Found this recipe here whilst looking for a child-friendly wood polish to use for a toddler's memory box. I didn't want to use the standard wood vanish, since a toddler could touch the box and possibly put their hands in their mouth! This way, I know the ingredients used are child-friendly. Tried it out and I must say, it worked out pretty well.

Items Used:
1 cup Olive Oil
1/4 Cup grated Beeswax

Instructions:
1)Put the Olive oil and grated Beeswax in a Pyrex or microwave safe container.
2) Allow to melt in a microwave at 30 second intervals until fully melted. Mix intermittently.
(This stops it from overheating or bubbling over).
3) Once melted, pour into heat proof jars, allow to cool and set.

Use as Wood Polish:
1) Apply a generous amount of wood polish onto cloth.
2) Polish the wood in the direction of the grain
(This enhances the natural features of the wood).
3) Wait for a couple of minutes then polish again using a new cloth.
That's it!

Storage:
Store in a air tight container
Can last about a year.

One of the key things with making crafts is knowing when to stop. Wanted to add more bits to this mini jewellery box, but it just looked better to keep it simple. Maybe I would do something with it later. For now, I'm happy to keep it simple, just had to sand it down and varnish. As they say, less can be more!

I leave you with this beautiful mother's day rendition by artist 'Adua'. The words are so inspiring, it would be hard for any mother not to be moved by it. Enjoy!

Though Valentine lasts a day, these customised mini memory boxes and address books will last a while longer. It just feels right to make something that shows love and appreciation for others that will still be of use to them long after Valentine day's over. Happy Valentine to all my lovely Valentines out there, you know yourselves! May this day be filled with sweet pleasant memories for us all.

Found a simple way to ward off the winter cold with a warming hot drink and thought to share it with you. It's the Star Anise-Ginger Milk Steamer. See below for details of how to make yourself a cuppa:

Ingredients:
-Freshly grated stem ginger
-Almond Milk
-Star Anise infused Honey (Home made)
-Star Anise to garnish

Instructions:
1. Heat milk with freshly grated ginger in a saucepan (till it's hot, but not boiling hot)
2. Strain out the ginger and discard it
3. Add Star Anise infused honey (or honey of your choice)
4. Froth with hand-held whisk or frothing machine
5. Pour in a mug and garnish with Star Anise

That's all there is to it!
Now, sit down, with your mug craddled between your palms and enjoy your winter warmer!

Gentle reminder: As with every hot drink, handle with care!  This recipe works perfectly for me, but do check the ingredients are ideal for you before you try it.

Heard about the winter lights festival from a friend a while ago. Didn't give it much thought, till another friend of mine mentioned she was going to the festival and asked if I wanted to go. That was how I found myself at this year's Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival and I must say, it was well organised. The map for the art trail was easy to follow and well thought out. There was something for everyone (both children and adults) to enjoy. Hope they keep it going. See below for a few highlights of the festival. Oh...Happy New Year to you all, here's hoping this year is better than the last!

As a Christian, celebrating the birth of Jesus is a privilege I love to share. Hope this video gives you a glimpse of what Christmas really means. This Christmas, I humbly remember the gift God gave us. The unforgettable gift of Jesus and thank God for his priceless gift. Wishing you all, a Merry Cosy Christmas! And saying, "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15)