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Styling your kitchen worktops

Hi there!

Hope you are all enjoying the frosty cold weather?…it puts me into full on faffing mode and the latest place in Rose Cottage to get hit is the kitchen worktops! When I share my kitchen over on Instagram I always get lots of compliments on the styling of it so thought I would share a few tips over here on how I put it all together. The tips are nothing too complicated but they sure are effective…

1. Separate your kitchen into sections

Think about your worktops in smaller more manageable areas, rather than as a whole. Concentrate on one area at a time, make sure your really happy with how you’ve dressed it before moving onto the next.

Think about whether the area will be for practical use or simply decorative; or it could be a mix of both! It’s useful to have certain appliances close to particular cupboards eg mugs near the kettle (especially handy on busy mornings!!). Keep this in mind when choosing what appliances you will need in each worktop section. Also most appliances will need plug sockets so give this consideration too!

2. Start with a blank canvas

I always clear the space I am working on before deciding where anything will go. It helps see the full size of the space and will make it easier to experiment with different accessories.

3. Give the area a good clean

Use the opportunity to give the area a good scrub; clean the worktop itself, the wall/ tiles behind and any appliances or accessories you will be using.

4. Think about things you might want to hide

I am not a fan of seeing plug sockets in my kitchen so often use chopping boards, platter plates and framed prints to hide them where i can. I also hide the plugs and leads of appliances using the same techniques.

5. Add height, colour and texture

Setting appliances and accessories on top of chopping boards can help create a feature and add height.

Adding hooks from the cupboards above is a great way to incorporate accessories without taking up counter space.

6. Accessorise, accessorise and accessorise!

The majority of the accessories in my kitchen are Emma Bridgewater, I am a massive fan and enjoy the country kitchen feel they give. Think about mixing colours, textures and sizes when using accessories, adding plants and flowers too.

Have you any great tips on how you style your own kitchen? I’ll love to hear them!

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

INTERIORS

Harry’s Bedroom Makeover

Hi there!

I can hardly believe we are at this stage with Harry….moving him into a big boy bed! I knew time would fly when we had him (because everyone and their Granny warns you!!) but I really cannot take it in!

For any one who missed out on what his wee room was like before, I’ve linked 2 blog posts below…who doesn’t love a good before and after eh?!

Harry’s Little Room

Harry’s Room gets a little make over in Collaboration with Søstrene Grene 

In preparation for the change, I did hours of scrolling on Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration.  I kept saving and pinning images all with a similar bed frame, so knew this was the one! I built the jungle theme around the bed and after numerous Ikea visits and online basket checkouts his room was finished!

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Bed Frame (We added the storage drawer, side rail and matress) – Buy here

Tiger Mat – Local Selling Site

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Trunk – Bedeck (Was black leather which I white washed with Annie Sloan paint)

Plant – Ikea

Basket – Primark

Building Blocks – The Works

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Animal Heads – https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/home/shop-by-room/kids-room.html

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Cushions – https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/home/shop-by-room/kids-room.html and Sostrene Grene

Bedding – Scion from Bedeck

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Plush toys – Ikea

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Prints – https://desenio.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzbLF38iO4AIVBrDtCh010QV0EAAYASAAEgIkgvD_BwE

Frames and snake – Ikea

Green Leaves – Ikea, attached to the bed frame with cable ties

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Born to be Wild Print from Desenio – Link above

Giraffe print, frames, zebra vase – Poundland

Plush toys – Ikea

Wooden Crate – Sostrene Grene and I added hanging luggage tag from Next

Curtains – Ikea

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Bags – H&M Home (Linked above) and Sostrene Grene (Gifted from previous collaboration)

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Prints – Desenio and Poundland

Wire basket, giraffe and frames – Poundland

Mice and plant- Ikea

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As you can see this little lion is loving his new room and bed! Lets hope that means lots and lots of sleep in it!!!!

I’d really love to hear your thoughts on the makeover! I’ve tried my best to tell you where everything is from and given links where I can; but as always, if you have any questions please get in touch!

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

Jill

INTERIORS

Collecting Emma Bridgewater on a Budget

Hello there!

When we starting planning our move into Rose Cottage, my mind immediately went into overdrive picking things to furnish it.  When I thought about pottery, I knew I wanted to collect Emma Bridgewater.  I admired the unique and colourful patterns, and appreciated the time and patience which went into each piece.

Having built up quite a collection, I thought I would share with you some tips on how I buy Emma Bridgewater without it ending in divorce or featuring on the next series of ‘Cant pay, we’ll take it away’!

So here goes:

  1. Look out for Emma Bridgewater items popping up on local selling sites.  You can be lucky with websites such as Gumtree, Buy and Sell pages, Shpock and EBay.  If the seller has little/no knowledge of the true value, you can pick up a real bargain.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

2. Watch out for Sale time on the Emma Bridgewater website.  Sales happen on the website a few times throughout the year and further reductions follow the main sale.  You can pick up mugs from as little as £4.99 at the sales final reductions!

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3. Reduction codes – There are always codes floating about which can entitle you to things like free personalisation, free postage and packaging, 15% off, 10% off etc.  These are discount codes which you can enter on the Emma Bridgewater website at checking out.  Before completing a transaction, please get in touch with me if you’d like a code (best to get me over on Instagram @homeatrosecottage).

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4. Buy from the seconds and discontinued section on the Emma Bridgewater website.  This is where I normally pick up my dinner plates and mugs as I don’t worry about using them daily and throwing them in and out of the dishwasher.  If something gets broken or chipped I won’t worry as much as I haven’t spent too much money on it.

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5. Buy from small businesses selling decoupaged items/ items using Emma Bridgewater fabric/ items inspired by Emma Bridgewater to compliment your collection.  A few of my favourite pages to buy from are @thekookyfox @natyshasvintagehome @bettys_shabby_chic_boutique @loveheartlane @katrina.lyall_dippyduck.  You will find them over on Instagram.

6. Buy from the melamine range.  This is more like picnic wear in the same pattern as the pottery but at a fraction of the price.  These pieces are also great to use when children are about – they can use what they think is the same crockery as the adults without the worry!

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7. Don’t keep any item you don’t love – sell it to buy something which you do!  If you keep looking at a piece of Emma Bridgewater which you have bought and just can’t fall in love with it, don’t hold onto it.  Sell it on to someone who will love it and treat yourself to something on your wish list!

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Let me know if you have any other tips and happy shopping!

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

INTERIORS, LIFESTYLE

Baby’s Kitchen Cupboard Organisation

Hello there!

Hope you are all well? Thought I would write a blog post about how I have got myself organised to best cater for little Harry’s eating.  If you’re a parent, you will know how stressful it can become when your wee one is crying looking fed and you’re flapping about trying to get bottles made/ food prepared!  I think the key to avoiding this is preparation and organisation.

Firstly, I cleared a cupboard in the kitchen and dedicated it solely to Harry.  I then bought some storage baskets to put his bits and pieces in.  You can find the baskets here: http://www.lakeland.co.uk/23881/Small-Faux-Rattan-Storage-Basket

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The bottom shelf has sterilised bottles on the left, baby rice and porridge in the middle and formula on the right.  This formula is the opened one which I am currently using.

The middle shelf has a basket full of spoons, bowls and bibs.  And another basket with food pouches for handiness when out and about.  (Just a quick side note – become a friend to Ella’s Kitchen here for a cute little weaning starter pack: https://www.ellaskitchen.co.uk/become-a-friend/ )

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The top shelf has spare formula; I would recommend keeping a spare tin or two to avoid panic if it runs out!  And a basket with medical supplies, and cups.

I hope these simple organisation tips have been helpful! If you have any more I would love to hear them!

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill 

blog

Master Bedroom

Hello again!

I have finished another room! – Yipeee!

When tackling the master bedroom, I had a few things in mind.  I wanted it to be a tranquil space where hubby and I could go to switch off from the hustle and bustle of the day.  I didn’t want the walls to be cluttered with fussy wallpaper and floral canvases but everything to have a plain and clean look.  As new parents I felt it was important our bedroom was a place of sanctuary away from the brightly coloured toys which play nursery tunes on repeat all day everyday!   I wanted this to be the room in the house where I could completely relax and enjoy some well deserved ‘me’ time.

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The paint colour in our bedroom is the same colour as the rest of the house.  When thinking about moving into Rose Cottage I didn’t want the hassle or to spend the time deliberating over paint colour for each room individually so I just painted the whole house in magnolia!  I done the same with the carpet and carpeted the whole house the same.  I know to some of you this sounds incredibly uncreative and boring, but to me it creates a flow throughout the house which I love.  I find these neutral colours to be warm and inviting as well as being able to easily match accessories to.

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Bed – http://creations-interiors.com/?page_id=77&cat_id=34&product_id=845

Bedding –http://www.bedeckhome.com/sanderson-fabienne-bedding-silver.html#

Bedside Table – http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/tables/coffee-side-tables/maryd-tray-table-grey-art-90292725/

Lamp – http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/lighting/table-lamps/årstid-table-lamp-nickel-plated-white-art-00280637/

Stars – http://www.thewhitelighthousefurniture.co.uk/accessories/stars-set-grey.htm

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Light Up Heart – B&M

Prints – http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/themotivatedtype/product/nap-queen-typography-print

Frames – TKMaxx

These 2 pieces of furniture were both up cycling projects – they were both dark wood and I painted with Annie Sloan Old White.

Cushions – H&M Sale

Hello Beautiful Banner – https://www.frenchgreylifestyle.co.uk/collections/all

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Curtains – http://www.bedeckhome.com/sanderson-fabienne-bedding-silver.html

Heart – http://www.dunelm.com/product/chalk-rustic-hanging-heart-1000043859?searchTerm=hanging%20heart

Chandelier – http://www.argos.co.uk/product/4324005

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These photos are from our wedding – I got them printed in black and white from Photobox and put them into Ikea frames.  Simple but effective I think!

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Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

LIFESTYLE

Pure Bliss

Hello there!

Having recently read lots of blogs, from people I closely follow, on their skincare routines I thought I would share my skin journey…

I always had great skin through my childhood and teenage years so it was never really anything I gave a second thought. This all changed when my skin badly broke out, especially across my forehead and chin. My lifestyle was exactly the same, I was using the same products, eating/drinking the same so I couldn’t understand what was happening! My skin would ache constantly and I would go to any extreme to hide it – from wearing heavy duty makeup, to pulling scarves up over my chin and mouth, I even got a fringe!!!

I had just got engaged and started to panic about my skin for the wedding day. After doing some research, I came across a little salon based close to where I live. This just happened to be the lovely Michelle from Bliss Skin and Beauty Dromore; I immediately made contact. At this point I’d like to say this blog post is in no way, shape or form sponsored. I truly believe in Michelle and how she transformed my skin then and continues to do so today!

I explained to Michelle what my skin concerns were and that my wedding day was fast approaching; she invited me into the salon to have a further in depth conversation and some face mapping. From the moment I walked into the salon I was put at ease and made feel right at home. The salon is a beautiful space and with Michelle greeting you at the door, it couldn’t be more inviting!

On my, and anyone’s first visit to the salon, Michelle will carry out a full consultation and face mapping.   This allows for a truly prescriptive treatment enabling her to target different skin concerns in different zones on your face.  It also includes a conversation on your lifestyle, health and any skin goals you may have.  She will then recommend the best course of action and treatment on what she has discovered.

You spend your treatment under the covers, on her heated couch and listening to relaxing music.  Michelle has magic hands and I’m always asleep before the end of the session!  Her knowledge, experience and professionalism is evident throughout the treatment and the aftercare; I could see results from my very first visit.

Michelle will recommend some products to continue your skin journey at home and has a vast range of products to buy in the salon, but is in no way forceful in selling these. She is more than happy to provide you with samples to take home and try out before investing in any.

When going to a salon, I feel you choose it as much on the staff, as you do on the premises and quality/range of treatments.  Michelle is a beautiful person inside and out.  She has been through many life stages with me from engagement, hen parties, wedding, miscarriage, pregnancy, grief and the list goes on. She has been my go to; regardless of what life has thrown at me. I don’t think I’ve ever really thanked her for that, but I hope that by me returning and supporting her it shows.

So girls, what are you waiting for?! You can book in with Michelle via social media or on the phone at 07912784382.

I have spoke in this post about skincare and facials but Michelle also provides other treatments including massage, pedicures, waxing, reflexology.   Find out more about what she offers on Instagram here and Facebook here.

 

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

 

FASHION & BEAUTY, LIFESTYLE

Our Wedding Day

As wedding season is fast approaching, I thought I would give you all a little peak into our very special day!

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I met my hubby in the summer of 2010 through a mutual friend – love at first sight is an understatement! We immediately hit it off and from that day have been inseparable! He proposed in April 2012 at his parents caravan which was so lovely as it was a place which he had spent a lot of summers at as a child creating beautiful family memories.  Now this is one of those special memories!

The hubby let me take the lead in organising the big day as he knows how much of a control freak I am!  From a little girl obsessed with dressing up daily as a princess I knew exactly how I wanted the day to run from start to finish.

We had the marriage ceremony at my church where from a young age I attended everything going – Sunday School, GB, Youth Fellowship, you name it, I was there!  We had my minister and Ashley’s minister both take part in the ceremony which made it extra special for both families.

We visited a few different venues for the reception but completely fell in love with The Galgorm.  The room which we picked was perfect for our 80 guests and it needed very little dressing which suited our budget.  My creative side went into overdrive and I dressed the church and venue myself (with the help of a local florist and my very patient and understanding family!!)  By making the centre pieces and a few other details myself it helped keep the costs down and I really loved how personal this made the day.

I based the whole day around my love of lace and bows – this theme flowed throughout the day from the dresses to the flowers, the church and the venue.  I just loved walking into the room and seeing all my little creations and ideas jotted around the place.  This made the stress, time and planning spent in the months running up to the day totally worth it.

So here’s some photos:

The Church:

My yummy mummy and gorgeous sisters:

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I arrived to the church in my Dad’s car – this was his pride and joy!

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I made these little sweet cones for the guests to munch on route to the reception:

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The Reception:

These are a few examples of how I dressed the venue:

This is my bouquet, which I made from a selection of vintage and new brooches:

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This is our beautiful cake:

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I put some diamonte stickers on the bottom of our shoes – mine said ‘I Do’, Hubby’s said ‘Me Too”

The evening:

The bridal party done a routine for the first dance!

If anyone would like a DIY tutorial of any of the bits I made myself for the day or to see any more- please get in touch!

Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

FASHION & BEAUTY, LIFESTYLE

What I’m Loving Lately

Hello there!

As I get asked a lot of questions on Instagram about where I purchase things and what I would recommend, I thought I would put together a blog post on a few things I have picked up recently which I really love! I’m thinking this could maybe become a monthly feature if there is any interest? Sure let me know what you think!  This will be a random collection of items, so hopefully everyone will find something they like too.

Interiors

Firstly, these little metal star tea light holders.  As soon as Homely Rose put them up on their Instagram as incoming stock, I tortured Helen to put them onto the website so I could purchase a set!  When I saw them I knew they would look great hanging from my ladder, especially with candles inside at night time. You can find Homely Rose on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/homely_rose/?hl=en Give them a follow as they have some really gorgeous home interiors!

Next up is this Toast rack from One Vision cnc.  If you follow me on Instagram you will know how much I love Emma Bridgewater.  This company engrave wooden items which compliment the pottery just perfectly.  I purchased one of their chopping boards over a year ago with Rose Cottage engraved on the side and it’s as good as the day I bought it!  So pleased now to have this little toast rack to match.  You can purchase it here: http://www.onevisioncnc.co.uk/oak-toast-rack—engraved–4-slice-39-p.asp

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You can read here: Making my home beautiful with Zoflora! how much of a huge fan I am of using Zoflora when cleaning.  This next little purchase is the perfect tool to use alongside it.  I picked it up from Amazon after seeing it recommended on another blog.  I have been really impressed by this electric device, which makes cleaning small, more difficult areas a lot quicker and easier.  Get yours here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_pg_1?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Asonic+scrubber&keywords=sonic+scrubber&ie=UTF8&qid=1492355786&spIA=B01MT80ROH,B018NZ85D2,B06XS16LDN,B01MQ6GXCT

Baby

The lovely Julie has took the plunge and set up an amazing business selling beautiful children’s items.  Her stock is so different from what you would find on the high street, which is why I really love it!  Here are some items from her website, so please check it out and follow her on Instagram for stock updates.  Her website is: https://daisybelledreams.com

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Beauty and Fashion

So I picked up this fake tan after it being recommended by a local blogger I follow.  I normally stick to what I know with fake tan but this was on offer in Boots so I thought I would give it a go.  I have to say I am really impressed with this tan – the colour is so natural, smell isn’t too bad and develops almost immediately.  Definitely will be using this one if I don’t have time to tan the night before an event.

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And lastly, these shoes!! I ordered these from H&M after seeing a few people/ celebs wearing similar ones.  I wasn’t too sure if I would suit them or if I could style them well, but I am totally in love! I am a huge fan of the metallic shoes which are in fashion at the moment, as they can be easily dressed up or worn casually.  They are also really comfy to wear, which is a big bonus!  Find them here: http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0474111004.html#Silver

Let me know what your loving lately!

Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

 

LIFESTYLE

40 bags in 40 days de-cluttering challenge!

Hello there!

So today was the final day of my 40 bags in 40 days de-cluttering challenge!! After seeing this idea on an Instagram feed I decided to give it a go.  I didn’t look into the ‘proper’ way to undertake this challenge and thought I would make up my own rules as I went along!  Instead of giving up chocolate, fizzy drinks, sweets etc for lent (lets face it as a new Mum I need all the sugar I can get to make it through the day!!!!) I decided to attempt to de-clutter my home/life!  My goal was to fill 40 bags, one per day, concentrating on a different area each day.  So here’s my list:

Day 1: My Clothes – Trousers

Day 2: My Clothes – PJs

Day 3: My Clothes – Boots

Day 4: My Clothes – Maternity Wear

Day 5: My Clothes – Pumps and Trainers

Day 6: My Clothes – Coats

Day 7: My Clothes – Scarfs

Day 8: My Clothes – Belts

Day 9: My Clothes – Underwear

Day 10: My Clothes – Tights and Socks

Day 11: My Clothes – Tops and Shirts

Day 12: My Clothes – Jumpers

Day 13: My Clothes – Skirts and Shorts

Day 14: Jewellery

Day 15: My Clothes – Bags

Day 16: Christmas Decorations – Indoor

Day 17: Christmas Decorations – Outdoor

Day 18: Newborn Clothes

Day 19: Hubby’s Clothes

Day 20: Hubby’s Shoes

Day 21: Home Items – Kitchen

Day 22: Home Items – Bedrooms

Day 23: Home Items – General

Day 24: Nail Varnishes

Day 25: Beauty Products

Day 26: Hair Products

Day 27: Make up and Make up Brushes

Day 28: Bedding

Day 29: Magazines

Day 30: Receipts

Day 31: Cards

Day 32: Paperwork/Post

Day 33: Photos

Day 34: DVDs

Day 35: Pets Items

Day 36: Towels

Day 37: Craft Items

Day 38: Food Items

Day 39: Books

Day 40: CDs

Now don’t let this list scare you off! As you can see from my pictures below some of my bags were smaller than others, depending on the area I was doing.

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I tried to upload a photo of my bag each day onto my Insta stories to keep myself accountable, but to be honest with a newborn in the house I found it almost impossible to do a bag each day so sometimes done 3 or 4 in one day when I had a spare hour.  I found this was a really feel good exercise, allowing me to free up much needed space in my home as well as being able to see exactly what I stuff I have.  I also was able to make some money along the way which was a big bonus!!

Some of my bags went into storage, some went to friends/family, I sold some items (online via webuyanybooks.com and set up an Insta selling page), hoping to do a car boot sale this month with some items, and some went to the skip.

At the end of my 40 days I can say I feel a lot better and my home is so much more organised.  So why don’t you give it a go?? Remember your home is for living space, not storage space! Would love to hear how you get on!

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

LIFESTYLE

Easter Egg Hot Chocolate

Hello there!

I hope you have had a fun filled Easter full of memory making! If you are lucky enough to have buckets full of chocolate eggs you might be looking for other ways to eat them (apart from stuffing them all in your mouth at once!!!).  I made some yummy hot chocolate with a few of my eggs so thought I would share the idea with you!

Firstly here’s the ingredients:

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An Easter egg, milk and marshmallows.

Firstly, pour some milk into a saucepan to heat.

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Then break up your chocolate egg into a mug.

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Once your milk has heated up, pour it into your mug over the broken chocolate.  The warm milk will melt your chocolate when stirred.  OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Then add some marshmallows on top. You could add other toppings like whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, chocolate sauce – whatever you like!

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Then enjoy!

I’d love to hear if you have any other ideas using chocolate Easter eggs!

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill