tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1101822880307641922024-03-12T04:50:58.592+00:00Porridge and ParsnipsLucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.comBlogger397125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-5269103389715512682013-02-13T12:15:00.001+00:002013-02-13T12:15:58.524+00:00Giveaway Winner and PancakesHello! Did you all enjoy some pancakes yesterday? I had them twice! First we had <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/basicpancakeswithsuga_66226">traditional crepes</a> with lemon and sugar for breakfast…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qjBZtYzWfkg/URuC3IrZydI/AAAAAAAALa8/wnnRI7UTlDc/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528185%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (185)" border="0" height="320" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8kXGBNhnrv4/URuC4LMwOQI/AAAAAAAALbE/81mi-nKgmnk/photo%252520%252528185%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (185)" width="259" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qh0zX-oajUU/URuC5N8L3DI/AAAAAAAALbM/XSRk3E991a0/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528188%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (188)" border="0" height="320" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dkobld19Myk/URuC6VGeNmI/AAAAAAAALbU/fEccRadZn-Y/photo%252520%252528188%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (188)" width="278" /></a></div>
<br />
Next time I need to make a double batch as both children loved these so much that I only ended up getting one pancake for myself! I made up for it this morning though by making pancakes for the 2nd day running…once Izzy had gone to school so there were more pancakes for me!! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0nFkljiVoO8/URuC64btxoI/AAAAAAAALbc/Q3ONP4tHIe0/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
Tuesdays are always a bit of a funny day meal time wise – the children go to Liam’s at 4.30pm and eat dinner/stay the night there, and I have spinning at 7pm. Normally I’d eat when I get home but I had a gym review booked for 8.30pm and wasn’t sure how long it would take - so at 5pm I ate an early dinner of more pancakes. This time inspired by <a href="http://runningcupcake.co.uk/2013/02/chocolate-peanut-pancakes-with-caramelised-banana/#comments">Maria’s chocolate peanut pancakes with caramelised banana</a>…although I managed to slightly burn mine, whoops, they tasted nicer than they looked!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HJd4E9pVSTk/URuC721h2BI/AAAAAAAALbk/YJEMb5ydvRQ/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528186%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (186)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1h_k1dznwWo/URuC8yn5f7I/AAAAAAAALbs/udlw96ZLnyM/photo%252520%252528186%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (186)" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-swev3kavutQ/URuC9-WSSII/AAAAAAAALb0/-fJBQyBIqqA/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528187%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (187)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4QY1XRvT38c/URuC-6ow8fI/AAAAAAAALb8/_QpOno7MrGA/photo%252520%252528187%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (187)" width="371" /></a></div>
<br />
Topped with caramelised banana and Justin’s chocolate hazelnut butter, delicious! <br />
<br />
And now to announce the popchips giveaway winner…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vkP0Opdedd0/URuC_qOL-fI/AAAAAAAALcI/C3ir5eJeFW8/s1600-h/popchips%252520giveaway%25255B5%25255D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="popchips giveaway" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrz95SzpDFm95S9JDSZTrr9a1RIS75cGQMhb_1aYhXhAUV17vjXVZ-f9OjzZORJGig-E70TITUSD4lsahY332doilYn_1Em2AYCBKkiAzP_ZhH8dUkXgUaRLialbCxV-5dHpORUF2v2LCf/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="popchips giveaway" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
(there were 14 comments but the first two were the same entry)<br />
<br />
Congratulations Laura @ <a href="http://adaisychaindream.blogspot.co.uk/">A Daisy Chain Dream</a>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zKorz5gnyY0/URuDBKLnN9I/AAAAAAAALcY/udlmDET9l_c/s1600-h/comment%25255B4%25255D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="comment" border="0" height="112" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Dg1qOEyk7so/URuDCGvIfbI/AAAAAAAALcg/v98HLiM2C0Q/comment_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="comment" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you could email me your address at <a href="mailto:porridgeandparsnips@live.co.uk">porridgeandparsnips@live.co.uk</a> then I’ll make sure your popchips are on their way to you asap! <br />
<br />
Thanks to everyone that took the time to enter! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f_GcgRYtou4/URuDC7DlS1I/AAAAAAAALco/ZaqCTop_eno/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-45152281854895305782013-02-04T11:06:00.000+00:002013-02-04T11:07:35.181+00:00Popchips Review and GiveawayBefore Christmas, I was contacted to see if I’d be interested in trying some popchips in the New Year – a perfect healthier alternative to fried crisps after all the heavy seasonal food! Yes please! Sure enough, a couple of weeks ago a huge box arrived full of share bags of Popchips. They also sent me some information about healthy snack ideas…slightly out of date as we’ve somehow snuck into February <em>already</em> but here you go!<br />
<br />
<b><u><em>Azmina Govindji RD MBDA, Consultant Nutritionist & Registered Dietitian - Healthy Snacking Tips</em></u></b> <em></em><br />
<em>1. Got the January blues? Then eat better! Regular meals and healthy snacks help you to stay energised and avoid binge</em> <em>eating.</em><em></em><br />
<i>2. A cup of hot soup or diet hot choc works wonders - great, filling comfort food!</i><u> </u><br />
<i>3. When you’re on the go, make sure you have lower fat treats in the car or in your bag. Planning ahead can reduce those unhealthy impulse buys. Pack some popchips, a packet of nuts and raisins or some dried fruit the night before…</i><br />
<i>4. A colourful array of fruits and veggies gives you essential nutrients that help your energy levels and immune system.</i><br />
<i>5. Sometimes you’re not hungry but just need something to crunch. Keep a snack attack box in your fridge – e.g. carrot sticks, olives, cucumber sticks, cherry tomatoes, radishes, pickled onions.</i> <br />
<i>Alternatively, try distracting yourself by doing something completely different like making a phone call or going for a walk – taking your mind off food will help to curb your craving.</i><br />
<br />
I had plans to show you lots of photos of the Popchips I enjoyed, but in reality most of them were just eaten by the handful as I was passing an open bag in the kitchen…definitely still as snack-attack inducing as regular crisps!! I did enjoy some of the sweet chilli Popchips with mashed avocado though, these were possibly my favourite flavour and a great alternative to nachos: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ewVDOqvs9vg/UQ-UHLfIvXI/AAAAAAAALZw/Cbn3vwYeZyE/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528183%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (183)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gdy3r2C11nc/UQ-UIbSsn-I/AAAAAAAALZ4/dlWNaw9JJo4/photo%252520%252528183%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (183)" width="311" /></a></div>
And of course I had to make some into a crisp sandwich, haha, just because something claims to be healthy doesn’t mean you have to eat it in a healthy way right?! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dZZDYfs8YUw/UQ-UJFx2_ZI/AAAAAAAALZ8/xqPnwV1DX60/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xOU-Wq_8S88/UQ-UKoedKsI/AAAAAAAALaI/ZOwkW36xLUg/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528184%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (184)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p2GJlH6pDXU/UQ-UMTjJXfI/AAAAAAAALaQ/URmZEhNFVco/photo%252520%252528184%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (184)" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
I was also offered the opportunity to run a giveaway, so one of you can try Popchips for yourself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c1AoVXQxQWk/UQ-UNjrHkcI/AAAAAAAALaY/KIMWuWSWqsU/s1600-h/6%252520bag_85g_CMYK_ref_sm%25255B9%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="6 bag_85g_CMYK_ref_sm" border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWycLqpDFYTO6IhZnFxOWLVcLhfbr0Rg0E2tncQ4etMmrPuZIIWW0Wc0svQd5OKSPkC3Ymh5hOKwBuSVBfmIzmJVYQTd-qf9bckTrwoghjYhuTqUWcQdlI7q2b7v3Iki0bOPo8Y8dZsVo2/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="6 bag_85g_CMYK_ref_sm" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One winner will be sent a box of 12 share bags – a mixture of flavours including original, barbeque, sour cream & onion, salt & pepper, sea salt & vinegar, and thai sweet chilli.<br />
<br />
To enter the competition, leave a comment below sharing your favourite savoury snack. I usually gravitate towards sweet things so would like some new ideas! You can have extra entries by <a href="https://twitter.com/PorridgeParsnip">following me on Twitter</a>, and tweeting about the giveaway including @PorridgeParsnip and @popchips in the tweet. Leave a separate comment for each entry so that I don’t miss any!<br />
<br />
The giveaway will end at midnight on Sunday 10th February, and I’ll announce a winner the following day. Only open to UK residents, sorry to my international readers.<br />
<br />
Good luck everyone!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-36545746384418977282013-01-23T21:38:00.001+00:002013-01-23T21:54:06.265+00:00Flowers, Nail Polish and No Snow!Aka a list of random things! The longer I leave it between blog posts, the more I have to say but the harder it is to actually sit down and write a coherent post. So I decided to just list a few “catch up” things today – I usually find that once I get back into the swing of writing a couple of posts it becomes more natural again, we’ll see!<br />
<br />
1. Toby started pre-school a couple of weeks ago, and he loves it! He goes two afternoons a week, so I use one of those afternoons to go to the gym, and the other to catch up on <strike>sleep</strike> housework…I’d like to start helping out in Izzy’s school on one of the afternoons, but at the moment I am still enjoying the novelty of having a couple of hours to myself during the day!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y7xl2Zd7ZdA/UQBX600ERyI/AAAAAAAALXU/wE1BS6Uao84/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528175%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (175)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bPrEEwE9fkk/UQBX8GzflWI/AAAAAAAALXc/TUEmUTULv8Q/photo%252520%252528175%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (175)" width="280" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D-eVX6rcYGU/UQBX86apjGI/AAAAAAAALXk/yRqFwJkbwd8/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528174%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (174)" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyNQlon-D09SKCrV6RjAVWzuOXb9hcMAo0fb3K-Sn2XUCq4vFPq0sKr71HhvDb4rAKOcAxImlOHJDRgU0lBDagTlrOjBDWTKrQR5PbHABVnkI9P96iJDdkg27He0J_O1dY1nTWx1Tihat/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (174)" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
He’s wearing Izzy’s old age 5-6 jumper in these photos, cutie! Although the jumpers must run small as Izzy only went to the pre-school age 3-4.<br />
<br />
2. Have any of you tried the new body pump release yet? What do you think about it? I’ve only done it once so far, and I’m not convinced – the music isn’t as catchy as the previous release. I’m hoping it’ll grow on me though, they usually do after a couple of classes!<br />
<br />
3. Speaking of exercise, my routine is still going well. Like most, my gym is packed with new joiners this month but the classes haven’t been that much busier. I currently go spinning twice a week, body pump twice a week, and then I try to fit in a few gym sessions depending on childcare. I want to do a more detailed post on my exercise, hopefully soon!<br />
<br />
4. Another post I’m planning to write soon is about nail polish…those of you who <a href="http://instagram.com/lucybpp">follow me on Instagram</a> will realise I have a slight addiction!! I’ve started ordering indie nail polishes recently too – these arrived in the last few days, love the ones I’ve tried so far!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZjpCTFGaZKk/UQBX_ZQnxpI/AAAAAAAALX0/PbBpA0u68UI/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528176%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (176)" border="0" height="367" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zRO8U4c1EZo/UQBYAhkHWbI/AAAAAAAALX8/mL2JT36Urxg/photo%252520%252528176%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (176)" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jInKYxnl8dc/UQBYB26BkeI/AAAAAAAALYE/u80LqLa5hHY/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528177%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (177)" border="0" height="355" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bjJe0tcCWBw/UQBYC_uSKqI/AAAAAAAALYM/epSvW1ovSiI/photo%252520%252528177%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (177)" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My stash has definitely grown <a href="http://porridgeandparsnips.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/nail-polish-storage-and-favourites.html">since I last showed it</a>!!<br />
<br />
5. I bought myself some flowers for the first time in ages on Saturday! Definitely a benefit of being single, haha, Liam didn’t used to like me buying flowers for myself as he liked to buy them for me, so I made the most of it when I was in Tesco at the weekend – purple tulips are my favourite!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ONSkyexc7-I/UQBYD0frxwI/AAAAAAAALYU/Euw7NBoL2CU/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528179%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (179)" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTa5jkK73fJi9wq7me2TPbuD1AB1Lap4RU7NFnZ1pD2hwaI9DJWV_tGCrv_OQRvcO7O2ywl7E-B8vuF4TDVvXzw9nUBG6o3UWdSxiI66L2YA5dbNp070NYKLsK8ulIaqn9wscb2PT9nE7/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (179)" width="356" /></a></div>
<br />
I thought tulips got droopier as the went on, but the above photo was taken on Saturday and this is how they look now…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sqG7BQ0GT4M/UQBYGbFopiI/AAAAAAAALYk/6I6E37s0SPM/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528182%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (182)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qmh1_UuJvSA/UQBYIHux26I/AAAAAAAALYs/4500FhPWJlg/photo%252520%252528182%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (182)" width="357" /></a></div>
<br />
I love them both ways luckily, so pretty!<br />
<br />
6. While I was at Tesco I also treated myself to a Costa lunch before doing the shopping – there have got to be some benefits of spending my child-free day in a supermarket right?! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fllqFiBMDfA/UQBYJMsOuII/AAAAAAAALY0/N40hv2TYk2k/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> I had a gingerbread latte and a cheese & mushroom toastie, my favourites!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kx9uqd_s_w0/UQBYKVHVoUI/AAAAAAAALY8/ffQFJuBFNPQ/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528181%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (181)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EzoQXwYdp0Q/UQBYLCVZXFI/AAAAAAAALZE/D51HJLIyASU/photo%252520%252528181%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (181)" width="286" /></a></div>
<br />
7. If you’re wondering why there is no mention of the snow that everyone’s talking about, that’s because we have none! It did start snowing this morning…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dkuGm3OA36g/UQBYMs6fw7I/AAAAAAAALZM/CmKx2oyDrjY/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528180%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (180)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m5QjEZernoI/UQBYNpfLYKI/AAAAAAAALZU/TpsCay1flBA/photo%252520%252528180%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (180)" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
It only snowed for an hour and only settled on the roof tops and the cars as the ground was too wet, yet that was still enough for the school to close at lunchtime, haha, seems so silly! A lot of the teachers live in the surrounding towns/villages which did have slightly worse snow though, but it was a shame that even on a “snow day” there was still no snow for the children to play in.<br />
<br />
<strong>For those of you who have blogs, do you find it easier to blog every day/couple of days, or do you just blog as and when you feel like it? Those of you without blogs, do you prefer reading any particular style?</strong><strong> </strong>I prefer it when I’m writing regularly as I find too many things build up that I want to say otherwise and I never know where to start! At the moment I’m struggling to find the time to actually sit down and write though – trying to persuade Toby it’s way past bedtime, housework and sleep have been demanding my attention too much! Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-71915622225249670172013-01-09T19:49:00.001+00:002013-01-09T19:49:36.959+00:00Toby’s 3rd BirthdayOn Saturday, my baby boy turned 3.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D3On63_InAI/UO3IcFbsljI/AAAAAAAALQo/IDn6M-6IpH8/s1600-h/DSC_1576%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1576" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QarlFozG8Uc/UO3IenH7ScI/AAAAAAAALQs/hs6TAEi2gSE/DSC_1576_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1576" width="312" /></a></div>
<br />
The children spend Saturdays with Liam, but I did get to quickly open some presents with them before he picked them up…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nfZrUTWKP8w/UO3If3CpTgI/AAAAAAAALQ4/h0ZG7imrBR0/s1600-h/DSC_1562%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1562" border="0" height="258" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2TJjWkbbGXU/UO3Ig_uBpzI/AAAAAAAALQ8/6gTh_ykGcPo/DSC_1562_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1562" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--DK5mOO3yV4/UO3IiMpRHlI/AAAAAAAALRE/ridDdX06s9g/s1600-h/DSC_1569%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1569" border="0" height="294" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LmRZPOFzxrU/UO3IjNWNMjI/AAAAAAAALRM/oNG159egmd4/DSC_1569_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1569" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I’m not sure if it was a clever or self-punishing idea to buy him a CD player, but he & Izzy seem to love it so far!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SpM6lwHgRmc/UO3IkXhieXI/AAAAAAAALRY/JfXzjFrdTc4/s1600-h/DSC_1583%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1583" border="0" height="246" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QEJHe3WFyGo/UO3Il-dwG_I/AAAAAAAALRg/gZ_sEpQuZTQ/DSC_1583_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1583" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They then went to spend the day with Liam – swimming followed by a pirate party with all his family – and<em> </em>I went to Exeter for shopping, Yo Sushi and Fro Yo (I will do a post on that another time!) with my Mum and little sister.<br />
<br />
On Sunday, we had a smaller party for my family. Lemon and “slime” fairy cakes…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gGQxLnB8He4/UO3Im1qJKwI/AAAAAAAALRk/D3jrTn82Cig/s1600-h/DSC_1564%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1564" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bjN4BHQVa3E/UO3InwG516I/AAAAAAAALRw/8aBhDU7lgFA/DSC_1564_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1564" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ih5KzyMJ_Go/UO3IpF8VsgI/AAAAAAAALR4/ieZdrLHq-cA/s1600-h/DSC_1565%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1565" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zHHtX9PcJ7g/UO3IqWoJtfI/AAAAAAAALSA/p9ywCfrCHgE/DSC_1565_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1565" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
More presents (Toby now has lots of clothes that actually fit, yey!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxMbhyphenhyphenHWxeQAQ-rGHX7EaOGViZm-_Wb-CvQHWmKQBDdbi3fw5IuIl1JHhOnsGUT64LQMMKrf5OVnNh3mtMEh3ACQ47GBhm5a6lmYsJrcO_B-xoFCF6SRIUSHIaHVkxeezH8G5zOh6OxmD/s1600-h/DSC_1573%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1573" border="0" height="324" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b1Ziaz3WjYA/UO3ItOdqukI/AAAAAAAALSQ/4GRpHG_Gmms/DSC_1573_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1573" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Plus a huge digger truck from his Auntie Livvy…Toby’s favourite present for sure! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-26PSaYAzHL0/UO3IuOK03PI/AAAAAAAALSY/2mAbN9uJ75Q/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ffbYY-KJdY0/UO3IvXZ4PHI/AAAAAAAALSg/HrTw2jXTZ4M/s1600-h/DSC_1583%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1583 (2)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IrjcpKUJTf8/UO3Iw-4nfVI/AAAAAAAALSo/p6co7S1vtx0/DSC_1583%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1583 (2)" width="353" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wqPme7gJeQA/UO3IyOK53NI/AAAAAAAALSw/XFRZK4b-eAY/s1600-h/DSC_1585%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1585" border="0" height="365" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dOvU5mYK1RU/UO3IzaAQ45I/AAAAAAAALS0/dS8A3Lue2Do/DSC_1585_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1585" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wyuKOIh_Lew/UO3I0m_JoII/AAAAAAAALTA/E5TjKMPHP0k/s1600-h/DSC_1614%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1614" border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbR50oeNQcBR8IBgkXDbZNbPnhswU1VoS4Z3CZxCh6Tkz1_ZN90CBet-7PyHYhLlv_Wytftc-5L4mdJiRgW8Hpq92JxuPOVhwV19wAt8LVCIw5nMplCz5p3N0HTv_O5csecYsZdjGyjf5p/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1614" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As Toby had already had a proper birthday cake the day before (Liam stayed up til 3am Friday night/Saturday morning making an amazing pirate ship shaped cake!) I just recycled a chocolate orange cheesecake that I’d made for Christmas, but had been put in the freezer as no one had any room for it on Christmas Day! Still tasted really good after 10 days in the freezer <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-26PSaYAzHL0/UO3IuOK03PI/AAAAAAAALSY/2mAbN9uJ75Q/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8FsxvogdezU/UO3I26U0JwI/AAAAAAAALTQ/ty3XRh6yak0/s1600-h/DSC_1589%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1589" border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4uzfe-vcsgqXKKz2bb7yTLLiSzJYLW80-fWw87eF7jPTgyvR0uML2ZF63JX_ghYAjUgs7w3R9E_fYeOVz71R7qFoMNs9F7BOAeqg4v9jtQOuUdNfYos4vZaxsOXTVSrzsm1cz-6KhlZ-/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1589" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bE12WmZbgCY/UO3I5Ok1d5I/AAAAAAAALTc/R_RYQj5oEHk/s1600-h/DSC_1591%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1591" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AQRZbv0dS4M/UO3I6c7T_MI/AAAAAAAALTk/PAPc0q97NTI/DSC_1591_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1591" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And, as with most family gatherings, there were a few family photos taken at the end…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kaNB9ByzoeY/UO3I7-tiUXI/AAAAAAAALTw/u1euagcfZAo/s1600-h/DSC_1618%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1618" border="0" height="231" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XTTZaSmoGDo/UO3I89nf5bI/AAAAAAAALT0/EMlmttY3ocI/DSC_1618_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1618" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V4heYsEHtHo/UO3I-JxhMuI/AAAAAAAALT8/dizvB2lX6CY/s1600-h/DSC_1626%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1626" border="0" height="228" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GK0XVZd0idw/UO3I_B7OaOI/AAAAAAAALUE/Rbm2ZiLqw38/DSC_1626_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1626" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OCceSAAcpr4/UO3JAIK-KlI/AAAAAAAALUM/R5f69AAdIyI/s1600-h/DSC_1628%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1628" border="0" height="228" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4a8ce6B91yc/UO3JBHE0MfI/AAAAAAAALUU/97tiuX3ZUHI/DSC_1628_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1628" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I can’t believe how big my baby is getting! He starts pre-school tomorrow and is <strong>so<em> </em></strong>excited! He doesn’t get funding until Easter (as the cut off is January 1st and his birthday is January 5th, annoying!) and the pre-school didn’t have anymore spaces anyway, so he is only going one afternoon a week for now. I’m hoping that by paying for that one session for this term, he will then be in the right place to get first dibs on any other sessions that come up in the future – from Easter he is entitled to 15 hours funded by the government, but at the moment the pre-school doesn’t have any more spaces until September! I’m crossing my fingers that he loves pre-school as much as we all think he will. It is the same one that Izzy went to, but whereas she had already been to nursery and a child minder by this age, he hasn’t really spent much time away from me before. Haha, worried “Mummy” ramble over…I’ll try not to cry tomorrow!! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kembj2vFIOo/UO3JByJpOqI/AAAAAAAALUc/bDmFTjdo674/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
I’ve just realised this is my first post of 2013…don’t know where that time’s gone! I hope you’re all having a great start to the New Year!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-33452388801038901062012-12-31T13:22:00.000+00:002012-12-31T13:22:23.647+00:00Christmas 2012Can you believe 2012 is nearly over? The last few weeks seem to have flown by, but I am really looking forward to 2013…it’s kind of exciting having absolutely no idea where your life is going to take you in the next year!!!<br />
<br />
I wanted to show you some photos from our Christmas, and figured today was the last possible day to write this post before January’s fresh start, so here is our Christmas…<br />
<br />
Liam had the children during the day on <strong>Christmas Eve</strong> and I spent most of it at the gym – our usual Saturday spin instructor put on 9am & 10am classes on Christmas Eve as well, so I went to the 9am class with my Mum and youngest sister, and then I went to the gym afterwards. Burn off some calories before the Christmas eating started!! Late afternoon I picked up the children and Liam also joined us for our<a href="http://porridgeandparsnips.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/christmas-day-2011.html"> traditional DVD night</a>. Baked Camemberts with all the sides (there were baguettes, cranberry sauce etc too!)…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UWoAtcHer9g/UOGHH8WmqeI/AAAAAAAALGE/uEBi86j7rP4/s1600-h/DSC_1514%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1514" border="0" height="238" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5c1Zf45M6I8/UOGHJTEMT3I/AAAAAAAALGM/E5YaKNV3Ukk/DSC_1514_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1514" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Plus new Christmas PJs and Polar Express DVD…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ry-WRdxO60M/UOGHLbtG7AI/AAAAAAAALGU/P8eq_r1NtMA/s1600-h/DSC_1576%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1576" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Wg5lgMtwhSw/UOGHMi4CrhI/AAAAAAAALGc/iKaYM81lF3Q/DSC_1576_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1576" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There are never normally any photos taken of me (as I’m usually behind the camera) so I made the most of Liam being there to get some nice photos of me with the children…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P_9PaVs15Y4/UOGHN9UqFTI/AAAAAAAALGk/UbmS4jgxHgQ/s1600-h/DSC_1552%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1552" border="0" height="310" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2kZxnIuX6us/UOGHPNoo7gI/AAAAAAAALGs/OWUvkcbOntg/DSC_1552_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1552" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GFJn9ac9vo0/UOGHSwModXI/AAAAAAAALG0/B93iERd_qJg/s1600-h/DSC_1591%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1591 (2)" border="0" height="285" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2-nKNJ-MI8w/UOGHUJkuVWI/AAAAAAAALG4/lnPKh_yvpbA/DSC_1591%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1591 (2)" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The red mark on my cheek is from walking into the changing room door at the gym earlier, ha, so embarrassing – I had to fill in an accident report and stand with an ice pack on my cheek for half an hour after spin class before they’d let me use the gym!!!<br />
<br />
I forgot to buy/make any mince pies, so Santa got a brownie and a cranberry white chocolate cookie this year…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTqIC8WBPyPKtoc1oRLY9QUFtaaaeQhksaBfjKFRa5SyDW9lMtxQeKBXM-Grrsd7D01Pl4LNeq2Cf7xgyRAL_0CFTkuKtNeoKLbUWNvkaR2mMLj0BtTXIJK3tebRfzMb2wPUmd5lbsQjc/s1600-h/DSC_1627%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1627" border="0" height="286" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pe8O46lZfos/UOGHWsnQhyI/AAAAAAAALHM/Pi6OyNQ15UQ/DSC_1627_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1627" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>Christmas Day </strong>and two very excited children…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YOqtQtxPCtQ/UOGHXwOc0WI/AAAAAAAALHU/AXRLtXPUxLA/s1600-h/DSC_1647%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1647" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rul2KuZle0E/UOGHZk5VvvI/AAAAAAAALHc/HFfT0StCu1c/DSC_1647_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1647" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YdMN-8TxxEM/UOGHbhGMfoI/AAAAAAAALHo/6VKQ8_tNXmY/s1600-h/DSC_1506%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1506 (2)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Fq9Yvx0q6yU/UOGHdDqkl3I/AAAAAAAALHw/x7t5q0Vq4fw/DSC_1506%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1506 (2)" width="301" /></a></div>
<br />
Liam spent the morning with us to see the children opening their gifts (bikes being the main presents this year, although Toby’s was second hand from my friend’s son) and then he went to his Mum’s for lunch and I took the children round to see my family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kptnv36ZYCE/UOGHew47SgI/AAAAAAAALH4/ZsadcU4JiKQ/s1600-h/DSC_1522%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1522 (2)" border="0" height="331" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-anr_UB5Ppbs/UOGHgI6OU7I/AAAAAAAALIA/C6Ace365Fqw/DSC_1522%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1522 (2)" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For more present opening…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsdM8B8xsHvj7VTVom9MmEdRSuIGkZ4md9Mf2kSvrmg9bnfTCGhswrXAjiMXgKIVInDsfvwMHRvs8SHiSvFLBLLYzjs0mGZcotreULXIlwpyeyLYWgVcyxSC5djBxmXfnSn4T1357a-Kx/s1600-h/DSC_1537%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1537" border="0" height="331" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o6bk_4W5hxU/UOGHkGDPBoI/AAAAAAAALIQ/HyKDfdz3lVo/DSC_1537_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1537" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6JRWkQkpnyk/UOGHldA9-RI/AAAAAAAALIY/RusdQXLlaIg/s1600-h/DSC_1547%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1547" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g1DAC5WGnLY/UOGHmxwRFxI/AAAAAAAALIc/zEaeG5yKw_E/DSC_1547_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1547" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-karKG_UOCEo/UOGHoiwz6iI/AAAAAAAALIo/i3K6tFeDA9Y/s1600-h/DSC_1555%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1555" border="0" height="288" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hUgTzo6zVJw/UOGHqJBCYvI/AAAAAAAALIw/fDE97dvCoR8/DSC_1555_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1555" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fBPZkkG6l98/UOGHr0Kx8sI/AAAAAAAALI4/tgdTrTyRfXc/s1600-h/DSC_1564%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1564" border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWSfLjCm0i-_aLBJBiyke-DsAlvHY1zQxXSMwnNrOLJMwBbW96Gb_EV7QPnZcoATNGTlMDlWHbXpargYKyezs31Bd0KOhtStbuNFA3OFaahaCPJ6ib1phOHeyJn2vP7N7KPfQgHsCFlFE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1564" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a7M8G8s_Mm0/UOGHueTVryI/AAAAAAAALJI/530fUyT2Jd0/s1600-h/DSC_1591%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1591" border="0" height="236" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vd99JEbcCXk/UOGHvCxb-tI/AAAAAAAALJM/bSkL_pfylu4/DSC_1591_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1591" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Funny outfit wearing (Thanks Auntie Livvy!!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Re1Trc946vQ/UOGHwW-nH5I/AAAAAAAALJY/JMo_xWb354s/s1600-h/DSC_1567%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1567" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ADycK62YmbU/UOGHxbG6SGI/AAAAAAAALJc/PUwNbQZFwsw/DSC_1567_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1567" width="260" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lbf47CZ0Xrk/UOGHyRR97EI/AAAAAAAALJo/Xv4rXpqUmGM/s1600-h/DSC_1558%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1558" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ug91CP_UONk/UOGHzqw7tcI/AAAAAAAALJw/pvDt2LFIRpQ/DSC_1558_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1558" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
And food…<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z_qegnQIVzWGMqiH3Hrfy8qDDhvD_9-fG0E2cMAogj5BjYfxisuDr3yxW4ajvQIBViONYtVz8ObqJz1nHbEoEy5nT2ECnNRtG3_2CLuamtohpTRJC66xRXl0jqacTdf5AN8iPpsXRo_f/s1600-h/DSC_1598%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DSC_1598" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NqOkxwcs9Lc/UOGH2XczYFI/AAAAAAAALKA/8FkDUF_CSLg/DSC_1598_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1598" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cauliflower cheese, red cabbage, parsnips & roast potatoes, yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was too full after this (and all the nibbles I’d eaten earlier) to have any of the traditional Christmas pudding, but I did have some fried with brunch on Friday which is my favourite way to eat it anyway!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R2LOVqayQOE/UOGH3pdNm-I/AAAAAAAALKI/2QvgUR34mkU/s1600-h/DSC_1600%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1600" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_dm0H2x-Pco/UOGH4lemB3I/AAAAAAAALKQ/xqsVYc8ecLY/DSC_1600_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1600" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a steamed Irish Christmas pudding and the recipe has been passed down through my Grandma’s family for generations. I was nearly tasked with making it this year but with Liam moving out etc Mum took pity on me and made it again this year, haha, I think the recipe will be winging my way before Christmas 2013!! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1FAhVYVTku4/UOGH5p0qmMI/AAAAAAAALKU/9Geo_Gt2vzo/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
By the time we finished eating, the children were a <em>little </em>past it, so we headed home for a bit of peace and quiet before another busy day on <strong>Boxing Day</strong>! In the morning we headed down to the seafront to watch lots of <strike>crazy</strike> people go for a swim in the sea, in fancy dress! We then went to my Mum’s for fried egg/bacon sandwiches, and then we headed over to see my Grandparents in the afternoon. <br />
Toby with his new hat (thanks Auntie Vicki!)…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uBW-hHiVWZE/UOGH6u0LwfI/AAAAAAAALKg/gHRnyfoZS1g/s1600-h/DSC_1509%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1509" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R3sgzj6Zbrk/UOGH73yaUmI/AAAAAAAALKo/zvC06e_dhkk/DSC_1509_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1509" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
More present opening…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qydOxLBiNU0/UOGH90A6oCI/AAAAAAAALKw/XByfFgHwyBM/s1600-h/DSC_1511%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1511" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rR3irbQQC-4/UOGH_LTdZuI/AAAAAAAALK4/Td0uGU8IGA8/DSC_1511_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1511" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ut8f7Flu6Cs/UOGIATK7PlI/AAAAAAAALLA/TN_LrxyPsIc/s1600-h/DSC_1515%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1515" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-JNdyIjyXjUybMCRt1n8UhmAMdjvipQse9VLBYsGx4c0FAL-tANiADfjpYWa2all7Ddrig0Yx9xObCKASyG6tmkWVA6WE64UJwih5mL4etPah0q8EtLhD0knghOfpFfOT_nAfcMZA6Wk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1515" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhs5uLfmcFF615YW3pSe0soJ8PIPLsNcGsHA-mH_tqyV8uyuD05zTi_gKsvIfxKHUqAs-PH5JX1Knoj6bYzUvTl1o24yjWDGn7FdgEqeJmgz00VnxhLfLBiSduXC0QYR6Vpdt0x0UYMtH/s1600-h/DSC_1538%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1538" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vkTYdx8pyng/UOGIDr-RNUI/AAAAAAAALLY/9PkMGZHYv7M/DSC_1538_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1538" width="344" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jFwoELnV3tw/UOGIFKTq5nI/AAAAAAAALLg/H707F3_XiOI/s1600-h/DSC_1525%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1525" border="0" height="267" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-reu2jx4ZSVk/UOGIGn2r7YI/AAAAAAAALLo/gMvyF8zbIvA/DSC_1525_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1525" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A buffet (my Grandma makes good egg sandwiches!)…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X2w7pUNdgUs/UOGIIbaHbmI/AAAAAAAALLw/eyaIPHN0P40/s1600-h/DSC_1540%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1540" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGMTYMMi1jR7X17SvzwQMfVsNCjkwp2Pq_w095qrnfF1ZkDR_EvQZGJHfRkxCweCifN7BnubsoS07MdpexxkhGHKjnIqLysscONBLmSGV2cdvJ0jFROl1ozE0lBI9-kPElUgttiCBz1Hl/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1540" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A puppet show…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_ukXCOqCEos/UOGIKQ52yPI/AAAAAAAALL8/CWbaIPrRS3A/s1600-h/DSC_1556%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1556" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PKXMN7_n_2s/UOGILvRhZDI/AAAAAAAALMI/dS2R4C2y1C4/DSC_1556_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1556" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And charades…!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMYGHqsAHr5dik5AKYiQ_EkIfRVdd1GfkWmLrTAOygBbAlOe1O-LiUknXs9CBdGS7t4VHLvSAA-Uap3VKyBXj0J0SOG3-hGrAa5jPs2OdljGSqSCiqg-36xtUHXGP0zAW-vYFDaUQ1o1m/s1600-h/DSC_1566%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1566" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dpk3oVue8v4/UOGIN__LljI/AAAAAAAALMY/47H8vXuMfBI/DSC_1566_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1566" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1SIIl24gdqA/UOGIPeEdm7I/AAAAAAAALMg/kfeBdVPFYbU/s1600-h/DSC_1573%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1573" border="0" height="395" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--ZJHA1_FVg0/UOGIQmYAxqI/AAAAAAAALMk/CF6igAWHj48/DSC_1573_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1573" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g-0HKHI4Ll4/UOGIRuV5JAI/AAAAAAAALMw/23giZjJqdLI/s1600-h/DSC_1579%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1579" border="0" height="284" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HI1xLTj234w/UOGISql3MPI/AAAAAAAALM4/6uVX_RWrGZM/DSC_1579_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1579" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-66Va1n-IY3Y/UOGIT-giLAI/AAAAAAAALNE/ueZy6L6h8vE/s1600-h/DSC_1592%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1592" border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfz_q64StbFnPNN4MmqSRCfFe_6cMO0NhzrzN4oxjXy768TjZzANbVa1_Qvvwo5s4wDg-5kzT2MXrIAJ7kD-AE7QC-07EohZC4wU-38LpybUTxuFZdln7JnsC0kiy944HIDTSBy35QmiDp/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1592" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Whew! I have to admit I was kind of glad to get back to <strike>the gym</strike> normality on Thursday!!<br />
<br />
Just a few more photos – a couple of gifts that deserve honourable mentions! The children and I were all really lucky to receive so many lovely gifts from lots of people. I think I worked out the children had 4 separate “Christmases”/present opening days…they loved it! I could go on about lots of gifts for ages, but this post is already super long so I thought I would just focus on two of my favourites – food and nail polish. This isn’t, of course, my only foodie present – lots of people know me well enough to know I love anything edible!! (In particular, thanks to Dad, Olivia, Maria and Sarah W!) This food basket, however, is all from my lovely Mum. She also surprised me by picking out a Republic checked shirt (above somewhere) and also the perfect (fake) leather jacket for me! I had been searching for one for ages with no luck as I didn’t like the collars/fit of all the ones I tried, but the one she bought is perfect! Anyway, back to the food… Mum still gives my little sisters stockings, so I think this was my alternative…amazing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5ng-5wv8PWI/UOGIWLCTjFI/AAAAAAAALNU/1HXDKjWJg-k/s1600-h/DSC_1495%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1495" border="0" height="285" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uyLykpgbChg/UOGIXtrvSVI/AAAAAAAALNc/5ZWmz_54uiA/DSC_1495_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1495" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Chocolate…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O0Vkh2fM9v0/UOGIY_7DFiI/AAAAAAAALNk/9V_gtHilOhA/s1600-h/DSC_1511%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1511 (2)" border="0" height="261" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CkGGejY9_CI/UOGIaIFgQ3I/AAAAAAAALNs/2Pqcz2Qxr_k/DSC_1511%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1511 (2)" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The chocolate covered butterscotch pecans are all gone already, divine! I’m planning to open the gingerbread truffles with my Mum this evening as she really wants to try them too. And non-chocolatey things…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1sr5nFZwHPw/UOGIbTMscnI/AAAAAAAALN0/p45UkzDsgAM/s1600-h/DSC_1504%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1504" border="0" height="279" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AgchyAkm7I0/UOGIcOfxGsI/AAAAAAAALN8/eV2osjQv55g/DSC_1504_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1504" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
More Joe&Seph’s popcorn! I’d been resisting ordering some more of this so I was especially happy to see some in my basket! Thanks Mum! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GFPaaCLKUmY/UOGIdFpUhzI/AAAAAAAALOA/tWMIlL4CCb4/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
I also received lots of nail polishes, yey! Those of you who <a href="http://instagram.com/porridgeparsnip/">follow me on Instagram</a> will probably realise I love painting my nails!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qJJeNYN_RWQ/UOGIeLRLESI/AAAAAAAALOM/0opr11TF3lI/s1600-h/DSC_1514%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1514 (2)" border="0" height="250" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UBHLuXdICXI/UOGIfNwpQwI/AAAAAAAALOU/mmL4Hz1UGa4/DSC_1514%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1514 (2)" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Nails Inc Emerald glitter from my sister Olivia, the two Nails Inc Sprinkles from the children (thanks Liam!) and the magnetic and chameleon effect polishes from one of my friends. I’m currently wearing Nails Inc Sweets Way (the milky polish with pink blue & white glitter) but I think I am going to try out the magnetic polish today – I’ve never used magnetic polish before but one of my friends raves about them!<br />
<br />
<strong>Did you all have a great Christmas? Any favourite moments/gifts?</strong><br />
I loved the children’s excitement on Christmas morning. This was the first year that Toby has really understood so it was fun to see them both excited by what “Ho Ho Ho” (aka Santa in Toby language!!) had brought them <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GFPaaCLKUmY/UOGIdFpUhzI/AAAAAAAALOA/tWMIlL4CCb4/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> I took them out on their new bikes yesterday with my Dad, that was fun too, albeit super muddy!! I’ll try to write another post up soon with some other photos from the Christmas holidays, I can’t believe how long this post already is just from Christmas Eve/Christmas Day/Boxing Day! <br />
<br />
In the meantime, I hope you've all had a lovely Christmas and <strong>Happy New Year everyone! </strong>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-69062708250306446872012-12-25T08:10:00.000+00:002012-12-25T08:10:29.897+00:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IKAdLzCo7BI/UNle8qmGBKI/AAAAAAAALDs/vUSWctc3Pac/s1600-h/DSC_1591%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1591" border="0" height="285" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gd-xnSg1X3U/UNle-KQYk4I/AAAAAAAALDw/XZ-Q-GP_ccI/DSC_1591_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1591" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope you all have a wonderful day full of fun, family & great food! (The important things in life!!)<br />
<br />
Lots of love, Lucy, Izzy and Toby xxxLucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-29672895218425663272012-12-21T16:40:00.000+00:002012-12-21T16:40:19.630+00:00St Kew Teacup Basket - Lakeland {Review}A little while ago I was contacted by <a href="http://www.lakeland.co.uk/">Lakeland</a> to see if I would like to review one of their <a href="http://www.lakeland.co.uk/Christmas/hampers">Christmas Hampers</a> – the St Kew Teacup Basket. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8v6Mxqf-iYk/UNSPvebD1eI/AAAAAAAAK-o/RvR2F76otMo/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528169%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (169)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b10agEwNAJw/UNSPwAoY7lI/AAAAAAAAK-w/shV9ZWZqZTM/photo%252520%252528169%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (169)" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />
The hamper was sent out by Lakeland and arrived very quickly. It was well protected inside a box, and the hamper itself was beautifully packaged. The basket is shaped like a tea cup – definitely one to keep! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8girnjQXQsI/UNSPxpg-6dI/AAAAAAAAK-4/KW01P6ZKsrc/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528170%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (170)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--o0ayiChDBc/UNSPy1Bv67I/AAAAAAAAK_A/jJK7Iwt49jw/photo%252520%252528170%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (170)" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Inside there was a box of English Breakfast Tea, a jar of Strawberry & Champagne Conserve and two packets of biscuits – Strawberries and Cream Shortbread and Fabulous Oatie Flips.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1Mn4tCKi_kA/UNSPz4cJ97I/AAAAAAAAK_I/UIYg1ARNUUg/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528171%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (171)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MqzsSrdKxWQ/UNSP1TFkIPI/AAAAAAAAK_Q/v1rIIveMZfc/photo%252520%252528171%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (171)" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I haven’t had a chance to try everything yet, as I'm sure is the case for the rest of you, there is so much food around at this time of year that I'm trying to show a little restraint where possible!!!! I am saving the Strawberry & Champagne Conserve for Christmas Day morning as it sounds suitably luxurious to go with our croissants! My Grandma came round for tea a couple of days ago though so I gave her the choice of which biscuits to open – she said they both sounded delicious but chose the oatie flips…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y86LN2oXq6k/UNSP2gklwMI/AAAAAAAAK_Y/0i44Po38ei0/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528172%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (172)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9TYrUaX-DmI/UNSP3qMRNjI/AAAAAAAAK_g/aV2sJmIQ138/photo%252520%252528172%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (172)" width="377" /></a></div>
<br />
Rubbish photo, sorry – my camera has decided to break just in time for Christmas – but these biscuits were absolutely divine! My Grandma only had one as, despite loving them, she has a very small appetite (she only ever drinks half a cup of tea or coffee too!). I, however, ate 5 while she was there and then finished them off with Izzy after school!! <img alt="Embarrassed smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-embarrassedsmile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VVLNcFs7cIU/UNSP4tGo4gI/AAAAAAAAK_o/B_MuEmERONI/wlEmoticon-embarrassedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> Izzy just looked over my shoulder and saw the above photo and said “mmm, those biscuits were lovely, can we buy them again please?” so definite thumbs up here!!<br />
<br />
<strong>Have you ever heard of </strong><a href="http://www.lakeland.co.uk/brands/st-kew?intcmp=INTSRCH:st%20kew"><strong>St Kew Products</strong></a><strong> before? </strong>They are a Cornish brand, and from what I’ve tried so far I would definitely recommend them. I will look out for them in future when I want some old fashioned food treats…perfect for sharing with Grandparents or just for a bit of luxury!<br />
<br />
<strong>Thank you to Lakeland for sending me the hamper to review. All opinions in this post are my own.</strong>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-73973503700764426112012-12-19T14:27:00.000+00:002012-12-19T17:06:21.457+00:00Starbucks, Shopping, Sushi and Fro YoIn the spirit of looking on the bright side...one of the things I’ve been enjoying about my recent separation is the occasional child-free day. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with my children, but single parenting is hard work so the odd time to myself is enjoyed too!! Liam normally has the children on Saturdays, so I go spinning and to the gym in the morning and before I know it it is time to pick them up again! This weekend however, he had them on Sunday. The 4 of us went to Halfords to buy Christmas presents. A bike for Izzy…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Hjg423DNS40/UNHK2OoHRtI/AAAAAAAAK4I/f-kmSNLMwQU/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528152%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (152)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cv7Etlo5Jvg/UNHK3nY5lhI/AAAAAAAAK4Q/4PAOQaErtHM/photo%252520%252528152%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (152)" width="284" /></a></div>
<br />
And a helmet for Toby, as we are giving him a second hand bike from my friend’s son…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R3H7TWVMRnU/UNHK5bp300I/AAAAAAAAK4Y/rNzIx9lGghs/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528153%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (153)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VyG90pzDJ6I/UNHK61IKmlI/AAAAAAAAK4g/IG8wfGD77lY/photo%252520%252528153%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (153)" width="260" /></a></div>
<br />
I then headed into Exeter on my own, bliss! First stop, Starbucks for breakfast…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vxxKpkOLpIU/UNHK8KiRvdI/AAAAAAAAK4o/OhIrYe4sGvc/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528154%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (154)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QZXCP33t8T0/UNHK98A-q6I/AAAAAAAAK4w/J62PAU7C62k/photo%252520%252528154%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (154)" width="335" /></a></div>
<br />
Dirty chai latte and toasted fruit bread, my favourites!<br />
<br />
I then set about the serious business of clothes shopping(!) It was so peaceful shopping by myself, but I did miss having someone there to give an opinion…so I ended up taking lots of photos of myself in changing rooms & texted them to my sisters…what did we do before iPhones?!! <br />
<br />
My main aim for the shopping trip was jumpers, as I literally have none – it has been a little chilly around here in just tops and my gilet! I bought this turquoise jumper from Superdry…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KsOpE8wwMWA/UNHK_X8J_fI/AAAAAAAAK44/RU3LxpJ9QTQ/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528165%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (165)" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGZFftc9i25GxCJ0I6oHeVHIsri96b0jKotDDKxEF_CUfy_wNH9axQhGmL1qe_zHoWENSLkgFF26S5E7oKj7Gw3E6zPZ0vICtkwCvrwaBO89uFXkgUSJh-08Td-EbeQaMhPwFsa6x_aVB/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (165)" width="231" /></a></div>
<br />
and I also loved this purple hoodie…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vkm4dMBzhKA/UNHLCXIVwnI/AAAAAAAAK5I/3VzLM6-H59Q/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528166%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (166)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yKaO8LPtrSI/UNHLD9Hf_1I/AAAAAAAAK5Q/6zZub4cjkfY/photo%252520%252528166%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (166)" width="272" /></a></div>
<br />
but my sister, Sarah, suggested I look in Republic instead…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7NfJUlgTENA/UNHLFgm4HhI/AAAAAAAAK5Y/7tInRm88tJM/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528155%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (155)" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqZ-OO7s-a1JaKrQiXM7af15QqbRh61RBacZXpXeUlZ31N-2r8qOgXDTTfGv4zH80-Yhap9X0beoeGXa1cmyX2n9n_CeR1KBoyWziWhP1t8bGvZGHeZ4ksbRuxAOtC9rOPFVRJLDT-t0l/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (155)" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />
Perhaps not quite as nice, but £20 instead of £45…I was glad of the saving!<br />
<br />
I am also addicted to buying Pineapple exercise gear from Debenhams…I already have it in black/turquoise, grey/red, and black/purple but this black/lilac combo drew me in!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QzUf05cFMCg/UNHLI7sl4eI/AAAAAAAAK5o/BRnI0RlzKNM/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528162%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (162)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wbv-e21-FtY/UNHLJ9uImSI/AAAAAAAAK5w/bvqSdpaqAys/photo%252520%252528162%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (162)" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
These capris are a bit longer than my usual ones, which is good for this cold weather. The new design is also more black than the other ones - my other sets have tops that are mainly coloured with just bits of black or grey. I'm happy that these look a bit different whilst still being the great fit that I love.<br />
<br />
For lunch I went to Yo Sushi. It only opened in Exeter about a month ago, and I’ve only been to any Yo Sushi once before when I was pregnant with Toby, so I was excited to try it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Eqp1tPiAXDM/UNHLLmcb2uI/AAAAAAAAK54/7r6kibKXDlM/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528164%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (164)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UlVI4bgCNzw/UNHLNdgbthI/AAAAAAAAK6A/pDgiBiWrhCA/photo%252520%252528164%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (164)" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't like the idea of raw fish though, urgh, I definitely stuck to the vegetarian options!!<br />
<br />
Avocado maki…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--D31ra9AdZ8/UNHLPIwrLxI/AAAAAAAAK6I/2koYs79A9kU/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528156%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (156)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Wmf8WFOumLA/UNHLQA4IDjI/AAAAAAAAK6Q/tYODKkEkZ6c/photo%252520%252528156%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (156)" width="375" /></a></div>
<br />
Inari Pocket…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sEWGcXRfRwA/UNHLRtqt5hI/AAAAAAAAK6Y/u0PB1q3sZXo/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528158%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (158)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tTBKZ6zHe-Y/UNHLTGinqqI/AAAAAAAAK6g/sRvbuwLJA4Y/photo%252520%252528158%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (158)" width="394" /></a></div>
<br />
Crunchy Tofu Salad…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1EV-eZePHCI/UNHLUv0TfFI/AAAAAAAAK6o/GmPWEW2vfcU/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528157%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (157)" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPknJi1pmeosMjivpSwA9cGlFk6yDcamjV_TJv8-s095zaucyE0lNcy4O5O4zeURNT05AVQ8tCigkncLjfA5FHLEVoZBCogyo9pdwDTEPB9vwQLGd_qxbH7_a5YiMP5C_OVFuQb-xbAqlv/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (157)" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
and Vegetable Futomaki…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZcZMWxws0B8/UNHLXPWJFhI/AAAAAAAAK64/Z5rZTH3tj_s/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528163%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (163)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eI4QTceCgSY/UNHLYSb3O9I/AAAAAAAAK7A/VrYqSAUCdgA/photo%252520%252528163%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (163)" width="398" /></a></div>
<br />
The tofu was a bit bland - but the rest of the salad was good; and the inari (fried soya bean) was a bit sweet – but the contents of the pockets were tasty. I loved both the rolls though, simple really is better!<br />
<br />
No dessert as I was headed to the most exciting part of my day! When I’d been out in Exeter in the evening a couple of weeks ago, I’d noticed a new cafe called Bubble Bubble Co. It mainly sells bubble tea, but it also has self serve frozen yoghurt!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5XE_OgSXJps/UNHLZpxlwzI/AAAAAAAAK7I/vnARSlRx6Xw/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528159%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (159)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1EvTPG5eRJ4/UNHLasnb1II/AAAAAAAAK7Q/8_SEdmJQiCM/photo%252520%252528159%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (159)" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The bubbles were also part of the topping options. I was curious about them. They are vegetarian – made with seaweed extract and fruit juices. I tried the peach bubbles and they were actually my favourite topping – so fresh and real tasting!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W0iNL7e0Ero/UNHLcLHrmyI/AAAAAAAAK7Y/NnJTFmgAR9g/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528161%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (161)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RjU9v1m_5YA/UNHLdgKHgXI/AAAAAAAAK7g/mV1E4nZURxk/photo%252520%252528161%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (161)" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I had chocolate and caramel swirl frozen yoghurt, topped with spiced biscuits, chopped peanuts, a couple of varieties of chocolate sprinkles, raspberries, blueberries and peach bubbles…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D4wrEQKQMoY/UNHLfNP45lI/AAAAAAAAK7o/XZGicstIXSg/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528160%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (160)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b52fF6JLPiM/UNHLgvh0Y5I/AAAAAAAAK7w/HGw_14aZVY4/photo%252520%252528160%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (160)" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
It was priced by weight so I was hoping it wouldn’t be too expensive…it came to £3.12 which I didn’t think was too bad? Although my wallet and waistline are both probably glad I don’t live that close to Exeter…this is definitely a treat that will be included in every shopping visit from now on!! <br />
<br />
My other aim for shopping was to buy some shoes. I have flat feet, which are also size 8 and wide…so shoe shopping is an absolute nightmare. My current shoes were some men’s navy hiking trainer type things from Sports Direct, and after just a few months they already had holes in both shoes – by the big toes and at the edges! I failed at finding any other shoes to fit me though, in the end I bought the exact same shoes again (!) but at least this time they were half price!! <br />
<br />
Luckily yesterday I was shopping in my local town and popped into Fat Face. They had some boots that caught my eye and the display size was an 8 so I tried them on, so comfy! This is the first time I’ve ever owned boots like this so fingers crossed they wear well!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mrjaQCzVGLY/UNHLiFSymiI/AAAAAAAAK74/SjY7PwOe8zs/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528168%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (168)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XXmh3qVcze0/UNHLjD6_zYI/AAAAAAAAK8A/ipVJj9pVLBg/photo%252520%252528168%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (168)" width="340" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIR7j47i9Bkmm7njIh2S4z00kJUI8IPs2N-JAcm3lqdDsN-XUr54hbIBanIM3-J5n8m2bGIp52Ja7bMPmOToTVwrnG_EOd7Da2cckKnwFmW4Y72I2N4QoGWFvyIATvZsI1pgYDq4o1x68/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528167%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (167)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gi_hjYu3Mio/UNHLlqTFRDI/AAAAAAAAK8Q/A9YuWegHoJE/photo%252520%252528167%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (167)" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I also bought those trousers, but in the next size down from the pair I'm wearing in the photos, yey, my hard work at the gym is beginning to pay off!! <img alt="Open-mouthed smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5sRqYFWg5Ig/UNHLmgJhSkI/AAAAAAAAK8Y/9BNLkzXR21c/wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
And now I really need to stop spending any money…at least until the post-Christmas sales!! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xuwYQxJITws/UNHLnjhestI/AAAAAAAAK8g/_ze33eyNWt8/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> I have got everyone's Christmas presents sorted already, luckily, but yesterday someone crashed into my car while it was parked outside my house, grrr, no contact details left so I’ll have to pay the bill…not what I wanted a week before Christmas!!<br />
<br />
<strong>Have you bought any new clothes lately? Or anything on your wish list? </strong>I think I’m pretty much sorted for clothes for now, although I am planning to go sale shopping on the 27th or 28th as Liam has the children on those days. I’m not sure how much shopping I’ll actually do then though, it’s always so busy but at least I wont be trying to fit a pushchair in the crowded shops!! The last time I went Boxing Day shopping was when Izzy was still in a pushchair - a year before Toby was born - I still shudder at the memory!!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-46449131266897043822012-12-07T13:37:00.000+00:002012-12-07T13:37:19.758+00:00Wet Weekend in Bath - Christmas MarketIt seems a long time ago, but the last weekend in November, I caught a train to Bath with my little sister and the children…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_ilbK_7Q2gE/UMDNc0LBVII/AAAAAAAAKtA/GiFdnNuZCTM/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528151%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (151)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ePRboZQHzVY/UMDNeuwoXYI/AAAAAAAAKtI/3qvoHIRv2FI/photo%252520%252528151%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (151)" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5CLIjxdjV74/UMDNgBcroXI/AAAAAAAAKtQ/Ii_lNvI7D0E/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528150%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (150)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tbt77Cn5meI/UMDNhpcLzvI/AAAAAAAAKtY/7qeQDIkOwwU/photo%252520%252528150%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (150)" width="305" /></a></div>
<br />
We hadn’t been sure we were going to be able to make it as there had been really bad flooding earlier in the week. Trains were still not running from Exeter all the way to Bath, but when I checked first thing on the Saturday morning there were now trains running from Taunton (better than the previous Bristol!) so we got a lift to Taunton and caught the train from there – I could not face the thought of a coach journey with travel sick Toby, but car then train was doable!<br />
<br />
We were so relieved when we arrived in Bath, despite that fact that it was raining, and went straight for lunch. We went to a place that my Dad had been wanting to try out for a while – an exclusively vegetarian pub called <a href="http://www.theporter.co.uk/">The Porter</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--JWi84dWkeU/UMDNjEE5a0I/AAAAAAAAKtg/56jMT6LJnqM/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528115%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (115)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6mtxVIjT_JU/UMDNkY1oysI/AAAAAAAAKto/WawWF6Jmvh4/photo%252520%252528115%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (115)" width="311" /></a></div>
<br />
As well as the above, there were also some jacket potatoes and interesting sandwiches – my Dad had a toastie with guacamole, salsa and cheddar for example, and they had my favourite Brie and caramelised onion too! <br />
<br />
I had a latte as soon as we arrived – with all the rushing around to sort a lift, catch the train etc I hadn’t had a coffee all morning!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Oc7NHHs9Lq8/UMDNmO4_JaI/AAAAAAAAKtw/mdEJKBxn0no/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528149%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (149)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gfPAaPzwDtQ/UMDNniGILUI/AAAAAAAAKt4/TDAORl7yU1I/photo%252520%252528149%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (149)" width="379" /></a></div>
<br />
I loved going somewhere with so many vegetarian options on the menu – I was spoilt for choice!<em> I would feel hypocritical here not to mention that since Liam moved out, I have eaten meat/fish a few times. However I’m not entirely sure if this is something I will continue, and I am only eating organic meat that I order alongside my veg box, so I’m definitely still sticking to vegetarian food when I'm not the one doing the cooking.</em><br />
<br />
In the end I went for the homemade spicy lentil burger…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--j8ujLPHZOI/UMDNpmZwRHI/AAAAAAAAKuA/ITTGlfANq5s/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528116%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (116)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2fcRQ2C5aos/UMDNrQOr_UI/AAAAAAAAKuI/SQh5v4hAU7g/photo%252520%252528116%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (116)" width="380" /></a></div>
<br />
which was really tasty, but I wish I'd also ordered the side of fries! I also had a few of my sister’s nachos (she asked for them without salsa/guac, my favourite parts!!!!!)…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PeqobHBN8Q0/UMDNtFM7WuI/AAAAAAAAKuQ/dXgPZGkn1Ls/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528148%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (148)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KgmX7mF0wkU/UMDNugYNzFI/AAAAAAAAKuY/JE7a9KMbFpA/photo%252520%252528148%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (148)" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
and some of Izzy’s lentil lasagne…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dqkGybFO91o/UMDNwALf6PI/AAAAAAAAKug/6zK0Ql6cH0g/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528117%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (117)" border="0" height="399" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JI2wXebE22o/UMDNxhUobHI/AAAAAAAAKuo/cH3gyG13W1s/photo%252520%252528117%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (117)" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
All really good! Even Toby’s baked beans on toast (boring!) was humongous!!<br />
<br />
After lunch we took our bags back to my Dad’s house and left Toby and my Dad there for a nap. Olivia, Izzy and I then walked into town to do a bit of shopping! Izzy lost her tooth a couple of days before we went to Bath, and she’d decided that she wanted to spend her tooth fairy money in the Disney store!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7S-uL_ropmo65MlDTmTlZS41M3UE7ZplcmlJ5zH8v2Ez5H8ByTWt1KzjsJkfJoKz8eS5mxU58Zd4IJN1ktmG5_TbWgMaK68cwB448NO5y6YLskTZs7qox8EZwWI-D8d_FdBEEORZ1DEY/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528147%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (147)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f9Z9zX8I7ao/UMDN0qXCecI/AAAAAAAAKu0/VjyC4yG5R3M/photo%252520%252528147%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (147)" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course, everything was way out of her price range, but in the end we found something that wasn’t <em>too</em> expensive and that I didn’t mind topping up the money to buy…!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OtJdmhoOK8Y/UMDN2ezY0EI/AAAAAAAAKvA/Of2ILyXpnvA/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528139%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (139)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QBHCXKeVpzc/UMDN3-FHNzI/AAAAAAAAKvI/5Gx59FnlonA/photo%252520%252528139%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (139)" width="342" /></a></div>
<br />
She loves writing in notebooks so this has already had lots of use!!<br />
<br />
After the Disney store we went to look around the Christmas Markets. I didn’t take many photos as it was pouring with rain at this point, but most of the stalls were the same as last year so feel free to look at <a href="http://porridgeandparsnips.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/weekend-in-bath-sights-and-shopping.html">those posts</a> if you’re interested.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-41PB4kI7eMI/UMDN5omq4MI/AAAAAAAAKvQ/y9TmlYgvOEo/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528118%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (118)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GCJXzwbiCGE/UMDN7Ypd31I/AAAAAAAAKvY/mgt-LOiPz3s/photo%252520%252528118%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (118)" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3pQpYAZfOHk/UMDN9d2ANtI/AAAAAAAAKvg/ljICJcrBRSA/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528142%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (142)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GP8EHVOLWcQ/UMDN_E8khLI/AAAAAAAAKvo/iOuUOouTq4E/photo%252520%252528142%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (142)" width="330" /></a></div>
<br />
and as well as the above snow globes (only 2 mind, not the whole stall!!) we managed to buy our traditional Christmas tree decorations – from the same stall as we bought them last year!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6-Taq8V_eCY/UMDOAgkoUFI/AAAAAAAAKvw/ztv5vvCmZMM/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528113%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (113)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qKcom-o0NSQ/UMDOBzOHG1I/AAAAAAAAKv4/V5rfY2SuIO8/photo%252520%252528113%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (113)" width="369" /></a></div>
<br />
Once we’d had enough of the rain, Olivia went off to do some clothes shopping (!) and Izzy and I headed to Starbucks. She’d wanted some girly time with just me, and I was happy to oblige! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PlSFfV-xC1s/UMDODCBqLNI/AAAAAAAAKwA/tVVcmgVHsXM/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
Chai latte and a divine salted caramel pecan cheesecake for me…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2I-6EwKUcKOELkB2vlYEV2Mn8BNulF_zE2GAkn-f89S69s1yg6ofURlwBFQU1rIr4P8t1OxQQAmb1t2JhnR1zuESDq25hGhaekcDg_fDf58_gshHWoxV5L4EncqZnrGeYIX-xotVuYWk/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528119%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (119)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Sz2bfQrllVQ/UMDOGecO-KI/AAAAAAAAKwQ/w-Md7FFrpMk/photo%252520%252528119%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (119)" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and a marshmallow twizzler for Izzy…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LNmzttPzUqU/UMDOHk9s1sI/AAAAAAAAKwY/o-Lqd7Oxop4/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528145%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (145)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0YhU_E3WDho/UMDOJNkc3iI/AAAAAAAAKwg/PyyTudluVYc/photo%252520%252528145%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (145)" width="329" /></a></div>
<br />
plus a cup of water. Who’d have thought you’d get so much <strike>hyperness</strike> happiness from a glass of water??!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamR7wVIca60nEnh2U-0I8a55dsf_niZwfpziZQ-f8lqnTR6dBqwlZedfGMsLboZB3YZF04TQJGjw86WGOelv77Rydji4POPEp4AkNQ7DQPJBJFLR1gPilkqGGinyJvvGfxPEdp2wVpcBO/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528144%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (144)" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GIxfH0K0NVLi5fTlj16iuW-wRnK50mK3mITo8qImVDDevzR2ACzwNSJpXXrzV2u9sjBTUD6f-WI9gKj3MGkOkl9UPRpJ1U_DzMEAGzJYZ3opb_7twn8iMbg83G2AZRyZWV3jD0tybYS_/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (144)" width="205" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TqmGgHRTEsfA8aidiVMbqg3YP7gvroC8MBvautr-KUDBic_k_yJRL1PQT5kFM2jgl3xTan4QGyHdRpXPFDZ7aPCiZjHxQyRyiEUKDlcGurqbrpo177vYMZpbZ7wa889XZckLtprou5c0/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528121%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (121)" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IoEyIUVGCOc/UMDOUxZ20jI/AAAAAAAAKxg/gQ4VfvBvwU0/photo%252520%252528121%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (121)" width="203" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj319oIrwC1MhJe3FBM17sOR5kNbmEWpVRZ_hXxZRSmWLZjVCK2_xxLyUoB3VkP9zGp2zZ6tTwtllrNWALruS_rTakDE0tjdxI9fyIwdZua9mLuJ68FqBQQC0YYoL2WwfkYs-GST-uVqvIU/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528143%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo (143)" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVIEnWzQFlS2sGTcm4NYBRuDHwvPk7RpWjgYqdx_h7CjorM9W54vPkq77Cnpq2GhsqnF6EsCD0yVj3n0c5rxryvhc26wsuTMF_OLAyo_okXs9SkSgYvUZ4kK8BHw9WwxtSdWtkEAZxeh7/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (143)" width="197" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wad3ugdhwvQ/UMDOQ8yhDCI/AAAAAAAAKxI/yM_27xIST44/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528120%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo (120)" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A0QZ2Ot3Wdg/UMDOSAE6CuI/AAAAAAAAKxQ/da8UC1G60LI/photo%252520%252528120%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (120)" width="204" /></a><br />
<br />
For those of you who <strike>are lucky</strike> don’t have young children, the gold thing in the cup is a “Moshi Monster”. Much to my despair, Izzy has recently got into these things, so I bought her a pack of them as a treat for the journey, and she was ecstatic that the surprise one was a gold Moshi – I hadn’t even realised such things existed!!<br />
<br />
By the time we walked back to Dad’s it was dark, which was pretty, albeit still very wet!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fJLCqN0yzfA/UMDOXMc5HDI/AAAAAAAAKxo/oLrAAhzQSBc/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528141%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (141)" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwnPfofCRiRFAY9X6SX-fL-kz0N9ridXuVU4y2dDfyHsTkKe3SiYXurHI2h_MhyphenhyphenpvTsgD1PRwtP0sm7h3nj2ERSHNAzzSZcO8i5rfBm_v2l_df4EOYgL3TiSljSGWEiRrvCGWpxilfJXY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (141)" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YNbL32m9IYA/UMDOaNPLQsI/AAAAAAAAKx4/YSf4oNuBCqY/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528123%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo (123)" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uEGP1qFFLHI/UMDOcJTIAUI/AAAAAAAAKyA/wXn5G0P2kRk/photo%252520%252528123%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (123)" width="451" /></a></div>
<br />
We got back to Dad’s about 4.30pm so, bearing in mind Toby normally wakes from his nap at 3pm, we walked in noisily without thinking about it. The house was in darkness and Dad quickly “shushed” us, as he wanted me to have the “pleasure” of waking Tobes…the boy loves his sleep!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tz8b1q7r4BI/UMDOdgECQMI/AAAAAAAAKyI/k1V4JtUKxVQ/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528140%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (140)" border="0" height="355" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A1RMy0rdMB4/UMDOftvWusI/AAAAAAAAKyQ/0X41dC4S4vw/photo%252520%252528140%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (140)" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkl502BPYScNoPnMaJhcHO4FRhgKt3CDWH4WBA-3WH6Oz8FV2qhiO6HkdY7Upu1s_0IcvCcMd7DMcrgDLhBPnenLkdsMHS58V9a_PAE-gNd1HvYZBiplYt62nRtXWv1jnhO69_bMw1kF3/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528124%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (124)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1KSgTWMgFiY/UMDOifje4vI/AAAAAAAAKyc/juJdQFE0vVc/photo%252520%252528124%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (124)" width="286" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We didn’t fancy going back out in the rain for dinner, so Olivia got to have her favourite food ever – Wagamama takeaway!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7A-ccEoz2RA/UMDOkCjRuMI/AAAAAAAAKyo/PfRtPAPYR4E/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528125%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (125)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O7CmAEdUaeI/UMDOlb8sPFI/AAAAAAAAKyw/B8ASTYhJt_w/photo%252520%252528125%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (125)" width="378" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mzTPbr0F0-c/UMDOmz-WheI/AAAAAAAAKy4/K8x97cyHJUg/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528138%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (138)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OsbnrmrBh7k/UMDOoGNmlSI/AAAAAAAAKzA/-XNmKEFYJF8/photo%252520%252528138%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (138)" width="343" /></a></div>
<br />
I had my usual Yasai Yaki Soba plus some vegetable gyoza, fried instead of steamed…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P3mBmtvEV_4/UMDOqHKg5cI/AAAAAAAAKzI/HlPk7PciSw0/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528137%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (137)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Db2Qc1HeVCc/UMDOrXVYv6I/AAAAAAAAKzQ/94ZyZZHEvao/photo%252520%252528137%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (137)" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />
This was ok, but I’m not quite sure why Livs loves having it as takeaway so much – I definitely prefer eating in when it’s delivered fresh to your table! <br />
<br />
Toby had fun with the noodles though!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ByWoTtEaYEA/UMDOtHMxl2I/AAAAAAAAKzY/dC0O8Lrf4yA/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528127%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (127)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4CrNENYuM84/UMDOulcU4LI/AAAAAAAAKzg/fqfDCGF13tM/photo%252520%252528127%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (127)" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
And once the children were in bed, and we were sat on the sofa eating After Eights, Olivia deigned to let me take one photo of her! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cclrYLiVMPc/UMDOvoLORQI/AAAAAAAAKzk/oOhbLyGLu3w/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXoDuWlNjm4TZc83RcxTxbG2baJJEXEQhg9I0-rngSGbG1Y_o1FdqigJbhdVgi_Dr6J-PjjB9UGGT5H1CJ_8rPR8pJFtWzrrGyeVapC9-2WkgNa7UTYUApLJADmfMYzlVJZbNqpHgPkyv/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528136%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (136)" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRIjzY_jt_P4xySGtIs_rnn6Ee-64kJ5S9cFg0Umet5dORlWviXo6FCHrOZ0MsU-0LKF331ykLlK6D8Ku3X1ANQDlSJxhF0YlOWyYWIOWFGzHTJUC0m_Ga_9UkJWywfvOv8zZOXHGtShH/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (136)" width="386" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn’t get a huge amount of sleep as a certain little boy decided he wanted to sleep in my bed…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GBf5gAZNXYE/UMDO0DUJSLI/AAAAAAAAK0A/58dp9Z-eV_Q/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528135%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (135)" border="0" height="399" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UHfgYMvuHTI/UMDO1kNdUKI/AAAAAAAAK0I/dvKYptGzQ0A/photo%252520%252528135%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (135)" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The bed was so high that I spent the whole night only half asleep to stop him falling out! Let’s just say I was glad when morning came…!!<br />
<br />
The next morning I had exciting plans to meet up with an old school friend who I hadn’t seen since Izzy’s christening 4 years ago! I forgot to take any photos but we went to Starbucks for a good catch up and more chai lattes <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PlSFfV-xC1s/UMDODCBqLNI/AAAAAAAAKwA/tVVcmgVHsXM/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
I then met up with the family again and we went for early lunch at <a href="http://www.cosyclub.co.uk/bath">The Cosy Club</a> before our train home. I was gutted as the Sunday was actually a gorgeous day – clear blue skies and no rain, but we had to get an earlier train back to Devon than planned as there was lots of flooding near us due to more rain on the Saturday night, so Mum was worried about being able to get us home from the station. The visit was definitely short but sweet!<br />
<br />
I cheered myself up with a divine raspberry mojito (it was 12 o’clock…just!!)…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JSgzcHrLhXE/UMDO2zON4yI/AAAAAAAAK0Q/rxhgmDPNF4M/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528128%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (128)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1oDDUwUnb4M/UMDO4vm0PWI/AAAAAAAAK0Y/4Hrgb0bpZRI/photo%252520%252528128%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (128)" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
and for my food I had an English muffin with poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and cooked mushrooms…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Nmla95fqUWk/UMDO6cgf9tI/AAAAAAAAK0g/Om0imNCwKOQ/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528129%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (129)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-27XgH5lZkuI/UMDO7uTsG9I/AAAAAAAAK0o/IpK_LgUnXrI/photo%252520%252528129%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (129)" width="359" /></a></div>
<br />
Really tasty, but I could’ve happily eaten it twice over!<br />
<br />
Izzy wanted me to show you a photo of her lunch too – for the first time ever she found a macaroni cheese that she loved more than mine!! <img alt="Surprised smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-surprisedsmile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gThRF9zPXkw/UMDO9YkC9rI/AAAAAAAAK0w/cV7-F4yJFgs/wlEmoticon-surprisedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5_Fh--2esVQ/UMDO-5ekfbI/AAAAAAAAK04/Ss5OajN2zNQ/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528133%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (133)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OWGGR86EcDc/UMDPATkYO4I/AAAAAAAAK1A/uoKRVAe1SY4/photo%252520%252528133%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (133)" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
We had to rush to the train station after this as there was some uncertainty again about whether the trains would be running. I did manage to pick up some cannoli to eat on the train though!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aW6bROcYyrE/UMDPBzTH5ZI/AAAAAAAAK1I/u93QvyAkvjo/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528131%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (131)" border="0" height="394" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xNrwGjI6pDQ/UMDPDBxcPII/AAAAAAAAK1Q/vWajryJ5ZAo/photo%252520%252528131%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (131)" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And I also took this photo for Maria/anyone else going to Bath any time soon, gutted we only spotted this on the way to the station (although I suppose it isn’t really the weather for Fro Yo anyway!!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hC1ax3PFBl0/UMDPEQ_yeHI/AAAAAAAAK1Y/6oPU6rLkIpU/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528130%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (130)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vta5hBhl_cA/UMDPGCEKHkI/AAAAAAAAK1g/mc1UoctH_os/photo%252520%252528130%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (130)" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The train home actually went pretty well. There were delays getting from Bath to Bristol, but the journey from Bristol to Taunton was quick and the flooding had eased a bit on the roads by the time we got back to Devon, luckily. I was shocked by some of the views out of the train window though!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6E_l2c0VooE/UMDPHRmu6WI/AAAAAAAAK1o/lJs1oFbq6i4/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528132%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (132)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FD2cowP3gdg/UMDPIxg-w_I/AAAAAAAAK1w/kcY04C0EhF0/photo%252520%252528132%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (132)" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Possibly not the most sensible decision to travel under such weather conditions, but I am still glad we went. It was the only weekend I could get up there, and after everything that had been going on, I really <em>needed</em> to keep to my plans and have a weekend away from everything. Just glad that it worked out ok to get us there and back again safely! <br />
<br />
Thanks so much for all my comments on my other post too, I really do appreciate all of them, nice to know there are some people out there thinking of me! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PlSFfV-xC1s/UMDODCBqLNI/AAAAAAAAKwA/tVVcmgVHsXM/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> 3.5 weeks on from the split, things are beginning to settle down. I just need to get a message through to Toby that I need more sleep – I thought 4.45am wake up yesterday morning was bad, but last night/this morning I had Toby in my bed from midnight, Izzy joined us at 2am (luckily bed is king size!!) and then Toby woke all 3 of us up at 5.15am...yawn!!!<br />
<br />
One final photo… due to the weather, we didn’t actually buy much in Bath this year. The tree decorations above, two snow globes, and a few foodie bits…fudge and caramelised nuts:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TWKT_ZtTT20/UMDPKheFJdI/AAAAAAAAK14/-N7XhexNY58/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528114%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (114)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1TUzeyG8QII/UMDPMGyC7XI/AAAAAAAAK2A/Ggzp015Jq3I/photo%252520%252528114%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (114)" width="398" /></a></div>
<br />
I had the orange & cranberry fudge a couple of nights ago and I was a little disappointed – the fudge is really good quality but the orange was too tangy for my liking – it took away from the sweetness! The sea salted caramel fudge was Izzy’s choice, but I may have to steal some when she opens it – we sampled that one at the stall and it really is divine!! I’m looking forward to having the winter spiced drinking fudge too, apparently you just stir it into a mug of hot milk – a bit like hot chocolate but this sachet feels squidgy – mmm, yes please!!<br />
<br />
<strong>Have you been to Bath Christmas Market before? Or any other Christmas Markets? </strong>I actually went to another Christmas Market - Exeter - last Saturday. This is the first year they’ve had a Christmas Market and it was fab! I took some photos on my phone so I will try to get a post up soon. I also used to love Southampton & Winchester Christmas Markets when I lived up there for university, the perfect way to get in the mood for the festive season!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-43961672145545858652012-12-06T15:12:00.000+00:002012-12-06T16:56:10.366+00:00Twinings Christmas Teas {Review}A little while ago I was sent two Christmassy tins full of tea to try! This review is a little late up - I actually just went into Windows Live Writer and found this post sitting there, almost finished and then forgotten about, whoops!! Still, better late than never, these teas are so good that I wanted to still share.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vN237aA0hPo/UMCzLFVkaOI/AAAAAAAAKqU/roUlbQD5n_I/s1600-h/DSC_12845.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1284" border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsSJK8U5LP2BADvkr1Lwg-fNBGcS2wXHIMQzGRjsXpGsCJceM07vFlDT0fjP01zEZtsfv4MD9RF5Rwt24l-6LoRSdY3pfp4lUfOmATRfo3eOyiFInBDNGABm8RysSFH4TgTIftLfsAqtL/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1284" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I absolutely loved the look and sound of the vanilla chai tea, but it is a loose leaf tea – which I had never had before – so whilst I was waiting to buy a tea ball thing (??!!) I tried the <a href="http://shop.twinings.co.uk/shop/twinings-mulled-spiced-tea-caddy.html">mulled spice tea</a> bags first…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrGjOQsBDOVLp6x25EtvumzScdbJTjd3aQ8Tsq08v-zy2QzjyEUzVfCdc-CoFQCRsqwNEsuJ4bMMIYzsbE7ze7WYex480wckz18mKSkdChFUALqP-0psKsoraGMygxq0xhe0ycBgTwXWR/s1600-h/DSC_13055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_1305" border="0" height="326" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PnsBiVY0qos/UMCzP8nv2RI/AAAAAAAAKqs/5jb9lm-4bYU/DSC_1305_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1305" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
These tea bags are individually wrapped which I love, so handy for popping in your bag and also stops me from worrying about freshness! Not that I need to worry about that with this tea – I have nearly got through the whole tin which for me – someone who usually drinks coffee more than tea – is quite impressive!! I absolutely love this tea, as suggested on the box I do drink it sweetened (with truvia, but sugar would of course also work), and it has lovely flavours of orange and spices within it.<br />
<br />
Of course you can’t have Christmassy tea without Christmassy treats to go with it! I have been sharing this tea with one of my friends, who is a tea lover anyway and also now adores it, and one day she brought a stollen with her to accompany it…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7kzieffECAY/UMCzRi9VjDI/AAAAAAAAKq0/c0QNvcUjr94/s1600-h/photo-1105.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (110)" border="0" height="286" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DCNQGWB0PX8/UMCzS8bu5lI/AAAAAAAAKq8/HzMIj1zOrzc/photo-110_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (110)" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, despite having told myself that I’d wait until December 20th before visiting the Lidl Christmas section (!) this opened the floodgates and soon we were munching on lots of lebkuchen too…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZqnYXHS5je8/UMCzU_QwVAI/AAAAAAAAKrE/I1aJ-1aJDJ8/s1600-h/photo-1095.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (109)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Fwxamx9ORCI/UMCzWMl6KHI/AAAAAAAAKrM/ZBhQT9CqpwY/photo-109_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (109)" width="372" /></a></div>
<br />
These pretty much sum up the run up to Christmas for me! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yaR2wVrJXCg/UMCzXLqVDpI/AAAAAAAAKrU/W037jwceMeY/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
We did also try the <a href="file:///p://shop.twinings.co.uk/shop/chai.html">Chai tea</a>…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyVDs2uALi8F81fB8epsAQR00s65KsKi4gnAyAbgNh1uLLlypjQpDwTvaQyEaloQzjsAKLTYq3-tnOBqvWVXCplJ-CwPgnDU9glvvB5ldN3Jt5MmUFy3bKZnVDFJWLxdChY_oD1po5YB8/s1600-h/photo-1115.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (111)" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rKVv94c3KMc/UMCzavp7pVI/AAAAAAAAKrk/ZnRQEGxZgd0/photo-111_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (111)" width="370" /></a></div>
<br />
It smells divine, but didn’t have as much flavour as I was hoping for. I’m thinking that was probably my fault though as there were no brewing instructions on the tin so, as the ball didn’t do a great job of keeping the tea leaf bits out of our mugs, we didn’t brew it for that long. <strong>Any advice on brewing times/techniques for loose leaf teas please??</strong><br />
<br />
Overall, I would definitely recommend these teas, especially the mulled spiced one – I am on the hunt for some more (my local Waitrose stocks the vanilla chai but not the mulled spice sadly) as every time someone comes round to my house for tea now I always ask them if they would like “regular tea or Christmassy?” and not surprisingly a lot of them are keen to try it, it is so good!<br />
<br />
<strong>Have you tried either of these teas? What are your favourite types of tea? </strong>I love spicy teas and chai lattes so was really expecting to love the vanilla chai tea. I think it is just my inexperience with loose leaf teas that is the problem so any advice would be appreciated! The mulled spice tea is just divine though, I know I keep repeating myself but it just tastes (& smells!) so Christmassy! Twinings have quite a few <a href="http://shop.twinings.co.uk/shop/christmas-tea-gifts.html">Christmas Tea Gifts</a> for sale this year, which all look fab, it looks like you can buy the vanilla chai as tea bags too so I may have to give them a go if I really can't get to grips with the loose tea!<br />
<br />
Thank you Twinings for sending me these teas to review. All thoughts and opinions in this post are, of course, my own.Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-36226732546642416942012-11-22T13:56:00.002+00:002012-11-22T13:56:35.181+00:00My Imperfect LifeI’ve always loved quotes. When I was younger I used to painstakingly write them all out in my neatest handwriting and blue tak them to my bedroom walls, much to my Mother’s delight! I was sorting out some paperwork a few days ago and I came across one of my favourite quotes, from the film A Message In A Bottle…<br />
<br />
<strong>“If some lives form a perfect circle, others take shape in ways we cannot predict or always understand.”</strong><br />
<br />
My life has definitely never taken the shape of a perfect circle – from getting pregnant at 19, becoming a single mother at 20, meeting Liam two years later and having another child together, and then getting married…it's been quite the rollercoaster! Ten days ago my life took another twist when Liam and I decided to separate and he moved out. It’s been a while coming, hence the lack of posting on the blog these past few months. I don’t want to go into detail about it here, but I just wanted to mention it, say that we’re all as ok as we can be, and start trying to move on. <br />
<br />
I'm not promising that I'll suddenly start writing daily again (did I ever do that??) as sleep and long chats with friends are definitely still taking priority, but I do really miss writing here! Weather permitting, me, the children, and my little sister are off to Bath for the Christmas market this weekend; and I received the most amazing foodie penpal parcel this month; so I definitely have some things I want to share with you in the near future, it's just finding the time and energy to share them. After Liam & I told Izzy last Friday about our decision, she had a few nights of not going to sleep until 10pm, and then when she settled back down Toby got ill and for the last two mornings he has been coming into me wide awake at 5.30am! And of course I am having to deal with it all on my own now, so not much sleep around here! I am very lucky to have supportive family and friends, it makes such a difference.<br />
<br />
One of my friends has also been having a difficult couple of weeks so we have been spending lots of time together trying to put the world to rights! Another quote we like is…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7MZALGsPCE4/UK4r3qCTVgI/AAAAAAAAKow/qLzebB5wqBI/s1600-h/ok%252520in%252520the%252520end%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ok in the end" border="0" height="148" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I-5Kr39WloM/UK4r5NIXDoI/AAAAAAAAKo4/hoY6QTNG6_A/ok%252520in%252520the%252520end_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ok in the end" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
(<a href="http://www.firstcovers.com/userquotes/50782/it'll+all+be+okay+in.html">source</a>)</div>
<br />
This definitely isn’t the end of my story, but maybe it can be (yet another!) new beginning.<br />
<br />
<strong>What are your favourite quotes? Any positive or inspiring ones to share with me??</strong><br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving to my US readers, and I hope everyone in the UK is keeping safe with the current weather. We had quite bad flooding locally yesterday, and Izzy’s school was closed, but things seem to be back to normal – for now at least – I’m keeping my fingers firmly crossed that we don’t get anymore heavy rain!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-55347457975083762582012-11-03T14:48:00.000+00:002012-11-03T14:50:54.815+00:00Foodie Penpals October 2012I’m a few days late writing this post – half term has been very fun but super hectic! Family Halloween party this afternoon, but I made the – slightly embarrassing, but definitely necessary – decision to buy cakes rather than make any, so that has freed me up for a couple of hours!<br />
<br />
So, last month’s foodie penpals. I sent my parcel to <a href="http://charleysbrightonkitchen.blogspot.co.uk/">Charley who writes at Charley’s Kitchen</a>, and I received a lovely parcel from Emma-Louise, who doesn’t have a blog but does <a href="https://twitter.com/elouisecherry">have a twitter account</a>.<br />
<br />
Emma sent me a really thoughtful parcel and included a recipe for white chocolate & cardamom mousse which I am looking forward to trying soon. Coconut palm sugar, cherry juice drink, apple & plum puree, tabasco sauce, dried cranberries, cardamom pods, sugar mice and Montezuma’s orange & geranium dark chocolate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VlJ1gRNRQa0/UJUtWzj_VJI/AAAAAAAAKmc/w_9erLit_9E/s1600-h/DSC_0669%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0669" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pHWrfedt3m0/UJUtdgpIpZI/AAAAAAAAKmk/k6UYC5-p_r8/DSC_0669_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0669" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
As per Emma’s suggestion, I gave the sugar mice to the children…Izzy refused to eat hers for a few days though though, haha, keeping it as a “cute decoration” instead…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LfAQARlbOIk/UJUte2vF8PI/AAAAAAAAKms/6MFlrVPNiqg/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528102%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (102)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1twDJxOz79o/UJUtf1MAi7I/AAAAAAAAKm0/C8XOl-2-HUk/photo%252520%252528102%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (102)" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Toby, on the other hand, gobbled his up straight away – little sugar addict!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c7MWvZ9TfZM/UJUthduK3DI/AAAAAAAAKm8/rIAp_n_IPRU/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528103%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (103)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JhT1uG8m7So/UJUtivMbxII/AAAAAAAAKnE/6e1-mno3bT8/photo%252520%252528103%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (103)" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Emma forgot to include her note with suggested uses for the items, so instead emailed it to me. A lot of these included porridge…not sure whether that was deliberate or not re my blog name, but it did make me chuckle!! And so the next morning I made a big bowl of pumpkin porridge and topped it with dried cranberries, Montezuma chocolate, and palm coconut sugar…divine!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_tM3kztqv48/UJUtpVE0uSI/AAAAAAAAKnM/zHJOyVM5d7Q/s1600-h/DSC_0764%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0764" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58AbHAiK2zudEjhP3EcUVTyW6JOm6_q7vuo6k7FFNWSET5WgIEWqIF1L9UnFWeuiiO43rG8gNvAugMr9JTBvz1jveq05DkM1hJVZ6ARzEZkmVYcNCBz4Kh9zdLop2z7rO6UZUc1zhTHK_/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0764" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I think this may have even been my first hot porridge “of the season” and what a good one it was…I loved the combination of dried cranberries and orange chocolate, so festive!<br />
<br />
I loved all the contents of my parcel, thank you so much Emma!<br />
<br />
As Emma doesn’t have a blog, and neither does the person who sent it to her, she asked me to include a few words from her about the parcel she received…<br />
<br />
<em>Yay! Received my first ever foodie penpal today, chock full of treats! The lovely Laura explained in her card that she lives on the Norfolk/Suffolk border where I know for a fact they have a glut of wonderful farm shops and the area is famous for its apples. I have received a lovely looking bottle of Norfolk Pure Apple Juice where the fruit is grown and pressed on the farm, as well as a pack of delicious looking apple crumble biscuits (everyone in the office is eyeing them up), a hot chocolate stick complete with marshmallows (perfect for this time of year), an apothecary style bottle of cinnamon extract that I’m looking forwards to trying out this weekend as I reckon it’ll pack a punch into my gingerbread men, a bbq spice mix that’ll come in very handy, and a jar of local mint jelly which is a winner as I love roast dinners! </em><em>To top it all off, there’s a card with a picture of a kitten drinking out of a cup that is just terrific and is going to have pride of place on my desk.</em> <br />
<br />
<em>I can’t wait for next month, my first foodie penpal experience has been really wonderful and everyone has been so lovely! </em><br />
<br />
If that inspires you to join in, go to <a href="http://thisisrocksalt.com/foodie-penpals/">Rock Salt’s blog to find out more details and fill in the form</a>. You can read about many other <a href="http://www.theleangreenbean.com/october-foodie-penpals-reveal-day/">foodie penpal swaps on Lean Green Bean’s blog</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-31165220718046906212012-10-30T21:33:00.000+00:002012-10-30T21:33:04.725+00:00Halloween Preparation - Crealy and Pumpkin CarvingOn Saturday we went to Crealy to take part in some Halloween fun…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PYJjqb6WK9c/UJBEVRUoW3I/AAAAAAAAKeQ/mNFAwWlQwDc/s1600-h/DSC_0811%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0811" border="0" height="293" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XSkdUImmnNI/UJBEXLcx0LI/AAAAAAAAKeY/mrwyJEpUJlI/DSC_0811_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0811" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There were lots of pumpkins to choose from (one free per child)…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mj4CDv4f5xk/UJBEYhxZxDI/AAAAAAAAKeg/foBVI_UKy28/s1600-h/DSC_0814%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0814" border="0" height="260" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NtGTkmiL7N8/UJBEZ79qoAI/AAAAAAAAKeo/cxPdEIbY0Uo/DSC_0814_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0814" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Trick or treating (aka taking a lolly out of a witch’s hand!)…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QU4OAxh_HhY/UJBEbXYggMI/AAAAAAAAKew/M8A6I_768Vo/s1600-h/DSC_0834%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0834" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2Ye8At_iXrc/UJBEc8k2ORI/AAAAAAAAKe4/8AvNPvF5TEc/DSC_0834_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0834" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And spooky games of which Izzy won one (each time the music stopped they had to “be” either a zombie, a ghost or a pumpkin. Izzy was a zombie every single time but the man never chose zombies to be out!!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uCmwG8IcWNQ/UJBEebMzBNI/AAAAAAAAKfA/45ZzPfsC4G0/s1600-h/DSC_0837%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0837" border="0" height="290" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ku3nzldEUj0/UJBEfpo0AiI/AAAAAAAAKfI/dQV7Q3viStE/DSC_0837_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0837" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
However, despite all the Halloween fun, the thing the children enjoyed most was something that is there year round…the animal barn…in particular the goats!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w-nZX1nzPZ4/UJBEhhWdfxI/AAAAAAAAKfQ/_qrNyTRKg8w/s1600-h/DSC_0872%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0872" border="0" height="339" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lt12wKdST-g/UJBEi1n6IdI/AAAAAAAAKfU/2T7xJfMZrls/DSC_0872_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0872" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--ZvNvm5cFSE/UJBEkCuAyAI/AAAAAAAAKfg/8PT0tDWOBz8/s1600-h/DSC_0874%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0874" border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSy4EtW4vasaEZrhiUaBNm2Hd1tqcZg7ftJKEWAb333HQ0PiKfvfZ_vfebkiLD1c6px1m-9z34DycVZJkGf_xS7-Pos9UI9_0XRoV6dVlCSoAJosG6E68pEFtyaZd3TIplcIf6oyqAIjzW/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0874" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MPzwqrHYfHc/UJBEpvi9PNI/AAAAAAAAKgA/-n9tobWt9o8/s1600-h/DSC_0886%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0886" border="0" height="277" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eGY_Yc0_j8k/UJBEqxL1uUI/AAAAAAAAKgI/Qw1yvSbJqII/DSC_0886_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0886" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rhxCkUUxkgI/UJBEsWv7mGI/AAAAAAAAKgQ/mHKdY_plqYg/s1600-h/DSC_0898%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0898" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht65SyRi9NBuXVoyp4_4iFASP2nF2kiKUq9YCGt5EO9DGkr5JGei0CCDcjOimAb4xRM2wHbUfPqY_LfXiNeXPoUxg-ipDspWzd65YsfLIB2kya7QLqHyU4eFAQdqUig9ze1R_Kzh9MbdVp/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0898" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhA7Gg2lzUky8HDgrxrvLm0JGm228Dv9oGqSi4LMb2eNnrPboFzHmdZ-5G78_BGjJgRa9ejX9vmSGXFaQBQC8lPWI9jgNBho3cWQriZ83fyDoQNcqW6ftZ3H2V_lzL8oqKEA7tAxo24X2/s1600-h/DSC_0881%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0881" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IDEncBX31Gc/UJBEoBoPnhI/AAAAAAAAKf0/IOdTA-dmrLI/DSC_0881_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0881" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We also went on a few rides. Izzy and I went on the pirate ship (which was <em>freezing</em>!!) while Toby went on the carousel, and then Toby loved it so much that they went on the carousel again together…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-688AHCTvXQM/UJBEvuSLa9I/AAAAAAAAKgg/4ubgl4c2--4/s1600-h/DSC_0923%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0923" border="0" height="293" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-366TuACLBRQ/UJBExcHyfmI/AAAAAAAAKgo/yU-F6WK-keQ/DSC_0923_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0923" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D0LAB5xARpY/UJBEy7_qv-I/AAAAAAAAKgs/EUye_xNeHWg/s1600-h/DSC_0911%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0911" border="0" height="286" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0DiSbZIhoNI/UJBE0f-9E7I/AAAAAAAAKg0/ZGUxOfNNpgc/DSC_0911_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0911" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This was the first time that Toby really “got” Crealy and was able to appreciate most of it. When he got off the carousel he was too busy excitedly chattering to me about it to pose for this photo…!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xDQ1HK5sfN0/UJBE2BYvNyI/AAAAAAAAKhA/4tbxPPwyZ44/s1600-h/DSC_0929%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0929" border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Y_PtSq3BOtbZmdArtyskwVpB5uRgYKWfd0a1HqbHeckQ5s0T2Zn89SA4W9TgN-0b2YDpAO0egb3C2pIdQTDIfrZ-mohaIVUfYGte14NI5oqhUpRflaDjumXdywOdEWH_uuMubQQ0ERuE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0929" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After being forced to go through the shop (I was so annoyed when they got rid of the exit that avoided the shop, although the children are used to us saying no to buying things most times now, it was me that wanted to buy Halloween decorations!!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w4EgQ_h9NpA/UJBE5iQymzI/AAAAAAAAKhQ/HORZSPH0xeE/s1600-h/DSC_0947%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0947" border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsClGRacl3KW7PEgxjf7W_vBhNkpG5SWHQtxMfymXxTwJOZME_8oo5-xvB70ibc8hi8yT53eh2GaOFQmHtB2nI11zMqLCoIDIRm9vObuVwX-Y9YFsmK82teG8IYgY-hJh3i7LqwLaoA8q/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0947" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
we went home and Toby napped while Izzy and Liam got to work on the pumpkins…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b6lOkB3UCyk/UJBE8e_ZTII/AAAAAAAAKhg/nWXxg2IkkYc/s1600-h/DSC_0960%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0960" border="0" height="302" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5Hc0SAb_feg/UJBE9gsvGII/AAAAAAAAKho/BK2TlvL2yFc/DSC_0960_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0960" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M_rGzazo0ac/UJBE_UZl0FI/AAAAAAAAKhw/TV_mIq0hRcg/s1600-h/DSC_0969%25255B12%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0969" border="0" height="277" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kJ4md6OVV00/UJBFAkf3eGI/AAAAAAAAKh4/rO4PdPdwDgI/DSC_0969_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0969" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2hDjWA-4DDo/UJBFB3-2RAI/AAAAAAAAKiA/8IRRuw8nR3g/s1600-h/DSC_0977%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0977" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NinsYVLlwtg/UJBFDTcUwwI/AAAAAAAAKiI/7FQFFP-tfRE/DSC_0977_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0977" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Izzy was a bit grossed out by the pumpkin innards…and then got a bit hyper when she overcame her fear and got stuck in! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wCq9Fio-96U/UJBFExVP1qI/AAAAAAAAKiQ/zvXHmeEsaZ4/s1600-h/DSC_0817%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0817" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kRMa_-iiFrw/UJBFFwrFABI/AAAAAAAAKiY/rDSR5UqPgSg/DSC_0817_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0817" width="313" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsLdmQDcwJ-hoKmHdP9OvaQJlhznSYTWL09IA1s2rf-QC-Zxt1a3v7IxFAEzKH0ETYytPXWn-6SD5BK2FMXfb1BwX2D05kX5DoaxL1Ssr1hGwB6dKPXaRpMzaiF6n9OggC4A661ZhTdcH/s1600-h/DSC_0851%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0851" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--qPB0AFlLhQ/UJBFIkOjGHI/AAAAAAAAKis/yFUeWiK3Pmw/DSC_0851_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0851" width="342" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I9w3H8CRX5E/UJBFNDIf4YI/AAAAAAAAKjA/85V_jxKm7gE/s1600-h/DSC_0869%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0869" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5zTFm1mtajE/UJBFOQNzqcI/AAAAAAAAKjI/xFpmy6rp3fc/DSC_0869_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0869" width="289" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MiO0Pm2HBwM/UJBFKMMyu5I/AAAAAAAAKi0/x37T_1VB8JI/s1600-h/DSC_0854%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0854" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Madq53B2l6s/UJBFLmveEXI/AAAAAAAAKi8/qng2OjkGnTo/DSC_0854_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0854" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
For pumpkin #1, Liam stuck with a relatively simple face design…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z2zulxV0r2w/UJBFPtEoUxI/AAAAAAAAKjQ/uXiSm6AqYaw/s1600-h/DSC_0899%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0899" border="0" height="296" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0YTZssN8OEU/UJBFRHsum-I/AAAAAAAAKjc/2DNd9nX-Bwg/DSC_0899_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0899" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s9xRO8KWs8I/UJBFSYWPvII/AAAAAAAAKjk/s1orvp6TwCU/s1600-h/DSC_0941%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0941" border="0" height="327" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b0_ht6y0wec/UJBFUIcrnQI/AAAAAAAAKjs/lUzksjL55bU/DSC_0941_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0941" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For pumpkin #2, Izzy had lost enthusiasm so gone off to play elsewhere, so Liam got a bit more creative with some ghosts!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWemnFt5WHddX8q63wEXUAO74hoJQOn27etE4Kzo_YGXe-eXyjqPvvuhBkhAg6GMhsv1J0bi4fx_uQgxSIPe-2REfO1cMGG3tFEGJ-GlvO_mGDknJPCh5rJD94zKZcB4EGnM66anNQxYGl/s1600-h/DSC_0974%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0974" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FuFKk5Dbr1Q/UJBFW-_cbeI/AAAAAAAAKj8/AeSjTbARBlE/DSC_0974_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0974" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Pumpkins…done! Toby thought they were very cool when he woke up!! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Py4zpnp3608/UJBFXwsTtRI/AAAAAAAAKkE/TBm4TiIatJo/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rmv4zeI1f20/UJBFZaA8DJI/AAAAAAAAKkM/hvy68FpKhOI/s1600-h/DSC_0979%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0979" border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDeJZlV7TAgOm1LrkcxtEECjU-uhfQTVSD1HNzYx_3YFuyvE0R4Uvb4NJuxwf7ZWyxwZ3-mmziCfqxvi8BPSl2-UItLJXHnJlWg-4ogIEsaQWVz4oxUx-253X4ungOWgPftjnsHy1bhzv/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0979" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VWEQvyk4cv8/UJBFcc-KNPI/AAAAAAAAKkc/hCQmi4gxhA4/s1600-h/DSC_0982%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0982" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i2dBrxHjCF4/UJBFd6CaC-I/AAAAAAAAKkk/HzssxKI8rOQ/DSC_0982_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0982" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SxeK14Pq6_c/UJBFfQrJpvI/AAAAAAAAKks/ib2ViJCsBW8/s1600-h/DSC_0987%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0987" border="0" height="245" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6dJegYb0g08/UJBFghOzYPI/AAAAAAAAKk0/a7rDc8IoddA/DSC_0987_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0987" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jeIPdAwfW3Y/UJBFhy-zxNI/AAAAAAAAKk8/PKHsIe-g_ek/s1600-h/DSC_0992%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0992" border="0" height="285" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LjFjYFm1Enc/UJBFjFj-uTI/AAAAAAAAKlE/VLJ8Cs-5PnU/DSC_0992_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0992" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>Do you celebrate Halloween? Any plans for tomorrow? </strong>We’re not doing much tomorrow. Izzy is going to a kids club all day which involves doing a show for the parents at the end of the day. They are encouraged to bring Halloween costumes if they have them so I’m hoping that Izzy’s witch outfit from last year still fits! Then in the evening I’ve bought a new DVD for us to watch while hoping the doorbell rings – we don’t go out trick or treating ourselves but Izzy absolutely loves giving out sweets to other children – she got so excited last year but we’re slightly more out the way in this house so I’m hoping we still get some callers! We will do a bit more Halloween stuff at the weekend though – I’m planning a Halloween “party” on Saturday for my family, but will show photos & ramble on more about that after its happened!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-72597814222984882312012-10-26T11:47:00.001+01:002012-10-26T12:16:45.508+01:00Nail Polish Storage and FavouritesWe made it to half term! Our itinerary for the week is already filling up quickly (why does that always happen??!) but for today, Izzy requested a “PJ day” and – especially as it is wet & windy outside – I was happy to agree. While they snuggle up watching Bee Movie, I have finally got time to sit down and write this post – its been in my mind for ages, but getting the words onto the screen takes a bit longer!!<br />
<br />
I realised a while back that I haven’t shown you Liam’s latest DIY creation. Unless you follow me on Instagram that is, in which case you’ve seen it 3 or 4 times as its got more and more full!! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r0At89gbzQA/UIpok1fQH7I/AAAAAAAAKZc/k2B4pUesMlI/s1600-h/DSC_0698%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0698" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S_Bimg2Wafc/UIpomQoeftI/AAAAAAAAKZk/hTu9PD5ogaM/DSC_0698_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0698" width="329" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OT3emsSD4YmT2iPq5CE7dWBFxpis1xNVplxjLExO246cZrjOlS8Z971dSZq6QVrDMUhQLSW0xJKeO2Ga5RuLoIk4e2xhKWjDzHMLBvhdiIUwkonwGuJJQp5uYxTt_WTS71u9blwR-YuC/s1600/DSC_0708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OT3emsSD4YmT2iPq5CE7dWBFxpis1xNVplxjLExO246cZrjOlS8Z971dSZq6QVrDMUhQLSW0xJKeO2Ga5RuLoIk4e2xhKWjDzHMLBvhdiIUwkonwGuJJQp5uYxTt_WTS71u9blwR-YuC/s400/DSC_0708.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Liam used a <a href="http://www.flutterandsparkle.com/2012/07/diy-tutorial-how-to-make-nail-polish.html">tutorial on Flutter and Sparkle’s blog</a> to make this, he had a bit of difficulty finding the right wood – he was wanting wood that was already white on both sides, but in the end he painted it with white primer – but once he’d got everything he needed it was pretty easy to make. Mine is smaller than the original as I have nowhere near as many polishes as her, plus this size fits perfectly over the mantelpiece in our bedroom.<br />
<br />
I have used Liam building this as a bit of an excuse to go on a nail shopping binge!! I took that photo of my shelves yesterday, but since then Liam came home last night with a gift for me…he’d braved TKMaxx in his lunch break to buy me my first ever Nails Inc polishes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TByyshA2Qpc/UIpooEzc0qI/AAAAAAAAKZs/3Hw9gY6M0KI/s1600-h/DSC_0733%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0733" border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScB3truMtcdCqdEWf23zBfDawk6IILTfQAgL5nRLIDC-HYHT5M-ncwzG0yVdVG1GPS_4MdtrWVVoF5tZ9Ay4fpzyuwtAUxrjRlf0VsWQsc3fS_6bnIwT498s6qsaGjBAq3vaNFtE2GUwW/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0733" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQb-BbBSGTQPJbm4epaoEZTePY1eZaxZWem66cReniugrlSpZhAaotT5QnkoTza5axrRTOcRHSocLPFRvXBvzmISKAb53HmQpmky3R5mmYVCshZKcl8YsYly4IyWNE8FgtdZ-3Vz3Tig-S/s1600-h/DSC_0743%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0743" border="0" height="233" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yO_Lm2Wy37U/UIposDGfuzI/AAAAAAAAKaE/r4VrWT32P1w/DSC_0743_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0743" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I tried out the purple glitter, Buckingham Street, this morning and it is a gorgeous colour. I was in a bit of a rush to paint my nails though (as I got a text from my friend halfway through saying that her veg box had arrived, so I was expecting mine to turn up any moment!) so my cuticles got a bit messy…<strong>any recommendations for nail polish remover that cleans off glitter really well?</strong> I usually clean up the edges of my nails with cotton buds and remover, but that doesn’t work so well with glitter polishes.<br />
<br />
My other recent discovery is <a href="http://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk/">Fragrance Direct</a>…Essie nail polishes for only £1.99…yes please!! They don’t have the full range of colours, but they are so much cheaper than anywhere else that it is definitely worth checking out. I bought Essie Muchi Muchi and Ballet Slippers, plus a couple of Revlon nail polishes for only 99p and a few other bits…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lgiOo0W6pQA/UIpotTS2ReI/AAAAAAAAKaM/4Ukrdg-1qDY/s1600-h/DSC_0606%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0606" border="0" height="306" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9RyQH5pTkwQ/UIpoupDlx7I/AAAAAAAAKaU/qsYrVnCcCjo/DSC_0606_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0606" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The sponge wedges at the back are to do <a href="http://www.thenailasaurus.com/2012/04/gradient-nails-picture-tutorial.html">gradient nails</a>, which I tried out for the first time on Wednesday night. Next time I need to use more contrasting colours as it is difficult to really see the gradient – neither colour was really pale enough to act as the base coat I think. I will also paint them in better light next time – these turned out a bit blocky (what you can see of it anyway!) as I thought the purple wasn’t showing up at all so tried to sponge extra purple on at the end. Not bad for a first attempt though, practise will hopefully eventually make perfect!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZZpMGGZ3Km8/UIpov2kjGMI/AAAAAAAAKac/Owlfsz8Xo5I/s1600-h/DSC_0727%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0727" border="0" height="311" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TdS1FbF4000/UIpoxghfluI/AAAAAAAAKag/z1IXXr8Y3mM/DSC_0727_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0727" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My favourite nails this week, however, are definitely these ones…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k0EcnXAc2Ms/UIpoywd-oAI/AAAAAAAAKas/_Y4abFXMWZo/s1600-h/DSC_0651%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0651" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u5opAbMDGhY/UIpo0IMNZkI/AAAAAAAAKaw/M7kWaeMx65s/DSC_0651_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0651" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />
Barry M Blue Moon topped with Barry M Aqua Glitter…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fNHyvnpK6X8/UIpo1leQHjI/AAAAAAAAKa8/SdTBg1ZCq3Y/s1600-h/DSC_0666%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0666" border="0" height="320" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cdeSkET33YM/UIpo27YbPaI/AAAAAAAAKbE/I2h3zNyIqA8/DSC_0666_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0666" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This kind of reminds me of snowflakes, so I’m telling myself its ok to wear throughout Winter (and then after that it will morph into a spring-like colour…of course!! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rbnuYpL6bm8/UIpo38znnSI/AAAAAAAAKbI/aHJ26BoeGwA/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />) love it! <br />
<br />
Ok, I think that’s probably enough nail polish rambling for now. I can already picture my Mum and Sister rolling their eyes whilst reading this, but I hope I haven’t bored the rest of you too much!! I will no doubt be back to talking about food soon, but this is another current love of mine at the moment. Well, I say current, even when I was aged 8 or 9, I used to spend the £1 a week pocket money my parents gave me on nail polishes…the first two colours I ever bought were glittery black and acid green!!<br />
<br />
<strong>Do you like painting your nails? What are your favourite brands? </strong>I used to only really paint my toes, as my fingers always chipped too quickly, but a good quality top coat does help that a bit. For colours, I love Barry M and Rimmel from the cheaper brands - they are the best quality in the £3-4 price range I think, and Barry M especially has such a wide range of colours. Reading American blogs introduced me to Essie, and I was so happy when Boots started selling them, although I do tend to mostly buy them online (Fragrance Direct or Ebay) for cheaper prices. I love the look of a lot of Nails Inc glitters too, but as they are more pricey I have sent Liam an email with a list of favourites from <a href="http://www.beautybay.com/nailsinc/Nails-Inc/_/N-1z13fcsZ1z140cv">Beauty Bay website</a> (free delivery makes them seem slightly cheaper?!) and promised him that I wont buy them myself. Hopefully that will make Christmas slightly easier for him anyway – he always struggles to think of gift ideas for me!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-60117458606302376072012-10-20T20:22:00.000+01:002012-10-20T20:22:29.754+01:00Delicious Dinner…made even more perfect by the fact that I didn’t have to cook it!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/party-food/accompaniment/quick-stir-fried-spiced-red-cabbage-with-apples.html">Red cabbage with apple</a> (and chopped veggie sausages added at the end), <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/honey-roasted-carrots/">honey roasted carrots</a>, and yorkshire puddings…<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-szKA912i1T4/UIL4TvC9YfI/AAAAAAAAKW4/KKL7-LlGELk/s1600-h/DSC_0822%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DSC_0822" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qWy3mUw3UlE/UIL4U3n185I/AAAAAAAAKXA/b8v9c1f4lDE/DSC_0822_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0822" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hate the rubbish lighting, this food deserved better photos!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Even Toby, who has been a bit "picky" lately, gobbled up the red cabbage with a smile!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FHLCasopyFs/UIL4WStNOvI/AAAAAAAAKXI/A8dQH8oB514/s1600-h/DSC_0832%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0832" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BEWUZN0tt7c/UIL4XtHFyKI/AAAAAAAAKXM/td7u6DZiILY/DSC_0832_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0832" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hh-NYUiJ-48/UIL4Zu_5YsI/AAAAAAAAKXY/mtrdE1PBFvw/s1600-h/DSC_0836%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0836" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A05En7Q8pV4/UIL4ag67bcI/AAAAAAAAKXg/Trw6mpoSxfM/DSC_0836_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0836" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Followed by <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/apple_crumble">apple crumble</a> that Liam made with the children this afternoon, topped with lots of custard of course!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YZyviZCdU2w/UIL4cHr6mCI/AAAAAAAAKXo/0SpcXu3UPXc/s1600-h/DSC_0844%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0844" border="0" height="277" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IQ8RFJ_FBZo/UIL4dAkYKeI/AAAAAAAAKXw/WrKT-XCDOuE/DSC_0844_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0844" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Liam even cleared up the kitchen during the 30 minute wait between courses, while I snuggled on the sofa with the children…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sslezdpfcDU/UIL4epC0qQI/AAAAAAAAKX4/dE0V8FS64zk/s1600-h/photo%252520%252528100%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (100)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2DyRdN-flTQ/UIL4fr86hHI/AAAAAAAAKX8/tGKTAwqdXs4/photo%252520%252528100%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (100)" width="345" /></a></div>
<br />
Amazing, thanks Liam! <img alt="Open-mouthed smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W8SJLRZQBbU/UIL4g-gFl4I/AAAAAAAAKYI/OIoDtg-AS8c/wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<strong>What are you all up to this weekend? Any exciting plans? </strong>We are having a quiet one here to recover from a hectic week. The children managed to skip the stomach bug thankfully, but we are still all shattered…only 4 more school days until half term, I cannot wait!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-3193237566765156932012-10-13T19:03:00.000+01:002012-10-13T19:03:11.167+01:00Jordans Granola Giveaway WINNERReally quick post from me this evening as we are suffering from a stomach bug in the Porridge & Parsnips’ household at the moment. I came down with it on Wednesday but luckily felt so much better after just 12 hours, and just spent Thursday feeling shaky due to not having eaten much on Wednesday. (Liam, however, managed to – for the first time ever – accidentally take the car keys with him to work on Thursday, which meant that on a day when I really wanted to get home quickly to eat breakfast, I had to do the school run – in the pouring rain – on foot…but that’s a whole other rant!!!!! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbn_cvu6ZtQCbf00OkZRwWCAB_Q6VNKaBq9X0rEzQTndRhzQVDPfD9RDUi5pvRMK1bB-EgPgR43Kas5C3CtzKlLWg6-lgaiy8wWHBhGjeOou0OKZ4gBt2wwbgY8fzEVNzWHMAwnro_LpK/?imgmax=800" />) <br />
<br />
Today Liam has come down with the bug so I'm hoping he, too, will feel better soon - it seems to be a 24 hours max kind of thing. I am currently crossing my fingers that the children don’t come down with it. Sadly I don't think that's a particularly realistic hope as the bug has already swept through most of our school’s community. I hate seeing them feel ill…plus clearing up after them is definitely one of the less pleasant aspects of being a parent!! <br />
<br />
Izzy did make me, kind of, laugh on Wednesday – just before she went to bed she asked if I’d had a good day. I replied not really, as I’d felt (and at that time was still feeling) really ill…but she just would not accept my answer. She eventually said “no, you’re not listening properly – did you have a nice day when you had a nap and a bath [while Toby napped]” and I said that no, I’d only had those things to try to make me feel better etc etc. She just could not accept that I could have one day when I wasn’t happy!!! Bless her, I think she found it quite strange seeing me poorly as normally I manage to avoid bugs even when the others get them, but at the time it was quite frustrating to have to justify to a 6 year-old that I hadn’t had a brilliant day whilst being ill…I probably should have just said yes for an easy life!!!<br />
<br />
Anyway, moving on to more pleasant things…it’s time to announce the winner of a bag of Jordans Super Fruity Granola plus a box of their nut bars…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WL0GcDe3ipM/UHmqtNcatxI/AAAAAAAAKUs/U0PSS3zVs_I/s1600-h/SetRatioSize319376-JordansCerealsSuper-FruityGranola%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SetRatioSize319376-JordansCerealsSuper-FruityGranola" border="0" height="320" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4zToLrmSPKY/UHmqugrNHlI/AAAAAAAAKU4/DMFIFIeChR0/SetRatioSize319376-JordansCerealsSuper-FruityGranola_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="SetRatioSize319376-JordansCerealsSuper-FruityGranola" width="238" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHTJ_VHCeQL6Z5_fd1dzTNqFdeZPk520Q0UKfEjK_J_44lCyZE6NrfaKgFsPtUptm2ZHMycp4taroKAFwKWs-ZTY1f_DrM2p5zLy_FsusSINkVeSGHLSAZllSzRaZObt1funBbi8Tu9G4/s1600-h/bars%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bars" border="0" height="320" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-41-SJKPgBgk/UHmqw9S_DPI/AAAAAAAAKVI/xwWjFBJ1CdA/bars_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bars" width="252" /></a><br />
<br />
And the winner is…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h506Nb75HbM/UHmqxniJzGI/AAAAAAAAKVQ/VZ8Jb26mJqI/s1600-h/Giveaway%252520Result%25255B5%25255D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Giveaway Result" border="0" height="200" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7ewptkmvem8/UHmqy-5udHI/AAAAAAAAKVY/td_iqDaJTm0/Giveaway%252520Result_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Giveaway Result" width="181" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ny298Xblah4/UHmqzzSBPnI/AAAAAAAAKVg/HJu_VrB_BN8/s1600-h/Winning%252520Comment%25255B4%25255D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Winning Comment" border="0" height="105" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8QwIaukJgBA/UHmq07DpGVI/AAAAAAAAKVo/MEElhVr1q74/Winning%252520Comment_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Winning Comment" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Congratulations Lara!! Please email me at <a href="mailto:porridgeandparsnips@live.co.uk">porridgeandparsnips@live.co.uk</a> with your delivery information. Thanks to everyone else who entered as well, I really enjoyed reading all your favourite breakfasts.<br />
<br />
Right, that is me done. I hope to back soon with a proper post, I have lots to share with you all, just no energy to actually share it. Hope everyone’s having a good weekend!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-50526182941141981732012-10-10T16:43:00.002+01:002012-10-10T16:43:14.587+01:00WIAW - Popcorn & DVD nightHappy What I Ate Wednesday! <br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPd5yRYm1BAMNzbFnx2uXG-Gw7MpgOkVKjn3W7easaQgGTdxq9-xqnHvLJwVtApvxhIKBTdKBskoTSS-9Jev5bkR8eAJZobVb9qzWs32pIt8fMsh4RR8HcenDKMBTmSrmDlPDmDsjHRMAi/s1600/what+i+ate+wednesday+october+breast+cancer+awareness+halloween+button.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
Today’s post is based on Saturday, as I thought it would be fun to natter about what I do on the weekend, although actually this Saturday was a bit of a quiet one so this might be a relatively short post!<br />
<br />
I’ve started going to a spin class on Saturday mornings at 9am. Consequently the children have decided that Saturdays are the one and only day they are going to let us sleep past 7! Gah, dragging myself out of bed when they are still sleeping/being quiet is not pleasant, but the spin class is a really good one so its worth it! My Mum goes to the class too which is nice for a quick catch up, and my littlest sister is going to start as well, she didn’t get in this week as it is such a busy class – you have to book on the Friday morning, 8 days in advance, to get in! My legs were very sore this week as I also went spinning on the Friday night, due to my normal Body Pump class being cancelled, I definitely prefer doing pump one day, spin the next rather than two consecutive spins. It was a one-off though...lesson learnt!<br />
<br />
After spinning I came home and enjoyed a big bowl of porridge for breakfast/brunch. Pumpkin porridge with cinnamon, topped with Green&Black’s dark chocolate with crystallised ginger. The pumpkin and crystallised ginger went so well together, and of course chocolate makes everything better - definitely a combo I'll make again during "pumpkin season". Plus a much needed coffee – I didn’t wake up in time to have one before spinning this week!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OTVBqpZBPUA/UHSPA3Hc-qI/AAAAAAAAKSY/RNTFqaOE9ik/s1600-h/DSC_0721%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0721" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-db8iI0A4mqI/UHSPCZljsUI/AAAAAAAAKSc/-Y7dEBbiyWU/DSC_0721_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0721" width="366" /></a></div>
<br />
I ate this outside in the sunshine to make the most of the (rare these days) lovely weather. I must get back into the habit of making porridge again – this was such a treat <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z8F0sxQxuas/UHSPDrOShFI/AAAAAAAAKSk/AtvekrIHNJ0/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
I had another, unpictured, coffee mid-afternoon, but apart from that I didn’t end up eating again until dinner time. I’ve not been sleeping too well lately so when the children napped in the afternoon I took the opportunity to do the same, and by the time I woke up and then got hungry again, it wasn’t long til dinner.<br />
<br />
Liam fancied greasy freezer food (meat-free sausages & burgers, onion rings <strong>and</strong> chips!!) which I didn’t fancy at all so I did my own thing, whilst still keeping it easy to prep. A Caribbean sweet potato roast from the freezer (a new product in the meat-free Tesco range, really good) with asparagus, two fried eggs, a little bit of leftover avocado and sweet chilli sauce…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A1npQhmj9bk/UHSPFRl9OMI/AAAAAAAAKSw/yPO2dZPwQks/s1600-h/DSC_0730%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0730" border="0" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bhD7QARmqZI/UHSPHGZWDPI/AAAAAAAAKS0/_5pem38wIXQ/DSC_0730_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0730" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Yum, this was just what i fancied – flavourful without being greasy! The sweet potato roast didn’t crisp up as much as I’d like, but I loved the warm chilli flavour that it had, a nice addition to the usual meat-free frozen range.<br />
<br />
Once the children were in bed, Liam and I watched Chalet Girls – a DVD that my Mum had rented and then passed on to us to watch/return to the shop for her! Typical rom com, but quite funny and an easy watch for a Saturday night. Accompanied by two bowls of the most gorgeous popcorn…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp3DK60OQalvDVJvxS82XkG9qOgpBbmxUeCQHgd7SMgGtlJ7LBXH4pMU1iSh0hD8B20FEOUpy9tW4jiOlhky-LS7x2bZAvXQFqRpLoL2YCvmu34jUNmnQh_BfCQTEtlyGf1KF745y7yzQ/s1600-h/DSC_0734%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0734" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v_mOCay0ZzY/UHSPLKJf8QI/AAAAAAAAKTI/9pDy1veL-TY/DSC_0734_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0734" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I first came across Joe&Seph’s popcorn when Liam and I went to London in July – I had the cinnamon coconut caramel flavour that time. This one was caramel & sea salt and was equally delicious. Even without all the added flavours, I find the caramel itself so much smoother than on other toffee popcorns.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yjcT2Y-T4Pc/UHSPNGnvJJI/AAAAAAAAKTQ/fYpfBIWrkuU/s1600-h/DSC_0736%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0736" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0YykFEhAeUY/UHSPPnWqEdI/AAAAAAAAKTY/tlmePdX21_w/DSC_0736_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0736" width="347" /></a></div>
<br />
I noticed that Lakeland’s have started selling a few flavours of this – my local one has the sea salt one above, plus caramel with ginger; caramel macchiato with Scotch whisky; and goats cheese with black pepper. I ended up looking on their website on Saturday night though – there are <a href="http://www.joeandsephs.co.uk/index.php?mode=shop">so many flavours I want to try</a>…I’ll be placing an order soon I think!!<br />
<br />
<strong>What would be your ideal popcorn flavour? Have you ever tried Joe&Seph’s popcorn? </strong>I am most tempted by the seasonal flavours – particularly toffee apple, gingerbread and mince pie – and also the peanut butter flavour and the vanilla cream cheese and/or strawberry cheesecake, haha, I could go on but my bank balance might not approve!! They also do quite a few savoury flavours but I don’t fancy them so much, I had (a different brand) cheese popcorn once before but I found it tasted a bit too strong and artificial to me so I think I'll stick to the sweet versions for now. (and yes, I realise that raving about caramel popcorn is pretty much the opposite of yesterday's post...luckily my dentist only thinks to check that I don't use sugar in my hot drinks!!!)<br />
<br />
<em>If you live in the UK, don't forget to enter my <a href="http://www.porridgeandparsnips.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/giveaway-time-jordans-granola-nut-bars.html">giveaway for Jordans Granola and Nut Bars</a> - you have until midnight tonight to enter!</em>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-38784403977772165612012-10-09T21:03:00.003+01:002012-10-09T21:04:44.104+01:00Strawberry Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting {Truvia Review}People have differing options on zero-calorie sweeteners. I can completely understand the preference for natural sugars but for me, with my sweet tooth, I do use sweeteners every day. Not only because I am still trying to lose weight, but because every 6 months my dentist checks that I don’t use sugar in my tea or coffee. At my last check-up I made the mistake of saying “not usually, but I do when I have coffee at friends' houses” and his response was “<em>some</em> of my patients can get away with having sugar “sometimes” but you are not one of them – if you want to avoid yet more fillings then you <strong>must</strong> use sweetener instead of sugar!” ooops, that’s me told then!<br />
<br />
A while ago I started using stevia as a more natural alternative to the artificial sweeteners, which I ordered from the US, via iHerb. However that can get quite costly, so it was great timing when – just as I was coming to the end of my last bottle of vanilla stevia drops – I was contacted to see if I’d like to try out <a href="http://truvia.co.uk/">Truvia</a>, which is a brand name for stevia. I’d seen that stevia was now being sold in the UK but hadn’t had a chance to try it out yet. <br />
<br />
I was sent a tub of Truvia, and also a little purse containing a couple of sachets. The sachets are perfect for keeping in my bag for coffee at friends’ houses – I’ve already been out and bought a big box of them to re-fill the purse as they are just so convenient. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRKN3PkUcVfMI27Hfpz1uTTCZ88PtFSYpphUJU8cKIi51cLpMXxkS5J2my_R5nKHxQX_-03qyZdGgUjZyOLhv1V5FXYjvPOPtXVyNvKrF6bgMrgZfv4fOFgFXpDCZcRtmUcb5VVKPD2iL/s1600-h/DSC_0568%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0568 (2)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5Q92yM1WLQc/UHSADYGXH9I/AAAAAAAAKPk/MjeqZlzQtbU/DSC_0568%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0568 (2)" width="306" /></a></div>
<br />
Over the last few weeks I have enjoyed many coffees with Truvia in, and I’m pleased to say that there is no unpleasant after taste that you sometimes get with artificial sweeteners, in fact every coffee you have seen on the blog has contained Truvia. I’m still working on filling all my shelves with blue mugs!! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-afA9NOtmJvc/UHSAEPJkQsI/AAAAAAAAKPs/LUH0grz67FU/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PyPTdCr9A1M/UHSAFhI9MLI/AAAAAAAAKP4/L0DduiOYBDs/s1600-h/DSC_0720%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0720" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Lm5WRuiYiAQ/UHSAG5DCqlI/AAAAAAAAKQA/YhH0ElR5r-w/DSC_0720_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0720" width="345" /></a></div>
<br />
I was also asked to try out one of the recipes from the Truvia site, and chose to make the <a href="http://truvia.co.uk/recipes/sweets/other-desserts/blueberry-muffins/">berry muffins</a>. I used strawberries instead of blueberries as that was what I had in, and organic semi skimmed milk and a real egg, instead of skimmed milk and egg replacer respectively. I was a bit worried as the batter was a lot runnier than normal muffin batter, but they came out of the oven looking great!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LNTxNtHHy1w/UHSAIdRjN1I/AAAAAAAAKQI/10Gvk4tajPo/s1600-h/DSC_0565%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0565" border="0" height="307" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yv9p9TfhpGI/UHSAJt3nXoI/AAAAAAAAKQQ/_9ZN1vVy_iw/DSC_0565_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0565" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xVqVb7tz8gI/UHSALFg-qhI/AAAAAAAAKQY/PxltYF2FqCo/s1600-h/DSC_0570%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0570" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pKQPEa71uUU/UHSAMXOsTzI/AAAAAAAAKQg/j7kDfuncPKg/DSC_0570_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0570" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see in the above photos, the tops did sink a bit once the muffins started to cool, but that was solved by whipping up a bit of <a href="http://truvia.co.uk/recipes/accents/frostings/cream-cheese-frosting/">cream cheese frosting</a>. I just made a small amount – 50g of (full fat) cream cheese with 5g Truvia and a splash of vanilla, which was enough to thickly top two of the muffins. The rest I am planning to freeze so I didn’t want icing on them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o8k9pjzb4TE/UHSAN5zUTAI/AAAAAAAAKQo/Y1wxGJUcad0/s1600-h/DSC_0578%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0578" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MJJrDw5C2cI/UHSAQX3xF4I/AAAAAAAAKQw/GQfI5-BagDc/DSC_0578_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0578" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y5F8E10PSjQ/UHSARpMkiEI/AAAAAAAAKQ4/HzPJm07Qm1M/s1600-h/DSC_0593%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0593" border="0" height="267" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RgRMa0jr55k/UHSATiJlBXI/AAAAAAAAKRA/_D3uSGeRlvE/DSC_0593_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0593" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Delicious. I had previously been a bit unsure about baking with Truvia, but you couldn’t taste it at all. The muffins were mildly sweet with a lovely light fluffy texture. The cream cheese frosting again tasted great. It did had a slight "crunch" from the Truvia but that was because I'd just quickly mixed it in a bowl with a spoon - I'm sure if you were making a proper batch and followed the instructions to whisk it there would be no problems!!<br />
<br />
<strong>What do you think of sweeteners? Do you use them? </strong>I don’t use the artificial ones like Splenda, but I do like stevia/Truvia. It keeps my dentist happy and it still pleases my tastebuds! I do still use products like agave and maple syrup from time to time, plus some sugar in baking – indeed these muffins do have some sugar in them, the Truvia just helps to reduce the amount. For my coffees though, I am definitely a Truvia convert! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-egr6Qaw370c/UHSAVkHNS7I/AAAAAAAAKRI/jl0vSgadlKo/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> I think I even prefer it to my beloved vanilla stevia drops as this has a completely neutral taste so I can enjoy the coffee more. When using Truvia (as with most sweeteners) it is so important to make sure you don’t use too much. The first time Liam made me a coffee (despite it saying on the tub that 1 tsp sugar = 1/3 tsp Truvia!) he used 2 full teaspoons of Truvia – not at all nice!! 1/3-2/3 tsp or just one sachet when I’m out adds the perfect sweetness to my coffee without leaving any detectable after taste. <br />
<br />
Thanks <a href="http://www.truvia.co.uk/">Truvia</a> for sending me these products to try out!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-73064193498678181702012-10-04T20:28:00.002+01:002012-10-05T12:08:49.958+01:00Giveaway Time! Jordans Granola & Nut BarsWell, as I promised you yesterday – it is time for a giveaway! Especially helpful if, like me, you need a little help with eating healthier breakfasts. Sometimes I just don’t have the time or the energy in the mornings to make some of the more “fancy” breakfasts that I love, and instead want something that takes less time without compromising on taste. When that happens I turn to an old favourite – cereal.<br />
<br />
Jordans are one of my favourite brands when it comes to breakfast cereals – I love all of their <a href="http://www.jordanscereals.co.uk/products/cereals/crunchy-oat-granola/">granolas</a>, especially the tropical fruits – perfect for when you are wanting to pretend you are eating breakfast on a beach somewhere, despite the cold British weather outside! I’m also a big fan of their mueslis and crisp cereals, so when I was contacted to see if I’d like to offer my readers a giveaway of some of their newer products, I jumped at the chance!<br />
<br />
Jordans are offering to send one of you a pack of <a href="http://www.jordanscereals.co.uk/products/cereals/super-granola/super-fruity-granola/">Super Fruity Granola</a>…<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sfqYwashWn4/UG3hHxTRKxI/AAAAAAAAKN8/VS7Q6_5pw30/s1600-h/SetRatioSize319376-JordansCerealsSuper-FruityGranola%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SetRatioSize319376-JordansCerealsSuper-FruityGranola" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxy-q69beNnHwsqn46Jc8gFsVWdONSJxiHeE2GNA_Yn_FEmnJTTjiiT9YQAnPU7RwInm5OlrxUspfSH0LAEkIo4bozSyq60jXweV9xWhvI-CrzWNtwM2OkVT2vx41qvsylu9AXx6dFJ2CT/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="SetRatioSize319376-JordansCerealsSuper-FruityGranola" width="299" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>and</strong> also a box of <a href="http://www.jordanscereals.co.uk/products/bars/luxury-bars/absolute-nut-luxury-bar/">Absolute Nut Luxury Bars</a> which sound perfect if you need a “to-go” breakfast option…<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9xqpp0pCG1Q/UG3hKl_AvjI/AAAAAAAAKOI/cc586yldles/s1600-h/bars%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bars" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gCEpiEOEt-E/UG3hLhSyZqI/AAAAAAAAKOQ/g3chrQ_IDjI/bars_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bars" width="316" /></a></div>
To enter the giveaway please do one or more of the following. Each one counts as an entry so please leave a <strong>separate </strong>comment for each:<br />
<ul>
<li>Leave a comment on this post with your favourite breakfast ideas</li>
<li>Like my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/PorridgeParsnip">Facebook page</a> </li>
<li>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/PorridgeParsnip">me on Twitter</a> and tweet about the giveaway </li>
<li>Link back to this giveaway on your own blog</li>
</ul>
Don’t forget to leave a separate comment for each of the above actions to let me know that you have done them, I’d hate to miss any entries! This giveaway is open to UK residents only (sorry to all my International readers!) and will close at midnight on Wednesday 10th October. <strong>Good luck everyone!</strong>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-41659958959881065972012-10-03T12:45:00.000+01:002012-10-03T12:45:21.536+01:00WIAW - healthier breakfasts needed!!Hello! Happy What I Ate Wednesday!<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPd5yRYm1BAMNzbFnx2uXG-Gw7MpgOkVKjn3W7easaQgGTdxq9-xqnHvLJwVtApvxhIKBTdKBskoTSS-9Jev5bkR8eAJZobVb9qzWs32pIt8fMsh4RR8HcenDKMBTmSrmDlPDmDsjHRMAi/s1600/what+i+ate+wednesday+october+breast+cancer+awareness+halloween+button.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
I have finally remembered to take photos of a whole day so that I can take part in WIAW this week. These are my eats from Monday, no spooky snacks were eaten unfortunately, but I did <a href="http://www.porridgeandparsnips.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/pumpkin-ginger-cakes-and-chocolate.html">talk about Halloween treats yesterday</a> bizarrely, so check out that post if you've already started making plans for the end of the month!!<br />
<br />
I have been trying to get back into eating breakfast – it used to be my favourite meal of the day, but recently I’ve only “had time” to eat it at weekends <img alt="Sad smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTxPu2WKbL9KTbxelBMX1eOwr1iMvHb8K5LxC01nenL32DcK4PPcMhMWCKZNd2EB3rijdRF7PGK2p_ByAMl5FA9UkJuRyINck0R49s6AgUIrGE_yWFnouYWvxPpWdBiMh2-8TNfmiTiqW/?imgmax=800" /> On Monday I managed a bowl of Curiously Cinnamon – not quite a healthy breakfast, but I guess it’s a start!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mr-t3pb0DgQ/UGtXigJEDDI/AAAAAAAAKKQ/V8PzMlgcFI8/s1600-h/DSC_0471%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0471" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EwwKjoYZK6E/UGtXkS_jScI/AAAAAAAAKKY/vvLKbqe-lIM/DSC_0471_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0471" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
If, like me, you need help eating a healthy breakfast, come back to the blog tomorrow…I have a giveaway that might be perfect for you! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-doecjK8-v8o/UGtXlUDDy9I/AAAAAAAAKKc/9VvS76G9gOs/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.porridgeandparsnips.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/pumpkin-ginger-cakes-and-chocolate.html">Same as yesterday</a>, I had some baking to do on Monday…this time for my Mum. <a href="http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/608962">Gingerbread loaf topped with lemon icing</a>…there was some leftover icing so I spread it onto a couple of biscuits for a snacky treat about 11.30am…<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gxXKphEc7eo/UGtXmtvvGGI/AAAAAAAAKKo/_1LE1k2aWdM/s1600-h/DSC_0474%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0474" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yyT_W8TtD5c/UGtXnvVLbwI/AAAAAAAAKKw/x7qHNilxFsU/DSC_0474_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0474" width="637" /></a><br />
<br />
Delicious, but it did mess up my eating schedule for the rest of the day as I was too full for my planned lunch! This is the cake I gave my Mum anyway – apparently it went down well! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-doecjK8-v8o/UGtXlUDDy9I/AAAAAAAAKKc/9VvS76G9gOs/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3fsLT_EfTvkQm7LvMK5OFXif43ncf6JExCDO4K1bfgTTZnIk_yq9SrWCdPPB5C_ZtwAH3SZJJyLhYnDSh_psubUu3k_z0uhyphenhyphenVyrgCAGZVe-2f3y5uOA3unmjRRhADHrENylygIpKdS8q/s1600-h/DSC_0480%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0480" border="0" height="382" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pzfih2m8n4M/UGtXqSFj-7I/AAAAAAAAKLA/2eNPmbogi5E/DSC_0480_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0480" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Instead of a proper lunch, I ended up eating three toasted teacakes, spread over the space of a couple of hours. The first with real butter…<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HdtvlbCysyKLPE9g3-WLx1AduHCsxmVnHS823gF7YGicR5I-sCbHnOqsdUdTrtP77MTZq0yyzEf3_177ksAyDUTCFM1b_D_E1DtnnYCg8KMgcAuCvEYymGuMEvPaL_baTR7C5GN8dUMM/s1600-h/DSC_0486%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0486" border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDTBH3FC1-j96AqtFHUjN1iIlvS5vSQWbpO0ml2PvGbUMAkc_83cC3p8k1Hi6VvY3Hsxhm8YFdWL3u7q1L9TEMkRWR9F13WDHLJu4wQHOh52FX9_UClojysteIK37b_GbFr3SId6jNNSc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0486" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
But then the next two with spread (I’d given up photographing them by the 3rd!) as the butter was unsalted – good for baking, but not for flavour! I love toasted teacakes, but I proved to myself that I really can’t trust myself to keep these in the house – think I need to keep these as a Costa treat in future!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fFXzpU6QHxE/UGtXu0ee0GI/AAAAAAAAKLY/fjci50xdcH0/s1600-h/DSC_0487%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0487" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRV37qn06JC7A2ZseMP4c9SfClmEKekAfoe_YUXJUSckDFjdTbFvGfmKKlf6Sz60PNzL8kNK_TpJkhseHMaFkjJcV807qDnQjcZyggoVDHLq8cL_zuOPdZi1OdtzuVYPjqcxD64_4K1LZ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0487" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I had Body Pump on Monday evening, and my pre-exercise snack ended up being 4 squares of this new-to-me chocolate…<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9JpIDHAkyYU/UGtXx2hh1fI/AAAAAAAAKLo/H-9tIiSHIYA/s1600-h/DSC_0489%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0489" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LsdugsOPa9k/UGtXzgy62VI/AAAAAAAAKLw/I2Zy-x96FDM/DSC_0489_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0489" width="591" /></a><br />
<br />
Love the coconut in this, so good!<br />
<br />
Body Pump was a bit different this week. My usual instructor is on holiday in Florida for two weeks (lucky him!) so the class was taken by a different instructor. She isn’t Les Mills trained so it was just her own weights routine, and to be honest it reminded me of aerobics with a bit of weights thrown in! Not brilliant, but better than nothing. My Tuesday and Friday classes that I also usually have with the instructor who is on holiday have been cancelled this week because they haven’t managed to arrange any cover, and it looks like next Friday’s will be too, boo, I really need to find replacements rather than not exercising at all as I did yesterday!! <img alt="Embarrassed smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-embarrassedsmile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-je0pyg-9Nvk/UGtX1NA4XxI/AAAAAAAAKL0/VEYJ9062Fiw/wlEmoticon-embarrassedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
After Body Pump I made a quick dinner of raw courgette using my new julienne peeler…<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZO3VGAS5Ctw/UGtX2thBADI/AAAAAAAAKMA/Hyn5E-G-_fk/s1600-h/DSC_0458%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0458" border="0" height="456" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m0yMUSfmEKg/UGtX4BU74sI/AAAAAAAAKMI/pILJqsVt1v4/DSC_0458_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0458" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Topped with a quick “ratatouille” – just roasted peppers mixed with passata and sweetcorn, and then topped with nutritional yeast…<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X2hA6u8ie74/UGtX5oCtocI/AAAAAAAAKMQ/YBge0zFBDpg/s1600-h/DSC_0463%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0463" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P4DeoaPWNRg/UGtX66a20kI/AAAAAAAAKMY/OuBp1I4kvHE/DSC_0463_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0463" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
This was really good, the courgettes worked really well as a noodle replacement (and a way to get extra veggies in after eating none until dinner!!), although next time I would warm the courgette first – I ended up zapping this in the microwave halfway through as the cold courgette cooled the sauce down too quickly!!<br />
<br />
For dessert, I ate two of <a href="http://www.runningcupcake.co.uk/">Maria</a>’s pb crispy squares, divine! Ignore the markings on the fudge topping – I ate these straight from the freezer!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cp4oGlx657Q/UGtX8jliRpI/AAAAAAAAKMg/Mvt3vRT9JsA/s1600-h/DSC_0492%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0492" border="0" height="434" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Yn3CrSTtVMs/UGtX-HzkaCI/AAAAAAAAKMo/xXbTtFr_P-k/DSC_0492_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0492" width="640" /></a><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>How do you deal with your exercise routine unexpectedly changing? Do you find new ways to fit in exercise, or do you take an extra rest day? & have any of you tried a class like Cardio Attack? (I'm guessing it might be a non Les Mills version of Body Attack...) </strong>I normally take a different class instead – when the Tuesday spin class was cancelled a couple of weeks ago I went to a Total Body Workout class that is on at the same time. However, a) I didn’t really enjoy that replacement class, and b) I had a million things to do last night so was quite glad for an extra evening at home. I really need to find a different class to go to on Friday though – my little sister looks after the children so that I can go to my normal body pump class, so can’t waste an offer of childcare!! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0EvzGvsFUX8/UGtX-xkzaAI/AAAAAAAAKMw/T4EyMNg0Now/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> I don’t really enjoy going to the gym on my own anymore – I definitely prefer classes – there is Cardio Attack at one of the gyms on Friday, a bit later than my usual class but still do-able for a week or two so I might give that a go! Would love to hear any experiences of it though as I'm a bit nervous of going to a class with absolutely no idea of what to expect!!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-56303751464527495302012-10-02T20:55:00.001+01:002012-10-03T12:48:52.732+01:00Pumpkin Ginger Cakes and Chocolate Apples - Baking Mad ReviewA little while ago I was contacted to ask if I’d like to take a look at the bakingmad.com website and recreate a recipe. There are <strong>so </strong>many great looking recipes on that site, and after emailing ideas back and forth, they suggested that I take a particular look at the <a href="http://bakingmad.com/ideas/halloween">Halloween recipes</a>. There were several creative recipes within that section of the website. I like the look of the <a href="http://www.bakingmad.com/recipes/cupcakes/halloween-cupcakes">Halloween cupcakes</a> and will probably make some of them nearer to October 31st, but for today I decided to try out a fun activity with the children – <a href="http://bakingmad.com/kids/crafts/aaa/chocolate-dipped-apples">Chocolate Dipped Apples</a>…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i03YeEH9vrY/UGtDO2YXDfI/AAAAAAAAKEU/FzKhosvOdpk/s1600-h/DSC_0606%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0606" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAQ5RpKSCrlR-2v6OGuvEwCmRS_v4GgmrOCARJA8aYb2kZ9n6USSTmeMs52yCDCuQnG7ooDzl3i4afj-vMA4UjTxoc2yGLvDxkfzbBsoSbiz-IEwbfSnEcxJ6neQMqVFW8dzU53WuBAhE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0606" width="287" /></a></div>
<br />
The children were so excited to be making these straight after school today – as evidenced by the fact that there was “no time” to change out of uniform/coats!! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PtxqLHXt2GM/UGtDStEszlI/AAAAAAAAKEg/DjgyiTEZo6k/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1jAqUQO5afE/UGtDUqD9cuI/AAAAAAAAKEs/Bva8rbDgLjM/s1600-h/DSC_0614%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0614" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTeC1619KlXKreO7fmYnpByimTcMLY7wj3mCzL8IyQxCFjupVykCb8b2MboAYfioTqeYiWQ_3r1CzM_BtgDosA9njSn0x_z8rxiH3uUAcNzqg6qju_xBXoW57cAKWqbEo4AS6tJo0yrtQ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0614" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-djjRNhmpsE4/UGtDYjk-sdI/AAAAAAAAKE4/zm92r9qFClw/s1600-h/DSC_0612%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0612" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FpmRoygdCr0/UGtDaASazsI/AAAAAAAAKFA/HZMUEqprwnI/DSC_0612_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0612" width="222" /></a></div>
<br />
We had slight issues with dipping the chocolate covered apples in the sprinkles, so we ended up sprinkling directly from tub to apples in the end. Job done!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p-kAOp91oQw/UGtDcMuGi-I/AAAAAAAAKFI/n6gziIMiw_s/s1600-h/DSC_0649%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0649" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sZCt-mkr6gc/UGtDdcmC2vI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/Wjne1wA2YFk/DSC_0649_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0649" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While the apples were setting, the most importing “job” of eating the leftover chocolate happened…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-khLl7TGmSDA/UGtDfkB-kdI/AAAAAAAAKFY/-SSQnmqHQFw/s1600-h/DSC_0640%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0640" border="0" height="233" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-COgRf5eR3Ig/UGtDhsTtgxI/AAAAAAAAKFg/ljprznW-wno/DSC_0640_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0640" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aIeY2MnAZKg/UGtDkS9ncHI/AAAAAAAAKFo/3bksPbzAAfE/s1600-h/DSC_0659%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0659" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AhP-in_qc7c/UGtDpAwBHYI/AAAAAAAAKFw/MiD2w1fm4jk/DSC_0659_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0659" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We ate these after dinner tonight – cute and tasty!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SqPbSY9QKYY/UGtDqkp3wtI/AAAAAAAAKF4/aiJcg4qY844/s1600-h/DSC_0674%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0674" border="0" height="375" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6vavB-WrJzs/UGtDstnEFZI/AAAAAAAAKGA/ezWTUJkJinA/DSC_0674_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0674" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7Sb8fHUKC_0/UGtDuY7_jwI/AAAAAAAAKGI/SQbaiK96Xxo/s1600-h/DSC_0694%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0694" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wC_5Dlr5iNA/UGtDv5TrcvI/AAAAAAAAKGQ/fYrtsFdGajs/DSC_0694_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0694" width="362" /></a></div>
<br />
With all the tempting recipes that are on the site, I couldn’t resist making a couple of others! This recipe wasn’t actually from the <a href="http://www.bakingmad.com/ideas/halloween">Halloween baking</a> section, but it sounded quite “Halloweeny”/Autumnal to me! And of course it featured my favourite ingredient for this time of year... <a href="http://bakingmad.com/recipes/cupcake-recipe/pumpkin-and-ginger-cupcakes">Pumpkin and Ginger Cupcakes</a>…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d0NmWV56Hok/UGtDxre3VaI/AAAAAAAAKGc/Ejdqq8OzMEw/s1600-h/DSC_0500%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0500" border="0" height="253" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UaFliKUhdTU/UGtD0iYVeRI/AAAAAAAAKGk/ZOK-YXNBXto/DSC_0500_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0500" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WNF-tB-u81k/UGtD2mp8M1I/AAAAAAAAKGs/xLIcW_ChxOQ/s1600-h/DSC_0504%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0504" border="0" height="280" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H0JkSmyO9Us/UGtD43M1YFI/AAAAAAAAKG0/xMKda_I4G7k/DSC_0504_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0504" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I did make a couple of changes to the recipe. As you can see in the above picture, I used tinned pumpkin instead of grating fresh pumpkin (same weight, turned out absolutely fine, a lot easier!) and as I knew I wasn’t planning to make the icing (because I’ve frozen most of these for Izzy’s packed lunches), I added the equivalent of 100g milk chocolate chips to the recipe. I actually only made half the recipe and used smaller cupcake cases instead of my usual muffin cases – 13 cute mini cakes!<br />
<br />
I could not get the insides of these to photograph clearly, so ended up eating 3 of these in the process, a delicious mistake!! Straight from the oven…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BPuajerdUgc/UGtD6i1Y9lI/AAAAAAAAKG4/MVeK9SywS90/s1600-h/DSC_0512%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0512" border="0" height="313" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Hj5hSus4gOM/UGtD8cdYFuI/AAAAAAAAKHE/H6QDy4aYfdU/DSC_0512_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0512" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iWNm_UuILc0/UGtD-SUxzaI/AAAAAAAAKHM/lOH1Sk-HuvU/s1600-h/DSC_0515%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0515" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KvlFp6lh0ss/UGtEAzTPQjI/AAAAAAAAKHU/5-KRNUq1RuQ/DSC_0515_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0515" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
1.5 hours later when cool…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VLJIMGm2xq4/UGtEDDRq9ZI/AAAAAAAAKHc/CvGmY3A3p80/s1600-h/DSC_0522%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0522" border="0" height="263" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rZp59qQ7zy0/UGtEE6DMl9I/AAAAAAAAKHg/jOPWJCB7g6Y/DSC_0522_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0522" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MfAYuz2KAbioFH7-V35WPDYeQP0sUVj6dxIsibzNKj417SiPU6AU79kojcIPzCHpBVo1fKv6WzpJ_ozBKZU9ynwEhWsodRa7StZRsg5iIg_BHuLJP8sSuj5nzJChpAv8jHaDAlpsyi-z/s1600-h/DSC_0529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0529" border="0" height="267" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s4wQv1Qnd4Y/UGtEH9LLxKI/AAAAAAAAKHw/J45fZJ-fP-0/DSC_0529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0529" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And an outside photo shoot too!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-am_MeMQwiaE/UGtEJdvaGbI/AAAAAAAAKH8/dzFlPmN5Y7M/s1600-h/DSC_0532%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0532" border="0" height="277" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Pclb8WdzH5M/UGtELo-VoOI/AAAAAAAAKIE/t47OaqQON_w/DSC_0532_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0532" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SqjttihCo-I/UGtEOEZYmQI/AAAAAAAAKIM/6gT-a8w8iJQ/s1600-h/DSC_0560%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0560" border="0" height="265" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZrSx1cZtROs/UGtEQWePCBI/AAAAAAAAKIU/ZFZM5pEijlg/DSC_0560_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0560" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
These are absolutely divine! I will definitely be making this recipe again many more times throughout “pumpkin season”, and next time I’ll be making them bigger…for me!! I’ve already passed on the recipe to my sister-in-law and promised my Mum that I’ll save her one for when I’m seeing her on Thursday! I love the little chunks of stem ginger running through these, and found that the spices were a lot stronger once the cakes had cooled. The tinned pumpkin didn’t add a huge amount to the flavour (I always find the spices are the dominant flavour in pumpkin recipes anyway) but gave the cakes a lovely <em>moist</em> texture, no dryness in these cakes! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Uv8fdCs7Vh8/UGtES2V1VZI/AAAAAAAAKIc/kkkZG5tiS8k/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
Finally, as I knew that Liam wouldn’t eat the pumpkin cakes, I decided to make him some <a href="http://bakingmad.com/recipes/traybakes/rocky-road-cake-">rocky road</a>…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q5B4w_6skVs/UGtEU_t51KI/AAAAAAAAKIk/GzNTjOjzvdA/s1600-h/DSC_0583%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0583" border="0" height="245" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9YPVEljThy0/UGtEXQIHYuI/AAAAAAAAKIs/ojILoYQI4No/DSC_0583_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0583" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
To be honest, I’d been planning to make these for a while anyway, but as I was on the <a href="http://bakingmad.com/">bakingmad.com</a> website I decided to use their recipe for quantities. Their recipe contains brazil nuts which sounds lovely to me, but Liam <strike>is very fussy </strike>doesn’t like nuts combined with chocolate so I just used 150g biscuits and 150g marshmallows…the benefit of using marshmallows is that at least this is one baked good that I <strong>won’t </strong>eat!! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PtxqLHXt2GM/UGtDStEszlI/AAAAAAAAKEg/DjgyiTEZo6k/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ReYk5t9tZEU/UGtEZRsIQ3I/AAAAAAAAKI0/nDDBSW1MlB8/s1600-h/DSC_0598%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0598" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WYL2o0QVAeo/UGtEbyXA3nI/AAAAAAAAKI8/KXhlCKETmfg/DSC_0598_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0598" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Thank you Baking Mad for introducing me to your website and letting me try some great recipes, I’ll definitely be coming back for more inspiration!<br />
<br />
<strong>Have you ever used the bakingmad.com website before? What is your favourite Halloween, or Autumnal, treat to make at this time of year? </strong>My Mum's pumpkin pie is always a winner for me, but I do love trying out new recipes too!<br />
<br />
<em>*I was reimbursed for the ingredients used in this post, but all opinions on the website and the recipes I made are my own.*</em>Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-78770069900973723672012-10-01T17:18:00.002+01:002012-10-01T17:18:39.633+01:00Foodie Penpals September 2012Hello! Happy October 1st! I’ll be back tomorrow with some pumpkin talk, but for now let’s take a quick look back at September, and last month’s Foodie Penpal swap. I sent a parcel to Jessica who, as she doesn’t have her own blog, kindly took some photos and wrote about the things I sent her…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WokbWbhVGik/UGm_lNQ_uHI/AAAAAAAAKCo/C75BAAISkt0/s1600-h/September%2525202012%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="September 2012" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7avg5CMXQEKiLDJUCLznhygYiOCzYG18gt5q9XRgAA2mMwnL258fkTgNm-qEdTdv0RqWwr7RUcixbTcuviPPXZx-GgtZPklxMp2Q3zV0cNIvo8esRO3JJ1bW_1UYi26GPMHSsBzXNCnlx/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="September 2012" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<em>This month was my first to join the foodie penpals group, and I was excited and a little bit nervous. After we received our matches I contacted the person I was sending a parcel to, and waited for my penpal to contact me. </em><br />
<br /><em>Lucy’s email was lovely to receive - apologising for being late (it had only been a couple of days!) because she’d been snowed under with back to school stuff. I replied back with a few guidelines about what I would and wouldn’t like to receive, as well as a few general foodie things I was interested in to try to help her figure out what I might like.</em><br />
<em><br />I asked Lucy to post my parcel to my work address because it’s easier for me, and on the day I was due in to the office I was greeted by my lovely foodie penpal parcel. Lucy had really hit the nail on the head by choosing to pack my box with a selection of naughty and nice treats - I’m a complete snackaholic and LOVE trying new things! Her hand-written card explained why she’d chosen what she had.</em><br />
<em> <br />Fudge’s florentines: these were opened when we had family drop by for a cup of tea, and they were an indulgent treat that went down very well :-) I shall definitely seek them out in shops local to me.<br />
<br />Lindt dark chocolate with sea salt: Lucy described this as one of her favourite chocolate bars and I think it might well be mine now too! The salt went perfectly with the chocolate, which was not too bitter at all.<br />
<br />9 bars: labelled as gluten free and dairy free I wondered if they would also be taste free, but I was completely wrong. These were delicious, and quite filling too - they made the perfect snack when you want something healthier but not bland.<br />
<br />Urban Fruit dried raspberries: I generally like dried fruit, but had never tried dried raspberries. However, these were a little sour for my palette. I’m planning to put them in a cake to balance the sweet/sour taste.<br />
<br />Humdinger veggie snack mix: I thought I would like this, and I did. A fab mix of toasted, salted veggies including wasabi peas which I adore. They didn’t last long!<br />
<br />So, thank you Lucy for a fantastic parcel full of interesting things to try - they were all new to me. I’m already looking forward to the next foodie penpals match.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5viwKe4pnCA/UGm_nUFDixI/AAAAAAAAKC4/X-uzsX2Gg-0/s1600-h/IMG_7176%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IMG_7176" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dDXrMCcw4zI/UGm_okJcqgI/AAAAAAAAKDA/BnydP3QNOe0/IMG_7176_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7176" width="344" /></a></div>
<br /></em>I received a parcel from Louisa who writes at <a href="http://loupylousblog.wordpress.com/">Loupy Lou's Blog</a>. She was going on holiday to Wales and let me know that she’d be sending my parcel a bit late so that she could include some Welsh treats. My parcel arrived on Friday, so I haven’t managed to try everything yet, but I immediately tucked into the Welsh Cakes – love them!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iymh3OP85fM/UGm_qCiVruI/AAAAAAAAKDI/5za4zR5pzZU/s1600-h/DSC_0446%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0446" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JBic_veqDQ8/UGm_ragEhVI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/-TSvyWC4li0/DSC_0446_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0446" width="590" /></a><br />
<br />
I also used the mushroom ketchup in the mushroom risotto I made on Friday evening. I didn’t eat any (it was for Liam, my little sister and the children while I was at Body Pump) but they reported that it was tasty! <strong>Has anyone eaten Laverbread before?</strong> I’m not quite sure what to do with it! One of the suggestions on the pack is to spread it on toast and then top with scrambled eggs and grilled cheese, so I might try that? I’ve also never had smoked sea salt before so I’m looking forward to giving that a try!<br />
<br />
Thanks Louisa!<br />
<br />
If you want to take part in Foodie Penpals, head over to <a href="http://thisisrocksalt.com/foodie-penpals/">Rock Salt’s blog and fill in the form</a>. The lovely Carol Anne keeps us all organised each month (thanks!), and I love swapping emails with different people and thinking up things to send…great fun!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-66034866891431560612012-09-30T16:16:00.000+01:002012-09-30T16:18:07.316+01:00Girlie Shopping + lots of coffee & cakeCoffee and cake counts as a meal right?! I had two of those kinds of meals yesterday!! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mXqrCmCbsX4/UGhd_z4p_fI/AAAAAAAAJ4g/jkEqgkckXuM/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
First though, coffee in bed…this mug is so true!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xtquH_Pk_8g/UGheBQFr7FI/AAAAAAAAJ4o/e1UqhExYX4A/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252861%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (61)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BnFa5JJXhUY/UGheDNN1lbI/AAAAAAAAJ4w/RarjUD1KYU4/photo%252520%25252861%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (61)" width="377" /></a></div>
<br />
Followed by a 9am spin class…I’d set my alarm for 8am, not expecting to really need it, but the children let us sleep in for once! So it was a bit of a rush to drink my coffee and get ready, but I made it! I’ve only just started going to Saturday morning classes so this instructor was newish to me – such a tough class! One of her regulars is off to Australia for 3 months and apparently someone else had joked that you couldn’t spin to classical music (this other regular’s favourite type I guess?)…well the instructor proved them wrong – lots of fast and high resistance, ouch!!<br />
<br />
After spinning, my sisters took Izzy swimming while I showered etc, and then I went into town with my Mum and sisters for coffee & cake “breakfast”…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rZEbR6NcdzE/UGheEpFGEnI/AAAAAAAAJ44/c_QJPNBebW0/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252862%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (62)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C9hJE4Qtegg/UGheGSgU8jI/AAAAAAAAJ5A/ex4qI9-DA14/photo%252520%25252862%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (62)" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Caramel iced coffee<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_VRBbsv8wkY/UGheIMOQOzI/AAAAAAAAJ5I/_kB6euQjZvQ/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252863%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (63)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZVp4g-htFe8/UGheJlGlzRI/AAAAAAAAJ5M/8lulADQA2IQ/photo%252520%25252863%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (63)" width="337" /></a></div>
<br />
and carrot cake<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k0Mtu1B-UEc/UGheK1S98LI/AAAAAAAAJ5U/KIdn4i2X9H8/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252864%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (64)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4G4aDrABvqI/UGheMJgmQOI/AAAAAAAAJ5g/r67qfwvKLro/photo%252520%25252864%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (64)" width="393" /></a></div>
<br />
This carrot cake was so good! When it arrived, Mum liked the look of it so much that she ordered herself a slice too! All of the cakes in this cafe were gluten free, but you couldn’t tell at all – delicious! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C-zBHbwgge8/UGheNph4HnI/AAAAAAAAJ5o/4hQudFjZqIs/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
By the time I got home, Liam and the children had eaten lunch so we headed into Exeter. Liam needed to go to B&Q so he took Toby, and dropped me and Izzy off in town. It was so nice to spend some time with just Izzy – I spend lots of time with Toby alone when Izzy’s at school, but I hardly ever get alone time with her. First stop…Starbucks!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu23Bb7hNIZseZJswinCMoZhXC_d_BZnKVx7iIA5rVgeMYvUq9BSOheaoGR_q4xcd9Zd_dRAlBaNJ8SiMzFOPIVhhai8We0nn-JpGmiJ-jZevRCjf9oz3XlsaFK_ejuNCkMtY1aeCwZUSE/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252866%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (66)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3XZfiDgb0L8/UGhePh85gnI/AAAAAAAAJ50/RxdoDUjlE70/photo%252520%25252866%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (66)" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
I had a pumpkin spice latte (!!) and an apple fritter doughnut for my "lunch"…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9YpImRb1Na0/UGheQydz9II/AAAAAAAAJ6A/rKZw2vhbuIk/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252877%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (77)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HPsFiOSAJzA/UGheSf-t_9I/AAAAAAAAJ6I/aT6eviL-SOs/photo%252520%25252877%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (77)" width="340" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BbV_0-Do9qw/UGheTpV03VI/AAAAAAAAJ6Q/ydJqC9foE3c/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252878%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (78)" border="0" height="399" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bXnjYAHU-eY/UGheU2n-T6I/AAAAAAAAJ6Y/oelfFbD9vYo/photo%252520%25252878%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (78)" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
To be honest, I wasn’t overly thrilled with either of these <img alt="Sad smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z8oQIu6Lt3Q/UGheVwhugLI/AAAAAAAAJ6g/rz0LqPaCa-8/wlEmoticon-sadsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> the doughnut had no apple in it, and the pumpkin spice latte was only ok – it was perfectly nice, but didn’t live up to my (admittedly high) expectations – not much flavour except a bit of cinnamon. I’m going into Exeter again this week so I might try it iced and see if it improves things, I’ve seen people on Instagram having it as a frappe.<br />
Izzy couldn’t decide between all the cakes, so instead of making a decision, opted for two chocolate coins instead (!!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPTCniAho_lmhB6oia6KITlrc6SPW1tJIQWEtpN-yxE12FB9kddNvQA-_U80ruDSqNJ_OUrtDniLsYw3lCl7FJgmJbhWkXe2INrW5E2PR70RccpMzxuslaUIALCNlhSgt7ipzlBLoZsSB/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252865%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (65)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F84ab1A3WGs/UGheYksLj6I/AAAAAAAAJ6s/XPtj37ioIK4/photo%252520%25252865%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (65)" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyP2CQJULASKFETMAeZpCoDNRIw-JP2NPcB6Km7seuU0AzHGH53gnmPsoYTeNdNosf1gM5ZyZqn4ZTt3lsbQ-C87BRsceVo7iivrxU3XzKG2ZATefM1dPbFlJTP_ABGqXcUOj6xiV6OxW/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252867%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (67)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LgWcRZ23nVc/UGheb_4h1-I/AAAAAAAAJ68/Y8CjiG-Dwyw/photo%252520%25252867%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (67)" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
After Starbucks, I decided to take Izzy clothes shopping as she wanted some new clothes that made her look “pretty and cool”, haha, we headed to H&M – so busy, it was a <em>little</em> chaotic!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2Q6OBzFqBB8/UGhedI4DAMI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/ujhjqvP4YTs/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252868%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (68)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Peb_58E3RHg/UGhees1kjhI/AAAAAAAAJ7M/0ClMqoFsLZk/photo%252520%25252868%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (68)" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Izzy insisted that she was too old to just try the clothes on in a corner (really??!) so after a long queue for the changing rooms, it was time to try lots of clothes on…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u9hkP2_B-EI/UGhegJr1_PI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/FQ2OJZRft0s/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252876%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (76)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eRHMa_J4ztI/UGhehqMIRhI/AAAAAAAAJ7c/mPOnPh0t1-Q/photo%252520%25252876%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (76)" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
She had such fun twirling in front of the mirror, so I guess it was worth the wait!<br />
<br />
I liked this first (wool?) dress, but Izzy wasn’t keen…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Df4hrbgje6I/UGheip2b4jI/AAAAAAAAJ7k/ZXsFGOeh-Yg/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252869%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (69)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I0yGoN3_cJ4/UGhej4dEOJI/AAAAAAAAJ7s/3mLoIapXMK0/photo%252520%25252869%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (69)" width="305" /></a></div>
<br />
She <strong>loved</strong> the Hello Kitty top though!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JmLcCkQHNGU/UGhek5caeTI/AAAAAAAAJ70/i7zfXq2rBvc/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252875%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (75)" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimi2SFg4jO1E7GvvrT_czpveSpxwvvBP1fhsy_x1wrSJJZg9NQr23pBcpACsxCo2UqigEbCcBo6hfEjVeoXaNSxgRZJ_UHYZIzIxFGX6kmV0G2EespgiaNRVlaxozjx6xeim0Tu_5W_zoq/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (75)" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8Iy4V89-4Xs/UGhenE2kbfI/AAAAAAAAJ8I/vxYXRvLro7A/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252874%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (74)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LJuFiKOr188/UGheoNupGoI/AAAAAAAAJ8Q/oN_1WIh4cls/photo%252520%25252874%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (74)" width="245" /></a></div>
<br />
And when we got to the grey party dress she started “posing”, haha, worrying!! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mXqrCmCbsX4/UGhd_z4p_fI/AAAAAAAAJ4g/jkEqgkckXuM/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-81l2uPkikTY/UGhepb7MjOI/AAAAAAAAJ8Y/4pfaENKKvO4/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252870%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (70)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H1t9js3VhiM/UGheqtZvNxI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/V-il5RtTx30/photo%252520%25252870%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (70)" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uJZY64McJAg/UGherrmTNKI/AAAAAAAAJ8o/U3JxhOJF7aU/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252873%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (73)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5tHWJy-5tpo/UGhes30gG4I/AAAAAAAAJ8w/GX5sNK1QLaU/photo%252520%25252873%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (73)" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QkvCdxqHjSQ/UGheuIJDxqI/AAAAAAAAJ84/eYaMSMVBJMo/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252872%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (72)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ff1SZDCG78s/UGhevmeAMVI/AAAAAAAAJ9A/TGnHrufI8mQ/photo%252520%25252872%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (72)" width="334" /></a></div>
<br />
And there was also a pink spotty combo (the top was actually a two-pack with a plain green one too, but she’s wearing it with the skirt again today!)…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LQ47dokbs3c/UGhewxYlMXI/AAAAAAAAJ9I/hzJnUEjugqE/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252871%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (71)" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NXAfQRB2h90/UGhexxosRFI/AAAAAAAAJ9Q/ltNaKB-4qXc/photo%252520%25252871%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (71)" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
There were also several dresses that were deemed “no” by one or the other of us, and we finally narrowed it down to 6 items (because she’s 6??!) and went to queue for the second time in the same shop, yawn!<br />
<br />
Clothes shopping done, we headed to Boots, where I resisted buying nail polish (the Essie stand was half empty!!) and then Topshop where it got the better of me…I did have a gift card though so only paid £2 for these!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WePaxBqr1MQ/UGhey9g8RQI/AAAAAAAAJ9Y/wHXxMBic7S4/s1600-h/DSC_0458%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0458" border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsfgvDfoxyI0t0Zl0AtoN3pv-rEmNPmSg9dkp0wpZcUZS8xpUv3h3IoJxKVFGXqyhth6zy3hEaKg2DGFGXSbMAys0g4BUjxKPpnm7BHn5HJMR6qWHfEvVKqLvD0hioSELaiUUT7XqDXOU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0458" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I also <strong>loved</strong> this cake stand from Next, but didn’t buy it…Christmas present please Liam or Mum?? <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mXqrCmCbsX4/UGhd_z4p_fI/AAAAAAAAJ4g/jkEqgkckXuM/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> <img alt="Open-mouthed smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-85hBj-ritEY/UGhe1YsawMI/AAAAAAAAJ9o/7xX06Bs3O1s/wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f4T2i-7ZV0M/UGhe2jYYaLI/AAAAAAAAJ9w/OTwFApvW_0w/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252879%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo (79)" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEzd8820fhsxAqjvzu9IBIzHGgse5esEmol6dphs9t_KK_wzaK3drQKBXKI4OaxrH1K5VNqhI4uyw440vzSvRSdLU_k2S2RiLqjdhd_Gy8qtpttDoNZAYTaGPIyIG3Pp3MgpgbjnSbwar/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo (79)" width="384" /></a></div>
<br />
When we got home, I took photos of the clothes Izzy had bought, and realised that the only thing I hadn’t got photos of her trying on was a jumper we picked up on the way to the till. So I asked her to quickly try it on for me, and then this happened…The first three photos are my daughter looking “normal”, if slightly hyper (!), but I have no idea where all the other poses have come from, aaargh, my 6 year old is growing up too fast!!! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-athbpOUZcQc/UGhe5oQEStI/AAAAAAAAJ-A/sT0hj9qlx7A/s1600-h/DSC_0468%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0468" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N6h9njD_dc0/UGhe7P06C5I/AAAAAAAAJ-I/Kw-pcjPIQLs/DSC_0468_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0468" width="147" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9nY8HmU_RSE/UGhe8qXK2NI/AAAAAAAAJ-Q/W-CEVyCgbl4/s1600-h/DSC_0469%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0469" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rnu2WTgW_Pc/UGhe-L25dbI/AAAAAAAAJ-Y/fQtI1V-4_Ns/DSC_0469_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0469" width="144" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VirKmV9PnWU/UGhe_tRCP5I/AAAAAAAAJ-g/fMx3GRLHUpo/s1600-h/DSC_0470%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0470" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxhFtSW5gyyAJCZ85DoM8EF-SF6189P3r3CeKrgLxZCfmYec5Ln0pXRyOB0whs1Tuo2E3phCN16uS07hLPIGPePdYna-ZrjBWVKRcPIIMxE9LG2lAbyutZC4iGUmG4F9XOx8lwdyM4er5/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0470" width="140" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T6roIBtGMeQ/UGhfCYjxkBI/AAAAAAAAJ-w/rmrOz4-g-rw/s1600-h/DSC_0471%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0471" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rQfBQupeXEo/UGhfD7VUUmI/AAAAAAAAJ-4/MiMae0ugbqg/DSC_0471_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0471" width="153" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V8Y4eaZguxI/UGhfFfgYsdI/AAAAAAAAJ_A/sx4xJAoHowE/s1600-h/DSC_0472%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0472" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-myq8mL0j7cU/UGhfG1S1yKI/AAAAAAAAJ_I/WhCs2EYelzU/DSC_0472_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0472" width="153" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f02sjsZhPAA/UGhfIFHrBeI/AAAAAAAAJ_Q/aTxNArQFkfA/s1600-h/DSC_0473%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0473" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p_IS_lZH04g/UGhfJlaBRcI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/s6lCTLB8fCE/DSC_0473_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0473" width="160" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-epyDJ1lGt2E/UGhfKyaIMMI/AAAAAAAAJ_g/XMAt3HR6Bpw/s1600-h/DSC_0475%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0475" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ggdaf0QYqJU/UGhfLyJunVI/AAAAAAAAJ_o/Iom610C6N-A/DSC_0475_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0475" width="160" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8jEPWj8Lwj4/UGhfNTOVKcI/AAAAAAAAJ_w/tgLCDKHhzAo/s1600-h/DSC_0476%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0476" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8CdFkz8ditY/UGhfOp43-VI/AAAAAAAAJ_4/PKbSQj_GVg4/DSC_0476_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0476" width="160" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WfQBH4Z8lr8/UGhfQ3IX6WI/AAAAAAAAKAA/UQ95hHUB6Yk/s1600-h/DSC_0488%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0488" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ra6nzMHeu2k/UGhfSFAjJtI/AAAAAAAAKAI/tgwPkYtP9vI/DSC_0488_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0488" width="164" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RR0NdCYQEJY/UGhfUIkMpgI/AAAAAAAAKAQ/bfG1FJdJl5k/s1600-h/DSC_0490%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0490" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SRAkXKQ5FAE/UGhfVnV8HTI/AAAAAAAAKAY/B4Y8a4Yp2FM/DSC_0490_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0490" width="160" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MX1OeNraWRE/UGhfW4KfthI/AAAAAAAAKAg/kesuqWZbRbU/s1600-h/DSC_0491%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0491" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d6hL3CXuiSA/UGhfYCXiJWI/AAAAAAAAKAo/ilyKU2h0B_w/DSC_0491_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0491" width="160" /></a><br />
<br />
So, food. You’d think that after coffee & cake for both breakfast and lunch, I might have something healthy for dinner? Nope, not really! <img alt="Embarrassed smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-embarrassedsmile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-paoswUqYir8/UGhfZG76hkI/AAAAAAAAKAw/QcIUsDjdHy8/wlEmoticon-embarrassedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> I ended up eating 4 slices of pizza when the children had tea (roast veg…does that count as kind of nutritious?!) and then, as Liam was out for the evening, I had lots of treats lined up for last night…<br />
<br />
Chips and dips (my favourite!):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T4WFY-V2UQ8/UGhfaRQRpyI/AAAAAAAAKA4/YiSnXQTPRCU/s1600-h/DSC_0509%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0509" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oD4O4YgSXnQ/UGhfb9zUnoI/AAAAAAAAKBA/F1hfF1DHr4Y/DSC_0509_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0509" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />
Followed by chocolates and ice cream...this is my favourite chocolate mint ice cream - lots of different textures - I love the crystals of mint sugar in it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Yw_7S57vKS8/UGhfdgRbDfI/AAAAAAAAKBI/3PkgKPEbRGU/s1600-h/DSC_0515%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0515" border="0" height="285" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OE1hZZY7-lc/UGhfeg8YtAI/AAAAAAAAKBQ/hrV_bOlXFk8/DSC_0515_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0515" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And a magazine to fuel my Autumn obsession…good times!! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C-zBHbwgge8/UGheNph4HnI/AAAAAAAAJ5o/4hQudFjZqIs/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y2s2FOxbsdE/UGhffylgHlI/AAAAAAAAKBY/8VCGO01JF4Y/s1600-h/DSC_0520%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0520" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-85_vBRSrEmo/UGhfhASei3I/AAAAAAAAKBg/MhDoRd7pYgQ/DSC_0520_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0520" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>Have you tried, or are you planning to try, the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte? What did you think? </strong>After seeing it raved about so much by American bloggers, I had high expectations for it so am a bit disappointed. Although, thinking about it, I can’t really pinpoint what exactly pumpkin tastes like – it is usually accompanied by other strong spices/flavours. I’m tempted to either buy or make my own pumpkin syrup though to see what I like – Maria found <a href="http://www.creamsupplies.co.uk/routin-1883-syrup-1l-pumpkin-spice/prod_481.html">a syrup to buy</a> (which I've just noticed is out of stock - it wasn't a couple of days ago, lots of other people obviously have the same idea! The site normally gets stock back in quite quickly though, fingers crossed!), or there is a <a href="http://www.savvyeat.com/improved-coffee-shop-pumpkin-syrup/">recipe that I remember being popular last year</a>…so I’m not giving up on pumpkin lattes just yet!! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mXqrCmCbsX4/UGhd_z4p_fI/AAAAAAAAJ4g/jkEqgkckXuM/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-81388913018222615172012-09-27T13:01:00.000+01:002012-09-27T13:21:06.809+01:00Addicted to eBay - Autumn DecorationsMy local post man commented to me yesterday that he never used to get parcels to deliver on my road…as he handed over 5 parcels to me!! Hmm, I <em>may</em> have developed a bit of an eBay addiction. Although, actually, three of yesterday’s parcels were not bought by me, so they don't count right?!<br />
<br />
There were some delicious baked treats and other gifts from <a href="http://runningcupcake.co.uk/">Maria</a>, as a thank you for sponsoring her for the Great North Run…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0NPRZ8T13ZE/UGQ8B_rtNxI/AAAAAAAAJ00/KL0dBGnKz1c/s1600-h/DSC_0564%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0564" border="0" height="290" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IeJZ9f33OyE/UGQ8DbszYHI/AAAAAAAAJ08/Il-f8pNNYAk/DSC_0564_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0564" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Love the PB Crispy Squares – so delicious. After gobbling down two almost immediately yesterday, I put the rest in the freezer (as I do with most of my baked good) – out of sight, partly out of mind (?!) – although as I discovered this morning, they are just as tasty frozen too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V0GKw-8lQKc/UGQ8Ei6L78I/AAAAAAAAJ1E/_hs_Qvo257s/s1600-h/DSC_0574%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0574" border="0" height="265" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xaQU-e_ru9A/UGQ8FqKaRFI/AAAAAAAAJ1M/gkw4u8PWvTc/DSC_0574_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0574" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks again Maria!<br />
<br />
I was also sent some tasty bread to review, I used to love fruit loaf when I was younger, hadn’t had any for years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQwFf16RxcdY6s6p78laVRvKUZ-kGf1YTwxAh2fP7u7o9ZQRtTZMEqOgEqxImLkvWB7qOQf0fyBYwt_MIDqCU9FBlVN4k_cLr_hEbRA3CiECokwOc67ZKmDX8Yyob82UPkYgPzDofdkOw/s1600-h/DSC_0560%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0560" border="0" height="293" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wUa-DO07iB4/UGQ8IbeQ3kI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/z8jUkz5xoG4/DSC_0560_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0560" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And also some Truvia, I’m interested to see how this compares to the Stevia I usually buy from iHerb – it would be much cheaper and more convenient if I could use this instead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-md7SFSjxoPg/UGQ8JzSfRRI/AAAAAAAAJ1k/DT6tPlyGaGY/s1600-h/DSC_0568%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0568" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPcvkv0zLsVxgXdU8kLKsK2Wej4dYDXghtGHrfR2bZ4gEASaLN5Ht4v77BXV2uhAR5wKkWRFGGN_5lIkdsrE_xVFAzDT3zwRxezPwisZJ1aHtDJGinlhJLnWh0XLr-yQUZZz-Msg9Bo-o/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0568" width="311" /></a></div>
<br />
Then there were my purchases... Let me pre-empt this by saying that I have serious “fall decor” envy from all the US blogs…why don’t we celebrate Autumn over here in the same way?! Even the UK eBay doesn’t have a comparable selection, but I did manage to find some cute things. <br />
<br />
Yankee candle holders with cinnamon candles and frosted pumpkin candles…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c3cJWfQlLko/UGQ8MHiz9TI/AAAAAAAAJ10/mH58wpw4NDw/s1600-h/DSC_0581%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0581" border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXE-JnomZXU7Ea7kZAWtXk6Sbt02-pgJfgtwhwpHrIOjf4YzvGICsmvfzYRZxSyLDGZODy6zt7K2Z7lRhAg3pjn7k557MtoIxQUoK1gdqOguaU1M76sYFVLc5rR3CWbw0YKOeVHBBy6K0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0581" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
(These were from two different sellers so counted as parcels #4 and #5) I have the frosted pumpkin candles in at the moment, smell so good!<br />
<br />
I also couldn’t resist buying a few things in Waitrose on Tuesday – I seemingly have a thing about orange candles at the moment...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sxb8ba5n0wg/UGQ8OjPwLQI/AAAAAAAAJ2E/kjCm7djostE/s1600-h/DSC_0586%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0586" border="0" height="254" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hbFGb_wOe1U/UGQ8QEKVBII/AAAAAAAAJ2M/RB3XIX_IhPE/DSC_0586_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0586" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I need to find something to put the little pumpkin candles in…any suggestions? I used to have a glass bowl that would have probably worked (as they seem to float, short term at least, from my quick test yesterday!) but Toby smashed that a few months ago <img alt="Sad smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--mmCbJz8d3g/UGQ8RJTFZbI/AAAAAAAAJ2U/k-_X_EJLNQM/wlEmoticon-sadsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
This morning, another couple of eBay purchases arrived. I made the dangerous discovery that Essie nail polishes are a lot cheaper on eBay, even still brand new…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0zzaxOJ9Wfg/UGQ8SXwoKJI/AAAAAAAAJ2c/jckiXMAseyY/s1600-h/DSC_0443%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0443" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ba0FXx8apAc/UGQ8T_lqRfI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/El0umNjW0bI/DSC_0443_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0443" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
So pretty! These mini ones are perfect as I don't think I've ever run out of a nail polish - they always dry out before I finish the bottle, so this is definitely a more economical option. I’ve also started buying blue mugs – to match our kitchen! We do have all our mugs on display, as we run out of cupboard space so they live on shelves – for every blue mug I buy, I can give a non-blue one away…haha, I’ll take a photo once the shelves are full of blue mugs only!! <br />
<br />
My final parcel is my absolute favourite – I recommend that all UK bloggers buy some too! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M_x1nenEMcU/UGQ8U138y6I/AAAAAAAAJ2o/HrYV_u0t-AQ/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> Gorgeous <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Family-of-3-x-FABRIC-Pumpkins-HALLOWEEN-Many-Designs-Thanksgiving-Autumn-Fall-/251003605189?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Celebrations_Occasions_ET&var=&hash=item3a70fb10c5">fabric pumpkins</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DDjdEDaG6SY/UGQ8WUuCKtI/AAAAAAAAJ20/dy98zDNUjak/s1600-h/DSC_0446%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0446" border="0" height="289" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B7kNELeQ2AQ/UGQ8XiwmBdI/AAAAAAAAJ28/VDYwFXtOz-4/DSC_0446_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0446" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I absolutely love these! Great service too – it said that they might take up to a week to make, but she sent them out two days after I ordered them. My mantelpiece isn’t quite “Autumn ready” yet, but here’s what it looks like so far to give you an idea of the size of the pumpkins (for some reason I <strike>can't read measurements</strike> had it in my head that they'd be bigger, but they fit in better being this size so I'm happy!)…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xk2D_5Mibnk/UGQ8YzSW-vI/AAAAAAAAJ3E/gpl_d-2iHsY/s1600-h/DSC_0442%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0442" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HjP4Ynq9e0w/UGQ8ZzmwzBI/AAAAAAAAJ3M/lMfZTZF7wrM/DSC_0442_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0442" width="277" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LLBsbOXO1qw/UGQ8bD-W_mI/AAAAAAAAJ3U/9F8az_CA0jM/s1600-h/DSC_0430%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0430" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ofP9Lcl2Qxk/UGQ8cXrIShI/AAAAAAAAJ3c/SZcLdLhoFIY/DSC_0430_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0430" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So adorable, I can’t wait to show them to Izzy when she gets home from school – I think Liam thinks I’ve gone slightly mad (!!), but Izzy appreciates pretty things! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M_x1nenEMcU/UGQ8U138y6I/AAAAAAAAJ2o/HrYV_u0t-AQ/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
Right, and after looking at all that, I really must stop spending money…!! <br />
<br />
<strong>Do you buy things from eBay? Or decorate your house depending on the season? </strong>I’ve always liked Christmas decorations – we started the tradition a few years back of each of us buying a new tree decoration each year. But obviously you can only really have the Christmas decorations up for a limited amount of time. I love the warm colours of the pumpkins and leaf decorations too, perfect for cold nights cuddled up in front of our (fake) fire <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKy_gJnYZUf7nvCBJTCu4tXrFOk2gPEWlwLxq5hA4Jev13azwZ4nsTp238OW8RuyD0CIVyh-dv0EG_GQBwpHnf8UTan43RaSYunG85Q9N8Ok0gVWfcDq-gHdT7BWbRS95orVM7BOOBIei/?imgmax=800" /> I've also already got my eye on a few "spring decorations" on eBay too, aaah, definitely addictive!!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110182288030764192.post-1312774974520690292012-09-26T14:53:00.000+01:002012-09-26T14:53:27.363+01:00Carnival WeekendThis weekend my Dad came to stay with us. He and Toby had a great time on Saturday morning playing catch in the garden…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vqfNZWlLWjk/UGMG2m7axjI/AAAAAAAAJt8/5gis0u6r6Us/s1600-h/DSC_0307%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0307" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B9qtWlqXC-8/UGMG3ntZNxI/AAAAAAAAJuE/3oPe1w5GWvA/DSC_0307_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0307" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NZdsw1M35qE/UGMG4zWhS7I/AAAAAAAAJuM/wKKaykhycFE/s1600-h/DSC_0316%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0316" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--g4Yw9UVKag/UGMG59VsTTI/AAAAAAAAJuU/RQ3zvNNypPQ/DSC_0316_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0316" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-rsZ677fAA8Hq7CvJgd5YDCKHAtji0wKgvKZDttO_i3MyDyP1dxqtxyrgBpMeaak9ruTFMRREKIRKqB3F2utTJnu8tUTVXjuWXhW60qTygYS3kmNlz-u1OVLGX9svo3PalOyPeCOPwUP/s1600-h/DSC_0320%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0320" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DwuiUJ65m68/UGMG7pwO7eI/AAAAAAAAJuk/W5euWYUEhak/DSC_0320_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0320" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
and in the afternoon we all went to the funfair…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-43Z-HXbW1M4/UGMG8SkpdWI/AAAAAAAAJus/pD_6y6wBoMY/s1600-h/DSC_0353%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0353" border="0" height="307" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-suEfYPPT1Mw/UGMG9AALvGI/AAAAAAAAJu0/-ivapNCehF4/DSC_0353_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0353" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DU0xvkHd13I/UGMG-asG7iI/AAAAAAAAJu8/ukjH2lsg9j4/s1600-h/DSC_0372%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0372" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pM1lrplSFJI/UGMG_R24JOI/AAAAAAAAJvE/NQo-cN3bG9U/DSC_0372_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0372" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1tEmN7RxbTk/UGMHAff2PuI/AAAAAAAAJvM/pWlZ9z5pOIM/s1600-h/DSC_0401%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0401" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ucxwZImJW7c/UGMHB6FuDYI/AAAAAAAAJvU/Y9F8BeT2_4k/DSC_0401_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0401" width="285" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YJadzztM_vE/UGMHC_cn1zI/AAAAAAAAJvc/tUywaM1mVfI/s1600-h/DSC_0412%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0412" border="0" height="353" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QzujOIPn3Rg/UGMHDx69FvI/AAAAAAAAJvk/FvCwx_uGppg/DSC_0412_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0412" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The apple on his pushchair cancels out the candyfloss right?! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R7qtmyv57SY/UGMHEvfj3BI/AAAAAAAAJvs/_n_BJYYjvV4/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ROBCYRBVd2o/UGMHFWEI7-I/AAAAAAAAJv0/yaFLyo225tU/s1600-h/DSC_0420%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0420" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6RWx01FKjgc/UGMHGDhpBKI/AAAAAAAAJv8/5h5Ag2dibpw/DSC_0420_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0420" width="305" /></a></div>
<br />
The only meal photo I took on Saturday was dinner – Indian takeaway – paneer pasanda, rice and sag aloo for me (plus naan & poppadoms added to the plate after this photo was taken)…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0oj-z6uwVr8/UGMHHNJXAJI/AAAAAAAAJwE/ajxM116x8-Y/s1600-h/DSC_0450%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0450" border="0" height="243" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EjROZd8wW_A/UGMHHwgo1FI/AAAAAAAAJwM/XTk1NkM4kMQ/DSC_0450_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0450" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But I did also photograph a few of my snacks from earlier in the day. I love these gummy bears. Not only do they have pretty much the same texture as their gelatine counterparts (possibly slightly less squishy, but not really noticeable) but they also taste of actual fruit – delicious!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TBQdxwp-hhc/UGMHI187byI/AAAAAAAAJwU/y6UdoXAO6xY/s1600-h/DSC_0326%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0326" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kfCWiVU81wU/UGMHKD1TFtI/AAAAAAAAJwc/wn5m79IYAUY/DSC_0326_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0326" width="387" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c6hdyEC0p2c/UGMHLGiHRjI/AAAAAAAAJwk/JXQJVSzihA8/s1600-h/DSC_0327%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0327" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fdytP9xd62A/UGMHL5IFtDI/AAAAAAAAJws/FtJ7XUBnI8U/DSC_0327_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0327" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
and a Butterfinger – love, possibly my favourite chocolate bar! I’d forgotten I still had this left from London!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xpP2Eew4XNI/UGMHNB-VJCI/AAAAAAAAJw0/ZdWhk_WKPE4/s1600-h/DSC_0337%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0337" border="0" height="230" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VxB_-X2wnDc/UGMHN8pyx8I/AAAAAAAAJw8/FhXv5Z5doc0/DSC_0337_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0337" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On Saturday evening, we took two little wooden chairs down to the bottom of the road to watch the carnival…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mjd2OU5yb7A/UGMHO9n44nI/AAAAAAAAJxE/vzaCUAYqMcg/s1600-h/DSC_0468%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0468" border="0" height="285" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WjvzpH-zL4Q/UGMHPj68lFI/AAAAAAAAJxM/hLcS1mh03Rw/DSC_0468_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0468" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Toby’s favourites were the pirates and robots…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9p6xzKH7SEA/UGMHQmSumVI/AAAAAAAAJxU/LkfBGaqjHUQ/s1600-h/DSC_0490%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0490" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L_Mn86frH8w/UGMHRYM5BgI/AAAAAAAAJxc/u8E6dJDzfA8/DSC_0490_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0490" width="259" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R_rNLrNrDBM/UGMHSP8xZzI/AAAAAAAAJxk/bDFSAQUHK64/s1600-h/DSC_0492%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0492" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR5Z1tsQZJAfDsCwtqbzhJTdDYQy1mZnN2U52OXpcb6Pe6epGz60mh7vUwvNQ62-0-zTRuAf51TyyUUSetwLNdBO_dHbiYHtpL1ZHGxwJ3fKnuZj3QL452QtdzPX96kVxWvj4NppF4MMT/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0492" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3-puvMnNDxU/UGMHTr5O8sI/AAAAAAAAJx0/-yn6U79CvIM/s1600-h/DSC_0502%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0502" border="0" height="311" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B57zi8Ki6MA/UGMHUn6BvVI/AAAAAAAAJx8/37eEoB31hhk/DSC_0502_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0502" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
and Izzy loved the animals & Alice in Wonderland…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2ebzi4fN4YQ/UGMHVtBJBRI/AAAAAAAAJyE/N8NK9VYC0Oc/s1600-h/DSC_0494%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0494" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xe_O1bhsUtM/UGMHWm6ZtgI/AAAAAAAAJyM/Vei5ZG79_TE/DSC_0494_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0494" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hd8El8JybcwOqqaPoszfmebyK2P3ApDGStoVx5fPF6d-X67mz8C8Znw3o-kwzFmAShFoSTPqj0GF42x5yLITQ8p4ruskz9dvHecIsnN-HJa9cLMlqds10GFY3_ZODXzXA1QKOaQ2Qb2G/s1600-h/DSC_0477%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0477" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8BWb5WC2org/UGMHYm4sLJI/AAAAAAAAJyc/NXOIX4Ym26E/DSC_0477_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0477" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After we’d finished watching, we got the children to bed and then went to stay at my Mum’s house – to make sure my little sister got home from her party ok (at 3am!) as my Mum and her partner were in London. Liam and I had considered going out for drinks, but in the end we decided that, sad old people that we are (!), a DVD and tiramisu sounded more appealing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wvCSwCjlbiI/UGMHZeGDSBI/AAAAAAAAJyk/Ug3PI0zc9tM/s1600-h/DSC_0515%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0515" border="0" height="316" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8t9ZWHGl4wo/UGMHaLWB7xI/AAAAAAAAJys/yi6q6ltdlJg/DSC_0515_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0515" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After a peaceful night’s sleep, we went home to see our cute (when they want to be!!) children…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-coCmPG0q9TE/UGMHbBHmnjI/AAAAAAAAJy0/eS4DIKLGMVU/s1600-h/DSC_0528%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0528" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiPx1RzswEg9jfPL0gvrTNtSZk4I1X1YzCIuZpf5j84wOd8Cld8yOIeA5VJSsdITg_czLOS0qbKSNKALXuYhCyRZPCihxSVmuczuxzlN__RVRWrW5aUq1DDa9FPcLJVEvTd9B7wGGcLG_/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0528" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
and then went out for carvery with my Dad. Adult carvery was £9.50, children was £6.25 (but we were allowed to just pay for Izzy and get an empty plate for Toby) but my vegetable only option was a bargainous £6.10. I could have had nut roast, but to be honest the main things I wanted were cauliflower cheese & yorkshire puddings!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QtuuvAKFTQ8/UGMHc2afchI/AAAAAAAAJzE/XzoTXSjbGIk/s1600-h/DSC_0529%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0529" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uk67KA9D5aU/UGMHdp0jIII/AAAAAAAAJzM/7XORyF6MlBI/DSC_0529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0529" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I also had roast potatoes (cooked in oil), ratatouille, carrots, peas, veg gravy and apple sauce…plus one of those extra yorkshires in the background was also mine for a grand total of 3, oink oink!! <br />
<br />
Needless to say, after all this I really didn’t need dessert, but Izzy really wanted one (there was a big dessert cabinet – too tempting!) so I didn’t want her to be the only one (!!!). Izzy and Dad shared a white chocolate and banoffee cheesecake…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FHVTAN8Imls/UGMHeWH7IfI/AAAAAAAAJzU/23vIr563Wmk/s1600-h/DSC_0537%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0537" border="0" height="269" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4s54jHWZJE4/UGMHfEVv_bI/AAAAAAAAJzc/dT0HcNHtcMM/DSC_0537_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0537" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
and I had a red velvet strawberry gateau. I was meant to be sharing with Toby but, having not had his usual morning nap, he was too tired by this point!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ntueMgf6zOs/UGMHf-05dlI/AAAAAAAAJzk/vnoMLpPXc0Q/s1600-h/DSC_0543%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0543" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8UMHPcuTnsM/UGMHghEUjEI/AAAAAAAAJzs/ks5wOhzWwms/DSC_0543_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0543" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Liam looked on enviously – when he’s full he’s really full, so despite wanting pudding he couldn’t even think about ordering one – not a problem I ever have!!!<br />
<br />
After this we all went home and the children had naps while we lay groaning on the sofa!! I wasn’t going to have another meal at all, but in the end the thought of bagel French toast drew me in…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gu74Kr2b_EI/UGMHhcQ2OQI/AAAAAAAAJz0/_QBSfiMKxgM/s1600-h/DSC_0555%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSC_0555" border="0" height="238" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wos1LuHv-So/UGMHiP9h-uI/AAAAAAAAJz8/vjrSrMW5G9o/DSC_0555_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0555" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
More than enough food!!<br />
<br />
<strong>What did you do this weekend? Do you have any carnivals near you at this time of year? </strong>The carnivals do the rounds down here in September/October – a different town each weekend. We used to have a Christmas carnival too but sadly that stopped a few years ago, I used to love that one as a child!Lucyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08750376299218627319noreply@blogger.com2