Valentines Craft and Bake 2012

As part of my 'trying new things' I wanted to start taking part in other peoples blog hops or competitions, not so much for the chance of winning but just to take part and get involved.

The lovely Jacqueline at Cakeboule set up a 'Virtual Valentine craft and bake competition' where she invited anyone to take part and enter either craft or bake entries on a Valentines theme.

Mr P and I don't really 'do' Valentines, not because we're unromantic, but just because we don't feel the need for a special day to say I love you. Flowers are over priced and restaurants are over booked and it's all got a bit commercial. What we do try and do it have date nights at home, where either one of us cooks for the other or we cook together. The children go to bed early (they don't mind at all and even tell me off if I don't get dressed up!) and we have some 'us' time.

All that said, I was more than keen to take part in Jacqueline's competition. I am as soppy as they come and I love a bit of romance. As Jacqueline will be away for Valentines day she's asked that all the entries are in early, which I think is great as it might give other people ideas of things that they could make or do rather than go down the commercial route.

So craft or bake???? Hmmmmm.........I did both!

I always give my children a gift on Valentines day. Nothing big, in fact sometimes it might just be a heart shaped lolly and a home made card, but it's a little reminder that I love them very very much and it makes them feel involved in something that usually passes children by.

For the children I made keyrings or bagcharms whatever they decide to use them for. They were quite simple to make and I think they'll like them, but these I will save for Valentines day itself.

4 Hearts for our 4 Sweethearts

They're made from soft red fleece, stuffed just a little bit and then embellished or embroidered. I had real trouble getting just the 'ring' bit of a keyring (got them now from trusty old eBay!) So I bought keyring blanks.

Then for the baking. I had so so many ideas in my head and I wanted to make them all, but I managed to narrow it down to two bakes that I made today.

First was this heart shaped chocolate cake, topped with chocolate ganache and a simple message. Mr P does love chocolate, so what better way to say I Love You, than on a chocolate cake?

Then I made these Cupcakes, so that everyone could enjoy a little bit of love in cake form!

I made rose one's with little handmade roses and edible red glitter

I made swirly one's again with my handmade roses, but no glitter

And Heart-topped ones too

So this is how I've chosen to remind the one's I love, just how much I love them and not just on Valentines day, but all year round.

Some of the other entries to the competition are amazing and very varied indeed. I really look forward to seeing them all once they're in. And if you want to enter, it's not too late. The closing date isn't until 4th Feb 2012 and I know Jacqueline would welcome new comers. Pop over to Cakeboule if you fancy joining in.