes.

Here are 5 ideas for summer themed ready to roll icing cupcakes.

1. Bee Topper. What says summer more than the gentle buzzing of bees skipping from flower to flower. So why not create your own cute bumblebee topper. All you’ll need is some yellow, black and white ready to roll icing. Simply roll a flattened ball of yellow icing for the body and fix a few

My Bathroom Makeover

The fact that I've wanted a new bathroom for what feels like forever is certainly no secret. I even wrote a poem about how desperate I was to get rid of the horrendous wallpaper and tatty old suite last year! It was so uninviting and I really wanted somewhere I could escape and relax in comfort and style. Thankfully, 2014 was the year and not only did I get a new bathroom, I had the house fully insulated, rewired, and a new kitchen installed. I was a little bit spoilt when it came to renovating our home.

I opted for a minimalistic look with white paint on the freshly plastered walls and ceiling, a white suite and white tiles. It makes the room look bright and fresh but enables me to add my own accessories to personalise it. Being a blank canvas it means if I fancy a change I can just alter the

Simple ways to upgrade your home

Our home is our sanctuary: a place that we can truly make our own. There are so many different ways to decorate our home, and the best part about that is if you don’t like it, you can change it! Taking a trip to Tesco and picking up a few bits in the home section can make the world of difference.

An upgrade to your interior decor doesn’t have to be this big event; some simple changes can transform your home into whatever your heart desires. Here are a few ways to upgrade your home decor.

Minecraft and Monopoly - Fututristic Flooring

With so many different styles and colours of wallpaper and plenty of beautiful accessories available for your home, it seems logical to be able to add printed flooring that is just as personalised and exciting. Wooden floors and carpet are fit for purpose but if I could add the extra wow factor to my rooms then I certainly would. Something that completely transforms a lounge, bathroom or bedroom into something really special.

Making your House a Home with Homebase

When it comes to decorating your house it's quite likely that you will visit your local home improvement store for paint samples, brushes and accessories, but did you know that Homebase now has a great selection of furniture available too? We discovered this recently while shopping for our new bathrooms and kitchen!

They provide dining tables with chairs, wardrobes, beds and even sofas, some of which you can order from the shop with samples on display too, but there is an even bigger selection for you to cast your eye upon online....

Family Furniture

With kids at home you want something that is robust and spacious enough for the whole family - even pets included! With extra large sofas that seat 4 you can all cuddle up together with

Decorating Children's Bedrooms

Our house has always been a bit of a project in need of some work and I long for the day when I can curl up on a beautiful corner suite, look at freshly wallpapered rooms with thick pile carpet beneath my toes knowing that there is nothing else left to do. A day where it is complete and my house becomes a home.

The central heating has been installed and ticked off the never ending to do list, the bathroom and kitchens are scheduled in for replacement too so now I've begun to really think about how I can make the Mini Mes' bedrooms magical!

The bed is the most important aspect of any bedroom and it is usually the focal point too. I adore these playhouse style beds from Elite Carpentry and I'm saving my pennies up to purchase them. They are great quality and help little ones to be imaginative through play as well as being a stunning and comfortable place to dream the night away.

The one on the left for Jamster reminds me of our holiday at Feather Down Farm - he loved the bed there!

The Mini Mes often have friends around and Minxy in particular likes to put a movie or some music on to entertain her guests so a sofabed would be ideal; somewhere to sit and relax that can fold out with ease for sleepovers! This one in black is slimline so it doesn't take up much space and it is a piece of furniture that will match the style of her room as it changes with her taste over the years to come.

Jamster would appreciate a selection of bean bags for reading in comfort and as a place to sit while playing on his games console. I can imagine him having great fun diving into them too as he is quite an acrobat at times!

Minxy has quite a long narrow room so ensuring there is plenty of light will help to give an illusion of depth. Mirrors work in a similar way and being a tween these will double up as a place for her to pose while practising her make up I'm certain. Novelty lights are always a hit and I will be purchasing a variety of lava, fibre optic and plasma lamps in the near future. I may treat myself to a new one too!

The finishing touches are not to be forgotten and having matching storage solutions, curtains and rugs is essential plus good duvet sets and pillows too. Wall art is a favourite of mine as are framed prints and I really can't wait to get started on creating something spectacular!

What would your child's perfect bedroom be like?

*Sponsored Post*

WIN an ABC Print by Sophy Henn from Easyart #ChristmasGiftGiveaway

"Kids rooms should be the perfect place for imagination, discovery, rest and play. 

Wall art can bring a splash of colour, a spark of energy or an educational touch."

Easyart provide a variety of prints and their children's collection includes illustrations from some classic books; Where The Wild Things Are, Roald Dahl and not forgetting The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Easyart have kindly provided this fun yet educational ABC print by Sophy Henn, complete with a beautiful natural ash box frame, to giveaway worth £53.88.

*** WIN ***

For your chance to win an ABC print by Sophy Henn from Easy Art you can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below.

The giveaway closes on 10th December 2013.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make sure you enter the previous competitions and return tomorrow for our next #ChristmasGiftGiveaway!

You can find out more information here: 

http://www.theminimesandme.com/2013/10/christmas-gift-giveaway-2013.html

Playtime

The Mini Mes and I always love to review new products but over the past year we have acquired quite a collection of toys and games that are threatening to overload our humble abode. With Christmas just around the corner, and the collection set to expand, I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands – I'm thinking about creating a play room!

We have a large dining room, which is only used for an hour each day, that would be ideal to transform. I hate to see such a valuable space go to waste, so it seems stupid that the kid’s bedrooms are fit to burst when they could just house their toys downstairs. 

Our dining room table is in very good condition but that is to be expected really, considering it has only been used a handful of times. I’m thinking about keeping that in place but listing a few other items we no longer need in the room for sale on eBay – I might as well try to get some cash for it which would help with Christmas purchases.

Plain walls are a no-no when it comes to a play room. The room should be a welcoming space where your child will feel inspired to play and be creative. While I still want to achieve this, I don’t want a room filled with garish colours that will completely ruin my interior design plan. So I will split the room into two sections.

I’ve been looking for ways to subtly make the room more child friendly. Stencils seem to be an effective, easy-to-do option. I have found some great letter stencils at Stencil Warehouse. They will clearly define the space, as well as making the kids feel special without making it unsuitable for meal time.

The Mini Mes love getting creative, but there is only so much space on the fridge to display their masterpieces. That’s why the playroom will be their own mini gallery. I’ll frame a few of their best drawings and painting, but also make Blu-tack readily available so they can hang some of their latest creations too if they wish.

Storage is key in this room. I’ve seen some coloured plastic drawers on casters that will be great for organising all of their toys. I’ll make sure the kids go through and sort out what they want and what they don’t want beforehand to avoid cluttering up the playroom too!

How would you create the perfect play room?

*Featured Post*

Useful Tips and Ideas in Decorating Your Living Room

A living room sets the tone for the entire house. Not only is it the gateway to your house, it is also the place where you spend a lot of quality time with your friends and family. Now, if you are going to spend some of your best moments in your living room, it's only fair that you go the extra mile while decorating it. 

Tips for decorating your living room: 

1. Pick a theme - Before you even start decorating, you need to pick a general design theme. Do you want your living room to look classy or edgy? Do you want to go over the top or be minimalistic? Is there a specific colour scheme you are looking at? Take a moment to ponder over these questions and zero in on a broad theme. 

2. Buy furniture accordingly - Truth be told, picking a theme is the easy part. Once you are through with that, you have to start buying the complementary decoration for your living room. It's always a good idea to start with furniture - buy a couch, a coffee table, a chest of drawers, a rug, a few table lamps etc. Make sure that they complement each other, both in terms of style and size. 

3. Choose curtains and tapestry fabric - This is where you get to have some fun with patterns and colours. For instance, if you have opted for a more edgy feel, look for curtains with modern prints. Mix these up with block coloured tapestry in lively shades like mint green or sea blue. Alternatively, if you want a classic, country style living room, choose heavy curtains in shades of maroon or royal purple with ornate designs. 

4. Maintain a balance - More often than not, people tend to go overboard while decorating their living rooms. It's alright to hang a few poster or photographs, get eccentric pieces like well-designed table lamps, but only if they blend in with the rest of the decor. Before you buy anything, ask yourself if the room will look better with or without it. Too many things will create chaos in terms of design.

What decorating tips do you have?

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Making a House a Home

We have been living in our home for just over 6 years now, how time flies! The central heating has been installed (it was a warm air system originally), a shower has been fitted and soon the kitchen and bathrooms will be replaced so we can finally start thinking about decorating and those special final touches. The little things like cushions and coffee tables that give a home that warm, welcoming feeling that I love. 

I've been looking through various brochures, taking wallpaper samples from stores and collecting mini paint pots for inspiration and I'm finally pulling together all of my ideas.

Wall art

I'm very keen on family photos being displayed at home and we still have our handprint tree on the wall that we created last year. I'd also like to add some family related wall art to the collection, quotes in particular, as a reminder of the great relationships we have and are building under our roof and of the love we share.

Collections

Once the loiunge is complete I'd like to start a little collection of ornaments that are family related too. I'm fond of the Willow Tree range and I think these would be nice along the windowsill or around the TV. 

Candles

I'm a little obsessed with candles and with Christmas approaching (can I say the C word yet?) I'm looking forward to scents of apple and cinnamon swirling around the house again. Into Spring I'd like some sweet and fruity fragrances and the Jelly Bean range is my favourite! Having a home that smells nice is essential!

Voiles

Windows are quite a focal point in every room so making them stand out with voiles in pretty shades is what I would like. Plum for the bedroom to match the few accessories I already have and coordinating for every other room too.

Plants

Not only are these great for your health but they bring so much colour into your home especially when combined with bright ceramic bowls and pots.

Lighting

The Mini Mes rooms will probably be the first to be transformed and I know that they would both like some glow in the dark ceiling decorations or even fibre optics to make it magical at bed time.

How do you make your house into a home?

*Sponsored post*

The Perfect Seat

How often have we called our children to come to the living room to discuss something? Whether it be moral guideline, a recent event or a plan for the future. Countless times, I hear you say. More often than not, these ‘meetings’ if they can be called that, take place in the living room; thus we can conclude the living room is instrumental in the shaping of family affairs, and the home of vital discussions taking place.

It is on the sofa where we project our voices, and have our say in critical matters.

Thus choosing an aptly suited sofa is vital in the living room of families. Choosing the right sofa for the comfort in long discussions is key. You can choose any kind of sofa that you want at 123sofa.co.uk which suits your vision. My personal suggestion is that one arm chair is a must, so that there is the opportunity to relax alone (whether it be the mother or the father after a long day of work) after that, a corner sofa or three-seat sofa would be ideal for the other members of the family to explain, argue their case or to just enjoy a coffee and cuddle on!

A bespoke corner sofa at 123sofa.co.uk is what they specialise in. The placing of these sofas is also vital –  perpendicular to each other is best, so people can look eye to eye. This is essential during talks and debate, and so families should have extra consideration when picking sofas.

If an arm-chair and corner sofa can’t quite fit in your room – no matter. It can arranged to make that corner sofa slightly less wide, or the arm chair less wide; and all this at no significant extra cost. Pick the sofa that you want at 123sofa.co.uk today.

How important is the sofa in your home?

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Wanted: New Bathroom

Even the Mini Mes realise that the bathroom is a little old and tatty, 

seeing it day in and out can make me quite ratty!

It's in desperate need of some decorating,

the torn paper and worn flooring for years I've been hating.

Minxy has kindly provided her ideas on how it should be,

but I don't really have the funds for a bathroom shopping spree...

This dated wallpaper is definitely not to my taste,

I'd happily rip it all down and throw it out with the waste...

Like the look of my flooring? No, neither do I.

Seeing it day in and out I could quite easily cry.

It was pulled up recently for new central heating,

I think it's left me in need of an Interior Designer meeting...

The Mr likes to shower whereas I like to sit in the tub,

filled with lush goodies and ducks - a rub a dub dub!

I'd quite like a Whirlpool bath and maybe a TV,

to have fun with some bubbles and to watch while I pee!

I want to replace this with this...

and these with these...

But unfortunately money doesn't grow on trees!

　

I'd like to tear it all out and put in a brand new bath suite,

some new storage for my supplies of toiletries to make it pretty and neat.

 

I'd like a nice bathroom so I'm not ashamed to let people in,

a shiny new loo, towel rail and a basin.

I'd love a new bathroom and this is my plea,

PLEASE someone come and redecorate for me!

Our week that was... new beds, food and outdoor fun

Sunday the Mr and I decided to go on a hunt for a new mattress, as despite being only 2 years old our current one isn't very comfortable. This resulted in us buying new carpet, a TV bed, pillows and a new mattress and we looked at new beds for the Mini Mes too.... Oops - but worth it!

Monday we went on a bike and scooter ride after school for some outdoor fun and fresh air. Minxy has a basket on her bike which was handy for bringing back a few bits of shopping in too. We didn't get out as much this week as I would have liked but with it being half term now we will be outdoors a lot next week.

Tuesday Spartan decided to join in with my 30 day shred by climbing on me during sit ups!

 Wednesday I received a lovely Weight Watchers hamper of goodies including wine, bonus.

Thursday Minxy had her first swimming lesson in the evening. She loved it and did really well, the instructor said she was confident which was reassuring as I have a phobia of water.

Friday after a busy evening clearing our bedroom out completely ready for the new carpet I popped on a movie and poured the Mr a Jack Daniels Single Malt to relax.

 Saturday As the Mini Mes were really good while the workmen were in today, I treated them to some chocolate eggs, pizza and a movie.

How has your week been?

I'm linking this with...

Reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

Half term is almost here random butt shuffle dance across the lounge which means a week off school and a week off work too. We have tickets to the Gruffalo's Child and lots of baking and craft activities on the agenda although to be honest I'm just looking forward to a lay in each morning and spending time with the Mini Mes!

We have our bedroom being decorated finally so it is going to be looking very beautiful, very soon. New carpet is being fitted on Saturday and I have this lush new bed arriving the following week...

... yes it has a tv in it! I absolutely love it and have many times walked past the bed shop drooling at the site of it. We have a new memory mattress to go with it too. Comfort here we come!!

My mum is my third reason to be happy this week. She plods along through life doing so much for others and she is very loving and kind. I've actually done a random act of kindness today and sent her some flowers to ensure she knows I love her.

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Halloween games

We were lucky enough to win a competition last year to spend a day with Jeff Brazier at Liverpool's Ghoul School (Speke Hall) and a huge sack packed with Halloween gifts and games. But what games will you be playing at your party this year? Here are some of our recommendations!

Pin the smile on the Skeleton.
Similar to pin the tail on the donkey this game involves lots of giggles as the little ones are blindfolded and spun before placing their sticker on the hanging figure.










Pumpkin carving competition
Pick up a few small, cheap pumpkins and some cutters and let the kids decorate them. You can make hats and add glitter to them too!

Pinata
Take it in turns to pull the string and see what sweet treats you can reveal! Adding packs of raisins and small toys reduces the E number intake!

Apple bobbing
A traditional game that is always a lot of fun even if you get a bit damp in the process. You fill a bowl with water (have a towel handy too) and get the guests to pick an apple out with only their mouth.

Pass the parcel
This classic game can be made perfect for Halloween by having scary sweets between the paper layers and a Halloween toy in the centre as a prize.

Colouring and cake decorating competition
You can find and print off some spooky pictures and get everyone to colour one in or provide some cupcakes and have fun decorating them before scoffing!

Halloween Bingo
A great value game (or free if you print them from online) that will keep everyone entertained from toddlers up. Each player is provided with a board and at random cards are drawn. If you cover all of your board first you win - simple but a great success.

What games do you play at your party?