Wednesday 30 July 2014

Exciting Giveaway: Tickets for Cornwall's Eden Project Dinosaurs Unleashed


I am delighted to say that Jollyjillys have a lovely giveaway for the summer. I have tickets for a family of two adults and 2 children to visit the Eden Project in Cornwall this summer. Its a great place to visit but even more fun with this new exhibition to see.
Some information about the event

What: Dinosaurs Unleashed
Where: The Eden Project, Cornwall
When: Monday 21 July – 16 September 2014
Tell me more: A thrilling journey 67 million years back in time to the lost world of dinosaurs awaits adventure seekers at the Eden Project this summer.
Dinosaurs Unleashed will be the biggest, most compelling summer activity Eden has ever staged. As well as immersing visitors into the Cretaceous world to give them an amazing close encounter with some incredibly realistic dinosaurs, visitors can become dino detectives and learn how scientists worked out how these incredible animals looked, what they ate, where and when they lived, how they moved and even how they smelt and saw.
As a living reminder of the lost world of dinosaurs, visitors will be able to meet some of the plants that were around then and are still surviving and thriving with us today.

Activities include:
The Crater of the Tyrant King – a fully immersive walk-through experience with the most feared predator of all, a Tyrannosaurus rex, as it devours its Triceratops prey. This incredibly detailed experience promises to be a sensory feast that visitors will never forget.
The Escaped Dinosaur - hone your explorer skills and help to search for the lost dinosaur. If you're brave enough, you might even come within touching distance of the lost monster!
Explorer stations - at the Explorer Field Stations you will find out all about explorers from the past and maybe even the present and find out why they made history and what we can learn from them.
The Dig Pit - the Dig Pit will provide adventure of a different kind as families burrow down to discover a fossilised Stegosaurus skeleton and see how palaeontologists first found and pieced together the giants of the past. A great activity for the whole family to get stuck into!
Dinosaur exhibition - The dinosaur exhibition will feature an amazing collection of dinosaur fossils, including real dinosaur eggs, a fossilised brain, a whole skeleton and a real T–rex tooth. Find out why scientists think they were so BIG and some of the theories of how they think they were wiped out 65 million years ago.

Price: included in the cost of admission to Eden

NB  Wednesday 3 to Tuesday 16 September 2014 (only The Crater of the Tyrant King and the Dinosaur exhibition will be open)
T&Cs for the Eden prizes, each family ticket is for 2 adults and 2 children and is for a day visit only.

For more info visit: www.edenproject.com
So what are you waiting for !
To enter the contest:



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tuesday 29 July 2014

TetleyGreen Tea with Real Fruit Review

I love my tea! Yes I have to state that fact I am a teapot. I can't start my day without at least two. So this week I got a chance to try out the new range of Green Teas with real fruit, from Tetley.
Green tea fans everywhere will love the addition of four delicious real fruit infusions to the delicious Tetley green tea range.



Perfect for a refreshing brew, Tetley's new flavour combinations bring together the mellow taste of green tea with a range of mouth- watering, fruity tasting notes. What's more you can put your mind at ease with the knowledge that the range contains real fruit.

Green tea, Mango and Passion fruit - a burst of deliciously tropical fruit flavours.
Green tea, and Mint- Two wonderfully clean and refreshing flavours brought together.
Green tea Peach and Apricot- the summery flavour of ripe peach smoothly blended with succulent apricot.
Green tea, Raspberry and Pomegranate- a mouth-watering fusion of crushed fruity flavours.
Britain loves a good cuppa and now ever- increasing numbers of us are drinking Green tea on a regular basis.
Green tea........ did you know?
1. Green tea comes from the same plant as all types of tea-camellia sinensis but green tea doesn't undergo a fermentation process like black and oolong teas, which are brewed after being steamed and dried.
2. The earliest reference to green tea dates back to the year 273777 BC
3.1,413,2 tonnes of green tea were sold in the uk in 2013, which is the equipment of 236 full grown male African elephants!
4.In 2013 green tea was consumed on 651,198,000 occasions in the UK
5.Tetley green tea is actually as hydrating as water, making it a delicious, yet healthy drink to keep your water levels topped up throughout the day.
6. Green tea contains less caffeine than black tea.

I thought they were lovely and really nice change from milk. I also tried making them up and letting them go cold with a little ice and added mint or lemon they were lovely in the warm weather we are having. I think my favourite was the mango and Passion fruit, yummy and fruity. I am a fan and will be carry on drinking them for sure.


Monday 28 July 2014

Magic Moments: Happy Baby

So its Monday again and I am linking up with the lovely Jaime over at Theoliversmadhouse.co.uk with her magic moments. I really love to do this link up as I think its all too easy to forget all the nice things we have done. Last week was stressful as my new grandson Nathan was in hospital. He was not feeding well and had been crying and crying. Seeing him in the hospital broke my heart as he is so tiny. I felt so sorry for my son and daughter in law as it was such a worry for them. I think they handled it so well and everyone was behind them to see him get better.
So last Wednesday he came home and we were all really happy to see him back home. He has been so much better since he came back. He seems more content and happy and they have started to get smiles from him which is a delight.
So this is my happy little grandson



Friday 25 July 2014

Introducing my BritmumsLive Sponsor: Lifestorybank.

Well I am so darn excited I can't tell you. Since my niece over at The Syders introduced me to blogging, I have been learning. I am in my 50's so at the start I was not sure I could do it let alone understand the whole blogging world.
I have to say a few years later and I am still learning everyday, but boy has it been fun. The last couple of years I would see all the post regarding BritmumsLive and it looked so interesting. I love the idea of meeting up with other bloggers and also the ability to really learn more about the art. It wasnt something that I had considered going to as I have to admit I was rather nervous.
I looked on with envy this past June as everyone was talking about how great it was, and I decided there and then I was being brave and going in 2015.

I was therefore delighted to find a company who I can represent at the conference next year. So drum roll please ..........
My brand I am working with is  lifestorybank and I am excited as they are a great company. So let Joanna Helin the managing director tell you a little more.

Lifestorybank helps people build an online, emotional resource exclusively for loved ones from a series of video recorded interviews. Our animated online interviewer asks questions, coaxing all sorts of information that you would not necessarily think to leave. The answers are video recorded, organised into chapters, password protected and stored n the cloud in perpetuity. The idea is to build up a comprehensive library of easy-to-do and easy-to-view video clips, whenever you have time, wherever you are and whatever amount of time you have available.

We launched in January2014. I came up with the idea after my mother passed away and it hit me how much information was lost. Not just the stories, advice and experiences but also the voice, mannerisms, expressions and the sound of my mother's laugh. I looked for a way of preserving all this information for my children but couldn't find anything appropriate in the market. So I decided to create it myself!

I wanted something that the kids of today and tomorrow would connect with and they connect with video more than books or photos. According to Forrester research, 1 minute of video is worth 1.8 million words - so using video is pretty economical too!

According to a fairly recent study by Southampton University, people who remember experiences from their past and talk about them 'maintain feelings of self worth and a brighter outlook'!
As well as helping people create an emotional legacy, we get to help them feel happier. How fab is that?

I came across them by accident and thought it was such a fab idea. My parents have both passed away and I am aware that I am the keeper of the family stories. I felt it was so important to record these for my children and grandchildren, so they are not lost forever.
I hope to share lots about Lifestorybank over the next few months and I want to thank them for giving me the chance to represent them .


Thursday 17 July 2014

I'm trying to be positive

So lets clear out a cupboard my hubbie said. Well more a case of him clearing the cupboard and me watching and tell him what goes where !  Someone has to be the supervisor.
So then hubbie pulls out some fabric and goes to throw it in the nearest black bag. Nooooooo I scream that's my wedding dress!! hubbie had found my 35 year old wedding dress and it nearly ended its life in a bin.
When I got it from him I unfolded it and sat to think about that wedding day long ago. As I opened it up I was amazed at how tiny it was. Surely I did not fit into that? I know I wasn't that small...... was I?
Then I am in tears and being stupid about my lost figure and how overweight I am now. I cry for the all the years that have passed, and cry because I wouldn't get one leg in it now lol. Its ok I picked myself up and remembered the day for what it was, special and happy. I may not be teeny tiny anymore but I am still around and still married to my sailor. Oh and he can't get in his wedding outfit either lol


All Bran five day Challenge

The #RealMumsAllBran 5 day challenge is all about embracing our tummies and the way they look. So I got my All bran in the post and it did not look like the old All Bran I remember of old.


I had three lovely flavours Golden crunch, Red berry and chocolate. It all looked good and the fact it helped your health made it even better.
So I started day one with the Red berry. Oooo it was yummy . Full of flavour and lovely sweet clusters of cereal with little pieces of red fruit. It was really nice and nothing like I had remembered All Bran tasting like.
I noticed I had none of the normal bloating feelings and without being too graphic it makes you very regular if you know what I mean lol.
Day two I tried the golden crunch. This had an almost creamy taste of honey. Lovely and sweet and to be honest I really enjoyed eating it like a snack rather than with milk. I felt less uncomfortable and it really started the day off well.
Day three I moved onto my last box and that was the chocolate. Now for the sake of honesty I was not as keen on this one. I found it rather dry and a bit too sweet for me. It didn't taste terrible it just wasn't my fave.
I finished off my other days by enjoying the golden crunch and red berry and my husband had the chocolate.
I did feel that I felt less bloated and more better digestion for sure. I hope to continue to be a Real Mum of All-Bran as I do feel better. Give it a try you could be surprised.

"This post is my entry for the Real Mums of All-Bran Linky Challenge, sponsored by Kelloggs"

Friday 11 July 2014

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is know for being very beautiful and it is somewhere I have wanted to visit for years. Its not far from where I live just the next door county of Kent. It was mine and hubs 35th wedding anniversary and my birthday this week, so I arranged to have a mini break to celebrate. So I booked two nights in a lovely little cottage in the grounds of Leeds Castle for us both.
So we arrived and the weather was wonderful and idea for seeing the castle. Lucky for me I had my new mobility scooter so I could enjoy getting around . As our cottage was not ready we had to spend time having lunch until it was.
There was an issue as they had double booked and so as a sorry they offered us a room in the  Maiden Tower which was five star with breakfast. They were so nice and I could not fault the service. The accommodation manager went the extra mile to help and he was lovely and friendly.




Leeds Castle is so full of history and also fab stories. I was blown away with who had been at the castle and also the Lady who had saved the castle and took care of it and its staff. I was more blown away by the staff. Everyone was so nice and polite and friendly, it sure makes you want to go back.
There is lots to do and see and a fab place to take younger ones because there is so much park land to explore and have an adventure.






I think you will agree Leeds Castle is a fantastic place. I really think it was wonderful value for money and throw in the beautiful grounds it would make a great day out. Lots for the kids as well and loads of space for them to run around.
They call it
“The Loveliest Castle in the World”

Monday 7 July 2014

Great granddad Charlie

If you are kind enough to read my blog you will know that last month , my first grandson arrived. Lots of people wanted to meet him and it was a very special time. My grandson Nathan is very lucky. He has two wonderful parents and four wonderful grandparents ( if I do say so myself lol) and uncle and aunt, More important he is lucky enough to have a great granddad. His second name is Charlie after his great granddad and this week he got to meet him for the first time.
Its great Charlie can have this special time and I hope he and Nathan will be great friends in the future.



Saturday 5 July 2014

Jordan Cereal Review

Jordans Cereal is something I really enjoy. So when I got a chance to review the Country crisp Strawberries, I jumped at it. Not only that but this year for the first time Jordans cereal are unveiling its very first garden
 at RHS Hapmpton Court Flower show.  The Jordan Wildlife Garden has been created by award winning garden designer, Selina Botham, to reflect a long - term commitment from Jordans to the British countryside.
As part of the countryside celebrations, Jordans has enlisted the taste expertise of Great British Bake Off winner, Edd Kimber, to create a series of foraged food recipes inspired bu the Jordan Wildlife Garden. 
So I decided to make this one as it was the cereal that I had.

Edd Kimber's Alpine Strawberry Fool


Prep time 10 mins
Cooking time: 25 mins
Serves : 6

Ingredients
Custard
250ml whole milk
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
1 large egg
2 large egg yolks
199g caster sugar
15g  cornflower

Strawberry Compote
400g alpine strawberries, hulled and diced
85g caster sugar

To Finish
300ml double cream
crystallised rose petals (optional)
70g Jordans Country Crisp Cereal

Method
1. for the custard, place the milk and vanilla bean into a med saucepan and bring to the boil. Whilst coming to temperature, place the egg and yolk into a large bowl along with the caster sugar and cornflour, whisking together until smooth. Pour the hot milk onto the egg, whisking constantly. Pour this custard back into the pan and over med heat, stir constantly until the custard has thickened ( it should have the texture of custard made with powder, thicker than a creme anglaise but still pourable). Pour back into the bowl and press a sheet of cling film onto the surface of the custard and refrigerate until cold.

2. For the strawberry compote, place the strawberries and sugar into a med saucepan and cook over med heat until the fruit has released lots of juice. Continue to cook until the juice has reduced to a syrup and the strawberries have just started to break down. Pour into a small bowl and chill.

3. To assemble the fools , divide half of the compote between the glasses and top with the custard.Sprinkle the Jordens Country Crisp Strawberries onto the custard and then set the glasses aside for the moment. In a large bowl whisk the cream until it holds soft peaks. add most of the remaining compote ( reserving a little to decorate) and gently fold together leaving it partially swirled in. Spoon the cream mix into the glasses

4. To finish the fool, spoon the remaining compote on top of the cream and sprinkle a little extra Jordans Country Crisp Strawberries.



 . It was easy to make and It was so yummy I will be making it again.
You can find out more great ideas and info about Jordans here
https://www.jordanscereals.co.uk

Please note I was not paid for this review only receiving a sample of the Jordans Country Crisp Strawberries.

Friday 4 July 2014

Kelly Ice Cream Review

Now I love ice cream! I never did but as I have got older I love it. Getting a chance to review ice cream is a dream job for me, a tough job but someone has to do it!
So my dream ice was www.kellysofcornwall.co.uk and boy is it yummy. It comes in lots of flavours but one of my favourites is clotted cream as it reminds me of my time living in Devon and Cornwall.
Last Sunday the whole family got together and we had a lovely lunch and we made one of the recipes that Kellys have on their web site .

Eve's Pudding
This warm, comforting dessert is great for an Autumn evening treat
Prep time: 
20 minutes
Cooking time: 
40 minutes
Serves: 
4-6


Ingredients
3 large Bramley apples
1/2 lemon, zest and juice
50g caster sugar
50g raisins
175g butter, softened
175g soft brown sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
175g self raising flour
Method
1.        Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Lightly grease a 11/2 litre oven proof dish.
2.        Peel, core and chunkily chop the Bramleys. Place them in to the dish with the lemon zest and juice, caster sugar and raisins. Turn everything to coat in the lemon juice and set aside whilst you make the topping.
3.        Cream the butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until pale then beat the eggs in one at a time, adding the vanilla too.
4.        Fold in the flour and mix well to combine everything in to a lovely cake batter which should have a soft dropping consistency. Spoon over the apples and spread to the sides to cover all of the fruit.
5.        Bake for 40-50 minutes until the sponge is springy and the apple mixture is bubbling up around the edges of the dish.
6.        Sprinkle the top with caster sugar then let the pudding sit for a few minutes before serving with a lovely scoop of Kelly’s ice cream. 
For a little extra, scatter the sponge top with flaked almonds before baking! 





Think you can see we all enjoyed eating our Kelly's and the yummy pudding. So try out the recipe and Kelly's this weekend.

Please note I was not paid for this review only receiving a sample of the product

Thursday 3 July 2014

Spring in to summer with Ryvita

I have always been a fan of Ryvita. When I was younger it was a treat that I would share with my mum. This week I was lucky to get three lovely flavours to try.




Please excuse the fact that fruit crunch is empty ...... I had them all lol . They were all yummy but the fruit one was my total fave. I also got to try some lovely ideas for using my Ryvitas.

Ryvita Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream Sandwich

Prep time:10 mins
serves:2
Easy to make

inngredients
4 Ryvitas Fruit  crunch crispbreads
2 tablespoon raspberryjam
4scoops vanilla ice cream
Handful of fresh raspberrys

Method
1. Spread the ryvita fruit crunch with the raspberry jam
2. Let the ice cream soften a little. Meanwhile crush half a raspberry with a folk
3. When the ice cream has softeened , mix in the mashed raspberrys wiyh a fork. Quickly spread on your ryvitas , but the raspberrys on top. Then put the other ryvita on top.

I can wait to try this out it looks sooooo yummy

If you are more a savoury person then this recipe may be more to your taste.

Rocket,radish ans roast chicken with salted caramelised pecans on pumpkinseeds & oats ryvitas.

Pre time 10 min
Serves :2
Ingredients
4 ryvita pumpkin seeds and oats crispbreads
A little butter
Handful of rocket
4 radis, thinly sliced

For the peacans
1 tsp butter
12 pecan halves, roughly chopped
1/2 teaspoon caster sugar
Pinch of salt

Method
1. Spread the ryvita with a little butter.  Share the rocket and radish between them. Arrange the sliced chicken on top.

2. Melt butter in the frying pan add peacans  and sugar. Stir for about 45-60  seconds until just beginning to smoke a little.

3. When the pecans have cooled share between the Ryvitas.

I am trying it all out today and I will let you know how it was.

Please note I was not paid for this review just receiving a sample of the crispbreads.