Thanks Costa Coffee

Before offering thanks with reason, let me tell you a little bit about the struggles of 'The Big Move' and the effect on Baby B.

When we decided we would take up a job offer and relocate from Cambridge to Wales, we immediately told Baby B that we would be going to live in a new house in a new place. He was involved in looking at show homes and we spoke to him about everything, every step of the way. He named the new place 'the big house'. As the moving day got closer, Baby B started to say occasionally that he didn't want to move, so I followed his lead. If he seemed anxious or upset, I would reassure him and not talk so much about the move, just busy him with other fun stuff. If he wanted to talk about it, we would speak about our huge new adventure, what would happen on moving day and all the fun things we would do when we got there. 

Then reality hit. After Hubby B being away for 5 days a week over two months,  we moved mid October. We have had no internet since (it's a sad reality that we rely on it so much) and money has been a bit tight so we have not been able to go and do our regular outings like back in Cambridge and when I was working, like soft play centres and our regular trip to Costa! Baby B loves to go to cafes and his favourite is Costa because he can have a chocolate babyccino with marshmallows.

The Twelve Makers of Christmas: Smita of Something Different

Today on The Twelve Makers of Christmas, we continue our lovely line up of crafts, gifts and products all being shared by lovely makers who have popped over to Crafting a Daydream for some Christmassy nattering. We are joined by Smita all the way from India! 

The Twelve Makers of Christmas: Heather of Minty Moose

Welcome back to The Twelve Makers of Christmas. We have a smashing line up of crafts, gifts and products all being shared by lovely makers who have popped over to Crafting a Daydream for some Christmassy nattering. Today our maker is sharing these lovely personalised wooden baubles.

The Twelve Makers of Christmas: Tonya 'The Crafty Mummy'

Welcome to todays interview for The Twelve Makers of Christmas. We have a smashing line up of crafts, gifts and products all being shared by lovely makers who have popped over to Crafting a Daydream for some Christmassy nattering. Today we have a tutorial with a few other crafty shares! Read on Crafty B's and enjoy! 

The Twelve Makers of Christmas: Jean of Pencil Portraits by Jean

Welcome to The Twelve Makers of Christmas. We have a smashing line up of crafts, gifts and products all being shared by lovely makers who have popped over to Crafting a Daydream for some Christmassy nattering. The third maker of Christmas is sharing a representation of the original 12 days of Christmas.

The Twelve Makers of Christmas: Sarah of Sniffy Wiffy

Welcome to the second instalment of The Twelve Makers of Christmas. We have a smashing line up of crafts, gifts and products all being shared by lovely makers who have popped over to Crafting a Daydream for some Christmassy nattering. Before leaving Cambridge, I connected with the lovely Sarah who has developed an amazing range of products with a twist. This is a good one. 

The Twelve Makers of Christmas: Ellie of FudgEl

Welcome to the first instalment of The Twelve Makers of Christmas. We have a smashing line up of crafts, gifts and products all being shared by lovely makers who have popped over to Mrs Crafty B for some Christmassy nattering. This first one is so exciting for me because I have know this lovely lady for around 12 years! So lets meet the maker of this lovely looking fudge.

Meet the Maker Catch Up With Katie of Katie Gets Crafty

With the end of the year fast approaching, we are catching up with a couple of past 'Meet the Maker' interviewees. This week, Katie of Katie Gets Crafty reflects on her answer to one of her interview questions. 

Making Home: Review of a Custom Address Stamp by The English Stamp Company

In my 'Making Home' mission I am considering all areas. The concept of 'home' is personal to everyone and I want to make ours perfect for every aspect of our lives from children to working to relaxing. I'll be looking at creating beautiful spaces, decorating, DIY, efficient living, organisation, getting creative in the kitchen and more. I am starting off by looking at an item that is bound to make my life a little bit easier and more efficient as well adding a bit of pretty.

Have you ever wanted to be Santa? #Foodbankfillup

I'm whacking a disclaimer straight at the top here:

*This post is not intended to be a demonstration of matyrdom, a dictation of what you should and shouldn't do with your cash or a guilt trip.*

Right. That said, let's move on and I'll tell you about my recent failure to follow through on good intent, an experience I had today and why I won't sponsor a donkey (other animals are available not to sponsor).

A few weeks ago, a shared post popped up on my Facebook timeline from comedian, Jason Manford. He had posted a picture of a huge collection of advent calendars that he had purchased to donate to a food bank. What followed was mostly positive comments but they were unfortunatly accompanied by a barrage of negative feedback and accusations including him using a charitable donation for self promotion and people demonstrating anger that they felt Jason was perhaps 'showing up' those who couldn't afford to donate 500 advent calendars with an 'I'm better than you' attitude. My reaction to this feedback was that each negative comment was born of ignorance. Not everyone can afford to donate something to a charity, sure, but when someone with such a big following promotes a cause, even by saying 'look at what I've done,' then even if a small amount of people are informed and are happily inspired, then more donations are made and this can only be a good thing. Surely?

Meet the Maker Catch Up With Vicky of This is Lullaby

It's Meet the Maker Tuesday again, but instead of meeting someone new, we are catching up with past interviewee, Vicky of This is Lullaby. Lets see what she has been up to...

The First Steps in Making Home

I am so glad to be back!

Having expected to publish my first post from The Welsh Valleys on October 30th when my internet was due to be connected, (a whole other story) I have updated this a few times not really knowing when I would get it out there to you! As it stands, my internet STILL isn't connected and I am working on a 3G signal to get back in touch with my online community. Baby B has gone off for his first day back at nursery (NOT pre-school) after a bit of a hassle with it all and Littlest B is napping, so I couldn't think of anything better than a bit of nap time blogging!

SO…here I am. Welcome back to Crafting a Daydream and my new Making Home venture. Boy it’s been a journey to get to here!

Meet the Maker: Kim of Kim's Handmade Cave

I saw this embroidery hoop work a few weeks ago via Twitter. It could not be more apt in the midst of the impending move as I strive to get my craft stash organised! I guess we should meet the maker as lets face it, all of us crafty folk will need one of these ;-) 

Meet the Maker: Ailsa of Bramalfie Beads

Facebook changes have meant that I miss a lot from some of my favourite Crafty B's. Bramalfie Beads etc often pop into my timeline however and I invited Ailsa to come and share one of her makes with us. Down to business...

The Crocheted Wave Blanket

Do you remember about 100 years ago (ok 2 years ago) when I posted about the start of a crocheted wave blanket? I wanted to create something lovely for my second baby and was inspired by the colours of (of all things) some espresso cups that Hubby B had purchased. 

The Cupcake Inspiration Station

Are you planning on a bit of baking this weekend to mark National Cupcake Week? Having already shared a basic recipe, I thought maybe I could provide a bit more inspiration on the flavours and decoration front.

Chocolate chip vanilla cupcake with white chocolate icing, cherry sauce,  sprinkles and cherries.

The Perfect Basic Cupcake Recipe

Hopefully, you have been inspired by some of the cupcakes this week over here at Crafting a Daydream. Why not make plans to bake this weekend?! I'm not really sure there is a perfect cupcake recipe. Just the one that works for each person. We all have a different way and different equipment i.e. pans and ovens. When I first started baking, I refused to use anything other than a wooden spoon and was far too nervous to venture away from the good old fashioned 'creaming method'. Now, I'm an 'all in one' and get the electric hand whisk on it kinda gal.

I have adjusted my recipe quantities as I have gone along and I believe I have found the one for me. Why not give it a go and adjust it till its right for you?

Peach Mojito Cupcakes by Courtney Whitmore

As part of joining in with National Cupcake Week here on Mrs Crafty B, I decided to have a look for inspiration on the web, world wide! I found some amazing looking cupcakes that seemed perfect to whip up in this lovely weather that seems to have returned.

I'm thrilled that Courtney Whitmore was happy for me to share these here! So here they are…Peach Mojito Cupcakes!

Retro Oven Cupcake Box by Claudine Hellmuth

It's not just about the cupcake itself. For the occasions when it needs to be packaged, nothing short of fabulous will do. Next up for Cupcake Week, we have the very talented Claudine.

I'm Claudine Hellmuth, a full-time illustrator who loves to design whimsical boxes and packaging for cupcakes and sweet treats!

Meet the Maker Meets Cupcake Week: Nancy of Nancy's Teashop

I couldn't imagine a better share during cupcake week than these beauties! Cupcakes in cups. Perfect. 

National Cupcake Week 2014

This week on Crafting a Daydream, we are going cupcake crazy. The 15th - 21st September is National Cupcake Week and I thought what better way to get involved than with a cupcake theme.

The Morning of a Mummy

The 3 year old is safely in pre-school (just) and the 1yo is is just falling asleep in his cot (hopefully) and now seems the perfect time to unpack and repack the dishwasher, put away the washing, put another load on and clean up the toys. Instead, I've made a cuppa and I'm sitting down to tell you about my morning. This is something I rarely do on the blog but I know for everyone person who had a morning completely different to mine, there are a few more unspoken who had the same (who should also sit down with a cuppa!)

Meet the Maker: Kathryn of Cheerfully Cheap Chick and Bhilee Designs

Pretty cute are two words (together or separately) that would perfectly describe these little notepads. Following my lists post, I'm 100% behind the idea and design of these 'to-do list' notebooks! This weeks meet the maker is Kathryn.

Excuse me, do I know you?

This week whilst at a soft play with my Little B's and my niece, a lady and her little one sat on the table next to us. I double took both of them and after a while of thinking 'I know you but I don't know where from,' (don't you hate that?) I simply said with a smile, (how I do, such a chatter box)  "I recognise you both but I can't remember where from!" 

Meet the Maker: Helen of MisHelenEous

Well aren't these adorable?! So so cute. I know we shouldn't be thinking about Christmas (…or should we? It IS September) but these would be a great little stocking filler. Shall we meet the maker behind them?

Mini Makers: Mess Free Painting!

My crafty workshops were always a quick turnaround. With a 40 min drive between two sessions, two little boys demanding my attentions as soon as I came through the door and the tea time/bathtime/bedtime routine to be done,  I had to be super organised. Especially with used glue sticks, paint brushes and dirty pots. My Little B's love to get crafty but when unpacking and clearing away after three workshops, it wasn't the ideal time. Then I discovered a cool activity.

When I finished my groups, whilst packing up, I used to throw all the paint brushes into a plastic bag for washing at home later. On taking this bag out on one occasion, I started squidging the paint around inside the bag (you're never too old). I took a picture and used it for a note to self for my next idea as 'Head of Home Entertainment' (I gave myself that job title, amongst others ;-) ). 

Upcycling Vs Recycling & Re-Imagining to Re-Create

It's all the rage. Sustainability campaigns, blogs, magazine features, its own publications, schools, stores, social enterprises, everyday craft projects and more, but what is upcycling really about? We have heard the word, seen the projects, been to scrapstores but lets break it down. What is upcyling? How about recycling? What does it all mean to us?

Meet the Maker: Janette of Cards by Janette

This beautiful invitation caught my eye recently on my Twitter feed. The colour of the ribbon is my favourite shade and teamed with pearl look ring in the centre and the polkadots, it is simple yet very classy. I couldn't wait to find out more about the maker. How about you? 

Meet the Maker: Matthew of Bonfire Cherry

Do you recall a short while ago I tweeted some pictures of my first ever attempts at lino cutting and block printing? One source of my inspiration was this camera picture which I occasionally see popping up in my news feed. Let's get to know the maker behind Camera No.2 (turquoise)! 

A List of Lists

Lists. A subject that has been topic of tweets between myself and others many a time.

I'm a HUGE list fan. I write lists for everything. It strikes me as the sort of thing that one either does with enthusiasm or just, well, doesn't. 

Generally, I don't spend a huge amount of time writing lists as I add to them as I go but I find the small amount of time spent on adding to them means that I can prioritise and not forget things. I used to keep a 'to do' list when I was in employment and it made for smooth running of my daily tasks and helped me to be efficient. Sometimes however I do wonder how much time I spend on list keeping and whether or not the time would be best spent on getting jobs done!

My lists normally consist of one for my childminding business, one for house admin stuff, a shopping list, a crafty list, a blog/virtual world list and a general 'things to do today' list. Of course I then have a wish list and a 'big ideas' list.  Sometimes though, I feel the need to separate a certain list into subcatergories to enable me to prioritise better. Of course this is my crafty list.

My crafty list consists of crafts for home, gifts for people, things to make for stalls, ideas based on crafts, tutorials I want to write and of course, crafts I want to try! They are all jumbled up together and as a consequence, when I do have an hour on an evening to get stuck in, I don't know where to start! 

My current task at hand is attempting to get the house super organised before the big move so I do feel a list overhaul coming on. I hope that I can start being more organised and spent more time on the crafty list! 

So how about you? Are you a list keeper? Do you never keep a list? What works for you in terms of time management and er....not forgetting things?! I wonder what sort of productive systems I can put in place to avoid list keeping. I'd love to hear your tips and ideas. 

Mrs Crafty B