Sunday 31 August 2014

40 Days of Summer - Day 31 onwards

Day 31: Make Soup!

While we were away, L discovered he really liked Carrot Soup. This doesn't sound very exciting, but if you have read Top Ten Tips for Fussy Eaters you will know why this is news. L has really grown in confidence with his eating, but this was a real surprise, as he knows he doesn't like cooked carrots, so I was amazed he wanted to try it. I promised we would make some when we got home and thankfully, I have a really easy recipe that takes hardly any ingredients or effort. 
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Friday 22 August 2014

40 Days of Summer - Days 21 to 30

Day 21: Paint a Face!


I'm never quite sure who this entertainment is actually for. It's always mooted as a wet weather activity that will keep L busy for ages. However, I think Jade gets as much, if not more, enjoyment out of using him as a walking colouring book! Today's effort is Spiderman, and only required the 'reduced to clear' Snazaroo England face paints I found in Tesco, left over from the World Cup (don't get me started!) and, ahem, eyeliner. The latter isn't really recommended, but it was a spur of the moment thing. Obviously, be wary of sensitive skins and if you do decide to risk it, for goodness' sake don't use the waterproof stuff, you'll be scrubbing for hours!
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Thursday 14 August 2014

Panakalty from Sunny Sunderland!


Since the weather is being most unruly at the moment, this guest post features a regional recipe from my lovely friend Sue. It is a traditional North-East English delicacy and not one I had heard of until this post arrived! As with all regional cuisine, I am sure there are some slight variations to this dish from person to person, but this is the version that is popular in the Sunderland area where Sue hails from and one she has been feeding her family for many years.  I haven't tried it yet, but it looks delicious. Proper warming comfort food, perfect for the cool autumn evenings. I can't wait to try it!
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Tuesday 12 August 2014

40 Days of Summer - Days 11 to 20


Day 11: Building a Den!

We had planned an exploring expedition today, but it's been raining on and off all day. In the end, we went for den building instead. We've been doing a bit of decorating lately, so all the dust sheets made a brilliant canopy for our dining table and chairs. We used the chairs to create an entrance, with our big crafting board for the 'porch' roof. I don't know why children are so fascinated with hidey-holes, but I do know he will happily sit in there all day, with his torch and a pile of sausage rolls! This is also a great way to play board games. We attempted the card game Monopoly Deal. It may just be me, but it seemed very complicated! I don't think either of us worked out how he won! 
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Sunday 3 August 2014

Easy Spelt Biscuits


Rolling out the doughThis recipe uses Spelt flour, which is an ancient grain, containing a different type of gluten. Some people find spelt flour easier to digest, easing the irritation that some people suffer from eating gluten-based products. It is, however, still very much gluten for the purposes of Coeliac disease, so should be avoided by sufferers. I found these needed icing, as the flavour isn't as strong as with other flours. If you prefer, you could substitute for wholemeal. I love the rustic texture that these create, they seem to taste a bit healthier and more wholesome than white flour biscuits!

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My Sunday Photo; Relaxing in a Homemade Sun Hat


 Relaxing in a deckchair wearing a homemade hat
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Sunday Photo; A Perfect Cup of Tea


A Perfect Cup of Tea


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Saturday 2 August 2014

Bristol does Summer!


Running through the splash pools
This week we had a lovely day out in Bristol. We headed down to The Habourside and spent a couple of hours relaxing in the conveniently placed deckchairs, in front of At-Bristol, the science museum we love. You can read our review of At-Bristol by clicking the link. Meanwhile, highlights of the Commonwealth Games were showing on the big screen, while L frolicked in the splash pools. It was such a lovely, laid back atmoshpere and all the children played really happily together. This brilliant facility is provided free of charge and there were plenty of people unpacking picnics and settling in for the day. 

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40 Days of Summer - Days 1 to 10

Today is the first day of the summer holidays for us. It's amazing how quickly the time goes. It doesn't seem five minutes ago my son had his nose pressed up against the window, praying for snow, yet now, here we are, waving another school year goodbye. He is eight now and today we were talking about making the summer holidays count. Even he is beginning to notice how quickly they fly by! So, we came up with a plan. 40 Days of Summer. The idea is to make a point of doing something fun every day of the holidays. As he is getting older, I am aware that it won't be long before he is off doing his own thing and won't be so interested in the little activities together as a family. I thought this would be a great way to make some memories and share some great summer adventures!



Day 1: Make a Rocket Cake!

L has a bit of a cold and it was insanely hot today, so we stayed in for some of the day and made a rocket cake. It was a variation of our trusty Pizza Cake recipe, because I found this brilliant new cake tin in Sainsburys in the sale for just over £5! It's great for the money, sturdy and the cake comes straight out of the tin every time.

The beauty of it is, it's really fun to decorate and very appealing, especially for boys who need dragging away from the iPad or Playstation! I recommend Cadbury's Giant Chocolate Buttons for the port holes and we used orange Midget Gems for the fiery tail!
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