Mrs Bishop's Bakes and Banter

SIMBA Hybrid Original Mattress Review - March 2025

2025-03-26T10:21:00.008+00:00

The SIMBA literature promises that

"You're on your way to the sleep of your dreams"

so I've put their Hybrid Original mattress to the test to see if they really deliver all they promise.

Firstly, the ordering and delivery process: well, I'm thoroughly impressed on this front, the ordering process was so simple - their website is very clear to navigate and each mattress available has detailed descriptions and clear pricing. Once we'd chosen and ordered the mattress (for us, Hybrid Original), we were shocked to see that the delivery would only take a few days. Off to a brilliant start!

Monday (delivery day) came around and our delivery driver called us to confirm our delivery, he gave us a time window of 10.15am - 2.15pm, and said he would call again when he was ten minutes away, which he did. The driver was polite and our mattress was delivered with ease. It comes in a box, which makes it much easier to manoeuvre.

Hubby and I then got to work - we took the box upstairs, removed our old mattress (while channelling The Chuckle Brothers - "to me, to you!") and then we looked at the SIMBA box for clear instructions on how to unbox our new mattress.

It was pretty basic: Open the box, position the folded mattress on the base of the bed, carefully cut open the plastic covering and then watch your mattress spring to life!

We then positioned the mattress correctly on our kingsize bed frame and could see it instantly filling and finding its shape. The instructions then say to leave the mattress to fully come back to shape for 6 hours, which we did.

THE FIRST NIGHT:

Well, in all honesty, both my husband and I are so super impressed with the SIMBA Hybrid Original mattress. On our first night sleeping on it we both slept like babies! The mattress is very supportive and firm, however due to it's memory foam layer you really do feel like your body sinks into it somewhat - it's not marshmallow fluffy, but for someone with an ongoing back problem and who is also seriously hypermobile, the support it offered felt amazing! And I feel really hopeful that it will deliver the support I need for much better, consistently more comfortable sleep.

THE DESIGN:

Here's a bit more detail about the design of the original Hybrid, to see if it might be the right choice for you:

- 1900 springs

- 9 support zones

- 25cm depth

- 5 layers

- medium firm

Innovative Aerocoil® springs encourage full body alignment and pressure relief

An extra deep layer of Simbatex® foam adds elasticity for cushioning comfort.

Foam base features nine support zones designed to mirror the body, especially heavier, wider areas such as the hips and shoulders.

Knitted cover includes zip-off top for washing or replacing.

Made in the UK, for the UK. In specialist mattress factories.

THE SECOND NIGHT:

Another exceptional night's sleep for both my husband and I. No complaints. We felt comfortable and supported all night long - and we have both woken up minus the usual aches and pains, me especially in my lower back. In fact, I kept snoozing the alarm this morning and didn't want to get up. I know the mattress feels amazing as I was looking forward to going to sleep last night - and I'm usually a night owl up until an ungodly hour.

All in all, we are throughly impressed with the Hybrid Original mattress and the service SIMBA has provided with choice, ordering, delivery and mattress quality. The mattress was so easy to unbox and was ready on the first night to enjoy a super comfy and supported sleep.

The only downside is that the mattress has a fairly strong odour on unwrapping, but we combatted this by opening all the windows in our bedroom to air it out for the 6 hours while it was re-shaping. By the evening the time the smell had mostly gone, and now a few nights in it is barely detectable.

Even the cat is enjoying the new addition to the bedroom!

CAUGHT IN THE ACT!

THE BED IS CALLING ME!

You can check out the full range of Simba mattresses and even Simba's ottoman beds on their website.

Seaside Doughnuts Recipe (No Yeast)

2020-07-25T15:52:00.004+01:00

Well hello there! It's been a while...

Since my last post the world seems to have imploded - cue the arrival of Coronavirus (Covid-19) and the utter joy (sarcastic!) of a 17 week lockdown, no school for the kids and all the chaos that has ensued...!

Anyhow, today is not a post about all that, but a simple and very delicious recipe for you. Not for the faint of heart, this is a hearty treat recipe - but super quick and not too difficult to achieve at all.

When you can't go to the seaside, bring the seaside to you!

These "Seaside Doughnuts" take around 20 minutes all in to make and shallow fry - no waiting for dough to rise etc. Speedy and satisfying. They taste very much like the hot doughnuts you might get in a paper bag on the end of a pier, or at a fairground - but better!

Choose from plain sugar coating, cinnamon sugar, or a honey or maple syrup glaze - all works perfectly.

So, without further ado here is the recipe, and a downloadable/printable PDF version too!

"SEASIDE DOUGHNUTS"

Ingredients

Makes 11-15 doughnuts

Vegetable oil for frying.

Dough:

1 egg

50ml vegetable oil

175ml milk

1 tbsp granulated sugar

1/2 tsp salt

15g baking powder

410g plain flour

Toppings/Glazes:

granulated sugar

ground cinnamon

5 tbsps honey

2 tbsps water

5 tbsps maple syrup

2 tbsps water

Method:

Make the dough: Add your beaten egg, vegetable oil, milk, sugar and salt to a large bowl and mix until combined.

Add in your baking powder, followed by half of your flour (205g), mix until combined to form a sticky/wet dough, then add the other half of your flour.

Combine and begin to knead lightly, add a little more flour in if too sticky.

Roll out to about 1/4 inch thickness, and then cut out using a doughnut cutter, or a round cutter and a bottle lid to make the centre hole. Re roll off cuts and keep going until you've used all your dough. (I made 11 doughnuts from this but you could get around 15 depending on the size cutter you use.)

Prepare your toppings: Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon on a plate ready to dip the hot doughnuts in.

Prepare the glazes: Mix the honey and water, or maple syrup and water in a bowl.

Prepare for frying: Pour about 2-3 inches deep of oil into a deep frying pan or wok. Heat for around 4 minutes, test the oil's temperature by popping a small piece of dough into the pan (keep back one of your doughnut holes to use). The dough should turn golden brown within 2 minutes, then flip to cook the other side.

Fry the doughuts: Now you can fry your doughnuts! They should take 2 minutes a side - be very careful - the oil is SO hot. I suggest using tongs to turn the doughnuts, and have a wire wrack over a baking tray ready to pop them on once they've cooked. I cooked two at a time until I was more confident, then 4 at a time. 2 minutes per side should be enough, but you can go up to 3 mins per side max. Once cooked on both sides, remove from the oil and pop straight onto a plate of cinnamon sugar, or into the glaze. Fully coat both sides, and then pop onto your serving plate, leave for 2 minutes but definitely eat while still warm!

Do let me know if you give these a go! Tag me @lucybishop2012 in your pictures and stories so I can see how you've gotten on!

ENJOY MY LOVES!

Mrs B

xxx

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Or download the PDF recipe by clicking here.

My Favourite Podcasts

2020-02-17T21:39:00.001+00:00

PODCASTS.

Have you discovered them yet? I'm OBSESSED! I've never really been one to listen to the radio as I find it quite distracting. I often get bored or find the music that they play isn't really to my taste - but since discovering podcasts I just can't stop listening!

I love that with podcasts you can listen to ones that are made by or feature your favourite celebrities or well known people, giving you a deeper insight into their lives, thoughts/feelings, or you can search the podcast platform you use (apple, acast, Google Play, Spotify etc) for a podcast that is based around a topic you're really interested in, like food or motherhood. It's a way of filtering out all the extra noise you would usually be subjected to on a radio show, unlike radio you don't have to listen to shows about the topics you're not interested in, or with the people you don't like or find annoying/boring etc. With podcasts everything is on your time - much like on-demand TV - you pick what you listen to and when.

They usually last anything between fifteen minutes to about an hour, so they're perfect to listen to while out and about walking, running, or in the car. I work from home, so I listen to podcasts while I work and as well as being super interesting, funny or informative, they also make me feel less lonely during the day when I work in the office from 9:30-3, often not talking to another adult all day. It's nice to hear voices and feel like you're part of a conversation...and learn something in the process!

And the best thing about podcasts? They are totally free!

So today I wanted to share my top 12 podcast recommendations - if you've never listened before or are simply looking for something new to listen to, there might be something on this list that would interest you.

For each of the 12 podcasts I've included the logo image, a description of the podcast series and a little note from myself about what I love about the podcast and where relevant the most notable episodes.

These are the podcasts I listen to on a very regular basis - I have gone back and listened to many of their back catalogue of episodes and really look forward to new episodes being released.

Are there any that you love that I've missed off the list? I'd love to discover some more!

Mrs B

xxx

PS. How many times can I say 'podcast(s)' in one post! :-)

MY TOP 12 PODCASTS (in no particular order!)

HAPPY MUM, HAPPY BABY WITH GIOVANNA FLETCHER

Giovanna Fletcher wrote a book called Happy Mum, Happy Baby. She was overwhelmed by the amount of emails and messages she received in response. She didn't want the conversation to end there, so she decided to start a podcast where she invited others to share their experiences.

Happy Mum, Happy Baby is a collection of frank and warm conversations with high-profile mums and dads. They discuss all aspects of parenthood - the highs, the lows, the challenges and rewards. There is no such thing as the perfect parent. Instead, we’re all simply doing our best. It’s time to stop comparing ourselves and champion each other instead. Each episode will be truly unique yet unifying. No topic is out of bounds, the podcast and supporting video is essential viewing for any parent seeking solidarity and support.

Lucy's Note: Gi is so warm and honest in her approach to interviewing her guests - not afraid to tackle difficult and sensitive topics, as well as the lighter and funnier side of motherhood. This podcast will have you nodding your head, breathing a sigh of relief that all parents have the same struggles and will at moments reduce you to tears in its honestly and poignancy.

MOST NOTABLE EPISODES: HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Ferdinand, Amanda Holden, Jo Malone, Emma Freud, Tom Fletcher, Davina McCall, Fearne Cotton, Joe Wicks, Katie Piper, Jeff Brazier, Caroline Hirons, Elle Wright & Michelle Cottle.

SH**GED, MARRIED, ANNOYED BY CHIS AND ROSIE RAMSEY

The only way Rosie and Chris Ramsey can have a conversation without being interrupted by a toddler or ending up staring at their phones is by doing a podcast. They’ll be chatting all about life, relationships, arguments, annoyances, parenting, growing up and everything in between. Each week they will answer questions from the public and a secret celebrity.

Lucy's Note: This podcast is a MUST for all couples out there! Liam and I listen to this every Friday night without fail over a glass of wine - not only is it just SO FUNNY, it also acts a couples therapy! We feel both amused and relieved that all couples find small things the other person does annoying - the "what's your beef" section will have you howling with laughter, I promise you. The love/hate friction between married couple Chris and Rosie is so relatable. The 'Questions from the public' section is probably the funniest part for us - it never ceases to amaze us what horrendously disgusting/funny/embarrassing things the public choose to admit!

OFF MENU WITH ED GAMBLE AND JAMES ACASTER

Website: https://www.offmenupodcast.co.uk

Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster invite special guests into their magical restaurant to each choose their favourite starter, main course, side dish, dessert and drink. Ever wanted to eat your dream meal? It's time to order Off Menu.

Lucy's Note: Ahh this podcast is just a breath of fresh air - if you are into food/eating/cooking then this is a must for you - celebrities chatting about their desert island meal and why they've chosen the foods they have - what memories those foods evoke, when they last ate them etc. It's refreshing to see people choosing the comfort foods of their childhoods - it's not all haute cuisine! Ed and James are brilliantly funny, sarcastic, satirical and generally all-round funny men who will leave you cracking up and crooning in equal measure.

Most Notable Episodes: Greg Davies, Jay Rayner, Tom Kerridge, Aisling Bea, Richard Osman, Grace Dent, Selasi Gbormittah.

TABLE MANNERS WITH JESSIE WARE & HER MUM LENNIE

Website: https://www.jessieware.com/podcasts/

Jessie Ware hosts a podcast about food, family, and the beautiful art of having a chat, direct from her very own dinner table. With a little bit of help from her chef extraordinaire mum Lennie, each week guests from the worlds of music, culture and politics drop by for a bite and a bit of a natter. Oversharing guaranteed.

Lucy's Note: Probably one of my favourite podcasts of all time - mostly due to the hilarious mother-daughter relationship between Jessie and Lennie - it is so relatable as a daughter (& mother), funny, honest, imperfect and wonderfully warm at the heart of it. I love that they cook all the food themselves, and share the meal around their own table. They have the most impressive line up of guests - and their conversations are always so relaxed, warm, and ultimately really enlightening.

Most Notable Episodes: Jamie Oliver, Mel B, Sandi Toksvig, Ed Sheeran, Ralf Little, Stacey Dooley, Yotam Ottolenghi, Alan Carr, Nigella Lawson, Paul Smith, Gregory Porter, Kiefer Sutherland, Raymond Blanc, Richard Curtis, Charlotte Tilbury, Luke Evans, Nicole Sherzinger, Emilia Clarke.

HAPPY PLACE WITH FEARNE COTTON

website:https://www.officialfearnecotton.com/news/2018/2/26/happy-place-podcast

Fearne's HAPPY PLACE podcast series builds on the success of the top 10 bestselling book HAPPY where Fearne draws on her own experiences and shares advice from experts on how to work through feeling blue to finding joy each and every day.

Whatever your reason may be for feeling lost or frazzled from the pressures of this fast paced life, there are ways to put one foot in front of the other and help you unlock that inner happiness.

In this podcast Fearne delves into this subject further through chatting to inspiring individuals who have either made a change in their own lives or who help people every day to find a different way of looking at life.

Where's your Happy Place?

Lucy's Notes: Ahh a hug in a podcast. If you're interested in the mental health conversation - emotional wellbeing, self care, happiness and striving for better work/life/balance then this podcast is for you - there's nothing quite like the knowledge that the struggles we are facing in everyday life are shared by even the most successful among us - not only reassuring in it's content, this podcast is full of inspiring stories, motivational content and usable advice to help make your every day happier. Truly enlightening honest conversations with interesting people. And I may be a little biased as one of the episodes is actually with my gorgeous cousin, racing driver and double amputee Billy Monger.

Most Notable Episodes: Billy Monger (of course!), Dawn French, Stephen Fry, Gok Wan, Gary Barlow, Russell Brand, Zoe Sugg, Bryony Gordon, Davina McCall, Ruby Wax, Mary Berry, Reggie Yates, Kelly Holmes, Jada Pinkett Smith, Ellie Goulding, Nadiya Hussain, Rio & Kate Ferdinand.

MOTHERS' MEETING WITH LOUISE PENTLAND

From baby blankets and #MumHacks to daily struggles and the tougher stuff, this podcast covers it all, offering insight into the parenting styles, personal struggles, and points of view of some Britain's best loves mums.

Lucy's Notes: Quite a new podcast on the block, social media sensation Louise Pentland chats openly, honestly and hilariously to two mothers (both famous and not so famous) about the reality (warts and all) of parenting. She's funny, warm, insightful and relaxed in her approach to interviewing her guests and I find myself nodding along in solidarity all the way through the episodes. I particularly love the conversations she has with her boyfriend Liam, and her best friend Esther. Beautifully raw and real discussions with people she clearly loves dearly. Series one has just finished and I'm excited to see who will feature in series two!

Most Notable Episodes: Caroline Hirons & Lily Pebbles, Nadia Sawalha & Kat Farmer, Liam O'Neill, Esther Sooriah, Katie Piper & Katie Ellison, Angela Scanlon & Emily Norris.

OUT TO LUNCH WITH JAY RAYNER

One of the world's top food critics lunches big names in a restaurant of his choosing. Crackling anecdotes and blistering chat, lubricated by killer cooking. A Somethin’ Else / Jay Rayner production.

Lucy's Notes: This podcast is an absolute MUST if you love Jay Rayner (food critic most widely known for his judging on Masterchef). I adore the premise of this show - ply a guest with a wonderful meal in a (sometimes fancy) restaurant, keep the drinks flowing and get a very frank, open and relaxed conversation going. Jay's humour, quick wit and intelligence is the shining light in this podcast - he asks actually interesting questions and seems to draw out of his guests something more than most interviewers are able.

Most Notable Episodes: Richard E Grant, Mel C, Stanley Tucci, Jessie Ware, Jamie Dornan, Grayson Perry, Jamie Cullum, Kathy Burke, Dermot O'Leary, Aisling Bea.

WHITE WINE QUESTION TIME WITH KATE THORNTON

White Wine Question Time, with Kate Thornton, is the podcast that brings together three well-known friends, three bottles of wine and three thought-provoking questions. Discover the friendships behind the entertainment headlines, and listen in on their conversations for a side to the celebrities you've never heard before.

Truly a celebration of great friendships, each 30-minute episode is designed to leave listeners feeling like they've just spent a great evening around the kitchen table with their most uplifting friends.

Lucy's Notes: I'm quite new to discovering this podcast, but I'm hugely enjoying it, similarly to Jay Rayner's Out To Lunch, Kate has learnt that plying her guests with alcohol makes for a much more interesting conversation. Lots of laughs and banter, very honest, sometimes moving - Kate asks three interesting and outside of the box questions to her guests that really get you thinking.

Most Notable Episodes: James Martin, The Scummy Mummies, Matt Goss, Joe Swash & Stacey Solomon, Dave Berry & Alex Zane, Shirlie & Martin Kemp, Keith Lemon, Eamon Holmes, Kristin Hallenga with Giovanna Fletcher and Nadia Sawalha, Sarah Parish with Nicola Stephenson and Angela Griffin, JB & Chloe Gill.

THE SCUMMY MUMMIES PODCAST by Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn

website - www.scummymummies.com

A comedy chat show for less-than-perfect parents. Hosted by comedians Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn and featuring guest parenting experts, comedians and authors. The podcast covers the big issues affecting modern parents - from fish fingers to farting, to play-dates and pelvic floors. Expect frank and funny chat as well as wine, laughter and sophisticated boob jokes.

Lucy's Notes: You cannot help but roar with laughter when you listen to these scrumptiously scummy mummies! Ellie and Helen are a force to be reckoned with - their 'no holds barred' approach to talking about parenthood is so hilarious and relatable - I challenge any parent to not listen to this and nod your head along in solidarity. They don't take themselves, life, or their children too seriously - and they seem to put their podcast guests at ease, allowing for frank and sometimes painfully honest interviews.

Most Notable Episodes: Thomasina Myers, Jenny Eclair, Giovanna Fletcher, Lousie Pentland & Brummy Mummy of 2, Kate Thornton, Stacey Solomon, Jeremy Vine, Mel Giedroyc, Rosie Ramsey.

SUE PERKINS: AN HOUR OR SO WITH...

Sue Perkins invites a series of special guests for an intimate chat about their lives, passions and career as they strip away formalities and indulge in some good old fashioned conversation.

Lucy's Notes: Sue Perkins is just one of my favourite people, so being able to delight in her humour, wit, warmth and clear love of people is a total delight. She makes you feel as if you're right there in the room witnessing the conversation first-hand. A lovely selection of guests and I really hope she records some new episodes soon.

Most Notable Episodes: Marry Berry, Paul Feig, Adam Buxton.

DAVID TENNANT DOES A PODCAST WITH...

David Tennant gets talking with the biggest names from TV, movies, comedy and elsewhere. Revealing conversation, surprise stories and lots of laughs. A Somethin' Else and No Mystery production.

Lucy's Notes: This was one of the first ever podcasts I listened to last year and likely the reason I was instantly hooked! David not only is a very skilled interviewer, but also a hugely interesting, funny and insightful chap in his own right, no matter who he is speaking to. This podcast currently only has one series, but it contains a great catalogue of guests - I think I've almost listened to every single episode in the series - I hope series two is on it's way!

Most Notable Episodes: Olivia Colman, Whoopi Goldberg, Ian McKellen, Jennifer Garner, Catherine Tate, James Corden, Michael Sheen.

DISTRACTION PIECES PODCAST WITH SCROOBIUS PIP by Scroobius Pip
The Distraction Pieces Podcast is a weekly conversation between Scroobius Pip and a wide range of celebrity guests and even the occasional person you may not have heard of, but has an amazing story to tell.

Lucy's Notes: Despite this being one of the longest running podcasts to date, I am pretty new to it, and must admit I didn't know who Scroobius Pip was before listening. But he's a fabulous interviewer - very real and open in his approach to questioning his guests which results in some really fascinating and insightful conversations.

Most Notable Episodes: Kathy Burke, James Acaster, Matt Willis, Vicky McClure, Chris Ramsey, Dominic Monoghan, Louis Theroux, Fearne Cotton, Martin Freeman.

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