Raspberry Crumble Slices

If you haven't been out to fill your baskets with berries yet this summer, now is the final time to do so - you can make your own jam! Although you can of course use shop bought if you prefer so that you can dive straight in to make this delicious recipe. Our preference of filling has to be raspberry for a beautiful burst of deep red but feel free to use whatever you have to hand or prefer. Blueberries and strawberries are great alternatives and they too create a sweet and sticky centre to contrast nicely with the the crisp yet flaky exterior of these slices.

We like to pop a batch into some plastic pots to take on day trips or when visiting friends as a tasty afternoon treat. The Mini Mes enjoy making these themselves, they are great for tweens to bake, and they get great satisfaction from layering the ingredients nicely before popping them into the oven to turn golden.

Chocolate Chip & Rolo Blondies

If you're looking for a chewy and gooey treat that is incredibly simple to make then your search stops here. These slices ooze with chocolate and caramel when cut and they are bound to satisfy any sweet tooth. They are great served warm with ice cream, wrapped in ribbon as a gift or devoured at home by the family as a delicious dessert.

Nutella Cookie Cups {Creative Summer 11}

Thick smooth chocolate and warm chewy cookies - is there a more satisfying combo for your sweet tooth? What's even better is these delicious puds are incredibly easy to make and they can go from mixture to mouth in around 20 minutes flat.

Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake {Creative Summer 10}

This recipe has very quickly become a family favourite and Minxy loves to bake this delicious cake by herself - she has made two in the past week alone!

The lemon provides a nice citrus kick without being overpowering and the icing seeps into the sponge to keep it soft and moist. It's so simple and ideal for afternoon tea with friends.

DIY No Sew Tote Bag {Creative Summer 7}

Being busy bees over the summer it's useful to have a nice bag to carry your books, sun cream and snacks around in and this simple activity allows you to make your own from a t-shirt! It's a great craft for tween girls in particular - Minxy loves hers as it's ideal for sleepovers with her friends as an alternative to a handbag or backpack. It's also a nice way to reuse old clothes that no longer fit or you no longer need, like my Game of Thrones themed one below...

Chewy White Chocolate Cookies {Creative Summer 5}

The Mini Mes love to whisk up a batch of warm and chewy cookies at the weekend and this quick and easy recipe has become a firm favourite. They are crisp on the outside with a soft centre and the white chocolate adds a little extra sweetness. 

We do however like to add in some raspberries or raisins on occasions, just so they feel a little less naughty!

DIY Phone Holder {Creative Summer 3}

The Mini Mes are now both tweens and it seems to get harder to keep them entertained and away from technology each summer. Finding activities that they will enjoy and appreciate can be tricky but as they both have mobile phones this craft is ideal for keeping them off their handsets to be creative by making something they will both find useful!

There are two different versions that you can try; one to hold your mobile while it's on charge, the instructions for which follow later this summer, and one to display your mobile on a bedside table or desk, which is below. Both use items you will probably have in your recycling tubs already so you won't need to pay out a penny either - it's frugal!

Gummy Sweets Ice Lollies {Creative Summer #1}

It's the start of the summer holidays and I'm already dreaming of afternoons spent relaxing in the back garden on a comfy lounger, browsing magazines and sipping something with a paper umbrella while the Mini Mes make the most of the paddling pool.

These ice lollies are incredibly simple to put together and are a great way to remain cool in the heat. The little sweeties within are a tasty treat while adding texture and the lemonade is so refreshing - they're seriously low calorie too!

Let the kids get creative in the kitchen.

Creative Summer Project - Daily Activities for the Holiday

With the summer holiday on the horizon and our purses already in panic mode I thought it would be a nice idea to put together some posts to keep the kids entertained - for free or very little cost! 

My 'Creative Summer Project' will run daily with a new idea being shared between 23rd July and 5th September to provide inspiration and keep little ones occupied. As a parent I know that it can take time to search for fun things to do, and then find the materials to do them, so I've already created, tried and tested 44 (yes, I may be insane) recipes and crafts with the Mini Mes to prevent boredom from striking. 

These use store cupboard essentials and items from around the home, or recycling boxes, so you won't need to spend much at all, if anything, to be give them a go. 

When - daily from 23rd July - 5th September 2016

Where - www.TheMiniMesAndMe.com

What - a variety of crafts, recipes and activity ideas to keep your little ones occupied all holiday

Why - to inspire parents and give them some fun suggestions to try throughout the 6 week break

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