Munchies and Munchkins

Food and travel

You are here: Home / Blog

BBC Good Food Show Winter Part 1

· by · Leave a Comment

This is a rather hurriedly put together brief recap of today at the BBC Good Food Show. I will post a more in depth review later in the week with some better photos but for now this is a quick look at what I loved today and what you should most certainly check out if you are heading there this weekend.

Let’s start at the beginning of my day in a very well stocked press room. I hadn’t had breakfast and I made a rather delicious starter choice of Twinings redbush and one ( or two) of Baru dark chocolate covered marshmallows with salted caramel. Oh my. I could happily have sat there and eaten them all.day.long.

image

I did of course have to move on and here are a few of the stalls/products that I loved and that you NEED to visit. I will add more info about the companies to my full review later this weekend:

Pictured below: Ardens UK, Pips Sauces, BC confectioners, Tarte and Berry, For Heavens Stake and The Garlic Farm.

image

image

image

image

image

image

Pictured below: Delicious Alchemy, QCumber, Spicentice, Doble & Bignall, Curry Dave and Fifth Dimension Chocolates.

image

image

image

image

image

image

There are lots more that I loved but I need to upload those from my real camera so if I saw you and chatted and said I loved your product then I did honestly but my brain is a fuddle..and it’s 11.30pm and I’m sleeeepy.

A very quick mention to a few more that I loved:

Farrington Oils – amazing rapeseed oil.
Bonbonniere Chocs – most amazing truffles.
Williams Handbaked – seriously good oaty biscuits
Swifts Bakery – epic breads.
Raisthorpe Manor – awesome raspberry gin

Also head to the Supertheatre for amazing chef demos, the Lurpak, Hotpoint, Kenwood and Sous Vide Tools stands for general food and gadget love.

Follow the hashtags #GFSBLOGGERS for lots more recommendations and the #GFSWINTER for offers and show news. If you still haven’t bought a ticket you can use code BL15 for 15% off all weekend and I will leave you with this last pic of me with a very lovely pair of gentlemen who I would love to spend an evening of food and drinks at the pub with:

image

Stocking Fillers.. For me.

· by · Leave a Comment

Maybe you are past the age when you can be satisfied with a few chocolate coins and a tangerine but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still have a stocking. I know that opening up Christmas stockings as a family all squished up in our big bed is one of my favourite things and I always insist that Andrew gets me some stocking fillers – I’m a big kid at heart.

Here are my favourite stocking gift ideas for women:

Proper Chocolate for grown ups:

With lots of options around for really good chocolate these days you are a bit spoilt for choice but here are some of my faves:

Hotel Chocolat – how about some of their salted caramels for pure indulgence or perhaps a pot of their salted caramel and pecan spread…mmmmmm.

image

Potash Farm: Single origin chocolate with cobnuts for something a little different. In dark or milk .. Dark for me please.

image

Butlers Chocolates: Totally gorgeous and very festive looking boxed and bagged chocs. I love the Marc De Champagne Truffles:

image

If you aren’t a chocolate lover what about a sweet novelty treat like this Travel cup filled with jelly beans from The Jellybean Factory ?

image

Or even some gourmet popcorn from Love Popcorn

image

You can never go wrong with a little boozy treat and how about something you don’t normally buy:

Licor43 – this slightly nutty and sweet liqueur is perfect added to hot chocolates or just alone.

image

Maybe try a different wine? Both Lindemans and Waitrose Cellar have some fantastic options whatever your taste may be. I love the Bin 45 reds From Lindemans:

or the Prosecco from Waitrose Cellar

image

I’ve recently tried Raspberry Gin and Damson port from Raisthorpe Manor and they would make delicious additions to a stocking…and these miniatures are the perfect size too.
image

Something bath or smellies related is normally in my stocking and it’s a firm tradition. You could give some pretty little sets from Sanctuary, Champneys, Vaseline or Lynx depending on your budget:

I’m a bit obsessed with the Sanctuary bath relaxer and the 2 day moisture shower oil so either of those in my stocking will make me a happy girl.

I like the lip balm gift set tins from Vaseline. I always, always, always have a tin of Vaseline in my bag and so I love having a set of them in my stocking.

Did you know Lynx did female deodorants and gift sets? I didn’t. They could make a great little gift for older teens or for women of all ages as they smell really good!

image

You could also add a little notebook set or desk caddy – I LOVE stationery and so do most of my friends. I think it goes back to school days when you just weren’t cool if you didn’t have a fountain pen or a multi coloured pencil. Life Canvas have a lovely range.

image

I’m sure I’ll think of more over the next few weeks but for now I hope that gives you all some ideas on stocking fillers for the women in your life.

* Some of the products included in this guide have been gifted to me for review purposes.

Boba 4G Review

· by · 1 Comment

I’m a big fan of babywearing. For lots of reasons. I think it’s beneficial to both you and your child, for the comfort, bonding and relationship with them. I think it’s beneficial to you for when you have a clingy, whiny baby and let’s face it all babies have days ( weeks, months) like this but you still need to get things done. It’s great for when you are heading out for the day but you know a buggy would just get in the way. Or for an older child who is adamantly wanting to walk but after 15 minutes tires their little legs.

We started off when Chloe was just a few days old using a wonderful stretchy Boba Wrap which I purchased on Amazon so I was thrilled when we were offered a Boba 4G to review from Slumber Roo when Chloe had just begun to outgrow the wrap.

image

Just a few of the places/activities I’ve used mine at/for:

Festivals -I cannot tell you just how much we loved using this at festivals this summer. It made our days and especially nights so much easier. We used it for both Chloe and Isabelle and love how easy it was to adjust and the way it’s comfortable on both myself and Andrew for both front and back carry.
image image image
Shopping – I hate taking the buggy when we go shopping but Chloe gets fed up in the trolley so the carrier is ideal for this. I also find it much easier when I’m trawling charity shops or food fayres.

Baking – I managed to make both Izzy and Chloe’s birthday cakes this year while carrying Chloe and they turned out pretty well.

Cleaning – sometimes the only way I get any cleaning done is to strap Chloe in, she will quite happily snooze while I hoover and dust.

Pacing – you know those nights when your baby won’t go down and your arms ache so much from holding them and pacing your lounge floor? Well a carrier doesn’t solve problems but it definitely makes life easier.

Puddle Jumping image

Great features include:

A removable sleeping hood
Infant support
Smartphone pocket
Breastfeeding buckle

And lots more.

The Boba 4G rrp is £99 which to some may seem expensive but when I consider how much we have already used this for both of our children and how much more time we will get out of it I think the cost per use is very low.

You can find out more about Boba and other baby/toddler carriers on the Slumber Roo website.

* we were gifted this carrier for the purpose of a review.

Siblings – November

· by · Leave a Comment

There’s been a shift between these two again and they are suddenly thick as thieves. I see Izzy going in for sneaky cuddles and kisses and the way Chloe just exclaims Where’s Izzy about a hundred times a day. It’s love, pure and simple. Sure they drive each other crazy. Chloe in particular can be SO annoying ( Izzys words) when she knocks over her big sisters towers but if Chloe is upset or looks at all sad Izzy is there in a heartbeat checking on her.

While I can get away with it I’ve sneakily put them in the same outfits just for the cute factor:

image

Awwww.

I also had to include this pic because of the look on Chloe’s face and Izzys ringlets which are stupidly pretty.

image

Puddle Jumping With Hunter Wellies

· by · 4 Comments

I do like a good jump in a big old puddle .. ONLY when wearing wellies of course!

I used to buy new wellies at least once a year (very cheap ones I should add) and they never really did the job. My feet were always cold, often wet and they were clunky and not particularly attractive. Then of course all of the high street brands started to cotton on to the festival fashion look and bright, glossy and spotty boots were everywhere but still they only looked good – they didn’t actually work for what you needed them for.

I was sent a pair of Hunter Boots from Wellie Web a few months ago and they have been used again and again. They are supremely comfy and my feet are always warm enough. The style I have are probably more a functional look to some rather than fashionable but I love them.

image

In fact I feel just as comfortable wearing these to slosh about muddy paths as I do wearing them with a pair of skinny jeans and a vest at a festival.

They also have an adjustable calf width which is ideal for those who don’t have teeny tiny legs.

image

Wellie Web have a massive range of wellies to choose from for both adults and children and I love these Hunter boots for kids:

image

You could even revamp your old wellies by adding a funky sock or fur cuffs:

image

*I was gifted these wellies for the purpose of this review.

10 Things To Do/See/Buy at BBC Good Food Show Winter

· by · Leave a Comment

The months are flying by so quickly this year and I can’t quite believe it’s the Winter BBC Good Food Show this week but I’m so excited!

If you are a regular reader of my blog you will know that I’m a BBC Good Food Show blogger which means that as well as sharing discount codes and ticket competitions with you lot that I get to go to the show and get up close and personal with the traders and sometimes the celebrity chefs! At the last show we met Paul Hollywood and this time we are catching up with The Hungry Bikers which I’m massively excited about.

Here are 10 things I think you should eat/do/visit/see at the show this year:

1. Do your Christmas gift Shopping:

Presents for everyone sorted under one roof. Fancy something a bit different as a stocking filler? Why not visit stand F56 and get some mug brownies from BakedIn – take it from me you won’t regret it!image

2. Plan your festive menu:

Struggling to keep your dairy/gluten free guests happy with home baked goods this Christmas? Why not try these delicious mixes from Delicious Alchemy over on stand G134 … I love their oaty biscuits.image

3. Time to fill up your drinks cabinet:

With a selection of whisky and wine, Gin and Rum.. Even kits to make your own cider simply by adding water. Something for everyone and lots of beer too!

4. Check out the Supertheatre. Catch demos from chefs such as: John Torode, James Martin, Paul Hollywood & Mary Berry, Lorraine Pascale and Hairy Bikers.

5. The Good Food Show is all about the EATS. As in: Eat. All. The. Samples :

There are zillions of free samples at the show and it’s just plain rude to say no so definitely try before you buy.

6. Have lunch at The BBC Good Food Kitchen – reservations are recommended. The menu looks incredible…. Fancy lunch on the go instead? Try popping over to stand B74 and trying some of the gorgeous bakes from Swift’s bakery – some of the best breads I’ve tasted.

7. Is an afternoon tea more your thing? You could check out the Cakes and Bakes tea garden which is a bit of a bargain at £21.95 for two people and includes some great treats including carrot cake by Marcus Bean.

7. Bonkers about beer? You could visit The Great British Beer Experience Sponsored by CAMRA.

8. How about some live demos at the Hotpoint Kitchen from chefs such as Valentine Warner and Lisa Faulkner? Hotpoint will also have some great show deals on offer.

9. Get your favourite cookbooks signed by top chefs .. You could even indulge a cookbook obsession by buying one or two while you are there. I recommend Marcus Bean, Chicken: The New Classics – ooh and he is there signing away on Saturday.

10. Pretend you are part of The Great British Bake off by attending a show at The Cakes and Bakes stage, enjoy Masterclass, chef demos and live cookalongs!

If you are thinking of attending the show but you haven’t yet got tickets then you need to buy them and use discount code BL15 to get an awesome 15% off. Say hello if you see me at the show. 🙂

image

Castles For Christmas – Duplo Review

· by · 1 Comment

Duplo and Lego are gifts which probably feature heavily on most Christmas wish lists for both boys and girls.

I know that Izzy has loved building and creating various towers with her Duplo for at least the past year.

We were recently sent the Duplo Treasure Attack set for Izzy to try out before Christmas and she had a ball putting it all together, then pulling it apart and doing it all over again.

Treasure Attack includes:

*3 knight Lego Duplo figures
*Features a horse-drawn carriage, castle tower and an apple tree
*Castle tower features an opening window
*Accessories include catapult, flag, 2 swords, axe, apples and treasure element
*Decorated bricks with a spider and coins act as excellent story starters

It’s a little more complex than her last set and it definitely challenged her, both she and her Dad ( of course ) loved it.

One very well trained bloggers child:

image

image

image

Izzy has a bit of a passion for both horses and castles at the moment so this was right up her street.

image

This has an RRP of £24.99 which I think is a reasonable price for what it contains and is suitable for age 2+.

As with all Lego/Duplo products the material is of an excellent quality and it’s bright and attractive.

One to add to your Christmas Gift Lists for sure.

* We were sent this Duplo set for the purpose of a review.

Easy Peasy Mincemeat Recipe

· by · Leave a Comment

You can buy perfectly amazing jars of readymade mincemeat these days and fairly cheaply too. I use a jar from Aldi quite a lot and it’s delicious.  There is however something special about making your own, I normally use quite a fancy, shmancy recipe to make mine but this year I tried something super simple and this easy mincemeat recipe works just fine.

You will need:

375g of mixed fruit ( with peel)
75ml of French Brandy ( I used Aldi)
150g shredded suet
Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
125g Dark brown soft sugar
1tsp of ground nutmeg
1 apple, peeled and grated

This may just be the easiest mincemeat recipe you will ever try.

Simply soak your mixed fruit and lemon zest in your brandy and lemon juice for at least 1 hour so they plump up. The drain and set the juice/brandy mixture aside. Add all of the remaining ingredients in and then pour the liquid back over. Spoon into sterilised jars and cover for at least 2-3 weeks before using. Will then keep in fridge for 6 months or longer.

This recipe made two jars.

easy mincemeat recipe

 

Dear Chloe

· by · Leave a Comment

Tomorrow you are One

This year has gone too soon

You are happy and loving

But we wish you’d sleep too

You light up a room with your

Beaming smile

You touch our hearts with your

Kisses and cuddles

You make our family complete

When we didn’t know anything was missing

You worship your sister

“Where’s Izzy” was your first question

You can say mammy and dad

And recently bye

You say Izzy, Grandpa, Nanna and

Occasionally Polly

You were walking so early

Just like your big sis

And now you are running

Into everything it seems

You bump yourself often but brush it straight off

You are strong, you are sturdy yet still

Look like a doll

Still so petite

Dainty and cute

No baby fat left but

You do have big feet!

It’s been a hard year for me

And I’m sorry

If some days I’m teary or tired

And grumpy

I try my very best for you and for Izzy

My life has certainly never been

So busy

Just one thing you should know

On your birthday eve

We love you, we love you.

We LOVE you.