Making Union Jack Cushions

A Rainy Day Craft Activity...Sewing A Union Jack Cushion

Unfortunately, yesterday was a rather wet and cold and windy day for the Jubilee celebrations and our street party was cancelled.  So instead of singing God Save the Queen while eating scones and cucumber sandwiches with our neighbours, we were stuck indoors.  But with an Interplay My Style Make Union Jack Cushions set to try out, we could get down to some patriotic crafts instead!

The set includes everything needed to make two hand sewn felt Union Jack Cushions, one large and one small.  The cushion pads come vacuum packed and spring up when removed from the plastic packaging.  You just need your own scissors and you're ready to go.  The pre-cut felt pieces are sewn together according to the instructions using the coloured thread.  The sewing holes are ready punched and line up well.

9 year old Kizzy set off stitching together the pieces and although I had to unravel a few knotted threads she did quite a good job initially.  She did however get a bit confused as to how to assemble all the parts and I have to admit that with my lack of spatial awareness and lack of sewing skills I wasn't much help.  I'm pretty sure we had two of the diagonals sewn on upside down!  Kizzy found it a bit complicated and fiddly as we progressed.

We persevered together, and even though we ended up probably doing some bits our own way, rather than sticking to the instructions, we did end up with a rather nice little button-up cushion at the end of our session.  It isn't perfect...but we were proud!

The Union Jack Cushion Set costs £14.99 and is aimed at ages 8+. 

Kizzy is not a naturally gifted seamstress, but she was quite pleased with the finished pillow.  I'm sure with practice she'll improve and quickly surpass my sewing talents!!  But between us, we had fun and created a Jubilee souvenir that will forever remind us of the day that our street party was rained off!

Russell Hobbs Jubilee 30% Discount Code

Voucher Code for Russell Hobbs Heritage Range

To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, Russell Hobbs are offering a fabulous 30% off their Heritage range kettle and toasters.  Stylishly designed with a timeless appeal, the Heritage Collection would look perfect in any kitchen.

Heritage Kettle

Heritage Four Slice Toaster

The voucher offer is 30% off the Russell Hobbs Heritage range – in red, blue and cream on the selected products (Kettle, 2 Slice Toaster and 4 Slice Toaster).

Voucher code is JUBILEE30

Terms and Conditions:

> Voucher code ends 06/06/12

> Only one code per product

> On selected range while stocks last

> Enter the code at the checkout to receive the discount

HAVE A ROYAL REFRESH THIS JUBILEE WEEKEND!

Tips To Smarten Up Your Home With Rug Doctor

With the long weekend on its way we’re all thinking of ways to refresh and tidy our homes in time for the Queen’s Jubilee, which is why Rug Doctor has come up with some top DIY tips on how you can get your house in order in time for the royal rendezvous!

To give your home the red carpet treatment have a look at the tips below and choose the few you want to tackle- you’ll have your home fit for a  queen in no time!

1. Get your trusted  tools ready

Start as you mean to go on and make sure you’ve got everything you need for your DIY extravaganza. We mean dust sheets, hammer and nails, bin liners and masking tape… and lots of cups of tea too!

2.  Find a prince or princess  to lend a hand

DIY often requires two pairs of hands so call on a partner or friend to lend a hand with the heavy lifting or holding a ladder

3. Honour your paint brush

Adding a splash of colour to your walls can help create a majestic finish to any room. Prep is key when it comes to painting so clear the area and make sure you fill in any cracks before you dip your brush.  

4. Pay tribute to your walls

Try adding wallpaper to the wall behind your bed for that real wow-factor! A bold retro print is a thumbs up this season.

5. Make your carpets fit for the Queen

Hire a Rug Doctor to deep clean your carpets, stairs, upholstery and mattress making them look, feel and smell as good as new.  A Rug Doctor was actually supplied to Buckingham Palace some years ago!

For spots and stains you can try the Rug Doctor Spot & Stain Remover.   I was sent one to try out.   Suitable for both carpets and upholstery, it removes food, beverage and greasy spills.  With a toddler in the house the amount of food spills, muddy footprints and crayon marks we discover are way above the national average!!  Just a generous spray and a rub with a paper towel helps lift the stains.   Blotting the cleaner into the stain pushes it deeply into the carpet pile or upholstery fabric for a thorough cleaning.  A quick rinse and a blot dry leaves the treated area looking much cleaner!   Staying on top of stains caused by spilled orange juice, melted ice lolly and over squeezed tomato sauce helps keep rugs and carpets looking smart and clean!  It's even wool friendly and pet safe.  Keeping a Spot & Stain Remover on hand is definitely a good idea with kids in the house!!  It's just £2.99 for a 500ml trigger bottle.

Keep On Hand To Tackle Spills and Spots!

6. Revitalise your throne

Uplift your living room by cleaning your sofa using Rug Doctor Upholstery cleaner and the hand tool kit that comes with every machine rental.

7. Frame your own royal family

Create a photo wall to really transform the appearance of a room; try using different styles and sizes of frames with all your favourite family photos to make a great focal point.

8. Have Jubilee worthy drapes

Change your usual heavyweight curtains for a pair of light or sheer ones to ooze summer style in your home.

9. Don’t forget to refresh the royal entrance too

It’s the first thing your guests will see, so strip, prime and paint your front door giving your home a welcoming entrance.

10.  Royal seal of approval

Add some fresh flowers to your newly decorated space for that final seal of approval.

For more information on how to deep clean with Rug Doctor go to http://www.rugdoctor.co.uk/

For more information on how to deep clean with Rug Doctor please go to http://www.rugdoctor.co.uk/

A Jubilee Sponge Fit For A Queen

BART’S JUBILEE SPONGE

Bart Ingredients, the name behind a fine range of herbs and spices, has been working with Edd Kimber, winner of The Great British Bake Off to come up with a modern twist on the Victoria Sponge to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this summer. The recipe features a unique and exciting blend of ingredients from all over the world, from cinnamon to their signature Bart Bristol Blended pepper and even a refreshing hint of mint to tingle the tastebuds!

I was challenged to have a go at making this cake using this selection of Bart Ingredients spices.  Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

Serves 10

½ tsp Bart Bristol Blend Five Peppercorns

½ tsp Bart Ground Cinnamon

1 tsp Bart Ground Ginger

¼ tsp Bart Ground Nutmeg

2 tsp Bart Mint (Freeze Dried)

250g self-raising flour

¼ tsp salt

250g margarine or butter

250g Bart Vanilla Sugar

4 eggs, beaten

For the Filling and Topping

250g cream cheese

150ml double cream

100g icing sugar

250g strawberries, quartered

200g blueberries

Method

• Grease and line 2 20 cm round sandwich tins. Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4.
• Cream together the margarine and vanilla sugar until light and creamy.
• Mix all the dry ingredients together and slowly add to the mixture, along with the eggs.
• Divide the mixture between the two prepared tins and smooth the tops. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until well-risen and golden brown and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
• Leave to cool in the tins for 10 minutes then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
• When completely cool, cut each cake in half horizontally so you have four thin cakes.
• To make the filling, beat together the cream cheese, cream and icing sugar until thick and smooth. Spread the cream on top of one cake layer and scatter over one quarter of the strawberries and blueberries. Top with another cake and repeat.

Edd Kimber's Bart's Jubilee Sponge

My Verdict

I have to admit that when it came to the crunch I was a little bit too scared to add the pepper and mint.  (Next time I'll be more brave!)  I also deviated by only making a two layer sponge and instead of a full Union Flag on top, I went for a St George's cross (reduces the amount of fruit needed if like me you are on a tight budget!)  Nevertheless, I was very impressed with my finished cake (although it is not as elegant as the amazing cake made by Edd Kimber)!!  It looked quite grand and the addition of the spices added a subtle warmth to the flavour of the sponge, that I would never have thought of  adding myself.  The Bart spices themselves were lovely to use and smelt really lovely and fragrant.  I was very impressed that the ginger and cinnamon are organic.

The Strawberry Cross

Strawberries and Cream

A Slice For Me!!

If you feel inspired to bake a Jubilee Sponge I'd love to see how yours turns out!  Would you be brave enough to add pepper??

Bart Ingredients are running a competition to win a masterclass with Edd Kimber by submitting your own Jubilee creations.  Full details at  http://www.bartoffers.com/jubilee/

What's New at Asda?

Make-Up, Father's Day and the Diamond Jubilee at Asda

Spend or Splurge on Make-Up?

Asda have launched their new range of cosmetics in this season's hottest colours in their George Make-Up range.  They are bang on trend, embracing this season's looks just like the top brands such as Chanel or Benefit. George make-up however is a fraction of the price.  So if you want to look good and save cash, check out this cut-price range.

We sampled:

Velvet Eye Palette in Rainforest £4.50

Velvet Eye Shadow Single in Minx and Storm £2.50 each

Quick Dry Nail polish in Giggle and Gnome £1.75 each

This range is ideal for everyday wear for anyone who doesn't want to blow their housekeeping budget on make-up.  The colours are vibrant and the packaging is simple but stylish.  The nail varnish is great for girls who want a range of fun colours, or metallic and glitter effect shades to brighten up their look this summer. 

Father's Day Gifts

Father's Day is on June 17th this year and if the kids want to treat dad without spending too much of their pocket money, then Asda has a range of Super Dad products that are fun and very reasonable, starting at just £1.

We took a look at the Super Dad Photo Frame and Comic Strip Fridge Magnets.

The fridge magnets are really good fun.  They press out from a magnetic sheet but are quite thick and sturdy.  I love the designs which hark back to the old Batman series with Ka-Pow and Thwack slogans to decorate the fridge door!

The Super Dad photo frame has a pre-printed picture with a cut-out section to put a photo of dad's face in it, transforming him into a superhero.  At just £2 this would make a good alternative to a card, but it is purely a novelty gift with a thin plastic frame and no glass front so can't really be re-used as a regular photo frame after the event.  It's fun nevertheless!

Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Is it sixty years already??  I still remember the street parties of the Silver Jubilee back in 1977.  I still have my souvenir coin and spoon.  I wonder if my kids will look back as fondly upon this time and keep their jubilee memorabilia as I did as a child?  In case they do, Asda has a good range of merchandise commemorating this historic occasion and celebrating the British monarchy. 

This china mug is £3 and is part of an elegant and charming tea party range, which is quintessentially British.  It can be found in store from June 4th.  If this design is not to your taste, there are funky and contemporary designed souvenirs also available. There will also be everything to host a street party including bunting, party ware and flags.  All the Jubilee souvenirs cost £5 or less so being patriotic is very affordable.  Make it a weekend to enjoy being a Brit!

Find these products instore at an Asda near you.