Once upon a time there was a (somewhat exhausted and slightly overweight) fairy who, for the purposes of this story, we shall call Faye.

Faye was among many, many other things, the family Birthday Fairy.

When the time arrived, year in, year out, thanks to the Birthday Fairy each of the children in the house would ‘magically’ receive carefully wrapped, thoughtful gifts, delicious homemade birthday cakes and treats, and a party at which they would be showered with gifts and love.

The Birthday Fairy mainly worked her magic alone, with the odd grunt of approval from her husband, who seem to be mostly oblivious to the work she did.

With her daughter’s birthday party rapidly approaching Faye was in preparation overdrive. She’d made and sent the party invitations, arranged and liaised with the venue, carefully chosen the party bags and gifts for each of the twenty guests, and bought all The Birthday Girl’s gifts, ready to surprise her with on the Big Day. The only thing she had yet to make was a princess cake for the party, as requested by the Birthday Girl herself. It would be fine though; Faye had a little time to spare, or at least she thought she did…

As tends to happen in these situations, the time Faye thought she had was eaten up by time spent ‘dealing’ with other things (such as randomly going partially deaf,  but that’s a whole other story), and the cake she would normally lovingly make had to be bought from the bakery of a well know supermarket chain.

Faye, the Birthday Fairy, refused to feel any guilt. The shop-bought cake fit the ‘princess’ brief well enough, and she doubted (or at least hoped) the party guests wouldn’t notice the difference. After all, how many 3 and 4 year olds really even care who made the cake, as long are there is cake!

Faye was beginning to wonder if her husband, who should have know better, truly believed in the Birthday Fairy’s magical powers. The night before the party she sarcastically asked him, for what felt like the eleventy billionth time, if he thought that fairies arranged birthdays. Knowing that things would never change, and fairy wings and a tutu didn’t suit him anyway, she carried on with her Birthday Fairy role, regardless of sometimes wanting to pass on the powers, or at least share them for just a little while.

Faye threw on her magnanimous face, put her ‘wobble’ behind her (or some might say in front, if we’re judging by weight distribution), and busied herself with the final party preparations.

After all, any good fairy worth their salt never stops trying, does she…

*swishes magic wand*

As a parent, you are probably very keen to find ways that will help your child learn, develop and grow. Well, one great way to encourage learning is with a good bedroom design. It might seem a little strange, but it has been found that a great design can help your child interact and learn.

Put the computer in the family room

Considering the world we live in today, limiting the use of technology may seem a little strange. However, it has been suggested that too much technology can limit a child’s imagination. Over the past decade, it has become the norm for children to have televisions and computers in their bedroom, but parents have been reassessing this attitude, with adults keen to limit the use of technology to open family spaces.

Create a play area

Children need to know that although they can use technology, such as computers and video games, there are other methods of play too. By designing their bedroom to include a play area, you will ensure they are more inclined to explore the different playthings they have to access to. Make the experience truly beneficial by putting down your own gadgets and joining in. Interaction like this is a key part of a child’s development so should never be overlooked.

Kids’ minds are incredible, so allow them to explore and learn as they go. By avoiding toys and technology that encourage a particular behaviour or stereotyping, children will be able to be themselves and that is a truly wonderful gift.

Think outside the box

You might think that your child’s bedroom is just somewhere to play and sleep at the end of the day, but it’s so much more. This is where your child will spend a huge chunk of their younger years, so ensure it is designed to encourage learning.

There are things you could add to the room to make it extra-special. What about a climbing wall, wipeable surfaces, or a reading corner? These unique features will mean your child interacts with their bedroom and explores what it can offer safely.

Add a splash of colour

Although you might have heard that babies are only able to see black and white or light and dark, using these colours to paint a child’s bedroom is not a good idea. Between the age of six weeks and two months, children start to distinguish colours and respond well to bright hues.

Research typically shows that boys and girls have different colour preferences, but if you want to avoid coercing your kids into liking a particular colour, allow them to choose for themselves. This is something they’ll generally only be able to do at an older age so starting with softer palettes is a good way to go.

If you want to create a children’s bedroom that encourages learning, then visit Betta Living online today and see how their bedroom styles could help.

Guest content published on behalf of Betta Living.

My babies are growing up, and all too fast!

Last week we had confirmation of the 3 year old’s reception place, for September this year. My youngest baby will be school age. She’ll spend all day, everyday at the same school as her elder brother. Both my children will be in full time education.

It seems, in so many ways, as if it were just yesterday we began this journey into parenthood. From the moment we knew we were going to be someone’s parents, our brains were abuzz. All the excitement. All the hoping and dreaming about the future we would build with the children we were yet to meet. We were mapping a course in our minds, trying to navigate this brave new world, into which we were about to be launched.

I’d spend hours day-dreaming about what our perfect nursery should look like. What wall paper would we choose? Did we need a border? Was a blue colour scheme a good idea, or a neutral pallette  a better plan?

Did we need a Moses basket? Should we buy a crib, or perhaps a more traditional cot? Would a more contemporary cotbed suit us better? There seemed to be so many decisions to make about even the smallest of details. But of course, no detail is small when it comes to your baby! I’d pour for hours over nursery catalogues and websites filling my head with all kinds of ideas.

We decided the best route for us was a neutral colour scheme, with a good quality cotbed that would grow with us. And, that cotbed did indeed grow with us. First my son’s, then my daughter’s, and now lovingly handed down to my niece (of course with new mattresses for each child).

It’s only a cotbed, yet to me it represents so much more. Something a simple as a place to sleep has become an intrinsic part of our lives, and an important symbol of bonds between a family.

I wonder where it will end up next…

This is a sponsored post.

I sometimes honestly believe that when I gave birth to my kids, somehow my fashion sense escaped along with my placenta!

Don’t get me wrong; I was never a fashionista, often far from it. But, I had my moments. I knew my figure and my mind well enough to know what to avoid and what I could just about get away with. I was confident with my choices, perhaps a confidence that came with youth.

Fast forward ten years and suddenly I found myself still wandering about in my comfy maternity jeans and billowy tops, six months after the main event. Truth be told, those maternity clothes were easy to live in. There were a few favourites I was reluctant to part with two years down the line!

When the sleepless nights had taken their toll, it was really easy to forget that I wasn’t just somebody’s mum. Somewhere underneath those baggy tops and stretchy jeans was an individual, the me I used to be, screaming to be let out!

I’m holding my hands up and admitting it was very easy for me to become ‘mumsy’. While the mums at the school gates may be able to rock a pair of wet look leggings, I’m more likely to be in jeans or smart grey trousers and a black wrap top. Yes, I can practically hear your yawns from here.

So I’m thinking that perhaps now is the time for me to be a bit braver? To be a bit less feint-hearted with my colour and style choices and become a (semi) dedicated follower of fashion? The only thing is, given my previous form, I have absolutely no idea how to switch it up a little.

Tell me, how do you manage to inject a bit of grown-up glamour into your everyday wardrobe? Trust me, this mumsy mum needs a little help…

This is a sponsored post.

It’s always around this time of year that I start to think about planning ahead for the summer months.

I know that this year we’re barely into spring, what with the recent cold spell, but I find that this time of year is always the right time to begin thinking of ways to generate a bit of extra cash for the summer, so we can perhaps treat ourselves to some time away, or spoil the children with some new (well, at least to them) summer clothes.

One way I always manage to raise quite a healthy amount of money is by selling clothes online. Every year, since our children were born, I’ve meticulously sorted through their old clothes and sold them on various websites. It’s often amazing how much money you can raise from selling a few old bits and bobs. Many times I’ve recouped more than I originally paid, which never ceases to astound me. I’m sure I’m not alone in finding that brands like Mini Boden, Monsoon and Joules wear and sell particularly well.

Before you think I go and splurge on brand new clothes for the kids, think again! I’m not ashamed to admit that almost all my children’s clothes, bar underwear and school uniform, are pre-loved, purchased second-hand online. I’ve very rarely been disappointed with any item I’ve bought as an online ‘hand-me-down’. It’s good to know that there are so many other parents out there sharing the same ethos as us, and that these beautiful clothes, that still have so much life left in them, will carry on making our and other’s children look the bees knees for years to come!

Now all I have to do is sort through last year’s clothes mountain, and allow myself to part with the clothes that we made so many memories in…

This is a sponsored post.

There are somethings in life I can’t live without. My absolute favourite things that I associate with home, comfort and security.

My beloved UGG Australia boots fall perfectly into this category!

I bought my first pair 3 years ago. After longing for a pair for at least two years, I finally decided that cheap imitations just weren’t standing up to the challenge, and a genuine pair was the only way to go. Disappointed I was not!

My trusty UGG Australia Chocolate Classic Short have lasted the test of time and still look, and feel, fabulous today. They are without a doubt the most comfortable, and versatile, pair of shoes I own. I’ve worn them dressed down with jeans, dressed up with my favourite denim skirt, and always feel a million dollars when I have them on.

The wonderfully soft sheepskin interior moulds perfectly to the shape of my foot and I always feel as if I’m walking on air, in a pair of boots tailor-made just for me.

So, how lucky did I feel when I was sent another fabulous pair of UGG Australia boots to review? My brand new Chestnut Classic Short boots are my new best friends. They’ll be gracing my feet for years to come!

I wonder if the husband will notice if I ‘accidentally’ buy my daughter a matching pair…

When it comes to all things money I’m perhaps a little embarrassed to admit that, in recent times, sometimes the proverbial ostrich and I have had more than a little in common.

It’s not that I don’t understand how to control my finances. Quite the opposite in fact (I have spreadsheets to prove it). It’s more an all consuming worry that our money will not stretch to the end of the month, so if I bury my head in the sand, it’ll all be OK. Yes?

After having recently been put in the unenviable position of being made redundant, I was left in the ironic situation of suddenly finding myself more financially stable than I’d been in years.

That little bit of stability has meant I have been able to spend some time looking at how we spend, save, and more importantly, bank our money. I made it a priority for us to go online and compare bank accounts, to make sure we were getting the best rates available to us, both on our current accounts, and our savings.

Sixteen years with one employer meant that, while my redundancy package was never going to last forever or have us living in the lap of luxury, it was sufficiently generous to mean we could loosen our belts a little and stop living pay cheque, to pay cheque. Well, for a short while at least.

Taking control of our finances, and making an informed choice about who we bank with has given me much more peace of mind, and along with finding myself another job, it has made me realise that being the ostrich’s best friend possibly wasn’t the wisest of plans…

Disclosure.

For whatever reason, I find happy memories of my childhood few and far between.

I’m sure there should be plenty, after all, it was hardly all doom and gloom, but I do struggle to remember the good stuff, and it’s often the inability to ‘erase’ the bad that keeps me awake at night.

As the snow fell from the sky today, I felt a memory stir. I was reminded of how, as a child of no more than 5 or 6, to forget all the sadness around me I would lay with my head on the windowsill, staring up at the sky as the snowflakes tumbled from the full, white heavens, and feel as if I was falling upwards, into the sky. Flying away from it all. Momentarily free as the world seemed to crumble around me.

It was a happy feeling.

I hope, that whatever is to come in our lives, I can always find a way to feel free. Just like the 5 year old me, way back then.

*Featured Guest Post*

We all know how good fish is for us and our children. It is a fantastic source of lean protein and fatty fish, like salmon and tuna, are packed with omega-3 fats which are known to promote a healthy heart and may also have brain-boosting capabilities. Nutritionists recommend that you should eat at least 2 servings of fish each week.

The good news is there are plenty of delicious fish dishes out there. A quick browse through the fish sections of food hamper specialists will get your mouth watering but you do not need to be a gastronome, specialist chef or have oodles of time on your hands to prepare delicious fish dishes. Here are some quick and easy fish dishes which are ideal for the busy mum.

Smoked salmon layer

What could be simpler? You can easily buy smoked salmon online that is of the highest standard and bursting with flavour so keep it simple when preparing it.

Try grating some carrot, radish and cucumber and mix these into a dollop of cream cheese, a drizzle of lemon juice, a sprinkling of fresh coriander and a pinch of salt and pepper. Lay a slice of salmon on a plate, generously portion out your mix on top and then cover this with another slice. Drizzle over some olive oil and serve this healthy snack or light tea with bread and butter.

Fish tacos with lime

You will need just 30 minutes for this innovative twist on a family favourite.

For your lime sauce, take the juice of two limes and stir in mayonnaise and chilli powder to taste. This will serve as the sauce for your tacos and a quick marinade for your fish to really let that flavour percolate.

Cut your tilapia or catfish fillets into one inch pieces, dip them in your mayonnaise and then coat them in flour and a little salt. Shallow fry them for no more than 4 minutes until the fish is golden brown and starting to flake.

Give the tortillas a quick blast in the microwave to warm them up and then fill them with fish, shredded cabbage, grated carrot, some jalapenos and your lime sauce.

Peppered salmon with roasted roots

This one also takes just 30 minutes from preparation to plate.

Preheat your oven to 220 degrees Celsius and place chopped carrots and beetroots into a roasting tin with hot oil in it. Roast these for 20-30 minutes.

Meanwhile sprinkle your salmon with salt and plenty of pepper. Place a large frying pan over a high heat and cook your fillets for 3 minutes on each side. Make sure the fish flakes when you test it with a fork.

Place a little drop of orange juice in the pan for a sauce and then serve the salmon on the roasts and drizzle over the sauce.

Plenty more fish in the sea.

There are just so many other quick and easy fish recipes out there that you could make fish a bigger part of your diet. It is quick to cook, delicious and very nutritious.

Disclosure – This is ‘Featured Content’ provided by a guest poster.

For more Silent Sunday visit Jay at her new home.

The fact that today is Shrove Tuesday gives me the perfect excuse to treat myself to one of my all-time  favourite treats – pancakes!

These super easy, decadent treats remind me of being a little girl, in my Grandma’s kitchen helping her flip the pancakes, and trying not to drop them on the floor, or stick them to the ceiling with over exuberant flipping!

My favourite topping is lemon juice and a sprinkling of sugar, but since I’m trying to maintain my weight loss, this year it’ll be a sprinkling of sweetener instead.

Here’s a great recipe from Jenny Craig for fabulous pancakes…

It’s Flipping Brilliant!

Avoid flops on Pancake Day with our healthy recipe using lemon and sweetener. For a more decadent treat, you can add any of the suggested toppings – just ask your consultant how you can fit these in as a splurge.

Jenny Craig Pancakes
Makes 6 servings/pancakes

Ingredients:

• 125g (4oz) plain flour
• 1 egg
• 300mls (1/2 pint) skimmed or
• semi-skimmed (1% fat) milk
• Spray cooking oil

Topping ideas:

Savoury
Cottage cheese
Reduced fat cream cheese
Prawns and mayonnaise
Cooked mushrooms melted in reduced fat cream cheese

Sweet
Chopped fresh fruit or berries
Chopped apple, raisins, and ground cinnamon
Fruit with natural yoghurt
Lemon juice and sweetener
Jam, honey, marmalade, golden syrup, fruit puree

Instructions:

• Sift the flour into a bowl.
• Beat the egg and milk together, then slowly add to the flour.
• Stir the mixture until a smooth batter forms.
• Spray oil into a non-stick frying pan and heat. When the oil is very hot, add about 4 tbsp (1/4 cup) of the pancake mixture and shake the pan so that it spreads.
• Cook the pancake for 2 minutes until the underside is lightly browned, then flip or turn over and cook the other side for a minute or so.
• Keep the pancake warm in the oven while you cook the rest. You can stack them on top of the other as they are cooked.

Disclosure – This is a sponsored post.

Dear Ellie

Like in the UK mental illness is stigmatised in Ghana, communities and families often disown those with mental illness.

We arrived at the Basic Needs mental health self help group on a hot, humid afternoon to find the group running their monthly meeting under the shade of the trees. The meeting was chaired by Dora a project beneficiary, a passionate and inspirational woman who really empowered her fellow beneficiaries. The meeting covered the loans the group received to train and start new businesses, taking it in turns to share healthcare advice and ends with amazing singing. Sometimes just a small amount of money, just ten pounds can get someone restarted in work after a break due to illness. Incredibly inspirational project which is run by the Basic Needs Trust and funded by Comic Relief.

Love Penny

This is a digital postcard sent from TeamHonk (www.mammasaurus.co.uk; www.aresidence.co.uk; www.mummybarrow.com) during their travels with Comic Relief in Ghana celebrating #goodwork.

For the past 25 years the money raised through Red Nose Day has been changing the lives of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in the UK and Africa. Let’s Keep Up the Good Work. Find out how at rednoseday.com.

For other digital postcards please do join up and check out the linky on www.teamhonk.org.

So, you’re on a photoshoot, in bear country, minding your own business when suddenly this happens… YIKES!

Did it catch you out? It almost had me at first! Almost…

Samsung are using this fabulous viral ad to promote their Ecobubble Washing Machine. The Samsung Ecobubble has some pretty impressive environmentally friendly features and is able to deliver great results at just 15°C, using 70% less energy than a standard 40°C wash cycle. You can find out more about its capabilities here.

Disclosure – This post is in association with Samsung Electronics.

Summer school can be a great experience for your child, but what can you expect? Well, there are plenty of things worth knowing before you send your child that will help make it that bit easier, both for your child and for you. In this guide you can read about the benefits of summer school, what to expect and how you can deal with potential issues.

Developing language skills and independence

Your child will learn plenty more than just a language when they attend summer school. They’ll definitely develop a level of independence. They’ll also pick up a whole new raft of social skills, as they learn to adapt to different situations and new people. Learning a new language has plenty of benefits in itself, though. It will improve future job prospects and look great on a CV.

The process of living and studying abroad, with an organisation like ESL Schools, will also help your child to mature, develop a sense of identity and become more independent. You can expect your child to come back equipped with fresh skills and a new level of confidence in themselves.

Making new friends and having great experiences

Summer schools provide the ideal platform for your child to meet children from different cultures and countries. This will help them develop an open mind and broader sense of the world. They’ll make new friends and will likely be more open to new experiences than they were before.

Not only that, they’ll get to experience the culture of the country in which they’re studying. If they’re travelling to study at a German summer camp with ESL Schools, for example, they’ll not only learn the native language but will get a good opportunity to experience life and culture in Germany.

How to deal with homesickness

One of the big things to consider is homesickness. No one knows your child like you do, and you need to weigh up whether they’re ready to go. There will be a degree of homesickness but you can help to overcome this with calls (regular, if necessary) and by letting them know that they can always contact you. Another great way of doing this is to set up internet chats, as long as the services are available. Once they’re settled, the homesickness will melt away.

If you like what you’ve read so far and want to know more, there is plenty of information out there. A good resource to keep an eye on is information about ESL schools on Twitter and on the website. Arm yourself with as much information as you can, talk to your child about where they’d like to go, and then set them off on an invaluable adventure.

Disclosure – Guest advertorial content provided by ESL Schools.

For more Silent Sunday visit Jay’s Blog.

For more Silent Sunday visit Jay’s Blog.

For more Silent Sunday visit Mocha Beanie Mummy.

For more Silent Sunday visit Mocha Beanie Mummy.

It’s at this point in the year where we’re supposed to nostalgically reflect on what’s passed, and optimistically look forward to what’s to come.

Out with the old, and in with the new.

I’m not going to lie; I’m struggling.

For the most part, 2012 was A Good Year. There were wonderful weddings, beautiful babies born, family holidays, good times with friends, and we have a roof over our heads. That is what makes me tick, and keeps me smiling.

But I can’t get past the fact that 2012 was the year I lost my job. It’s only been 3 weeks, but I feel completely lost, and all the positivity I had, in the run up to it happening, has been drained from me.

I don’t know who I am anymore.

I had plans, or plans to make plans at the very least, but with only one wage coming in, and bills to pay, the time I thought my redundancy payout would give me is going to be short. I know I’m going to have to compromise and simply try to get any job. Believe me, in this city, in the current financial climate, I know it’s not going to be easy. There is no time to be what I want to try and be. The mortgage needs paying, the kids need feeding and that is that.

I wish I could say I was looking forward to 2013 with a renewed optimism, but I’m not. Right now it feels like I’m never going to be the person I want to be, never going to achieve the potential I know I have. I want to learn, move forward, step up! Our circumstances will most likely mean a big step back.

I guess that’s just life. You always have to sacrifice parts of yourself. I just feel so, for want of a better word, alone. Most of all, I don’t want my children to get stuck here in this town. How can I show them there is more to life than this, if I can’t even change my own circumstances?

I want more for myself, a better life for us. Is that so wrong?

For more Silent Sunday visit Mocha Beanie Mummy.

For more Silent Sunday go say hello to Mocha Beanie Mummy.

Last week, after sixteen years of service with one company, I was made redundant.

In the blink of an eye I’d gone from a working parent, bringing in just enough to get us by, to another casualty of the current economic climate.

Unemployed. Jobless. Out of work.

I thought that at first it’d feel like I was just on holiday, but it doesn’t. Everyday I wake up wondering what the future holds, trying to imagine how our lives are going to pan out.

I’m making plans for a career change, which I’m hoping aren’t pipe dreams, but those plans involve money and time, and an element of taking a leap of faith. With my head all over the place, I’m struggling to formulate and structure my ideas rationally.

Part of me feels like pulling down the shutters and hiding under the duvet, and the other part of me wants the future to begin right now. I’m full of optimism one minute, and on the verge of tears the next. It’s exhausting.

Somehow, I feel I’ve forgotten who I am, what I’m good at, what my skills are. It’s as if the me I once was has been deleted, along with anything I ever knew about myself. The thought of writing a CV fills me with dread.

I know this happens to people every single day, and I know I’m not alone. I’m fairly certain this could be the making of me. But, mostly what I’m feeling right now is nervous, unsettled and scared.

Everything will be OK. Won’t it?

When M&S asked me to choose something from their lingerie range as an early Christmas gift to myself I jumped at the chance.

I wanted to pick something I’d choose as a gift, but not something that I’d never use. Something that wouldn’t just languish in my wardrobe, untouched and unloved. I think it’s safe to say that buying a gift for me is a pretty tough task. I’m not the kind of person that chooses extravagant things and I’m always more likely to go for comfort and pampering, over edgy and stylish – that’s just me!

I toyed momentarily with the idea of a sexy negligee (oo-er), but knew that it wasn’t suitable attire for sorting the kids out, and opening the door to the postman in the morning. Then, at the opposite end of the scale, I considered ordering a onesie, but realised that at the wrong side of 35 years old, perhaps it was a tad too young for me.

Neither really suited my personality.

So, with my penchant for comfort and decadence in mind, here are my tips for buying the perfect lingerie/nightwear gift:

1. Always buy with the recipient in mind, never yourself! You might quite fancy the thought of her in that racy number with suspenders, but she may recoil in horror at the very thought!
2. Make sure you know her size. There is nothing worse than opening a gift, especially lingerie, that is too big or too small! It’s embarrassing for both giver and recipient, and the gift is likely end up in the back of a cupboard! Check her underwear drawer for recent purchases so you know the sizes she needs!
3. Make sure you consider her personal style. Is she sporty, always on the move, a suited and booted professional, a comfort seeker?
4. Remember that lingerie is more than fancy bras and knickers! Nightwear and robes can be just as special, especially combined with a bit of pampering!
5. And last but not least, if all else fails and you get it completely wrong, keep the receipt and let her swap it for something she really loves!

After pondering for what seemed like an age I came to the decision that what I’d really like was a lovely robe – something I’ve always wanted, but never actually had! Something that reminds me of hotel stays, and spending decadent afternoons reading a book, wrapped up all cosy and warm after a long, hot soak in a bubble bath.

M&S very kindly delivered me the Per Una Pure Cotton Hooded Spot Velour Towelling Dressing Gown.

It’s wonderfully soft on the outside, with a towelling lining so I can have my decadent bath, and pop my fabulous new robe straight on – no need for faffing with a towel. It feels like my own little bit of luxury!

Now that’s the perfect gift for me this Christmas, but what’s yours?

Disclosure – M&S provided me with a product for review purposes.

I love receiving gifts. Who doesn’t!? Especially when it’s something that has been well thought out and is tailored to my personality. It doesn’t have to be expensive either!

In a sea of shops and online stores, it’s sometimes hard to find the perfect gift that you know will suit its recipient to tee. Something unique, made almost with them in mind.

My favourite site, that ticks all the boxes I’m looking for, is Not on the High Street. This fabulous site, which acts as an online shop front for over 3000 British businesses, is a real treasure trove! Over the last few weeks I’ve spent literally hours perusing this site. There is so much choice – from foodie gifts and gadgets, to personalised prints and canvasses, hand made jewellery to toys and clothing for children, and much, much more. There really is something for everyone!

The website is wonderful to use, and the choice is inspiring, plus there is also a fantastic Gift Finder App, which helps you choose gifts according to the style of the recipient. You could be earning yourself some serious ‘thoughtful gift’ brownie points here!

I’ve particularly fallen in love with this English Dinner Typographic Screen Print by Victoria Eggs.

This print is ‘me’ through and through. It combines my love of screen prints (I used to create them as a student) with my adoration of food, and it’s going to look gorgeous hanging on my kitchen wall!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some more shopping to do…

Disclosure – Not on the High Street provided me with a £50 voucher.

Betty’s of Harrogate – One evening, recently, I nonchalantly tweeted I really fancied a slice of coffee and walnut cake. To my surprise, the lovely people at Betty’s of Harrogate sent me a whole cake, and some chocolate teddy bears for the children. I live fairly local to the famous Betty’s Café Tearooms, but had no idea that their cakes and treats were available for mail order. Our cake arrived in perfect condition. It was extremely well packaged in order to avoid any damage in transit and I can confirm that it was absolutely delicious! The children loved their chocolate teddy bears too – they were solid chocolate, what’s not to love. If you’re looking for a delicious foodie gift then I’d certainly recommend Betty’s!

Whittard of Chelsea – There’s nothing I love more on a cold day than cuddling up on the sofa, with the kids with a huge cup of hot chocolate. It’s one of those treats that we love enjoying as a family. Whittard of Chelsea sent us a fabulous parcel of hot chocolates in all sorts of wonderful flavours – Crème Brûlée White Hot Chocolate, Orange Hot Chocolate, and Rhubarb White Hot Chocolate. The range features a whole host of delicious flavours and there is certainly a flavour to fit any personality. I’m going to try the Cherry Hot Chocolate and the Chilli Hot Chocolate next!

Soreen - When I think of Soreen Malt Loaf I’m transported straight back to my childhood, where we’d have malt loaf, spread thickly with butter, at my Grandma’s on a Saturday afternoon. So, surprised I was when Soreen sent me a parcel of goodies from their now more extensive range. No longer do they only make the malt loaf we all know and love, the range has been extended to include Toastie Loaf, Soreen Banana, Soreen Lunch Box Loaves and much more. My 6 year old is a real fruit loaf lover so these treats were right up his street, and mine – I’ve become quite addicted to a slice of Soreen Toastie in the morning!

Disclosure – I was sent packages from Betty’s of Harrogate, Whittard of Chelsea and Soreen for review.

For more Silent Sunday visit the gorgeous Mocha Beanie Mummy.

For more Silent Sunday visit its spiritual home at Mocha Beanie Mummy.

Weekday suppers in our house need to cover a lot of bases. They need to be quick and easy to prepare, yet always satisfy mine, the kids’ and the husband’s appetite for something tasty and filling.

This Spicy Sausage Pasta recipe is one of our weekday favourites. It tickles those taste buds with its spicy kick, but is homely and filling at the same time. Plus a few sneaky short-cuts using Gourmet Garden herbs and spices mean less lime chopping, and I’m also less likely to blind myself after chopping chilli… say it’s not just me?!

This dish works well served with a side of rocket dressed with lemon juice and black pepper.

Spicy Sausage Pasta
Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion – finely chopped
• 4 spring onions - finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot – finely diced
• 1 stick of celery – finely diced
• 1 tsp Gourmet Garden Chilli
• 1 tsp Gourmet Garden Garlic
• 1 tsp Gourmet Garden Italian Herbs
• 300g sausage meat, or 6 sausages, meat removed from skins.
• Salt & pepper to season
• Spray oil or 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 100ml water
• 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 whole star anise
• 200g dried pasta (I use Fusilli)