I’m monitoring Room 1, the main room (hear the pride in my voice?) and there are some brilliant sessions in there including Storytelling, How to take video on your smartphone and Working with charities close to your heart that will give me invaluable insight to how I want Mari’s World to progress over the next year.

Of course I shall be on the BritMums stand during breaks looking to meet as many bloggers as possible and tell them all about BritMums and how they can use the popular platform for their benefit.

This means I need to look the part, but what does one wear?

It’s pointless me wearing breakneck heels, tight skirts and power sholder pads as that is so not me and would be very uncomfortable so when Zalando kindly offered me £100 to spend on their site, well, I spent an entire evening browsing before making my mind up!

I knew I wanted to wear a dress or a skirt and I wanted it to be noticeable not wishy washy, something to reflect my personality and Zalando is full of ideas and all sorts of brands and prices. To prove my point I bought my favourite skirt from Desigual discounted by £15 and the red jacket for only £12! I chose a jersey dress that hangs loosely allowing me to feel comfortable at all times and cool made by Anna Fields, who is knew to me but she has some gorgeous pieces for very good prices.

Another brand I discovered on the fab fashion site was Pier One, I almost chose one of their dresses but in the end went for some classic black ballerinas that will cover all items in my wardrobe. I did go slightly over budget, in all I spent about £115 but I got four fabulous pieces that I shall enjoy all summer and come winter, I’ll be back looking for jackets and the children’s wear

Take a look for yourself at Zalando and allow about 3 days for delivery

The post What I’m wearing to BritMums Live #Zalando appeared first on MarisWorld.

I love the fact that whenever there’s something going wrong in life, putting the kettle on for a cup of tea seems to already eliminate the brunt of the problem and suddenly you know the situation can be solved one way or another, the world looks a better place already.

I love that when I am really tired, I can fix a quick brew and it picks me up.

I love that when I have the flu or horrible virus dragging me down and making me feel dreadful, a cup of tea seems to work magic on my system and flush the bug out.

And I love that when I’m really thirsty a cup of tea can quench it, refresh me and put me back on the right track again.

So all of the above makes me a tea girl and when Tea India asked if I’d like to review their cuppa I said YES please.

They sent me through two kinds of tea and I love the packaging, it’s really simple and eye catching don’t you think?

I tried the Black Tea first, a 2 star Great Taste Gold Winner* (Pink box) and added milk to it as is the norm for me. Verdict: Delicious in fact I filled up my tea caddy with the entire box and even husband mentioned, ‘Really nice cup of tea’ without knowing we had a new brand in the house. In fact my grandmother even mentioned ‘What a lovely cup of tea?’ Whose is it? When she popped in the other day and she has had a fair amount of tea in her 93 years!

This 100 per cent black tea has a high Assam content for a robust, golden flavour. Tea India’s signature blend, it has been sourced by the master blender, who grew up in Assam, north-east India. His innate knowledge of creating the perfect blend, using only the top two leaves and the bud of the Assam tea bush when the tea is at its freshest, ensures a superior cup of reviving tea every time.

The second tea I was sent to try is one I called a perfumed tea, it’s Cardomom Chai, a 1 star Great Taste Gold Winner* (green box)

For a truly distinctive tea experience, Tea India’s Cardamom Chai blends premium tea leaves with exotic, aromatic cardamom. An authentic Indian ingredient, used in many traditional sweet and savoury dishes and to flavour hot drinks, cardamom seeds are often seen as a symbol of hospitality. In true Indian tradition, this invigorating blend is a real treat for the senses and will put a spring in any tea lover’s step!

I didn’t add milk to this one and although a delicious cup of chai I would use it to accompany a curry or some strong tasting food rather than drink on it’s own.

Tea India definitely gets the thumbs up from Mari’s World.

Disclosure: I was sent two boxes of tea to try for the purpose of this review

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Back to basics

With hospital fees literally costing tens of thousands of pounds, travel insurance should be thought of in the same breath as passport and tickets. They vary greatly though and that means that understanding if you’re getting value for money can be difficult. What should a standard policy cover then?

Delays

There’s little more annoying at the start or end of a holiday than a big delay, and you shouldn’t have to accept it. Compensation for any delay more than 12 hours should be a standard feature. Just make sure you have receipts and confirmation in writing in the event of a delay.

Cancellation and curtailment

If there is good reason to cancel or cut short your holiday then you should be entitled to compensation with a decent policy. Things like a bereavement or illness are typical reasons but it could also be losing your job. Always check the small print and look for a £3,000 limit.

Medical cover

Arguably the most important part of a travel insurance policy, you should be looking for protection of up to £5 million for worldwide travel with £2 million within Europe. It sounds a lot but in the worst case scenario you could end up needing an air ambulance or help getting home which is incredibly expensive. Always be honest with medical conditions as well because making a holiday claim for something you withheld information for is impossible.

Baggage and belongings

Often bought with a £1,500 limit for stolen, damaged or lost possessions, this is crucial for any trip. Valuable items or stolen cash usually have a £500 limit.

Personal liability

It is typically recommended to find personal liability cover of up to £1 million. Rarely used on an insurance policy, it is crucial if you need legal bills for injuring someone or damaging property. Often take out with adventure holidays like skiing.

Extras

These are the standard things to look for but be honest with where you’re going, what you’re doing and what could happen. Consider cover for spectacles if you wear glasses and emergency 24-hour assistance particularly if you’re in a different time zone. Always, always read the small print.

Value for money

Comparison websites are across the internet these days and this helps for you to get the best deal. This only works if you know all your requirements though. While it might be tempting to drop something for a cheaper deal, you don’t want to regret it down the line. Checking the limits is a good way of deciding while you often get better deals for family travel and annual insurance.

The post Tips on Choosing Travel Insurance appeared first on MarisWorld.

Sunday 9th – A quiet day and a lazy one at that but we did make time to read the tricky words which they read off very easily, I am absolutely amazed at how well they read and we are currently organising a reading corner in their bedroom to use over the summer when they want a quiet moment (or me for that matter!)

Monday 10th – I got my Panasonic breadmaker out again and made a normal white loaf which was devoured the same day, later on in the week I tried the Italian program and made Porcini and pancetta bread (below). It was delicious and I’ll be posting the recipe up soon along with a sweet bread Apricot and almond.

Tuesday 11th – Messy desk, messy house = Tea break

Wednesday 12th – A trip to Specsavers to pick up my new prescription glasses and luckily I was able to make use of the BOGOF deal so I have brand new prescription sunglasses too. I’ll take a photo of them if ever the sun comes out again!

Thursday 13th – When I received an email asking me if I would like to take part in World Gin Day I jumped for joy and shouted loudly all over Facebook how lucky I was to be sent bottles of gin, rum and a ginger liqueur for the occasion … and then it arrived and oh dear, the disappointment, the disbelief. How can I possibly celebrate with a miniature bottle. At the risk of sounding ungrateful I will say I expected more I’m afraid but here it is and also your timely reminder that Saturday 15th June is World Gin Day.

Friday 14th – We have finally managed to get the correct break for the Mini Micro scooter  (thank you!) and can now happily scoot to and from school knowing they can stop at the roads.

The post The week that was 365/24 appeared first on MarisWorld.

Can I take your photo mummy?

It’s not a surprise to hear the words ‘Mummy, can I take a photo?’ meaning with my camera or smartphone after all they’ve been photographed more or less every step of their journey so far in the five years they’ve been with us. We spend a lot of time looking at the photos we’ve taken and talking about that particular object or experience and they’ve watched me get up close to a flower, or crouch/stand on a stool/hold the camera high in the air to get a shot that I’m looking for.

We’re really lucky these days to have digital cameras allowing us to take a look immediately at our photo and therefore re-take if it’s not quite right. If anyone has ever tried food photography – you’ll know what I mean.

They were delighted to find cameras on their Leap Pads at Christmas and we have a whole load of photos downloaded into their galleries and although the first could probably do with throwing away they quickly got the hang of it and now Big Ted and Baby Ted  are placed all over the place to get the right shot.

Daddy just in from work still with biker jacket on!

I am really happy to pass the camera over and watch them play and learn at the same time. I am curious to see what they come up with and I want them to be better than me. My little Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 is perfect as it’s compact, light and takes a damn good photo too. We haven’t tackled the zoom yet but I’m sure it will come in time and you never know I may learn something new too

snail trail

Of course there are rules to be followed

1. Always keep the loop over your wrist so if it slips out of your hand it won’t fall on the floor
2. Share the camera nicely with your sister.
3. NO SNATCHING
4. NO running whilst holding the camera

So here it is, allow me to present Alice and Bessie’s first pictures taken of each other and things that caught their eye.

in the front room

In the garden

and some more

and finally the disco lights that fascinated them as it squiggled and moved with the music

The post When the kids get hold of the camera – eek! appeared first on MarisWorld.

Sun, sand and the sea… Yep, Florida ticks all my boxes for a summer holiday.

I’ve done LA, San Fran and Vegas, so the South East Coast of the US was next on my list. While I love the stream of yellow cabs and hot dog stands in New York, it’s not exactly the most relaxing city. Florida, on the other hand, not only has the longest coastline in America, it’s also the home to some of the world’s most interesting animals. Plus, it’s got more than enough theme parks and activities for the kids (and us) to have a fun-filled break. So, with a flight to Florida on my credit card, I’ve been researching like no tomorrow on the top things to do in the Sunshine State.

Being a bit of animal-lover, the deal was sealed as soon as I came across Florida Tix and its deals to SeaWorld and the new Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin attraction. The new Antarctica-themed boat ride is the first of its kind and is the largest, coldest and most expensive attraction to date, with -1 degree temperatures and over 250 penguins. A news article that initially had me hooked forecasted a surge of up to 10% in visitors thanks to this $40 million venture – you know with figures like that, it’s got to be good!

Basically, you follow a penguin called Puck through his frozen land, literally walking in his footsteps and experiencing diving and danger through his eyes. There’s also an open-air habitat to check out these little tuxedoed guys in action, plus kids can make the most of the educational activities. Since Happy Feet plays on constant repeat at our house, I’ll be heading there straight away – it sounds like the perfect excursion for our penguin-friendly family!

Aside from the penguins, I’ve also found plenty of other sights to see – the Kennedy Space Center and its real-life Angry Birds exhibition is another big one, along with a live performance from the Blue Man Group. There’s no doubt the kids will go crazy for the overload of theme parks – Walt Disney World is a given, although Legoland and Universal Studios sound pretty good too. There really is so much to see… and the countdown is on!

Disclosure: This is a partnered post about the new Antartica: Empire of the Penguin attraction at SeaWorld in Florida, I hope one day I get to see it myself

The post How I’ll be making a splash in Florida! appeared first on MarisWorld.

Tea is part of my life and in order to make a good cup of tea one needs a kettle.

So when Morphy Richards asked if I’d like to try their new Brita Filter Kettle for them and feedback my thoughts I was delighted and agreed straight away.

My kettle arrived whilst we were on holiday but once out of the box, packaging removed and a quick rinse it is ready to use. As with all Brita filters, you wash it through a couple of times and then bingo! You’re off.

What do I look for in my kettle?

Today’s kettle cannot just boil water, no no, today’s kettle in the savvy housewife’s kitchen needs to be aware of how much electricity it’s consuming. It needs to have a way of boiling for a single cup of tea or for more. It has to be easy to use, no fuss and wireless too. We are a fussy lot aren’t we but seeing as it is most likely the most used appliance in our homes it had better do a good job – right?

The Morphy Richards Brita Filter kettle has a clear window showing the level of the water in the jug and indicating where 1, 2, 4 and 6 cups should be, it also illuminates blue as the water boils which I like too but that’s just design.

How to use the Morphy Richards Brita Filter Kettle

There is a top segment where the filter sits and after an initial couple of rinses all you have to do is fill the top compartment which will filter the water to the jug beneath holding the element. You have to get the hang of quantity in order to get the cup measurements right but a couple of fills and it’s easy to suss out.

Flick down the switch and the kettle will start to boil whilst you gather your teabag and milk ready.

There’s a timer to press on the handle which is a reminder to let you know when the filter needs changing

How have I found my kettle?

First, I must mention that the husband has given a very clear 100% approval and told me to say, ‘Tell ‘em I really like it’ but should you want to know a bit more, here are my findings:-

My kettle is not next to the sink and having been used to filling my previous one from the Brita filter sitting beside (seen in this photo), this first month I have continued to do the same which is a bit ridiculous – doubly filtered water really isn’t necessary. I have started to turn round to fill directly from the tap but I’ll fill it to the top to save time and then maybe boil more water than necessary so I think a jug would be the way forward as you can measure the amount you’re filling, or just be more careful than me.

Another mistake I make is filling the kettle when I need it and then having to wait for the water to drip through before flicking the boil switch otherwise it would be a lengthier boil with continuous cold water dripping through, again it’s a case of getting used to it.

BUT it does make a lovely cuppa and we’ve both noticed a difference in taste.

Overall I am very pleased with my Brita kettle, it’s easy to use once you get the hang of it, it’s convenient and economical if you watch how many cups you’re boiling at a time, I give it the Approved by Mari’s World vote

Disclosure: I was sent a Morphy Richards Brita Filter Kettle for the purpose of this review

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Evidence of a labyrinth of tunnels leading to the harbour suggests to historians it was a smuggling hotspot in years gone by. The last Basset abandoned the castle in 1945 and left it to deteriorate but in 1977 Richard Haines and his family bought it and turned it into one of the most magnificent tourist attractions in north Devon with entertainment for all the family.

We spent a day of our recent Whitsun break to Woolacombe enjoying the castle and its gardens for the cost of £46.00 for a family ticket. In our opinion it was money very well spent as there is so much to do for all of the family – even dad enjoyed the Longest Slide

A trip through the castle with rooms showcasing life as it would have been; a castle employing around 40 staff with cooks, maids and butlers.

Then down to the dungeons where there is a fabulous display of early 20th Cenutry fairground games. Whilst the girls played the penny and 2p slot machines I stopped off at the mechanical palm reader, placed my palm on the plate, a rolling movement underneath my palm as the machine read my fortune and then out popped a tiny white card with my luck

YOUR Hand denotes a very prosperous life; plenty of ups and downs, but you will smile through it all. You will be lucky in future over money matters and should choose first week in month for all important events. You are very just in your dealings and can be depended upon to do what is right. Your word is your bond.You are moderate in your desires and possess good intellect. Staunch in your friendship. Memory very good, and not likely to forget kindness

A sucker for the unknown and mystery I then had a consultation with Gipsy.

I put my 10p in and twisted the knob to say I was a woman and the one to say my birthday was in April, Gipsy had this to say

You have been the focus of attention ever sine you came in here and have attracted many admiring glances – it’s no wonder some people get jealous.

If I could get out of this cabinet I would give you something to think about….

Today is your lucky day, I am telling you

and then I realised I’d turned the male birthday knob and not the female one but rather than have another go I held on to this good fortune slip as it made me smile.

Once out of the castle a short walk along a path then brings you to the fairground area which we all enjoyed. Merry Go Land,

Adventure Land with Cooking Pot

and Snail Ride.

We played Mini golf and visited Gnome Land, I think we were almost last to leave the place and could have easily stayed on longer.

In fact there are even self catering flats to book both in the castle and in separate lodges dotted around this beautiful park with the most fantastic gardens that take your breath away. I would love to stay here one day.

If you’re in north Devon you may also like to visit The Big Sheep

The post Watermouth Castle, Devon – fab family day out appeared first on MarisWorld.

Saturday last week saw us up at 6am and leaving Woolacombe by 7. We were well on our way home when we passed Stonehenge. I ask EVERY SINGLE TIME WE PASS if darling husband will stop so I can visit but going down – he’s getting tired of the journey and anxious to arrive and on returning, ‘Ah you can’t go right up to it anyway and LOOK there’s loads of people.’

So friggin what? Next time I’ve made him promise to stop or else I will quite simply take a trip down on my own – that’ll show him

We arrived at Two Chimneys in Birchington on the North Kent Coast in very good time, set up, had dinner and visited the club house where the girls danced and asked to use the camera to take a photo of the squiggly disco lights

and their photo of the lights

I knew you’d be impressed.

Sunday saw me cleaning the caravan top to toe as we won’t be going down for sometime, a part of me sad to go home but another part of me (quite a big part) looking forward to a proper double size bed. Being a very good bag lady I had bags full to the brim to go home. His job to pack it all in the car – and he did! I can’t tell you how long the grass was in our back garden when we arrived home, all afternoon spent gardening, weeding and planting my seedlings in the veggie plot. I also started the first of the 6 washing machine loads I would do to catch up.

To finish off a fabulous Whitsun week a barbie, husband’s favourite pastime.

Monday morning back to school. Now the girls are in term 6 I no longer have to accompany them to the door, as of September they will have to cross the playground to their new Year 1 classroom so now I leave them at the school gate so they have a chance to get used to the idea. Parents aren’t allowed to enter in the morning as the children are unaccompanied so I watched them set off through the gate and I let go of another tiny part of my gorgeous twins as they grow up a little bit more.

I went home to start on the 400+ emails; In Woolacombe I had had zero reception, I rolled my sleeves up and cracked on. My back was aching a little from the weeding and planting done on Sunday afternoon but take a look at my Veggie plot.

Tuesday I tried some of the India tea I had been sent to review. Black tea – I tried with milk and it was delicious, in the afternoon I tried Cardamom Chai, this one I had without milk as it has a distinctive flavour. I liked it but I’m more of a ‘proper’ tea girl at heart. I might have it with a hot curry though

Wednesday I start to come out of the massive work load, a bit tired and in need of adult conversation, I allow myself a quick peek at Facebook and I go to the supermarket – I know I’m so rock and roll! I take a look in the garden; my rhododendron has passed, should have taken the photo on Sunday but the clematis is in full bloom with another 3 blooms yet to flower.

Thursday I picked the girls up from school and was informed by two of their classmates that Alice had taken Abigail’s sweetie when she went to the toilet. This was obviously something quite naughty that they deemed I needed to know and I did. I know why she did it, she has an incredibly sweet tooth ‘Era piu’ forte di lei’ they say in Italian which basically means ‘It was stronger than her’ the pull of the sweet being IT. I did chide her and told it was wrong, I said she’d lose all her friends and it was called stealing. She said nothing but she listened (I hope) The next morning I sent her in with a small packet of Moam sweets (5 in a packet) I told her I would ask Abigail if she’d been given a sweetie. Abigail smiled at me and said yes she’d been given two, she was delighted with the exchange…but the other 3? I haven’t managed to discover who got them so I imagine Alice ate them all. *sigh* I also made some ice lollies with the girls using juice and some lolly moulds from M&S for £2.50

Friday Coffee with my school mums which was my first real conversation (husband not counting) in a whole week and I loved it, we talked summer holidays, school. As Paul was out I made a risotto for me and the girls dinner (he doesn’t like rice) it was delicious and luckily the girls really enjoyed it. I also rewrote last year’s script for the BiB ceremony at BritMums Live. I am also amazed at how much my potatoes have grown!

Right Now I need to do the ironing of the 6 washing machine loads so toodlepip and see you next week

Mari x

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As it’s a charity I haven’t been sent a copy to review, they are adamant that 100% of the profits from sales of the book go to the charity but I have been given some recipes and images to share with you in the hope you may be tempted in investing in this wonderful book.

Women for Women UK, a really awesome charity that helps female survivors of war.

You can change the world, one woman at a time

Women for Women International (WfWI) works with women in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Sudan, where war and conflict have devastated lives and communities, enabling them to move from victim, to survivor, to active citizen.

In a world where 70 per cent of those living on less than $1 per day are female, investing in women is crucial to achieving broader, long-term development goals – from eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, to improving access to education and reducing child mortality. As the hallmark of a civilised society, the well-being of women has critical implications for communities and ultimately nations as a whole. This is particularly true in war and post-war countries. Women are disproportionately affected by conflict; they are targeted for rape and violence, they are forced from their homes, they lose husbands and children and often become the sole providers for their families.Yet despite the atrocities and brutalities women endure, their overriding courage, strength, and hope continue to sustain them and inspire us all.

Women for Women International supports women in war-torn regions with financial and emotional aid, job-skills training, rights education and small business assistance so they can rebuild their lives.

‘These sweet, sticky, spicy ribs make an excellent dish to share – no one can stand on ceremony while tucking into them.’ Hugh Fearnley-­Whittingstall

Sticky Glazed Spare Ribs

For the marinade 6 tablespoons redcurrant, plum, apple or other fruit jelly

1. Combine all the marinade ingredients, whisking them together well. Put the ribs in a large ovenproof dish, pour the marinade over them and use your hands or a brush to get them well coated. Cover and leave to marinate in a cool place for at least an hour, or for several hours if possible in the fridge, turning them from time to time.
2. Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/gas mark 3. Turn the ribs in their marinade, cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
3. Increase the temperature to 190°C/375°F/gas mark 5. Remove the foil and turn the ribs again, basting them with the sauce. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and cook for 35–45 minutes, turning and basting the ribs 2 or 3 more times, until they are glossy and dark and coated in the caramelised sauce.
4. Spoon any remaining sauce from the dish over the ribs. Leave until they are cool enough to pick up with your fingers, then tuck in. Serve with steamed rice and wilted greens, or with a side serving of chilli-roast sweet potatoes.

Chilli-roast sweet potatoes

1. Place the potatoes in a large pan and just cover with cold water. Bring to the boil then boil, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/gas mark 7. Place the oil or fat in a large roasting tin towards the top of the oven to heat thoroughly.
3. Drain the potatoes well (you can reserve the water for gravy, stock or soup). Place the potatoes back into the pan and shake vigorously to soften the edges, or you can scratch them with a fork.
4. Remove the roasting tin from the oven and add the potatoes. Turn them quickly in the oil then cook at the top of the oven for 50–60 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking until crisp and golden on the outside and soft in the centre.
5. Drain and sprinkle with salt, pepper and hot chilli powder or smoked paprika. Serve immediately.

Please go here and buy a copy of the book, help a sister today.

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