More Than a Mama

An evening of Christmas Indulgence....

2011-11-21T11:23:00.002Z

If you go along to The Kings Arms tomorrow night, you'll be sure of a nice surprise!

It's the countdown to Christmas, so what better way of embracing it than to grab some pals and head into town for a little festive merriment.

At The Kings Arms Hotel, you will find a whole collective of designer-makers, beauty specialists and scrummy yummy nibbles providers waiting to shower you in festive cheer!

All washed down with a glass of something naughty, sounds good?

YES, it does, even if it is on a school night.

So, come along to the Kings Arms Hotel, Berkhamsted, the doors open at 7.30pm and shop, get your nails done, buy some beautiful gifts, clothing, jewellery, Christmas decorations, eat something very tasty, bat those lashes and have some semi-permanent eyelashes applied, even get a spray tan!

At the fayre tomorrow you will meet:

Bespoke Verse - clever, witty bespoke poems.

Heartfelt Handmade - Handmade cute decorations and gifts.

Isla B Baby - Handmade & Homespun goodies for baby, child & home.

Katy Leigh - Illustrator & Ceramic Artist.

Love my Hair & Beauty - Spray Tans & Lashes...luscious.

Mrs Cheese Makes Lovely Things - and indeed she does, gorgeous handmade button jewellery.

Nevie-Pie Cakes - Cake Artisan, in demand & on the shelves of Selfridges no less.

OMGels - Pop Up Nail Stop - Shellac Nails.

Reilly & Moss - Vintage inspired garden & homewares.

Richard Roscoe - Contemporary Photography.

Rockabye Baby - uber cool clothing for babies & children.

Sarah Fearn Noticeboards - practical and gorgeously handmade.

Sharon Herholdt - Beauty Specialist.

Thirtyfive Flowers - vintage & hand printed textiles for the home and you.

Tuck Tuck - retro sweeties & cheeky cards with a difference.

Queene & Country - gorgeous ladies wear.

See you there!

Christmas Goodies

2011-11-18T23:47:00.003Z

We were spoilt for shopping treats today at our Christmas Fayre. A big thank you to all who visited, handed out fliers, tweeted about us and spread the word. For those who couldn't make it, here's some snippets of what you missed!

Louise from Thirtyfive Flowers showed us her wonderful homespun cushions, purses, doorstops and hand printed greeting cards in her own range of printed fabrics and vintage finds too. You can also find Louise's designs on display at The Upstairs Gallery, above the Post Office on Berkhamsted High St.

New to the More Than A Mama fayres was Claire Smith's super soft hand knitted chunky scarves, hats and gloves for children and grown ups alike.

The Dolls Garden, also a newbie to our fayres, showed us her gorgeous handmade bespoke dolls, made to reflect the owner, along with her lovely hair bands, purses, sweet birdies, iPhone covers and bags.

We had several new sellers and here's another one! Husband and wife team, John & Helen, brought along their wonderfully fun and funky children's clocks, Doobry.

Welcoming back Katy from Happy Day Designs, handmade jewellery and pretty hearts. Next door to Katy was her very talented mother and maker of these adorable Mouse Houses and Mice, simply gorgeous, you will definitely want to take a closer look at these!

Fayre favourite, Mini Mills & Bloom brought her beautifully handmade wares, including her children's ponchos, blankets, lavender hearts, personalised Art Canvases and much more. Mini Mills & Bloom will have a pop up shop at Luminous & Vogue, Lower Kings Road, Berkhamsted on Dec 2nd.

Jenny Tasker is no stranger to our fayres, however this time Jenny was introducing her new venture OMGels, with her Pop Up Nail Stop. Jenny is offering to paint your nails for the party season with a Shellac polish for a special rate, she will also be at our Christmas Indulgence Evening next Tuesday 22nd November at The Kings Arms Hotel, 7.30pm-10.30pm.

Regular fayre seller, Precious Memories came to share with us their fabulous castings and personalised jewellery, made from a finger or hand print. Find out more here.

More Than A Mama organiser and photographer, Richard Roscoe, exhibited his beautiful photography, such as this hardback photo book and his location photo shoots.

Fellow Mama organiser and designer maker, Emma, brought along her Rockabye-Baby funky kids' wear, along with some super cool shoes, stripey Christmas stockings and Present Sacks. Rockabye Baby will also be hosting a Pop-Up shop at Luminous & Vogue on the evening of Wed 23rd November, so pop along for a glass of something naughty and a private viewing from 8pm.

Stealing Candy made a welcome and long awaited return to our fayre, along with owner, Jo's, gorgeous handmade lavender bags handmade from vintage fabrics and her fabulous Christmas wreathes too.

Newly launched local sweetie company, tuck tuck, joined us too with their very cool cards and yummy sweets. Check out these cheeky slogans...

More Than A Mama organiser's Isla B Baby and Heartfelt Handmade were also showing us their lovely homespun and hand stitched goodies...

We also had Creative Escape with us, telling us all about their Drawing Classes for beginners. With classes available in Berkhamsted, Ashley Green, Chesham, Holmer Green there should be one near you! So, if you fancy exploring your creative side you can book classes by calling Karen Wyllie on 01494 786186.

Finally, and definitely not forgetting....the big man himself....Santa and his 'Green' Grotto. All proceeds went to charity and each child who visited Santa received a pre-loved (but tip-top condition!) gift. He even had an eco-friendly fireplace!

Phew, thank you to everyone who helped with and visited the fayre.

We are now looking forward to an evening of Christmas Indulgence next Tues 22nd Nov at The Kings Arms Hotel, Berkhamsted, from 7.30pm - 10.30pm.

There will be a bar and nibbles, so please come along and why not make an evening of it!

Pop Up Nail Stop

2011-11-10T22:24:00.000Z

OMGels is offering a Pop Up Nail Stop at our Berkhamsted Christmas Fayres on the

18th and 22nd November.

Come along and have your nails Shellac'd and get a Zero Dry time,

Flawless nail colour that will Last up to 2 weeks... (Really!)

Special show offer only £20 plus a beautiful FREE GIFT for you to take away and enjoy.

Slots are available but will go quickly so book yours now by emailing Jenny direct at Mrsnudger@aol.com

Friday 18th November Civic Centre 9.00am - 12.30pm
9.00 - 9.30
9.30 - 10.00
11.00 - 11.30
11.30 - 12.00
12.00 - 12.30

22nd November The Kings Arms 7.30pm - 10.30pm
7.30 - 8.00
8.00 - 8.30
8.30 - 9.00
9.00 - 9.30
9.30 - 10.00
10.00 - 10.30

Perfect nails for your Christmas Party!

Christmas Fayres galore

2011-11-10T10:22:00.000Z

Hello all, it's that season again, time for a spot of shopping. Support local designer makers, mums and dads in business, offering lots of lovely goodies and services for all.

Our first fayre is a day event at Berkhamsted Civic Centre on Friday 18th November from 9am until 12.30 pm, perfect timing after school/nursery/pre-school drop off.

We even have a Santa's Grotto for the little ones you may still have in tow.

We will also be offering a Pop Up Nail Bar - details to follow and how to book an appointment to follow soon.

If you fancy an evening out with some friends, don't forget our Christmas Indulgence evening at The Kings Arms Hotel. There will be a bar and nibbles plus a small gathering of stalls offering handbaked cakes and cookies, handmade gifts, decorations and homewares, womens' clothing, Nail Bar, jewellery, beauty and so much more. Make a night of it from 7.30pm until 10.30pm.

Details of our sellers and Nail Bar to follow soon.

make a date....

2011-10-04T16:58:00.002+01:00

Royal Wedding Fever

2011-04-04T16:16:00.000+01:00

Are you having a street party to celebrate the forthcoming royal nuptials?

Why not get into the spirit of things, wave those flags, string up the bunting and have some fun, most of us have the day off, if nothing else!

Check out Rockabye Baby at the We Love Spring Fair for some cool party wear,

anarchy style.

Or visit Heartfelt Handmade at Thursday's fair and pick up a royal hair accessory or some mini cake bunting, perfect for decorating that Victoria Sponge Cake.

How about these limited special edition cookies from Nevie-Pie Cakes?

Beautifully hand painted, they would make a very special treat indeed.

Need a cake stand for High Tea? This one from Reilly & Moss would look perfect on your table adorned with scones and cupcakes.

or a handmade cake stand from Pic-a-posy Vintage china, crafts cakes and collectables...

Or welcome your guests in true Brit style, also from Reilly & Moss..

Look at these lovely china tea cup candles, from Calm in a Teacup, perfect for decorating your Royal Wedding Party (always be candle aware).

What wedding would be without the proper headwear too?

Check out Fairhead's Headwear for a fascinator to be proud of.

Most of all, make sure you all have fun!

Spring Fair is coming.....

2011-02-16T14:53:00.000Z

Put this in your diaries, on your calender, scribble it on a post-it, on the back of your hand.....whatever you do make sure you remember it! It's a wonderful opportunity, that only occurs twice a year, to support many local businesses making, sourcing and selling unique products and services.

Details of sellers will be coming soon, but expect hand baked cupcakes and cookies, gorgeous homewares, baby and children's clothing, maternity wear and so much more. Drop the kids off, grab a coffee from one of the many coffee vendors available and join us for a morning of goodness!

stuck for an idea?

2011-02-08T17:03:00.001Z

Are you looking for

something special for

that someone special

this Valentines day?

Well, we at More Than A Mama are here to help you out!

We have lots of ideas to treat your sweetheart this year.

1. If you have a little Valentine this year why not treat them

to Rockabyebaby onesies?

2. To finish off the romantic day in style curl up on the sofa

together with some chocolate mud cupcakes from

Nevie-Pie Cakes, £15 a box.

3. Find a cute card from Isla B Baby - also available

at Hipperty Hop, Lower Kings Road, Berkhamsted.

4. Katy Leigh has some sweet his and hers ceramics for

sharing a romantic meal together, also available to buy

from Luminous & Vogue, Lower Kings Road, Berkhamsted.

5. Do you expect to be doing some kissing on the day?

Then you'll need to order some lip plumper from Sharon

at Virgin Vie

6. Heartfelt Handmade's online shop is full of gorgeous

felt Valentine's gifts.

Or why not book yourself and loved one in for a romantic

photoshoot with Richard Roscoe.

Easter Fayre date......

2011-01-31T09:59:00.000Z

Are you ready for some festive Easter goodies? Oh OK then, maybe slightly premature, however, pop this date in your diaries, on your calenders, scrawl it on the back of your hand, on a post-it or a chalk board, sing it from the trees, whatever you do, don't miss it!

More Than A Mama Easter Fayre

Thursday 7th April 2011

Berkhamsted Town Hall

9am - Noon

We will be posting about Valentine's Day before then though so check back later this week.

Christmas Cupcakes

2010-12-06T11:35:00.002Z

Natasha Collins runs Nevie-Pie Cakes, she is a founding member of More Than A Mama. Natasha will be appearing on Lorna Milton's show today at 2pm to give out a recipe for cupcakes and promote our show on Wednesday 8th December 7.30-9.30 at Berkhamsted Town Hall. You can listen live here.

Nevie-Pie Cakes will have a stall full of gorgeous goodies for Christmas and also some cupcakes and cookies just to make your week sweeter.

You can visit her website here. Or have a look at her blog Amelie's House for gorgeous cakes, recipes, crafts and a fabulous giveaway.

She kindly shares her recipe here.

Once upon a time there was a young girl. Ok... lets make that a young talented spark of a girl! She loved to create but had never heard of the internet or blogs or online magasines! Poor thing, what a world she had yet to discover. She had to make do with her Mother's collection of 101 Ideas Magasines which were actually very interesting.One day her mother came to her and randomly gave her some old Christmas cake decorations that had belonged to her Nana. She looked at them and thought 'Mmmm' because they were a bit tatty and sparkly bling was in, but she filed them in her box of 'things I feel too guilty to throw away but don't want to use'. The years passed and vintage was in vogue. So she dug out her Nana's decorations and thought 'Wow! these are so on trend, I must use them for something fabulous!'

And here it is.

A recipe for Christmas flavour cupcakes.

I shall be announcing the winner of the giveaway tomorrow but I'm afraid it will close today at 12GMT. However tomorrow there will be a freebie for everyone else!

Christmas table decorations.

2010-12-03T13:57:00.000Z

Helen Buckwell produces gorgeous handmade candles in vintage teacups. Her website is full of beautiful Christmas presents and you can hire her vintage crockery, have a look here.

She will be appearing on Lorna Milton's show on Tuesday 7th December at 3.30pm. Listen here.
Here are her instructions for a personalised table decoration.
You can also buy Helen's candles at our fayre on Wednesday 8th Decenber at Berkhamsted Town hall 7.30-9.30

Project 1: Glitter covered candles (full coverage)

Equipment:

Candle – shape of your choice

Glitter – colour of your choice (silver in example)Wax for melting (from 3-4 melted tealights or flaked soya wax)

Brown greaseproof paper
Saucepan of bowling water

Dish – to fit size of chosen candle.
Foil (optional)

Method:
Buy a candle of chosen size and colour (white used in example)

Fill saucepan with water and bring to the boilPlace dish on top of saucepan of bowling water. If this is a dish you want to protect then cover with foil

Take either the flaked soya wax or tealights (with the metal case and wick removed) into dish

Watch whilst the wax gradually melts – do not leave unattended

Whilst the wax is melting cut a sheet of brown greaseproof paper and sprinkle glitter on it – enough to roll the candle in
Once the wax has melted place your candle in the dish and roll it back and forth – be careful to hold the ends of the candle to avoid hot wax touching your hands

Once the outside of the candle is slightly softened and has a thin layer of melted wax on it quickly place onto the brown paper and roll in the glitter to the required amount.

     Leave to set Project 2: Glitter covered candles (partial coverage

     Equipment:

Candle – shape of your choice
Glitter – colour of your choice (gold in example)
Wax for melting (from 3-4 melted tealights or flaked soya wax)
Brown greaseproof paper
Saucepan of bowling water
Jug – preferably metal

Method

Buy a candle of chosen size and colour (white used in example photos)
Fill saucepan with water and bring to the boil
Place jug in the boiling water with handle hanging over edge of saucepan
Take either the flaked soya wax or tealights (with the metal case and wick removed) and drop into the jug
Whilst the wax is melting cut a sheet of brown greaseproof paper and sprinkle glitter on it – enough to roll the candle in
Once the wax is melted dip the bottom of the candle into the jug.
Quickly remove candle and roll in glitter
Leave to set

Project 3: Glitter patterns on candle

Equipment:

Candle – shape of your choice
Glitter glue

Method:

A variety of designs can be used – your imagination is the only limitation!
Ensure you do not place the glitter glue directly on the wick or immediate surrounding area
For the design in the attached picture (see picture 6):
- Get green and red glitter glue
- Place a series of evenly spaced dots around the bottom of the candle in green glitter
- For the second row use red glitter glue and place a row of dots – staggered from the green row below
- Repeat last two steps twice more, then complete a final row of green
- At the top edge of the candle complete a row of green dots – again evenly spaced
- Underneath create a second row of dots in red glitter – staggered again as before
- Finish with a green row of dots once again staggered from the previous row

Christmas beauty tips

2010-12-01T07:49:00.000Z

Thanks to Sharon our resident beauty expert for her top tips to keep you glamourous this season.
Sharon Herholdt lives in Berkhamsted with her husband Jason and their two boys, aged 5 and nearly 2.

Sharon has been working from home as a beauty therapist since having her lovely boys, but she previously had her own Hertfordshire salon

With 25 years experience as a beauty therapist and being passionate about great products with good natural ingredients at very reasonable prices, Virgin Vie was perfect for her.

She shares with us her top 7 tips to make it through the season and still look glamourous!

Sharon’s Festive Beauty

Glide effortlessly through Christmas with my top tips.

1. 1. Get glowing skin

Buff away dull dry skin with a facial skin exfoliator to leave a fresh radiant glow.

Re-boost your skin.

Add a serum to your daily skin care routine, these will re-energise skin and give a
nutritious boost to tired skin.

Good foundations.

Skin primers are a must, it will add radiance to dull, exhausted skin and your make up will last all day(or night).

A good base gets rid of winter greyness and makes you look instantly younger.

Face lift.

Perfectly groomed brows give your face an instant lift. Go and visit a professional for a brow shaping.

Use a Brow pencil to define, fill and shape brows in seconds.

For an instant eye lift add false lashes to open up the eyes and give them a lift.

Get the look.

Create a smoky eye but with lighter colours for a subtle flattering look. Whatever your age don’t be afraid to experiment with glamorous colour adding sparkle for the evenings.

6.Lip service.

Don’t allow your lips to become dry or chapped, lip balms are essential, try one with added plumping ingredients

to give fuller, plumper lips.

Lip liners enable you to define, correct and enhance your natural lip line.

7.Look after the workers.

Taking care of your hands and feet is the quickest way to look well groomed and glamorous.

Treat hands and feet before you go to bed in an intensive treatment cream and wake up to beautiful soft skin.

This will give the impression you have had time for a manicure and pedicure.

Sharon will be appearing on Lorna Milton's show on Three Counties Radio on Monday 6th December 3,30pm to share her tips.
You can see her at our fayre on Wednesday 8th December 7.30-9.30 at Berkhamsted town Hall. You can get some tips from her face to face, try out and order some products or book a Vigin Vie party.

Christmas Clobber

2010-11-28T11:13:00.000Z

Looking for some children's wear for Christmas but don't fancy a Rudolf t-shirt or Santa suit? Then look no further than these festive offerings from Rockabye Baby.

How cool are these? and not a whiff of a snowman anywhere but still in gorgeous rich festive colours.

How about your little one tucking into Christmas dinner wearing this tuxedo bib?

Rockabye Baby will be at our Christmas Fayre on Wed 8th Dec at Berkhamsted Town Hall or you can visit the Rockabye Baby's online shop.

Fayre time...

2010-11-11T19:12:00.000Z

It's almost upon us, if you didn't know already, we are talking about the Christmas Fayre tomorrow!
Doors open at Berkhamsted Civic Centre at 9am and close at 12.30pm, admission is FREE, drop in and support local mums and dads in business and pick up some gorgeous gifts for Christmas or a treat just for you. Here is a little sneaky peek at some of the lovely items on sale tomorrow...

this wonderful gingerbread cookie advent calender from Nevie-Pie Cakes can be won, only £1 for a raffle ticket, available from Nevie-Pie Cake's stall. This yummy mini Christmas cake will be for sale too...

Or check out the gorgeous homewares from Stealing Candy...

or pick up a cute handmade Christmas decoration or two from Heartfelt Handmade...

Furniture that's been beautifully renovated with a quirky feel from Reilly & Moss, like this bookcase...

or this chest...

or gorgeous prints, cards and ceramics from Katy Leigh..

beautiful photography services from Richard Roscoe Photography...

handmade goodies from Isla B Baby, like these fabulous hair bands and this wonderful Prince and the Pea bed...

Characters like this cute fella from the Batbo Sockie Factory...

handmade soft furnishings from Thirtyfive Flowers

fabulous cards from illustrator, Rachel Bath...

and so much more, check out all the sellers over in the right hand column, there's so many to choose from, be sure to visit each stall and have fun! See you tomorrow.

Mrs Christmas on the radio

2010-11-05T19:04:00.002Z

Natasha Collins, aka Nevie-Pie Cakes, aka Mrs Christmas has been back on BBC Three Counties Radio this afternoon making a delicious Christmas cake live on air ably assisted by DJ Lorna Milton. Natasha will be going through the stages of making a yummy succulent Christmas Cake, listen out next week for a lesson on icing and listen again to the first stages over on BBC Three Counties Radio website now.

It's countdown time till the fayre next Friday.....exciting!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Grand Designs

2010-10-21T18:08:00.000+01:00

Did you happen to watch Grand Designs on tv last night? What an amazing home and even more fantastic is that our very own Berkhamsted soft furnishings designer, Thirtyfive Flowers, had one of her gorgeous cushions in the Scandinavian style house, hurrah! Well done Louise from Thirtyfive Flowers!

Thirtyfive Flowers will be at our fayre on Fri 12th Nov at Berkhamsted Civic Centre from 9am till 12.30pm, pop along early, there will probably be a queue at her stall!.... read more on her blog.

Save the Date!

2010-10-13T18:01:00.000+01:00

You will soon be seeing these fliers and posters in and around Berkhamsted!

We would love for you to come along and support local mama's and papa's in business. Details of sellers and wares coming soon!

It's been National Cupcake week, did you know?

2010-09-19T13:34:00.001+01:00

We don't need any excuses to eat cupcakes but National Cupcake Week has given us a one-way guilt-free ticket to cupcake heaven this week. To finish National Cupcake Week off with a swirl of yummy frosting why don't you take a listen to Nick Coffer on BBC Three Counties Radio this evening. Nick Coffer's show, 'Three Counties Kitchen' will be on today, Sunday, from 19.00 hours with two hours of cooking tips and tasty recipes.

Another reason for tuning in is our very own Nevie-Pie Cakes will be on the show tonight sharing some invaluable tips and her gorgeous apple and blackberry cupcake recipe, delicious!

The host, Nick Coffer, is also a keen blogger, sharing recipes and videos of cooking with his young son Archie, visit this fab blog at My Daddy Cooks for some superb inspiration.

So good luck Natasha, we will be listening in later for your top tips.

Christmas Fayre Dates Announced

2010-09-16T11:14:00.001+01:00

Welcome back, it's good to see you, how've you been?

Summer seems to be long gone and the wellies and coats will be out in force all too soon. We hope you had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to Autumn, Winter and...CHRISTMAS! Yes, we are sorry to mention that word when we are only mid-way through September but we are all very excited about our Christmas fayres and all the lovely goodies on offer. So, pens at the ready, write this in your diaries and on your calenders now...

Christmas Fayre's will be on......

Friday 12th November from 9am till Noon - it will be at Berkhamsted Civic Centre (easy access for pushchairs - yay!) and this year's evening event with mulled wine and twinkly lights will be on Wed 8th December from 7pm till 9.30pm, this will be held at Berkhamsted Town Hall.

Each fayre will have some very different sellers, so pop along in the morning to the Friday 12th November fayre for lots of goodies for children, babies, mummies, daddies, grandparents, aunties.......everyone really with an art table for the little ones to keep them happy while you shop. Then why not plan your Christmas night out with the girls for the Wed 8th December? Start your evening off with some mulled wine and twinkling lights at our fayre and grab a few gifts for you as well as everyone else! There will be fashion and accessories to treat yourself to along with some wonderful stocking filler ideas too. Details of our sensational sellers will be coming soon, so check back often, we would love you to support us at our fayres, the local area is overflowing with talented artisans and unique cottage industries that we would love to share with you. We will be back soon!

Summer Fair is coming......

2010-06-06T16:37:00.003+01:00

Here's a sneaky peek at some of the delightful treats in store for you from some exciting new sellers at our super dooper

Pimms & Pamper Night, Wed 23rd June, Berkhamsted Town Hall, 7-9.30pm.

We will have beauty treatments on the night (be sure to pre-book to avoid disappointment) therapists from Synergy, amongst others, will be joining us. Enjoy a glass of Pimms whilst browsing our boutique stalls, with shopping treats including wonderful shoes from Lucy Peach Slice, beautiful bespoke jewellery and one off vintage pieces from Oh Sew Vintage, handmade candles from Heather Emily and a brand new home ware range from Stealing Candy. You can also pick up a yummy cupcake from Nevie-Pie Cakes, a make-up roll complete with gorgeous make-up brushes from IslaB or a handmade corsage from Heartfelt Handmade plus many more treats for you and your family from Rockabye-Baby, Richard Roscoe Photography, Katy Leigh & Vie at Home. You can even have a Tarot Card Reading. More exciting new stalls to come. Keep checking back for more details.

Don't forget to pre-book your beauty treatment (hand/foot paraffin wax, facial, massage) by clicking here.....

p.s. all profits from the Pimms will go to the charity, Jeans for Genes.

Pamper yourself with a bit of 'You Time'

2010-05-10T19:46:00.001+01:00

Here's a preview of our latest event..............A Pimms & Pamper Evening at Berkhamsted Town Hall, Wed 23rd June from 7pm. We will be supporting the charity, Jeans for Genes, with a glass of summer, book a pamper treatment and indulge in a spot of boutique shopping, come take a seat at our Summer Party and treat yourself.

Details of treatments and how to book will be coming soon, watch this space......

Photo catch-up

2010-04-20T10:46:00.002+01:00

What with the school holidays and all we've been a bit slow in bringing you some photos from our Easter Fayre, very sorry folks. So, if you haven't already had a nosey at the pics over on flickr, then take a look below at some of our fab sellers from last month's fayre....

Heartfelt Handmade

Nevie-Pie Cakes

Thirtyfive Flowers

Katy Leigh Ceramic Artist & Illustrator

Baby Sensory - complete with bubble machine!

Pete's Poppies

Rockabye Baby

Richard Roscoe - Photography

Coup de Chocolat

Boxing Clever

Millsy Designs

Isla B Baby

Sarah Fearn Noticeboards

Stealing Candy

Re:create craft table

Precious Memories

Jo Miller - Bespoke Verse

Nipper News

Wendy Jones Jewellery

Jamie at Home

We also had the wonderful St.Mary's School Recipe Book with us, if you missed out on purchasing one of their jam-packed books then you can find them for sale in many stores along Berkhamsted High Street, for example, Home & Colonial, and many many more.

We are meeting up to finalise our summer fayre very soon, our next one will be our biggest to date with lots of new sellers and a fantastic theme.........more news coming to the blog soon along with some new recipes and crafty makes. Keep checking back!

Thank You!

2010-03-26T16:04:00.000Z

This morning's Easter Fayre at the Town Hall, Berkhamsted, was very well supported, a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who supported and helped us today and during the run-up to the fayre.

The Prize Draw Winner is Denise Newton - congratulations, we hope you enjoy your basket of More Than A Mama goodies which includes children's clothing from Rockabye Baby and Stealing Candy, a large purse from Thirtyfive Flowers, cupcakes from Nevie-Pie Cakes, Easter Decorations from Heartfelt Handmade, original cards from Illustrator and ceramic artist Katy Leigh, a voucher from Richard Roscoe Photography and a bag and hair band from Isla B Baby - wow - such an abundance of goodies!

We will post images from this morning's fayre soon, so keep checking back.

Spotlight on Nevie-Pie Cakes....

2010-03-24T10:48:00.000Z

If you were in any doubt that Easter is just around the corner, then just take a look at these gorgeous goodies from Nevie-Pie Cakes and you feel the children's excitement, see their chocolate smeared faces holding up cute bunny cookie pops, smiling from ear to ear..........

Natasha, the master baker behind Nevie-Pie Cakes, says,

"I always like to have a theme when I do stalls to stop myself from getting bored. So for Easter I have a colour scheme of spring green, yellow, blue and pink."

Don't these cookie-pops look scrumptious, in flavours of vanilla, chocolate and gingerbread, mmmmm...yummy!

Come along to our Easter Fayre this Friday, March 26th, at Berkhamsted Town Hall from 9.30am -12 noon and expect such delicious delights as Vanilla cupcakes, blueberry, banana and orange cupcakes and lemon cupcakes..........who could resist?

To see more of Natasha's amazing cupcakes, cookies and celebration cakes take a look at her gallery over on flickr, a real feast for the eyes. Read more about Natasha's thoughts and creations over on her fabulous blog, Amelie's House. For orders or more details please email Natasha at nevie-pie@hotmail.co.uk or come along on Friday and taste her creations for yourself.

Pete's Poppies & Bespoke Verse

2010-03-19T10:48:00.003Z

Yesterday we heard the lovely Samantha Rogers from Pete's Poppies talking to Lorna Milton on BBC Three Counties Radio. Although not a mum herself, Samantha is a young entreprenuer and has been instrumental in our More Than A Mama fayres. On the occasions where she hasn't been exhibiting her beautiful flowers and country style home wares, she has still been there helping out behind the scenes! Pete's Poppies is located at 102, High Street, Berkhamsted, contact them on Tel.0808 144 0808. Listen to Sam's radio interview again by clicking on this link. Samantha will be at the More Than A Mama Fayre next friday.

Today's radio interview is with local mum, Jo Miller, founder and creator of Bespoke Verse, a unique service composing tailor-made poems for all occasions, be it a Best Man's Speech or a Birthday, Jo has it covered.

We spoke to Jo recently to find out more, she said,

"I’m a Mum of three (ages 6, 4 and 1) and turned 40 this year. Before having a family, I worked as an English teacher and adviser. Poetry was my bread and butter! My very supportive friends and husband encouraged me to set up ‘Bespoke Verse’ after I wrote a speech in the form of a poem for my wedding. Friends started asking me for poems for their special occasions and eventually, the Bespoke Verse website was launched in June 2009. I have been busy ever since, with a stream of interesting commissions from christenings to civil partnerships, 40ths to funerals."

As for her inspirations,

"Roald Dahl is my literary inspiration – those familiar with his poems will recognise that we use the same style (rhyming couplets, of which Dahl is the master). Writing poems is a welcome escape from domestic chores, and I find it satisfying having a project of my own. Every poem is different, and it is fascinating finding out about other people’s lives, and great fun being part of a surprise for them."

Her best sellers are......

"Poems commissioned for birthdays are my most popular request, whether it’s a 40^th, 60^th or 90^th. Most poems are 2-3 pages long and are composed using the background information provided by the client. Humour is definitely a feature of my work, although often there are a few tears, too. I spend lots of time talking to clients and sharing my rough drafts with them, so I know they are getting exactly the sort of poem they want."

Bespoke Verse will be at the More Than A Mama Easter Fayre, a week today, at Berkhamsted Town Hall, Friday 26th March from 9.30am - noon.

Visitors to the fayre will be able to read lots of her poems and testimonials and chat to Jo about the process. Bespoke poems make very original and personal gifts, especially for that hard to buy for relative or friend.

Tune in at 2...Spotlight on Richard Roscoe

2010-03-17T09:45:00.002Z

Today on BBC Three Counties radio will be our resident 'More than a PAPA' Richard Roscoe. Richard is an accomplished photographer running his own business Richard Roscoe Photography. He will be talking to Lorna Milton today at 2pm, straight after Lorna has played her first tune.

Richard will be at our Easter More Than A Mama Fayre on Friday 26th March, 9.30am-noon at Berkhamsted Town Hall. He has recently introduced an exciting new package to his product line up, Baby's First Year. During the first year, your baby will progress through many stages of development at a staggering rate. Why not capture that time forever with The Baby's First Year Package , the ideal keepsake.

The package consists of FOUR creative portrait sessions in the studio which will be

relaxed, pressure-free and baby-friendly.

Choose sessions at ages 3, 6, 9 and 12 months or newborn, 4, 8 and 12 months, the choice is yours.

Find out further details online at Richard Roscoe Photography or call the studio on 01442 870005.

Richard is also offering a fantastic FREE GIFT if you book your Baby's First Year Package with him, 20 custom made photo announcement cards to show your baby off (these would normally cost £50!),

what a fantastic offer.

So, don't forget to listen out for Richard Roscoe today on the Lorna Milton Show, if you miss it we will add a link to the iPlayer tomorrow so you can hear it all again and again!

Yesterday Wendy Jones, a Harpenden Jewellery Designer, mum of 4 and seller at our Easter More Than A Mama Fayre, talked to Lorna Milton about being a busy mum and juggling her own business.

To hear it again, for a limited period only, click on this link.

By the way - we are GOING GREEN here today in honour of St.Patrick's Day!!

Happy St.Patrick's Day to you all! Back to pink tomorrow!

More Mama's on the Radio...

2010-03-16T14:04:00.000Z

After yesterday's fabulous interview between BBC Three Counties Lorna Milton and Mac Wai from Daisy & Mouse we have another super mumpreneur on today's programme too. Wendy Jones, jewellery designer, will be chatting to Lorna just after 2pm at the beginning of the show.

If you missed Daisy & Mouse's interview yesterday you can catch it again HERE on the iPlayer for a limited period of time.

Tune in today.......

2010-03-15T10:47:00.001Z

More Than A Mama are on the radio....again! Tune in today to Lorna Milton on BBC Three Counties Radio (90.4, 92.1, 94.7, 95.5,98, 103.8 and 104.5 FM and 630 & 1161 AM) from 2pm and listen to Mac from Daisy & Mouse talking about how it all started. Daisy & Mouse will be at the More Than A Mama Easter Fayre on Friday 26th March, Berkhamsted Town Hall, 9.30am-noon.

See you there!

Design close to Millsy's Heart

2010-03-10T14:20:00.007Z

Spotlight today shines upon George North, from Millsy Designs, who has designed these pretty pink heart face cloths and hand towels, with all direct profits from the sales of these two pink heart designs going directly to the Breast Cancer Care Charity.

George says, 'Unfortunately, someone very close to me is terminally ill with breast cancer. I am trying to raise as much money as I can to go towards the charity, Breast Cancer Care. So far this year, we have successfully raised over £3,000. '

The Face Cloth (30x30cm) is £5.00 and the Hand Towel (50x90cm) is £10.00.

These are available to order directly From Millsy, please contact Georgina North at millsy.info@googlemail.com or 07983 811718 to place an order.

They will also be available for purchase at the 'More Than A Mama Fayre Easter Fayre' held at Berkhamsted Town Hall on Friday 26th March 2010, 9.30am - 12 noon. Come along and support George and an amazing charity.
Not forgetting Millsy's lovely personalised flannel and towel range too!.

George will also be taking part in the The Breast Cancer Care Blenheim Palace Pink Ribbonwalk on 22/05/2010 to raise money for Breast Cancer Care, if you would like to support her by making a donation please contact her directly, many thanks.

Spotlight on Isla B Baby

2010-03-09T13:12:00.000Z

Our Mama members have been very busy since our last fayre, today we are catching up with Rebekah Warwick from Isla B Baby, she has been busy working on their brand new website and can reveal it to you all today. Isla B Baby is now available to purchase online from www.Islabbaby.co.uk and don't forget you can keep up with the latest creations and news by reading their blog too, www.Islabbaby.blogspot.com.

Now look at these cute bunnies, perfect for Easter and a great alternative, or addition (!), to chocolate gifts. Isla B Snuggle Sacks come with their own lovely Jellycat bunny for your child to tuck into bed each night, each sack has two pillows and a tale to tell your child. Not forgetting all the other gorgeous handmade goodies, including bandanas, changing bags, reusable baby wipes, Easter Egg Cosies, bed linen, bags, purses, aprons, tea and coffee pot cosies, blankets and much much more.

Isla B Baby will be at the Easter Fayre, Friday 26th March, 9.30am-noon at Berkhamsted Town Hall (lift access at rear through Tesco's car park).

Spotlight on Katy Leigh - Ceramic Artist & Illustrator

2010-03-08T13:18:00.000Z

Katy Leigh, Ceramic Artist, Illustrator and active member of the More Than A Mama group has a brand new website to reveal to you all.........not only that but you may very well have spotted one of her pieces in The Observer at the weekend. Well done Katy, such well deserved recognition, we wish you great success with your new site www.Katyleigh.co.uk.

Katy has very clear memories of obsessively drawing her parent’s Royal Doulton figurines, shortly followed by the characters from her brother’s 2000AD comics, shortly followed by pictures of Nick Kershaw!.

Her subject matter has changed since but not her love of drawing. After completing a BA and MA in Illustration, Katy was a Picture Editor and Illustrator for various magazines but she has recently found a new love.

Born in Stoke-on-Trent, “The Potteries” and her drawing has taken her back to her roots. Katy's current work is hand painted onto bisque ware, dip glazed and fired. Every piece is different. Katy is also planning to cast her own bowls and plates so that she can be more experimental with the shapes.

Katy will be at the More Than A Mama Easter Fayre on Friday 26th March at The Town Hall, Berkhamsted High Street, from 9.30am - 12 noon, come along and grab a Katy Leigh original.

Mothering Sunday

2010-03-01T11:17:00.005Z

A day for celebrating motherhood, hurray! A day of peace, relaxation, pampering? ummmmm, maybe not all of those (maybe not any of them), but how about a lovely little gift, you deserve it!

More Than A Mama have been sniffing out some lovely gift ideas, so why not send a link to our site to your partner or children - just as a little hint!

We start off with Millsy and this pretty 'I Love MUM' towel shown here as a Hand Towel, but can also be made in Bath Towel and Bath Sheet sizes. It is illustrated in their popular range of 'Floral Pink' fabric.

Why not team it up with this gorgeous hand-knitted pure wool tea cosy, with pink and turquoise beaded edging? Prices start at £13.50 for a Hand Towel and £12 for a tea cosy. Please allow 10-14 working days per order.

Contact Millsy via email:millsy.info@googlemail.com.

(Please note, all other props are not for sale).

Heartfelt Handmade also has some cute ideas for treats. How about these lovely felt corsages, available in a range of colours. They are sold individually at £5 per brooch but there is a SPECIAL OFFER of 3 for £10, available for a limited time only, check out her site for further info on how to place an order.

Or why not choose one of these lovely hearts? These ones have 'yummy mummy' and 'love you' on them but Heartfelt Handmade can personalise them with your very own message. Each heart costs £6.50 each and can be made in any colour you like! To contact Marie at Heartfelt Handmade, email her at info@heartfelthandmade.com.

If you fancy something tasty to share (or not to share!) why not order a beautiful cake creation from Nevie-Pie Cakes. Natasha has perfected her painted cake technique as you can see here ......

.....maybe some cupcakes? Look at this mouth-watering cupcake swirl.......divine!

You can contact Natasha at nevie-pie@hotmail.co.uk.

If it's yummy lotions and potions you are looking for then our resident beauty expert, and Vie at Home consultant, Sharon Herholdt, can point you in the right direction. Contact Sharon via email at s.herholdt@homecall.co.uk or call her on 07939 270160.

For gorgeous cards and prints to show you care, all by Illustrator

Katy Leigh, contact Katy via email at: katy.leigh@yahoo.co.uk

How about a family portrait to surprise mum with? Contact Richard Roscoe at Richard Roscoe photography, email: richard@richardroscoe.co.uk or call him on 07879 827179.

So, no excuses now! Make sure your partner and family don't forget you on what should be a very special Mama's Day! Whatever you decide to do, we wish you lots of love for Mothering Sunday!

Easter Fayre is coming......

2010-02-19T11:56:00.005Z

It's nearly fayre time! Only 5 weeks until Berkhamsted Town Hall will again be full to the brim with exciting Easter goodies and gifts.

Amongst all the goodies will be many NEW products ...... including delicious cakes and cookies for all from Nevie-Pie Cakes, beautifully handmade home wares for grown ups and children from Isla B Baby and Heartfelt Handmade, fabulous children's wear, toys and fun things from Stealing Candy and Rockabye Baby, gorgeous hand painted ceramics, cards and prints from illustrator Katy Leigh, expert photography from Richard Roscoe, treat yourself or someone dear to some glorious lotions and potions from Vie at Home, yummy handmade chocolates, including lots of Easter Eggs, from Coup de Chocolat, pretty personalised flannels and towels from Millsy and we will also have a Easter themed craft table for the children.......... look out for our posters and fliers coming very soon!

We will also be spotlighting many of our sellers here on the blog in the run-up to our Easter Fayre and we are very excited to be offering you some new local sellers .......... keep checking back.

Feel the LOVE (HEARTS)

2010-02-10T13:48:00.000Z

Are you stuck for a Valentine present for that special someone? Look no further than this fabulous tutorial from Nevie-Pie Cakes who has very generously shared this wonderful project with us.

Here is an easy way to make a sweet treat for your valentine.

Inspired of course by my Natasha's childrens' favourites, Love Hearts.

Ingredients

This recipe is taken from Pretty Party Cakes by Peggy Porschen
Mix together the butter and sugar until creamed. Add the egg and then the flour. Mix and then knead slightly to make a firm dough.
You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla essence if you wish or swap 50g of flour for cocoa powder to make chocolate cookies.

Then roll out the dough to about 1/4" thick and cut out your circles.

Chill again for 30 mins.

Then cook in a pre-heated oven 180 for 10-12 mins

Colour your fondant, I use SugarFlair paste colours. Use a tooth pick and put a small prick of colour on your fondant, it is better to have to use more than put too much at the begining.

Cut out the fondant into circles and glue it to the cookie with brushed on boiled water or mix some gum trag with water.

Mix some pink lustre dust with water and brush it onto a heart cookie cutter. I used the wrong side of the cutter (if you know what I mean) as it is thicker. Then press it into the fondant, if the line isn't quite strong enough you can always touch it up with a paint brush.

I then used a small clean stamping kit to stamp the words on.

Apparantly this year 'Love Hearts' have added a new phrase.

Can you guess which one it is? (answer at the bottom)

You could deliver your Valentine goodies wrapped in cellophane with a suitable label.

I downloaded these two free fonts, wm valentine and love letters to make mine. I cannot tell you enough how much I love free fonts, I bored friends and family for weeks when I discovered them. You can then personalise your own label or click here and you can download my version. Thanks to Heartfelt Handmade for the technical advice and the felt heart.

Have a very sweet Valentines day!

Simply gorgeous, thank you Nevie-Pie Cakes. Read Natasha's blog at Amelies House, see photos of her magnificent creations on flickr or email her with any enquiries at nevie-pie@hotmail.co.uk.

Wishing you all a lovely Valentine's Weekend...............

Birthday Butterscotch

2010-01-22T14:07:00.001Z

Fancy a spot of baking? Natasha from Nevie-Pie Cakes has a wonderfully delicious recipe that she would love to share with you all on this dreary and dismal January afternoon.

Natasha says, "A few years ago I made myself a birthday cake, which did not go down well with Mr Lemon Drizzle (Natasha's husband) as he had already bought me a cake, which while incredibly generous and thoughtful, was a SHOP BOUGHT CAKE!!!

Last year I did not make a cake so as not to rain on his parade, and of course no cake arrived.
This year I made the first strike and actually asked if there was to be a cake.
"I'll buy you one" he said
"I will not have a SHOP BOUGHT CAKE for my birthday!!!! Are you prepared to make me a cake?"
"No I am not"
So I let it be known to my family that I will make myself a birthday cake. However as they are suffering from cake fatigue I decided to go with cupcakes.
I have adapted this recipe from a Nigella cake to make 12 cupcakes."

Beat the butter and sugars together until creamy. Add the eggs and then sift in the flour and mix together. Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of cream until a soft dropping consistancy is achieved. Divide between 12 cupcake cases.

Cook in a pre-heated oven 175 fan for 15-20mins, until golden brown and springy to touch.

For the frosting disolve the sugar in the water by heating gently, do not stir as this crystalises it. Once disolved boil until it becomes a dark golden caramel. (I use a sugar thermometer as it stops me worrying about temperatures.) Take the pan off the heat and whisk in the cream, then leave to cool.

Beat the cream cheese and a third to a half of the caramel.

You may need to leave it to harden a bit before you top the cupcakes.

For a little extra naughtiness drizzle some of the caramel onto the cakes!

Enjoy!

Thank you Natasha, what a yummy recipe and we hope you had a lovely birthday. Have a read of Natasha's fabulous blog over at Amelie's House and keep up-to-date with her wondrous creations. Don't forget to take a look at her husband's truly witty and engaging blog too, Lemon Drizzle.

The More Than A Mama team will be having their first meeting of 2010 next week, so keep checking back for details of our next exciting event.

Too much snow?

2010-01-13T10:26:00.005Z

If you are suffering from cabin fever over this long snowy patch then why not make an indoor snowman?

Marie from Heartfelt Handmade has been making these marshmallow snowmen with her 2 little girls, Marie says,

"I don't know about you but my 2 girls have had enough of all this snow. They have been pretty reluctant to go out in it any more, even after me begging them to come make another snowman with me! So, after a quick look around on the internet for suitable snowy day crafts I came across a different kind of snowman, one that didn't involve getting cold and wet, so I thought we should give it a go."

"All we needed were some large white marshmallows, silver balls and some sprinkles and we were well away. I made up some white icing to use as 'glue' to stick the marshmallows together and stick their 'buttons' etc. onto them. Being snowed in we didn't have a huge array of ingredients to hand but they tasted great nonetheless."

"We used dried spaghetti for the arms but you could use pretzels, chocolate matchmakers (yum). I've seen orange tic tacs used as noses before which looks fab and instead of white icing glue you could try melted chocolate. Now for the fun bit...........scoff scoff!".

Thank you Marie for sharing this with us. We hope everyone is coping well in the snow, stay warm and safe and we will be back with exciting news of our next More Than A Mama fayre soon.

Christmas Cheer

2009-12-12T08:35:00.014Z

With Christmas music playing and mulled wine warming, Berkhamsted Town Hall was full of Christmas cheer as the stall holders set up their tables on Wednesday evening, getting ready for the final festive fayre for the year.

Boxing Clever

Richard Roscoe Photography

Precious Memories

Prize Draw Basket - winner announced at the end of this post!

Happy Days Designs

Jamie at home

Make Do and Mend Quilt Co.

Millsy Designs

dolly blake

Edgartown Sourcing

Coup de chocolate

Bespoke Verse & Food to Heal

Vie at home

Pampering from Sharon of Vie at home

Katy Leigh Designs

Heartfelt Handmade

Emma from Rockabye Baby visiting Heartfelt Handmade's stall

Stealing Candy

Thirtyfive Flowers

Vintage Clothing from Mary Casserley

Clothes from Love Shack

Nevie-pie Cakes

Isla B Baby

Eco products and cosmetics from Pam Johnstone

Rockabye Baby

Marie Jahn - Funtabiedozie

Bijoux-Bijoux

It was a fabulous evening with a wide variety of sellers, a huge number of visitors, fantastic helpers, our wonderful cellist, Clare from Chroma, played beautifully and the More Than A Mama team were ecstatic that the fayre was supported so well. We are looking forward to a short break over Christmas and then we shall be planning our next fayre dates for 2010.

The Winner of the Prize Draw from the fayre is Sally Leppington, congratulations, you win a basket full of More Than A Mama goodies!

The Winner of the blog giveaway is Bridget from poppyart, Bridget turns out to be a seller from our September fayre we held in Harpenden! Congratulations Bridget!

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all of you!

Love

xxx

Thank You!

2009-12-10T12:36:00.003Z

We would just like to say a huge THANK YOU to the many many people who came to the fayre last night and for all the wonderful helpers, volunteers and everyone who helped organise the event. It was such a success, at one stage it was gridlock in the aisles so we hope you all still managed to shop!!

Photos from last night will be posted soon, as will the winners of both the Free Prize Draw Basket & the Blog Giveaway will be announced so watch this space.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year, we will see you at a future fayre in 2010!

Love from

Tonight's the night!

2009-12-09T10:18:00.006Z

It's finally arrived and we are so very excited to be holding our Festive Christmas Fayre tonight at Berkhamsted Town Hall from 7.30pm until 9.30pm. There will be oodles of lovely gifts to buy for children, grown ups and the home, not forgetting a little treat for yourself too!

There will be free mulled wine upon arrival, lots of twinkly lights and festive cheer. We have a wonderful live cellist setting the scene from 7.30pm-8.30pm so why not pop in and take a look around, it's free entry!

We have wonderful clothes from Love Shack and a fab vintage clothes stall too from Mary Casserley. Scrumptious cakes and cookies from Neviepie-Cakes, delicious handmade chocolates from Coup de Chocolat, stylish home ware, gifts and outdoor accessories from dolly blake, super cool baby and children's clothes, toys and gifts from Stealing Candy and Rockabye Baby, hand crafted Christmas decorations and stocking fillers from Heartfelt Handmade, gorgeous jewellery from Bijoux Bijoux and Happy Day Designs, handmade home wares and soft furnishings from Thirtyfive Flowers, hand crafted tea cosies, decorations and fun felted goodness from Marie Jahn, perfectly personalised pressies from Millsy, lotions, potions and pampering from Sharon Herholdt and Pam Johnston, fabulous hand painted ceramics designed by Katy Leigh, gorgeous handmade bedding, changing mats, wipes, burp cloths and beautifully embroidered bags and tea and coffee pot cosies from Isla B Baby, wonderful photography by Richard Roscoe, clever hand painted wall murals from Wonderwall, a superb bespoke poetry service from Jo Miller, amazing quilt kits from the Make Do & Mend Quilt Co., fabulous fabrics from Edgartown Sourcing, hand painted toy and treasure boxes from the clever Jenny tasker from Boxing Clever and great gifts for all from Jamie at home. Phew, you will be crazy to miss it!!

Hope to see you all there, don't forget to enter your details into our free prize draw and be in with a chance of winning a basket load of More Than A Mama goodies, a perfect Christmas present from us to you!

See you all later....

Love,

The Cookie Recipe.....

2009-12-08T16:35:00.007Z

Becky from Isla B Baby has kindly let us 'borrow' her fool proof cookie recipe to share with all you MTAM readers. A very handy recipe to draw upon to help you through the home baked offering always requested for the school or toddler group coffee mornings and Christmas parties.

Becky says, "I think sometimes you come across a recipe that you just know is going to be passed around and cooked hundreds of times and this cookie recipe is certainly worth its weight. Not only is it super easy to make but you can pretty much throw anything at it and it seems to work!".

So here is Becky's recipe for Cranberry and White Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Ingredients

215g plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

115g soft butter

125g light brown sugar

50g caster sugar

1 egg

100g dried cranberries

200g white chocolate chopped into chunks

Set the oven to 190 c /375 f/ gas mark 5.

Put all the ingredients into a bowl and mix it all together until it forms a dough. By hand this takes a bit of work but in my fabulous Kitchen Aid it takes seconds!

Place little rounds of the dough onto a baking tray lined with grease proof paper (you should get about 18 cookies from the mix).

Cook in the oven for 10 mins or until they are just beginning to colour at the edges. (You still want them to be soft as they will firm up as they cool down).

Let them sit on the tray when you take them out the oven for 5 mins then transfer to a cooling tray.

And there you have it! I have tried lots of combinations of these cookies and milk chocolate and hazelnut work really well as does a bar of Chocolate Orange chopped into chunks!. Enjoy experimenting.

Love,

Make Do & Mend.....

2009-12-07T13:04:00.006Z

About Make Do & Mend Quilts:

My name is Deb McGuire and I am a local mum of three kids aged 6, 5 and 1. I was a failed knitter who didn’t think I had the patience for making things. Three years ago I wanted a quilt for my son’s bed. In searching eBay for a department store quilt I stumbled upon an unfinished handmade romantic 1930’s butterfly quilt from Ohio. I was determined to learn how to finish the quilt, and so my patchwork obsession began.

Inspirations:
I didn’t think I could make a quilt, and so many people when admiring my quilts have said the same. The idea of a complete kit with really simple instructions to show that everyone can make a quilt was a simple next step. I am passionate about showing people that they can do it, and after one kit quilt they are usually hooked! I source great modern fabrics and design contemporary quilts that look great in your baby’s room today, but will be a future family heirloom.

Best Sellers:
My best seller is called Jitterbug Butterflies and I love it, as it encapsulates what Make Do & Mend is about. It is a great bright modern design, but made from 1950’s style prints, the perfect marriage of traditional and modern.

At the More Than A Mama - Christmas Fayre:
At the fayre I will be selling kits for all of my baby quilts, and the originals will be there for you to touch and see as inspiration. I will also be previewing my Make Do & Mend Quilty Comforters in kit form. For the nervous sewer, and at under £25, these are smaller than a quilt and make a great Christmas gift idea for an expectant mum (or soon to be Granny!), or make the Quilty yourself and give to a grateful Little Person to snuggle this winter.

Sites:
Visit my website at www.makedoandmendquilts.co.uk
I am also on etsy at www.makedoandmendquilts.etsy.com and folksy at www.makedoandmendquilts.folksy.com

Follow my new work at www.makedoandmendquilts.blogspot.com

Come and meet Deb and all our other sellers at the fayre this Wednesday evening, 9th Dec, at Berkhamsted Town Hall from 7.30pm. Remember admission is free and includes a free glass of mulled wine and music, so come along a soak up some festive spirit!

Love

Boxing Clever

2009-12-07T11:56:00.004Z

Say hello to Jenny Tasker from Boxing Clever.

Local mum Jenny started Boxing Clever way back in 2001 when her first daughter Amelia was born. After struggling to find a toy box that looked good as well as fulfilling its duty, she thought she could definately do better than either the plastic junk you could find in certain superstores or else the traditional pine toy box you could find on the high street.

She decided she would get a toy box made and then decorate it herself and so Boxing Clever began.

Jenny supplied a couple of local shops and took part in quite a few big craft fairs but after a few years and another daughter, Olivia, she took a break from making the boxes. People who knew she made the boxes still asked for them and so this year with a bit of a supply Jenny took part in a couple of events and the MTAM fair and was overwhelmed with the demand for the boxes and also the nice comments people made about them.

With renewed vigour and a steady painting hand, Jenny is currently fulfiling orders and enjoying every minute of making the boxes. 'I love to personalise the boxes and know that the box will be filled with the most precious keepsakes of family life to cherish for life, or until our children paint them black and decorate their box with a skull and crossbones......Hmmm, maybe that's a new design for Boxing Clever..? Heh, who knows!

Jenny is looking forward to many more MTAM fairs and many more orders and looks forward to seeing you on the evening of the 9th for a glass of mulled wine and some shopping.

Boxes range from baby boxes, keepsake boxes though to bigger toy boxes with prices from £15 to £40 and Jenny tries to source affordable boxes and decorate them to a high quality finish. She has just started selling name boxes which are proving a hit for that different Christmas present. At £19, better than yet another Barbie... She can be contacted on 01442 871972 or 07971 169726 or you can email her at mrsnudger@aol.com and is in the process of relauncing her website www.cleverboxing.co.uk as well as working out how to get blogging!

Love

Seller Spotlights......

2009-12-07T11:43:00.007Z

Today we are catching up with a lovely stall holder from our last fayre in Berkhamsted. Lets meet Helen Yates .......

About Helen

Helen Yates has been a midwife since 1990 and currently works as a community midwife locally. She trained as a HypnoBirthing teacher with the American Institute of HypnoBirthing (the original Mongan Method) and has taught many couples here in Berkhamsted and in London.

HypnoBirthing is a method of childbirth preparation with the main focus being that birth is a natural and normal, very special life event. Couples learn to anticipate birth with a positive frame of mind and discover the beauty and satisfaction that is natural drug free labour and birth.

INSPIRATIONS

HypnoBirthing helps women to feel in control of their birthing regardless of the type of birth they have. That empowerment enables them to fully relax and work with their body allowing them to have a calm, gentle and enjoyable birth. This, in the face of a rising caesarean section rate is incredibly liberating for women.

TESTIMONIALS

“HypnoBirthing was, in our humble opinions, the one thing that made the difference between us feeling as though everything had been taken out of our control, and us feeling calm, relaxed and ready to face whatever decisions needed to be made to ensure the safe arrival of our baby. Thank you.” Leighton Buzzard mum.

“Couples using HypnoBirthing are a pleasure to care for, because it really is ‘taking it back’ to working with women and their bodies” Birth Centre Midwife.

SITES

To find out more take a look at Helen's website www.yourhypnobirth.co.uk

Call her on Tel 01442 843064 / 0792 088 7414

or Email helen@yourhypnobirth.co.uk

love,

Festive Cheer......

2009-12-07T11:26:00.005Z

Hello All,

phew we have all been very busy preparing for our final fayre of the year in a couple of days time. It is on Wed 9th Dec, at Berkhamsted Town Hall from 7.30pm till 9.30pm and will be full of festive cheer.

Admission is FREE, a glass of mulled wine is FREE, live music from a wonderful cellist is FREE, plus lots of child-free shopping opportunities PRICELESS.

We will have lots of lovely stalls, fabulous fashion and vintage clothing for grown ups, delicious cakes, cookies and chocolates, ceramics, childrens' and baby clothing, toys, accesories and gifts, decorations for your tree and home, jewellery, cosmetics, lotions and potions, personalised gifts, beautiful bedding, amazing quilts and sooooo much more, we would hate you to miss out!

We will also be running a free prize draw and you can win a basket full of More Than A Mama goodies, make sure you bring your 'invitation' with you and be sure to write your details on the back and post it into our draw basket. Don't worry if you've mislaid your invitation, we will have an extra stash at the prize draw table for you to fill in and hopefully win!!!

So, if you are planning an evening out with the girls this week why not make it on Wednesday night and stop by for a nosey and start your evening off with some festive cheer (aka yummy mulled wine!!).

Hope to see you there!

Love from

More Than A Mama - Bumps, Babes & Beyond Fayre 20 Nov '09

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Here are some of the wonderful and unique stalls we had at the fayre last Friday. Thank you to all those who came and shopped, to those sellers who made, sourced and sold their lovely wares and to our fab helpers who brought in the passers by, handed out our flyers and were all round superstars.

Katy Leigh Designs

Heartfelt Handmade

Stealing Candy

Pete's Poppies

Precious Memories

Food to Heal

Thirtyfive Flowers

Happy Day Designs

Wonderwall, Happy Day Designs , Thirtyfive Flowers

Funtabiedozie and Wonderwall

Funtabiedozie (with a projection on the wall from Wonderwall!)

Rockabye Baby

Small Print Jewellery

Coup de Chocolat

Millsy Designs

Neviepie-Cakes

HypnoBirthing

Isla B Baby

Boxing Clever

Daisy and mouse

The kids' drawing table

Vie at home

Prize Draw Basket

Thanks again everyone for helping make the fayre such a success. The prize draw winner picked from the jar is Ruth Evans, congratulations!. Your basket full of goodies will be with you soon. If you missed out on the prize draw this time don't worry, there will be another opportunity to win a basket full of goodies if you come to our next fayre and enter the draw. Pop the date into your diaries, Berkhamsted Town Hall Wed 9 Dec - 7.30pm. We will have new stalls, a live cellist, mulled wine, vintage clothing, free prize draw, twinkling lights and plenty of festive cheer!

Love

Today's Fayre!

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A huge thank you to all our lovely customers who came to see us today, and our sellers, at Berkhamsted Town Hall. We had such a fantastic turn-out, thanks so much for all your support. The winner of the Prize Draw and photos from today will be on the blog very soon.

Looking forward to our next Christmas Fayre also at Berkhamsted Town Hall on Wed 9th Dec from 7.30pm - 9.30pm. A fantastic opportunity for some child free shopping, free admission, glass of mulled wine, live cellist, vintage clothing, pampering and much much more, we can't wait!. Why not make a night of it with the girls and head off for drinks or supper after?

See you again soon.

Love

Stealing Candy Home Parties

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Stealing Candy is delighted to announce Stealing Candy Home Parties, where you, the host, will receive a £25 voucher to spend on any of the gorgeous clothes, gifts and accessories which we stock when you host a party.

All you have to do is invite your friends for a coffee morning or an evening get to together and Stealing Candy will come to your home and show you and your guests all the latest ranges, brands and special deals.

So why not have a few friends round to catch up, browse and shop in the comfort and warmth of your own home.

Please contact Jo Esson on 07967 739795 or email her at info@stealingcandy.co.uk. You can also pop along to one of our Berkhamsted fayres, meet Jo and see and touch all of her glorious goodies.

Love

Featuring Samantha Rogers from Pete's Poppies

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Today we meet Sam Rodgers from Pete's Poppies.....

Inspirations......

The reason behind Petes Poppies and how it came alive is back in March 2007 I lost someone very important to me, my dad (hence the name Petes), and this is when I came to realise how much I loved working with flowers and creating, so I enrolled myself onto some flower courses at college and here I am now creating them in the shop. I think that my dad would be very proud.

At Petes Poppies we pride ourselves in customer service and building a great customer relationship. We really enjoy helping people choose suitable flowers for an occasion, by giving them the advice and support they need.

Best sellers.....

Our best sellers would have to be our floral creations, whether it be a simple hand tied bouquet or basket to the more complex funerals and weddings. We also have an extensive gift range in the shop that is not sold anywhere else in Berkhamsted. I would say that our wooden plaques sell like hot cakes!

More Than A Mama fayre.....

You can expect to see some of our floral creations, including some with a Christmas theme, like our rustic Christmas wreaths. We will also have some of our extensive giftware and Christmas range.

You can find Petes Poppies at 102 High St , Berkhamsted, we are located opposite The Gatsby. If you would like directions just give us a call on 01442 864836 and we will only be too happy to help with your needs.

Also on a Saturday we have a stall on the Berkhamsted Market. We are usually situated outside Bel Caffe.

Special events.....

During the month of December we are excited to be offering a couple of open evenings in the shop where people can make their own beautiful Christmas table decoration, the cost of that night will be £25.00 and this will include tea, coffee, mulled wine and mince pies. Call Petes Poppies on 01442 864836 for booking and further information.

We look forward to seeing Sam and her beautiful stall at the Bumps, Babes & Beyond Fayre THIS FRIDAY 20th Nov! Don't miss it, we are at Berkhamsted Town Hall from 9am til 12.30pm - hope to see you there!

Love