If the cake fits

It's Noah's birthday today. 10 years old. I can't quite believe it. How can my little boy be 10? He was the sweetest little baby and is growing into the sweetest young man. He's quiet and unassuming, extremely at ease with his own company, competent in all that he does, knows his own mind and has a wicked sense of humour. And above all ... loves chocolate!

And if this cake looks rather familiar, that's because my chocoholic ordered the same one as last year!

As the title says...If the cake fits...

Happy Birthday, lovely boy xx

MAY DAY, MAY DAY

MAY DAY, MAY DAY!

10% off in the shop this Bank Holiday weekend. Simply enter MAY01 at checkout.

Have a great weekend and hope the sun is shining wherever you are. xx

Princess and the Pea

I have been a huge fan of Manda's work ever since we first met at a fair we were both at over 3 years ago. I have been delighted to have her beautiful pieces on Blueberry Park from it's beginning. I think we all know how talented she is and for those of you that don't know, she's quite nice with it (but don't tell her. Her head will swell even more)

Recently she had been refining her exquisite Princess & the Pea Set (as if it needed it) and when she showed it to me this week, I just had to have it for BP.

So I am utterly thrilled to have it right here.

And the winner is...

Thank you all so much for entering my 1 Year Giveaway and saying such lovely things about the kits.

But there can only be one winner and that is...drum roll please...

Jane from Janie C. A Flower Brooch Kit is on it's way to you. (Please send me your mailing address) And if you don't mind, please send me a photo of how it turns out (unless you are giving it as a present of course)

Go get your lemons!

Thank you for being patient waiting for this recipe. I think you'll be pleased with the wait. And with a Sunny (?) Bank Holiday Weekend on the horizon I will picture you all picnicking in the sunshine with your homemade bread rolls, freshly churned butter and Lemon Curd atop!

LEMON CURD

(Microwave Method)

rind of 3 lemons, finely grated
3/4 cup lemon juice (from about 3 large lemons)
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1 cup caster sugar
3 whole eggs

Have ready 2 washed and rinsed 8oz jars.

2 hours in advance leave the rind to soak int he lemon juice in a large microwave-saffe jug, to extract the flavouring oils. Pour this mixture through a sieve, then discard the rind.

In the same jug melt the butter at 100% power for 1 minute (cover lightly with a paper towel to prevent splattering). Stir in the lemon juice and sugar and cook uncovered on 100% power for 2 minutes. Then stir again to ensure that the sugar is dissolved in the liquid.

In a food processor or blender, process the eggs to blend for 10 seconds, then slowly add the hot buttery liquid throught he feed tube, processing all the time. Return the mixture to the jug and microwave on 100% power for 2 1/2 minutes, stirring half-way.

Take out and stir vigorously to ensure the curd is even in texture - it should be the consistency of a thick coating custard. If not, cook for a further 30 seconds.

Sterilize the jars as follows. Fill them a 1/4 full with cold water and heat uncovered on 100% power for about 2 minutes - until the water is boiling. Remove carefully as they will be very hot and pour away the water. Stand upside down to drain on a paper towel. Turn them over immediately and fill to the brim with the curd, then cover with a lid.

Store up to 3 months in a fridge.

Enjoy xx

(Thanks to Evelyn Rose for the recipe)

Snapdragon

I first met Jane at Top Drawer in January and instantly fell in love with her beautiful work. It is stunning. I was desperate then to get my hands on her things for Blueberry Park. So when our paths crossed again at BCTF I was determind to order some things.

Today the order arrived and boy are they fab. I was very restraint (mainly because I've blown my buying budget for now, but hey, a girl has to buy what a girl has to buy) but seeing the little Pocket Mirrors is definitely a case of Less is More.

I couldn't decide between these 3 designs, so you guessed it, I went for all 3!

I'm sure I'll be adding to the collection, but in the meantime you can choose one of these little lovelies for yourself (or a gift, if you are feeling nice). They are in the shop now.

(P.S. Don't forget... Just 3 more days to enter my 1 Year Giveaway...xx)

Fabric for Sale

I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this gorgeous fabric, designed and produced by the talented Martine of Green Olive Textiles. I'm not sure if I mentioned that I've started a Fabric Category on Blueberry Park, in order to bring you lots of fantastic handmade fabrics to enhance all our crafting projects.

This design, aptly named 'My Bike' was screenprinted from a drawing Martine had done when she was a child. Her very clever and forward thinking Mummy saved the drawing and voila, a fantastic fabric was produced.

This is one of the first designs to land in the shop and is absolutely gorgeous. I so want to use it all up myself. I have started with 5 of each colourways, so if you are keen you'll need to be quick!
Go straight here.