tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85469626246281811812024-02-22T06:31:02.669-08:00This Surrey MummyA family lifestyle blog based in Cobham, Surrey, featuring Nathalie Webb and her family.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-33007392522692231132018-01-15T11:30:00.000-08:002018-01-15T11:30:06.694-08:00Quick And Easy Banana And Chocolate Chip Muffins...We had a few extra bananas this week and a couple were starting to look a little bit ropey so decided that I would make a quick (and when I say quick they literally take five minutes to make before baking!).<br />
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This recipe is an all in one recipe - yes if you wanted to you could cream the butter and sugar or whack it straight in a bowl with all ingredients and mix but I've done both ways and whatever way you choose to do they turn out just as good.<br />
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This is also an ace recipe because it doesn't require any random ingredients and relies on simple store cupboard ingredients - just add bananas!<br />
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<u>What you will need...</u><br />
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- 2 mashed bananas - the older, browner, ones that are usually destined for the bin are best!\<br />
- 150g soft unsalted butter (I used salted butter as that's all I had)<br />
- 150g self raising sugar<br />
- 3 x large eggs<br />
- 150g dark/milk chocolate chips (reserve 50g for the top if you wish)<br />
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<u>How to make them...</u><br />
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- Line a muffin tin with twelve muffins cases<br />
- Preheat the oven to 180c<br />
- Add all the above ingredients to a bowl and whisk for two minutes until light and fluffy.<br />
- Pour in to the muffin cases and top with reserved chocolate chips<br />
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden on top.<br />
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Store in an airtight container and they will last for a good five days which they won't as I guarantee they will be gobbled up before you know it!<br />
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Enjoy,<br />
<br />
Nathalie xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-2298818928637860292018-01-07T10:46:00.001-08:002018-01-07T10:46:43.046-08:00What I'm Loving Right Now.....Wow - the first week of January has flown by!!! I cannot believe that after three weeks off school I am back to work tomorrow - back to the madness of the school runs, after school clubs and general chaos that term time brings with it.<br />
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I took a bit of a break for the blog over Christmas and it was lovely to just kick back with the kids and enjoy some proper time off - that said it's a new year and I am back with a bang!<br />
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If you don't already follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thissurreymummy/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> - hop on over for a look and see what we get up to on a day to day basis. I am so excited to be going on a photography course in two weeks time - I've signed up to one at the Medicine Garden in Cobham with <a href="http://vickiknights.co.uk/" target="_blank">Vicki Knight</a> and I am hoping to really get to grips with my camera so fingers crossed the quality of my pics will be better! I am also hoping to get back into vlogging on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/tomandnat1984" target="_blank">YouTube</a> channel as I am loving watching lots of my fellow bloggers videos and I am feeling very inspired.<br />
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Once a week I am also going to post a feature called What I'm Loving Now - this will be a weekly roundup of what I've been watching, doing, making buying and generally anything that fits into that criteria.<br />
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So, week one.... here goes!<br />
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I have been loving using my new soup maker - my mum got me one for Christmas and now that I am really giving my Slimming World a good go in an attempt to shift 16lbs by the summer this is really helping. My mum got it from Robert Dyas and this is the one that she chose <a href="https://www.robertdyas.co.uk/morphy-richards-soup-maker-with-serrator-blade?istCompanyId=bf3344d9-83f5-4abd-b69a-da131f7567d1&istItemId=mmmiitpqr&istBid=tzxx&source=tmrwppc&gclid=Cj0KCQiAp8fSBRCUARIsABPL6JafkT6iRHhxV_atV9AMSZaQrd9sCtWBXuDZ9S5VMunOsYZYpckmNcMaArl1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">here</a>. You literally bung everything in chopped, stick in some stock, give it a stir, press blend and twenty minutes later you've got fresh amazing soup with little clearing up! I can't recommend it enough!<br />
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On TV I am loving the fact that Will and Grace is back on our screens - I was a huge fan of the American series back in the day and have been waiting for the new season ever since it aired in the US late last year. The characters might be older but it's still very funny.<br />
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You can catch up <a href="https://www.my5.tv/will-grace/season-9/will-grace-2" target="_blank">here</a> if you missed the first episode.<br />
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I've been trying to keep Hector out of mischief recently so decided to make some busy bags for him to keep him amused for ten mins or so. They are really easy to make and the key is to fill each bag with one activity so as to not confuse them or give them too many options.<br />
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I also got round to finally organising the office where I work and where the children's learning resources are all kept. I was very pleased that an hour or so clearing out made the whole room look much better.<br />
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And finally talking of tidying and cleaning I finally managed to convince Webbo to get a new vacuum after our old Dyson was coming to the end of its days so we've upgraded to the Dyson V7 Handheld Cordless that we bagged in the sale <a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/dyson-v7-motorhead-cordless-vacuum-cleaner/p3204416" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
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Have a great week back at school and work if you've still been off!</div>
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Much love,</div>
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Nathalie x</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-38185901748800286022017-12-09T03:38:00.000-08:002017-12-09T03:38:15.936-08:00The Easiest Ever Gingerbread Recipe ..with Amazon Fresh UK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wish that my website had a sniff facility because if you could smell my kitchen now you would just want to dive right in.<br />
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It's freezing cold outside (-2 according to my phone) but inside our house is warm and the even warmer smell of cinnamon and ginger is wafting through.... we've just knocked up a batch of gingerbread men with the help from our friends at <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-Fresh-UK-Grocery-Shopping/b?ie=UTF8&node=6723205031" target="_blank">Amazon Fresh UK</a>, your one stop shop for groceries direct to your door.<br />
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Our friends at Amazon Fresh UK kindly sent us all we need to get baking on this cold Saturday morning and I'm so excited to share with you the easiest ever recipe for gingerbread so that you too can get baking at home this holiday season with your loved ones.<br />
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<u>What you'll need....</u><br />
350g plain flour<br />
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda<br />
2 tsp ground ginger<br />
1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
125g unsalted butter (room temp)<br />
175g light soft brown sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
4 tbsp golden syrup<br />
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All of the above items can be purchased from Amazon Fresh.<br />
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<u>How you do it... </u><br />
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<i>Now, I made mine using my food mixer but this can also easily be made by hand but WARNING it will be sticky!!! </i><br />
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1. Preheat your one to 180c<br />
2. In your food processor measure and slightly mix together the flour, bicarbonate of sugar, ginger and cinnamon.<br />
3. Cut the butter into cubes and slowly add to your food mixer so it becomes to resemble crumbs.<br />
4. Lightly mix the egg together with the golden syrup and slowly pour in the the gingery breadcrumb mixture until it binds together and a dough is formed.<br />
5. Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and bring it all together.<br />
6. Place the dough in the fridge for half an hour.<br />
7. Remove the dough from the freezer and turn out onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to approx 5mm thick.<br />
8. We chose gingerbread men cutters but you can use any cutters to cut the shapes out.<br />
9. Place cut out shapes onto a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 12-15 minutes util they start to go a golden brown.<br />
10. Remove and transfer to a cooling rack and leave to cool before decorating as you wish!<br />
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The kids will love this at this time of year and I plan to make a batch of them for Charlie's class as an alternative to Christmas cards this year!<br />
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Happy baking,<br />
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Nathalie x<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-18131097667550408932017-12-04T12:02:00.000-08:002017-12-04T12:02:06.737-08:00This Surrey Mummy's Guide To.... Getting Ahead In Time For Christmas...I am a HUGE Christmas fan - there's no Grinch's in our house either which I'm really lucky about and that both Webbo and I love Christmas!<br />
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This year we are hosting at ours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and in the break between Christamas and New Year on average there's likely that I will be catering for at least 10 people for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day so for me getting ahead when I have a little extra time on my hands in the run up to the festivities is key!<br />
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With Webb and I both working in schools the last couple weeks of term is normally chocker block with reports, shows, chapels and that's before we've even thrown the boys end of term Christmas school schedule into the mix. I am an avid planner in life. I love a good meal planner and my 18 month diary is my lifesaver so planning at this time of year does not come as a chore and by spending 2 or so hours in the run up planning will save me so much time in the long run.<br />
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So here is my guide to getting ahead this Christmas!<br />
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Firstly what I tend to do is get my diary out and look at the weeks running up to the big day. I've made the mistake of in years gone by of cramming so much in in the run up to Christmas so that when the big day arrives we are all physically exhausted so this year we are keeping our commitments to a minimum. I think the problem with Christmas is that expectations are so high and we set such high standards that when we don't achieve them we beat ourselves up about it.<br />
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Think about the things that you actually want to attend and think about what's important to you and your family and prioritise them. For me I want to spend as much time with the boys as soon as they break up doing things together with them as a family so in the week before Christmas our diary highlights are... Peppa Pig World to see Father Christmas, a craft afternoon with my sister in law and niece at my Mother In Law's and THAT IS IT. The rest of the time will be spent chilling and relaxing at home watching Christmas films and just reenergising for the manic week that will be ahead of us.<br />
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Next up is FOOD!! I love cooking and at Christmas for me, cooking with a glass of bubbles whilst Michael Buble belts out a couple of festive numbers is my idea of bliss - that said you certainly won't find me on Christmas Day peeling sprouts and spuds!<br />
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Plan what you want to have for the big day - make a menu if need be and STICK TO IT! Compile a separate shopping list of Christmas items that you'll need and if they are able to be frozen buy in advance, freeze and spread the cost.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It might not be neat, tidy or pretty but this is my go to list for this Christmas....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizsZ4dbZ5gNdD9rgy28ohWI0cdMemzOHlQFR-C-SYS8kDqtZ2iuRFghrvNAqRgYxsbHAljrtyoiU_6QeR8WRns84PS8BiszWUnxnijKPdWpJlce32TOqnGVoRnb9Qr6S7wu8xMCOa8ko/s1600/Christmas+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizsZ4dbZ5gNdD9rgy28ohWI0cdMemzOHlQFR-C-SYS8kDqtZ2iuRFghrvNAqRgYxsbHAljrtyoiU_6QeR8WRns84PS8BiszWUnxnijKPdWpJlce32TOqnGVoRnb9Qr6S7wu8xMCOa8ko/s1600/Christmas+Day.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My proposed Christmas Day menu...</td></tr>
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In the run up to Christmas try to get as much of the food preparation done and the majority of this can be done and stashed in the freezer a couple of weeks before. I LOVE a Christmas dinner so we did a trial run the other weekend to see what worked, what didn't and how much food I could actually get on the table - I love a full spread of food!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAO1wydqpGkY3mvhhH3clt0R7jzlAH5SLuGR7a3JU-6PY3S61B8Oz0EF6EasA4RsJJbDpFNwpeIK0Mmru-ZAQQXuICEWymUuuuq2s0qj5xR1KWfVxjb81cNyUPj8xqq4uWKFvZMxtc4c/s1600/IMG_0381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAO1wydqpGkY3mvhhH3clt0R7jzlAH5SLuGR7a3JU-6PY3S61B8Oz0EF6EasA4RsJJbDpFNwpeIK0Mmru-ZAQQXuICEWymUuuuq2s0qj5xR1KWfVxjb81cNyUPj8xqq4uWKFvZMxtc4c/s1600/IMG_0381.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fake Christmas dinner to work out what worked and what didn't!</td></tr>
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Great items for freezing include:<br />
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- Custard<br />
- Mince Pies<br />
- Pigs in Blankets<br />
- Homemade cranberry sauce<br />
- Bread sauce<br />
- Gravy<br />
- Red cabbage<br />
- Carrot and swede mash - I always buy shop own and stash away!<br />
- Shop bought stuffing<br />
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So, off my Christmas Day menu here is what I will make before...<br />
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Festive pavlova - this will be made a couple days in advance and stored in an air tight container. This also leaves room for error - I have been known to make four of them in a bid to achieve the perfect pav!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gnVsBLLiJaJPj24wz__ehzLTMdzovUPft2G_lN5EOzcFTZWLUo9S8XaZe2gqnq4Tx3ZCiClpK5NrM4FAt07yg4Zf1GgHCb1NK_lHQdG7wNALpXo_D_dEBpfv276M0D-dlRUbGbKyIdI/s1600/IMG_6782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="1364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gnVsBLLiJaJPj24wz__ehzLTMdzovUPft2G_lN5EOzcFTZWLUo9S8XaZe2gqnq4Tx3ZCiClpK5NrM4FAt07yg4Zf1GgHCb1NK_lHQdG7wNALpXo_D_dEBpfv276M0D-dlRUbGbKyIdI/s1600/IMG_6782.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A summer version of my Festive Pav! </td></tr>
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Pigs in blankets - as I mentioned mine are already chilling in their blankets - simply assemble, place individually on a baking tray, cover and pop in to a freezer for an hour. After an hour remove and place into a freezer bag - these can be cooked from frozen on the big day or before with every single roast if you are like us!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpb29OlXeAX5q7FoS6jIi5ejnojZJl3H-eOxOcGV8a8UlKgHhbM0fW_P18V1CD2WngMrMoopeQ0MENnLkvcdxo1xdmpIgXBkM0A_mzzZ7QO4HbhIbwDX8qvFEAkukF0qlGDO8v2xj28I/s1600/IMG_0142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpb29OlXeAX5q7FoS6jIi5ejnojZJl3H-eOxOcGV8a8UlKgHhbM0fW_P18V1CD2WngMrMoopeQ0MENnLkvcdxo1xdmpIgXBkM0A_mzzZ7QO4HbhIbwDX8qvFEAkukF0qlGDO8v2xj28I/s1600/IMG_0142.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everybody loves a piggie in a blanket!!</td></tr>
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<br />
Yorkshire puddings can also be made and frozen - a bit a la Aunt Bessie - cook and freeze like the piggies in blankets and then remove and cook from the freezer ten minutes before eating!<br />
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Mince pies are also another great one for the freezer - make ahead freeze individually and cook and warm throughout from frozen!<br />
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My Christmas braised red cabbage is in the freezer as I made a double batch the other weekend in the slow cooker and froze half.<br />
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I will be making my Brussel sprouts the day before. Trim as you like them, I like mine with a X on their bottoms, boil for 5 minutes, strain and plunge into a bowl of iced water (this will stop them cooking further), leave to cool and place in a fridge bag. On Christmas Day I am going to be doing a recipe that my friend Lauren does where she pan fries pancetta in a dry pan, crisps up the pancetta and then adds the sprouts after - sounds lush!<br />
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Roast potatoes will also be made the day before. Cook in the goose fat as you would normally and then 20 minutes before they are done remove from the oven and cool in the tray. Then cover the tray and place in the fridge then the next day stick in the oven at a high temp and cook until crispy!<br />
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Fridge space at this year can be a total Tetris style nightmare so my advice would be if you can, ask around to see if anyone has a large cool box - fill any excess food for Boxing Day and ahead in the cool box and store outside - it's normally cold enough for the food to stay safe but just to be super safe whack in a few ice blocks for good measure!<br />
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When it comes to pressies I again have a list at the back of my diary of who I am buying for and what I have got them - I also have photos of these on my phone in case I am out and about and get caught short! Once the pressies are purchased I assign the "Head of Wrapping" aka Webbo in our house to wrap the presents. We've gone for a simple wrapping scheme this year - Hector gets Paw Patrol Christmas wrapping and Charlie gets Christmas dinosaur wrapping for their individual presents and then we have a reindeer one for joint presents - I got this idea from my friend Cate who suggested it - it also saves a huge amount of time writing labels!<br />
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Now, I am not saying that all of the above will work for you, you may also find it a bit militant but that's ok - I just love planning. The main thing is to just go with the flow. It's such a special time of year because we are surrounded by our loved ones that no one will care that you are running late for lunch or that the sprouts are slightly over done - just enjoy yourselves!<br />
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I'm off for a mince pie and a little browse online,<br />
<br />
Nathalie x<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-56039101239734212362017-11-17T10:16:00.000-08:002017-11-17T15:22:09.183-08:00An alternative Christmas cake with Hobbycraft....Can you believe that it's less than 6 weeks until Christmas? Crazy hey! If you follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thissurreymummy/" target="_blank">instagram</a> then you'll have seen from my instastories that one evening this week I planned all of my Christmas food for the whole week from Christmas Eve to New Years Eve as we have friends and family staying with us the whole festive period. I am a firm believer that the better prepared you are the less stress there will be at a time when you should really be enjoying yourself!<br />
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As you know I LOVE baking and I love baking even more when you can fake it! By faking it I mean making an incredible full of love bake that essentially has been born from a box! A fake it bake it if you would!<br />
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Well to celebrate the opening of the brand spanking new <a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hobbycraft</a> store in Farnborough I've teamed up with them to bring you an alternative Christmas cake! I love the idea of baking a Christmas cake and decorating it but the reality is that my family despise it. So, when Hobbycraft asked if I would like to attempt to make something for my readers to try at home I naturally was lured to this Christmas tree cake! It is the perfect fake it bake it for you to try this festive season and it's such a jolly little number that it will force a smile on even the Grinchiest of people! Did I mention that it's also hideously easy to make and can be baked and decorated in under a couple of hours.<br />
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When I mentioned to my sister in law that I was doing this collaboration she was surprised to hear that Hobbycraft did cake ingredients and accessories. I love Hobbycraft and have long been a fan of their baking section - in fact for a long while it was one of the only places you could source <a href="http://www.wilton.com/" target="_blank">Wilton</a> baking accessories (a brand I discovered in the USA about ten years back).<br />
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Everything in the recipe below you can get in store - well with the exception of the oil, eggs and water needed for the cake and the Smarties and Flake!!<br />
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So here goes.....<br />
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<u>What you'll need </u><br />
<u><br /></u>
- A box cake mix - I used Betty Crocker Devils Food Mix<br />
- Henshaws ready to roll icing in white and yellow (<a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/offers/baking-offers?filter=PromoDescription~4+for+%C2%A36+Renshaw+Icing+250g" target="_blank">available here</a>)<br />
- Wilton decorator icing (<a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/wilton-white-decorator-icing-2-kg/609919-1000" target="_blank">available here</a>)<br />
- Wilton Christmas tree tin (<a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/wilton-christmas-tree-cake-tin-272-x-361-cm/620934-1000" target="_blank">available here</a>) CURRENTLY ON SALE FOR £5!! (17.11.2017)<br />
- Wilton cake release (<a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/wilton-cake-release-236-ml/610970-1000" target="_blank">available here</a>)<br />
- Wilton Kelly green food colouring (<a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/wilton-kelly-green-food-colouring-paste-28g/574336-1003" target="_blank">available here</a>)<br />
- Star cutter<br />
- Smarties<br />
- 3 x Flakes<br />
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<u>How to make it...</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
1. Use the Cake Release as directed all over the inside of the tin.<br />
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2. Preheat the oven and make up the cake mix as directed on the packet.<br />
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3. Pour the cake batter into the tin and bake until the skewer comes out clean.<br />
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4. Leave to cool in the tin for fifteen minutes then turn onto a cooling rack.<br />
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5. Take three large dollops of the decorator icing and add a small amount of the green food colouring and mix to incorporate. The green colour depth you want can be achieved by adding less or more food colouring.<br />
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6. Take the green food colouring and spread evenly over the "branches" of the cake.<br />
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7. Take some of the decorator icing and spread over the bark.<br />
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8. Cut the 2 x Flakes into thirds and place on top of the icing on the bark and then crumble the remaining one and then press onto the sides making sure to cover all the icing.<br />
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9. Take your yellow icing and roll out to the depth of a £1 coin. Cut out the shape of the star and place in the freezer to firm up.<br />
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10. Next roll out your white icing and cut in to three equal strips measuring approx 1cm wide. Take one of your strips and place at the lowest part of the tree (like in the photo) and trim to width. Do the same with the two remaining strips.<br />
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11. Now for the lights, well the Smarties! Decorate with as many or as little as you'd like.<br />
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Now in true prepping ahead of time the cake can be made in advance and frozen to be taken out, defrosted and decorated closer to Christmas.<br />
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<span style="outline: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been a HUGE fan of Hobbycraft's </span><a href="http://blog.hobbycraft.co.uk/" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">blog</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> page for a while and there are so </span>many<span style="font-family: inherit;"> things on </span>there for the first time crafter to the most experienced. I so tempted to make the stags head for this Christmas - always wanted to try my hand at some decoupage! </span><br />
<span style="outline: none;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;">So, if you want to have a browse in store at all the fabulous things besides just crafts that Hobbycraft have, then why not visit its new store in Farnborough located at Horizon Retail Park. </span>The <span style="color: black; outline: none;">new store is packed with crafting materials to suit all ages and abilities, and beginners through to experienced crafters are all welcome to pop in and chat to one of the colleagues, who are all passionate about arts and crafts. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; outline: none;"><br /></span></span>
Well, I do hope that you give my alternative Christmas cake a try - it really is so very easy to bake and decorate and really does have the wow factor and will knock spots off any fruit cake this festive season!<br />
<br />
Nathalie x<br />
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<i>DISCLAIMER: This was a sponsored post in collaboration with Hobbycraft to promote the opening of their new store in Farnborough. </i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-12965524410070706022017-10-31T08:28:00.000-07:002017-10-31T08:28:27.489-07:00Capturing the moment with Caroline Stocking Photography...I adore taking photos - in fact I would go as far as to say I am obsessed with taking photos - especially of my family. However, there is one thing that I am very guilty of is and that is always tending to stay behind the camera and rarely in front of it in the actual picture.<br />
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My boys are growing up so quickly and I only have to browse back over my Instagram feed to see just how quickly that's happening and in front of my eyes. It was actually through Instagram that I stumbled across <a href="https://www.carolinestockingphotography.com/" target="_blank">Caroline Stocking Photography</a>. After a few mutual likes here and there we started chatting via Instagram and before I knew it we were due to meet at 1030am on a damp autumn morning half term.<br />
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What I loved instantly about Caroline's style was that she just "got it". She got the type of photos I wanted to achieve and there was no pressure to nail the shot and especially with two children and a dog that was never going to be easy.<br />
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Whilst I wanted cool and casual shots I wanted us all to roughly match - or should I say compliment each other! Boys were decked out in H&M kids, whilst Webb opted for an older number from Crew Clothing and I wore a spotty blue and white number from Primark and I even pushed the boat out and had my hair blow-dried before that at <a href="https://www.baloolahhair.com/" target="_blank">Baloolah</a>. <br />
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Naturally the boys started off happy as larry but as the shoot went on their enthusiasm wore off and the willingness to smile naturally seemed to disappear - that said Caroline, goodness knows how she did it managed to keep them going and pull off the nicest shots I have of the boys.<br />
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Photos are an amazing thing. A snapshot of life at that time and I am so pleased that I now have some really lovely family photos of all of us together.<br />
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Thank you to Caroline for taking the time to come and shoot my family and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do. If you'd be interested in getting Caroline to take some beautiful photos of you and your loved ones then you can get in touch with her at <a href="https://www.carolinestockingphotography.com/" target="_blank">www.carolinestockingphotography.com</a> .<br />
<br />
Nathalie x<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-57603512291574085712017-10-05T11:09:00.000-07:002017-10-05T11:09:14.181-07:00DIY Designer Pumpkins In Under 30 Minutes...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love this time of year, in fact I will go as far as saying that autumn is my favourite season. The nights start to draw in, the leaves start to change colour and the abundance of new fruit and vegetables leaves me yearning for casseroles and flaky pastry pies. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cBGTY7ufnLLBLuGOe2rVtumY2iDG9EpH0OVtlJvexbpjtHcvasZRT7yJdH1AiDG9ptS4yeesNJZkFaz2tNLgx5KqOe2jQxFXPA-vKkxLcH71QcrXiL5U1ohlJKrFEzrkpvqPIKhESng/s1600/pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cBGTY7ufnLLBLuGOe2rVtumY2iDG9EpH0OVtlJvexbpjtHcvasZRT7yJdH1AiDG9ptS4yeesNJZkFaz2tNLgx5KqOe2jQxFXPA-vKkxLcH71QcrXiL5U1ohlJKrFEzrkpvqPIKhESng/s640/pumpkins.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This month also sees that spooky tradition of Halloween. I have to be honest I am not a massive fan of this holiday and the prospect of taking my kids door to door knocking for sweets quite frankly leaves me feeling a little awkward. That said being a modern day mum I like to embrace all these holidays and we always have a pumpkin outside but this year I decided that having lusted over patterned pumpkins over on Pinterest last year to this year pimp my pumpkins!!<br />
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So after work this afternoon I went in search of materials and as soon as Webbo stepped through the door we set about this super simple task....<br />
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<b><u>What you'll need....</u></b><br />
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- Pumpkin (mine were a bargain, big one £3, smaller ones £1 each from Tesco)<br />
- Spray paint colour of your choice (I got mine from B&Q for £9 each)<br />
- Shape stickers or electrical/masking tape<br />
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<b><u>How to do it....</u></b><br />
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<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/AVvXsEjAH6ApCNHfCy9JNmnOnRTvv-STui8NdSz0FSskQUnc9bI7i7-ROiFy-o8kf6s9-A5HUxlzysZ12kuQsufo61gP8YOOxK724_q_KE_ge74NiVY-eGXZ7kfLD8dweDSiOpYXxSaYU4ZXHuM/s1600/IMG_3631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAH6ApCNHfCy9JNmnOnRTvv-STui8NdSz0FSskQUnc9bI7i7-ROiFy-o8kf6s9-A5HUxlzysZ12kuQsufo61gP8YOOxK724_q_KE_ge74NiVY-eGXZ7kfLD8dweDSiOpYXxSaYU4ZXHuM/s640/IMG_3631.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start by sticking and pressing down your chosen shape sticker<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEghYFQAjtMvCl-huMK7RXDpdcZHiT9Tt_7eowWeSNPaF4nHjLBsLWQF_tU0t-9AY5sfgRFqHOiyod2fXiD1pE1nd67BP3555q97EHhA7EtGBJtkVQLt4z88uP_MMjCWxnKTxebsSG3xOng/s1600/IMG_3632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYFQAjtMvCl-huMK7RXDpdcZHiT9Tt_7eowWeSNPaF4nHjLBsLWQF_tU0t-9AY5sfgRFqHOiyod2fXiD1pE1nd67BP3555q97EHhA7EtGBJtkVQLt4z88uP_MMjCWxnKTxebsSG3xOng/s640/IMG_3632.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make sure to cover your little stalk too!<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0vhWa5QR1b6DoxINZI2bgQ6SGog-tK7kKuUGPdHH7krES3I4sBci6UxDmofuvfeSER5atw8rvT8IxSEJDLaISzpYG5p1979V3FjmcZPp-4CQrR-JCmC6WNh0xvXKe8q2XlAb1-CRJt0/s1600/IMG_3634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0vhWa5QR1b6DoxINZI2bgQ6SGog-tK7kKuUGPdHH7krES3I4sBci6UxDmofuvfeSER5atw8rvT8IxSEJDLaISzpYG5p1979V3FjmcZPp-4CQrR-JCmC6WNh0xvXKe8q2XlAb1-CRJt0/s640/IMG_3634.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<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/AVvXsEgpJxZt6rsxWXN92ieekwEwEZh3DxY3fE-V0n0e1OYKsJIxSWjVZwp0F7y1wxQLmxdP-ZAbAJuT-3BkiBX_t-MGxvnG_8Lp4CiAnoGC9oDjstogNPvtfvZDapDE9hp2XAu9p7T6xEHvMk8/s1600/IMG_3637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJxZt6rsxWXN92ieekwEwEZh3DxY3fE-V0n0e1OYKsJIxSWjVZwp0F7y1wxQLmxdP-ZAbAJuT-3BkiBX_t-MGxvnG_8Lp4CiAnoGC9oDjstogNPvtfvZDapDE9hp2XAu9p7T6xEHvMk8/s640/IMG_3637.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spray your pumpkin with a thin coat of the paint - don't be tempted to spray too much in one area. Now leave to dry!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76sLixWZcF_jSa67EaGOXDOAMLmg6ygEqsjnYbk5dMA0h7NnBcFbgdq8srdwEYi5iN1miBbwZzgzMf4nKHATpVkWJm_zknjvbjJJd3XOBhKE_h41Mpl2VPYUkd5cIz4IFuRkBnXKki1w/s1600/IMG_4971+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76sLixWZcF_jSa67EaGOXDOAMLmg6ygEqsjnYbk5dMA0h7NnBcFbgdq8srdwEYi5iN1miBbwZzgzMf4nKHATpVkWJm_zknjvbjJJd3XOBhKE_h41Mpl2VPYUkd5cIz4IFuRkBnXKki1w/s640/IMG_4971+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carefully peel off the stickers...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiktxyfZfzs6IYGxmzZ0N9jWOT4GQr0eFkkMsNOfN2IYgCQpMjizPtrWSBlMDCEiNkYt2papjWmkg7Gyx6qxUCMeR9v1id5jItjDe0bvOuDfZrZ7Ngbo7EyOccR3Vx-23lg94HVpzeUE/s1600/IMG_9179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiktxyfZfzs6IYGxmzZ0N9jWOT4GQr0eFkkMsNOfN2IYgCQpMjizPtrWSBlMDCEiNkYt2papjWmkg7Gyx6qxUCMeR9v1id5jItjDe0bvOuDfZrZ7Ngbo7EyOccR3Vx-23lg94HVpzeUE/s640/IMG_9179.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I chose to do one with stripes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuqsnfG9zyPOMHUsoAMWwFMJ7Z0Gmit8T7FaWl5XWZRHsxsZCH1uaEg2YWDAhPeQgOowag3duLWN10NiaPDB6AZE3cNqPlDlnjRRrxcGStFiLtCofmk9St4NE8If6ix9g95MRN8XbShw/s1600/IMG_9184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuqsnfG9zyPOMHUsoAMWwFMJ7Z0Gmit8T7FaWl5XWZRHsxsZCH1uaEg2YWDAhPeQgOowag3duLWN10NiaPDB6AZE3cNqPlDlnjRRrxcGStFiLtCofmk9St4NE8If6ix9g95MRN8XbShw/s640/IMG_9184.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I love the way the one with stars came out!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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I am so chuffed with how these turned out and they really were so easy to do and all finished and by my fireplace within half an hour!<br />
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Please SHARE this post so that you too can jazz up your pumpkins as wildly or as simply as you like but I hope you'll find some inspiration in my pumpkins!<br />
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Nathalie xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-24441909728983533432017-09-03T11:04:00.002-07:002017-09-03T11:04:53.238-07:00Weekend Days...Boating And Burgers in Kingston...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is something, I can't put my finger on it but there is just something about the river and being on a boat. </div>
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We've had this idea for months that we wanted to get a boat from Hampton Court to Kingston with the kids where we would stop and have a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants on the river. The restaurants by the river by Kingston Bridge has definitely taken on a "South Bank" type of vibe in more recent months, so when I was contacted to see if I would like to take a trip on a boat to Kingston with <a href="http://www.turks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Turks</a> boat trips Webbo and I jumped at the chance!</div>
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So, last Sunday we hot footed it down to Hampton Court, parked the car in the station car park - a total bargain at just £2 and made our way across the bridge to where the boats launch. </div>
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We were a little early and given it was a lovely balmy day decided that an pre-boat trip ice cream would be in order! Naturally given that Hector had been up super early he fell asleep in the car and proceeded to sleep through the ice cream.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Believe me my your friend there is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply <br />messing about in boats!" - Wind And The Willows</td></tr>
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We boarded the boat at Hampton Court Palace and headed to the top deck to make the most of the journey. Hector at this point had woken and was mesmerised to have woken up on a boat! I'd lost count of the times he said "boat boat boat" by the time we had got to Kingston!<br />
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It took about half an hour to get into Kingston and we disembarked and had a wander along the river to the restaurants. </div>
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We picked <a href="http://www.jacksonrye.com/" target="_blank">Jackson & Rye</a> to dine at. Now this is a restaurant we have walked past many a time but never ventured in, but we headed in and picked a spot by the window so we would people watch!</div>
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The boys opted for Mac 'N' Cheese and and their cheese burger. I was wearing my stretchy trousers and dived straight into their mixed platter where the brisket was to die for!!! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Webbo looking like he's come straight out of his latest cook book!</td></tr>
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The menu at Jackson & Rye is really varied and the portions are really very generous and Webbo highly recommends the ribs! They also have a fabulous cocktail menu and the kids menu is really sensible with some simple options to some that will challenge even the most foodie of kids.</div>
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We had a super day out and one that I am glad we did having chatted about it for so long! If you are local to Kingston then I can't recommend a little jaunt up the river and to stop at one of the many fantastic restaurants that the town has to offer. A great day out!</div>
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After all that messing about on the river the boys were shattered so on full bellies it was a snuggle on the sofa and early to bed!</div>
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Nathalie x</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-14575611392069441312017-08-18T11:15:00.001-07:002017-08-18T11:15:50.853-07:00Weekend Treats - The Oreo MilkshakeCharlie has always been a big fan of Oreos. So this evening I thought I would knock up a Friday night treat using his favourite biscuit.<br />
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Our Nutribullet is used for milkshakes more these days and I can't remember the last time a kale leaf graced its presence but they are FAB for milkshakes.<br />
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<u>What you will need...</u><br />
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2 x scoops of vanilla ice cream<br />
3 x oreo cookies<br />
100ml milk<br />
Squirty cream<br />
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<u>How you make it...</u><br />
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Add the ice cream, milk and two Oreo cookies to your Nutribullet and give it a good whizz.<br />
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Pour into a glass (we used a handled Kilner jar)<br />
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Squirt the squirty cream onto the top and split a Oreo in two for decoration<br />
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It's the perfect treat for the weekend!<br />
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Enjoy,<br />
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Nathalie x<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-2578035090078531252017-08-15T08:54:00.001-07:002017-08-15T09:59:46.691-07:00Date Night Review.... The Ivy Cobham BrasserieI am a big foodie. I'm not a fancy foodie. I like Masterchef and programmes like that but the prospect of actually visiting and eating at those restaurants leaves me feeling well quite frankly....hungry.<br />
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We don't go out to eat that often and when we do we end up frequenting the same old child friendly places, Pizza Express, Nando's, Wagamamas - all those places you know and trust but let's be honest when it's your anniversary and you want a special night out those types of restaurants don't really cut it, do they? I wanted somewhere that we wouldn't ordinarily take the children, I wanted to drink wine and eat really great wholesome food that wouldn't be presented to me in too fancy a way, oh and to add to some romance I wanted tea lights.<br />
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It was our sixth wedding anniversary, I will be honest Webbo forgot it but luckily I had secured a table of two at the HOTTEST restaurant in Surrey!<br />
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There had been rumours flying around for ages, will it open, is it true? But in June this year <a href="https://theivycobhambrasserie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ivy Cobham Brasserie</a> opened its doors up on the site of the old La Capana in my village of Cobham. With it's green exterior teamed with the gold signature lettering and mysterious stained glass at the front we knew that whatever lay behind those big double doors that it would be special.<br />
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Our table was booked for 8pm which gave me approximately twenty two minutes two get my groove together and for Webbo to order an Uber once the kids were settled. Black sheer shirt, three inch heels and some bright lippy I was ready to go OUT OUT.<br />
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We headed out and arrived shortly before 8pm with enough time spare to enjoy a glass of champagne pre dinner. The bar is a beautiful place to sit and people watch for pre dinner drinks. Now this was not my first visit to the restaurant and what I have come to observe and what I love is that if you want to dress up you won't look out of place yet if you want to don a pair of jeans and killer heels you'll feel perfectly at home too. The place just oozes cool. I've been really lucky over the years to eat at some amazing restaurants but for me the whole prospect of getting dressed up and heading up to London nowadays fills me with dread but now we have a place to go which fulfils that luxury restaurant and London feel without the trek up the A3.<br />
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We were showed to our table - and it was a goodie - probably one of the best in the restaurant to my excitement. We were seated in the extended garden room which has huge bi-fold doors overlooking the walled garden. Sitting on plump cushions on the heavy wrought iron chairs surrounded by tea lights and warm heat flowing freely gave us the feeling of sitting outside without the need for a sweater (that said they do offer diners gorgeous green blankets should the feel chilly).<br />
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The waiter was fabulous in advising us the different wines on offer and opted for a Sauvignon Blanc which we polished off over the evening.<br />
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The menu is fabulous. There is something for everyone from the fanciest palate to traditional cuisine like Shepherds Pie - which I am told is to die for! For starters we went for the smoked salmon and the Atlantic scallops on a bed of pea and broad bean puree with a side order must try salt crusted sour dough bread.<br />
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Now for mains you'll be spoilt for choice and in the end I went with the aromatic duck curry with steamed jasmine rice (it's become my favourite!) and if you love steak then you will love the Ribeye (which Webbo opted for) which was served with thick cut chips and Bearnaise sauce. When I visited with friends before a couple of my girlfriends opted for the blackened cod fillet which they all agreed was better than Nobu!<br />
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Despite feeling fit to burst being the little piglet that I am I went for the strawberry ice cream sundae and my goodness it did not disappoint! It was served in an ice cold silver sundae bowl and came with a mini jug of strawberry sauce which I wasted no time in pouring all over it whilst Webbo went for his favourite Creme Brûlée!<br />
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The Ivy Cobham Brasserie is beautiful. It has far become my favourite restaurant and I am using any excuse possible to visit time and time again. The menu is varied and there is always something new to choose from. It's the perfect venue for a relaxed breakfast to lunch with friends to an intimate dinner and there can't be that many restaurants that can tick all those boxes at once.<br />
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Have you been to The Ivy? What did you think?<br />
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Huge thanks to Richard and his team at The Ivy for our anniversary dinner and making it so special, we can't wait to dine with you again!<br />
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If you too would like to experience The Ivy experience then telephone their reservation line on 01932 901777 to book your table.<br />
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Nathalie x<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-2158553571391005932017-08-07T02:36:00.001-07:002017-08-07T02:37:36.724-07:00Our Holiday to Mark Warner LakitiraI cannot quite believe that it's August already - this summer holiday is flying past and that two weeks ago I was working from my sun drenched sun lounger in the beautiful island of Kos on our third Mark Warner holiday!<br />
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We are HUGE fans of Mark Warner and the holidays that they offer families like ours. Before having kids Tom and I would holiday in long haul sun soaked destinations with not a care in the world other than where Tom's next beer was coming from and how many cocktails I could tick off the Happy Hour menu, now however times have changed. Once we had Charlie we sought something different from a holiday. We knew we wanted sun, we knew we wanted a friendly well run resort with a travel company we could trust and also we wanted scheduled childcare run by dedicated and caring British nannies. This is when we discovered Mark Warner Holidays.<br />
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Our first holiday was at their Bodrum Sea Garden resort that they no longer operate from and last year we holidayed at their gorgeous Lemnos resort (you can find out more <a href="http://www.thissurreymummy.com/2016/07/why-we-picked-mark-warner-holiday-part.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Lemnos was a fabulous resort run by the most attentive manager ever George and his team and we had a glorious week even managing to make life long friends in fellow Instagram blogger <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thiswelshmummy/" target="_blank">This Welsh Mumm</a>y.<br />
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So in September as soon as their prices for 2017 were released we booked with This Welsh Mummy and her family. Some people thought we were crazy booking so early but when you know that a format works for you it's easy.<br />
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So after much debate over which resort to choose, there are five to chose from but this time we opted for Lakitira for two weeks - one week last year just was not enough and left us with serious holiday blues that we swore we would never get again! "Lakitira an <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #464646; font-family: inherit;">award-winning 9-court tennis centre and fantastic watersports facilities, combined with a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere, mean you can be as energetic or lazy as you like on your holiday in Greece" - this sounded like the resort for us - a little bit of </span><span style="color: #464646;">everything</span><span style="color: #464646; font-family: inherit;"> for everyone. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #464646; font-family: inherit;">For the first time we opted to fly on a Wednesday (you can fly Wednesday or Saturday to Kos) and subsequently flew Germania rather than our loved British Airways. Flight times were good and the flight smooth and trouble free and Germania were great but I will always prefer to fly BA - think it's a British thing! The coach transfer is very short, 15 minutes if that and the Mark Warner staff are their to welcome you once you come through customs and take care of all of your luggage and </span><span style="color: #464646;">aim to have it in your room within 30 minutes of arriving in resort. We were delighted to see Liam (now Tennis Manager) who we met at Lemnos last summer at the airport. The thing we loved about Mark Warner holidays of the past is that we've really got to know the staff and management and when you see a familiar face it's makes the holiday feel more like you are coming home.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;"><span style="background-color: white;">We stayed in a hotel room which had an area for the children that was separated by sliding doors which had two smaller beds which they say are suitable for children under 8 although we proved that this could be stretched to a 42 year old dad who spent most of his holiday sleeping on it when one of the children decided that they would much rather spend two weeks sleeping in the huge comfy bed instead! Things we do for our kids hey! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;"><span style="background-color: white;">Now it is worth noting that our ground floor hotel room was affected by noise in the evening due to the onsite Animation team and we did make a point of this in resort with MW and they told us that we had not been alone in our thoughts and that there would be taking it up with the hotel - the entertainment was over by 11pm but when taking sleepy children back from evening listening at 1030 our kids woke up most nights by the noise but we trust that this issue will be dealt with, it's just something worth noting if you are considering travelling there this season. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;"><span style="background-color: white;">We had children aged 2 - 6 in our party so we took advantage of Toddler, Mini and Junior club that was on offer in resort. Our childcare was free as the children were over two and Livi, the eldest in the group was moving up from Mini to Junior club and was subsequently able to go all day for free if she so wished but preferred to dip in and out of the activities on offer. Charlie and Sophie (5 & 3) were booked into Mini Club and we opted for afternoon sessions like we did for Hector in Toddler Club. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;"><span style="background-color: white;">All the childcare team are British and their boundless enthusiasm is infectious and quickly rubbed off on even the shyest of children. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;"><span style="background-color: white;">The childcare programmes are jam packed and every day the children get to experience water sports and beach based </span>activities - Charlie just loved jumping into the sea off the giant paddle board and was always counting down to his next windsurfing or sailing lesson! The evening listening is a fabulous set up. You take your children down in their pj's for 7:30 and they watch a film (Trolls, Despicable Me, Secret Life of Pets, to name a few!) and afterwards the children climb into their own designated camp beds and fall asleep where you can then pick them up at 10:30 allowing you to have a great child free dinner. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">Now, what we loved about Lemnos that we felt was lacking at Lakitira was the evening entertainment. We love a quiz, a kids disco and we love seeing the MW team present around the bar and social areas in the evening. Lakitira does lack a certain something in the evening compared to other MW resorts that we have stayed at. It is a larger resort than the ones we have stayed at and this could be the reason why they don't have evening entertainment. The Animation team do put on Pool Parties and Roof Top parties but they are predominantly attended by the Italian guests and not many MW guests. That said if you are happy to have a quiet dinner and a drink after before picking up the kids then this resort is fab, but if you have experienced MW holidays in other resorts be prepared that it's not a MW present in the evening, nevertheless this didn't dull our experience as we were holidaying with friends. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">There are three large pools for you to use the childrens pool and large pool next door as well as an adults only pool near the tennis club. We tended to stay at the main pool as this was nearest the childcare and the kids pool was perfect for Hector to toddle around safely in. If you stayed between 17-26th July we were THAT family with all the inflatables!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">We opted to stay on a Full Board basis which meant that we could dine in the main restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as the Italian Trattoria for lunch and kids tea. There was also a Greek Taverna available for breakfast and dinner at an extra cost - we didn't try this restaurant although the setting was quaint. Kids tea is served in the Italian restaurant and mainly consists of pasta, pizza and a variety of child friendly "brown food" with a selection of salads, cheeses and hams with scoop yourself ice cream which was a massive hit in our kids eyes! The food is not of the standard of Lemnos and we loved dining outside at Lemnos and the main restaurant is largely undercover with a small area of outside dining available that was always very busy. That said the food was varied and very tasty we just missed the excitement of watching a bbq outside!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">We decided that if we were to return to Lakitira again we would go Half Board as there is a fab beach bar restaurant offering light lunches for as little as 6 euros. Wine is not included in our board unlike Lemnos or Perdepera and we did notice this in our room bill so if you like wine (which we do) they do a fab local Sauvignon Blanc (9 Muses from memory) for 16 euros and this was very drinkable. Drinks are fairly cost effective, a large beer 4 euros, soft drinks 2.50 euros and the onsite gift shop sells water in packs of 6 (2L) for 1.90 euros which we would pop in our fridge in our room and bring to the pool. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">We did however opt for their optional Private Beach BBQ at 25 euros per person and this was exceptional. You were given a choice of a menu and able to choose four side dishes and three mains per person and you would then do your own BBQ on the beach - our chef stayed with us and in the end cooked it all for us which was amazing - this is a must do if you are going to Lakitira!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">Now, I cannot write this review without touching on the earthquake that occurred at 1:30am whilst we were there. Having never experienced an earthquake it was terrifying and being on the ground floor we experienced the full effects more than others. We chose to leave our rooms and evacuate our families on the advice of our Italian guest neighbours who felt that it was severe enough to warrant an evacuation and given their experience of earthquakes we quickly took up their advice. The Italian tour reps were fabulous in informing their guests on the situation and many of the Italian guests translated the advice and ensured that all the children had blankets and water. The MW management team or any of the staff were not on site during this event and we did have to make a phone call to Jono the manager to ask what we were to do. They did not come down to resort as they did not appreciate the severity of the event and the following morning admitted that this was a judgment of error. We returned to our room at 3:30am and watched Sky News to watch the aftermath of the quake evolve on the other side of the island - we had a lucky escape. We felt tremors for two nights afterwards and one even occurred when Livi was in Junior Evening Club and the way that the childcare team dealt with the situation was exceptional given that they were caring for twenty plus children. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">The childcare protection procedures are tight within MW. No child is released to anyone without a password and we even had to write a letter to give our consent to allow our friends to collect our children and vice versa. They also have an LCP - Lost Child Policy - that means that if a child goes missing that all staff are made aware and they will walk and cross over routes on the whole resort to ensure that that child is found safe and well - this is a massive plus for us as parents.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">Now onto the activities! I did.....none! Well unless you count sitting on a sun bed working on ones tan an activity in which case I was very active!! Tom and Adrian love the free watersports on offer - they went on a sailing course one afternoon which meant they were able to take little sailing boats out every afternoon. There is also offer mountain biking, wind surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking available all at no extra cost too. There were also pilates, yoga and keep fit classes too! We "played" tennis and Charlie also did their Mini LTA Course for three mornings which he loved (this was an extra cost). </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Game. Set. Match.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next Ben Ainsley?</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #464646;">There really is so much to do on a MW holiday that you'll struggle to get bored if you are an itchy can't sit down kind of person and for those of you like me who want to spend your child free mornings or afternoons doing nothing that this also ticks the boxes for you too. There is something for everyone. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">I've had many people message me on my tips if you are travelling to Lakitira this summer so here they are....</span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">- Beach towels are provided so you don't need to pack these - although I did take two small beach towels for the kids club bags. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">- Kids club require children to have a t-shirt, rash vest, cap and sun cream so remember to pack these. We packed ours in the Trunki swim bags. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY349sunmhAc8zrRdIcGZqej7OZnGjm0LMC2YiHx_zihDACZ9TMFllZbUUBfDerz9pn0NnGPwCIefvnOpL6dLoDmU42w5n0xbRVb6ZBgSGCZ_Em6YUWoaSPoClzPsOHiwrxYNEfVgBk5Y/s1600/IMG_6226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY349sunmhAc8zrRdIcGZqej7OZnGjm0LMC2YiHx_zihDACZ9TMFllZbUUBfDerz9pn0NnGPwCIefvnOpL6dLoDmU42w5n0xbRVb6ZBgSGCZ_Em6YUWoaSPoClzPsOHiwrxYNEfVgBk5Y/s640/IMG_6226.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #464646;">- Ground floor rooms will be affected by room noise so bear this in mind.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">- WiFi is fab! We downloaded lots for the kids to watch before we left the UK but with the fab WiFi watched many shows via YouTube. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">- Buy your water at the gift shop and take some small squash bottles with you (Robinson's Squash Em's are perfect travel size)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">- Do the beach BBQ!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfK-e3UzyYoFV5tM29_taYzkLjfab1Qf7YgvHI-PSR7YDt6AtI3jNXTMLSnUOvEfX6QEtpZG0XyWwcLH9JQvmQCB5Ufk1aNggxUq5AlrVZY1q9EuOYYIwhojKLyJ7EWxoRKqXI9SVOUQ/s1600/IMG_6536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfK-e3UzyYoFV5tM29_taYzkLjfab1Qf7YgvHI-PSR7YDt6AtI3jNXTMLSnUOvEfX6QEtpZG0XyWwcLH9JQvmQCB5Ufk1aNggxUq5AlrVZY1q9EuOYYIwhojKLyJ7EWxoRKqXI9SVOUQ/s640/IMG_6536.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #464646;">- Visit Kardemena for the morning - 10 euros each way in a taxi.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">- Self scoop ice cream is available at every meal but you can buy ice creams from 3 euros at the pool.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">- It is a windy resort which does keep the temperature at a very pleasant heat! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">- Attend the welcome drinks as it's a great place to meet all the team.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">- Have an afternoon drink at the Breeze Bar - our favourite afternoon spot!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3QkYSIx-29dMa6WII6Xf6YLQw-bVCMkAYaf-qmDsIr58C0PwaJbIeUMimTWVPeMfr0EUZnDu-OFKulXbYUAaZQp2G0oTAcbnNt-UPQ2996fl9EHchbaIqlkYw4vv9gNrZm1wO2OieAQ/s1600/IMG_6390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3QkYSIx-29dMa6WII6Xf6YLQw-bVCMkAYaf-qmDsIr58C0PwaJbIeUMimTWVPeMfr0EUZnDu-OFKulXbYUAaZQp2G0oTAcbnNt-UPQ2996fl9EHchbaIqlkYw4vv9gNrZm1wO2OieAQ/s640/IMG_6390.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #464646;">In summary we had an amazing time and I think that with a few tweaks that this resort could rival Lemnos (our favourite resort so far!) if there was a little more MW led evening entertainment. The kids had an awesome time and certainly came out of their comfort zone and we saw them grow as children even in the space of two weeks and we left having felt us parents too had had a relaxing holiday.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">Next year would we come back here? In honesty probably not. We will probably return to Lemnos or even Perdepera as we have always wanted to go to Sardinia and from our research is a slightly smaller resort with more on offer in the evenings. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">If you are travelling to Lakitira this summer I hope that my tips will help and I hope that you have an amazing time. If you have not yet booked your summer break then why not hop onto the Mark Warner website and take advantage of some of their amazing summer deals starting at just £679 per person!! Click <a href="https://www.markwarner.co.uk/sun-holidays/special-offers" target="_blank">here</a> for all the latest deals. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">Until next time, </span><br />
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<span style="color: #464646;">Nathalie x</span><br />
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<i>Thank you to our friends at Mark Warner who gave us a discount on our summer holiday but all my views and opinions our my own.</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-73325138194077072412017-07-20T04:31:00.000-07:002017-07-20T04:31:45.845-07:00How I'm Going To Try & Avoid Hearing "I'm Bored" This Summer Holiday...<div>
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I'm currently writing this post from the sun drenched island of Kos in Greece whilst Hector takes a nap in our hotel room and Charlie larks about at the beach with Tom. <div>
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One popular phrase we have yet to hear this week is "I'm bored" - but I can guarantee that within ten minutes of us stepping off the plane next week I will be asked "what we are doing tomorrow" and that by 10.10am the following day I will have already had the "I'm bored" trademark catchphrase so I am planning ahead!!</div>
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We don't have many memberships to places, we are not Merlin pass holders and for the first time ever Charlie has NO camps lines up following last years overdose on every camp possible and I am actually looking forward to having some time with the boys at home. Feel free to quote me on this in four weeks time when I'm hitting the gin at 3pm and encouraging iPad time but until that time I will try!</div>
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I have just updated my <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/thissurreymummy/summer-holiday-activities/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> board with loads of activities that I found on there for combating boredom in the summer holidays that include LOADS of ideas that cost pennies and often mean you can do them in the comfort of your own home. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/thissurreymummy/summer-holiday-activities/" target="_blank">here</a> for my Pinterest board</td></tr>
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I have also invested in some marbles for our NEW reward jar and some lollypop sticks for the boredom jar that I plan to make up when I get back which I will pack full of inspiration from Pinterest. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34EDyfnMoHegWE6j1wE4Hp_oPvORlNH7Bnf9DgpWXx3hpB7hRUQMr_W8rfLmVxGvtDXMg74n8WOOAsuZAZyg6cOl58UkVW9oZxGQZRW81USVxGPZTR3Idsw3LIfGVk9A9H3BEbUV6K8o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-20+at+12.48.47.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="1454" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34EDyfnMoHegWE6j1wE4Hp_oPvORlNH7Bnf9DgpWXx3hpB7hRUQMr_W8rfLmVxGvtDXMg74n8WOOAsuZAZyg6cOl58UkVW9oZxGQZRW81USVxGPZTR3Idsw3LIfGVk9A9H3BEbUV6K8o/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-07-20+at+12.48.47.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Charlie loves a bit of competition and at his school house points mean EVERTHING to him. Finish your lunch get a house point. Do great hand writing, get a house point. With this is mind I am starting our own Webb House Point System - where marbles mean prizes BUT watch because lose more than 5 marbles in a day and you're on an instant iPad ban for 24 hours. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMi2OwUPqtTG8MD_wGOsXnh3M8kfGGicZjFarDyunUThyphenhyphenjcQStsT73bN-xH4krpV0I6RcLJqv7rloZLsdl28I8nwBvH_ak86xEOC0Yff1qD7u9KehdMPuV7ADwaFkaXsGvicvUeMVSHE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-20+at+14.02.08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="769" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMi2OwUPqtTG8MD_wGOsXnh3M8kfGGicZjFarDyunUThyphenhyphenjcQStsT73bN-xH4krpV0I6RcLJqv7rloZLsdl28I8nwBvH_ak86xEOC0Yff1qD7u9KehdMPuV7ADwaFkaXsGvicvUeMVSHE/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-07-20+at+14.02.08.png" width="450" /></a></div>
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I am also lucky that this September Charlie's class is being mixed up so this summer gives us a great opportunity to arrange playdates with our outgoing class as well as our incoming class. </div>
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Being a HUGE baker this summer is the summer that I will bake more with the kids - Charlie especially. Over on my Pinterest board I have also included some easy kids baking recipes to inspire you! </div>
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How will you be keeping your little people amused this summer - would love to know as I am always on the look out for inspiration!</div>
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Nathalie x</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-65935831431641871502017-07-02T12:52:00.001-07:002017-07-02T12:52:21.173-07:00Preparing For Our Summer Holiday...Now that I have broken up for the summer holidays I really feel I am able to start preparing for our upcoming family holiday to Kos, Greece.<br />
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I always in the months running up to going away start to buy and stash things that I see when I see them - I always think that this avoids disappointment - nothing like the regret one feels when you hesitate on buying something only to return two weeks later and your size is no longer available.<br />
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This year, like years gone by, we will be travelling to Kos with Mark Warner to stay at their <a href="https://www.markwarner.co.uk/sun-holidays/greece/lakitira" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lakatira Resort</a>. Having done many a Mark Warner holiday in the past we know the drill on what we need to bring with us clothes wise and what we don't need to bring - having said that I am always that one chewing their nails at check in as I wait to see if I will be charged extra for our baggage!<br />
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Holiday musts for us always include the usual swimming costumes, UV outfits, flip flops, t-shirts, sun cream, sun hats, headphones and calpol - lots of it!<br />
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I thought I would share with you a few of the bits that'll be being packed in our suitcase this summer!<br />
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As I am getting older I am trying to make a conscious effort to keep my face protected. This summer I've opted to give Eucerin SPF 50 face range a go. I tend to gain a more sensitive complexion when I'm in the sun so hoping this will do the trick.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun hat from Sunshine and Shade from £60 - sunshineandshade.uk@gmail.com<br />Eurcerin SPF 50 from £16.00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I adore Boden and when I saw this little nautical number I just had to get matching ones for the boys. I am just a sucker when it comes to navy and white stripes!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clarks Pirhana - £20.00 available <a href="https://www.clarks.co.uk/c/Piranha-Boy-Fst/p/26116020" target="_blank">here</a><br />Boden Swim Trunks - from £4.80 as currently in the sale <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/boys-swimwear/swim-shorts/26085-nav/boys-beacon-and-ivory-stripe-swim-trunks" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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I love these Pirhana sandals from Clarks. Not only are the fab for boys with wide fitting feet but they are water resistant so perfect for the beach and super light weight so making them easy to pack!</div>
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As you can see my boys will be matching a lot this summer!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clarks Piranha shoes from £20 <a href="https://www.clarks.co.uk/c/Piranha-Boy-Fst/p/26116020" target="_blank">here</a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Toned down neons are most definitely in for this summer in the boys ranges from High Street stores to higher end High Street stores. I love these swim shorts from TU by Sainsbury's when teamed with this super soft cotton polo from Joules.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top - Joules<br />Shorts - TU by Sainsburys<br />Hat - TU by Sainsburys<br />Sandals - Piranha's from Clarks<br />Eucerin Sensitive Suncream from £19.50<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">My boys just seem to work a vest and shorts very well so I am loving the below combination and was chuffed when Hector's Godmother picked him up his very first pair of Tom's shoes - this will be a perfect look for dinner in town!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vest - H&M<br />Shorts - TU by Sainsburys<br />Shoes - TOMS available at Office<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I just love love love these water resistant paddle bags from Trunki. These are perfect for the Mark Warner kids club as they are big enough for spare clothes, nappies (in Hector's case), sun cream, shades, hat and even a small towel. We had the orange fish last year and this year Hector got the yellow fish for his birthday. Priced from just £19.99 they are the perfect poolside bag for your kids!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trunki Paddle bags from £19.99 available <a href="https://www.trunki.co.uk/collections/swimming-bags" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a><br />Swim rings and water bombs from Home Bargains<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm heading in to Kingston to pick up a few more holiday essentials this week so if I find anything fab I will be sure to share it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Nathalie x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-31372279437613220382017-06-03T00:16:00.001-07:002017-06-03T00:20:59.379-07:00This Surrey Mummy Travels To Butlins...<br />
Back in a rather dreary January afternoon my email inbox was brightened up significantly by the offer of four days away in May half term at the seaside. I love a British seaside. Rock, fish and chips, cheap arcade style machines and of course ice cream - who doesn't?<br />
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Butlins - the ultimate seaside British family break. Butlins was born eighty one years ago when a certain Billy Butlin (I know what a name!) changed the face of British holidays. He wanted to make British seaside breaks accessible to all. He wanted to create a <i>"place of colour and happiness" </i>where quality activities and entertainment went hand in hand so that families could really enjoy their time together.<br />
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Mr Butlin not only pioneered a whole new way for British families to enjoy a seaside break but he was breaking boundaries in customer service which is still very apparent today. Families continue to be looked after and cared for and he set the standard for excellent customer service. </div>
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We arrived at Butlins Minehead with four children under six and four adults in tow all ready for some good old fashioned family fun. We were lucky enough to be staying in the recently renovated Lakeside Villas which are situated towards the back of the complex. The Lakeview Chalets have their own designated check in and separate parking area. Scooters and board games are available to guests here at no extra charge as well as maid service and free wifi.<br />
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Our chalet (no. 9) has two large bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with two singles, well appointed and on trend bathroom, a large open plan kitchen living dining room and double doors out onto the large terrace area which over looked the lake. To be honest I think the description of lake is a little, how do I put this, optimistic, I would say large pond, but nevertheless the trickling of water was a pleasant feature. </div>
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We were booked in on the Premium Dining Option which includes breakfast and dinner. For lunches we opted for Ludos (Italian) and the brand newly opened Fish and Chip shop. Now it is worthwhile noting here that the restaurant food is exceptional. The pizza and fish and chips were some of the best we have had an very reasonably priced. The buffet dining for breakfast and dinner was a little bit hit and miss but given they have to cater for such a large number of guests we were happy to let this slide to a certain extent. Breakfast is definitely a highlight. Huge options of choice for families and even our fussiest little peoples palate was catered for. Dinner we were not so massively sold on but having said that each went home each night with full bellies.<br />
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What does stand out is the entertainment and the Red Coats in particular. The Skyline Pavilion is the centre area where a lot of the entertainment is displayed. Our kids loved this area and spent many an hour watching The Skyline Gang, Mr Men and The Teletubbies perform and even got to touch a Baby T-Rex! We were able to sit and enjoy these shows too as we lounged on deck chairs sipping some afternoon beverages all of which were very reasonably priced.<br />
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The resort as a whole is immaculately clean and our chalets cleanliness you could not fault. The one thing that I felt let the complex down was that there were clearly areas where they had spent a lot of money, the chalets, the Skyline Pavilion but then there were other areas which I felt needed a lot of investment. On one of the days we hired these great four people Dino cars which you can pedal around the complex on. Not being on foot and being able to cover more distance we saw areas of the complex that we would not have ordinarily seen. There are some very run down parts of the complex but could not comment on the state of the interior. That said the amount of time that we were actually in the chalet was not a long time so if you are looking for exceptional value for money than these types of accommodation certainly offer that.<br />
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The Splash Pool is great with a huge amount of changing rooms and even when the whole world and their wife turned up at 10am opening time it didn't feel over crowded. I was a little disappointed that this as well as a number of other attractions closed between 4pm and 5pm, we were quite looking forward to a pre dinner swim. </div>
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The kids this week have definitely broken out of their comfort zones and I put this down to the fact that they felt very safe at Butlins. There were happy faces all around us. People were laughing and joking and I don't think that I have laughed that much in a long time than when we were hurtling around the complex on our dinos! The kids tried rock climbing on the climbing wall, rolled down grass verges, ran freely laughing and squealing and whilst like all kids they had their moments they genuinely seemed relaxed and happy which lets be honest if they are happy it makes you break much easier!</div>
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Now, if like me you have been to the likes of Center Parcs and Bluestone it would be foolish to let you think that this break is anything like that. It's not and if you go with expectations that it will be I am sorry but you'll be let down. It's very different. Firstly only a handful of activities will see you putting your had in your pocket which is great as it really means that if you are on a tight budget you'll be able to gauge just how much your break will cost you. This really is what I would describe as a good old fashioned family break - no frills and no bells and whistles. Whilst the chalet accommodation is spot on from the exterior the other accommodation is not so up to scratch which will be reflected in the price. Unlike Center Parcs these breaks are smack back on the sea front so forget all the green leafy walks and bike rides. There are people everywhere. Entertainment going on everywhere which we thought was fab as it meant we rarely if anytime had bored kids on our hands. </div>
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The Billy Butlin Fairground is just brill. Our kids could go from ride to ride as many times as they wished without us ever having to dip our hand in our purse, this is a real perk. The rides are by no means like Thorpe Park or Chessington but they are old fashioned traditional fairground rides which provide you with the very same squeal of pleasure and excitement.<br />
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We had a great time at Butlins and are grateful for our friends there for having us stay the week there. </div>
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I think that as they continue to renovate large sections of the complex the whole place will have a new feel about it, but if you are looking for a Centre Parcs style holiday this isn't it, BUT if you are looking for a great value British family seaside break I think you'll be hard pressed to beat a Butlins break. </div>
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If you fancy checking out a Butlins break for you and your family why not visit <a href="http://www.butlins.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www. butlins.com</a></div>
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Nathalie x</div>
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<i>Disclaimer - This is a sponsored post with Butlins who gifted our accommodation and meal plans but the views above are entirely of This Surrey Mummy. </i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-1345936807892229362017-06-01T11:01:00.000-07:002017-06-01T11:01:01.924-07:00Jazzing Up Lunch With Crosta & Mollica...I don't know about you but I am never terribly creative when it comes to lunchtime meals. Both my kids are catered for Monday - Friday and given I am not a massive weekend lunch eater lunch normally falls by the wayside so when our friends at Crosta & Mollica, the Italian baked goods company got in touch saying that they had a sure fire way of jazzing up our lunchtimes I was all ears. Now I love so many of their products, my favourite being their fig jam which is just like the one they serve at Carluccios!<br />
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Lunch on a Saturday usually consists of a sandwich with some pretty standard fillings, ham, cheese, you know the usual, my kids are not very wild when it comes to sandwich fillings but this weekend we tried Crosta & Mollica's new 'Piada' range.<br />
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Now "whats a piada" I hear you call. Well a piada is an Italian style flatbread made with extra virgin olive oil, upon first appearance one would mistake it for a tortilla style wrap but a piada (Italian style sandwich) is in fact folded and not rolled.<br />
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Charlie naturally opted for the white classic piada whilst I delved my toe with a wholemeal number. They look very much like a wrap but the texture is flakier and definitely thicker and richer and when warm is actually quite tricky to roll (old habits die hard!) but folded a treat! In order to make them extra yummy you warm them in a dry frying pan for 30 seconds or so each side. </div>
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Charlie was feeling a little more adventurous and went with a chicken goujon and garlic mayo piada whilst I pushed the boat out and went for fried halloumi and sweet chilli.<br />
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Now the piadas itself have a distinct olive oil taste but it's pleasant and not too over powering. The challenge that Charlie found was eating it like a sandwich but rather preferred to pick the chicken out and eat the heated piada separately - so not the way I know!<br />
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We really liked the piadas and would definitely buy them again, they were also especially nice on their own, toasted and dipped in humous!<br />
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If you fancy trying a piada for yourself you can buy the Crosta & Mollica ones from Waitrose, Ocado, Tesco and Morrisons.<br />
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Thanks to our friends at Crosta & Mollica for jazzing up our weekend lunch!<br />
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Nathalie x<br />
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<i>Disclaimer - This is a sponsored post with Crosta & Mollica to promote their Piada range - all views are This Surrey Mummy's alone.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-80701260109726132017-05-14T14:15:00.002-07:002017-05-14T14:20:59.083-07:00When Your Baby Is Born Deaf.... National Deaf Awareness Week 15th May - 21st May<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week marks UK <a href="https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/daw.aspx" target="_blank">National Deaf Awareness Week</a>.</div>
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Did you know that 1 in 6 people in the UK are affected by deafness or partial hearing loss? My Charlie was one of those 6. Bet you didn't know that. My Charlie the little boy who goes to a regular school who sounds "normal" - which he is, now was deaf. We've come a long way...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With his first hearing aid</td></tr>
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Charlie was diagnosed as being deaf at his newborn hearing screening test that was conducted in the hospital, in fact he was tested twice before we were allowed to be discharged. Charlie registered "below average" on the newborn screening test. Our little boy was clinically deaf. We were devastated. I was more so than Tom and that was unusual given I am the optimist in our relationship. My beautiful baby was deaf. I will be honest, all images flew threw my mind, some not so nice ones either. Would he be the kid that couldn't speak properly? Would he have that distinct "deaf" tone to his voice?<br />
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We were under the care of St. Hellier and Epsom audiology department and as the weeks following Charlie's birth followed barely a couple of weeks went by when we weren't trotting off to the hospital for more tests. I recall one test taking over two hours where he had to have his head covered in probes to distinguish just how deaf he really was. My mum had to hold him for me and I think her heart broke a little bit that day for him too.<br />
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Over the years he underwent numerous procedures, wore elastic band hearing aids (which FYI are totally shit in their design as you try keeping one of those on a toddler who is determined to rip it out - in the end I lost count of how many replacements we had from the audiology clinic!) four operations including three sets of grommets, removal from adenoids and tonsils and a discovery of a bifid uvula and a small hole in his upper palate. Charlie was a boy that just had issues in the ear nose and throat department. He was pumped with antibiotic after antibiotic as for the first two years of his life barely a month went by when we weren't on them for infection after infection, so much so that on one occasion he was admitted to the Royal Surrey for four days following a severe reaction to his body rejecting the antibiotic.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After his first operation<br />
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But I am happy to say that five years on my happy healthy boy has what is considered "normal levels of hearing". Four words we never thought we would hear following his original diagnosis. He attends a regular school and with the help of the schools special educational needs department he is helped weekly in his reading and speech. His reading and maths are where they should be for his age and yes we have to ensure that he is placed at the front of his class, that his teachers know of his hearing history occasionally he's been known to sit outside of birthday parties because "it's just too loud Mummy" - don't get me wrong that breaks my heart still when I think of it but he's come so far since birth that we must be eternally grateful for how he is today.<br />
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In promoting awareness for National Deaf Awareness Week I am pleased to share with you my friend Jennifer's story on her beautiful little Daisy and her family's journey through hearing loss.....<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;">"I have only properly articulated this in any depth to a few close friends and family members. But I often experience low ebbs and feelings of anxiety around both my children who are both deaf. My son is mildly deaf and my daughter is moderately. Now seems an apt time to speak out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me introduce Daisy, my four and half year old, sparky, chirpy, endearing little girl. She amazes me every single day. She is perfect. She loves a tantrum from time to time, like any other child. She insists to wear shorts when it’s freezing outside. She continuously raids my make-up bag and experiments with my lipsticks and eye shadows in a rather questionable way. She is loving and caring. She is ‘normal’. Part of her ‘normal’ is being is moderately deaf and this is part of our family life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In contrast to my six year old son, Harry whose hearing loss was identified at five years old. We were very lucky as Daisy’s hearing issues was flagged as part of the new born screening test carried out on babies at 10 days old. Prior to these tests, I had just assumed that all the checks would come back as ‘normal’ but when Daisy’s hearing was screened there was no response from her left ear. Looking back, it was at that single point in time, when I heard this result where our journey into hearing loss started. I remember it vividly, looking down at my brand new baby in my arms, tears falling from my eyes bouncing off her forehead. I was scared and anxious about the extent of her loss, whether it would progress and importantly what this would mean for her in reality as she travels through her life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These feelings have never disappeared, sometimes I am just better at containing it but there have been distinct moments where my knees have buckled and I’m right back in ‘that’ place, concerned for her future and knowing I have such a vital role in making it right for her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the course of Daisy’s few months of life she had several tests to establish the extent of her deafness. When she was eight weeks old Daisy was diagnosed with unilateral sensorineural mild hearing loss. We were told that this was permanent but as long as she didn’t get ‘glue ear’ in her good side, she would hear adequately to progress in a ‘normal’ way. I came away from the test feeling mainly relieved. I felt that if this was all we had to worry about then we’ll take it. Importantly, we knew the situation right from her start in life and had a basic level of understanding about what her world might be like. From that point, our mission was to be aware of her needs but to normalise this for her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In her first year, we had numerous trips to the audiology department. At this point her audiologist detected glue ear in her ‘good’ ear which wasn’t the best news given her loss in the other side. I remember distinctly the day I was given a bone conducting hearing aid for her to wear. The aid was fitted within a red towelling headband. I left the consultation with those feelings again, concerned about how the world would view her. With our mission to normalise her deafness, my husband ordered three other red headbands for us to wear so she didn’t feel different at home (although she was probably too young ever notice) and so our son could see no difference, if he did at all at only two years old. But it was our way of being proactive and just doing something to help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When Daisy was about 18 months, we noticed that she hadn’t attempted to say a sound. She was completely mute. She would watch our mouths move as we spoke to her but no sound came from her. I contacted a Makaton advisor who visited us at home and he taught the whole family to sign including Harry, who was only 3 at the time, he picked it up better than all of us put together as it is such a powerful (and beautiful) way of communicating. Daisy started to use basic signs for water, sleep, sausages (was always a favourite) almost immediately and gradually with modelling the spoken language in combination of the signs she began to speak. It was amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As time went on she received speech and language therapy who gave us invaluable strategies to support Daisy. Her Teacher of the Deaf (TOD) assessed her continuously and as Daisy grew, she responded to more sophisticated testing at audiology appointments. When Daisy was three years old, we went along to her routine consultation. There was good news, the glue had gone in her right hand side. I remember the relief but it was short lived. The hearing test that followed showed that she also had permeant hearing loss in her ‘good’ side too. Her audiologist confirmed that she had bilateral moderate sensorineural loss. She told me to imagine being in a swimming pool, under water and trying to hear. This is what Daisy’s world is like for her. She was measured and fitted with behind the ear hearing aids. Since using them her speech has come on tremendously and they have opened her world up. But now she is at school another set of variables strike us as a challenge as the ramifications of her hearing loss become apparent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Daisy is entitled and it is appropriate for her to be educated in mainstream school. Daisy isn’t ‘deaf enough’ to go to a school for the deaf to access the support and education, but the resources in mainstream schools aren’t enough to acknowledge her individual needs so she doesn’t have to work quite so hard. So she is encapsulated in a hearing world when her reality is very different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She started reception class in September. On the surface Daisy is doing really well at school. Her reading and writing is ‘age appropriate’ (the ‘norm’ she is benchmarked against at this stage), a label that is working against her already, as dig a little deeper, it’s not quite as simple as this. Now, two terms into school life, there some further issues have come to the fore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whilst the aid technology is extremely effective in some circumstances, they amplify all surrounding noise as well as the sounds she needs to hear. This is hard for her (or anyone) to manage. She has fatigue from concentrating in class all day long which is a constant challenge for her every day at school or indeed in any busy environment and she manages this amazingly. Her classroom teachers and teaching assistants are very willing to help support Daisy but they are limited and there are 29 other pupils in the class to rightly, support and develop at the same time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The implications of being a deaf child in school also manifests in other forms. Anyone who knows Daisy will observe that she is an incredibly social girl, she forms strong bonds with particularly adults and older children. They can help her with the clues she is searching for and make things clearer for her but outside of these relationships it is difficult for her. As a result she has anxiety going into school. She particularly struggles with developing friendships with her peers and gravitates towards the older girls in the playground rather than feel she can play with the children her age. The stories Daisy has recounted to me range from not being included in games in the playground to being told she is hated by her peers. I take this with a pinch of salt to some extent as there is always context to consider and luckily at her age the majority of this, I think, washes over her head to some degree. But this won’t always be the case.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On hearing her playground experiences I had to act and re-state my concerns at school as any parent would. I needed to empower myself with the right information to guide the discussions to ensure Daisy is properly supported and has the ability to access the education she is entitled to. I lifted the phone and spoke to the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), our case was referred to a Children and Family Support Officer (CFSO) who contacted me and advised me on several aspects to explore at home and importantly at school. The CFSO gave me a huge amount of information about Daisy’s rights which has enabled me to have meaningful discussions with the Special Needs Co-ordinator at school. I was also told about a charity that may help. One Friday morning recently I called them. I spoke to the founder of the charity, who had set up Chloe and Sophie’s Special Ear Fund (CSSEF), as a result of both of her children being deaf with an aim to support them in mainstream school. She understood and </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">could relate everything I had experienced and offered her hand to help me. Throughout my conversation with her I realised I have spent so much time ‘normalising’ Daisy’s hearing loss in our family life that so much so I have overlooked the strategy I needed to pursue in conversations about her needs at school. I realised I have almost ‘downplayed’ her situation, when in fact this approach has led to things going unnoticed. Deafness is an invisible disability. The only way to close the gap between her hearing loss and hearing is to speak out and raise awareness around being deaf, what it’s like, and how it affects both social and emotional wellbeing as well as educational development.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hear frequently from people, friends and even family members that hearing loss doesn’t have the same stigma as it used to. I agree to an extent but if it were true, then deaf awareness would be embedded into at mainstream school, as well as other complex needs that children deal with. The impact this is having on Daisy socially could be quite fundamental as she travels through school and becomes more self-aware. This is my biggest fear for her, but maybe this could change if more proactive and inclusive dialogues can be encouraged with everyone within the school environment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For now, this piece is aimed at anyone that is experiencing anything similar to me, who is feeling isolated and not sure of the questions to ask and whom to aim them at. I was in that space for a long time. I realise now that whilst there is a willingness to help support Daisy in school from the teachers, they are inhibited by a lack of funding which means support is inconsistent. The wider issue stems from our government continuing to fundamentally restrict our public sector with such limited resources it is near on impossible for practitioners to be empowered do their job on the ground. This is making our future generation vulnerable. I heard last week that the county I live in will be cutting resources that support deaf children in mainstream schools again. As with many parents with children with additional needs, it becomes their personal fight to ensure the support is provided. This is my mission now. The difference for me reflecting on these past few months, is that I have somewhere to turn to help me be the voice for both my children, especially Daisy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you NDCS, CCSEF, our audiology department, our Makaton teacher, the kids TOD, their teachers in school, my friends, my family who all help in many ways to support Harry and Daisy. But, thanks importantly goes to my children who have opened my world up and taught me so much – the hearing world and the deaf world are both amazing places but they must meet more effectively to enhance each other and support the individuals within them. This starts in early childhood in school."</span></div>
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Thank you to Jennifer for sharing Daisy's story. </div>
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We must do all we can to break the stigma surrounding deafness. If you'd like to find out more information on deafness please visit <a href="https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/get-involved.aspx">https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/get-involved.aspx</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-55918062048562453512017-05-08T14:17:00.000-07:002017-05-08T14:17:34.570-07:00My Baby Is Turning Two And I'm Feeling Blue...I cannot believe that Hector turns two next week. TWO. Where did those two years go?<br />
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I can't help but think back to when Charlie turned two. This was quite a crucial few months really. We knew that we wanted to have another child and I would like ideally a three year age gap so within the next three-six months after he turned two I would have wanted to get pregnant.<br />
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It's weird but as my littlest gets older the realisation that I am not going to get pregnant again or indeed have another baby is starting to setting in and I will be honest it's left me feeling a little blue. I know that it's utterly ridiculous to feel like this but I just cannot help it.<br />
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Hector is getting so big now and he's becoming such a strong and independent little person that with every day he grows my littlest baby slips away into a blur of toddler and soon preschooler haze. He's started to climb out of his cot now and can negotiate the drop without hurt and I know that with Charlie that as soon as he started doing that the sides were whipped off and his cot was transformed to a cot bed but I am just not ready to do that with Hector. It's pathetic but I am clinging onto every single second of "baby time" that I can. I am sure that I am not alone in my thoughts.<br />
<br />
But the question I ask is how do I move on from these feelings and embrace the changing little boy that stands in front of me?<br />
<br />
The feeling that I am not going to need that cot for much longer and that for every new stage of clothes he goes into the feeling that I am losing my baby (albeit gaining a very independent toddler) sinks a little deeper. The feeling that there will never be another newborn baby being added to our little family. The feeling that with each day that goes on his independence grows and his need to have me do things for him slips away. Do you know where I am coming from?<br />
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But, then I think about it and I force my self to snap out of the wallow of pathetic self pity that I occasionally find myself wallowing in and take a jolly good look at the bigger picture, and one half of that bigger picture is tugging at my jeans asking for a "cuggle".<br />
<br />
I am bloody lucky. I have two incredibly healthy boys who's love and adoration for each other is deeper than Tom or I will ever know. Two boys who are both so very similar yet hold such strong different personalities but who's smiles never fail to brighten my day.<br />
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But now to my birthday boy. He is such a sweet little thing, sure he has his moments but who's kids don't? His gappy teethed smile and round moon face with his Dumb and Dumber hair cut melts my heart daily and I know that I am easier on him than I am with Charlie - I don't mean to be but I just am.<br />
<br />
He is fiercely independent. He has never liked being fed, hates being told what to do and he never gives up trying. Like a true Taurus he shows his emotions through actions and loves a "cuggle" and loves to be the centre of attention always joking about and making us laugh.<br />
<br />
He is an amazing sleeper - sleeping through from 5 weeks old and continuing to get his 12 hours straight per night. This has certainly made parenting second time around a hell of a lot easier. He is an easy child.<br />
<br />
But two years old!! That has gone too quickly and I wish time would just slow down a bit. But, like my mum always says to my brother and I, "You might be growing up but you'll always be Mummy's baby...".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkzd1DYkKLzaFtU9jwJmjlUkzUvrmH4YwplAE_ZdnfuEeBtrIIThHZ6CVdO06SYJ06dxF9DpbRqn2UIQNODsZMe37Id3Qi3NsV2iTmbtfCQJKDkAU6td-v6ONVQDfqGW4Ts1k-7gBv5Y/s1600/My+baby+is+turning+two%2521-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkzd1DYkKLzaFtU9jwJmjlUkzUvrmH4YwplAE_ZdnfuEeBtrIIThHZ6CVdO06SYJ06dxF9DpbRqn2UIQNODsZMe37Id3Qi3NsV2iTmbtfCQJKDkAU6td-v6ONVQDfqGW4Ts1k-7gBv5Y/s640/My+baby+is+turning+two%2521-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, I shall not dwell any longer but I shall however look forward to the wonderful weekend of birthday celebrations that we have in store.<br />
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So, just how are we celebrating the little dudes birthday? Well, his lovely childminders Geraldine and Tony are throwing a party for us in the form of his favourite playgroup. He loves it there so seemed the perfect place for a party for twenty odd crazy toddlers followed by a bbq for our family and I can't wait! We've got him a Little Tikes climbing frame and also one of their super cute Dinosaur Crazy Coupes and he's also having a two tier Peppa Pig cake!<br />
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I will post a post party update after the big day.<br />
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But in the meantime Happy Birthday Hectie.<br />
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Love Mummy x <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-17373072952553906302017-05-01T13:45:00.000-07:002017-05-01T13:45:00.332-07:00It's All About The Pert Boobs & Ripped Jeans...This weekend we had friends over to stay so we splashed out, got a babysitter and we went OUT OUT.<br />
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I remember the days when OUT OUT meant hours spent dolling ourselves up, spending days debating what to wear, wondering who was gonna be out and weighing up curling up my hair or straightening it whilst glugging down a large glass of vino knowing that it did not matter if I had a winner of a hangover because tomorrow I could lie in, drink coke and eat pickled onion Monster Munch and watch Friends on dvd. Those were the days.<br />
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Nowadays, going OUT OUT has been watered down to going out without a handbag (wooo hoo!!).<br />
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As I have got older I am pleased to say that my drinks choice has improved some what. In my teens I was a Smirnoff Ice kind of girl, my early twenties hit and I discovered Pinot Grigio (thanks mum!) and Jagerbombs (why an earth anyone would invent such a ghastly drink is beyond me) and then as my late twenties early thirties my drinks choice blossomed to Sauvignon Blanc (always New Zealand) and more recently craft gin (Silent Pool to be exact).<br />
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Now, answer me this. Given the truly hideous hangovers that I have had in my earlier years you'd have thought that at 33 I would have learnt my lesson. I have children. I am a responsible adult. Well I haven't. It's 2:15pm in the afternoon and I find myself sitting here in a gin infused pit with luckily no headache but that awful that I wish I could just chuck up my guts and sleep forever kind of vibe about me. How attractive. I bet Missy from that table in the corner is still in bed lucky cow.<br />
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As I boogied the night away to 80's and 90's classics and sang my heart out sounding incredible in my mind, my thoughts turn to those early twenty girls with their pert boobs and ripped jeans dancing on the table. That used to be me once, well minus the pert boobs and ripped jeans, ok yes just the dancing on the table.<br />
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Life has changed so much. For the first time last night I really felt like a grown up and most definitely a mum.<br />
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There were loads of pretty young things in their midriff bearing hipster tops and trendy five inch heels and there was me looking at them thinking "she'll get a kidney infection in that top and a chill that'll take days to get over" and "I hope she doesn't crook her ankle". WTF has happened to me. Surely having children hasn't turned me to this sensible risk assessing fun sponge.<br />
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My twenties was such fun. No responsibilities. I only had to answer to myself (oh and my boss) and I only had to think about my own social commitments and my mum still did my washing. Nowadays, I am co-ordinating four peoples social diaries, I do enough washing that I would fit right in at a Chinese laundrette and have cooked enough meals for fussy eaters to give Gordon Ramsay a run for his money and my signature "in" look is normally a top with some sort of bodily fluid wiped on the sleeve, a ropey old set of pyjamas that I cannot bear to part with as they are so comfy and my trademark "mum bun".<br />
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But.....would I trade it all in to go back and live my twenties all over again. NOT FOR A SINGLE SECOND.<br />
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Whilst parenting is bloody hard work, relentless and most definitely underpaid there is not enough money in the world for me to swap places with one of those pert boobed, ripped jeans dancing on the table girls. Nope. Well maybe the pert boobed bit.<br />
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Being in your early 20's in 2017 must be hard work. Firstly there is the image. They all look like clones. Skinny. Booby. Hair either poker straight or volume that Tina Turner would be envious of. Make up - what happened to a bit of No 7. lip gloss and some bronzer now it's all about contouring ala Kim Kardashian, sky high heels with jeans and trainers with skirts (errrr what?) and THE pout which needs to further explanation. One thing that I am in trend with is that everyone wants a bum and I have enough bum for two people that I don't want - how ironic.<br />
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Now I in my thirties am embracing the social media explosion. I love Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc and I know that it might seem that I live my whole life on social media but given it provides me with an income albeit small I do give the impression that I am always on my phone but I am up to date with my bills, my kids are fed and I hold down a full time job. But being in your twenties nowadays the pressure of social media must be hideous. The pressure to look great the whole time and to be seen at the right places and with the right crowd must be so much more intense than in my twenties when we used to congregate at our local pub chatting with mates or having a big night out meant we went to Oceana and tried to blag free entry with a Matt Damon cut out (that's another story). Or was it the same back then and have I just lost touch?<br />
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I also felt old yesterday as I danced. The only modern song I knew was Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran that I insist was played twice despite resistance from the dj. I have officially turned into one of those people that dances like a mum. Tell me how is it possible to dance cool to Pharell's "Happy"? I thought I looked so cool, I really fitted in, well that was until I saw a few glances from Missy Pert Boobs with that "wtf does she look like" face. My feet were going back and forth and my signature dance move appears nowadays to be imitating washing windows, not cool at all apparently. Weep.<br />
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But do you know what? I will happily take my simple little life with my snot nuggets, overflowing washing basket and my Saturday nights in falling asleep in front of the tv with a cup of tea every single day over a life of a 20 something in 2017.<br />
<br />
To all you 20 something girls enjoy it. Enjoy every single second. Enjoy the hangovers because they will get worse and you will feel on the brink of death. Enjoy the disposable income blown on Jagerbombs and fags because that disposable income will soon go on even cooler gas and electric. Enjoy your pert boobs as they will one day go south right under your nose. Enjoy your thick lustrous hair as that will soon be sprinkled with bastard grey hairs that when you pull one two more of the little buggers come back to haunt you. Enjoy your Netflix hungover box sets because one day you'll only dream of starting a box set let alone finishing one. Oh, and enjoy your trips to Topshop and Miss Selfridge (errr does that even still exist?!?) as those shopping trips will be replaced with trips to Tesco and Waitrose.<br />
<br />
Wild I know. But do you know what enjoy your days girls now as before you know it they will be gone,<br />
and gone quicker than a 20 pack of Marlborough Lights and then you'll think of me as you judge those new 20 somethings and hopefully see where I am coming from.<br />
<br />
Nathalie x<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-88523421633917522132017-04-24T12:37:00.001-07:002017-04-24T12:37:27.093-07:00Webbo Does The Virgin Money London Marathon...<div class="MsoNormal">
If you follow me on Instagram then you may well have followed our story from Sunday as we made our way around the streets of London because yesterday Webbo participated in the Virgin Money London
Marathon.<br />
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The London Marathon is an amazing event. In fact it’s the only race in the
world where a plumber, a teacher, a street cleaner, in fact any old Joe Bloggs
can apply to run in the same race with professional runners who's employment is
to train specifically for THAT race whereas everyone else fits their training
in around the normal goings on of their daily lives.<o:p></o:p><br />
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This year was the first time I ever had been a spectator for
this event. I ran the marathon back in 2009 and what I remember fondly was all
the random people shouting my name and spurring me on, handing me sweets and
clapping, furiously clapping, as I passed each mile marker. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We ventured up to London early Sunday morning and headed
over to Deptford, my Dad’s old stomping ground where we met up with my couisns
or who would also be renamed “Webbo’s Team”. From here we followed him around the course soaking up the atmosphere of the day as we went along.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The marathon for a spectator as for all involved is an incredibly emotional day. Not only are you waiting at your mile markers for a glimpse of
your loved one among the 50,000 runners, but you are also watching all these different people from
different walks of like running their socks off for a cause that means so much
to them and you can't help but get caught up in the emotion of it all. <o:p></o:p><br />
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London looked amazing. London is most definitely open for
business. The streets were lined with sellers selling ice creams to wraps and
the pubs were bursting at the seams! Street music played wherever you walked
and the positive vibes of the day filled the streets. London really knows how to put on a party.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We had an amazing day supporting Webbo in his efforts for The
Princess Alice Hospice and I would seriously urge you that next year, if you
know ANYONE running to go up and support. It’s a great fun family day out and I
can tell you, that as an ex marathon
runner, just supporting the people as they run, shouting their names, giving
them a high five and encouraging to “just keep going”, just how much that means
to them. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Webbo was running for <a href="https://www.pah.org.uk/" target="_blank">The Princess Alice Hospice</a> in memory of
his dad, Bill Webb, who passed away there in June 2015. The hospice is an
amazing place that apart from a little relief from the NHS relies purely on
donations. <o:p></o:p><br />
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If you would like to sponsor Webbo you can still do so at
<a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RunningForDad">uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RunningForDad</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Nathalie x<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-39016939218652079132017-04-20T09:47:00.001-07:002017-04-20T09:47:39.545-07:00Wardrobe Overhaul with You Need A VickyI'm a pretty organised and tidyish kind of person. I think I've got my s**t together most of the time and not a lot tends to phase me, but there is one thing that down to a fault only of my own that can send me over the edge each time that I open it and that is my wardrobe.<br />
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Imagine taking the time to wash, fold, ironing all your clothes, then basically balling them up in a ball and shoving them into a creasy hell. Well, welcome to my wardrobe!!!!!<br />
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My wardobe has got so bad that I literally rotated between three or four tops and that was it. I had lovely new clothes but they were hidden away amongst old maternity wear, clothes I would never wear again, clothes that made me feel fat, clothes that made me look fat, clothes that I was too fat for, too thin for (yes there were a few!!) and it had gotten so out of control that I had a serious case of CBA (can't be arsed) when I thought about sorting it out. So it got neglected and it got worse to the point in which I needed help.<br />
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I came across trawling Instagram an account belonging to Vicky Silverthorn from <a href="https://www.youneedavicky.com/" target="_blank">You Need A Vicky</a> who offers a Decluttering and Professional Organiser service. She's worked with many celebs and even appeared on ITV's This Morning. This is what I needed. I saw that she had written a <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Start-Your-Sock-Drawer-Cluttered/dp/0751566071" target="_blank">book</a> called "Start With Your Sock Drawer" that I immediately downloaded and began to start reading. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MutOboaEdAW05MsJmvlfb5HJf-NBKiW7OXZ2AaqgjGobDPfgE0t9maLPtpthXyXXz-2GPYMvO605TB-zgSdEvd1t9bmEWq-JJ68Cfy2O1EM7r46h3dwXfdZC_5t9FL1CCB2ixBuT9Go/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-04-20+at+17.26.41.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MutOboaEdAW05MsJmvlfb5HJf-NBKiW7OXZ2AaqgjGobDPfgE0t9maLPtpthXyXXz-2GPYMvO605TB-zgSdEvd1t9bmEWq-JJ68Cfy2O1EM7r46h3dwXfdZC_5t9FL1CCB2ixBuT9Go/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-04-20+at+17.26.41.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youneedavicky.com/" target="_blank">Sometimes.... You just need a Vicky</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vicky started her first business in 2010 but after ten years working as a PA for well known names such as Lily Allen as well as professional sports people she decided that she wanted to concentrate on the area of Professional Organisation and Declutteri<span style="font-family: inherit;">ng. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her belief is that it starts at home; if your home is in shape, other elements of your life will follow. This is what I needed.</span></span><br />
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I contacted Vicky and explained the predicament that I had got myself in to and she and I arranged a time for her and her "team" to come and sort me out.<br />
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So, on a sunny Tuesday morning in April she appeared along with two of her colleagues determined to sort out my life basically. I was relieved to be honest, oh and embarrassed about the state of my wardrobe too but she put my mind at ease and assured me that I was very normal. I still reckon she was just being polite!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bc2A6jCCDplUW1JX42dlHTyO75qK8z14aP_n5BYKgkoKc7smArJHBj9I6aA9l9lmdoqyHg5SB4ak1f7PtBYJ7vqzAwAe1vnRweZJttM2NG1xJIa1PsQ1ev6poiAftrZcBS0UtzXvw-A/s1600/6174576096_IMG_1571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bc2A6jCCDplUW1JX42dlHTyO75qK8z14aP_n5BYKgkoKc7smArJHBj9I6aA9l9lmdoqyHg5SB4ak1f7PtBYJ7vqzAwAe1vnRweZJttM2NG1xJIa1PsQ1ev6poiAftrZcBS0UtzXvw-A/s640/6174576096_IMG_1571.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vicky and the team coming to my rescue!</td></tr>
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Cup of tea in hand I was told to sit on the bed whilst her team got all my clothes out whilst I decided whether the items how the items made me feel when I wore them and encouraged me to part with clothes that realistically was I ever really likely to wear. As I went through each item by item I started to discover pieces that I had forgotten I even owned as well as items that there was not ever a chance I would wear again.<br />
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Before I knew it we were up to TEN bags!! These were destined for the charity shop of my choice which in this instance was The Princess Alice Hospice in Cobham.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Webbo's wardrobe got an overhaul! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea-T_BT1kxFzUKjOQms8fW_k1tVZglkKd-G871vrQ1mVZRmobOeoTaJYr_zdwmX8-CwdFZ_FyV-UP89LTNP8mXHuCvxzGCKoDOHLj0l-WDZPeIi14mgViheRb9yLDZ_YgboGqqYN9_mk/s1600/6174576096_IMG_1577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea-T_BT1kxFzUKjOQms8fW_k1tVZglkKd-G871vrQ1mVZRmobOeoTaJYr_zdwmX8-CwdFZ_FyV-UP89LTNP8mXHuCvxzGCKoDOHLj0l-WDZPeIi14mgViheRb9yLDZ_YgboGqqYN9_mk/s640/6174576096_IMG_1577.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The eye of the storm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8GtMDF_MeKdz-a_E-y-tc_ClDM0s4N6mEOciD-ys_x_ZBly8tAKgeYIQLKYqMXZhZez3G-HjGqhotELFbo018VulOkGH7v7Zb47cZYjvaTX2tFOzlXfoQVlODCI5ipsDqlgdwfgesXE/s1600/6174576096_IMG_1573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8GtMDF_MeKdz-a_E-y-tc_ClDM0s4N6mEOciD-ys_x_ZBly8tAKgeYIQLKYqMXZhZez3G-HjGqhotELFbo018VulOkGH7v7Zb47cZYjvaTX2tFOzlXfoQVlODCI5ipsDqlgdwfgesXE/s640/6174576096_IMG_1573.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was soooooo embarrassed about the amount of clothing that I owned!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Then it was on to Tom's clothes!! She did the same method with him and we went through parting with items that he was never likely to wear again or that has simply seen better days.<br />
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As each piece entered the "keep" pile it was swiftly whipped away, re folded and designated a new home. It was mesmerising to watch!! The girls taught me how to fold clothes in order to gain maximum space. I'm a folding addict now!!<br />
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In less than 4 hours my wardrobe went from a place where freshly washed and ironed went to die in a crinkle hell to a place where ever piece of clothing ever designed wants to end up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZnJAVe6OT7Cu2W6FPOBrThX5mTsQfZKmhxtB1VNNe8QT_0kmp8xjaTaWBZk__8BHrnbkQkiPCN6ebBfve-SEf_duXsEzWaFkXQtm-7JSGFwbZ3mDlkbQvSMYqURbywtkAJKh1Dq9kAw/s1600/IMG_4318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZnJAVe6OT7Cu2W6FPOBrThX5mTsQfZKmhxtB1VNNe8QT_0kmp8xjaTaWBZk__8BHrnbkQkiPCN6ebBfve-SEf_duXsEzWaFkXQtm-7JSGFwbZ3mDlkbQvSMYqURbywtkAJKh1Dq9kAw/s640/IMG_4318.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE & AFTER</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pHUQldp9mkGJiwdHjpnVGDDqInjVM1-vDmc3XfGS2D1J4JLoLnHrjp5sg6RAop_eDf8WhmFGkX7kMO0BvsC3tll0zuFPrKmU2_aZv4djYoe2ijDbCq4oTOqo8i5Rc1TTKImTY2dNr-M/s1600/6241732000_IMG_1587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pHUQldp9mkGJiwdHjpnVGDDqInjVM1-vDmc3XfGS2D1J4JLoLnHrjp5sg6RAop_eDf8WhmFGkX7kMO0BvsC3tll0zuFPrKmU2_aZv4djYoe2ijDbCq4oTOqo8i5Rc1TTKImTY2dNr-M/s640/6241732000_IMG_1587.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now I can shop my own clothes!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7zs3ojom2htki5HLGvNArCBVj98s0ub44ZUH0q_14qjTCwZNspOrlsijY7LcKX7qmIwKw3ATTAhGyMxxSu8_9zayDPgnYAHZIU0eF9cmuP5Kzlspw1ZMWrJKvXylfDeOr4jeg4-DdrI/s1600/6241732000_IMG_1593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7zs3ojom2htki5HLGvNArCBVj98s0ub44ZUH0q_14qjTCwZNspOrlsijY7LcKX7qmIwKw3ATTAhGyMxxSu8_9zayDPgnYAHZIU0eF9cmuP5Kzlspw1ZMWrJKvXylfDeOr4jeg4-DdrI/s640/6241732000_IMG_1593.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vicky just tweaking the pieces!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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I can't tell you how lovely it is to be able to open my wardrobe and see clothes that I have not worn in ages, new pieces I purchased but forgot that I had and just being able to pick out a top that is not black!!<br />
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Thank you so much to Vicky and her team for sorting my wardrobe out. The tidying bug has definitely caught on in our house, no room is safe!!<br />
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If you think you would like to speak to Vicky and her team about organising your home why not get in touch with her or visit her <a href="https://www.youneedavicky.com/" target="_blank">website </a> for more information on the services she offer.<br />
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Nathalie x<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-77220716976307797602017-04-19T10:23:00.000-07:002017-04-19T10:23:01.698-07:00YoYo by BabyZen Review In Association With A3 Baby BarnSo, Hector is walking pretty much everywhere now which is fab, but equally has this really irritating habit of deciding that he "you know what today, I don't feel quite like walking". 9/10 they do this in the most inconvenient of places, trains, supermarkets (when it goes hand in hand with not wanting to go in the trolley) and most irritatingly as we have experienced when you go to disembark the plane. Is it just us that always has to wait three hundred hours for your pram to be hauled off the oversize luggage whilst you negotiate trying to get suitcases and a toddler on the loose, or even more pain in the rear end when they have been WIRED the whole flight and then decide to fall to sleep ten minutes before landing. That is when you really need the pram. <div>
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Well, teamed with the prospect of the above happening again AND quite a few UK breaks planned and limited boot space, you know the drill, too many clothes just in case of this and that type of weather, the dog, the dog bed and for it all to fit in comfortably we set out on a mission to find a more compact buggy that would mean we could kiss goodbye to our beloved Mamas and Papas Armadillo. </div>
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I wanted to have a look at some new buggies and try and see before I parted with my cash just how much space they would take up in my boot, after all this was the main driving force so if I was not going to gain boot space it would be a redundant task. </div>
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I headed to one of the only places I know where I could get independent advice AND try the buggies in my boot before purchasing, the <a href="http://www.a3babybarn.co.uk/" target="_blank">A3 Baby Barn</a> which is nestled in the grounds of Surbiton Golf Club literally ten mins from here. </div>
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I met with my friend Louise (who also happens to be the owners daughter) and we had a look at some of the options. I was really keen to avoid getting an umbrella style pram as these still took up a large chunk of my boot. </div>
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She recommended the YoYo by Baby Zen and I was initially sold on one factor as we discovered it can be placed in the footwell in front of Hectors car seat meaning a completely free boot space. RESULT! She also went onto add that it's one of the only buggies on the market to fit in the overhead luggage compartment of the airplane meaning that there would be no hanging around in the airport terminal waiting for the buggy from oversized luggage. Could this get any better?!? Although completely irrelevant for us in our stage of parenting but it can also be used from birth and have a car seat attached to it! It is also incredibly light coming in at a featherweight 6.7kg and it has a travel strap enabling it to be carried over ones shoulder and even has a one handed fold and close mechanism which is super cool although we have failed miserably to master, but give us time! </div>
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So, we settled on a YoYo in all black with white chassis and planned its maiden voyage with Family Webb to Cornwall and Wales over the Easter break. </div>
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As you can see from the above photo, the BabyZen YoYo fits perfectly behind the passengers seat and neatly in front of Hector's chair which meant we had the whole boot free for our belongings. </div>
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Now the seat itself is roomy and Hector is a pretty hefty near two year old and he comfortably slept and sat happily in the pushchair whist we went about our travels. </div>
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The ride is an incredibly smooth one, however, St. Ives is particularly cobbly so this meant that Hector had a bit of a bumpy ride but nothing that would put me off the pram itself. Now, the handle is lovely chunky but what it does lack is the ability to hang bags off it and the shopping basket underneath is a tad small. That said I would rather have the compactness and space in my boot over these, after all it is marketed as a compact travel system. </div>
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It's sleek in its design and the materials used are all quality and I love the mix of white chassis and black surround. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDuvXie8568iSGdsmUH0xwMM1InfuVmfWC5vTYe5hepOSU7Uh5NOGDbxrVBTF79M11XP-QFNEDCZPQm3p1HwXwlxpy3LWGY0ANSU5PXdTb5GvlHmzxKwvto-Z-Blmznf_Xy3sUffHlXc/s1600/6174595616_IMG_1267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDuvXie8568iSGdsmUH0xwMM1InfuVmfWC5vTYe5hepOSU7Uh5NOGDbxrVBTF79M11XP-QFNEDCZPQm3p1HwXwlxpy3LWGY0ANSU5PXdTb5GvlHmzxKwvto-Z-Blmznf_Xy3sUffHlXc/s640/6174595616_IMG_1267.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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We LOVE the fact that it is so light so its quick and easy close and throw over ones shoulder. I am excited at the prospect of taking this on board with us in when we fly to Greece in the summer. </div>
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Now, the downside is the price but this is only a downside I think for us as we are buying this as our final pram and more of an occasional pram and probably a tad excessive some may say. </div>
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It retails at £369 but this does come with an A3 Baby Barn special offer of a free cup holder and parasol. I personally think this demonstrates exceptional value for money for a pram that will see you through from birth to 3/4. </div>
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We LOVE this pram and look forward to having many more adventures with it over the coming months. If you fancy having a peek at the pram for yourself why not head down to the A3 Baby Barn and have a look at it and all the many other baby and toddler items available in store. </div>
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Nathalie x</div>
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<i>DISCLAIMER: The A3 Baby Barn kindly lent us the YOYO for the purpose of this review but all views are my own. </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-23553769111269171592017-04-17T14:19:00.000-07:002017-04-17T14:19:34.517-07:00Helping Your Child Prepare For Exams....So, after three glorious weeks off tomorrow is the start of a new term. The Summer term - the final term of this school year!<br />
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In a family where if you don't or have not worked in education you're in the minority it's at this time of year when you know that exams are coming.<br />
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For me I know when exam time looms as the postman starts to deliver packages of coursework ready to be marked and where I say goodby to my dining table for the next 6-7 weeks as Webbo trawls through the GCSE and A level papers.<br />
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There has been much debate in the press about the numbers of exams children take even from such a young age but at the moment whether we love (er...who loves exams) or loathe them they are here to stay and one thing we can do is help to prepare our children for them.<br />
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There are many ways in which you can help your child get their head in gear for exams whether they be in school, external entrance tests or public exams and it's where your role at home really steps up and your support becomes even more paramount.<br />
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As parents, carers, guardians, you are going to be the rock of support during revision and during the stressful exam time. One of the key things is to try and keep the home environment as calm, happy and pleasant as possible and where you can try to be at home as possible so that you can just be there to share a quick chat and a cuppa when they just need a break.<br />
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One of the main things to assess first hand as a parent is to try and find out what type of learner your child is. Are they like sponges and just take on information or are they more of a hands on learner? By establishing what type of learner your child is you are able to offer assistance and relate to them during their revision time.<br />
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There are three types of learner and you'll likely fall in to one of those categories.<br />
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Kinesetic, auditory and visual.<br />
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<b><u>Kinesetic learners</u> </b><br />
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Is your child a natural at sport or a great dancer? Chances are they are a kinesetic learner. Children who are kinesetic learners <span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">usually have a strong sense of balance, and they learn best by touching or doing things themselves, ie hands on and they may count with their fingers. </span></span><br />
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<ul style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 23px 25px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;">Can be described as a fidgeter</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Loves hands on playing</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoys writing and writing exercises</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Was an early bloomer often crawling, walking and sitting early</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sharp hand-eye coordination</span></li>
</ul>
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<u><b>Auditory learners</b></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">These types of learners love sound and may have a passion for music, singing or expressing themselves through sound. These learners are good listeners and have good verbal strengths and can follow verbal instructions well. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<ul style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 23px 25px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Aptitude in music, instruments, or vocal ability</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sings along and sings as she plays</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Strong verbal ability, especially through repetition of words or phrases she’s heard before</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Listens well and is able to follow oral direction</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;">Loves talking (perhaps too much some times!)</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;">Sharp hearing</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Perks up when they hear noise or conversation</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><u><b>Visual learners</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">Is your child a keen drawer, or drawn to art? Chances are she's a visual learner. Visual learners are drawn to books with photos and can often take on information from books well. Visual learners often have vivid memories and have the ability to remember information that we may have even forgotten!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
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<ul style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 23px 25px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A vivid imagination - is able to be creative in their stories</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Keen interest in arts and crafts</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A great memory for remembering things they have seen </span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Good sense of direction (handy when map reading!)</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;">A love for reading and books</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 12.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Recognition of people, faces, and places</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #333333;">Being able to assess what type of learner your child is will make it easier to relate to their revision. For example a child who is a kinsetic learner won't benefit from staring at a book for hours on end. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Secondly, when preparing for exams, both you and your child must establish realistic targets. The word ‘realistic’ is KEY here. Let's be honest, whilst we all want our children to do well and be the best they can, but do we as parents have expectations so high that our child is likely to fail in your eyes before they have even started? Being realistic to your childs learning abilities will prepare both of you for the end outcome. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once realistic targets have been agreed then you can move on to how your child can achieve these with minimal stress and anxiety, this may be with a timetable or at least a flexible schedule enabling them to cover the topics whilst at the same time allowing sufficient downtime. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whilst some children may benefit from studying on their own (as they get older this usually becomes more the case) but in younger children having you on hand can be massively beneficial. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thirdly, it is key that as a parent we don't allow our child to get caught up in the stress and angst of these exams and below are a few ways in which we can help. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 1.48em; padding: 0px 0px 0.7em;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• REST and SLEEP - Make sure your child is getting lots. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 1.48em; padding: 0px 0px 0.7em;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Prepare a timetable that allows concentrated study time and downtime. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 1.48em; padding: 0px 0px 0.7em;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Ensure that all subjects are divided proportionally, more time spent on trickier more challenging subjects for example.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 1.48em; padding: 0px 0px 0.7em;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Practice papers. With the internet now it's so easy to print off old papers so timed preparation exams or mock exams are good at putting into practice what they have been revising.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 1.48em; padding: 0px 0px 0.7em;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• TIME OFF! Make sure your child’s time off is exactly that – time spent away from books and papers, no one wants their child to burn out or peak too early either! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.48em; padding: 0px 0px 0.7em;">
<span style="color: #282828;">• MORE TEA? Keep them fuelled with their favourite snacks - we all work better and more productive when we have full bellies. </span></div>
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And finally, try not to stress yourself. As parents we have this marvellous ability to churn up a range of emotions, "oh if only I could take the exam for the" for example, well we can't, so the next best thing is to just be there, support them if it's gone well, support them if the exam did not go to plan but all importantly just be there for them. </div>
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As a school matron I am going to be stocking up on tea, biscuits and little goodies to keep the boys in my house going during this term and good luck if your child has got exams, it's a stressful time for all involved but they will be over before they and you know it!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.48em; padding: 0px 0px 0.7em;">
Nathalie x</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-57428470179509087662017-04-09T00:00:00.000-07:002017-04-09T00:00:26.195-07:00The Easiest Ever Fake It Bake It Easter Chocolate Centrepiece Cake! So, one of the most popular posts on my blog has to be my <a href="http://www.thissurreymummy.com/2017/02/cheats-bourbon-biscuit-brownies.html" target="_blank">cheats Bourbon chocolate brownies</a> and this recipe is just as easy.<br />
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With Easter coming up I feel the need for a seriously cracking chocolate centre piece cake enough to feed a small army. Now, please don't take the title of this cake literally - this really is an any occasion cake, in face Charlie has requested this very cake (albeit with dinosaurs on top!) for his birthday on Monday!<br />
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Now, roll up, roll up, the star of this little show - let me introduce you to <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/shop/DisplayProductFlyout?productId=260912" target="_blank">Waitrose Essential Chocolate Sponge Mix</a> at a cheap as chips 95p per bag! Having tried a number of ready mixes, packet mixes, cheat mixes whatever you want to call them and this is by far one of the best for making tiered cakes.<br />
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Now, yes it is a cheat to make a cake this way, and yes it probably is cheaper to make one from scratch but having a packet of this in the cupboard and being able to quickly knock up a cake with minimal washing up and mess is always going to be a winner in my eyes.<br />
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For me a cake is made with love and thought and that goes whether you've weighed out the flour and eggs or simply thrown a packet mix in a bowl and made it that way.<br />
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So, let's get this chocolatey show on the road.<br />
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<u><b>You will need....</b></u><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
2 x Waitrose Essential Chocolate Sponge Mix<br />
4 x Eggs<br />
300ml Semi Skimmed Milk<br />
100ml Vegetable Oil<br />
300g Soft butter (room temperature)<br />
150g Milk Chocolate<br />
30g Cocoa<br />
550g Icing Sugar<br />
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<b><u>How to make it....</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees fan.<br />
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2. Start by making up two of the packet mixes as directed on the back.<br />
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3. Line and grease three sandwich tins.<br />
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4. Pour the mixture evenly into the three cake tins.<br />
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5. Pop into the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes - don't open the door but keep an eye!<br />
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6. Once the cakes are done take them out and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.<br />
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7. Now onto the icing sugar. Beat the butter until it is pale and fluffy. I normally just whack the butter in the freestanding mixer on a low/medium speed and leave it whilst I melt the chocolate.<br />
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8. Break up the chocolate and melt on a low simmering heat over a pan of boiling water.<br />
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9. Once the chocolate has melted pop aside to cool.<br />
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10. Now prepared to get covered in icing sugar! Slowly add the icing sugar to your pale and fluffy butter and beat until it's all incorporated. Your surfaces will also be covered with a fine later of icing sugar just to warn you!<br />
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11. Once the chocolate has cooled but is still melted pour into the buttercream and sift your cocoa in and give another jolly good mix.<br />
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12. Now it's time to layer!<br />
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13. Take a good lump of butter cream and sandwich two of the layers together and repeat with the remaining third top layer. Then take your icing and smooth it all around the side. I have a turntable and an icing scraper which makes it look super smooth, although, I have been known in the past to use a ruler!!<br />
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14. Once the cake is iced and smooth, plop any remaining icing in the middle and decorate with chocolate Easter goodies of your choice. I opted for a naked Lindt bunny and the classic mini eggs.<br />
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15. Serve over Easter as your chocolate centrepiece cake!<br />
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Would love to see your Easter cake creations so be sure to tag me on Instagram using my tag @thissurreymummy !<br />
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Nathalie xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-67108981856083189772017-04-08T10:54:00.001-07:002017-04-08T10:54:59.701-07:00Easter's Coming....<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've had a busy couple of weeks since I finished for Easter and am currently wading through our washing from our week in Cornwall ready for our next adventure. </div>
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Whilst in Cornwall we've also been trying out the super compact Baby Zen YOYO pram from our friends at <a href="http://www.a3babybarn.co.uk/" target="_blank">A3 Baby Barn</a> to see if this is the ultimate travel friendly pram - review coming soon!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are not many prams you can simply sling over your shoulder!! </td></tr>
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This weather has been incredible has it not? It's at times like this that the boys and I just love being out and about in the garden soaking up that vitamin D.<br />
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So, Easter is just around the corner and I can't wait!! Easter is by far one of my favourite times of year. The run up this week also coincides with Charlie turning 5 on Monday - errrr where did those 5 years go!!<br />
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I've been getting the house "Easter ready" which means decking the place out in pastel colours and fluffy chicks!<br />
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We like to split our time evenly between our families and luckily they tend to take the same approach so we get to have two Easter meals so to speak which is always nice.<br />
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We are going off piste this Good Friday with a big family bbq - somehow a roast for 17 people is just a tad too difficult followed by a traditional Easter (ahem turkey Christmas at Easter dinner) lunch on the Sunday.<br />
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I will of course be making my popular <a href="http://www.thissurreymummy.com/2017/02/the-easiest-ever-white-chocolate-easter.html" target="_blank">white chocolate Easter cake</a>, in fact I'm making two this week as we are taking one of them down to Wales this week and chances are I might even knock up an Easter chocolate cake too - after all Easter is not Easter without far too much chocolate!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thissurreymummy.com/2017/02/the-easiest-ever-white-chocolate-easter.html" target="_blank">Recipe - click here</a></td></tr>
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<br />What are your plans for Easter weekend??<div>
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Nathalie x<br /><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8546962624628181181.post-81548823613431907722017-03-29T11:44:00.001-07:002017-03-29T11:44:08.777-07:00My Food Cupboard Rice Krispie Cake...I love baking and the kids love to bake with me and I always find that it's the most simplest of recipes that go down the best.<br />
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One teatime treat that reminds me fondly of my childhood is Rice Krispie cakes. Now, whilst many will make them with melted chocolate for me they are too sweet that way (I know can barely believe I am saying it!) but over the years of trialling many recipes I think I have found the best way to make them!<br />
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I call this My Food Cupboard Rice Krispie Cake as I normally have all the ingredients knocking about it my cupboard!<br />
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<b><u>What you'll need...</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
150g unsalted butter<br />
150g golden syrup<br />
1½ tbsp cocoa powder<br />
Rice Krispies or supermarket brand (normally half or so of a small box)<br />
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<b><u>How to make them...</u></b><br />
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1. On a low heat melt the butter and golden syrup in a pan until its all incorporated.<br />
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2. Once the butter and syrup has melted add the cocoa powder and whisk till you have a smooth brown sauce.<br />
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3. Add your Rice Krispies and stir until they are all covered in the chocolate.<br />
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4. Now, you can by all means use cupcake cases but I love to put it all into a loose bottomed cake tin. If you choose to do it this way simply tip it all in, press down and level off. <br />
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5. Pop into the fridge to firm up and cut into fat triangles!<br />
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As you can see I have melted some chocolate drizzled on top and finished off with Mini Eggs and Maltesers oh, the odd fluffy chick!<br />
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This is a really easy one to do with the kids and is my go to recipe when we have a last minute playdate and I am looking for a sweet afternoon treat!<br />
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Enjoy,<br />
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N x<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15390941249011007157noreply@blogger.com0