The Doodle Bread Kit helps you ‘make your own bread that doesn’t look like anyone else’s in the world, ever’. Each slice of bread has a shape or icon running through the middle. Like these:

Owner Rose Kane has worked hard to ensure that everything that goes into the bread is simple, safe and healthy. The colouring comes from powdered vegetables, seeds and grains.

Rosa says, ‘Doodle Bread is about Saturday afternoons together, rainy days in the kitchen, getting messy and having fun, then eating the result!’

I love this idea. And what a great way of getting kids into the kitchen.

To buy the kit, read Rosa’s blog and to find recipes, go to www.doodlebread.com.

This is the post I should have written last week. Or possibly even the week before. Got my dates a little mixed up there. If you haven’t bought your gift or if you’re struggling for ideas, here’s some inspiration.

Artwork (above)

I love this illustration by artist Lisa Evans. Alice and the cat are listening to the snowfall. You can purchase this beautiful illustration through Lisa’s Etsy store www.firefluff.etsy.com.

Jewellery and Accessories

Clockwise from top left.

Pretty, feminine jewellery and accessories.

Pearl Bubble Necklace by Rachael Lamb at Hannah Zakari - www.hannahzakari.co.uk
Black and Silver Curls Clutch Bag by Dazed Dorothy at Hannah Zakari - www.hannahzakari.co.uk
Yellow Crochet Corsage at Betty Joy - www.bettyjoy.co.uk
Mother of pearl bracelet ‘Little frogs and butterflies’ by Zoe Bonbon at Ella Georgia - www.ellageorgiajewellery.co.uk

Cupcakes

Yummy cupcakes delivered direct to your door by Fair Cake - www.faircake.co.uk Psst - click on their shop link to buy lots of cake making accessories, books and all round cakey goodness.

Flowers

Flowers. Always lovely on Mothers’ Day. Tulips and daffodils tied with a simple ribbon make a stylish and thoughtful gift. Buy from your local florist.

Fair Cake is a small London-based company that makes yummy cupcakes in every conceivable flavour and colour. They use only the finest ingredients, including free range eggs and Fairtrade chocolate and coffee. Small boxes can be delivered to lucky recipients throughout the UK.

They also make wedding cupcakes and cupcake towers for delivery within the M25.

Fair Cake is an environmentally and ethically conscious company. They are very aware of their carbon footprint and use recycled materials and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

Visit www.faircake.co.uk.

Mmm. Feeling hungry now.

Don’t forget Fairtrade Fortnight.

The aptly named Marmalady has been making cakes, marmalades, jams and chutneys for over 20 years. She sells through various farmers’ markets in Derbyshire and through specialist food stores and delis. Her yummy delicacies are also available to buy via her Etsy store.

And if you’re in the area, Marmalady will be at the following farmers’ markets:

Sat 29 Nov - Bakewell (as part of Derbyshire Country Markets)
Thurs 4 Dec - Buxton
Sun 7 Dec - Poynton
Sat 13 Dec - Whaley Bridge
Sat 13 / Sun 14 Dec - Buxton Winter Wonderland
Sat 20 Dec - Bakewell (with Derbyshire Country Markets)
Sun 21 Dec - Marple
Mon 22 Dec - Buxton

For more information visit Marmalady’s blog at www.marmalady1.blogspot.com. To buy online go to www.marmalady.etsy.com.

I went to a networking event a couple of weeks ago and in amongst the consultants, virtual PAs and accountants, I met Michelle McKenna, aka Clippy of Clippy’s Apples.

Clippy’s Apples makes mouth-watering, lip-smacking jams, jellies and chutneys. Their preserves are all lovingly handmade in small batches from 100% British apples. They are passionate about what they do and dedicated to the preservation of British apples.

Clippy’s Apples will be appearing at a number of festivals, markets and other venues around the UK this year. To catch up with them visit their website at www.clippys.com. Their preserves are stocked at a number of delis and specialist food shops. Check out their Stockists page for further information.

Following on from Tuesday’s post about tea, I noticed an article on how tea beats stress over at Yahoo News. Not that I need any excuses.

In our house we have a single cure for numerous minor ailments and annoyances such as the cold, tiredness, the blues, general upset and shock (although we’ve not yet had the opportunity to prove the latter, fortunately). This wonder cure will be no stranger to the majority of British households. It is of course the humble cup of tea.

We drink either PG Tips or Yorkshire Tea but this could be about to change as I’ve discovered a company which hand blends a range of luxurious, gourmet teas. SBS Teas have recently launched their Fall O’ween range which includes delicious flavours like Apple Strudel, Blood Orange and Chocolate Berry. Real comfort teas for cold, dark nights.

You can buy starter packs for the uninitiated and gift sets for connoisseurs. Oh yes, and they also do a range of mint teas - my sister swears by this to cure hangovers.