GIVEN TO DISTRACTING OTHERS

#Blogging4Madeleine

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Sun, 12 May 2013 14:01:00 +0000

I posted last year on Madeleine McCann's 9th birthday its so sad to be posting again, I feel I cannot utter the words Happy Birthday, instead I will offer my prayers,thoughts,tears and a birthday wish that she will be reunited with her Mum,dad and family!

2013 today is Madeleine McCanns 10th birthday, it should be a day of laughter,celebration, family and friends. Instead its a day when all those feelings of loss will be most keen, the unanswered questions,the prayers that she is alive,more importantly happy and safe.

So to try and mark this day, bloggers are again raising awareness that Madeleine McCann is still missing and to spread the word worldwide in order to help find her and bring her home.

Madeleline went missing on holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal on Thursday 3rd May 2007, I cannot quite believe its six years.

Contact information to report any sightings or information

Your local police force immediately, AND

+44 845 838 4699 or investigation@findmadeleine.com

OR Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111 or

- www.crimestoppers-uk.org

The Find Madeleine official website www.findmadeleine.com

The recent case of the three girls kidnapped in Cleveland,Ohio and being free after 10 years gives hope to parents of missing children and families around the UK and sadly there are many missing people, including children like Ben Needham, in fact a staggering 140,000 children go missing in the UK every year. There is something I can do to help though, and you can too,its a small moment of your time, just a tweet!

You will be in the company of millions,businesses,celebrities and people all over the UK will be taking part in the Big Tweet!

On International Missing Children’s Day (Saturday 25 May) Missing People Patron Stephen Fry will once again join the charity Missing People in harnessing the power of Twitter to help find missing children via The Big Tweet for Missing Children. You can take part too, by retweeting the appeals for missing children that the charity will tweet every 30 minutes.

https://twitter.com/missingpeople

On this day, the charity will also be holding its flagship annual run Miles for Missing People on Clapham Common. So, please visit www.missingpeople.org.uk/miles2013 to enter, or simply come along to the beautiful Clapham

POP IS THE PERFECT FORMULA FOR GETTING THE KIDS UP

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:09:00 +0000

BRITISH BREAKFAST MOVING IN ONE DIRECTION…
WITH A BIT OF GANGNAM STYLE!

POP IS THE PERFECT FORMULA FOR GETTING THE KIDS UP AND OUT OF THE HOUSE
IN THE MORNING

It’s a daily dilemma for every parent: getting the kids up and out of the house on time for school. But new research out today - which involved a combination of 2,000 mums[1], 54,000 Facebook fans[2] and focus groups up and down Britain - has uncovered the ultimate routine for a stress-free morning.

The large-scale study, led by family baker Warburtons, and set to culminate in the launch of a new breakfast handbook this month – Breakfast: From Our Family To Yours ‘Making Breakfast Easy’, reveals that HALF of mums who use music to get their kids up in the morning[3] find Pop to be the most effective genre, with Gangnam Style and One Direction topping the charts as the most popular wake up music... Although the research also uncovered that Dizzee Rascal and Rihanna kept Mums stress levels the lowest!

The research found that the key to a calm, domestic midweek morning is to start the night before and to take five minutes ‘me time’ before waking the children. This will help get your head together and reduce the chances of you starting the day feeling like you will never catch yourself up.

The ultimate routine, developed from extensive research and winning tips put forward by UK families over the last three months, is:

STEP ONE: START THE NIGHT BEFORE - Spend some time the night BEFORE packing school bags, sorting PE kits, prepping lunchboxes, laying the breakfast table and setting out clothes – 17mins is optimal, any more increases stress levels. This way you go to sleep knowing that you have already started your morning smoothly.

STEP TWO: GATHER YOUR THOUGHTS - Try to wake up before the children. Take five minutes ‘me time’ every midweek morning to grab a cup of tea and a slice of toast and gather your thoughts before waking the kids.

STEP THREE: WAKE THE KIDS - A single, calm wakeup call to the family should be enough and, where possible, should take place between 7:00am and 7:15am. The key is not to shout.

STEP FOUR: LURE THE KIDS OUT OF BED - Lure youngsters out of bed with the smell of fresh toast and pop music. The most popular aroma to help get children out of bed is freshly toasted bread, whilst Gangnam Style and One Direction top the charts as the most popular wake up soundtrack.

STEP FIVE: GET WASHED, CLEANED & DRESSED - To avoid peak stress levels, spend between 10 and 30 minutes overseeing the kids getting washed, their teeth cleaned and dressed. The key is NOT to shout – shouting is ineffective and a horrible way to start the day.

STEP SIX: ENJOY BREAKFAST - Allow 20-25 minutes to eat breakfast together with the children – the morning is proven to be less stressful if mums physically take the time to sit down with their child or children, with no distractions.

STEP SEVEN: OFF TO SCHOOL YOU GO - Follow the above and it should now take no more than five minutes to prepare to leave the house for school.

Child psychologist Professor Tanya Byron, who analysed the ultimate routine, said: “Mums and dads find the weekday breakfast period one of the most stressful and challenging parts of family life. But where we British parents excel is that many of us have an inspiring range of tactical strategies and clever parenting plans, such as step by step sequences like this, to make this busy start to the day run as efficiently as possible.

“As a child psychologist and mum myself, I can completely relate to the problems parents face and that’s why I’ve been working with Warburtons to pull together their new book - it truly is a practical guide to clever and creative parenting.”

Jonathan Warburton, Chairman of Warburtons and dad of four, adds: “Our new book contains the very best hints, tips, recipes and advice from families across the nation on how to juggle breakfast. Working closely with child psychologist Tanya Byron, the tips have been combined with the results of in-depth research to create the ultimate breakfast routine which, if followed step by step, should help families across Britain get through that all important breakfast rush with as little stress as possible.”

Log onto www.Facebook.com/Warburtons to get your hands on copy of Warburtons new parenting guide – ‘Making Breakfast Easy’.

Warburtons:

· Warburtons is the UK’s leading independent baker and was established in a grocery shop in Bolton in 1876 by Thomas and Ellen Warburton. Today the business is actively run by the fifth generation of the Warburton family – Brett, Jonathan and Ross

· Warburtons is the number one brand within the UK Bakery sector with over 135 years of baking expertise^[4]

· Warburtons is the third biggest grocery brand in the UK^[5]

· With thirteen bakeries and thirteen depots around the UK, the company serves customers from the Scottish Islands & Highlands in the North to Southampton in the South

· For local stockists please call the Warburtons Freephone Customer Careline on 0800 243 684.

www.warburtons.co.uk

Discovery Mexican Chicken Pasta

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Wed, 08 May 2013 08:54:00 +0000

Time to celebrate a day that I love from afar. Mexico's Cinco De Mayo Spanish “Fifth of May” national holiday in Mexico in honour of a military victory in 1862 over the French forces of Napoleon III.

Discovery the well known Mexican food brand first alerted me to this day two years ago, with foods to try and events to visit. They did not have to try too hard back then as I love spicy Mexican recipes.

I decided to make a recipe I have been toying with for a while, it mixes Italian and Mexican nicely, instead of Spaghetti Carbonara, think Fajita Chicken Carbonara.

Discovery sent me the new Garlicand Herb Soured Cream, along with a Fajita kit and a Cajun Cooking sauce the mission was to review the products I am also entering a competiton to come up with a recipe using these and I decided on two ofthe products, the new and the fajita spice mix.
Scroll down if you like the look of the top photo.

I cooked the Cajun sauce dish first, as it is so easy to make, plus it was a chance to try the new sour cream. Chris opted for a jacket potato, I went with rice.

The Cajun chicken is superb, bags of flavour lots of sauce and soft peppers,onions and tomatoes to give depth.

The Fajita kit is a fabulous standby to have in the cupboard, its so easy to whip up a meal midweek that seems like a treat and that I have gone to real effort, when I have actually had hardly anything to do.

Finally as I mentioned at the beginning, I decided to use the Discovery Garlic and Herb Soured Cream as a cooking ingredient, not really knowing if it would work, curdle or change the taste I imagined it to have.

It worked beautifully, I also used a fresh sour cream to get the consistency and amount of sauce I needed for four people, but I will be adding more of the Discovery cream again.

I adore rice,could eat it every day, but the whole family prefer pasta, so this is a Mexican Chicken Pasta, sorry to any purists out there. I do tend to mix things up a bit and I think it worked.
The pasta was a fresh bag from Sainsbury's a new one to me, Taglioline sort of skinny tagliatelle

I used another sachet of Discovery Fajita mix, I always have them in my spice basket, they are very versatile, we love them on potato wedges, in rice, as a marinade on pork for the slow cooker.

I used a medium strength and I used it three ways, to marinade the chicken, to sprinkle over the cooking vegetables and to flavour the creamy sauce.

Feel free to add less, use a milder or hotter strength, it was an invention so reinventing is permissible. I think adding it in to all three components made the finished dish just have a lovely background of spice without too much spice heat.

My tip when cooking try to use a heavy cast iron pan, use it, it makes the chicken blacken up fast and nicely without having a ruined pan. I also will chop my chicken up smaller next time to make it easier to mingle through the pasta

500g chicken breast small cubes

1 packet Discovery Fajita Seasoning Mix (Medium)

50g tablespoons butter/marg

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1green pepper thinly sliced strips

1 red pepper thinly sliced strips

1 red onion, sliced

3 cloves Garlic, minced

4 fresh plum tomatoes finely diced

A small glass of white wine

400ml chicken stock

Small pot of sour cream
1-2 tablespoons Discovery Herb and Garlic Soured Cream
Pepper to finish.
500g Fresh Taglioline or similar.

Method

Marinate the chicken in about half the Discovery Fajita Mix, leave for at least 30 minutes.

Heat up half the butter and olive oil until sizzling, add the chicken in a single layer and allow to cook, for 2 minutes, don't be tempted to turn over until the chicken is golden and blackened in small areas, after turning,fry for about 2-3 mins. Repeat if any chicken left. Place on a large plate

Add the remaining butter and oil to the same pan and add the peppers, onions and garlic. Sprinkle over half the remaining Discovery Fajita mix. Fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes stirring occasionally to keep from sticking.

Add the diced tomatoes and stir for about a minute. Remove from the pan and set aside with the chicken.

Now to get all those lovely blackened bits into the sauce, so keep the heat up high on the pan, and add the wine and stock, stirring and scraping the pan. This needs to bubble away for a good few minutes to reduce down.

Lower the heat and remove from the heat for a minute, while you pop on the pasta in a large pan to cook, it should be slightly undercooked.

Add the pot of sour cream and the Discovery Garlic and Herb into the stock and stir vigorously to keep from curling. Don't worry too much as it will be all mixed in with the pasta and chicken.

Sprinkle in the remaining Fajita mix and stir in. The sauce will thicken slightly.

Now add the chicken ,vegetables and juices left and cook on a low heat to warm through, if you cut the chicken small enough its about a minute, I just checked the biggest pies to ensure they were cooked thoroughly, refrain from eating at this point,it smells devine!

Finally stir the pasta through, mixing thoroughly and serve.

Serve with my easy guacamole recipe

http://www.discoveryfoods.co.uk/

Save Frogs from Extinction

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:44:00 +0000

I adore frogs here are some of mine , so an easy yes, when Cabury asked me if I would mind sharing this charity post.

Chris created a wildlife pond three years ago (note to anyone who builds one near the house, frogs get very amorous in spring and make a lot of racket or is that ribbit with their mating calls!) and we were lucky enough in our first season to have frogs, toads and a newt ,they happily munched the mosquito population for me too,>

One frog (above) insisted on popping into the house on summer evenings, we have had lots of joy watching him and our own the population prosper.

AS A THIRD OF FROGS FACE EXTINCTION- FREDDO URGES ‘SAVE THE FROG’

Cadbury Dairy Milk Freddo has teamed up with UK wildlife charity, Froglife

Cadbury Dairy Milk Freddo has teamed up with UK wildlife charity, Froglife, the world’s largest day of amphibian education and conservation action.

There are thought to be over 5,500 species of frog in the world, yet amphibians are now the most endangered group of animals on the planet, with nearly a third (32.5%) of the world’s species on the brink of extinction, and almost half of all known amphibian species in decline. Three types of frog (the Hule painted frog, Macaya breast-spot frog and La Hotte glanded frog) featured on the IUCN and Zoological Society of London’s recent list of the 100 most endangered species on the planet.

Mike Dilger, presenter of the BBC’s The One Show and Patron of Froglife said: “It’s extremely concerning that nearly a third of the world’s amphibians are now on the brink of extinction. That’s why it’s great that Cadbury Dairy Milk Freddo and Froglife have joined forces to encourage people to help save our frogs.”

John Shuttleworth, the fictional singer-songwriter created by English comedy actor and musician Graham Fellows, is also supporting the campaign with a song he has written, which is being shared via social media to encourage more people to save the frogs.

Ways you can help the frogs with Freddo and Froglife:

· Just add water- build a wildlife pond in your garden to create a habitat for frogs

· Become a dragon finder- watch out for amphibians and reptiles, and let Froglife know what you see at www.froglife.org/dragonfinder

· Adopt a pond- ask your local nature reserve or contact the Conservation Volunteers (TCV)

· Discover more about pond life- Pond dipping is a great way to introduce your kids to frogs and other amphibians! Try it in your garden or contact local nature reserves

Chocolate is more fun when it’s frog shaped! Cadbury Dairy Milk Freddo is available in solid Dairy Milk chocolate and Dairy Milk with Caramel.

To download guides with more information on how to save the frogs with Freddo and Froglife, visit http://bit.ly/Cadburyfreddofrogs

Amoy Special Selection Soy Sauce Recipe Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:43:00 +0000

Amoy Special Selection Soy Sauce

Create Your Own Recipe

To celebrate the exciting launch of the new Amoy Special Selection Soy Sauce are inviting my readers to experiment with Amoy Special Selection Soy Sauce and create their own recipes.

The best recipe entry, as judged by me, will be rewarded with a Chinese-themed goodie bag valued at £50, courtesy of Amoy!

I will judge the recipes based on ease of preparation, innovative use of flavours and recipe originality. Each will be marked out of 100, with 100 being the best, and added up to give the participant an overall score. In the event of a tie, I will use my discretion to choose a winner. My decision is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into.

Amoy would also love to provide a selection of Amoy Special Selection Soy Sauce to give to first 5 followers, who enter. [Please see terms and conditions below for more details].

Please remember to leave your email or Twitter name as I have no way of contacting you if your recipe gets chosen.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS – FOR ENTRANTS

RULES FOR ENTRY

1. There are 5 bottles of Amoy Special Selection Soy Sauce 250ml available to be distributed on a first come, first served basis to people wishing to take part in this competition. Requests for product from each entrant must be made by midnight on 24.05.2013 by contacting the blogger via email with their full name and address.

2. A third party (Cohn & Wolfe) will be responsible for shipping the product to the entrant wishing to take part in the competition. Cohn and Wolfe will pay for the cost of shipping via standard delivery in the UK.

3. After the five bottles have been allocated it is still possible to participate in the competition by purchasing a bottle in a food supermarket (Amoy Special Selection Soy Sauce 250ml is available in selected Waitrose, Tesco and Co-op stores). Any costs incurred when purchasing the product must be covered by the entrant and will not be covered by HJ Heinz Foods Ltd, Amoy, the blogger or Cohn&Wolfe

4. To enter, recipe creations must be posted as a ‘comment’ onto the blog post on the blog that is hosting the competition.

5. All recipes must use Amoy Special Selection Soy Sauce 250ml to be eligible to win.

6. Open to UK residents (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18 or over at time of entry, except employees and their immediate families of HJ Heinz Foods Ltd, Cohn & Wolfe and anyone connected to this Promotion.

7. Entries must be received by midnight on 31.05.2013.

SELECTING THE WINNER

1. The winning recipe will be chosen by the blogger (Jo Bryan) who will judge the recipes based on ease of preparation, innovative use of flavours and recipe originality. Each will be marked out of 100, with 100 being the best, and added up to give the participant an overall score. In the event of a tie, the blogger will use their discretion to choose a winner. The blogger’s decision is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into.

2. The winning recipe will be chosen by the blogger and the winner will be awarded with an Amoy goodie bag (‘the prize’) consisting of Amoy Special Selection Soy Sauce 250ml and other selected Amoy products up to the value of £50. The exact contents of the prize are at the discretion of HJ Heinz Foods Ltd and Cohn & Wolfe.

There is no cash alternative to the prize.

3. Winners will be notified by the blogger hosting the competition by 14.06.2013, whereby they will require contact details by 21.06.2013 (name, email, telephone number and delivery address) for prize distribution.

4. HJ Heinz Foods Ltd retain the right to distribute or reproduce all recipes submitted into the competition.

Universal Credit Sign the WOW Petition

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:11:00 +0000

I am not one for political thought or content on my blog, I have not sat on this for hours, its straight out onto here, so for some you may find lots of holes in my thoughts, it may be a bit rambling, however, I am worried.

Universal Credit which starts today using a selected group of claimants,single people seems to have some serious shortcomings and I worry. I imagine using an easy group to process will show it as a great success. But move onto the whole system and these are some of my concerns.

Its been a long time since I was claiming unemployment benefit as it was called back in the day I do remember being paid fortnightly and struggling towards the end of that long two weeks. I was not a fritterer, I budgeted quite well,, paid my utilities and rent, shopped wisely and still found it tough, the money is just to make it through,no extras,no clothes allowance, replacing household items.

For me monthly would have been harder to deal with just in terms of buying fresh food and unexpected money needs. Claimants who are not money minded and this will be the case, not just because of impulsive spending but basic maths skills will almost certainly struggle.

My next issue is one of how the new UC will be managed, its all going online and paid direct into bank accounts, yes good for me as I am computer savvy,have a bank account and like that way of dealing with my payments.

But not everybody has access to a computer, the libraries suggested are not open every day and my library alone has not enough computers to cope with our several thousand unemployed citizens including people with disability and social concerns.

Then you also have people who cannot read or write, have the understanding of form filling, I recently filled in a carers application and it stumped me at times. Many years ago, I worked as a Field Officer in a drop in centre for the elderly,single, parents, the disable etc, one of my tasks was helping people fill forms for benefits, , the forms often baffle people, some just struggling with a new baby, some elderly clients were confused by the requirements, many visitors had mental health issues, so many I saw,had got their applications wrong, given incorrect info, leading to a slow up getting the benefits on time.

The new scheme is set to make it even more of a struggle, the Council led scheme I worked for in the drop in centre has ceasedt o be and in many cities there are no real advice centres,bar Citizens Advice, already being choked by benefit claimants, library staff will be inundated, I can see the place to peruse a book being a very noisy place in the future,while people queue to get free internet.

Still it will unclog the job centres, maybe massage the benefits figures, however for each of those figures it will be a real person struggling.

I can see a serious problem arising and watching a BBC news item about the food banks visitors,doubling in the last year, people now only get a one off food parcel enough for a week I believe,waiting a month for benefits will be far too long. Oxfam known for food banks around the world have started them in the UK for the first time! That is quite a shocker for me.

While in a loo at a motorway service stop, the Shelter poster in the ladies,stated that every 15 minutes a family become homeless,I am feeling really concerned by the changes in benefits and I lived through Maggie's reign and found that tough.

I resorted to a Crisis loan when the company I worked for went into liquidation and did not pay my last wages. The Crisis Loan, money given to help until my benefit was paid, is no more. People just have to wait,up until today it was a fortnight, from today a month and if you have made a mistake on the form, I see this becoming a problem of hunger and cold.

There are more disadvantages to the new reform but my worry is the needy.

I have signed the War On Welfare! #WOWpetition this homes in on the sick and disabled but calls for an assessment of the Universal Credit system.

WOW call for:

A Cumulative Impact Assessment of all cuts and changes affecting sick & disabled people, their families and carers, and a free vote on repeal of the Welfare Reform Act.

An immediate end to the Work Capability Assessment, as voted for by the British Medical Association.

Consultation between the Depts of Health & Education to improve support into work for sick & disabled people, and an end to forced work under threat of sanctions for people on disability benefits*

An Independent, Committee-Based Inquiry into Welfare Reform, covering but not limited to: (1) Care home admission rises, daycare centres, access to education for people with learning difficulties, universal mental health treatments, Remploy closures; (2) DWP media links, the ATOS contract, IT implementation of Universal Credit; (3) Human rights abuses against disabled people, excess claimant deaths & the disregard of medical evidence in decision making by ATOS, DWP & the Tribunal Service.

http://wowpetition.com/

No More Sleepless Summer Nights with B-Sensible Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:11:00 +0000

I have twins who both suffer with hayfever, its been a long trek through different treatments and trials to find suitable remedies that would help.

Night times and early mornings always were the worst, I felt so helpless at times watching them struggle with blocked noses,streaming itchy eyes and sneezing.

I would have liked to try the B- Sensible range if I had spotted it back then. Conor also had mild eczema, he would get hot and uncomfotable at night, making the itching worse and I finally used a treatment for all the bedding which involved boiling all the sheets, spraying and hooveringand Super salve for his skin, costly but worth it. The B- Sensible range would have been ideal as it has a dust mite barrier.

Well I missed out but you don't have to, B- Sensible have offered a Given To Distracting Others follower a chance to win a 2-in-1 sheet in a size of your choice.

See below

No More Sleepless Summer Nights with B-Sensible…

Every parent’s best friend!

During the summer months the humid weather conditions can cause perspiration, which can lead to skin irritation, ruining your toddler’s night’s sleep. What’s more, if your child is a hay fever or asthma sufferer, their allergies will be rife in the summer months, adding to uncomfortable summer night slumbers.

B-Sensible understands your child’s troubles and has created a “new dawn” in bedding, so there will be no disturbances during the night and early mornings! They offer hypo-allergenic, breathable, waterproof sheets and pillowcases so that your toddler can sleep in undisturbed natural comfort throughout the night, making B-Sensible every parent’s best friend. These are stretchable sheets and can be fitted to Moses cribs, cots and cot beds, so are with you and your child every step of the way through the early years; plus when they get older, they also fit up to super king size beds!

The 2in1 fitted sheet and protector combine into one soft waterproof breathable product which acts like a “second skin” thanks to the innovative fibre Tencel. Tencel is known as the “new age fibre” as it absorbs moisture naturally. The eco-friendly fibre is made from the wood found on the Eucalyptus tree, and has natural cooling mechanisms to control the temperature and humidity. The range also includes pillowcases!

The range of products absorb significantly more moisture than cotton and dries quicker due to its nano-fibre technology, thus helping to control humidity and body temperature. The bedding is waterproof, breathable, have optimum moisture management, hypo-allergenic, thermo regulating and eco-friendly.

If your child has sensitive skin, the hypo-allergenic range of products will prevent skin irritation, so are suitable for eczema, asthma and rhinitis sufferers.

So, say goodbye to uncomfortable nights with the assistance of B-Sensible, which will ensure your toddler will be able to sleep dry, clean, and comfortable all night long.

B-Sensible RRP:

Pillowcase 40x40 - £8.50

Moses - £17.00

Crib - £17.50

Cot bed - £23.50

Single 2’6 - £29.00

Single 3’0 - £31.00

Single 3’6 - £33.50

Other size ranges vary in price.

For stockist information log on to

WWW.Bsensible.net

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Persil Washing-Up Liquid Spring Blossom

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 05:30:00 +0000

I have been washing up with the new Persil Spring Blossom liquid. The sun has finally decided to grace us, the light pouring through the window as I wash up makes me feel brighter and the lovely floral light fragrance of the liquid is adding to it and will be nice when the dull days come to.

I have tried a few Persil fragrances, both for review and ones I have purchased. I do love this newest addition. The scent of flowers and fruit does help with the mundane chore a little, I think the bright pink bottle helps sitting at the side of the sink also helps.

If you would like to add a little springtime freshness to your washing up, Persil have kindly offered 5 of my readers a bottle in my latest giveaway.

Just fill in the easy peasy rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Freshen Up Your Kitchen This Spring

It’s the perfect time of year to try some delicious spring seasonal recipes, but the idea of all the washing up can seem a little off-putting.

That’s why Persil has launched a new fantastic fragrance; Spring Blossom, which will make washing the dishes a little more enjoyable.

Hot pink in colour, Spring Blossom is a fresh and clean, fruity floral fragrance. Featuring hints of Freesias, White Rose, Vanilla and dry fruits, it’s the perfect aroma to welcome spring into your kitchen.

So whether you’re cooking a roast for the family or baking some delicious treats for friends, don’t worry about using every piece of crockery, cutlery or cooking tool you have, as you can enjoy cleaning up the culinary chaos with the new Spring Blossom Persil Washing Up Liquid, which will refresh your washing up bowl and kitchen with a fabulous burst of fragrance each time you use it.

Spring Blossom Persil Washing Up Liquid retails at just £1.00 for a 500ml bottle, so keeping your dishes sparkling clean and beautifully fresh is now even better value and more fun than ever before.

Spring Blossom is available now in Tesco stores nationwide.

Persil washing Up liquid is now the number 2 washing up liquid brand in the UK. The Persil Washing-Up Liquid range features a host of modern, fresh fragrances.

www.persildishwash.co.uk

Earth Day Kit Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:47:00 +0000

It was Earth day yesterday, I was celebrating my twins 18th and it rather took over all else!

However I still wanted to bring this post to my readers and P and G kindly have offered you a giveaway too.

The survey reveals that lots of us actually want to help the planet and one day dedicated to it is good,but we can do something every day.

Did you know that big changes don’t have to start with grand acts; they can start much closer to home? Like, choosing to walk to the shops instead of taking the car. Or, using a recyclable water bottle instead of using a plastic one each time you’re on the go.

· Men and women ranked walking and cycling as the most important thing they thought they could do to protect the environment

· When it came to the least important thing they could do, men said reducing the amount of water used for washing and bathing

· Women, on the other hand, said the least favoured option was using environmentally friendly products and brands with a ‘conscience’.

In fact, 81% of Brits say that even simple, everyday actions help them feel like they’re making a contribution to the environment.

To help inspire these acts, P and G have launched a video called Everyday Earth Day and by watching it and answering a simple question you could win

1) A blackboard made from recycled coffee cups

2) A cardboard rocket for the children – and eco-paints so the whole family can get involved too

3) A selection of P and G products

Just watch the video then fill in the easy peasy rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Homemade Guacamole Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:22:00 +0000

I love my spicy food and Mexican food has to be one of my favourites. I make my own Chilli Con Carne and although I love it with rice, the family prefer it with tortillas and lots of toppings, fresh salsa, guacamole,cheese and sour cream. When I have time I like to make the toppings myself.

Avocados are so cheap locally, I can buy three for a £1 with few tomatoes, chilli, a large fresh bowl of guacamole tastes far better than any shop bought alternative and a lot cheaper if you can shop at a local market or Asian greengrocer. Big bunches of coriander for 40p and chillies not even 10p.

My guacamole has a little cumin in as does my chilli, it really makes a difference to the flavour of both.

To make light work of the dish, I have been trying OXO 3-in-1 avocado slicer I was sent for review. It makes short work of the preparation and mess.

The plastic blade cuts through the fruit, a simple twist. I find the best thing is the pitting part of the gadget, it removes the stone without normally my usual stabbing and nearly losing digits. It has a scoop that makes slices if the avocado is perfectly ripe.

For my recipe no slices required, it does seem a shame I mash it up. Really enjoyed using it and as we eat chilli several times a month, this is a gadget that won't languish in the cutlery draw.

If you fancy one they are available at Lakeland for £8. I will be reviewing some more useful Oxo tools next week.

Back to the recipe.

You will need the avocados to be exactly ripe, firm but soft, too soft and its not as tasty, my friend told me today she loves overripe avocado mashed on toast with pepper, not sure about that, but worth a try.

Ingredients

2 avocados

1 tomato finely diced
1/2 red onion very finely sliced

1 Jalapeno pepper, finely chopped and seeds removed.

lemon or lime juice

1/2 -1 tsp cumin (optional)

Fresh coriander chopped

Mash up the avocado, mix in the onion and tomato. Mixin the cumin if using.
Squeeze over the lemon or lime juice.
Sprinklewith chopped coriander.
Serve immediately.

Gigaset SL910A Home phone review

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:11:00 +0000

The first thing my daughter said as I opened the Gigaset SL910A was "Oh wow I thought you had an iphone!" The phone is actually a home phone but has the sleek looks of a good mobile handset! A lovely large touch screen, sliding across from menu to menu. Its a mobile for the home.

At first it felt a little weightier but I think that is because it looks like my smart phone I expected the same feel, but compared to my current house phone is thinner and much more slimline! I have been using it a lot and it now fits in my hand and I don't think about it.

Benefits that really suit me is that the base that the handset sits (the dock) in does not have to be near the phone socket. This is fabulous for me, the house is quite long and the thick walls meant I was missing calls while charging my old phone.

It looks great in the living room as an accessory, even more so as its on the clock display, I hate ticking clocks, so previously to find out the time, we have been craning our necks to see the kitchen clock. It doubles up as a digital photo frame so in time I will be picking a lovely family shot to further make this as much an ornament as a useful gadget!

Chris loves to play with a new toy, the instruction book has been thoroughly read, he has been setting up ring tones, trying out the texting facility, bluetoothing his and mine's mobile contacts. He annoyingly set a shrill ringtone for himself that makes us all jump out of our skin when he phones home!

The phone has had a real benefit for Granny, she is hard of hearing and has always had trouble with phones, but she is actually able to hear people more clearly. This was not a feature I expected,but has been a great benefit and makes the phone invaluable for her friend to chat to her. Chris says the sound of my voice on his Parrot hands free device for the car is much better and vice versa.

Finally my love of this phone deepened with the separate belt clip, which enables me one to have the phone attached while I am working in the kitchen or caring for Granny.I am terrible for leaving my phones in a room and missing important calls. So having the Gigaset attached to me means I am always contactable.

Its more obvious gain is hands free chatting so when I get a call from Chris every evening on his long journey home, I can carry on cooking the meal and not get grumpy that he rings when I am busy!

I am very impressed with the phone, the design make it a pleasure to look at, the photo and clock face make it fit in the room as a pretty item but its usable features and clear connection, great sound quality, make it a much needed item, I did not think about before.

But don’t be fooled, this phone is much more than just appealing to the eye. The choice of three home screens, including: dial centre, ECO DECT technology, text message centre and customisable information screen, as well as picture ID function and Bluetooth capabilities, mean this phone delivers on every aspect of home telephony - sound, reliability and performance.

SL910A

Prices start from: £139.99

Handset size: 5.5 x 13.5 x 1.5 cm

Handset options: Single and additional handset

The SL910A is available to buy from John Lewis, Dixons, Amazon and Ligo.

For full details of all phone models available from Gigaset, please visit www.gigaset.com/uk

Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:20:00 +0000

Brand new to the UK comes two wacky and wonderful chocolate bars like no other; bursting with intriguing combinations of deliciously surprising ingredients, new Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations deliver a blend of extraordinary flavours and textures, all complimented with the nation’s favourite chocolate*.

I was sent the new creations to try, ‘Jelly Popping Candy Shells’ and ‘Cookie Nut Crunch.’

I have to say I more than excited by the Jelly Popping Candy Shell variety. When I was a child, Space Dust became all the rage, around the time of Star Wars.

The feel of popping powder on my tongue was brilliant, I was always amazed by it, still not sure how it works. I remember kids at school smuggling it into lessons and letting it pop to see if a teacher would notice and to make the class snigger!

Now to have the sensation and chocolate, well the childishness in me couldn't wait!!

Both bars are wrapped in candy striped and classic purple, they remind me of fairgrounds somehow.

Unwrapping reveals another difference, unusually shaped chocolate shapes with different sized pieces with patterns and texture. Like a modern art chocolate bar. But I was rather anxious to get to the pop!!

The pieces of candy are in abundance, I tasted one piece savouring the taste of chocolate first and I thought the popping was not going to happen,then it began!

Oh and it just kept going, that fabulous sensation and more excitingly it continued after the chocolate and candy had gone. I love chocolate, but this has made me excited, I love the popping, tingly feeling. Its such a brilliant feeling!

Onto the Cookie Nut Crunch, this bar is filled with lovely cookie pieces, then another mouthful delivers nut caramel, and if you are really lucky you get the final roasted nut in the same mouthful. The bar is absolutely packed with lovely crunch throughout.

I love both the bars, both really different, the aroma of chocolate, the taste, the crunch, with one the tingly mini explosions on your tongue. Cadbury really have topped their good record.

Read the much more succinct information about the new bars from Cadbury, I was too excitable to be that clear! Oh and keep on reading until the end there is a lovely surprise!!

Introducing New Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations

Awe-inspiring chocolate bursting with unexpected ingredients

Packing a tasty punch, ‘Jelly Popping Candy Shells’ combines scrumptious chewy jellies, colourful sugar coated cocoa pieces and curiously crackling popping candy.

Deliciously different ‘Cookie Nut Crunch’ provides an unexpected sweet and salty taste sensation with a perfect balance of biscuit pieces, crunchy nut caramel and chopped roasted nuts.

The mischievously moreish 200g block (RRP £2.49) is ideal for sharing and is simply marvellous for those wanting to make family time together feel more magical and extraordinary in the evenings. The 47g bar (RRP 59p) is perfect for those looking for something unusual and exciting to bring a little joy to break up the long afternoon at work and blast away the 3 o’clock dip.

Matthew Williams, marketing director at Mondelēz International, said “Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations is our most exciting innovation to date. Having tested hundreds of different combinations the Cadbury Dairy Milk team have created something truly unique. Not only is it bursting with a blend of scrumptious and unusual ingredients, chocolate lovers can now also have some fun with the weird and wonderful shaped pieces that make up the two bars. We are very excited to be introducing this delicious product to the UK and making eating our favourite treats great fun.”

I am very pleased to be able to give away some bars to my readers. Cadbury have offered five winners the chance to win one of each bar in both sizes so four scrummy bars each!!

Just fill in the easy peasy rafflecopter, bonus entries for those that want them!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Great British Beef week with Asda

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:27:00 +0000

To celebrate British Beef Week (22nd April) Asda have been preparing by putting on some special offers and some tips courtesy of Jim Viggars, butcher and now meat buyer for the store. Asda are running a great offer on a selection of the Butcher's Selections steaks at 2 for £7 and I have also asked for a recipe to share. A rather tasty looking steak salad.

Steak & caramelised onion salad

A healthier alternative to steak and chips and perfect for celebrating Great British Beef Week

Serves 4, ready in 45 minutes

Ingredients:

2 baking potatoes
4tbsp olive oil
16 vine-ripened cherry tomatoes
2 large onions, halved and sliced
2 level tsp soft brown sugar
2tsp balsamic vinegar
1 The Butcher’s Selection 21 day matured sirloin steak (535g)
1tbsp cider vinegar
1 level tsp Coarse Grain Mustard
1/2 level tsp clear honey
90g bag mixed salad leaves

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 220c/200c fan/gas 7. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Cut the potatoes into 1.5cm cubes, pat dry with kitchen paper, put in a bowl with 1tbsp of the oil and toss until coated. Spread on the tray and cook for 35-40 minutes until crisp and golden
Put the tomatoes on a tray and bake with the potatoes for the last 5-10 minutes until the skins burst
Meanwhile, fry the onions in 1tbsp of the oil over a low heat for 20 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden. Add the sugar and balsamic vinegar and cook for 5-10 minutes until caramelised
Griddle or grill the steak for 2 minutes on each side or until medium. Leave to rest for 5 minutes, then slice thickly
Whisk the rest of the oil with cider vinegar, mustard and honey. Season and toss with the leaves. Put on a serving plate with the steak and vegetables. Serve immediately

As next week is also St George's day I will be trying some of the range and will be posting my finds. See below for an early heads up on the of English buys!

Beef is incredibly versatile so choose a cut, which suits your meal and budget. For a Sunday Roast I like a good topside joint, for a stew I'd go for a braising steak, but for a steak dinner there's nothing better than a nice sirloin steak – there are so many options available so why not try something different
Before cooking your beef it is important to let it stand at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking – this means it will be even juicier when you eat it
Beef can be cooked at varying temperatures; when I'm cooking a beef roasting joint I put it on a higher heat for the first 30 minutes and then lower the temperature for the remaining cooking time for the perfect roast
Once your beef roast has been cooked you must let it rest for approximately 15/20 minutes - wrap it loosely in foil and put it to one side while you cook your accompaniments. Letting it rest means it will loose less juice when you cut it and it will be even more tender and juicy
If eating steak, choose one with a longer maturation time, our Butcher's Selection steaks are now matured for 21 days meaning the beef is even more tender and flavoursome
When cooking steak, brush it with either rapeseed or sunflower oil (not olive oil) and then season with black pepper and a little salt – simple, but ever so tasty
If you are cooking steak then start by heating a griddle pan or heavy frying pan until very hot - do not add oil to the pan as this will create a lot of smoke
Using tongs, (not a fork as this may pierce the meat), gently lower the steak into the hot pan, keeping it away from you as it may spit
Leave your steak without turning for 2 -2 1/2 minutes so that the surface caramelises, then turn once and leave undisturbed for 2 minutes for rare, 3 minutes for medium, 4-5 minutes for well done
For the ultimate summer steak dinner why not accompany with a caramelised onion salad? It's a healthier option to steak and chips, but just as tasty!

Raise a toast to St George’s Day with these Extra Special bevvies;
Gentleman Jack Beer, Whitechapel Porter Ale and Golden Ale. Three cheers for English beers and ales!

£1.79 each or 3 for £5

Enjoy some truly English produce with this crumbly Chosen by you Blue Stilton, sourced from the ‘Long Clawson Dairy’ in Leicestershire.

£2.00

Get the family round for British bangers with these succulent Extra Special Pork, West Country Cheddar and Plum Chutney sausages.

£2.50

There’s nothing more quintessentially English than a roast dinner. The Butcher’s Selection Slow Roast Easy Carve Beef is perfect. Grab yourself a British bargain!

£7.50 per kg

Support the nation’s fave breakfast buddy, the crumpet. Asda’s Chosen by you Crumpet Soldiers fit snugly inside your toaster and break into four perfect strips, so no more burnt fingers!

£1.00

Cadbury Taster Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:14:00 +0000

Its a day of chocolate news for you today. I just received the New Cadbury Marvellous Creation bars to review,a bit overexcited at the jelly popping candy variety. Plus the family are being extra nice, hoping to get in on the reviewing.

Oh and I will be running a 'Marvellous giveaway' thanks to Cadbury, so you can get your hands on some for free!!

When I ran the last giveaway for the Cadbury hamper, there was also news of the competition to win what has to be one of the most enviable jobs in the world. A Cadbury taster.

I entered but sadly my word was not good enough, the winner has been announced and let me say I'm not jealous.....walks away sobbing!

Glyn Ceiriog local lands nation’s tastiest role

‘Childhood dreams come true’ as hospital worker invents

tasty new word ‘absoverylicious’ to land exclusive Cadbury Taster role

Hospital worker Jane Ballinger is enjoying the sweet taste of victory after beating over 77,000 chocolate lovers from around the country to win a new role as the ‘Honorary Cadbury Taster’.

Jane’s sweet benefit’s package will allow her to design a handful of truly unique Cadbury Dairy Milk bars, get an exclusive first taste of all new Cadbury chocolate innovation before it hits the shelves, and, as expected, receive plenty of delicious Cadbury Dairy Milk.

Cadbury has been challenging the nation to invent a brand new word to define the iconic and delicious taste of Cadbury Dairy Milk. The countrywide search was kick-started by chocolate-loving chatterbox Claudia Winkleman and Booming Brit Brian Blessed. Jane’s winning word, ‘Absoverylicious’, was chosen for its creativity and originality, landing her the tastiest role in the country.

Jane comments: “I’ve always grown up with the delicious smell of Cadbury Dairy Milk - living near the former Cadbury factory in The Wirral and now in Chirk - so this is my childhood dream coming true! I entered 10 times and spent hours looking at other creative words for inspiration. I’m so pleased my word, absoverylicious, has won me my dream role!”

Jane, who works as a Healthcare Records Supervisor at Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry, has been sharing the news with patients.

She comments: “Everyone’s so excited for me; my patients at the hospital have been putting in personal requests to make them a unique bar of Cadbury Dairy Milk. The news has even spread to Hawaii with friends being in touch to say how jealous they are!”

Hayley Sosnovik, Senior Brand Manager for Cadbury Dairy Milk, says: “We’re the nation’s favourite chocolate bar*, and now Jane has the nation’s favourite chocolate role! Jane has grown up loving the absoverylicious taste of Cadbury Dairy Milk and we couldn’t have wished for a better person to join our team. We will be giving her an exclusive insight into our chocolatey world, as her fresh set of tastebuds will be testing every new product before public consumption. We have no doubt there will be some celebrating in Glyn Ceiriog this week!”

Magnum, Cornetto and Mini Milk Chocolates

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:58:00 +0000

Now for years new ice creams and lollies have come onto the market made with some of my fave sweets and chocolate bars refresher lollies being a great one, but this time the ice creams have turned into chocolates.

I am so pleased to be asked to try these three. Mini Milk was the lolly I loved as a child and my children also, Chris who hates ice cream ( I know madness!!) would only ever eat Mini Milk's but I think that has been only a couple of times.

He really wanted to share the experience of these with me, I reluctantly shared the tasting.

The Mini Milk chocolates are just so moreish, really cute on lollipop sticks, glad they are not the wooden sticks too, which set my teeth on edge!

There is a creamy chocolate centre which melts on your tongue and for any of my Slimming World followers, the Mini Milks are 5 syns only. I would have happily nibbled my way through one double the size! The white chocolate one was deemed our favourite of the two, but I liked both.

The Cornetto is another great treat. it looks and tastes exactly the same as the ice cream version, I tried a mere morsel for Chris who has never eaten the frozen variety, it was a real new discovery.

Finally the Magnum 3 Chocolates, the crunch of milk chocolate was good, the creamy truffle centre,lovely and taste like vanilla ice cream. I will be buying the multipack, I feel a visit to the shops coming!

Its been great trying these out, not only for nibbling myself, but so often I have tried to get Chris to try a lolly, to share a passion with me, telling him," Oh but you will love it!" much like he does to me with things he loves and I loathe, like kidney, tripe, proper hated foods!!!

Now in a way he has shared the love of ice cream. I think these will be great for people (those rare breed) who are not fond of frozen goodies!

Magnum

The crack of fine chocolate, encasing the delicious, silky smooth vanilla truffle centre, creates the iconic rich Magnum taste. With three bite sized portions in every pack they make the perfect treat for that special ‘you’ moment.

Made using Magnum rainforest alliance certified chocolate, delicately flavoured with Madagascan vanilla pods, these delicious chocolates have the same great Magnum taste, without the ice cream.

Cornetto

Using the famous crispy, chocolatey coated Cornetto wafer, encasing a lusciously light whipped, creamy chocolatey centre, the new Cornetto chocolate, is delicious from the very first to last bite. Topped with toasted hazelnuts sprinkles and milk chocolate drops, it makes a delightfully light tasting treat, ideal for all the family.

Mini Milk

The treat sized Mini Milk chocolate lollies each have 30% of the RDA of calcium, and are only 94 calories.

Available in two flavours, milk chocolate and white chocolate, each has a whipped centre, encased in a smooth shell, children [and adults] will love. The iconic Mini Milk brand is enjoyed by all the family bringing back feelings of nostalgia and excitement with every bite.

All three chocolates are now rolling out across all major retailers.

- Magnum Chocolates - Available in packs of three bite sized pieces and a multipack of four with an RRP of £0.65/£2.00

- Cornetto Chocolates- Available as an individual cone and as a multipack of four with an RRP of £0.59/£2.00

- Mini Milk Chocolates - Available individually and as a pack of four with an RRP of £0.45/£1.50

April Showers!

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:57:00 +0000

Just one of the things I miss since coming to live and care for Granny is a shower, the house has been updated with a wet room for her use downstairs, however upstairs the bathroom is a throwback to the 80's, I adore the old fashioned Victorian style shower taps, but a hand held shower is just not the same as slowly waking up under a hot steamy shower. I long to have a haven where I can just soak and pamper for at least half an hour or just freshen up after a day caring!

We have been looking at different electric showers they certainly save energy and searching different bathroom furniture too, we have been wondering whether to have a wet room, but Paige and I still love a good soak in the tub.

Mira Showers have a great shower range, I have reviewed their shower heads on the blog in the past. They are efficient and sleek.

They also have an extensive range of electric showers, which do not compromise on power or efficiency. Electric showers are still one of the most popular and cost effective options for your bathroom, and 2010 saw the electric shower being used by 56% of the domestic shower market.

Roger Crabb, a showering expert at Mira Showers, said: “Electric showers are a great alternative to other types of shower because they heat water instantly; they work in the same way as a kettle and so you only ever heat the water that you need and never run out of hot water which makes them very efficient and ideal for families and guest bedrooms.”

I must admit not having to wait for a bath to fill,j ust to be able to jump under a shower has had me loitering in DIY shops in the shower sections. This is not me under the shower by the way, I look more like a drowned rat!

People’s showering needs have changed over the years, as people look for more ways to save money and hope to be more eco-friendly, shower designs have developed and improved to adapt to this. I still have a shower timer, I got as a freebie from my electricity provider. It keeps me concious of trying to do my bit and conserve water. Though with the rain and tons of snow we have had, its hard to see that we need to be water wise at the moment!

People are also looking for showers that look great in their bathrooms, and Mira Showers has several cheap electric showers that have elegant chrome detailing, such as the Mira Sport range. I must say I love the chrome details, it looks sleek, is easy to care for and seems to look better for longer.

There are great showers now for a colour theme, you can make a statement with your shower, you can choose a Mira Azora shower, which has really retro designs, dots, stripes, stone effects,then you can choose from one of the range of stylish coloured and patterned glass fascias. There are so many designs I can spend a long time browsing!

One thing that does cause a problem for electric showers is limescale, but luckily Mira Showers has found a way around this with its patented Clearscale and Dual Element technology, which feature on many of its showers and can reduce limescale by up to 50%, so that means one less thing for you to worry about.

Everyone is looking for ways to save money, so having an electric shower is a very sensible option, especially as energy prices are going up. If you have a family, or regularly have people coming to stay, having an electric shower is ideal. Showers don’t have to be just a necessity anymore, they can combine style with function, so you can be sure your bathroom is just as trendy and stylish as the rest of your house!

Now I have even more designs to choose from, going to need to choose something soon, as the garden is our current project, overhauling the forest I showed you back in September certainly makes me need a shower!

Disclaimer: This post is a sponsored post in which I received monetary compensation for writing.

Healthy Back Bag Spring/Summer Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:32:00 +0000

Chris has a Healthy Back Bag, he uses it whenever we are out and about, it comes on all our holidays, days out and weekends away.

As a bag, it has so many useful features, a clip for keys, a place for a drinking bottle, lots of sections, inside and out for storing all of our days needs, wallets, camera, food, and shopping.

Now by the end of the day its usually full to the brim and this is where it really shines.

The bag is designed to combat stress on your back from weight, its down to the single strap, unlike most backpacks it is not only comfortable but does not move about if walking.

Chris has also mentioned its great for his shoulders, even the one that sometimes aches.

I am quite happy for him to tote around our belongings, he puts my stuff in too, I feel quite guilty that he does this, but he insists.

I have tried the bag, the strap is nice and wide and it certainly feels easy, but its a little big for me.

So when the Healthy Back Bag company asked me if I would like to review one for spring/summer, I jumped at the chance.

I was sent the Mojave Jute bag, the sunlight was really bright, (can't complain after waiting so long) and really does not do the colour justice, its a lovely pastel affair, lots of cream, stone, greens, pinks and powder blue.

I took it on a day out first, just popping my handbag in full inside as it arrived as we were just on our way out. A full day out and the comfort of the bag really made me appreciate it. The wide strap was lovely on my shoulder, I am quite small and bags tend to slip or not feel too good. This one just stayed put. My back and shoulders are relieved as my handbag always has weighed me down. Chris prefers the size of this one for days out but the lovely feminine print has deterred him from more than holding it while I try something on.

I have spotted a nice lightweight nylon one in navy for him, it will be great for short afternoons out!

I have since used it every day, for now its my main bag as I can find everything easily.My keys are attached inside. My purse is inside but zipped another compartment. It has a great pocket for my beautifying bits and the only downside is that on days out, Chris will not be offering to carry my bag.

Vivid Naturals, Poetic Pastels, and Hot Tropics, plus a brand new casual collection, Sporty Vintage, the SS’13 Collection adds 24 new bags to the hugely popular range of fun and functional Healthy Back Bags.

Sophisticated sustainable elegance underpins the Vivid Naturals range; natural texture in cotton and hemp based fabric.

Poetic Pastels is a fabulous range of ice cream colours and romantic pastels including new hi-shine Pastel Patents, perfect for sunshine and holidays and bang on the new high-gloss and plastics trends.

Hot Tropics introduces vivid bold colours: Dark Teal, Mango, Citron and Terracotta to add zip and vitality to our Textured Nylon range.

London’s 2012 triumph and a celebration of sport and fun through the years is brought to life in the new Sporty Vintage range, a collection of hardwearing, ultra affordable casual bags, reflecting a nostalgic era of style and sport.

The success of the Healthy Back Bag is attributed to its registered teardrop shape which enables weight to be distributed across the back making it one of the world’s most comfortable one-strap bags. Sold in 26 countries, worldwide, the bags are renowned for their comfortable fit which contours to the back, multi-functional pockets and secure zipped access. Worn across the body the bags are perfect for an active life.

The Healthy Back Bag Company was set up by Managing Director Priscilla Chase in 2004 following the success of parent company, AmeriBag in North America and Canada. Since then the Healthy Back Bag Co. has expanded into over 26 countries worldwide with new territories in South Africa, India, France and the Middle East launch to open in 2013. Healthy Back Bags retail from £35.

http://www.thehealthybackbag.co.uk/

Florida Grapefruit Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:53:00 +0000

Seasonal A-Peel

With the UK just experiencing one of the coldest winters on record (still) it’s time to bring a little sunshine to your life with juicy Florida grapefruit. The delicious and nutritious fruit, in season from November to May can help you look and feel great, it’s the perfect antidote to the winter blues.

Five reasons to embrace Florida grapefruit this season

The sweet taste of Florida
Despite grapefruit having a reputation for being bitter, Florida grapefruit is in fact incredibly sweet. Ripened in the glorious Florida climate the fruit is much sweeter than its Mediterranean cousins, containing over 10% more juice than grapefruit grown in dry desert conditions, and is the perfect breakfast treat.

Rehydrate this winterIf you had a few too many cocktails on holiday this summer and are in desperate need of revitalisation, eating a Florida grapefruit rehydrates and provides a much needed boost of vitamins to get you back on track.

Celebrity fans
Grapefruit has been known as a favourite health snack of the stars for decades, with starlets dating back to Marilyn Monroe being fans of the fruit. Apparently she swore by its health and beauty-boosting properties – Florida grapefruits are vitamin-rich and are packed full of anti-oxidants that help support collagen production to help keep skin looking youthful.

Fight off the flu seasonPacked full of vitamins, iron and essential anti-oxidants, each Florida grapefruit helps give your immune system the kick start it needs to fend off those winter germs. Each ½ grapefruit provides 100 per cent of your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C, which is proven to help fight against infections and speed up the healing process.

Slimming down before Summer?High in dietary fibre and low in calories, with only 60 calories per half fruit, Florida grapefruit is the perfect ingredient to help you get slim in time for the Summer.

Florida grapefruit and Pecan Muffins

Ingredients:

1 grapefruit only use the zest and flesh
120g muscovado sugar
2 eggs
125ml fresh orange juice
250g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp bicarb
50g chopped pecans
100ml melted butter

Bake for 20-25 minutes
Preheat the oven to 200c

Method

Take off the top and bottom of the Florida grapefruit so that it sits flat, then cut into 4, remove the pips and roughly chop including the skin
Place the chopped Florida grapefruit and sugar into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the egg, orange juice and melted butter and combine
Sieve all the dry ingredients apart from the pecans into a bowl, mix in the orange mixture and fold through the nuts until the mixture is just combined. Try not to over mix
Pour into 12 muffin cases in muffin tins and bake for approx. 20-25mins

Florida grapefruit wholemeal breakfast pancakes

Ingredients:

100ml natural yoghurt
200mls skimmed milk
1 egg
1 tsp bicarb
100g SR Flour
75g Wholemeal SR flour
½ tsp salt
1tbsp sugar
50g melted butter
Grated zest of 1 Florida grapefruit and the segments

Method

Zest the grapefruit and set aside. The peel and segment and leave in its juice
Mix all the dry ingredients together inc the grapefruit zest. Mix all the wet ingredients together in a separate bowl. Then mix both together, but don’t over beat it. Leave the batter to sit for 10 mins
Melt a little butter or spray a little oil in a frying pan and when it is hot, ladle in. Turn, when the pancakes form little holes on the top. (Half a ladle gives a nice American style pancake)
Serve with the fresh grapefruit segments

Florida grapefruit , strawberry and mint Smoothie

Ingredients

A Florida grapefruit

1 banana

4/6 strawberries

100ml greek style yoghurt

1-2 tablespoons honey

4 large mint leaves

Method

1. Cut the Florida grapefruit into halves, then cut a slice about 1cm thick, this will be used for garnish later. Remove the skin from the rest of the grapefruit and place the fruit into a medium sized jug.

2. Roughly chop the banana and strawberries and mint leaves and add it to the grapefruit along with the yoghurt and whizz with a blender. This can also all be done in a food blender or smoothie maker.

3. Add honey to taste and whizz again. Taste the mixture - if you prefer it slightly sweeter then add more honey.

Pour the liquid into glasses, garnish with the sliced grapefruit and serve immediately.

Florida grapefruit and seabass ceviche tacos

Ingredients

480g sea bass fillets

1 lime, juice only

Florida grapefruit, segmented, half used for juice the other half chopped.

A handful of fresh chopped coriander

4 spring onions very finely sliced

1 red chilli, very finely sliced

Salt and pepper

4 tacos shells

Method

Slice the fillets as finely as you can, and place them in a bowl; add the lime juice, Florida grapefruit juice and chopped segments, chilli, onions, coriander and seasoning.
Heat the tacos in the oven or microwave. Combine with your fingers, and place in tacos . Serve immediately.

Champagne and Florida grapefruit Jellies

Makes 4 x approx. 200ml portions

Ingredients

6 leaves gelatin

Approximately 500ml champagne/prosecco/sparkling wine

2 tbsp. Florida grapefruit juice

Zest of 1 Florida grapefruit

4 segments of Florida grapefruit

100ml water

60g caster sugar

Method

Soak the gelatin leaves in cold water for about 5 minutes.
In a pan, heat the water, 100ml of wine, Florida grapefruit juice and zest and the sugar until hot and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat. Squeeze the excess water from the gelatin leaves and add to the pan, stirring until it has dissolved too.
Pour into a measuring jug and top up to 800ml. Let this cool.
Take 4 segments and place 1 at the bottom of each glass, then pour the jelly on top and set in the fridge for at least 4 hours

Skin Revivals Advanced 24 Hour Balm

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:20:00 +0000

I have reviewed Beauty Naturals a few times and have always been impressed with the quality and more importantly the efficiency.

I have faced up to my skin ageing and I am trying to take good care of it.

With a very busy life, caring for a family, my grandmother 24/7 and still blogging, I do tend to forgo the daily skincare routine I know is essential in your 40's

Beauty Naturals have added a few new additions to their Skin Revivals range and asked me if I wanted to review one.

I chose the Advanced 24 hour Balm based on my not always getting around to nightly moisturising and my skin because of lack of routine, feels quite tight and while not sore, still it feels uncomfortable.

The balm has a light fragrance of rose and frankincense, it has vitamin rich shea and cocoa butters, jojoba great for nourishing the skin,macademia and roship oils. Aloe Vera the healing properties are well known as is rose geranium, these help calm and soothe the skin.

Whats lovely about this balm is its non greasy formula, its a creamy lotion which absorbs straight away, perfect for me as always on the go, I hate rubbing in skin creams and having to wash my hands. I have a fringe and my forehead needs the moisturising but my hair doesn't so it passed the test here too.

One benefit to the lotion is any excess rubbed into my hands has made a real difference to my skin .

My face after using this daily and yes I have managed to do that, feels so much softer, quite toned and a lot more awake. It certainly works right around the clock,my skin in the morning definitely feels less taut.

A little of this lotion goes a long way too, so at £16 for an organic product, I feel this has good value also. At the moment there is 25% off the price so even better for the purse.

Organic Facial Cleansing Oil

Soil Association Certified - 99% organic with Rosehip and Avocado.

This lightly fragrant, vitamin rich blend of organic vegetable oils naturally breaks down make-up, dissolves all impurities and visibly refreshes leaving you with clear, glowing skin.

Enriched with organic oils to help cleanse, maintain moisture balance and leave skin soft, comfortable and deeply cleansed.

100ml bottle - £12

Further details can be seen here: http://www.beautynaturals.com/product.aspx?ref=SR-16

Advanced Night Time Nourishment

87.75% organic enriched with rosehip and olive fruit oils.

A deliciously smooth, calming night cream packed with organic oils to lock in hydration, deeply nourish and feed your skin.

This nourishing cream delivers optimum results while skin's cells are at their most receptive. Night is when skin is resting and can focus on helping to repair and create new skin cells.

This natural organic formula provides vital hydration helping to facilitate the revitalising process and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so you awake to rested, replenished and firmer, younger looking skin.

50ml - £16.00

Stockists: Beauty Naturals (www.beautynaturals.com / free phone 0800 980 6665)

Bar Keepers Friend Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:38:00 +0000

I love trying out cleaning products , not so hot on the cleaning part, more the product, while moving in to care for my Granny, it was interesting to look at all her cleaning products, Brasso, lots of bottles from Lakeland and Betterware, bicarb and vinegar too!

There was a bottle of Bar Keepers Friend, now most of these had been there for years and not wanting to have any chemical reactions, they were all disposed of.

When active, Granny's house was always gleaming, she had lots of products but also a vast array of natural products and always had a tip for getting rid of stains and cleaning tips for the home and garden.

I use vinegar regularly for limescale, bicarb to deodorise bathrooms and carpets and rhubarb for shiny pans.

The latter is particularly interesting as Bar Keepers Friend uses Oxalic Acid found in rhubarb which gives it the thumbs up from me. BKF owes its existence to rhubarb! Back in 1882 a chemist from Indianapolis noticed how clean and shiny his tarnished pot was after cooking rhubarb. Using an active ingredient that’s found in the plant he made a talcum smooth cleaner and sold it to the city’s taverns. It worked so well that it was called ‘Bar Keepers Friend’! BKF boasts a long and successful heritage that few modern day equivalent products can match.

Bar Keepers Friend asked me to try the original product along with two new lines - new POWER Cream and new POWER spray.

Its had a little makeover and that is only fair as it was first launched in 1882 and we all need a little pampering.

Bar Keepers Friend also want to pamper my readers with a giveaway, but first the review

Now Bar Keepers friend had a claim, "Once Tried Always Used" and I decided to put it to the test.

I have been using it wherever I can, I have found it to be amazing on taps and sinks, I had been cleaning a mirror with it and as I went to the kitchen sink, I wiped it briefly over the tap, the gleam was instant, without any effort whatsoever. I have used it since on the kettle, my retro Brabantia 30 litre bin, reviewed last year. I love the real effortless way it works.

I must admit to finding the spray easy to use and I find it and the power cream great for everyday cleaning, they work well in the bathroom, cleaning glass and ceramic but the original powder really gets down to business.

I am going to shame myself now by showing you my oven door glass, with grease that had not been removed! Please still visit!!

My door abandoned and appalling, baked on grease from the last 3 months, due to my hatred of cleaning ovens, doubly worsened by Chris loving to cook the Sunday roast with spitting goose fat and roasting meats.

I summoned up the will to tackle it, how do you clean your oven? Mine is supposedly self cleaning, but rather like my teens bedrooms, I find I have to do the dirty work myself!

Bar Keepers Friend cleaned the glass in minutes, without elbow grease or cursing from the reviewer!

Very impressed, it gave a lovely shine. I demanded a family viewing and despite the sigh and rolling of eyes, by my fans I could see the glimmer of admiration!

Finally the weather is starting to warm up and I intend to use Bar Keepers Friend for cleaning our bikes and Chris wants to try it out on the car!

So back to the claim 'Once tried always used' yes I will always have a BKF in the cupboard!

The original Bar Keepers Friend Stain Remover Powder (250g, RSP: £2.79) is a powder format that can be used on a damp cloth and for stubborn stains it can be made into a paste.

NEW Bar Keepers Friend Power Cream – a superior cream formulation that “cleans where others fail”. Formulated for cookware, kitchens and bathrooms (350ml, RSP: £2.99).

NEW Bar Keepers Friend Power Spray - this easy-to-use format delivers BKF cleaning power for use in everyday cleaning situations, from kitchen and bathroom to stainless steel and glass (500ml RSP: £2.99).

BKF is available in Robert Dyas, Lakeland, John Lewis, Waitrose, independent homeware/hardware stores or online at www.barkeepersfriend.co.uk. It is distributed in the UK by Kilrock Products Ltd.

Now I have shamed myself and made BKF shine, I will get on with the giveaway!

One lucky Given To Distracting reader will win a year's supply of BKF comprising 4 x 3 of each variant, making one bottle for every month of the year. It's worth approx £50 (please note the basket isn't part of the prize).

Ends 14th May

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Go Wild With Next Bloggers Event

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:48:00 +0000

We've been to the zoo, zoo, zoo!!

Paige and I attended the Go Wild With Next Blogger Event at London Zoo last week and had an amazing day!

It was lovely to see the Next team again, though last year it was a heatwave in Oxfordshire and this year even the penguins looked frozen!

The welcome was very warm from the Next lovelies, including this time the buyers and designers for the range and it was nice to mingle with other bloggers.

The blogger teenies were well catered for with a pop up play area and an up close and personal meet with meerkats,

We were treated to a lovely lunch, and best of all browse the new Next kidswear Spring/Summer 2013.

Paige and I couldn't wait to look through the ranges and loved the new Next stories, I adored the boys Shipwrecked story and Paige who is very girly love Paradise Lost we both agreed the Style Tribe will be a favourite this year, she adores giraffes and took lots of photos of the range and the real thing outside in the zoo!

What struck us both this year was the accessories that every fashion miss or mister just has to have, handbags, headbands, caps, and sunglasses team up with the clothing to give the finishing touches.

The designer we spoke to said that the team want to make sure that each piece has coordinating accessories, shoes,bags or backpacks. Each bold print will match up to a selection of plain tops,shrugs or jackets. I agreed there is nothing worse than finding a lovely dress and there being no shoes to match it up.

Next really have thought the season through, in fact so much so they were working on the new collections a year or two in advance. Each story (more about those below) piece earns its place and is chosen carefully, the buyers travel all over the world to bring the stories to life, creating a storyboard that finds its way eventually to a Next store near you!

Next Stories

Cuba, vibrant colour palette and punchy prints, with oversized polka dots, tropical floral designs and in great shades of jade and aqua and flashes of bright fluro. Prints included bold stripes, over sized polka dots, tropical floral designs and in great shades of jade and aqua. This range will be fab for the long hot summer we so need, I can see this being snapped up for holidays!

Paradise Lost, for the girly girl, chalky pastel shades, dusky blues and creamy pinks, brought up to date with hints of bold peach. I loved the faded denim,

Style Tribe, brings an urban edge with strong tribal influences, featuring monochrome as the focal palette mixed with strong ochre tones. This has cheeky animal motifs and silhouette prints for the younger children, for the older kids a range of safari pieces!

90's Bright is in your face bold, think Fresh Prince, 90's TV and music, snap back caps, hi top, sunnies complementing tie dye and geometric prints! Retro tops are really in at the moment and I loved this Nirvana tee!

50's Smart, a preppy mix and match trend for the boys. Blazers, chinos and floral and striped shirts, the little 'English Gent' can stroll along in boat shoes, flat caps and cute bow ties!

Shipwrecked, has been updated with tropical beachwear, Hawaiian and photographic prints.

Paige is buying the Ditsy Floral Print Cagoule, after talking to the buyer and her higlighting the prize and that it would easily fit her, note to Mums of older teens, the Next range goes right through to 16 years and Paige and I both fit into the largest sizes.

We had a perfect day out thanks to Next, hope you get a taste of the fab range and manage to snaffle a few items for your wild child!!

http://www.next.co.uk/

Tartiflette Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:52:00 +0000

Tartiflette is serious French comfort food, I adore good cheese and potato recipes, add smoked bacon and I'm there. Tartiflette has all three and many people add cream as well. But if enough Reblochon is used,the cheese makes a really creamy sauce by itself.

My friend Cheryl Pasquier who I knew before blogging days shared her recipe with me when we had a discussion about Dauphinoise potatoes and cheese, me being an Irish girl, who potatoes are a staple diet, her an English girl living in France and that is how my love for this French dish came about.

Tartiflette comes from a region in the French Alps called Savoie, the absolute star of the dish is Reblochon cheese, the word after googling comes from the French word 'reblocher' which means to pinch a cows udder again. This was to hold back the first milk as in the 14th century landowners taxed the French farmers for the yield of milk, so holding back the milk saved them money. The second milk was richer and made a good cheese, Reblochon. Tax avoidance has its benefits!

Now I warn you it is a very ripe pongy cheese, not one to have a sniff of for freshness, once in the oven the aroma will make you realize how good it is going to be. It is seriously tasty once melted and oozing all over the potatoes and bacon.

You may be asking "Where can I buy Reblochon in the UK?" Its been a toughie for me, but recently Waitrose always has it, Tesco on occasion, I did see it it a larger Sainsbury store also. I always keep an eye out for French markets as its often sold on the delicatessen stalls!

Its pricey in the UK, but worth the investment as the dish is so calorie laden, you may not want to eat regularly.

I believe Camembert can be used in Tartiflette, I love the rich Reblochon flavour so much I wouldn't swap, but if you have tried both, let me know!

Tartiflette I have now made many times, glug of white wine, I make it in layers as it looks more appealing. I cut the fat off the bacon, the only non fattening concession! Its a recipe that really does not need measurement,but buy a round of cheese, Waitrose sell it it half moon portions, so you need two.

I add garlic and a

Tartiflette

Ingredients

6 medium potatoes unpeeled

2 packs of smoked bacon

2 onions sliced

2 cloves garlic (optional)

Glug of white wine (optional)

Whole Reblochon cheese.

Put the oven on 200C fan or 220C, Gas mark 7.

Wash the potatoes and slice into thick slices,cook in boiling water for about 10 minutes, until soft but still slightly underdone.

Meanwhile fry onions, I use Frylight as there is enough fat in the dish and every little helps!

When onions have started to soften, add the bacon and garlic and cook until the bacon is cooked and onions nicely soft and caramelised.

In a suitable ovenproof dish, mine measures 20cm x 20cm, 6cm deep, (optional sprayed with a little Frylight in to stop a mammoth unsticking and scrubbing after) place half the potatoes in a layer.

Top with half the bacon mix, I season with pepper, then the final layer of potatoes and again the bacon.

Finally the Reblochon, cut through the middle so the soft cheese is exposed, you will have four semi circles, place rind up,this allows the cheese to melt and pour through to make a creamy sauce.

Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese has a light golden colour. If preparing earlier in the day lower the temperature to about 180C fan etc and cook for 20-25 minutes.

Serve with a green salad and a glass of white wine!

Bon Apetit!

Cadbury Creme Egg Brownies

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 22:22:00 +0000

I saw this Cadbury Creme Egg Brownie recipe on the Cadbury Facebook page and if I'd been a lady back in the days of corsets, I definitely would have swooned!

I recently have been reviewing Cadbury products and just this week gave away a hamper. I was very jealous of my winner, so was on the prowl for Cadbury chocolate comps and spotted this

I am not reviewing Cadbury, I am talking about it for nothing more than my love of the honey tasting chocolate and wanting to make an Easter brownie recipe.

If you like brownies, chocolate and creme eggs this is going to transport you to heaven, well at least to the kitchen to make it.

It was created by the cake boy himself, Eric Lanlard, I do love a man who can bake!

This brownie recipe is not his as it has espresso and vanilla and I just wanted chocolate. Plus I have made easier brownies, so I used the Orlando Murrin best ever brownies recipe (minus the chocolate pieces in the mix), on BBC Good Food.

This does sound tricky in places, its seriously easy, it just sounds wordy.

Once you have measured the ingredients into the three bowls and started it is fast going.

The aim is to get lots of air into the egg mixture and not lose that air and hard work while in the mixing the other ingredients.

Cadbury Creme Egg Brownies

185g unsalted butter

185g good dark chocolate

40g cocoa powder
85g plain flour
3 large eggs

275g golden caster sugar

6 Cadbury Creme Eggs halved.

1 Preheat your oven to 160C fan 180C, gas 4 and grease a 20 cm square baking tin and line with parchment paper. Sieve the cocoa and flour together, removing any lumps.Melt the chopped butter and dark chocolate together either in the microwave for 2 minutes on high or in a bowl over boiling water. (Bowl method is best I believe to ensure the chocolate does not burn.)

2. Break 3 large eggs into a large bowl and tip in 275g golden caster sugar. With an electric mixer on maximum speed, whisk the eggs and sugar until they look thick and creamy, like a thick milk shake. This can take 3-8 minutes. You will know it's ready when the mixture becomes really pale and about double its original volume. Also try lifting out the beaters and wiggle them from side to side. If the mixture that runs off the beaters leaves a trail on the surface of the mixture in the bowl for a second or two, you're there

3 Pour the cooled chocolate mixture over the eggy mousse, and then gently fold together using a rubber spatula if you have one. Fold the two together using a figure of eight action, gently until the two become a mottled marble effect mix.

4. Hold a sieve over the bowl of eggy chocolate and shake the flour and cocoa mix over the top of the egg mixture and then folding slowly using the same figure of eight motion as before .Be gentle and have patience at this stage. Once the mixture looks gungy and fudgy, stop,do not be tempted to over do this stage.

5.Pour into the baking tin and make sure its in every corner and level, cook for 15 minutes. Cut the room temperature creme eggs in half using cutlery knife,sharp knives seem to crush the eggs.

Take the brownie out of the oven and gently press the creme egg halves into the mixture, make sure they are arranged so you can cut into squares.

5 Return to the oven and bake for a further 5-15 minutes depending on your oven,check every 5 minutes. Leave to go completely cold before removing from the tin.

6 Lift out the cake and cut into squares.

Slimming World Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:26:00 +0000

Slimming World for me was a great way to lose weight, mainly as I could eat lots of food, no portion control, just ensuring I was eating my superfree third,which is a third of your plate filled with vegetables, salad of fruit, depending on the meal.

I dropped three dress sizes and am now maintaining my size 8 a year and a half later, I eat well and am able to have a takeaway or a splurge, knowing that my eating habits are good for the vast majority of my week.

Once I grasped the concepts of the SW healthy eating, I was able to adapt a few of my favourites,chilli, spag bol, stews to ensure it did not feel like I was deprived. Cutting fat off meat and cooking in frylight or extra virgin olive oil which is allowed as a healthy extra has become routine in the house. Adding lots of extra veg to a stew or curry is a norm now and though recipes may not be the original exact meal, as I now add extra peppers and onions, shun fat and replace cream with fat free yogurt, creme fraiche or light philly.

Some meals were trickier to adapt due to ingredients such as pastry, cream, sugars and fats.

I longed for my homemade quiche, pastry was totally out of the question unless I had saved up my syns,my curry's usually rich with ghee or oil with sides of bhaji, chapattis and nans were taboo.

I now add extra peppers and onions to chilli con carne and serve with a chilli spiced salad, curries too are packed with different veg.

I make quiche with cottage cheese to bulk out the custard mix and allow for it to be baked without pastry.

Now I think I can hear some of you cry out (as Chris did) "But its not the same!" However looking fit and feeling healthy outweighs this. Chris was gutted to lose the fat off bacon, he loves it all crispy, but we still get to eat and savour the flavour, so it balances out!

So onto a low fat Spaghetti Carbonara, this was for some reason the meal I got fixated on having and adapting, there were a few, but this was the dream meal and I tried all the SW versions, with quark and found it bitter and nothing like what I wanted it to taste like.

I had been to a Philadelphia event a few months before my weight loss started and pleased that it was a healthy extra for Slimming World so took a look on their site and I found a recipe. I have adapted a good few Philly recipes, they give that extra creamy taste.

Its hard to see how something that tastes rich and creamy could possibly be anything to do with weight loss, but I ate lots and the weight came off each week.

Again mine is inspired by as I change ingredients and measurements to keep it SW friendly and feed an army, I tweak and adapt, no parsley, as I dislike it, herbs detract from it being a close relative of the real thing, so after trying chives I ditched trying others.

I use frylight as the bacon fries well in it.

I add mushrooms, one to add in some superfree and two to bulk it out,three as they do not take away from the taste.

I have added garlic and onion in the past, it works, but takes a completely different dish flavour.

I do stick with the bacon, it has to be smoked to lift the sauce. The stock turns the philly into a sauce that clings to the pasta, I use a healthy extra portion per person,

The amounts that Philadelphia state just don't quite work for a family of six, I use two packs of bacon, three to four eggs and if I was not making it for Slimming world I would add way more philly. I do add a little fat free creme fraiche if I have any in.

I will not say its the same as the cream version, but if you are trying to cut out fat,on a low fat diet, Slimming World plan or need a yummy pasta fix with creamy based sauces,this is it.

Please note that Slimming World change the Healthy Extra quanties quite often due to manufacturers recipe changes, so if reading in the future, check amounts, it works with less,but nicer with more. At the moment it is 75g of Philly Light for a Healthy Extra A, so you can use 225g philly and 42g of parmesan for the topping but I syn my Parmesan.

Ingredients

500g pack of spaghetti

Frylight

2 packs of smoked bacon,trimmed of all visible fat, cut into strips

Mushrooms as many as you fancy or none at all, finely sliced.

300g Philadelphia light ( 4 HexA's)

3-4 egg yolks

300ml vegetable stock

Parmesan shavings, to garnish

Cook the spaghetti according to the pack instructions.

While it is cooking, fry the bacon pieces in a large pan, add the mushrooms once the bacon has started to crisp. Keep stirring until the mushrooms are cooked.

Beat together the Philly and the egg yolks in a separate bowl.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it.

Add the stock to the bacon pan, then add the pasta and mix together.

Add the philly and egg mixture, and stir through well to combine everything.

Serve the pasta onto plates, scatter with a few shavings of parmesan.

Sweet Trees by Riviera Review.

noreply@blogger.com (Jo) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:22:00 +0000

What a cute idea for Easter, a tree of sweets, my latest review for a lovely company called Sweet Trees by Riviera is yummy indeed.They sent me a Malteser Tree.

Sweet Trees are a family run business which started in 2010 by Christina Purnell and Charlee Hutchins – a mother and daughter team. The concept of Sweet Trees started during the preparations for Charlee’s wedding in the summer of 2010, when they were thinking of the ideal centre pieces for the tables that both adults and children would appreciate and enjoy. Since the wedding, Sweet Tree by Rivera has expanded due to a wave of publicity, strong sales and the simple fact that everyone who has seen, heard or tasted a Sweet Tree has simply loved them!

The trees are really cute, the Malteser tree will be kept for the family to pick chocs from the tree on Easter Sunday.

The tree came well packaged and very fast delivery, its so cute to look at, a really great idea.

Even the stem is made from chocolate,the pot however is a little terracotta plant pot,just in case you decide to nibble it! They say money does not grow on trees but I am happy with chocolate doing so!

If you still like the traditional Egg shape, but like something a little different, I spotted this range of Easter Egg, like no other, they are solid and available in many different choices of Sweets and Chocolate. Prices range according to size chosen, £6.00 - £23.00

Marshmallows, sweet fried eggs and one I think little ones will like the Dolly Mixture Eggs

This Easter, why not treat someone special with a unique, hand-made Sweet Tree?

Sweet Trees, covered in your favourite chocolate or sweets, are designed to be
shared, nibbled, devoured and admired and make a fantastic Spring gift.

Sweet Trees are presented in either a delightful glass vase or pretty terracotta pot.

www.SweetTreeByRivera.co.uk

Disclosure I was given a free product. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.