Thursday, 29 September 2016

Making Time For Me (And Some New Glasses.)

You may remember that a couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about what to say to a Mum whose youngest is starting school. As a result, last week, I tried to make some time for myself inbetween running around after the children. I even found myself at Go Ape, hanging with my thigh stuck through a metal hoop. Just call be Bridget Jones the second.

I also we went shopping for the first time in I don't know how long. When you look back at pictures of you taken 8 years ago and you are still wearing the same jumper it can say one of two things. 1. That is a very high quality jumper and a timeless piece if fashion. 2. You need a new wardrobe. In my case it was the latter!

I was therefore delighted when Specsavers asked me if I would like to review a pair of their new Cath Kidston glasses. Just like clothes, glasses are a major part of your appearance and there is no reason why you shouldn't have a few pairs to go with your outfit. I love Cath Kidston prints. I have even been on a Cath Kidston inspired cake decorating course! I was therefore interested to see what the new range of glasses would look like. Most of the Cath Kidston detailing is on the arms of the glasses. Subtle and not over powering.

I had a quick eye test to check that my prescription hadn't changed and then tried on a few pairs. My decision was pretty easy and I went for these beauties. You can see the shapes of the Cath Kidston glasses on the Specsavers website, but I would suggest going into store to have a proper look as it is the arms that have the patterns on. They come in the buy one get one free offer as well so you can get a spare. If you chose a big pair like mine, I would recommend upgrading your lenses to have the anti glare coating. They will explain in store how this makes a difference but it will help with the glare from lights at night as well as there being less of a reflection when people look at you.

They come in a lovely case with a beautiful cleaning cloth. Who knows it might even tempt me to clean mine as it is so pretty! (Ssshhhh I don't usually use my jumper and scratch my lens' - honest!)
I also received a 15% off voucher when spending £35 at Cath Kidston and a Specsavers golden ticket, entitling me or a friend to a discount on Specsavers glasses within the next 6 months. Bargain!

I am really pleased with my new glasses and also pleased that I have started to make some time for me. Of course having a job that you love helps with the me time too, so I will be baking more in the coming weeks and have decided that I will be looking into some healthy recipes too. Afterall, if I have just bought a whole new wardrobe, I don't want to ruin it by baking too many cakes resulting in an expanding waistline. Maybe my next task should be how to take a good selfie?

How do you spend your me time?

I received the eye test and a voucher to purchase the basic set of glasses for the purpose of this post. I paid a small amount to upgrade my lenses.

Wednesday, 28 September 2016

Mother's Day DVD: Win 1 of 3 Copies!

Coming to digital download and DVD this October is the film Mother's Day. With a star studied cast including Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson it is sure to be a treat. Mother's day is a romantic comedy which is a sweet and moving tale of family life. This clip of giving their Mum the present for their Step Mother did make me chuckle!

In the film there are only a few days left before Mother’s Day and several families have to come to terms with how they’ll be spending the big day. Whether it’s dealing with a new love, a lost love, or no love at all, this Mother’s Day will prove to be unforgettable! It also contains one of my favourite comedians Jack Whitehall.

Mother's Day is available to download on digital, DVD and Blueray on Monday 3rd October. You can pre-order your copy from Amazon now.

I am also excited to be able to offer three of my readers the chance to win the DVD. Just complete the Gleam entry below. Good Luck!

Mother's Day DVD (3 winners!)

Listed on Prizefinder

Sunday, 25 September 2016

Danish Pastries: Pecan & Maple and Marzipan & Apricot

These Danish Pastries may take some time to make but they really are worth the wait. Choosing your favourite between Pecan & Maple and Marzipan & Apricot is very hard. So just enjoy both!

For pastry week on the GBBO I decided to have a go at Danish Pastries. I opted for two different fillings: pecan and maple syrup and marzipan with apricot jam.

For the pastry recipe itself I opted for Paul Hollywood's recipe. It takes a long time as you need to leave it overnight and it makes loads. I decided to freeze half the dough after I made it, or we would be eating danish pastries for breakfast, lunch and dinner! They are, however, delicious.

For the pastry you will need:

500g strong white bread flour
10g salt
80g caster sugar
10g insrant yeast
2 eggs
90ml cool water
125g tepid milk
250g unsalted butter

Start by adding all the above ingredients, expect the butter to a mixing bowl. I got to test out my new food mixer, by using the dough hook and mixing on low for 2 minutes and medium for a further 6.

Leave to rise in the fridge for 1 hour.

The roll out into a rectangle approximately 1cm thick. Thin the butter out and put on the first 2/3 of the dough. Fold it over three times. Leave for an hour in the fridge and repeat this process a further 2 times.

Now leave overnight in the fridge.

Pecan and Maple Danish Pastries

For the filling you will need

60g Pecan nuts
1tbsp maple syrup
1tbsp soft brown sugar

Icing sugar and a little water to make the drizzle.

Finely chop the pecan nuts and mix with the brown sugar and maple syrup.

Roll the dough into an rectangle. Cover with the nut mixture and roll up. Cut into dish and squash these down on some baking parchment. Leave to rise. (I put half of theses into the freezer at this point.)

Bake at 180C until golden brown.

Allow to cool before making up a small amount of icing and drizzling it over the danish pastries.

Marzipan And Apricot Pinwheels

For the filling you will need:

Marzipan
Apricot jam

Cut small squares from the rolled out dough of approximately 4cm by 4cm.

At each corner cut a diagonal line that goes 1cm before the middle.

Roll a thin piece of marzipan and place in the middle.

Add a teaspoon of apricot jam.

Fold the sides into the centre to make the pinwheel shape.

Bake at 180C until golden brown

I am pleased to report that my boys though that these were worth the wait!

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Danish pastries. Pecan and maple and marzipan and apricot jam

First Week Of School

I can't quite believe that little man has completed his first week of school. When big and middle man started school I never had that feeling that they were ready. Little man was ready last September. I guess it's a third child thing. He see's his brothers and wants to be like them. School has been a long time coming for both him and me!

So what has the first week been like?

He has been fantastic. He asks me to come to his door to watch walk in and I get a few cuddles on the way before he bounces off with his bookbag in hand. No looking back. He seems to have been making friends but does not see the need for worrying about what their names are.

Of course with it being reception we have had more than our fair share of recycling returned to us. He actually bought home an empty innocent smoothie box one day so that he could put a soft toy in it. No decoration. Nothing! We have had a rocket ship too which has just made me feel bad about my housewife skills. I don't even iron let alone have scented ironing water! Now I have the job of trying to remove these pieces of art from the house. Easier said than done. No doubt I will blame it on Daddy getting confused and putting it in the recycling.

It was Thursday night that little man put the fear of God into me. "Travelling Piglet will be going home with someone this weekend" little man announced with a wide grin on his face. Oh my, how could I have forgotten about that grubby little pig? More importantly, how on earth is it still in one piece? Big man looked after him 5 years ago. Complete with his Estee Lauder wash bag. Clearly this piglet is well looked after! I am pleased to report that his teacher doesn't hate me as much as I feared as we haven't been asked to look after his this weekend. That black cloud will be over our heads for a bit longer I guess.

Talking of black clouds we also have Biff, Chip and Kipper back in our lives. Little man, upset my the lack of homework he has received is demanding we read the ones we have at home. (I knew I should have binned them when I had the chance. Third time round of their exploits is not a reading journey I cherish.)

So at the moment it is so far, so good. He is extremely tired and most nights there have been tears about nothing, but that will soon pass. My little man is now trying his hardest to be a big boy and he is thriving.

Thursday, 22 September 2016

Slow Cooked Hunter's Chicken

Slow cooked hunter's chicken is a perfect school night dinner. If you are like me, you will find cooking at 5 o'clock with ravenous children a nightmare. I never seem to get the timing's right and the boys just need to eat - immediately! As autumn has rolled in, I have got the slow cooker out and everything has become easier. I can put the slow cooker on at lunchtime and then dinner is ready to go for when their hunger overtakes them.

To serve 4 you will need:

4 chicken breasts

Streaky bacon

BBQ sauce

Grated cheese

Wrap each chicken breast in streaky bacon and place in the slow cooker on low.

After 3-4 hours remove any excess water.

The spread BBQ sauce over each chicken breast and sprinkle with grated cheese.

Once this is melted serve with jacket potato and steamed vegetables.

You are sure to find some more slow cooker recipes on the blog over the coming months. What is your favourite slow cooked meal?

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Monday, 19 September 2016

Easy Yorkshire Pudding Recipe Filled with Steak and Blue Cheese Sauce

This Yorkshire Pudding recipe is so easy, you will wonder why you have ever bought them pre- made. I use my trusty pampered chef stone baker to make them which means that very little oil is needed. I just add a small splash to make sure they don't stick.

Pre heat your oven to 220C. Add a tiny amount of oil to each hole in your stoneware and place in the oven whilst you make up your batter.

You will need:

200ml milk
125g plain flour
3 eggs

Whisk these together and then divide the mixture between the 12 muffin holes.

Bake until they have risen and are a golden brown.

For my savoury filling, I opted for something I knew my husband would love - steak and blue cheese sauce.

For the filling you will need:

Rump Steak (1 steak should be enough for 2 people.)
2 handfuls of spinach
A knob of butter
1tbsp plain flour
200ml milk
100g blue cheese.

Start by making the blue cheese sauce when you have put the Yorkshire Puddings in the oven.

Melt the butter and stir in the flour. Add the milk and bring to the boil. Then add the cheese and stir until melted.

Wilt the spinach.

Fry the steak and then thinly cut.

Add to your Yorkshire Puddings and enjoy.

Sunday, 18 September 2016

Popping Edible Sparklers

With Bonfire night around the corner I have been making these popping edible sparklers. They are really simple and if you don't mind the kids getting melted chocolate everywhere (including around their faces if they are like mine) then it is a great activity to get them involved in.

The best part about them is the popping that goes off in your mouth when you eat them thanks to the popping candy that can now be found in most baking aisles.

Popping Edible Sparklers

A packet of plain breadsticks
An assortment of sprinkles
White and Plain chocolate or cake covering. Personally I found the cake covering easier to work with as it hardened quicker meaning there was less mess when waiting for them to harden.
Popping candy.

Start by placing the breadsticks in the fridge for 20 minutes. This makes the chocolate harden quicker.
Next melt some of your chosen chocolate.
Dip a breadstick in the chocolate and use a spoon to pour over the chocolate so that around half the stick is covered.
Sprinkle over hundreds and thousands and coloured stars.Bake at 180C until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean.
Lastly sprinkle some popping candy to give your edible sparklers an extra fizz!

Perfect for a bonfire night party or half term activity with the little ones.

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Friday, 16 September 2016

Caramel Apple Popcorn

This easy caramel apple popcorn is a great after school treat in Autumn or anytime of year. With little man starting school yesterday, I wanted to make a simple and quick after school treat to celebrate his big day. The boys loved it and I fear that they will be expecting it on a more regular basis.

You will need:

1/2 cup of popping corn
1 packet of apple crisps ( I used Kiddylicious apple crisps 12g)
A couple of pieces of fudge
2 tablespoons of golden caster sugar

Start by making the popcorn, either in a machine if you have one or a lidded saucepan.

Line a baking tray with foil and place the popcorn over it.

Chop the fudge into small chunks and sprinkle this over the popcorn.

Lightly crush the apple crisps and sprinkle these of the popcorn as well.

Heat the golden caster sugar in a stainless steel pan. Stir with a wooden spoon until it has caramelized.

Then pour the caramel over the popcorn and allow to cool.

Be careful to make sure it cools properly as the caramel is really hot and you will burn your tongue if you test it too early. I have learnt my lesson!

So whether you are planning a film night with the kids snuggled under blankets or a bonfire night party, this caramel apple popcorn is a real winner.

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caramel apple popcorn recipe, perfect for Bonfire night

Wednesday, 14 September 2016

What To Say To A Mum Whose Youngest Is Starting School.

My youngest starts school tomorrow. He is ready. I think I am. The questions from well meaning friends and acquaintances started at the beginning of the year.

What will you do with all your free time?

Will you go back to teaching?

Will you be going to work?

I have mainly laughed it off by saying I am planning a TV fest of Jeremy Kyle, Good Morning and Loose Women. (I'm not going to lie, I may well do this one day in the first week!)

I'm not sure why, but being a stay at home Mum when the kids are at school just doesn't seem an acceptable answer. Obviously not all of them know that I have been self employed for a few years and those that do still don't really see blogging as work. They don't really understand the amount of work involved. But blogging aside, why on earth should I be looking for a job the moment my children are at school? We receive no benefits. I have given up my career so that my husband can follow his. I find this an extremely hard thing to accept a lot of the time, but it was and still is the right decision for our family. I have no support network to rely on for childcare. The hours involved in going back to teaching and the costs involved in childcare do not make it an attractive option. Whilst some may still think teachers have it easy and finish at 3 everyday, I can tell you that is not the case.

I have spent the last 9 years putting an increasing number of people before myself. Making sure they are happy. Cooking and cleaning for them. Do you know how much mess 3 boys can make in the space of 10 minutes? To be honest I could quite easily spend the hours from 9 to 3 just cleaning the house from the previous evening.

So what should you say to a Mum whose youngest is starting school?

Well I am pleased to say that this was said to me. Chatting outside the classroom after a school meeting a Mum turned to me and said "What are you going to do...." I took a deep breath and readied myself to start talking about crap daytime TV (not Phil and Holly obviously.) Then she finished her sentence. "for yourself."

Now that is one Mum that understands, and it is certainly what you should say to a Mum whose youngest is starting school. Sometimes us Mum's need to remember to put ourselves first. Do something that isn't for someone else.

Is your little one starting school this year? Have you had these questions? What are you going to do for yourself?

Monday, 12 September 2016

Pumpkin Party Favors

These pumpkin party favors are easy to make, and you could even use it as a Halloween craft activity at a party you are organizing. When it comes to Halloween I am more into the idea of cute pumpkins and witches hats than blood and gore. My kids are all about the sweet treats!

To make these pumpkin party favors you will need:

Lollipops (I used some jumbo ones.)
Orange felt
Ribbon,
Green foam flower shapes
Green pipe cleaner
Black foam
Scissors
Bostik Glu dots

Cut a square of orange felt that will cover the lollipop. Secure it my wrapping some Halloween ribbon around it.

Use a glu dot to secure the green foam flower to the top of the lollipop. Cut a piece of pipe cleaner. Bend both ends so that they aren't sharp. then curl into a circle and stalk and secure with another glu dot.

Cut out eyes and a mouth from black foam and again stick them on with glu dots.

These pumpkin party favours are simple to make and thanks to the Bostik glu dots there is no mess making it a more enjoyable craft experience with the children! These would also be great for trick or treaters.

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If you are looking for some more Halloween party ideas, why not check out my healthy halloween treats, including a spooky spider sandwich.

And don't forget these easy to make Reese's Spider cupcakes.

I am part of the Bostik Bloggers group and received the crafting products to use in this post.

Friday, 9 September 2016

Tear And Share Chocolate and Toffee Bread

This week is bread week on GBBO so I made this easy and delicious tear and share chocolate and toffee bread. It is basically an iced bun recipe, with added chocolate pieces and toffee sauce.

Ingredients:

500g Strong white flour
7g easy bake yeast
275ml milk
50g butter
1egg
1tsp salt

toffee sauce
chocolate (I used 1/2 packet of Galaxy counters)

icing sugar

Heat the milk in a pan and add the butter. Once melted allow the milk to cool.
Put all the other bread ingredients including the egg into a bowl and mix together.
Add the cooled milk and butter mixture and make into a dough.
Knead for around 10 mins on a lightly floured surface.
Leave to rise in the bowl covered with a tea towel. This took about 2 hours.
Knock the air out of the dough by kneeding a few times. Then roll out into a rectangle.

I split the mixture in half here as I was using an 8 inch tin.

Add chopped chocolate pieces and toffee sauce.

Roll this up and cut into 12 equal balls and put in a greased tin.

Cook at 180C until golden brown.

Allow to cool before drizzling with icing and some chocolate chunks.

Tear a piece off and enjoy. Sharing is optional.

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This tear and share bread is delicious. It is filled with toffee sauce and chocolate chips. If you make it you might not want to share it!

The School Home Visit, Round 3

Yesterday saw the school home visit for little man. It seems like only yesterday that I nervously awaited the teacher and teaching assistant for big man starting school. I had so many questions and they were there to reassure me that everything would be OK as much as they were for him.

I blinked and it was middle man's home visit. He has now decided that he would rather own a snow tubing slope than becoming a vet and thankfully there were no feet stuck into the faces of anyone at little mans visit.

I blinked again, another 2 years have flown by and it is nearly time for little man to start school. He is more than ready. So am I. I think.....

Of course I am trying to cram some special time in with him before he starts school full time. I have even taken him to soft play (aka hell on earth.) The guilt has set in. I haven't done anything with my baby. Clearly I have, but I'm so tired of the general looking after 3 humans that I can't remember one occasion in the past 4 1/2 years.

It is this blank mind that caused me a problem on this visit. So many questions about my gorgeous boy. Could I answer them? "Uummmm....." No wonder there are so many "they're the third child" jokes. I could barely remember his name. And let's face facts. I called him the wrong name, twice, when he started pre school.

What is he good at? Um
What does he like? Um
Is he a good sleeper? Um
Does he know his letters? Um

Honestly if this lovely lady didn't know me (she has had the "pleasure" of teaching my other sons) she would have probably thought I had walked in off the streets rather than be his mother!

Little man probably took my silence as a guide. He just smiled blankly at her. Considering he hadn't stopped talking for the last 5 hours he came across as quiet and reserved. He ran upstairs to get various soft toy animals that he had in his room and all was going well. I'm hoping he didn't tell the TA that he is feeding his white faced monkey so it doesn't eat squirrel monkeys as I feel that this is role play a step too far!

I told the teacher how I was adamant that he started school on Wednesday but thanks to Facebook had found out it was Thursday. She thought I was joking when I offered little man's services in preparing her classroom on Wednesday if she needed it. Ah well it was worth a try.

So everything is set for little man to start school. The day I have been waiting for through the endless tantrums. But he has turned a corner. He is lovely to be with. And now it is time for him to be with someone else. And although I thought I was more than ready, now I'm not so sure.

Sunday, 4 September 2016

Gingerbread Bride And Groom

It is biscuit week on GBBO so I decided to make a gingerbread bride and groom. If you haven't heard, this weekend the wedding of the year taking place. Yes my little sister is marrying the love of her life and what better way to celebrate than make her in gingerbread.

Instead of my no egg gingerbread recipe, I went for this one from BBC Good Food. Whilst my husband really liked the taste, it is quite soft so not great for 3D structures! But my wedding cake stood tall even if a more crunchy recipe would have been easier.

To make the gingerbread you will need:

350g plain flour
1tsp bicarbonate of soda
2tsp ground ginger
1tsp ground cinnamon
4oz butter
6oz sugar
1 egg
4tbsp golden syrup

To decorate:

icing pens and silver balls

Pre heat the oven to 180C

Mix all the gingerbread ingredients together to form a dough and place in the fridge to harden for 10 mins.

Roll the gingerbread quite thin as it will expand.

Cut out the shapes you choose. I made a template for the wedding cake out of card.

Cook until golden brown.

I found that the gap in the wedding cake template closed so while cooling cut the slots back in.

When cool, decorate with icing pens.

So all that is left is for me to wish my sister a great week. We can't wait to see you on Saturday and you can eat yourself and your new husband if you wish!

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Pages

Thursday, 29 September 2016

Making Time For Me (And Some New Glasses.)

Wednesday, 28 September 2016

Mother's Day DVD: Win 1 of 3 Copies!

Sunday, 25 September 2016

Danish Pastries: Pecan & Maple and Marzipan & Apricot

First Week Of School

Thursday, 22 September 2016

Slow Cooked Hunter's Chicken

Monday, 19 September 2016

Easy Yorkshire Pudding Recipe Filled with Steak and Blue Cheese Sauce

Sunday, 18 September 2016

Popping Edible Sparklers

Popping Edible Sparklers

Friday, 16 September 2016

Caramel Apple Popcorn

Wednesday, 14 September 2016

What To Say To A Mum Whose Youngest Is Starting School.

Monday, 12 September 2016

Pumpkin Party Favors

Friday, 9 September 2016

Tear And Share Chocolate and Toffee Bread

The School Home Visit, Round 3

Sunday, 4 September 2016

Gingerbread Bride And Groom

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