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!

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!

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! 

Easy Spelt Biscuits

This 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!

My Sunday Photo; Relaxing in a Homemade Sun Hat