tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647343647394225952024-03-13T13:03:05.746+00:00Saluting MagpiesT-Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13882818280115888478noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764734364739422595.post-60473537279268287462014-08-14T10:05:00.000+01:002014-08-14T10:05:43.694+01:00Rambling TMI chat & a recipe!
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
table.MsoTableGrid
{mso-style-name:"Table Grid";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-priority:59;
mso-style-unhide:no;
border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-border-insideh:.5pt solid windowtext;
mso-border-insidev:.5pt solid windowtext;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">This week I was
ill. From feeling drained & a bit ‘off’ on Tuesday evening to sickness
& diarrhea (I did say there would be too much information!) on Wednesday,
with me splitting my time between the bathroom & my bed trying to
recuperate. I felt totally wiped out & spent a huge chunk of the day
sleeping. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">This morning I
felt better, still had stomach ache but questioned whether that was because I
was still ill or because I hadn’t eaten since breakfast yesterday (and I saw
that again within a couple hours! More TMI! Sorry!) I had that ‘morning after
the sickness before’ quandary – should I have breakfast or will it make me sick
again? I decided to go on the side of caution & leave it a couple hours to
see how I felt. I walked the dog, the fresh air certainly made me feel clearer
headed & dare I say it; hungry. I decided that what I needed was something
quick & easy, that would provide plenty of nutrients that my body was short
on after yesterday, was easy to eat but still tasted yummy. What ticks all
those boxes for me is a smoothie, specifically an Oatmeal Almond Milk Smoothie.
Yum. So I thought I would share my recipe. I use US measuring cups to get the
quantities but I know not everyone has measuring cups so I’ll post it twice –
one with cups, one with grams & milliliters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Oatmeal Almond Milk Smoothie<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-insideh: none; mso-border-insidev: none; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.9pt;" valign="top" width="213">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Cups quantities<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">¼ cup uncooked
oats<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup almond
milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">¼ cup vanilla
yogurt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">2 tbsp peanut
butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">1 tsp ground
cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">1 tbsp honey
*optional<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup ice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.9pt;" valign="top" width="213">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Gram & ml quantities<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">25g uncooked
oats<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">240ml almond
milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">75g vanilla
yogurt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">2 tbsp peanut
butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">1 tsp ground
cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">1 tbsp honey
*optional<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">1 handful ice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Blend in a
blender until smooth and enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Se9kh5HA4BA/U-x7HTzOoZI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/HkvLFwW57DI/s1600/smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Se9kh5HA4BA/U-x7HTzOoZI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/HkvLFwW57DI/s1600/smoothie.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drink & enjoy :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A yummy, easy
breakfast that can be enjoyed any morning, not just when you’ve been ill!</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->T-Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13882818280115888478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764734364739422595.post-62583670999108296522014-08-12T16:24:00.000+01:002014-08-12T16:26:03.782+01:00Strange things are afoot...<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">I need to lose
weight. More importantly, I need to be healthier. As the media is constantly
telling us, carrying extra weight & having a poor diet is not good for us
in the long term. Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis,
liver & kidney disease, even problems during pregnancy assuming of course
you can get pregnant – being overweight can make conceiving difficult. No, not
like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> you dirty minded
individual! Being an overweight woman can have a negative impact on your
fertility & can increase your risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In
the short term it can be pretty bad too! The recent hot weather has been lovely
but when you are overweight it’s not as much fun; you end up a sweaty mess in
next to no time, you don’t feel comfortable or confident wearing a swim suit,
you end up missing out on activities with friends & family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">All in all, being
overweight sucks!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, what am I
doing about it? Sitting & moaning on my laptop? Well, yes BUT I am also
getting my butt kicked by a personal trainer for an hour twice a week (there’s
plenty to kick!) & I’m eating better. The maddest, craziest, strangest thing has happened though in the past week. In a truly shocking turn of events I
have also started running. Yes – me, running! I don’t run. In fact, in normal
circumstances I’d say if you see me running you should run too because
likelihood is something is chasing me, but that’s how motivated I am feeling. I
am not going to sign up for the London marathon or be the next Team GB Olympic
hopeful any time soon but hopefully I am going to be a fitter, healthier, smaller
version of me. Wish me luck on my ‘Fatty to Fitty’ challenge!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgl2Lg7S5QA/U-oxL_4h50I/AAAAAAAAAJo/agOTFGwBDP0/s1600/trainers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgl2Lg7S5QA/U-oxL_4h50I/AAAAAAAAAJo/agOTFGwBDP0/s1600/trainers.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These babies are finally seeing some action!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
T-Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13882818280115888478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764734364739422595.post-71216841419963661392014-08-04T10:52:00.002+01:002014-08-04T10:53:49.176+01:00Already August!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">I can’t
believe that we are already in August – 2014 is flying by! I had a fun filled
June & July with a week in Spain, lots walks with Mike & Dinky, Mike’s
birthday, visits from friends. Even the weather has been on side with lots of
sunny summer days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7uv7-YHbzTM/U99RuRetH3I/AAAAAAAAAIU/t9xD6vJktzU/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7uv7-YHbzTM/U99RuRetH3I/AAAAAAAAAIU/t9xD6vJktzU/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visit to Gibraltar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F3vFfY3TeyI/U99Rv9kdPBI/AAAAAAAAAIk/TnlnTvQvtcI/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F3vFfY3TeyI/U99Rv9kdPBI/AAAAAAAAAIk/TnlnTvQvtcI/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day out in Marbella</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lv3vh3fxUOs/U99RvFttpdI/AAAAAAAAAIY/o82DQ0vlw3c/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lv3vh3fxUOs/U99RvFttpdI/AAAAAAAAAIY/o82DQ0vlw3c/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Ronda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkXO3W0YDt8/U99Rzxbw9RI/AAAAAAAAAI0/A96MIcc5hEU/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkXO3W0YDt8/U99Rzxbw9RI/AAAAAAAAAI0/A96MIcc5hEU/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What holidays are all about - yummy food, <br />
lovely drinks & relaxing in the sun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-4NZQ6_YVU/U99RzAFoVlI/AAAAAAAAAIs/WndPi6g5MZM/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-4NZQ6_YVU/U99RzAFoVlI/AAAAAAAAAIs/WndPi6g5MZM/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meal at Abode Exeter for Mike's birthday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ve
also started working out twice a week with a personal trainer. My life has been
one long “I really want to lose weight” so me started another workout plan is
nothing new sadly. BUT signing up with a personal trainer is new. I am hoping
that having someone to push me, encourage me & keep me on track will help.
I am really enjoying my workouts (although not so much while I am in the middle
of them!) so I’m feeling hopeful that I will see some positive changes, both
physically & mentally. I don’t have a lot of confidence in myself & am
certainly not my own biggest fan but I am working on that. I am trying to see
positives where it would be all too easy to see negatives, to recognise small
successes & accomplishments, to see that a bad day is just a bad day not a
bad week/month/year/life, to be proud of myself, to find joy in my life, to do
more of what makes me happy, and to not apologise for being me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IO5t5kruHEM/U99UyldGdXI/AAAAAAAAAJI/7t97NI4L0GY/s1600/193af2d9e6fc8b3dee3796896bd243bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IO5t5kruHEM/U99UyldGdXI/AAAAAAAAAJI/7t97NI4L0GY/s1600/193af2d9e6fc8b3dee3796896bd243bc.jpg" height="200" width="199" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In the
vein of doing what makes me happy I have joined a pen-palling group. I love
sending little notes, cards or gifts through the mail so having pen-pals is
something that really appeals to me. Checking the mail & finding a pretty
envelope or a postcard is so much nicer than a pile of junk mail & bills.
It does mean I now have a LOT of writing paper, envelopes, stickers, pens &
postcards! I have always loved stationery & now I have a good reason to buy
it. I might have to admit that I have enough to see me through for a while now!
It’s lovely knowing there are people as kooky & geeky & stationery
obsessed as me out there. If you are like me & would like to exchange
letters with wonderful people around the world then check out </span><a href="http://www.extraordinarypenpals.com/" style="font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">The League of Extraordinary Penpals</a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nBZWW0wc0ro/U99W7rbrB1I/AAAAAAAAAJU/5indDH8s70o/s1600/mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nBZWW0wc0ro/U99W7rbrB1I/AAAAAAAAAJU/5indDH8s70o/s1600/mail.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Send more mail :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am looking forward to all that August has to offer - camping, League of Extraordinary Penpals meet up, a rally for Mike, my best friends 30th. Wishing everyone a wonderful summer :)</span></div>
T-Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13882818280115888478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764734364739422595.post-82663613772640293902014-05-24T12:54:00.000+01:002014-05-24T12:56:18.791+01:00It's Show Time!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">I love live
entertainment; music concerts, theatre shows, stand-up comedy, festivals.
Anything with performers & audience feeding off of one anothers energy. The
past month has been show packed & it’s been awesome!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">First my sister
& I went to Birmingham to see McBusted - the combination of bands McFly
& Busted! We used to go to a lot of music concerts at Birmingham NEC but it
has been years since we last went so this was a fun return to one of our
favourite ways to spend time together. We have seen McFly live many many times
over the years, we actually first saw them as a support act for Busted in 2004
so to see them again 10 years later, all together again (well, without Charlie
‘I’m too good for you even though I’m really not that good’ Simpson from Busted)
was a chance we jumped at. We really weren’t disappointed – the concert was
great. High energy, happy, singing, dancing fun times! We left with hoarse
voices & big smiles. I even managed to drive all the way home (with a quick
stop at Bristol services for coffee) without falling asleep – result!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A6-UV2uWa3E/U4CHMNrXq0I/AAAAAAAAAHA/Jt7o7IOjjQw/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A6-UV2uWa3E/U4CHMNrXq0I/AAAAAAAAAHA/Jt7o7IOjjQw/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Having not been
to Birmingham for a concert for what feels like a lifetime, I have now been
twice in as many weeks as Mike & I got last minute tickets to see another
of my favourite pop acts – Katy Perry. My name is Teri-Ann & I am a
KatyCat! The concert was great, filled with cool costumes, great dancers,
lights & lasers. And of course – the lovely Katy Perry. Lots of her old
songs, mixed with songs from her new album. I had a really good night singing
along. I have to say I was grateful to share the driving with Mike though; I
was much sleepier so we split the driving between us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_4hjA0CqcE/U4CHO-8F7xI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/t4_LVdAVK9A/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_4hjA0CqcE/U4CHO-8F7xI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/t4_LVdAVK9A/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">As well as two
concerts, we have also been to the theatre twice! First we had a weekend in
London, with lunch at one of my favourite restaurants, Wahaca – great Mexican
food & even better margaritas! In the evening we went to see ‘Charlie &
The Chocolate Factory’ in the West End. I love the Roald Dahl story & the
two film versions so I was excited to see the stage production. It was really
good. The cast were great, the sets & staging were great, the music was fun
& it followed the story pretty well. Last night, we went to Plymouth to
meet up with Mikes parents to see ‘Evita’. With Marti Pellow as Ché & Madalena
Alberto as Eva heading up the cast, it was a really great performance. Mike
& I saw Evita on Broadway when we went to New York in 2012 (with Ricky
Martin as Ché!) but I would say the performance we saw last night was better! I
wasn’t 100% sure about Marti Pellow initially but actually he was great (but
not as good as Ricky Martin, haha!) and Madelena Alberto was a fabulous Eva. Thank you to Mike's parents for taking us to see the show.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cD1O7odSxH4/U4CHPd8IqfI/AAAAAAAAAHM/7q6C7IQuk2s/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cD1O7odSxH4/U4CHPd8IqfI/AAAAAAAAAHM/7q6C7IQuk2s/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">After a busy
month of shows, I am looking forward to a more chilled out June. A week in
Spain should fit the bill just right!</span></div>
T-Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13882818280115888478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764734364739422595.post-92115383587691251832014-05-05T12:48:00.000+01:002014-05-05T12:49:58.167+01:00Baking & Ice-Cream Making<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Yesterday Mike
went out for the day to work on his car at his parents so I was home alone. I
made the most of the day, sewing, sorting through some letter writing supplies,
watching a film & experimenting in the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">I recently saw an
ad for <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/dassie/product/barrett-s-ridge-beer-bread" target="_blank">Not On The High Street</a> where one of the featured items was a beer bread
mix. It looked interesting. I like beer, I like bread, surely I would like beer
bread! I ordered a starter kit which comes with four mixes; Original, Garlic and
Herb, Chilli and Garlic & Italian Cheese. The idea is the kit contains all
the required dry ingredients, you just at 330ml of beer (or cider or soda
water), mix & bake. The mixes are nicely packaged in hand-sewn calico bags &
just look really appealing. I can see them making nice gifts for foodie
friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ovdP6Dkaxvw/U2d3mUMPdqI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/WcdZjyHwa0I/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ovdP6Dkaxvw/U2d3mUMPdqI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/WcdZjyHwa0I/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beer Bread mix and Innis & Gunn Rum Finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">I decided to
start with the original mix & team it with a beer I really enjoy – Innis
and Gunn Rum Finish. It’s a really flavourful beer, fruity, warming & spicy
so I didn’t want to mix it into anything where it would overpower or be overpowered
hence just going with the original mix. I dumped the mix into the bowl of my
Kitchenaid, added the beer & set the mixer going on the lowest speed, just
long enough to make sure all the dry ingredients were fully incorporated. The
dough was then scraped into a lightly greased loaf tin, ground salt &
pepper on top & into the preheated oven it went for 45 minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAsTkc9VaIs/U2d3lMg8M7I/AAAAAAAAAGA/JhjrOWkqXRA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAsTkc9VaIs/U2d3lMg8M7I/AAAAAAAAAGA/JhjrOWkqXRA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the oven</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh my, the smells
coming out of that oven! When the bread came out it took all the restraint I
had not to just tear into it, smother it in butter & eat it there &
then. As it was, I did manage to restrain myself & instead took it with me
when I went to join Mike at his parents in the evening for dinner. The bread
had a good crust & a really enticing scent as I cut into it. The taste of
the beer was certainly there, though if you were not a fan of beer you wouldn’t
have been put off. I was really pleased - it was all around lovely!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qjKcefhXEU/U2d3smTNBlI/AAAAAAAAAGc/iCdSuHnfdTo/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qjKcefhXEU/U2d3smTNBlI/AAAAAAAAAGc/iCdSuHnfdTo/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh from the oven & smelling fantastic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Not only did I
make bread yesterday I also had a go at making ice-cream. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I have been lusting after an ice-cream machine for some time so a couple of weeks ago I bought one! I haven’t gone overboard on the machine – it is from the lower end of the price options but I thought for a first machine it would do the job. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I really want to experiment with dairy free, vegan ice-creams so that was my plan yesterday. I followed a
recipe from ‘The Vegan Scoop’, a book filled with wonderful sounding dairy
free ice-creams, for a coconut milk ice-cream. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cP8r_C11P-4/U2d3l-XkazI/AAAAAAAAAGM/lArFfjdzGhQ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cP8r_C11P-4/U2d3l-XkazI/AAAAAAAAAGM/lArFfjdzGhQ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All I needed for lots of yummy ice-cream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">T</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">he recipe was simple enough & the churning went well.
After 30 minutes in the machine I had a passible coconut ice-cream! I separated
off half of the ice-cream & stirred some chocolate chips through by hand,
popped it into a cute cardboard ice-cream tub & into the freezer. The
remaining half I decided to go a bit avant-garde & mixed in 2 tablespoons
of Hot & Spicy Mango Chutney. I am always drawn to sweet-savoury treats
& love chilli in chocolate so I was fairly confident I would like this
combo. I was right – I really like it! It’s probably not to everyone’s taste
but I didn’t make it for everyone, I made it for me!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RAd0rfH2Vw0/U2d4dmuk7uI/AAAAAAAAAGo/jyw-J1eDyxE/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RAd0rfH2Vw0/U2d4dmuk7uI/AAAAAAAAAGo/jyw-J1eDyxE/s1600/photo.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coconut Choc Chip and Coconut Hot & Spicy Mango</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I took the fruits
of my kitchen experiments with me for dinner at Mikes parents house. The bread
was lovely alongside the ‘clear the fridge’ dinner Mike’s dad had prepared
& the Coconut Choc Chip ice-cream was lovely with the gooey chocolate
pudding that I must admit came from the supermarket! Even my spicy experiment
received good reviews & was likened to something you might get in a top
flight restaurant; a savoury ice-cream that might surprisingly accompany a main
dish. I’d be just as happy to have a scoop of it in a waffle cone!</span></div>
T-Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13882818280115888478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764734364739422595.post-26826610216063508562014-04-23T12:19:00.000+01:002014-04-23T12:20:02.028+01:00Three years and counting<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Today is our
third wedding anniversary. Three years. Wow. It’s gone really quickly. I know
everyone says that but I really can’t believe it has been three whole years.
When you are a kid you scoff when adults say ‘time passes quicker when you get
older’, well, it’s true! I often find myself talking about something I did “the
other day” and realise what I actually mean is “last month” “last year” or even
“a few years ago”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Our wedding day
was everything I dreamt it would be & more. It was a truly wonderful day
filled with so many great moments. Even the weather behaved – it was one of the
hottest days of the year! Seeing our friends & family laughing, drinking,
dancing, playing giant jenga (or fetch with the local dog & a giant jenga
block!!) was so lovely. Every time I think of that day, and I think of it
often, I smile & lose myself in happy memories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NijAVO5Ws60/U1egs7-DpfI/AAAAAAAAAFs/OgrPLNosOG0/s1600/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NijAVO5Ws60/U1egs7-DpfI/AAAAAAAAAFs/OgrPLNosOG0/s1600/wedding.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Each anniversary
we have made sure to do something filled with just as many happy memories. Our
first anniversary was spent at Universal Studios in Orlando, riding
roller-coasters, drinking butterbeer, eating hotdogs & having cocktails as
the sun set over the theme park. For our second anniversary we hired a classic
AC Cobra 427 for the day & went on a sunny drive through the lanes in the
south east of England with a lunch stop at beautiful Mottisfont Abbey (where
Mike had taken me for any amazing night out early on in our relationship!)
Tonight we will be eating out at one of the best restaurants in the UK –
Gidleigh Park – that just happens to be half an hour from our home! I am
looking forward to what promises to be a wonderful evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y01KZLcdws4/U1egsZnbPjI/AAAAAAAAAFc/FWBjiY4fJ_g/s1600/1st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y01KZLcdws4/U1egsZnbPjI/AAAAAAAAAFc/FWBjiY4fJ_g/s1600/1st.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pakg-LtFMsk/U1egsrOsnlI/AAAAAAAAAFg/gZ-gKWHZHO8/s1600/2nd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pakg-LtFMsk/U1egsrOsnlI/AAAAAAAAAFg/gZ-gKWHZHO8/s1600/2nd.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Each 23 April
since 2011 has been special to us, and has given us many happy memories. But
that isn’t limited to one day a year. Mike & I met in 2007. He changed my
life completely. We have plenty of lazy days wasted in front of the TV or
trawling the internet on our laptops, probably too many with the time flying
along like it is, but we also have amazing holidays, go on days trips, eat out
at some wonderful restaurants and spend time with our families & friends. Every
day with Mike is special, sometimes because of something big, more often because
of something small & seemingly insignificant, but always special. That’s
the best bonus of being married to my best friend. He makes me happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
T-Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13882818280115888478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764734364739422595.post-50738618794995493902014-04-18T22:49:00.000+01:002014-04-18T22:49:06.938+01:00After 2 years - a return & a recipe!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">So, back in 2012
I decided to get back into blogging & lasted a whole 6 posts. Terrible.
Now, two years on, I am going to have another go. As the old saying goes ‘If at
first you don’t succeed, try, try again’!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">The past few
months my eating habits have been pretty shocking; too much takeout, too many
snacks, too many fizzy drinks, not enough fruit, veg, water & homemade
healthy meals. All this has lead to a lot of tummy upsets, headaches & a
general feeling of ‘bleugh’ for want of a better word! In July last year
husband & I did 6 weeks of vegan eating. We cut out all meat, fish, dairy
& eggs. So much processed food contains some sort of animal product that it
forced our hand to cook from scratch. The changes we both experienced were
quite surprising. The main thing we noticed was how much more energy we had;
rather than finishing work, coming home tired & ready to collapse on the
sofa, we were much more productive. We also slept better (which probably contributed
to the more energy), our skin was clearer, our concentration was better, and,
not to put too finer a point on it, our digestion was better! I also found that
I lost a fair bit of weight without any real effort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">All these things,
coupled with tasty food, must make you question why we didn’t stick with it!
Laziness I suppose is the only real reason. Well, along with blogging I’m also
giving much healthier eating another go too! I’m using having husband home for
the long Easter weekend as a kicking off point. Dinner was his choice & he
went with Falafel Burgers, wedges & salad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Recipe after the pictures!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zAmMItY6R8/U1GaAzPca7I/AAAAAAAAAEY/wD_AXBSy9_U/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zAmMItY6R8/U1GaAzPca7I/AAAAAAAAAEY/wD_AXBSy9_U/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Ready to turn into dinner</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6jgXEDgZwg/U1GaBKf7bII/AAAAAAAAAEc/V_ZN9dAbXyk/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6jgXEDgZwg/U1GaBKf7bII/AAAAAAAAAEc/V_ZN9dAbXyk/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Chickpea, onion, garlic & spice paste</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJchKEqKB8A/U1GaA7paicI/AAAAAAAAAEg/XY2Ck8BqCv0/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJchKEqKB8A/U1GaA7paicI/AAAAAAAAAEg/XY2Ck8BqCv0/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" height="320" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Awesome quirky, kitsch burger press!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tplwqVqem4A/U1GaDRJs1mI/AAAAAAAAAEw/FmdxA0SLIAw/s1600/IMG_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tplwqVqem4A/U1GaDRJs1mI/AAAAAAAAAEw/FmdxA0SLIAw/s1600/IMG_0004.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Four perfect patties!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSZOz3GnuVU/U1GaDRBBkbI/AAAAAAAAAE0/yBErg0ExkRc/s1600/IMG_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSZOz3GnuVU/U1GaDRBBkbI/AAAAAAAAAE0/yBErg0ExkRc/s1600/IMG_0005.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Coat the patties in a layer of seasoned flour</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yFjBTtWJq4/U1GaEcN7oAI/AAAAAAAAAE8/VYecAXqg5As/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yFjBTtWJq4/U1GaEcN7oAI/AAAAAAAAAE8/VYecAXqg5As/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Dinner is served :)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Falafel Burgers</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Serves 2 greedy
people or 4 normal, restrained people!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">400g can
chickpeas, rinsed and drained<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">1 banana shallot,
chopped (a small red onion would work just as well)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">1 garlic clove,
peeled<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">1 tsp. cumin
seeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">1 tsp. coriander
seeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">3 tbsp. plain flour,
divided<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">2 tbsp. olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Salt & pepper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Heat
a frying pan over high heat. Once the pan is hot add the cumin & coriander
seeds - no oil. Keep the seeds moving around, shaking the pan pretty much
constantly – they really don’t take long, about a minute. Remove from the heat,
add to a mortar & pestle & take out some pent up anger on them!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Put
the chickpeas, shallot, garlic clove, crushed spices & 1 tbsp. of plain
flour into a food processor & process to a course paste.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Tip
the paste out onto a clean work surface & shape into either 2 large
(greedy!) patties or 4 smaller (normal) patties. If you’re like me & can’t
resist buying quirky, kitsch, unnecessary bits & bobs feel free to use your
teeny burger shaped burger press to make your patties!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Spread
the remaining 2 tbsp. of plain flour onto a plate, season with salt &
pepper. Coat the patties in a thin layer of flour, patting off excess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">Heat
the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium head, add the</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; text-indent: -18pt;">patties
& cook for 2 – 3 minutes on each side until crisp.</span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">We
served ours on crusty tiger bread rolls with garlic & black pepper mayo,
slices of beef tomato & oven roasted flat mushrooms, wedges & heirloom heritage
tomato & rocket salad – yum!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">It's good to be back, hopefully I will stick around a bit longer this time! </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;">In the mean time cheers!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACsbeCFD1YA/U1GaE8KGOLI/AAAAAAAAAFM/dgTVUVNNXD4/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACsbeCFD1YA/U1GaE8KGOLI/AAAAAAAAAFM/dgTVUVNNXD4/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
<!--EndFragment-->T-Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13882818280115888478noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764734364739422595.post-89370297658762291022012-03-16T12:31:00.000+00:002012-03-16T12:31:53.910+00:00Home Sweet Home<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">March is
here & has brought with it a whole lot of spring cleaning! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First up was helping my friend clean her newly
purchased house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the first step on
the property ladder for her & her fiance & has been a bit of battle to
get to this point so I was very pleased to be able to offer my services &
help out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One full day of vacuuming, dusting
& scrubbing later and we left a nice clean shiny house ready to be filled
with all their belongings. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish them
both lots of love & luck for their new home.<o:p></o:p></span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Our house has been getting the Spring Clean treatment too. The<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> vacuum cleaner has worked it's rollers off in the past couple of weeks & my elbows are running low on grease but it is worth it as the house feeling fresh and looking sparkly! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In many parts of the house a spring clean is just not enough. We have lived here for over 4 years (and Husband
was here a fair while before I turned up) but we have been a bit slack in the
whole decorating/renovating department & have mostly just made do with what
we had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been planning what we
want for ages & Husband did a grand job before the wedding planning
started by decorating the living room, dining room & bathroom but then we
got engaged and kind of just, stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Money was a big factor in this as </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
anyone who has got married recently, or who is planning a wedding, will tell
you weddings don’t come cheap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also
take a lot of TIME.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, no money &
no time meant no changes to our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Well, the
wedding was a year ago & since then we have put our time (and our money!) to
finally making our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">house</i> into our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">home</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We have put
up photos (can you believe we didn't have a single photo up anywhere in the
house?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not one.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We now have a lot of photos up. An entire wall of them, all in black & white, in our dining room for starters. Filled with memories from holidays, day trips, walks, time with friends, our wedding, our honeymoon. It's lovely to have a space that is entirely unique to <em>us.</em> And it's a great conversation starter!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rPBDTP3n3w/T2MvRFzEpnI/AAAAAAAAACo/hp85rbGuHTc/s1600/1-Photowall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rPBDTP3n3w/T2MvRFzEpnI/AAAAAAAAACo/hp85rbGuHTc/s320/1-Photowall.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is an empty frame; we are still <br />
umming & ahhing about what pic to use!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p>We have replaced the hand-me-down furniture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are putting up shelving in the dining room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This last weekend we gutted the front bedroom taking out all grey 80’s fitted furniture & the grey swirly carpet & the grey venetian blind (seriously – it was like living in a rain cloud!) </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uVU9XSEyj0Y/T2MvT8Gv57I/AAAAAAAAACw/2Z0l2O_enio/s1600/Frontbedroom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uVU9XSEyj0Y/T2MvT8Gv57I/AAAAAAAAACw/2Z0l2O_enio/s320/Frontbedroom1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain Cloud Bedroom in the morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table 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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kBBd4mxcdFY/T2MvVntIa-I/AAAAAAAAAC4/l2rrGibU3hU/s1600/Frontbedroom2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kBBd4mxcdFY/T2MvVntIa-I/AAAAAAAAAC4/l2rrGibU3hU/s320/Frontbedroom2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gutted Bedroom in the evening!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My
favourite change is our new kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
love to cook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a ridiculous
cookbook collection; I can’t walk past a book shop without at least browsing
the cookbooks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a huge collection
of <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/" target="_blank">Good Food</a> & <a href="http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/" target="_blank">Delicious</a> magazines going back to 2006.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have said before about how much I love to
bake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So having a kitchen that I designed,
that is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mine</i> is so amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have so much storage, loads of work
surface, a big five ring gas hob & an oven that actually cooks at the
temperature it says it is!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love our
kitchen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not quite finished; we
want to change the lights & add some more decorative bits & bobs but
that will come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now we are just
enjoying have a room that feels very much like the heart home now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bNJVd8uuSo/T2MvNq2E3TI/AAAAAAAAACg/bBxJanSW570/s1600/1-NewKitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bNJVd8uuSo/T2MvNq2E3TI/AAAAAAAAACg/bBxJanSW570/s400/1-NewKitchen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new heart of our home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Apologies
for the poor quality photos; I will endeavour to get some better ones as we
progress through the rooms.</span></div>T-Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13882818280115888478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764734364739422595.post-26728395533267202622012-02-24T22:45:00.001+00:002012-02-24T22:45:35.554+00:00The Gift of Cake<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
I never like to arrive at someones house empty handed and
I love to bake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Solution?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give cake!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Twelve cakes to be exact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A dozen
cupcakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find a box of cupcakes makes
people smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A whole box of
pick-up-and-go sweet snacks, in pretty colours & yummy flavours; what’s not
to smile about?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also means I get to
indulge my need to bake by making three different lots of cupcakes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friends of ours recently had their first baby (a
beautiful baby girl) and, as I had already attended a baby shower where gifts
had been given cupcakes was the ideal gift to give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A selection of sugar-hits was just right to
get the new parents through the first few days of being up at all hours with
baby!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a little fun with a new
flavour too; Chocolate Rose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A rich
chocolate cupcake flavoured with rosewater, topped with a dark chocolate buttercream
piped rose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For fans of Turkish Delight
it is a must!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with some Mint
Chocolate & some pink frosted Vanilla there was something for everyone
& I didn’t have to turn up empty handed; win-win!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TtsWOOysSj0/T0gRql705CI/AAAAAAAAACI/0CmxrxMFDgM/s1600/1-Mikes+Camera+118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TtsWOOysSj0/T0gRql705CI/AAAAAAAAACI/0CmxrxMFDgM/s320/1-Mikes+Camera+118.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are visiting with a group of friends this weekend too & they
got their requests for cupcakes in a few days ago so today I baked up a storm
& we will be taking Lemon Meringue, Chocolate Peanutbutter& Fizzy Cola
cupcakes with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The smell in the
kitchen this afternoon was lovely & I am looking forward to giving the gift
of cake tomorrow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9PxA4HDhms/T0gSW7rA3AI/AAAAAAAAACY/W4cM_cYzIZ4/s1600/1-crafts1-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9PxA4HDhms/T0gSW7rA3AI/AAAAAAAAACY/W4cM_cYzIZ4/s320/1-crafts1-001.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>T-Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13882818280115888478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764734364739422595.post-30384481593366664082012-02-21T23:39:00.000+00:002012-02-21T23:43:20.989+00:00Sharing Is Caring<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love to
make things & love the idea of giving things I have made to people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say I love <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the idea of</i> giving things I have made rather than just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">giving</i> because I am always nervous that
people will wonder what on earth they have done to deserve it, and not in a
good way, and give it The Look!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know
The Look; the one where a child brings home a, well a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">something</i>, no one is quite sure what it is that they have made at
school in a pottery lesson, filled with glee & pride, the parent looks at
it with confusion (and a teeny bit of revulsion) on their face whilst saying “Wow,
it’s lovely, thank you so much!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yea,
well I don’t want that look so I tend to shy away from actually <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">giving</i> the things I have made. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have
always found that when I am in a crafty mood (one where I want to craft
something rather than one where I want to plan devilish plots, just to clarify!)
I tend to want to try whatever it is that has inspired me, even if I don’t have
a need for whatever it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have made a
LOT of fabric flowers, of different styles with different fabrics for no reason
other than “Ooo, they’re pretty!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
made some paper roses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have chalkboard
sprayed some bottles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have made some
mini canvases, with buttons, with pretty paper, with paints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have wrapped two wreath forms with
wool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have even had a go at making
baby clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have a baby. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dexSKeCk-SE/T0QoVkSfiJI/AAAAAAAAABg/XKR_rjA5LtU/s1600/1-crafts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dexSKeCk-SE/T0QoVkSfiJI/AAAAAAAAABg/XKR_rjA5LtU/s400/1-crafts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I came
over all brave at Christmas, filled with the thought that it is a time of good
will to all so hopefully those on the receiving end would be OK with some
homemade stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone got something I
had made myself, even if it was just small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I made mint marshmallow hot chocolate stirrers, oreo bites, chocolate
truffles, rosewater snaps, birdseed hearts, yoyo pins, felt tree decorations
& I painted a canvas for my gran.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Woah, written like that it appears I made a heck of a lot of stuff for
Christmas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m actually quite impressed
with myself!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQtKYANYe24/T0QoajkPeEI/AAAAAAAAABo/fazCu89l5H8/s1600/1-Grandma_canvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQtKYANYe24/T0QoajkPeEI/AAAAAAAAABo/fazCu89l5H8/s320/1-Grandma_canvas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canvas for Grandma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vggR8hDDjyc/T0QocKPoCvI/AAAAAAAAABw/UA1AAJLMAsw/s1600/1-xmas_gifts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vggR8hDDjyc/T0QocKPoCvI/AAAAAAAAABw/UA1AAJLMAsw/s320/1-xmas_gifts.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas! <br />
Mint marshmallow stirrers, Oreo bites & <br />
Felt decorations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">given</i> a few more of my creations
recently, including <a href="http://tasalutingmagpies.blogspot.com/2012/02/love-always.html" target="_blank">my husbands Valentines gift</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have crafted with the specific intention to <em>give.</em> So far, so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t noticed anyone giving The Look so I
believe people have been genuinely pleased to receive my handy work, at least I
hope they have been.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have over 1000 pins on <a href="http://pinterest.com/ta_s/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This need to craft is only going to get worse so I really need to get over my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">giving</i> fear so look out, nearest & dearest – stuff made by me is on its way to you!</span></span></span></span></div>T-Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13882818280115888478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764734364739422595.post-49918335047795066522012-02-19T18:31:00.000+00:002012-02-19T18:35:19.024+00:00Love, always<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday was Valentines Day and my husband made every effort to make sure our first February 14<sup>th</sup> as Mr & Mrs was lovely. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A dozen red roses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bottle of bubbles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was banned from the kitchen while he prepared an amazing three course dinner, the highlight being a very impressive Flaming Pecorino – a hollowed out pecorino cheese “bowl” with a brandy & gin flame that melts some of the cheese to make a very tasty coating for the pasta that gets piled into it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked amazing & tasted yum!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The time & effort he put into planning the perfect evening means so much – thank you Mike.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCRKxid1-6M/T0E_sSfMuaI/AAAAAAAAABY/Wask6P7XcZI/s1600/1-Mikes+camera-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCRKxid1-6M/T0E_sSfMuaI/AAAAAAAAABY/Wask6P7XcZI/s640/1-Mikes+camera-001.jpg" width="640" yda="true" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my gift to Mike I wanted to do something to remind him that even in the little minutes I am thinking of him & that I love him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inspired by a friends Pinterest pin I found my way to <a href="http://www.moorea-seal.com/2011/03/guest-post-katie-from-i-go-by-katie.html" target="_blank">Moorea Seal’s blog</a> & a lovely post that had the perfect gift idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Tuesday I gave Mike his first heart & a jar to keep them in. Over the coming days, weeks, months even, I will put hearts out for him to find.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tucked under the pillow. His trouser pocket as he gets ready for work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a kitchen cupboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where else...His desk?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His bag?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His car?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where ever & whenever he finds them I know that it will make him smile & he will be reminded that he has my heart forever.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTPB_WeeCNU/T0E95F4d0uI/AAAAAAAAABI/OSAoS6RMU1I/s1600/1-Mikes+Camera+122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTPB_WeeCNU/T0E95F4d0uI/AAAAAAAAABI/OSAoS6RMU1I/s400/1-Mikes+Camera+122.JPG" width="400" yda="true" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>T-Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13882818280115888478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764734364739422595.post-43211955383257282582012-02-14T21:53:00.000+00:002012-02-14T21:53:01.741+00:00Cake Update<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me just get straight to the point – The Cake was a success!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tackled the decorating armed with pink fondant, black fondant, edible glitter & a star cutter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was excited about decorating; I felt I had faced my biggest fears with stacking & covering the cake so now it was time to have fun & make pretty. And fun I had!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had cut some stars out a week ago, set some on wires & left them to harden so yesterday I went crazy with the glitter – no such thing as too much sparkle! The final result was a cake covered with stars; pink stars, black stars, big stars, small stars. Even star sparklers!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hG83gIwkYHg/TzrVO6lWfQI/AAAAAAAAAAo/TgyzE4TeiOo/s1600/Mikes+camera+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hG83gIwkYHg/TzrVO6lWfQI/AAAAAAAAAAo/TgyzE4TeiOo/s320/Mikes+camera+065.JPG" width="282" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made cupcakes too; 21 vanilla cupcakes with pink vanilla butter cream (and more glitter!) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMb1i4Uju8s/TzrWxQ1sw7I/AAAAAAAAAAw/WEPk2_CY3oI/s1600/Mikes+camera+072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMb1i4Uju8s/TzrWxQ1sw7I/AAAAAAAAAAw/WEPk2_CY3oI/s200/Mikes+camera+072.JPG" width="200" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
When they were all together on the table at the party I felt really proud of my handy work. It’s a new feeling for me; to be able to look at something I have done & think “Well done mrs, you did good!” I might do it more often, I think I quite like it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NF5FTCNrnac/TzrW6FLvTYI/AAAAAAAAAA4/gRG1JyTRkZs/s1600/Mikes+camera+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NF5FTCNrnac/TzrW6FLvTYI/AAAAAAAAAA4/gRG1JyTRkZs/s640/Mikes+camera+066.JPG" width="640" yda="true" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>T-Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13882818280115888478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-764734364739422595.post-23352100334939967442012-02-12T22:24:00.000+00:002012-02-12T22:24:31.807+00:00A Day of Cake<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday baking is one of my favourite weekend activities. For no reason other than the mood takes me. Often it's cupcakes to take into work on Monday. I have a cupcake obsession and thankfully work peoples are always happy to indulge! I also find baking very relaxing; it makes me happy. Today I have baked but it has not been as relaxing as I would like. Today I baked for a REASON. And I didn't even make cupcakes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 3.45pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow is my younger sisters 21st birthday. Twenty-one. This makes me feel old. Urgh. Besides making me feel old it also means that my mum has decided to throw a party and has asked me to a cake. "Really we want a 'proper' cake, like we could get from the shop." This is my mums idea of encouragement. I do not feel encouraged, I feel daunted! Still I am not one to shy away from a challenge!</span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SFOBv1ibwJI/Tzg5oBuuhYI/AAAAAAAAAAg/-HXCtPCWG8Q/s1600/Mikes+camera+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SFOBv1ibwJI/Tzg5oBuuhYI/AAAAAAAAAAg/-HXCtPCWG8Q/s320/Mikes+camera+063.JPG" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well used, as you can see from the cake smudges!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 3.45pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have opted for a three layer chocolate cake with caramel sauce & vanilla buttercream between the layers. I turned to my current favourite cake book for a recipe – <a href="http://hummingbirdbakery.com/" target="_blank">The Hummingbird Bakery’s</a> ‘Cake Days’ – and used a recipe for Sweet & Salty Chocolate Cake which ticked off two of my requirements; a three layer rich chocolate cake AND a caramel recipe (yup; I have never made caramel before so of course I would plan to use it in a cake that is going to be served to up my family and my sisters friends!) I followed the recipe for the sponge but I omitted the salt from the caramel recipe as I know my sister is not keen on salted caramel. I ignored the frosting in the book entirely as, as I say, I am using vanilla buttercream & then the cake is going to be covered with rolled fondant icing (which I have also never used before. Hey, if I’m going to be challenged I am going to be REALLY challenged!) Oh and it’s going to be black. Yeah.</span></span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 3.45pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 3.45pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will say that although I have thrown myself into this with additional pressures of baking way outside my comfort zone I did do a test run a couple weeks ago rather than just wing it today! I was pleasantly surprised with the test run. There were a few issues with getting it level and with the fondant tearing (and me nearly crying) but it taught me a lot, showed me where I was going wrong, made sure I liked the design idea and gave me some confidence for the real thing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 3.45pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 3.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Today, I took all my lessons from the test run and tackled The Cake. Things started well; caramel came out better than test run (I might have, maybe, possibly burnt the test caramel a teeny tiny bit) and I managed to fight the urge to just get a bowl of ice-cream & poor the caramel straight over the top. All three layers came out of the oven looking</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> & smelling yummy. I was happy. I was relaxed. It was good. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 3.45pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 3.45pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then I dropped a layer. On the floor. I was not happy. I was not relaxed. It was bad. It was a Cake Disaster. </span></span></div>
<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2AMYB14YuA/Tzg4XCNA1NI/AAAAAAAAAAY/T5feuUSdnNY/s1600/Mikes+camera+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2AMYB14YuA/Tzg4XCNA1NI/AAAAAAAAAAY/T5feuUSdnNY/s320/Mikes+camera+061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cake down! Badtimes.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 3.45pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I recovered though. I made an additional single layer. I did not drop it. It was good, again. I managed to level them, fill it, crumb coat it and before I knew it, I covered it with black fondant – yay me is all I can say! Tomorrow it will be decorated. Oh, and I will also be making some cupcakes!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>T-Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13882818280115888478noreply@blogger.com0