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The Wonders Of Wales

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If you didn’t already know I live in Wales. Truly one of the most beautiful places in the world. The land of green and song and more importantly ( kind of ) some of the best restaurants and hotels I’ve been to.

Then there are also castles..and theme parks. Rivers and national parks and much more besides.

Child sat on castle wales

I would not be doing my duty if I didn’t share them with you so starting this week I’ll be sharing my Welsh gems with you on a regular basis.

Llanbister Sykes cottages

You don’t have to wait for the first post as you can already read previous reviews of the marvellous Hammet House in Pembrokeshire, one of the best family holiday resorts Bluestone near Narberth and a gorgeous holiday cottage in Llanbister from Sykes Cottages.

Bluestone bike hire

I invite you to drool over the foodie delights, gasp at the beauty of our beaches and relax as you take a glimpse into some spectacular hotels. It’s Wales but not as you think you know it.

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Coming up we have reviews of The Vale Resort and Fairyhill hotel as well as some of my favourite cafés, restaurants and places to visit.

I’m hoping I’ll tempt some of you to come visit.

After School Snacking

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A little while ago I chatted with a few people on social media about the amount of food my 3yr old eats in the afternoon. Leaving school she is ravenous even though she has had a filling lunch before she leaves and is only there for 2.5 hours and also has fruit in school! It seems this is far from unusual in fact lots of people replied to my tweet saying their children were exactly the same.

At least three days a week we like to take a trip to the park straight from school so I always make sure we take a pack of snacks to munch while playing otherwise I have a happy girl for 30 minutes of playtime who quickly becomes extremely hangry ( angry due to hunger ) and it takes ages to swing her out of her grumpy mood. I prefer to give her fruit or cheese/yoghurts over biscuits and sweets but taking a yoghurt pot and spoon is sometimes a bit of a faff when we are in a rush to get out of the door.

We have recently been trying these new Petit Filous pouches. Chloe can’t have them as she’s still dairy free but Izzy loves them. She has always enjoyed pure fruit pouches so these are pretty much the same in her eyes plus she adores Petit Filous in the usual plastic pots.

We sampled them on a day out in the park straight from school and enjoying the sunshine:

Petit Filous pouch

No mess, easy to just pop in your bag and then the whole thing can be popped in the bin straight after. I find pouches mean less sticky hands too – always a bonus.

The pouches are priced at approximately 80p each and are 2 for £3 in a few major supermarkets. Available in apricot,strawberry and raspberry flavours – strawberry is a fave here.

* We were sent a voucher to purchase the pouches for the purpose of this review.

What Is A Dad?

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In my life I am happy to say I have wonderful men. My Dad and Andrew are both incredible fathers. My Dad has been supportive of everything I do since I was a child. It’s amazing to know that I can depend on him. To know he loves me and to know how much he loves my mother. To marvel in their long and loving relationship. To see the way my girls adore him, even when he teases them so.

This quote is so incredibly true:

We never know the love of a parent until we become parents ourselves. – Henry Ward Beecher

When you are a teenager and your parent says you wait until you have children..you laugh it off but looking back you wonder how they got through every stress you and your siblings have put them through and it makes my heart ache a bit.

Andrew is such an amazing Dad to our girls, loving, kind, generous and strong. He spends hours playing games with them, rough and tumble in the mud or enduring his two girls offering him endless plastic cups of tea. He gets up in the night when they cry, is their protector when they take a fall.

I thought it may be hard for him being a man surrounded by females but it cannot be a bad thing to be adored by his daughters as he then in turn adores him.

A daughter may outgrow your lap but she’ll never outgrow your heart – originally posted on Pinterest.

Happy Fathers Day to all you Dads who try every day to raise your children in the right way.

Fresh Pea, Sage & Mozzarella Fusilli – A Stoves & Phil Vickery Recipe

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Last week I went to another amazing BBC Good Food Show where I ate, drank and sampled a lot of great food. One of the best parts of the show is being able to watch celebrity chefs up close and learn the tricks of the trade..being so close that you can smell the food BUT you can’t taste it.

I came away with a million ideas as I always do when leaving foodie events and wanting to recreate all the recipes I’ve seen like Tom Kerridge’s beef with savoury brandy butter and shoestring fries as well as this summer pasta dish below as demonstrated over on the Stoves Live Cook Stage. The stage hosted some great chefs including Phil Vickery, Shelina Permaloo, Michael Caines and Cyrus Todiwala to name just a few. Stoves are also the kitchen appliance supplier to all the BBC Good Food Shows in 2015.

This dish screams summer to me, fresh peas, sage and melt in the mouth mozzarella come together to create a simple yet elegant dish with no need for accompaniments. I recreated it at home today and it was just as good as I anticipated.

You can get the recipe yourself here.

For once I didn’t amend the recipe at all other than throwing in a few sage flowers as they look pretty and taste good too..also I have a few thousand ( or so it seems ) in my garden. Sage is a seriously underrated herb in my opinion..it smells so incredibly good and you don’t need an awful lot for a great burst of flavour.

Here are some photos of my finished dish, I highly recommend you try it:

Phil Vickery pasta

Fresh pea, sage and mozzarella fusilli

This recipe is simple to create and a flavour sensation.

* I was provided with supermarket vouchers to recreated this recipe at home.

The Upcycle Revolution With Gumtree

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A little while ago I was invited to take part in an Upcycling challenge with Gumtree UK. This interested me as I’d started Upcycling various bits of furniture around the house already as I am a bit of a hoarder and hate throwing things away so it appeals to that side of me. I love seeing something old and shabby being given a new lease of life.

The challenge was this:

* Buy something from your local Gumtree site.

* Upcycle the item.

* Take it to London for the Upcycle Revolution event to be judged by expert upcycler Max McMurdo.

* Sell it on using Gumtree.

After MUCH deliberation I chose a rocking chair which I managed to get for a bargain £15 as it was a bit of a mess and was missing a spindle. I contacted the seller using the Gumtree mobile app which we have used for selling other items from our home – it’s also great for listing free items that you just want to get rid of. Our old sofa which was very much broken and battered was collected within an hour of listing it! I did obviously disclose the condition of the sofa in the listing.

This is the chair I purchased in its original state:

Rocking chair upcycle

I firstly gave it a coat of white paint:

Upcycle chair

Before painting various parts of it in orange and blue shades ( I used tester pots of Valspar paint from B&Q – tester pots are great for Upcycle projects ):

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This is the best final image I could get. I washed the old cushion pad to give it a facelift but I did intend to reupholster in a bright yellow fabric. However my sewing machine packed up on me and the courier arrived a little early to collect the chair leaving it like this but I still love it:

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Thanks to Gumtree for inviting me to be part of this challenge. I really enjoyed it and I found it strangely therapeutic painting all the fiddly bits..also thanks to Andrew my other half who helped me or I helped him ha.

* I was given a payment with which to purchase my item and Upcycle it.

Hilton Birmingham Metropole Review

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Last month we stayed at The Hilton Birmingham Metropole for a short break before travelling to Alton Towers for a special party. On arrival at the hotel we were greeted by a rather odd sight.. Hundreds of furry characters. There was a conference at the hotel while we were there called Confuzzled – over 1000 people were attending it and most in a fur suit of some kind. The girls were a little wary at first but soon were in love with it all and it certainly made our stay a little more interesting!

Confuzzled

After checking in, which considering the sheer volume of people staying there that day was an absolute breeze, we headed up to our family room which consisted of a large king size bed and a sofa bed. They had also provided a travel cot for Chloe and the children spent a good 20 minutes bouncing around the room on the various beds and chairs.

Soon after we headed downstairs for Afternoon Tea and a chat with head chef Paul.

This is an area of the service and reflection of the hotel which truly shone for me. As you probably know at the moment Chloe is dairy, gluten, egg and soya free and not only did one of the chefs email me the night before to advise what they were preparing for her but they actually created an entire new afternoon tea just for her. This included peanut butter cookies, chocolate cake, ham sandwiches, hummus sandwiches and a selection of fruit. The look on her face to see such an array of food just for her was a delight to see.

Children afternoon tea hilton
Hilton afternoon tea

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I don’t think she could quite believe it was all for her.

Paul ( the head chef ) chatted to us about his role in the hotel and how it felt to cook for so many people each day. He also explained how working in such a large hotel meant that they were easily able to cater for people with allergies as they have separate pastry teams etc.

Our afternoon tea was just as good as the girls, served in a unique way which showed off each aspect of the meal. The miniature cakes and sandwiches were delicious and we pretty much inhaled it in 30 minutes. Oops.

Hilton afternoon tea

Next up was a wander around the hotel looking at the various characters strolling about followed by a dip in the warm and spacious hotel pool. The girls had a ball splashing about.

Hilton swimming pool

We headed up to our room after that and we relaxed reading books while the children watched a film on the TV. Bliss.

As the hotel was fairly busy we opted to have room service that night and once again the hotel kitchen went out of their way to prepare a meal which was suitable for Chloe and still appetising which is no mean feat! The girls thought it was great to have a meal in the room and treated it like an indoor picnic sat on the floor.

I had a roasted veg tartlet to start followed by Lemon and thyme chicken.

Veg tartlet

Lemon and thyme chicken

Izzy enjoyed chicken nuggets & chips whilst Chloe ate a Chicken burger & chips made especially for her.

Room service hilton

We all enjoyed, I’m not sure why but I didn’t expect room service food to be of such a high quality and it was really lovely to be able to eat at leisure without worrying if the girls were disturbing other guests!

When they started to get sleepy I enjoyed a sneaky dessert which was rather awesome:

Chocolate honeycomb teardrop.
Chocolate honeycomb

Long luxurious baths followed by two rather excitable girls who were thrilled at us sharing one room.. This meant sleep was delayed by a few hours but when they did sleep it was quite soundly so we were well rested the following morning.

Breakfast at a Hilton is always plentiful with a wide variety of options and the Birmingham Metropole did not disappoint. Lots of cereal options, cooked breakfast as well as continental style with hams, cheeses and Izzy was most excited to see cucumber batons as well as her favourite blueberry muffins. There was also fresh fruit, lots of different teas and coffee as well as yoghurts, pastries and toast.

It was with reluctance that we checked out after a wonderful stay. It’s not always easy planning a night away with two small children ( especially one with allergies ) but the Hilton managed to make it simple and straightforward for us from the travel cot provided to the adapted afternoon tea and the family changing facilities in the pool. This was our second visit to the Birmingham Metropole and I couldn’t pick a fault with either stay. Thanks to the Hilton for inviting us. I’m sure we will be back.

* Our stay was complimentary for the purpose of a review, all meals and drinks were gifted.

10 Ways To Delay Bedtime When You Are 3

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If you are a parent of a child older than say 2 years old I’m sure you have heard your fair share of excuses and delay tactics for avoiding bedtime. When I was a child mine was to be very quiet around bedtime in the hopes that my mum would forget I was still sat with my older siblings..it didn’t work very often!

We should be grateful really because when Izzy does get to sleep she sleeps for 12 hours ( unlike her sister ) but it always amuses me when she suddenly becomes incredibly sweet and chatty when being tucked into bed..she knows I would find it hard not to want to listen to the stories that pour out of her sleepy head.

These are the excuses that Izzy uses when she wants to stay up a little longer..

1. The sun is still up.

It’s really hard to argue this point unless you have a sneaky plan.. Close the curtains an hour before bedtime, put pyjamas on and keep repeating it’s nearly bedtime x 1000.

2. I’m still hungry.

I assure you she is never actually hungry.

We do a late tea followed by a lightish supper for the girls in hopes of one day avoiding this statement. It rarely happens.

3. I need a drink.

This is usually said in a whiny tone and drink becomes dwink for the only time that day. I neeeedd a dwinnnkkk. Of course with more to drink the following statement is obvious.

4. I need a weeeeeee.

This is often said just moments after climbing the stairs knowing we have to go allll the way back down and to the back of the house. The joys.

Never thought I’d miss nappies.

5. Just one more story?

It doesn’t matter how many stories you read there will always be that little voice asking for just one more. You know the sweet, soft voice you only hear at bedtime. That one.

You give in. Obviously.

6. I can’t close my eyes.

Izzy says this without fail every night. I then answer with ok just relax while I pop to the loo and I’ll come back to you. Every night I go back within 5 mins and she is fast asleep.

Honestly..I’m just not tired.
Izzy asleep

7. I’m too hot/too cold.

Except when I offer to add/remove layers I get a sigh and an oh I’m alright.

Lies.

8. Where is ( insert name of random toy that she’s only ever looked at once )?? I can’t sleep without it..

Hmmm yet you have slept every night without it for the last 3 years??

9. My blanket is too hurty.

This is an actual sentence my child says. Normally because she wants a different duvet cover on the day I’m washing her favourite one. I never give in here. Changing bed covers twice a day is not something I enjoy.

10. I’ll miss you too much…because I love youuuuuuu.

She’s got me. I’m more than happy to lie here for 30 minutes cuddling my girl who loves me so.

Izzy smiling

The Week ( Or So )That Was – 5

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What we did:

Over the past week (ish) we have returned from an incredible weekend at Forest Holidays in the Forest of Dean, we spent a large portion of the weekend cycling thorough amazing woodland and chilling out in the hot tub:

Forest holidays hot tub

Since returning we have taken the girls to see Ben & Holly in our local theatre, I love going to a traditional theatre:

Ben and Holly theatre show

Spent a lot of time in our home and garden enjoying the warmer weather.

Playing flying games with Izzy in our garden..

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Enjoying my herb garden..

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A part of my bedroom that I love..
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We had to take Chloe back to another hospital appointment, this time a Barium Meal and once again she was a little trooper and we were so proud of how she coped.

I went to the launch of a new Lamb burger at Bendigo 9-10 in Llanelli along with fellow food blogger and my sister in law Lovely Appetite.

The Salt Marsh Lamb double stack burger was my favourite:

Salt marsh lamb burger

We ate and drank:

Leftovers:

Butterbeans and tomato

Malteser Hot Chocolate:

Malteser hot chocolate

Rum slushies:

Rum slushies

Pesto pasta bake:

Pesto pasta bake

Pizza from the pizza oven:

Pizza

S’mores:

S'mores

And loads more but that’s a little slice of our week.

What We Watched:

I watched Before I Go To Sleep – I wasn’t particularly impressed, it’s not a bad film but I preferred the book. On TV I watched some more Greys Anatomy and that’s about it. It’s been a busy week.

What I read:

I read Getting Over Jesse Franklin by Stephie Chapman – a brilliant and easy to read piece of chick lit. I’ve also been reading Greedy Man, Hungry World by Jay Rayner.

What I listened to:

A new section here but I’ve just started listening to audio books and how have I never really done this before?? I can cook AND enjoy a book.. two of my favourite things. Currently listening to Always The Bridesmaid by Lindsey Kelk and Mindfulness by Mark Williams and Danny Penman. Music wise I’m enjoying listening to some old playlists including Bob Marley, Gavin DeGraw, King Charles and Blind Pilot.

News:

Pesto Pasta Bake

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Whenever I am stuck for something to eat or we are edging closer to our next grocery shop I normally cook some kind of pasta dish. Spaghetti agli olio being a fave. If I haven’t got much time or patience for cooking a fussy dish we often have a variation on a pasta bake. Today was a pesto pasta bake and it was so delicious I just had to share it.

You will need:

400g pasta
150g pesto
2 pots of half fat creme fraiche
100g mature cheddar
Large handful of pine nuts
Seasoning ( I use a sprinkle of salt and 1/2 tsp of crushed black pepper )

Cook your pasta ( any type will do although twists/penne work particularly well ) according to packet instructions. Drain, reserving a little cooking water ( about 50ml or so ) now stir through your pesto ( freshly made is best but a good quality jar is just fine. Now add your seasoning and water to loosen the pesto slightly. Add your creme fraiche and give it a good stir before pouring into a baking dish, top with half of your crushed pine nuts before sprinkling on your cheese and finish with the rest of the pine nuts. Bake in a hot oven for about 20 minutes until the top is slightly crispy and golden brown.

Pesto pasta bake

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Serve with a leafy salad.

An easy meal which tastes absolutely delicious and packed full of flavour. You can pop in some shredded leftover chicken or veggies but it’s lovely as it is. Simple ingredients, fabulous taste.

Pesto pasta bake
Here are some other pasta bake ideas from fellow food bloggers:

Cheesy roasted butternut squash pasta bake
Kielbasa pasta bake
Gluten Free Mushroom Pasta Bake
Turkey, Ham and Mushroom pasta bake
Ham and Vegetable pasta bake
Veggie Sausage pasta bake
Chicken and Leek pasta bake

I’m joining in with Pasta Please hosted by BakingQueen74 and Tinned Tomatoes.

Pasta please

Five Reasons To Go To RAW FEST 2015

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This Summer I’m excited to be working with RAW FEST UK. I’ll be telling you all about the festival on the blog in the lead up to the event, giving away some tickets and writing a comprehensive review afterwards.

Today I just want to tell you 5 reasons that your should be buying your ticket today..

1. They call it “a decompression party from your everyday life.” I don’t know about you but that sounds good to me. After two years of family illness, hospital appointments, depression and a lot of stress we can all do with an escape from it all to repair our systems..to rest, cleanse and detox. Where better to do it than in surroundings like this?

Pylewell park Hampshire
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2. Learning: With a wide variety of lectures and workshops, there is a lot to learn at RAWFEST. Hear from people who have embraced Raw Food and learn how to make ONE meal for everyone. Watch Russell James create tomato sauces and salsa as well as vegetable pasta and rice bases and pick up useful skills to do it yourself at home. Listen to Loren Lockman explain how to maximise your hydration and explain how 99.6% of us are dehydrated.

3.Discovering: one of the things which excites me about any festival I go to is listening to new ( to me ) music, trying new foods and meeting new people. At RAW FEST I can do all that and more. You will know from my blog that I don’t avoid all junk food or alcohol but I’m excited to embrace this at the festival and who knows maybe I will change the way I currently eat/live even if only a little. I’m looking forward to trying out lots of raw foods and watching others demonstrate and talk about why they love food.

4.Nightly Bonfire & Star Gazing: Doesn’t this just sound blissful? I think this may be one of the things I love most about camping..being outside late at night. Children tucked up asleep in the tent ( hopefully ) while relax outside under the stars.. Ahhh. I also find bonfires entrancing….

5. Yoga, Massage & Meditation: I’ll be the first to admit that aside from massage which I have had on occasion and loved every time this is all new to me. I did a short stint of yogilates when we had a class in our workplace at lunchtime but I imagine that yoga done correctly in the right setting is an entirely different matter. I’ve also been reading up a lot on meditation lately and I think it would be really good for my mind.