A Million Uses for Mugs # 1

For the first in our new series "A Million Uses for Mugs" we thought it was perfect timing for a Mother's Day idea! What better treat for Mum than a lie in followed by breakfast in bed? How about making her tea in a mug which she can treasure forever! Finish with a ribbon, some chocolates and some flowers to make it extra special.

"10 Things I Love About Mum" mug is a new edition to our 10 Things collection - pink, lilac, blue and mint with cute floral numbers. You can choose the title and totally personalise the list of things you love about Mum. Get the kids involved for a list full of love and giggles!

If you'd like to order in time for Mother's Day (Sunday 6th March) the last day for guaranteed delivery is 3rd March. These mugs are currently £11.50 (usually £13.50) and include gift wrapping - we can even post direct to the recipient with a note from you for no extra cost. [Shop Here]

We'd better get brainstorming some other uses for mugs! Have you got any ideas for us to feature?

DIY // Hot Chocolate Gift Idea

We're back with another festive DIY idea! This time we've got the perfect stocking filler; a hot chocolate gift set. My favourite recipe for homemade hot chocolate has to be from Jamie Oliver's Drinks Tube (watch here). It's so thick and chocolatey and you can even make it with different flavoured chocolate - we've tried chocolate orange, peppermint and even chilli! Yum yum. This makes enough to fill a jar like this one here which makes lots of hot chocolate. You're best to watch the video to see how amazing it looks but here's a summary of the recipe.

You will need:

• 200g dark chocolate 
• 100g cocoa powder
• 100g icing sugar
• 50g cornflour
• 50g malted drink powder (like Horlicks)
• pinch of salt

Method:

1. Pop the chocolate in food processor and blitz until it becomes a fine powder.
2. Add remaining ingredients to food processor and pulse a few times until combined.
3. Pour mix into a lidded jar and you're done! Finish with twine and a festive gift tag.
4. To make into hot chocolate measure a mug of milk into a saucepan and add two heaped tablespoons of the mix. Whisk on a medium heat for 5 mins and it will become thick and smooth, ready for you to top with your favourite hot chocolate toppings!

This makes a lovely gift when given with a pretty mug and marshmallows, or how about including it in a mini hamper for chocolate lovers? You could make it even more special by having a personalised mug made to go with it, like ours (pictured above) available here.

I hope you like this gift idea! Do you make a lot of gifts at Christmas?