tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40941595917454005452024-03-05T07:56:55.926+00:00Katie Cupcake CymruFamily blogger and B&B owner. Wife and mum of 2 who loves to cook. Talking about buckets & spades, cheese & crackers and everything in between! Views my own :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.comBlogger392125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-88787046085829120382016-10-24T21:30:00.000+01:002017-02-20T20:04:55.187+00:00Spookily Scary Halloween Meringue Bones!To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of trick-or-treating; we welcome little witches and ghosts (with parents!) to visit us on Halloween night, but I'd rather be cosy and warm inside my house than traipsing around the neighbourhood with a bag full of sugar-rush fuel!<br />
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We often have a family tea party so that my children can still get dressed up... here's one of our favourite recipes, great served with 'eyeball jelly' (grapes and fruit jelly!).<br />
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<u>Ingredients</u><br />
3 egg whites<br />
1/4 tsp cream of tartar<br />
Pinch of salt<br />
2/3 cup of granulatd sugar<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
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<u>Method</u><br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat the oven to 105C. Line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment.</li>
<li>Beat together the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until foamy. Slowly add the sugar, one spoonful at a time and continue beating until the meringue stands up in stiff, shiny peaks, then beat in the vanilla.</li>
<li>Spoon the mixture into a piping bag and pipe 7cm bone shapes; a long line with 2 rounded blobs at either end. </li>
<li>Cook in the oven for 1 hour, then turn the oven off and leave in the oven for a further hour.</li>
<li>Carefully remove from the baking sheets and serve with gruesome 'eyeball jelly'!</li>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-24560296257761574332015-11-29T21:00:00.000+00:002015-11-29T21:28:45.783+00:0010 of the best cookie recipes!<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everyone loves a cookie, right? The beauty of them is that there are a multitude of flavours available - definitely something to suit everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They can be dressed up as a thoughtful Christmas gift, shared with those you love or just simply dunked in milk after a long day at school (or work!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's my list of favourites, enough to last you all winter!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1580654/millies-cookies-recipe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Millie's Cookies recipe</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bakingmad.com/peanut-butter-and-white-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peanut butter & white chocolate chip cookies</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/frozen_chocolate_chip_95194" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frozen chocolate chip cookies</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/chocolate-mint-cookies-46" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chocolate mint cookies</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/white-chocolate-macaroon-cookies/087da2f0-59f3-4cdb-b82a-6179b1a8662a" target="_blank">White chocolate & coconut macaroon cookies</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/recipe/anzac-biscuits/#BvduXjIYAXLASGOH.97" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anzac biscuits</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/659060/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hazelnut cookies</a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/6370/cranberry-orange-cookies.aspx?o_is=Hub_TopRecipe_4" target="_blank">Cranberry & orange cookies</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.co.uk/recipes/florentine-cookies.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Florentine biscuits</span></a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/find-recipes/recipes/cakes-and-treats/butterscotch-cookies" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Butterscotch cookies</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have a go yourself... get the kids involved! They'll be some lucky teachers and classroom assistants this Christmas!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0Barmouth, United Kingdom52.7233109089888 -4.06057853595506tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-83720006242783528552015-10-19T20:01:00.000+01:002017-02-20T20:02:44.758+00:00Starting high school... one term in!There are hundreds of blog posts about preparing your child for the transition from primary school to high school... <a href="http://www.katiecupcake-cymru.blogspot.co.uk/2015_07_01_archive.html" target="_blank">I even wrote one too</a>! There's so much advice out there and, of course, every child is different.<br />
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So, I hope by reading this 'starting Year 7 plus one term' post will help your family as they go through this in 2016 and will continue to help us as a family! I'll be honest with you as well, so that you may feel a little more 'normal' than you think you are!<br />
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<ol>
<li>There will be tears... yours and theirs! Try to teach your child when to keep the tears in and when to let them out! (This goes for you too, Year 7 Mum!)</li>
<li>Homework will probably be a shock - our primary school does issue homework, but quite haphazardly to be honest. Our high school homework is issued through the week and it all (on average 4 pieces for Year 7) is due in on the following Monday. Doing it as it gets set is easier then leaving it all until Sunday... and you get weekends free to have 'homework-free' fun!</li>
<li>Weedle out the 'sick' days. Unless there's evidently a sickness/diarrhoea bug, high temperature or other obvious reason to show they are ill, we've encouraged our child to go to school. This may seem harsh, but if high school is to prepare them for life, we need to learn to just 'get on with it'. A quick phone call to school after they have left will put your mind at rest so if they are ill during the day, school will know that maybe they aren't 100% and so will arrange to contact you to collect your (now) sick child!</li>
<li>Teach them to be organised. Get uniforms out and bags ready the night before - it saves time in the morning and so they can have that extra 5 minutes in bed, so long as their belongings are ready and waiting by the kitchen door! There's nothing worse than looking for one shoe when you really need to be out of the door 6 minutes ago!</li>
<li>Your child will learn that friends from primary school may suddenly turn into someone that they don't particularly like... even becoming increasingly negative towards them. (Your child will also do this, but not see it them self!) Teach them to make new friends - if there's someone sat on their own, encourage them to say 'hello'. They may also just have lost a friend and need a new one, just as much as your child,</li>
</ol>
And, there you go. Sounds easy? It will be in the end... good luck! <div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-5418981026439236722015-08-18T18:12:00.000+01:002015-08-18T18:12:15.580+01:00Magical Microwave Meringues! There's a tale to be told one day about 30 eggs, me and a kitchen full of 'mistakes'! I love meringues but hate (HATE) making them... so when I came across this recipe for microwave meringues (no whisk, just 2 ingredients) I just didn't quite believe it.<br />
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So we had a challenge. My daughter made 'traditional' meringue and I made the microwave version to see which worked best. If I hadn't made the microwave ones myself, I would never have believed that they would work.<br />
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Here's the video to see for yourself...<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jcer2xUwX8Y/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jcer2xUwX8Y?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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And my final result...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-Udhk-_-UTAmLAmbqURhDuRuJDuzL8jIGjI8_6g6AefuOrapcUuO00otp_trZ4h0cMYF48s3_Jgalfnbrcl_YM7NxP-90rvqWWjtO5JTJz_ZXzE7rEX_ejE3d_6VBsKvyu3ujW4Dq_w/s1600/11855922_10152964622882371_201796721180344903_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-Udhk-_-UTAmLAmbqURhDuRuJDuzL8jIGjI8_6g6AefuOrapcUuO00otp_trZ4h0cMYF48s3_Jgalfnbrcl_YM7NxP-90rvqWWjtO5JTJz_ZXzE7rEX_ejE3d_6VBsKvyu3ujW4Dq_w/s320/11855922_10152964622882371_201796721180344903_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqVOcIIoo185iOTKKZpADzGrpwh17oLbIelmnBG7hL1fQcAE5aqy2cIu8fimb3g5qW18O3oL3g1s3Ga6nnzAV2jqVS2Me1XISJnpLJRZsZn2YDOAQwp1-J6uXC5DceGk108L6p-UFpS4/s1600/11891200_10152964622877371_3051998899657200005_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqVOcIIoo185iOTKKZpADzGrpwh17oLbIelmnBG7hL1fQcAE5aqy2cIu8fimb3g5qW18O3oL3g1s3Ga6nnzAV2jqVS2Me1XISJnpLJRZsZn2YDOAQwp1-J6uXC5DceGk108L6p-UFpS4/s320/11891200_10152964622877371_3051998899657200005_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They're definitely more of a 'rugged' version than the piped shop-bought meringues but they taste delicious and there's the added bonus of no stress while making them! My daughter's traditional version turned out to be a flop... literally - and so she wouldn't let me post a photo!<br />
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So just add fruit and cream to your liking and enjoy - tasty meringue in less than 15 minutes!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-33331862605999053132015-07-05T20:00:00.000+01:002015-07-05T20:00:02.908+01:00Helping your child stay happy and safe – Childline 0800 1111<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every summer, millions of children in Wales & the UK are
looking towards the start of a new school term in September. For many, this
change happens without any ups and downs but for some, it’s a really difficult
time. <a href="http://www.childline.org.uk/explore/schoolcollege/pages/school.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Childline</a> has many, many resources available to families to help with any
problems they may encounter.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQ-HCRYe17IpwY0HeeAOArWMvkzH0iA3Z4X5e0mE4kpkg7DPjsJ1JvRaNb_JXu34s-2EUU_JRKMpjpvS_zeK5zeEzCg44tkrO_eyylvUSgnTc5VkK-rxWyESbul1N8ZlajKhIbe3IozI/s1600/logo-ChildLine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQ-HCRYe17IpwY0HeeAOArWMvkzH0iA3Z4X5e0mE4kpkg7DPjsJ1JvRaNb_JXu34s-2EUU_JRKMpjpvS_zeK5zeEzCg44tkrO_eyylvUSgnTc5VkK-rxWyESbul1N8ZlajKhIbe3IozI/s1600/logo-ChildLine.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I only became aware of the extent of the resources available
on their website following a routine visit they made to my daughter’s primary
school. To be honest, I had never looked at their website before – why would I?
My children are happy, safe and part of a loving family. We have ‘moments’ like
all families, but nothing to be of concern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the school visit, the Childline representatives gave each
child a pack called <a href="http://www.childline.org.uk/explore/pages/buddy.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">‘My Buddy Kit’</a>. The front and back pages give information,
and the middle inside pages are filled in by the children. Here they can state
what makes them feel happy and safe – places, people and things. <i>I’m glad to say that her dad and I do
feature on this list!</i> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikumlvTnR8NNnn5ufp73ihoJzo6jkqIyXK1mqFSBToUqKVLXIwfTJY66uuhi93iuA2HetdJcs_-y8FBKz1AFHC5bs1kY7dc-2gyT-6jHFeo2Wns6hi8zVyEF83dCFvDQUk8akrZj4CZqo/s1600/Buddy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikumlvTnR8NNnn5ufp73ihoJzo6jkqIyXK1mqFSBToUqKVLXIwfTJY66uuhi93iuA2HetdJcs_-y8FBKz1AFHC5bs1kY7dc-2gyT-6jHFeo2Wns6hi8zVyEF83dCFvDQUk8akrZj4CZqo/s320/Buddy1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU_HsbPnzAZo5jaHhtqWdtAy9flpM2b0c0EVlbZ9MY2o5GXtNUjAisfwfff0M7CHCa2xJWe-Fg5GnfmWAG6FKYRPcKiRV4IJp93n1oaatKtUNYzsAvhQRb71XEimVDanVwEcTHt8ctZo/s1600/Buddy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU_HsbPnzAZo5jaHhtqWdtAy9flpM2b0c0EVlbZ9MY2o5GXtNUjAisfwfff0M7CHCa2xJWe-Fg5GnfmWAG6FKYRPcKiRV4IJp93n1oaatKtUNYzsAvhQRb71XEimVDanVwEcTHt8ctZo/s320/Buddy2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My daughter is actually looking forward to her transition to
high school. Not all children from our local primary school go to the same
secondary school – it’s about a 50/50 split. So she’s looking forward to moving
up with friends and also the opportunity to meet new friends. There will be
some familiar faces due to the small community that we live in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, if there’s anything worrying you or your child, or even
if you think there’s a problem brewing, have a look around the <a href="http://www.childline.org.uk/pages/home.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Childline website</a> for help. There’s also <a href="http://www.childline.org.uk/play/pages/play.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">games to play</a> and things to create – you can
create an account and have your own private ‘locker’ space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-11847633821563230872015-02-17T16:00:00.000+00:002015-02-17T16:00:04.044+00:00Flipping good fun on Pancake Day!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pancake day...Pancake Tuesday... Shrove Tuesday. Whatever you may call it, it's the day of the year when pancakes are eaten in households all over the UK!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The celebratory eating of pancakes is usually confined to just one day of the year, but I must confess, we sneak a couple of extra Pancake days (not necessarily Tuesday!) into our yearly calendar!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my age-old recipe that I use time and time again... similar to Delia's but in my opinion, easier!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Ingredients</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 fl oz semi-skimmed milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 oz plain flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lard, for frying</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Method</u></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add all of the ingredients to a large jug or mixing bowl. Whisk with a hand whisk for about 2 minutes. <i>I don't sieve the flour as the whisking incorporates enough air to give the pancake 'bubbles'!</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heat a knob of lard in a frying pan until just smoking. Add a ladle of the pancake mix to the pan, swirl to coat the bottom of the pan and then cook until the pancake loosens from the bottom of the pan. Flip(!) and cook the other side for a few more seconds.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Serve warm with a filling of your choice. <i>I stick to lemon & sugar but there are all sorts of crazy options out there!</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can keep the mix in the fridge for a day... but ours never lasts that long! Enjoy!</span></li>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-54383731750619392702015-02-13T19:00:00.000+00:002015-02-13T19:00:00.559+00:00Half term begins... and it's raining!My children started their half term holidays today... and it's raining! We managed a quick dash to our local library in between showers and chose some good reads for the week. We also have the facility to borrow DVD's from the library too and so we chose 'Maleficent' this time; for a very reasonable sum of £1.55, you can borrow a DVD for up to 7 days... that's at least 4 viewings of a great family film! Just need to stock up on popcorn!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXlJGTjnPC2cjMkFOTNhQcPi_CRBQDkMKlXQ3oEfmRxqHyF7OoJsYeqhZLvsD-NR3ILhf4Y-PXFZRkL4LWj8raHd7ZW0a0bq9VjCrXaPe30X2dcUgqyWQqkcelVOPvwqYmeqN7gSX1Nk/s640/blogger-image--1556023012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXlJGTjnPC2cjMkFOTNhQcPi_CRBQDkMKlXQ3oEfmRxqHyF7OoJsYeqhZLvsD-NR3ILhf4Y-PXFZRkL4LWj8raHd7ZW0a0bq9VjCrXaPe30X2dcUgqyWQqkcelVOPvwqYmeqN7gSX1Nk/s400/blogger-image--1556023012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tonight's tea was my eldest's choice - <a href="http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/macaroni-pasticcio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Macaroni Pasticcio</a>. Ours might not look as good as the picture but so long as everyone enjoys, that's all that matters!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv77zeEitrQNA1kPBHZgToL3M6aSvCieU82hyE85jkFZn0B4x8HQxzjim-d0WaK8kdbqpX1QKcfWvlAFKcOu7kfSKbdDUx_hYnkKOG1lu-mjanjx7cngn7BqC8FNkQLSMzfHhIHt9XZkg/s640/blogger-image-1770362572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv77zeEitrQNA1kPBHZgToL3M6aSvCieU82hyE85jkFZn0B4x8HQxzjim-d0WaK8kdbqpX1QKcfWvlAFKcOu7kfSKbdDUx_hYnkKOG1lu-mjanjx7cngn7BqC8FNkQLSMzfHhIHt9XZkg/s400/blogger-image-1770362572.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hope you are all enjoying the start to the half term break - I just hope the rain leaves us along for a couple of days!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-2825539747419558422015-01-30T20:00:00.000+00:002015-01-30T20:00:00.894+00:00Fantastic... Mr Fox!As a child (and an adult!) I loved reading - mostly Enid Blyton, but my other favourite author was/is <a href="http://www.roalddahl.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Roald Dahl</a>. My children are now at the age where they are studying books at school, not just reading for fun. There's nothing wrong with reading for the sake of it, or course, but reading, understanding and analysing books and stories is a skill which will help them in years to come.<br />
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<a href="http://www.twinkl.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twinkl </a>is a great website aimed at both school staff and parents with loads of resources suitable for all levels of primary education. Some resources require a subscription although there are lots of free resources available too.<br />
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My son (7) is currently studying 'Fantastic Mr Fox' - one of my favourite Roald Dahl books! So, as I know the book pretty much inside out, I thought it would be easy to help him along the way... but do I really have time to design worksheets, word searches and reading comprehension questions? In a word, NO! After a quick look on <a href="http://www.twinkl.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twinkl</a>, I was pleased to find a whole range of 'Fantastic Mr Fox' specific resources - everything from writing frames and colouring sheets to word searches and character profile sheets!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjbzzmgxW6bA-vuHwvWdvvDXZdjhBs24eO89hHkTXLmQlxjMV9yHPPyg8CPXFVECGkqXaf63jktHbpz6hwIhFSxpWeuFKERF2-h-BarRpK-8jQ1DbWz1ETUW4XyWJruGvT1Q4ZHLdPXs/s1600/10949698_10152524190432371_773552939679077744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjbzzmgxW6bA-vuHwvWdvvDXZdjhBs24eO89hHkTXLmQlxjMV9yHPPyg8CPXFVECGkqXaf63jktHbpz6hwIhFSxpWeuFKERF2-h-BarRpK-8jQ1DbWz1ETUW4XyWJruGvT1Q4ZHLdPXs/s1600/10949698_10152524190432371_773552939679077744_n.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
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That saved me a fair few hours design time! So a quick download and print has given me lots of activities to complete with my son. He's a great reader but needs something that grabs his attention and at the moment, Roald Dahl seems to have done that! I need to keep him on track and I'm sure that the <a href="http://www.twinkl.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twinkl </a>resouces will do just that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMEJ9jAeY7Z-lNAfnhemrIKu8jAogLlI6RYGwGLPfqpDvoFNTjt1KGeGb8bTHLWspSvyBwlXu8Gl5dXkGhaOsIXT5XMeXv-564uuBT9P_o1hWFRYolUnMoCcXR_7XUgb2-XT-bvA8oGI/s1600/10945595_10152524200272371_6548563945940577823_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMEJ9jAeY7Z-lNAfnhemrIKu8jAogLlI6RYGwGLPfqpDvoFNTjt1KGeGb8bTHLWspSvyBwlXu8Gl5dXkGhaOsIXT5XMeXv-564uuBT9P_o1hWFRYolUnMoCcXR_7XUgb2-XT-bvA8oGI/s1600/10945595_10152524200272371_6548563945940577823_n.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
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Watch this space for updates... next task - the human body for a 10 year old!<br />
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PS.. if anyone is interested in a paid subscription, message me via Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KatieCupcakeCymru" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> and I can send you the link for membership! xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-85567544442289532872015-01-26T20:00:00.000+00:002015-11-29T21:25:17.154+00:00Why I am a perfect parent (and how you can be too!)Put simply anyone can be a perfect parent and here's how. I am a perfect parent because I know that my children are NOT perfect! We as a family have good days and not so good days . We have more good days and have learned how to turn each day into a good day, well at least part of it!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rule one</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Listen</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rule two</span></div>
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Don't make promises that you can't keep.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rule three</span></div>
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We don't keep secrets but you can keep surprises.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rule four</span></div>
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Eat as a family around the dining table as often as possible.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rule five</span></div>
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Ban electronics for a set time each day - talk!</div>
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<u>And that's it!</u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLkVR2_PP3OJBvdR84tOMvhNfTxe7MtfB8X5SlXWM9VBvhHgFnK3rQLImRd79ahmgBGjxOLadX7Q7KM0ckIyufbJXaSGDWSKs9w98LLolfqyis6TKrBUL7AIiE85OVsN3ENpsHPeZS00/s1600/family-160621_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Family values" border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLkVR2_PP3OJBvdR84tOMvhNfTxe7MtfB8X5SlXWM9VBvhHgFnK3rQLImRd79ahmgBGjxOLadX7Q7KM0ckIyufbJXaSGDWSKs9w98LLolfqyis6TKrBUL7AIiE85OVsN3ENpsHPeZS00/s1600/family-160621_1280.png" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-47312685851003693602015-01-23T20:00:00.000+00:002015-11-29T21:24:14.697+00:00Going back in time.... A house made of history!Apart from the resident spiders that seem to dwell in our roof spaces, I love living in an old house. It's a 4 storey Victorian terraced house and as we work our way through the renovations, we find all sorts of bits and bobs that relate to our house's former life.<br />
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Both of my children are studying the Victorian age at school and so they are able to take some of the findings in to school to talk about them with their classmates.<br />
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We've found Victorian servant's bell wires, vintage light fittings and switches and, more recently, newspapers from the 60's stashed away in one of the loft spaces. So, being a nosey-parker, I read the newspapers from 1962! It was humorous to see the out look on life was quite different then. These are the pieces that amused me the most! Apologies for the creases.... the papers are pretty old!</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/AVvXsEjDYfZzfpArYD3OHRmn_QnGLFlttiXTVvEFKuKId0eyDIM_yumw6N9pezZD6vm-rcL-L_6Ctx0E5WapjbyF49hsyB8JX4telQUXNrWiyPUaodsKWv9nwp3Xsia8O62SsBe-tffJIar55aQ/s1600/picstitch(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="1960's newspaper" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYfZzfpArYD3OHRmn_QnGLFlttiXTVvEFKuKId0eyDIM_yumw6N9pezZD6vm-rcL-L_6Ctx0E5WapjbyF49hsyB8JX4telQUXNrWiyPUaodsKWv9nwp3Xsia8O62SsBe-tffJIar55aQ/s1600/picstitch(4).jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Some women, of course, don't realise that housework is as simple as ABC'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUxYJhxOk-LNl1MzwuB-dlxVUM4ReKiGgQdU3qsOL4YiM_dEkHQXbKzmEJN1PahToJBMiLBKTrFd12q3JG9jdw9_WBb2WmoX7l4kh0KTEzksO5s7BxtAYr5jxENvk-NZbSPWHZkev-Y4/s1600/picstitch(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="1960's newspaper" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUxYJhxOk-LNl1MzwuB-dlxVUM4ReKiGgQdU3qsOL4YiM_dEkHQXbKzmEJN1PahToJBMiLBKTrFd12q3JG9jdw9_WBb2WmoX7l4kh0KTEzksO5s7BxtAYr5jxENvk-NZbSPWHZkev-Y4/s1600/picstitch(3).jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the 'Free Time' drawer - that's the 'junk' drawer in my house!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbJ3nmYp631mQ4i1vDBMbu3PJA0P8nh_oWxAmyiojr5cjVlrk3aX2ssnwsfA-Fo3eLRuJLxHXLzokjBH1LC7q1aSPp50uGuPBDU-q8Mb3Nno0iB9VePVRJzWSe7l5y0tfZK8Jpp2Yr38/s1600/picstitch(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="1960's newspaper" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbJ3nmYp631mQ4i1vDBMbu3PJA0P8nh_oWxAmyiojr5cjVlrk3aX2ssnwsfA-Fo3eLRuJLxHXLzokjBH1LC7q1aSPp50uGuPBDU-q8Mb3Nno0iB9VePVRJzWSe7l5y0tfZK8Jpp2Yr38/s1600/picstitch(2).jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't realise the Channel Tunnel was planned in the 1960's!</td></tr>
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Regarding the MP's 'wage scandal' (bottom right picture, above), £1,750 in 1962 is approximately £33,000 in today's money. If they could see into the future, no wonder they were having a moan as nowadays, the average wage of an MP stands at about £74,000!! Scandalous indeed!<br />
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So, back to the normal household stuff! As we are updating things around the house, we have covered old fireplaces and bricked up chimneys and so have left behind little treasures of our own. We put together a time capsule and hidden it in the basement for a future finder to enjoy. We included a newspaper, letters from my children, drawings and a couple of small toys and trinkets which represents our children's lives in the early 2000's.<br />
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We've also allowed out children to draw on the insides of plaster-boarded internal walls - so one day, another family will hopefully have the joy of discovering our lives! Or maybe they will just think that we are crazy!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-52358390008164197632015-01-19T20:00:00.000+00:002015-11-29T21:02:24.407+00:00Blue Monday? Fix it with Sugru!<div dir="ltr">
Sugru is a cool, mouldable 'glue' that turns into rubber making fixing, modifying or even making things easy and fun for everyone. The patented silicone technology is unique. Out of the pack, Sugru feels like play-dough, and it's that easy to use too. It bonds to almost any other material and cures just by exposing it to air. Its durable cured properties mean it'll stay strong and securely bonded anywhere from the freezer to a steamy hot shower, from the home to the great outdoors. Sounds hard to believe but it's true!</div>
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Findings from a recent poll on <a href="http://sugru.com/">sugru.com</a> have revealed that the most feel good DIY projects are those that involve organising and sorting your stuff. So far so boring? Not when you’re given a helping hand by a few tiny friends…. </div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAbky9NQqz00Uy4MZQOgxzNXb86LXRgd-JD41vxrJZPhlV9lYwz9CaxX73HjHHeFt_qYskVJU2dEPQf6j7c056r3PwVOc-jV15jHCI8aPNnaUB8ouBGgOnys_dZ81yxLPiOXc8P4AIGo/s1600/sugru+lego.gif" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAbky9NQqz00Uy4MZQOgxzNXb86LXRgd-JD41vxrJZPhlV9lYwz9CaxX73HjHHeFt_qYskVJU2dEPQf6j7c056r3PwVOc-jV15jHCI8aPNnaUB8ouBGgOnys_dZ81yxLPiOXc8P4AIGo/s1600/sugru+lego.gif"></a></div>
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Almost a quarter of those who took part in the online poll voted for one of last year's most popular projects - <a href="http://sugru.com/go/lego">Sugru</a><a href="http://sugru.com/go/lego"> + Lego = perfect cable holders</a> - as the ideal way to help banish the blues this January.</div>
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The simple but ingenious idea came from a fan in Germany and soon snowballed into one of Sugru's most shared pieces of content of all time reaching hundreds of thousands of people around the world.</div>
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So, if you missed it first time around - here's a guide to how you can <a href="http://sugru.com/go/lego">organise your cables at home or at work</a>. Proven to help turn that frown upside down!</div>
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Did you know, it's also International Lego Day next week (28 January) and Sugru is offering <a href="http://sugru.com/buy">free shipping all week </a>so you can start planning your own project </div>
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You can also check out some other feel good projects <a href="http://sugru.com/blog/announcing-the-most-popular-feel-good-sugru-projects">here</a> to help keep yourself entertained this winter. </div>
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As a Lego-loving family with a list of things to fix, I'm sure we'll be using lots of Sugru in the coming months and years!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0Barmouth, United Kingdom52.723310908988765 -4.0605785359550568tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-73951927672229451792015-01-02T21:34:00.001+00:002015-11-29T20:57:26.462+00:00Winter Health - eat well, sleep well, be well!Christmas is over and we're starting the New Year - complete with resolutions (achievable and not-so-achievable!). Here's some helpful ways to hopefully dodge the coughs, colds and bugs that seem to be around at this time of year<b>!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoNb6-R0VJ-TjMJ3scg_T3vFuPVX8tOLN7zsSvGDcD7sGdYwqTpHIjzcyl0hTKyWCyJFgZWo6YwgNE6zRZ7uykYWaP422wL8JdZlG65rOd_5OtzHwWkDrQm_0mPD5CB8DGSI-V2kviSU/s1600/raspberries-215858_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Healthy raspberries" border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoNb6-R0VJ-TjMJ3scg_T3vFuPVX8tOLN7zsSvGDcD7sGdYwqTpHIjzcyl0hTKyWCyJFgZWo6YwgNE6zRZ7uykYWaP422wL8JdZlG65rOd_5OtzHwWkDrQm_0mPD5CB8DGSI-V2kviSU/s1600/raspberries-215858_1280.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><b>Eat fruit.</b> Fruits, especially berries such as blueberries, cherries, strawberries and blackberries are naturally high in vitamin C, bioflavonoids and antioxidants. These all help to boost your immunity levels. Other good sources include broccoli, apricots, peppers and kiwi fruits.</li>
<li><b>Vitamin D3. </b>Our main source of vitamin D is the sun and so as the days are shorter in the winter, our levels can go down. Vitamin D is vital to ensure adequate absorption of calcium for our bones but it also plays a crucial role in the normal functioning of the immune system. Many of us can become deficient in vitamin D over the winter because even when outdoors with some skin exposed, very little vitamin D is produced due to the angle of the sun during the winter months. A daily dose of vitamin D3 can therefore help to fortify the immune system through the colder months.</li>
<li><b>Echinacea.</b> This is a fabulous herb which 'modulates' the immune system, which simply means that it helps to teach it what to do, thereby rebalancing it, meaning it can function better. Echinacea is also a powerful lymphatic cleanser; it stimulates the overall activity of the cells responsible for fighting all kinds of infection.</li>
<li><b>Zinc. </b>This is essential for the immune system and healing. Enjoy seafood and nuts and seeds, especially sunflower and pumpkin seeds. </li>
<li><b>Honey. </b>Manuka honey has great health benefits. Enjoy this delicious tasting food and stay healthy.</li>
<li><b>Stay active.</b> When it's cold outside, it's difficult to get out there and do some exercise but try to! Research has shown that exercise is another way to help your immunity.</li>
<li><b>Bin it!</b> Don't leave dirty tissues or hankies lying around - it can also spread your cold. When you cough, sneeze or blow your nose the secretions that end up in your hanky or tissue are teeming with the virus that's making you sick. These viruses can survive for some time once they leave your body, so when you leave a tissue for someone else to pick up, you are actually leaving a little virus bomb to go and infect someone else's hands. So throw away any used tissues and wash your hands straight away.</li>
<li><b>Sleep well. </b>Your immune system helps you to fight off common infections, Poor sleep and insomnia can affect our immune system so make sure you get plenty of rest.</li>
<li><b>Vitamin C. </b>There is considerable evidence that vitamin C (ascorbic acid) plays a vital role in many immune mechanisms. Infection rapidly depletes the normal levels of vitamin C. Remember that bugs stay active on surfaces so avoid touching too many public places such as escalator rails or cash point surfaces.</li>
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So, with these few tips you *should* be able to ward off the dreaded colds which are still lurking, waiting to catch you out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-24398254798332689862014-12-17T18:59:00.000+00:002014-12-17T18:59:09.371+00:00How many Santa's is too many Santa's?Now, I love Christmas as much as the next person and a visit to a Santa's Grotto is on most parent's to-do list during the month of December. But without sounding a bit 'bah-humbug', just how many times does a child need to visit Santa!?<br />
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We live in a very small town/large village and even here, if (big IF) my children were to visit each Santa's grotto/party that is on offer in the place we live, they would see the big man himself over 10 times! I manage to tactfully avoid most of them - not because I don't want to support the particular group or charity that is providing the Santa experience, just because more than a couple of times is too many!</div>
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They also vary in, let's say, authenticity. One particular Santa is pretty good and sees the children in two different grottos. He cleverly remembers them by name (small town syndrome!) so that he can check if they have been keeping their promises of bring well-behaved, tidying their bedroom, etc, etc. </div>
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My children have known for a couple of years that the Santa that we visit in our town are actually Santa's helpers. They cottoned on pretty quickly that they look slightly different at each visit and so the truth was told! Father Christmas does exist and lives happily in Lapland with assistants employed all over the world to help collect messages to send to Santa and distribute presents to the children.<br />
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Although... they do believe the Santa at <a href="http://www.portmeirion-village.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Portmeirion Village</a> is the REAL one, namely for 2 reasons - he has a real beard and can speak Welsh! Our first language at home is English but my children are taught through the medium of Welsh and so are fluent Welsh speakers, so only the real Santa would know that they could speak Welsh, right? That's a good enough reason for me!</div>
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This year, we didn't manage to visit the Christmas markets at Portmeirion, but if you are ever near there on the first weekend in December, it's well worth a visit!</div>
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So anyway, when you're planning your December fun and festivities, take care not to have a 'Santa Overload'! It can be more magical keeping somethings under wraps...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-80680350972498186762014-11-03T21:43:00.000+00:002014-11-03T21:43:19.163+00:00'Shell Shock' by Neil Blower - Book ReviewI don't often review books as I think it's hard to do the book justice without giving anything away! For this book, I make an exception!<br />
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The author is the son of an old friend who I recently caught up with after about 16 years with only Facebook contact! Both of our lives have changed in this time and it was lovely to see her again, have a good chat and a coffee! I just need to make sure that the gap isn't so long next time!<br />
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So anyway, onto the book! I read all sorts of genre of literature and will give anything a go. I knew that Neil had written a book and had seen coverage of his story on breakfast TV a couple of years ago.<br />
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Basically, in the book he tells the story of life after war through the eyes of an army veteran. There's no holding back and it shocked me in parts as he tells the story of living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sometimes, I think I live in a bubble where bad things don't happen up people I know but horrific things DO sadly happen all of the time. </div>
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I'm not ashamed to say that the book made me cry and I'm pretty certain that it will do to you too. If you do one thing this Remembrance Sunday, please take time to just even think about our troops; those at war, those who sadly have not returned and those who have returned and are still suffering.<br />
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Please give it a read as it really is written from the heart. As I was kindly given a copy of 'Shell Shock', I have donated the cover price to <a href="http://www.combatstress.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Combat Stress</a>. You can buy your own copy <a href="http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/neil+blower/shell+shock/8641921/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> with £1 from each copy sold going to this very worthy charity. </div>
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Neil has written a <a href="http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/neil+blower/dividing+lines/9846899/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">second book</a>, so keep an eye out for it - it's definitely on my Christmas list! There's also a third one on the go.... watch this space!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-26222670476166043042014-10-04T21:00:00.000+01:002014-10-04T21:00:00.225+01:00 Dog Treats Vs Poison: A Pet Health Infographic We love our dog Lucy and for most of my life, had a dog at home - a cuddle on demand and she doesn't argue back! BLISS!<br />
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But we're always really careful about what treats we give her. Here's a handy infographic from <a href="http://www.vet-medic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vet-Medic</a> with some simple do's and don'ts!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-66906508798548045062014-10-02T20:44:00.000+01:002014-10-02T20:44:00.860+01:00Great Gizmos - Sensory Toys<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Play and Learn with PlanToys</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Just in time for starting the Christmas lists, the eco-friendly wooden toy
range </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.greatgizmos.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">PlanToys</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> is pushing the boundaries
with educational toys to make them more interactive and fun as well as flexible
and responsive to children’s needs and circumstances.</span><span lang="EN-GB"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
The Adaptive Toys series from Plan is the latest wave of toys that is entirely
dedicated to children with special needs. This highly original collection of
learning toys caters for three groups of children with special needs which are
cerebral palsy, autism and the visually impaired. There are lots on offer but
here is just a snapshot of this great developmental toy range;</span><span lang="EN-GB"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
The Build-A-Robot is a complete learning experience for kids! The wooden robot
includes four interchangeable heads that feature an array of emotions including
happy, sad, cross and surprised for children to learn. He can also sit and
stand as his chunky legs and arms are moveable to imitate a human being.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">For problem
solving there is the Vehicle Puzzle that encourages children to match the
correct driver to their vehicle, whilst also learning how to shape sort. Each
puzzle tile features a colourful background to help solve the game and all
tiles interlink together to form a large floor piece. The puzzle includes a
helicopter, space rocket, car and submarine for added play value.</span><span lang="EN-GB"></span>
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<span lang="EN-GB"></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">To help develop
fine motor skills, the Beehives game allows children to match the correct bee
to its corresponding colour hive using the wooden pincers included. There are
six brightly coloured hives that each have their own miniature bee, complete
with stripes and wings. This game also helps reinforce colour recognition and counting.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> For children who
are visually impaired, there is a Braille Duo that helps children learn the
alphabet and number sequences. The Braille Numbers set enables kids to count to
10 with the wooden tile set that is beautifully engraved with large numbers and
the corresponding Braille cells. The reverse side also contains leaf
illustrations with the correct number of leaves on to help children count. The
26-piece Braille Alphabet features both the upper and lower case letters of the
alphabet and matching Braille symbol, to help each child learn their letters.</span><span lang="EN-GB"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">These really do
look like great toys, whether your child has special needs or not, sadly my
children are now above the target age range however I have a younger niece and
another one (niece/nephew!) on the way, so I'm sure they will creep onto the
Christmas list somewhere!</span><span lang="EN-GB"></span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-32697782869149846882014-09-30T21:48:00.000+01:002014-09-30T21:48:00.114+01:00How easy is it to be safe online? <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Actually how easy is it to stay safe online? I think I'm pretty up to date with all things secure - I <b>never</b> click the 'save payment details for future use' check box which is offered on so many websites nowadays and I make sure all my anti-virus software is up to date. But maybe I could do more....</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>Choice Loans have just launched a new interactive infographic that outlines every type of
fraud, and 16 different things you can do right now to prevent being a
victim of identify fraud or money theft online.</span></span></span><br />
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</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>Did you know that £450.4m of credit card fraud was committed in 2013 alone according to <a href="http://www.financialfraudaction.org.uk/publications/#/8/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Financial Fraud Action UK</a> and there were <a href="https://www.cifas.org.uk/secure/contentPORT/uploads/documents/CIFAS%20Reports/External-CIFAS-Fraudscape-2014-online.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">221,000 cases</a> of Identity Fraud in the UK last year - also there was the recent iCloud hack!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span>Have a look at the handy guide here > <a class="" href="http://bit.ly/identifyfraud" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/identifyfraud</a> to make sure that you are staying as safe as you can be!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span><br /></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-24473634881820425302014-09-28T21:35:00.000+01:002014-09-28T21:35:00.574+01:00Magical museums & great galleries!<div id="ecxE309">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE310">Did you know </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE311">that </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE312">Henry VIII enjoyed a kick-about with his mates</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE313">, back when football was a game of ‘beastly fury and extreme violence’</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE314">?</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE315"> </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE316">Or that </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE317">with a quick rumma</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE318">ge around your</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE319"> kitchen cupboa</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE320">rds, under the guidance of </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE321">museum scientists, </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE322">you’ll find</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE323"> all you need to mak</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE324">e an erupting volcano</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE325">? </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE326">Did you know there’s a</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE327"> huge</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE328"> </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE329">stuffed walrus </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE330">with its own Twitter account</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE331"> living in a museum in London</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE332">? </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE335"><em>Show Me</em>, </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE336">set to become the ‘go to’ website for children and young people looking to discover and learn about </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE337">the weird and wonderful world of </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE338">muse</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE339">ums, </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE340">galleries </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE341">and archives </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE342">across the UK, has just launched </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE343">this September</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE344">. </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE345">The site</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE346"> </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE347">showcases </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE348">a fascinating range of </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE349">stories, </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE350">artworks, objects</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE351">, </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE352">games</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE353">, </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE354">films, </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE355">apps </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE356">and days out listings to </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE357">inspire and ignite</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE358"> young</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE359"> imaginations</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE360">.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The online 'exhibits' are most certainly based around the questions that children ask, for example you can find out about the <a href="http://www.show.me.uk/editorial/1480-top-ten-dead-things-in-museums" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">top ten dead thing in museums</a>(!) and <a href="http://www.show.me.uk/editorial/1191-how-to-make-a-roman-shield" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">how to make a Roman shield</a>. There's everything from things to make, fact sheets and online games to help to educate your child whilst having fun at the same time!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE363">Show Me</span></em><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE364"> is excite</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE365">d to</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE366"> be working in partnership</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE367"> </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE368">with </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE369">the Bafta-winning </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE370">Culture Street</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE371"> team who specialise </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE372">in making short films </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE373">and interactives </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE374">for and with children and young people. </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE375">Culture Street </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE376">bring</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE377">s</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE378"> </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE379">a selection of the </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE380">collection</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE381"> objects</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE382"> </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE383">featured on Show Me </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE384">to life in a </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE385">brand new </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE386">series of short films about </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE387">collection </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE388">objects</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE389"> </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE390">chosen by children</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE391"> on museum visits</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE392">.</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE393"> </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE394">The children take viewers with t</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE395">hem around the museum, asking </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE396">curators the questions we’d all </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE397">like </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE398">to ask.</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE399"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE402">Show Me</span></em><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE403"> is also a </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE404">guide to the best family-friendly museums</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE405"> across the UK</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE406">, </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE407">featuring </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE408">info</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE409">rmation</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE410"> on </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE411">the latest events and e</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE412">xhibitions for family days out</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE413">.</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE414"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TKyK6PNWEWMh2XvJ5fBM7rtw61ehQ-GXfiAdQbynR7gJgo2LrzZiCChOyLfro6vbPTa4VW-swWHKEzlnBixtIPWRRG8C1jSu3sdZw-ES7_hm8ATxHqb5lod3qeApHVkLAJ5A_BL_RZE/s1600/national-359909_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TKyK6PNWEWMh2XvJ5fBM7rtw61ehQ-GXfiAdQbynR7gJgo2LrzZiCChOyLfro6vbPTa4VW-swWHKEzlnBixtIPWRRG8C1jSu3sdZw-ES7_hm8ATxHqb5lod3qeApHVkLAJ5A_BL_RZE/s1600/national-359909_1920.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a class="ecxqowt-field ecxqowt-field-hyperlink" href="http://www.show.me.uk/" id="ecxE418" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri ecxqowt-stl5" id="ecxE419">www.Show.Me.Uk</span></a><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE420"> </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE421"> </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE422">will </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE423">feature</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE424">:</span></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hundreds of museum games and learning resources</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE429"> </span></span></span></li>
<li class="ecxqowt-stl7 ecxqowt-li-0_0 ecxqowt-list ecxqowt-nospace-before ecxqowt-nospace-after" id="ecxE435"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE429">Zoomable</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE430">, high quality</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE431"> pictures of</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE432"> </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE433">collec</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE434">tion objects from a range of museums</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE436"> </span></span></span></li>
<li class="ecxqowt-stl7 ecxqowt-li-0_0 ecxqowt-list ecxqowt-nospace-before ecxqowt-nospace-after" id="ecxE435"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE436">Culture Street’s films and interactives</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE437"> on </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE438">key collection objects</span></span></span></li>
<li class="ecxqowt-stl7 ecxqowt-li-0_0 ecxqowt-list ecxqowt-nospace-before ecxqowt-nospace-after" id="ecxE439"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE440">‘</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE441">Make & Do</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE442">’</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE443"> guides – from </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE444">volcanoes to</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE445"> Roman to</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE446">gas and </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE447">wartime carrot fudge</span></span></span></li>
<li class="ecxqowt-stl7 ecxqowt-li-0_0 ecxqowt-list ecxqowt-nospace-before ecxqowt-nospace-after" id="ecxE448"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE449">Behind</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE450">-</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE451">the</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE452">-</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE453">scenes info </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE454">a</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE455">nd stories from </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE456">the world of museums</span></span></span></li>
<li class="ecxqowt-stl7 ecxqowt-li-0_0 ecxqowt-list ecxqowt-nospace-before ecxqowt-nospace-after" id="ecxE457"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE458">What’s on</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE459"> </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE460">guide – venue & listings info on </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE461">fam</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE462">ily-friendly </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE463">UK </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE464">museums </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE465">and </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE466">galleries</span></span></span></li>
<li class="ecxqowt-stl7 ecxqowt-li-0_0 ecxqowt-list ecxqowt-nospace-before" id="ecxE467"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE468">Homework help for kids </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE469">and </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE470">supporting resources </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE471">for </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE472">t</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE473">eachers.</span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE476">Find Culture Street’s films and interactives on </span><a class="ecxqowt-field ecxqowt-field-hyperlink" href="http://www.culturestreet.org.uk/" id="ecxE477" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri ecxqowt-stl5" id="ecxE478">www.culturestreet.org.uk</span></a><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE479"> as well as on <em>Show Me</em></span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE480">.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE483">Show Me</span></em><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE484"> </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE485">is edited</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE486"> by Anra Kennedy, Content and Partnership Dire</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE487">ctor at Culture24 and a </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE488">trustee of </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE489">both </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE490">campaigning charity Kids in Museums – </span><a class="ecxqowt-field ecxqowt-field-hyperlink" href="http://www.kidsinmuseums.org.uk/" id="ecxE491" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri ecxqowt-stl5" id="ecxE492">www.kidsinmuseums.org.uk</span></a><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE493"> -</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE494"> and GEM, the Group for Education in Museums – </span><a class="ecxqowt-field ecxqowt-field-hyperlink" href="http://www.gem.org.uk/" id="ecxE495" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri ecxqowt-stl5" id="ecxE496">www.gem.org.uk</span></a><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE497">.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE500">Anra Kennedy says, “</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE501">It’s so exciting to be opening up museum and gallery collections to a new generation of children and young people on <em>Show Me</em>.
There are so many wonderful stories and treasures in museums and
galleries but they’re very difficult to find online, especially for kids
and their time-pressed parents and teachers. The site will keep growing
and developing with more </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE502">collections, games, stories, museums and listings</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE503"> being added all the time</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE504">, I’m hoping checking out what’s new on Show Me will become a habit for many children and young people.”</span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE505"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE508">Annie Devitt, Head </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" data-ow-chain="orphan" id="ecxE509-owchain-0">of
Learning at the National Media Museum who worked with Culture Street on
the films around their collection says, "We were given a brilliant
opportunity to work with Culture Street and their young filmmakers </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" data-ow-chain="widow" id="ecxE509-owchain-1">to uncover some of our hidden collection objects. They have managed to bring the history and science behind our </span><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE510">treasures to a much wider audience."</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE514">Show Me </span></em><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE515">is also supported by Arts Council England. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE518">John Orna-Ornstein, Director of Museums, Arts Council England, said: “The Arts Council is pleased to be supporting </span><em><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE519">Show Me</span></em><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE520">,
an initiative that promotes museum collections in an original, relevant
and engaging manner. Stories are at the heart of every good museum and </span><em><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE521">Show Me</span></em><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE522"> will help to bring collections to life for a wide audience.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE525">To explore museum content for children and young people why not visit </span><a class="ecxqowt-field ecxqowt-field-hyperlink" href="http://www.show.me.uk/" id="ecxE526" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri ecxqowt-stl5" id="ecxE527">www.show.me.uk</span></a><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE528"> and </span><a class="ecxqowt-field ecxqowt-field-hyperlink" href="http://www.culturestreet.org.uk/" id="ecxE529" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri ecxqowt-stl5" id="ecxE530">www.culturestreet.org.uk</span></a><span class="ecxqowt-font10-Calibri" id="ecxE531">?</span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-9920606696928303372014-09-26T21:00:00.000+01:002014-09-26T21:00:01.122+01:00Perfect eggs!Running a B&B means that we are self-confessed experts at cooking eggs.... of all types! We're lucky that we have a super-duper hot plate to fry our eggs on but not everyone has that luxury!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.larkandlarks.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lark and Larks</a> have put together this great guide to cooking the perfect egg... what do you think?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvp14aSVbQTPlYB7oWy3HHAU_7ZRUgVYERP5McYE_mpRq72SPdcwH9Lt5D-I9lXYTVjYKs0f8DwCWdcZg2B9-Mo0UzQyHpjEgVtJhzWpmQn12xACwTSHBpFMMrJrYGvPUfc3fsOBNRag/s1600/How+to+Cook+Eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvp14aSVbQTPlYB7oWy3HHAU_7ZRUgVYERP5McYE_mpRq72SPdcwH9Lt5D-I9lXYTVjYKs0f8DwCWdcZg2B9-Mo0UzQyHpjEgVtJhzWpmQn12xACwTSHBpFMMrJrYGvPUfc3fsOBNRag/s1600/How+to+Cook+Eggs.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What's your favourite way to cook eggs? For me, it's poached all the way!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-54717212050876879762014-09-24T21:29:00.000+01:002014-09-24T21:29:00.293+01:00I *heart* Italy! Romantic break in the planning...<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Fancy a romantic break away? I've always wanted to visit Italy and love the sound of these ideas...</span><strong><span> </span></strong></div>
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<strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA-uPgyVZ321U7ESsjKy2eSIW6UdddQRxxSWkgWaxtY0U8NF8FcJ8286HL2R7sInHrJIyDqHcFtGMhA0xB_gSYgRwEQRGwPTyA5Wwoy_G1664193CrN2pCP59hxkgApXGhL7wz-wRiWw/s1600/italy-156536.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA-uPgyVZ321U7ESsjKy2eSIW6UdddQRxxSWkgWaxtY0U8NF8FcJ8286HL2R7sInHrJIyDqHcFtGMhA0xB_gSYgRwEQRGwPTyA5Wwoy_G1664193CrN2pCP59hxkgApXGhL7wz-wRiWw/s1600/italy-156536.png" height="320" width="273" /></a></strong></div>
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<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<strong><span>HOFSTATTER: A JEEP DRIVE THROUGH THE SOUTH TYROLEAN “MASI” OF HOFSTATTER</span></strong><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Visiting the
estate Hofstätter is an experience that involves all five senses. The
guests will be amazed not only by the cellar and the beautiful wine
shop, but also a restaurant, a wine bar and the Garden - Vineyard, which
makes this enchanting corner a pleasant and unique place to meet. If
you want to understand a wine and it's characteristics, you have to
explore the vineyard. At Hofstatter estate, you can also make a trip by
jeep, having the opportunity to learn about the territory of the
vineyards of this historic property, which is located in one of the most
ancient wine roads, in the village of Termeno, the old hamlet which has
given the name to Gewurtztraminer. If you want to try the typical
Thyrolean food, you can taste delicious local dishes accompanied by
wines from Hofstätter in the attached Restaurant.</span><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.hofstatter.com/en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.hofstatter.com/en</span></a><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<strong><span>BAGLIO DI PIANETTO: A SICILIAN WINE CHATEAU AND A RESORT TO DISCOVER IN THE HEART OF SICILY</span></strong><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Baglio di
Pianetto is the fulfilment of an ambitious project and the dream of its
founder, the Count Paolo Marzotto, to give life to a chateau in Sicily
to produce excellent wines from both Sicilian indigenous grapes such as
Insolia and Nero D’Avola and the international grapes Viognier, Petit
Verdot and Syrah.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>The company
owns two estates in Sicily, one is located near Palermo where the
vineyards grow at the altitude of 650 metres. Here the area is
constantly ventilated and subjected to a considerable temperature range
between day and night. These conditions are perfect for Catarratto,
Viognier, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The other
property is in the south of Sicily, near Siracusa, where the blazing sun
permeates the soil which is mitigated by the frequent sea breezes. This
is the ideal microclimate for Nero D’Avola, Frappato, Syrah and Moscato
di Noto.</span><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Baglio di
Pianetto is not only a chateau. It’s also an Agrirelais, a charming
resort in the countryside near Palermo, among vineyards and olive trees.
A beautiful destination to spend a relaxing vacation to discover
picturesque villages, the centre of Palermo with it's artistic treasures
and churches, the beautiful natural environment and especially to enjoy
Baglio di Pianetto’s wines and to visit the winery. </span><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.bagliodipianetto.com/pages/baglio-di-pianetto" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.bagliodipianetto.com/pages/baglio-di-pianetto</span></a><span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<strong><span>ROCCAFIORE RESORT & SPA: ORGANIC WINE-MAKING AND CHARMING HOSPITALITY</span></strong><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>If you want
to take a break and relax in one of the most beautiful areas of Umbria,
you have to stop at Roccafiore: a wine estate and a Country Chic Spa
Resort where style, tradition and comfort blend together in a harmony
created by experience and passion.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Roccafiore is
a perfect location for a gateway for two with a restaurant offering
delicious local dishes, a beautiful wellness centre and an enchanting
hotel in the heart of Umbria immersed in the green countryside
surrounded by 90 acres of gardens, vineyards and olive groves.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>If you want
to discover nature while having fun, you can also join "Jurassic Pork", the
“wild” real safari aboard off-road experience to those, they offer
along a path surrounded by vineyards and olive groves where you can also
visit the of Cinta Senese pigs.</span><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Tucked away
among the gently rolling hills and in a wonderful secluded spot,
Roccafiore estate is also a real bio-natural reserve, which combines the
use of an ancient agricultural tradition with technological innovation
in order to preserve the environment.</span><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.roccafiorewines.com/en/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.roccafiorewines.com/en/</span></a><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.roccafiore.it/en/" target="_blank"><span>http://www.roccafiore.it/en/</span></a><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<strong><span>IN THE HEART OF MAREMMA WITH TERENZI</span></strong><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>The Terenzi
estate has sprung up as the result of an ambitious idea: to promote an
area that has so much to give - starting off with its great wines - but
that for far too long has been held in less consideration than other
areas of Tuscany. To make this dream into reality, the Terenzi family
decided to give up all their other activities and dedicate themselves
full time to the area of Scansano and its flagship wine: Morellino.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>Hospitality
is another cardinal feature for the young Terenzi brothers, who are now
running the activities and who enjoy making people discover how wine is
made, educating them to drink well and allowing them to get to know the
family and the region on a personal basis .</span><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>The area
devoted to hospitality includes the restaurant, the wine shop and the
inn (an old converted farmhouse) composed of 9
rooms decorated in traditional Maremman style, so that every guest can
feel perfectly at ease.</span><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>The
restaurant re-evokes a typically informal and welcoming Tuscan eatery,
with a splendid veranda that looks out over the vineyards and the gentle
valleys of the Maremma. The old farm has, on the other hand, been
turned into an inn containing 5 rooms and a suite, distributed among the
three main farm buildings that make up the "agriturismo". Each room is
spacious and comfortable, with all the mod cons such as free Wi-Fi
connection, drinks fridge, television and telephone. </span><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span>The excellent
local cuisine; the close proximity of the Saturnia thermal baths, where you can also find exclusive golf courses and riding stables; the
opportunity to go on excursions to the Maremma Alberese Natural Park, to
Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole, or to the splendid sites of
Pitigliano and Sovana: all this makes the Terenzi estate an unmissable
destination when visiting the Maremma around Grosseto.</span><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.terenzi.eu/eng/mondo-terenzi_ospitalita.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.terenzi.eu/eng/mondo-terenzi_ospitalita.php</span></a><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<strong><span>THE TASTE OF THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE AT LA CIAU TORNAVENTO</span></strong><span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
If you pass by
Piedmont region, you should stop in the Langhe, whose viticultural
landscape has just been recognized as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.<span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
In the heart of
this enchanting wine region, which produce Barolo and Barbaresco, two of
the world’s most famous wines, wine growing has been the heart and soul
of the economy for centuries. For a fine dining break, you cannot miss
the restaurant La Ciau of Tornavento, where the high cuisine is defined
by elegant flavors of the dishes created by Maurilio Garola.<span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
You can eat on the
balcony watching the most beautiful landscape of the Langa and taste
great wines: inside the restaurant you can visit the most important
collection of Italian wines, a real temple with over 60,000 bottles in a
room designed for them. La Ciau has been included in the list of
restaurants with the best wine list by Wine Spectator and in 2013 </div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
the
Revue de Vin de France has awarded La Ciau as the best wine list in the
world.<span></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.laciaudeltornavento.it/ita" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.laciaudeltornavento.it/ita</a><span> </span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-10818233767541068992014-09-22T21:01:00.000+01:002014-09-22T21:01:00.244+01:00Coffee, coffee, coffee....If there's one thing that I couldn't give up, then it would be coffee!<strong> </strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3S4puCNhbl5AnR3Tm9tIbMqJQ_LgNTbcm-zXfnNKp_Rhyy3xr6oncrJB32pJhHcg1GsUe-uidk5fJEg4cX1OE85VTQvPWqagFDVuRI6pYKHL5A8-IUR3eCBbIZ2JhvUOvxRjqY3Y7KdU/s1600/cappucino-95895_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3S4puCNhbl5AnR3Tm9tIbMqJQ_LgNTbcm-zXfnNKp_Rhyy3xr6oncrJB32pJhHcg1GsUe-uidk5fJEg4cX1OE85VTQvPWqagFDVuRI6pYKHL5A8-IUR3eCBbIZ2JhvUOvxRjqY3Y7KdU/s1600/cappucino-95895_1920.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>The story of coffee </strong><br />
Despite being readily available, coffee has a colourful history dating back to the 9<sup>th</sup>
century. To give you a better understanding of the world’s favourite
drink, Logic Vending have put together this guide covering everything you need to
know about coffee!<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>When was coffee first discovered?</strong><br />
According to legend, coffee was first discovered in the 9<sup>th</sup>
century by an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi. He realised that the
beans has miraculous ‘perk-me-up’ qualities when he noticed that his
goats became spirited and sleepless after eating berries from a certain
tree. Kaldi recounted the phenomenon to the local monastery whose abbot
made a drink with the hope of staying awake for evening prayer. After
experiencing the energising effects first hand, the abbot shared his new
found knowledge with other monks. Thus the coffee craze was born!<br />
<br />
<strong>The Arabian entrepreneurs</strong><br />
While coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia, the Arabs were the
first to actively cultivate plantations and start up a thriving trade
market for the beans. During the 15th century production was limited to
the Yemeni district however by the 16th century, production had extended
to Turkey, Egypt, Persia, Syria and beyond.<br />
<br />
<strong>Coffee arrives in Europe</strong><br />
Compared to the East, Europeans didn’t discover the delights of coffee until the 17<sup>th</sup>
century when whispers of the black brew reached major cities. While
consumers were sceptical at first and referred to the drink as the
'bitter invention of Satan,’ it was soon given the seal of approval by
the Pope himself! By the mid-17<sup>th</sup> century London played host to over 300 coffee houses.<br />
<br />
<strong>The US invasion</strong><br />
America was the next nation to taste the bitter bean when merchants
brought coffee to New York (then known as New Amsterdam) in the
mid-1600s. While tea remained hugely popular, King George’s 1773 ‘tea
tax’ turned Americans against the leaf based beverage and coffee emerged
as the drink of choice.<br />
<br />
<strong>The spread of plantations</strong><br />
As the world began to develop a growing taste for coffee, European
nations decided to stir up the Arabian coffee plantation monopoly. While
they did encounter resistance, the Dutch eventually got their hands on
some seedlings in the mid-17<sup>th</sup> century and attempted to plant
crops in Indonesia. The beans thrived in the warm climate and today,
Indonesia remains a primary producer of coffee. In 1714 the Dutch showed
a streak of exceptional generosity and presented a coffee plant
seedling to King Louis XIV of France. The seed was sewn in the Paris’s
Royal Botanical Garden where it thrived! However in 1723, a young
officer is thought to have stolen a seedling and transported it to the
French Caribbean Island of Martinique. Thus the beginning of the South
and Central American coffee revolution!<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Where is coffee produced?</strong><br />
Today, coffee plantations are grown in countries across the
globe. Asia, Central America, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands are
all popular coffee producers however it’s Africa and South America that
really steal the show.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8oW8AuFZIwvovSQfCTTR7_nUmfuu0R6orBb3xbbI2oKcB3WpuZPb2N1wAhzbpcqnXGPeZQIQDc2kAjk3stiFd_89Jwy0W8um9fMJLbWsByqfaR8IMJ3RbKTq4EBYXCKhnQAlUWculk0/s1600/coffee-beans-400052_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8oW8AuFZIwvovSQfCTTR7_nUmfuu0R6orBb3xbbI2oKcB3WpuZPb2N1wAhzbpcqnXGPeZQIQDc2kAjk3stiFd_89Jwy0W8um9fMJLbWsByqfaR8IMJ3RbKTq4EBYXCKhnQAlUWculk0/s1600/coffee-beans-400052_1920.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
So if you love coffee just as much as me and are looking for a high quality <a class="" href="http://www.logicvending.co.uk/coffee-machines/purchase-method/rental-coffee-machines.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">coffee machine to rent</a>
or buy, Logic Vending has a huge selection of models to suit cafes,
restaurants, bars, salons, offices and more. The Fracino Romano 2 Group
is a <a href="http://www.logicvending.co.uk/coffee-machines/purchase-method/lease.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">great commercial coffee machine to lease</a> and features an hourly output of 400 cups. For smaller settings, bean to cup machines are ideal. So, have a look at their website and choose what would be best for you!<br />
<strong></strong><strong><br /></strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-51909236996538033182014-09-20T20:51:00.000+01:002014-09-20T20:51:42.263+01:00Expecting the unexpected through the post!<span dir="ltr"><span dir="ltr"><a href="http://ascdirect.co.uk/" target="_blank">ascdirect.co.uk</a>
has been providing a wide and varied range of corrugated box solutions
for over 30 years. These can be designed to exact specification
including recyclable, lightweight or heavy duty for
export. </span></span><span dir="ltr"><span dir="ltr"><span dir="ltr">The boxbuilder tool allows customers to design a bespoke
design tailored to their exact needs which keeps postal costs to a
minimum and offers great environmental savings. </span></span> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE3zdsgtVzxfGlaJRfnSUOMegLWnAeo1nyatZqzQG-D7P8sQQ1c5wR8hhGgeJsZfMbxxB2kt2y6KBxrtIJc6z57MOBYpJdGHseEeSLmZ1kStfHtoTUHqzF_MaPlqyCF9M0CZAieoy0-s/s1600/box-158523.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE3zdsgtVzxfGlaJRfnSUOMegLWnAeo1nyatZqzQG-D7P8sQQ1c5wR8hhGgeJsZfMbxxB2kt2y6KBxrtIJc6z57MOBYpJdGHseEeSLmZ1kStfHtoTUHqzF_MaPlqyCF9M0CZAieoy0-s/s1600/box-158523.png" height="260" width="320" /></a></div>
<span dir="ltr">To mark the re-launch of its new website <a href="http://ascdirect.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ascdirect.co.uk</a> has released a list of the weird and unusual things its customers have posted with boxes made through the boxbuilder function:<br />
</span><br />
<ol>
<li>‘Breathable’ boxes for a bee breeder; </li>
<li>Snake carrier; </li>
<li>Worms (for fishing enthusiasts); </li>
<li>Double walled box for posting frogs; </li>
<li>Motorcycle box (whole); </li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib81N_lXtWgV4p03rLiOOg6RI-VXDSMWol9NR_U0CXxEuVChMGCyBQ2ZN99JtfAK-v49cBjiiO7B7nNA1Iz-BDQuoZdnmX1kl9k72Ze_-KNbN_vPMr8tcuuEXW5NrvDNm7Mu15GJZpahM/s1600/nucleus-box-with-frames-bees-and-queen_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib81N_lXtWgV4p03rLiOOg6RI-VXDSMWol9NR_U0CXxEuVChMGCyBQ2ZN99JtfAK-v49cBjiiO7B7nNA1Iz-BDQuoZdnmX1kl9k72Ze_-KNbN_vPMr8tcuuEXW5NrvDNm7Mu15GJZpahM/s1600/nucleus-box-with-frames-bees-and-queen_1.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span dir="ltr">One customer requested a box be made so he could post his daughter out
to visit his parents in Australia. Though a box could be made it is
illegal to put children in the post!</span><br />
<span dir="ltr"><br />
Andrew Woodhead, Managing Director at <a href="http://ascdirect.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ascdirect.co.uk</a>
said: “We have had some very unusual requests but we enjoy providing
the perfect solution to all our customers packaging needs. These have
ranged from
a request for boxes to post live crickets to reptile pet owners as food,
and a box to post a bee hive safely.”<br /> </span><br />
<span dir="ltr">“We are always looking at ways to support the individual packaging needs
of a growing network of entrepreneurial home-workers who are fuelling
our extraordinary cottage industry in the UK. Now our customers can
design their bespoke boxes easier and quicker
than ever before. The process has being simplified down to three simple
steps, improving our customer’s on-line experience but with our great
value prices remaining the same.<br /> </span><br />
<span dir="ltr">”With Ebay and Amazon sellers also playing a big part of our customer
base, they are able to design their perfect box - offering savings on
postal costs as well as environmental benefits.”<br />
It is possible to send living creatures through Royal Mail and these
include bees, caterpillars, cockroaches, crickets, destroyers of noxious
pests, earthworms, fish fry and eggs, leeches and other parasites,
lugworms, maggots, mealworms, pupae and chrysalides,
rag worms, silkworms, spiders and stick insects. In order to comply with
the tight postal guidelines** laid down by Royal Mail, the boxes used
need to be secure and good quality to ensure that they do not break open
during transit.<br /> </span><br />
<span dir="ltr">*Live animals and reptiles are prohibited, as are any creatures or
insects classified as dangerous within the Dangerous Wild Animals Act
1976 (including certain venomous spiders). Please see <a class="c_nobdr t_prs" href="http://www.royalmail.com/internationalprohibitedgoods" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.royalmail.com/internationalprohibitedgoods</a>
for more information.<br /> </span><br />
<span dir="ltr">**They must be boxed and packaged to protect the creatures, Royal Mail
staff and their customers from harm. Items must be clearly marked
‘URGENT – LIVING CREATURES - HANDLE WITH CARE’. The sender’s name and
return address must be clearly visible on the outer
packaging.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-34963908924546510332014-09-14T20:49:00.000+01:002014-09-16T21:17:46.645+01:00The Gruffalo: Games mobile app<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
Families
have been flocking to download the first-ever <b><i>Gruffalo: Games</i></b><i> </i>mobile
app since it launched at the end of August, helping it to become the most
popular Kids and Education iOS app this week.</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
Children can
test The Gruffalo’s quick-thinking and super smart moves in a series of simple
but classic games, helping complement the key skills they’re learning at pre-
and primary school.</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
The team
behind The <i>Gruffalo: Games</i><b> </b>app is Oscar-nominated entertainment
company Magic Light Pictures and is based on the much-loved picture book, The
Gruffalo, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
The games
are based on traditional and well-known children’s games that everyone will be
familiar with, including snap, three-in-a-row, matching and jigsaws – but each
with a monstrous twist!</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SiJZ0fVPSUPWA9dV1FWMpEnqHBJA6CKMgHX5-N7FRYXCKpjjfOxlPgkn_06CvXexBZtO7u-IbiO6uqFoJ-STcvRYHH09pmWPpnBOKuoCFetdgw4SO3YGGkcLsBogAohaXUWS1bqi79M/s1600/ImageProxy.mvc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SiJZ0fVPSUPWA9dV1FWMpEnqHBJA6CKMgHX5-N7FRYXCKpjjfOxlPgkn_06CvXexBZtO7u-IbiO6uqFoJ-STcvRYHH09pmWPpnBOKuoCFetdgw4SO3YGGkcLsBogAohaXUWS1bqi79M/s1600/ImageProxy.mvc.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
In two of the
games, <i>3 In A Row </i>and<i> Snap, </i>children are able to play against The
Gruffalo himself, who, despite his terrible tusks and terrible claws, is
surprisingly good at card games. Children will find plenty of challenge trying
to beat him!
</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
The
beautifully designed and illustrated app is aimed at 3-7 year olds and features
six games set to music from the films. <i>Gruffalo: Games</i> captures the
essence of the stories by featuring both The Gruffalo and other popular
characters from the book, including Mouse, Owl, Fox and Snake.</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
The
enduringly popular children’s character comes to life in this new mobile app
which has been designed to entertain children and engage them with the real
world, as well as The Gruffalo character.</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
The <i>Gruffalo:
Games</i> follows in the footsteps of the highly successful <i>Room on the
Broom </i>app which was launched by Magic Light Pictures in October 2013.</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Martin Pope, co-founder of Magic Light Pictures, said: “We’re thrilled
that The Gruffalo’s many fans seem to be enjoying the games so much, which are
designed to be fun, challenging and encourage imagination. “</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background: white;">
“It's been a pleasure and honour to work with Julia's wonderful rhymes
and Axel's amazing illustrations, and we’ve worked closely with them to ensure
we stay true to their characters.”</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
Magic Light
Pictures developed the app with Stormcloud Games, who they had previously
worked with on Room on the Broom: Games released late last year.</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
The <i>Gruffalo:
Games </i>iOS app is available to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/gruffalo-games/id909269064?mt=8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">download</a> priced £2.99. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-26008719336157540152014-09-09T13:01:00.001+01:002014-09-09T13:01:38.881+01:00Sunflower Seed FlapjacksGood fats/bad fats... it can be a minefield out there with lots of dietary advice being thrown at us from all directions. Everyone loves a treat but finding an energy-rich, healthy snack can be tricky! That's why I love this easy to bake flapjack recipe.<br />
<br />
Don't be mistaken, it's not a low-fat recipe by any means ('real' butter!) but it has the classic flapjack recipe base with oats (great for long lasting energy!) and you can add seeds (sunflower or pumpkin work best) to increase the 'good fats' in the snack. Dried apricots also work a treat as would any dried fruit to be honest! So give it a go for the after-school snack; I'm sure you and your children will love it!<br />
<br />
<strong>Sunflower Seed Flapjacks</strong><br />
200g unsalted butter<br />
6 tbsp. golden syrup<br />
330g porridge oats<br />
2 tbsp. sunflower seeds (or pumpkin seeds or a mixture of both)<br />
2 tbsp. nuts (I like to use flaked almonds, but any would do)<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat the oven to Gas 4 and line a Swiss roll tin or 10" square tin with baking parchment.</li>
<li>Combine the oats, seeds and nuts in a large mixing bowl with a pinch of salt.</li>
<li>Gently heat the butter and golden syrup together over a low heat until completely melted.</li>
<li>Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and mix gently. Spoon into the prepared baking tray and press down quite firmly to level the mixture.</li>
<li>Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 mins until golden brown. The flapjack won't quite be set, but leave to cool completely in the tin before turning out. I tend to score the flapjack into portions after about 10 mins of cooling but still leave in the tin until cold before removing.</li>
<li>Enjoy! This will keep in an airtight container for a few days... if it lasts that long!</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktfovqa0qllNJ7R1rPaaKEz5Zb7ZrqCcPt8VbMK-l2fC9AgViNlWeoLTj9p8hTRzsHsFfCsv2MAvVVrECc_BrB9WD43MZbRkbFr0nO39RjICIdPREoyZDnGYMy5xNTLf0E-SLQuV8he4/s1600/10603415_757336907665712_670938641066901882_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktfovqa0qllNJ7R1rPaaKEz5Zb7ZrqCcPt8VbMK-l2fC9AgViNlWeoLTj9p8hTRzsHsFfCsv2MAvVVrECc_BrB9WD43MZbRkbFr0nO39RjICIdPREoyZDnGYMy5xNTLf0E-SLQuV8he4/s1600/10603415_757336907665712_670938641066901882_n.jpg" height="320" title="Sunflower seed flapjack" width="234" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094159591745400545.post-15314543002204108012014-08-01T21:30:00.000+01:002014-08-01T21:30:01.003+01:00Kitting your children out for school with Aldi!Aldi is fast becoming one of the leading supermarkets, but don't forget they also stock a great range of children's clothing including <a href="https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbuys/our-specialbuy-events/back-to-school/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">school uniform and shoes</a>. We were approached to road-test some of the Back to School range and so here's our thoughts - from both a kids and parents point of view!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuTfgdjxfn3ls3K4Uksb94DiUtZ52ukpWLW3Pg3Nkk7E_OnFykLFNc3nBRNONTUCwivit6vecQRGrlYsFlNHRT8S4BwKhyH99EMJPPxxbTMbekZqlJEHxTF6Xbgr3RtLaoRHOI7Va318/s1600/Blog+Posts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuTfgdjxfn3ls3K4Uksb94DiUtZ52ukpWLW3Pg3Nkk7E_OnFykLFNc3nBRNONTUCwivit6vecQRGrlYsFlNHRT8S4BwKhyH99EMJPPxxbTMbekZqlJEHxTF6Xbgr3RtLaoRHOI7Va318/s1600/Blog+Posts.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
C says that the girl's cardigans are nice to wear with the sleeves not too long nor not too short. Or too tight for that matter! The skirts are long enough to fit nicely but still let you run around the playground. And the shoes are pretty and look nice with tights or socks.<br />
<br />
J says that the sweatshirts are nice and don't make him itch! The trousers are the right length (J has quite short legs but the trousers weren't really, really long on him) and adjustable waists so they don't fall down! The polo shirts are nice and comfortable and don't make you too hot when playing with your friends at playtime.<br />
<br />
And from a parent's point of view... the clothing seems to wash well and holds it's shape when dried. The test will be how they stand up to the first full term of school paint! The hems are well-stitched and look kid-proof. The shoes are well made and look nice as well as being practical. There's not a huge selection of colours so make sure you check that your local store stocks the colour that you need. The prices are very reasonable and you can also stock up on underwear and socks, at least starting the new school year with all matching socks! As a side point, there's also stationery, lunch boxes and other school essentials available so you could get basically everything under one roof for a bargain price! A stress-free shopping trip sounds perfect! <br />
<br />
So pop down to your local Aldi and have a look at the uniform on offer - I'm sure that you won't be disappointed!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862288133913566650noreply@blogger.com0