Alternative use for a cake stand

I've got a couple of cake stands now which are brilliant when I am having friends over for cake and cupcakes.  They look lovely and make me seem like a real domestic goddess!  However, the frequency of such an event is... hmmm... rarely.  In reality, my cake stands are packed away in the cupboard and if I make cake, it gets eaten off the plate!

So why not find an alternative use for the humble cake stand?  A nice idea is to use it to hold bits and bobs on the dressing table.  So it could be used for perfume bottles, jewellery, make-up - anything really - but it will keep it all together and look pretty.

Great Value Valentine's Crafts

Yellow Moon is a crafting website that schools, clubs and charities can register with to get commission on any sales - organisations give out catalogues to parents, members, carers etc or people can order online.  There's a sale on site at the moment, so it is well worth a look to stock up on some crafty bits.

I always think it's so much nicer to give (and be given!) homemade gifts and, as Valentine's Day is coming up, I thought it would be nice to have a look at the site to see what's on offer.

First of all, I've spotted these cute Love Scratch Art Decorations which would be perfect to create something unique for a parent or special person.  They're reduced from £2.99 to £1.99.  My children would have so much fun making these!

These 'Design a Heart' keyring packs are lovely too, reduced from £3.99 to £2.99.  Again, kids could make something really individual, different and sweet for the occasion.

Finally, these Mosaic Heart coaster kits aren't on offer but they are awesome and can be treasured forever - and they're only £3.99.  I love the style and colours of them, kids will love making them and they are practical and pretty.

So find out your school or organisation's code so they can get some commission and get ordering!

Melting Lollies

A week or so ago, I posted a top tip about how cupcake cases can be used to prevent insects from getting in your drinks.  Today, I've got another use for the humble cupcake case - to prevent lolly spills!  Simply stick the bottom of the lolly stick through the middle of the case and you have a super basin to catch any spills.  It's best to use a metallic/foil one for this as they're a bit more sturdy, but any will be better than nothing!

Bug Free Outdoor Drinks

I may have missed the boat season-wise for this one, but you never know, there may still be opportunities to eat and drink outside this year!  A great tip to stop flies and other insects from getting into your juice or precious cocktail is to use cupcake cases upside-down on top of the glass, and stick a straw through them.  Pretty and practical!