Author: Mum Scottish

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6 Easy to Implement Fashion Tips for Busy Moms

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As a mom, you have a lot of responsibility. Your little ones are your life and they rely on you 24/7. Most of the time, you’re so focused on doing what’s best for them that you forget about looking after yourself. In this day and age, most moms go above and beyond trying to maintain some sort of career (either at home or in the office) as well as bringing up a family, looking after the home, etc. For a lot of ladies, to feel good you need to look good, but a busy, non-stop schedule can leave you a bit worn out. So, here are six easy to implement fashion tips for a busy mom to make you feel human once again.

Most of the time, you’re so focused on doing what’s best for them that you forget about looking after yourself. In this day and age, most moms go above and beyond trying to maintain some sort of career (either at home or in the office) as well as bringing up a family, looking after the home, etc. For a lot of ladies, to feel good you need to look good, but a busy, non-stop schedule can leave you a bit worn out. So, here are six easy to implement fashion tips for a busy mom to make you feel human once again.

As a mom, you have a lot of responsibility. Your little ones are your life and they rely on you 24/7. Most of the time, you’re so focused on doing what’s best for them that you forget about looking after yourself. In this day and age, most moms go above and beyond trying to maintain some sort of career (either at home or in the office) as well as bringing up a family, looking after the home, etc. For a lot of ladies, to feel good you need to look good, but a busy, non-stop schedule can leave you a bit worn out. So, here are six easy to implement fashion tips for a busy mom to make you feel human once again.

Tasteful Tunics

Casual wear sometimes gives the wrong impression as some people just assume it will be a shabby look and give off a sluggish appearance. But it does not have to be this way. If baggy T-shirts are your go-to piece on a casual day, change your look up by going for a tasteful tunic. Tunics can come in short or long varieties. Their lengthy shape is designed to glide over your body which is very flattering towards your figure. They can come in a wide range of lovely colors with beautifications like lace trim, ribbons and scalloping. If it’s for everyday wear, a tunic can be worn over a pair of shorts or jeans. If you want a more dressed up look, you can add a stylish pencil skirt or a pair of slacks.

Shapelier Shirtdresses

A shirtdress can get away with being both casual and smart. Whatever you use one for, they are definitely a comfortable choice. They have a simple style to them and are both easy to wear and flattering for your figure. To make them easier to clean and care for, it would be best to choose a shirtdress in a machine washable fabric such as cotton. Wearing a bright and colorful shirtdress accompanied by a pair of ballet flats can give a suitable look to go anywhere from the grocery store to a PTA meeting.

Terrific Tanks

When it begins to get warmer, many moms tend to go for the basic tank with shorts look. The novelty of tank tops can begin to wear off after a while and the same, plain look can easily become boring. To change it up, try selecting different styles such as a ruffled top or a top that has an embellished neckline for a little more panache.

Simple Shoes

Getting the right pair of shoes can be tricky as there is a fine line between comfort and scruffy. Old tennis shoes or a pair of flip flops can be an easy thing to put on when you’re in a rush and on your feet for a long time, but this doesn’t have to be the case. So, get rid of the tatty footwear and get a cute (but comfy) pair instead. You can get a wide range of high end, fashionable Balenciaga sneakers from SSENSE who have fantastic looking shoes which are suitable for anything from casual to formal wear. They have a selection of comfortable Balenciaga sneakers for morning exercise or the school run as well as a beautiful variety of heals perfect for the office or a classy night out with the girls.

Hot Hair

It is important to take care of your hair. It is something that people see every day, so it is advised to keep it fresh and fabulous. If you have any grays, go ahead and dye them away. To keep your hair looking as best as it can, it’s advised that you should dye your roots every 6-8 weeks. If you’re in a hurry in the mornings, don’t ever miss out on conditioning your hair. Either invest in a 2 in 1 product to keep your hair in good health and hydrated or wash your hair the night before. When you wake up in the morning, make sure you don’t miss out on brushing your hair. Put it up in a ponytail or twist to keep it looking neat if you don’t have time to style it. Using gel or pomade to slick it back, then adding a headband can quickly avoid a messy look. Having an easy to maintain haircut can also save a lot of time.

No Fuss Natural Makeup

It is easier than you think to be a stylish mum. Self-care is just as important as caring for your family. Don’t forget to treat yourself and don’t be afraid to try a new style because at the end of the day, you are worth it.

You may also be interested in:

Finding Your Glow Again During Motherhood
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7 Day Healthy Food Challenge

We’re heading to the end of January, and most of us will have let our New Year resolutions fall by the wayside already. Instead of feeling downcast and disappointed by letting good work go to waste, it can sometimes be easier to set ourselves small goals and tasks to perform, so that they are easier to stick to.

So, instead of setting a whole life goal, how about a week or a month of eating less processed food, less sugar, and more fruit and veg…. For me, I’m planning a 7 day healthy food challenge. And it is being a challenge. Over the last few months, I’ve been neck deep in caring duties and trying to earn money to pay my bills, so food and care for myself has fallen by the wayside.

This is what I plan to do:

Healthy whole foods are things like vegetables, fruits and whole grains, with proteins and fats allowed. What should be cut, is refined sugars, grains, any added sugar, preservatives and unhealthy fats. I try to cut salt out, but food just tastes so bland, so I’ll leave that challenge for another day. For now, it’s eat better, not add sugar, and be sensible.

Vegetables

We eat a lot of vegetables here anyway, but more couldn’t hurt. I wish I could like cauliflower and broccoli more, but I can’t seem to do it. I will cut the amount of white potatoes I use, and add in more sweet potatoes, and top that up with plenty soups filled with onion, carrot, tomatoes, sweetcorn, courgette, green beans and more. Vegetables are low in calories and nutritious, so we can eat more bulk, but I have to admit, I’d rather eat fruit, so eating vegetables as vegetables, rather than as soup, is a challenge for me, as vegies help reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes. f them can reduce your risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Fruit

I am usually fairly good with fruit. It is generally higher in sugar than vegetables, but compared to processed food, there is no comparison. I tend to buy fruit, wash and freeze it, so I have fruit for fruit smoothies. I’ve got out of the habit of this recently, so it will be nice to get back into it. Fruit does contain fibre, which is good for our digestion, so as I won’t be eating any refined sugar, this is one way to get a sweet treat for the 7 days.

Grains

I’m not one for Quinoa or brown rice, and I can’t tolerate oats, barley or lentils well, so my options here are quite limited. I’ll simply aim to eat less of grains like rice and pasta, although thankfully, I do like whole grain bread, which I can eat in small quantities.

Fats

Not eating processed is likely to cut out a large percentage of bad fats. I’m one of those people who would rather have a little of real butter than a bigger portion of margarine or other spreads. Fat isn’t bad for us, but too much of it can be. Fat helps keep us full and adds flavour to full. We can also get fat from foods like Avocado, Olives, Peanut Butter and much more. For cooking, I tend to go to coconut and rapeseed, avoiding the more general vegetable oils.

Protein

Like fats, protein helps keep us full, and is needed for keeping our hair and skin healthy, as well as for muscle growth and preservation. Meat and fish count, as do high protein foods like Skyr, Quark and Cheese. For the lower fat versions, Skyr and Quark are great for cooking and snacking. Vegetarians can choose options such as Tofu, beans, nuts and eggs to supplement their protein intake.

Alcohol

I don’t drink much, so this isn’t an issue for me, but moving to an alcoholic and calorie free version might help some people who like a glass of vino or a tipple.

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Easy Peasy Jelly Squeezies

Looking for a way to get more water into kids or adults with dementia who have an aversion to drinking from a cup?

Sneaking fluid in through food is a great way to do things.  These are so easy, and can be calorific or zero calorie, depending on the type of jelly you use.

These are not like adding glycerine to make the firm jellies which are like the harder Haribo type sweets, and they’re simply a way to change up the diet and make jelly more appetising.

Using the usual concentration, jelly is too wobbly to set in moulds.

These are made in ice cube trays and are made in minutes.  They are about to become a staple part of mums diet in the sugar free form.  I may even splash out on a few nice moulds too.

For these, I have used two different strengths.

Green
Simply a regular lime jelly at half the consistency, ie 1/4 pint of hot water to dissolve the jelly, then top up with 1/4 pint of cold water before pouring into the moulds.  These are still squeezable although slightly tacky to the touch.

Red
Made using the sugar free jelly option in powder form at half the above consistency.  I used 2 sachets here with 1/4 pint hot water, dissolved and added 1/4 pint cold before pouring into the moulds.

The red ones are far more firm than the green, and although both are squeezy, the red have a far firmer effect.

Water Content

250ml / Half Pint water per 18 jellies

Use

Leave these colourful ‘treats,’ out for someone who struggles to drink fluid, to sneak just that little extra in a day.   It’s far more attractive to eat something that looks like a sweetie than it is to eat a bowl of jelly.

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3 Essentials for Your Newborn’s First Trip to the Beach

Travelling with a newborn baby can be challenging. Aside from the hassle of carrying all their equipment, you need to plan their feeds and nap times around your schedule. And if you have older kids to deal with too, you may find leaving the house to be stressful at times.

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The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice your annual family holiday. If you and the rest of the family fancy a day or week at the beach, baby can come too.

The important thing is to be well prepared. Whereas you can ‘wing it’ with a toddler or an older child, babies have quite specific needs. They may require a certain brand of baby milk or a particular size of nappy. You can accommodate these things if you head somewhere with shops, but a day on the beach is trickier, as shops won’t be so readily available.

Make a list before you leave the house. Note down everything you would typically use in a normal day and make sure you pack it in the car or your bag. Include an extra change of clothes and some spare nappies. It is better to be well prepared than not have everything you need.

UV Protective Clothing

The main risk to a newborn baby is the sun. A baby’s skin has no natural protection, so they are vulnerable to sun damage. It is sensible to apply lots of sunblock to your baby’s face and body, but UV protective clothing provides an extra layer or protection. There are fabrics that have been developed to filter out harmful UVA and UVB light, so your baby is protected at all times, on the way to the beach and while you take them for a paddle.

A trendy rash guard vest will ensure your baby looks stylish while staying safe in the sun. A boys rash guard from Folpetto comes in several colours and sizes and is perfect for young children.

A Sun Shelter

Babies shouldn’t be out in the sun for long. Therefore, a sun shelter is an excellent accessory for a long day on the beach. It will provide some much-needed shade and give you a safe place to change nappies, feed, and put your newborn down for a nap. Sun shelters are like pop-up tents. They are easy to erect and provide a visible base for the rest of the family to head back to after a dip in the sea. Look for one that is large enough to accommodate your baby’s equipment and beach accessories.

Portable Crib

If you drive to the beach, you can transport your baby in his car seat. If you walk to the beach, he can lie in his pram, but it may be tricky to shift the pram over the sand, so a baby sling could be easier. However, if your baby goes to the beach in a sling, he has nowhere to take a nap when you arrive. Since you may not want to place him on a sandy towel, consider taking a portable crib or bassinet. This provides a safe place for your newborn baby to sleep between feeds and nappy changes. Look for a lightweight Moses’s basket or similar.

These are the main items, but there are zillions of other useful items worth packing in your baby backpack. Hand sanitiser is very useful, as it protects you from nasty bacteria and helps to ensure your hands stay hygienic after changing a smelly nappy. Don’t forget to pack nappy sacks too, as carrying around a dirty nappy when there are no bins is likely to be unpleasant on a hot day.

Dornoch Beach

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The Do’s and Don’ts when Storing Fine Wines

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Fine wine storage is an art, and if you’re unfamiliar with the whole process, you could end up making mistakes that will have a negative on your wine’s quality and not allow it to develop and age the way that it should. If you want to preserve your fine wines the right way, there are some strict rules that need to be followed. In this article, we’re going to discuss some of the things you should do and avoid when storing fine wines.

Do Consider a Wine Storage Facility

If you’re serious about your wines and look at them as an investment, then it would be wise to consider storing them with a wine storage company. Fine wine storage is not something to be taken lightly, especially if your goal is to pass them down or resell them, so handing the wine storage process over to a company that is familiar with vintage wine storage is a wise decision. These companies usually have underground cellars which have the perfect conditions for fine wines and will also allow you to record the condition and duration of storage, which will make appraising and reselling your wines easier. If you want to know more about the process in general, you can always check this guide to fine wine storage.

Don’t Expose them to Light

Wines are very sensitive to UV rays, so you should do everything in your power to protect them from sunlight and fluorescent lights. Dark bottles are already better for wine storage, but they won’t be enough to completely protect your wines from light. Delicate white wines in particular are prone to light damage, so take extra precautions with them.

Heat is also an enemy of good wine, so make sure that you store your wine away from any heat source like radiators, hot water heaters, furnaces or any appliance that emits heat. Wines should ideally be kept at about a 13c to 14c temperature for optimal results.

Do Check Humidity Levels

Besides light and temperature, humidity also plays a major role when storing your wines. Store them in an environment that is too dry, and the cork might dry out and let air in, which could ruin them. This could also lead to leakage. At the other extreme, if you store your wines somewhere that is too humid, you might have to deal with mould and contamination. The humidity of the room you choose to store your wines in should hover around the 60% mark. This will allow your corks to remain fresh and expanded.

Don’t Put Your Wine on Your Fridge

Some people just put their everyday wines on top of their fridge out of habit. But that’s one of the absolute worst places for a bottle of fine wine. Not only do refrigerators give out heat, but the vibrations they emit are bad for vintage wines. Vibration will affect the way the wine ages and tastes. Not only that, but your bottles will most likely be exposed to direct light if you store them there. So, whatever you do, make sure that your never store any vintage wines on top of your fridge if you want them to age properly.

Storing fine wines doesn’t have to be difficult once you know the basics. If you follow the few simple tips in this article, you’ll allow your wines to develop to their full potential and get the most out of your investment.

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How to make mushy peas at home.

I used to buy mushy peas.  Tins of them, then one day I had none and the teens were moaning, I decided to have a go at making my own.  Marrowfat peas make the closest thing to the tins you buy in the shops, but marrowfat peas are not something I tend to have on hand.  I do, always, however, have bags of frozen peas or petit pois.  The taste is slightly different with the younger garden variety peas, rather then the more mature marrowfat ones, but to be honest, the taste with the younger peas is actually amazing and doesn’t take long to do.

I think it comes with the advent of kids needing fed quickly, and no time to go shopping, which is always my issue these days with mum requiring more soft meals and the teenagers always bringing friends home for food.  They don’t always eat what I make, but hey, at least they’ve been offered decent food.  Cook the peas in a microwave or use a hob on the pan.

This version is made so that my mum can eat them, so they are very well blended and are just made using petit pois.   These are also great for making mushy pea and ham soup.

Lesley Smith

Mushy Peas Recipe

5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 2 -4
Course: Accompaniment, Vegetables
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g Frozen Peas any kind Use marrowfat peas to get a similar effect to tinned mushy peas
  • 30 g Butter
  • Tablespoon Double Cream Optional
  • Water
  • Half Level Teaspoon Salt
  • Pinch Cracked & Ground Black Pepper

Method
 

  1. Put your peas into a microwaveable bowl, sprinkle the salt and pepper and cover the peas with water. Cook on full power for between 6-10 minutes. Depending on the type of pea you have, it might take longer. I usually put mine on for 5 minutes, then check them to see if they've softened up. If they haven't, I just microwave them for a slightly longer.

  2. When peas are softened, drain the water from the peas and add the butter and optional cream. Depending on your taste, you may want to add a little extra salt. .

  3. To keep a tinned style effect, use a potato masher to mash down the peas, or for a more pureed version, like the image here, just pop them into a blender for a few seconds. This can also be blitzed for longer, as a pure puree version for those who need it.

 

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Creative Ways To Choose The Unique Gifts For Him

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Gifts play an essential role to give some unforgettable moments to the recipients. It is the perfect way of strengthening the bond of love and care with close ones. We all live in a beautiful relationship with our siblings and parents in the family. Everyone finds time for the ceremonial occasions of each other like birthday, anniversary and other special events at home. These celebrations give us a chance to express our feelings to the family and friends.

Gifts make it simple for you to show the sincere feelings to your close ones. The unique gifts always make a remarkable impression for the recipients on their particular occasions. The gift selection for men is never an easy task. It should be according to the passions and hobbies of the recipient. You can also dedicate some gifts which they wish to buy in the upcoming time. The primary purpose of gift-giving is to give the memorable moments of the day. You can also create new memories by sending unique gifts for your brothers, boyfriends and the best man in your life on their special occasions.

Here are some creative gifts ideas for him (man) to give some surprising moments of the day.

Box of nutritious dry fruits: 

Most of the men are health conscious and follow the balanced diet plan. They like to eat light food items and also do regular exercises. The dry fruits are best to provide the essential nutrients with a unique taste. You can dedicate a box of delicious dry fruits to your elder brother. Sisters can also Send Rakhi with dry fruits hamper to their distant brothers on the Raksha Bandhan. It will be a perfect food gift for them on this day.

 Dedicate personalized gifts for him: 

Everyone knows the importance of unique gifts to give some remarkable moments to the recipients. The occasions give you the opportunity to dedicate something from your heart to the close ones. You can make the personalized gifts like photo frames, photo coffee mugs, and photo cushions, etc. to give the best moments of the day. It is the best gifts choice to dedicate some personalized items to men. They will remember you for these unique gifts on their occasions like birthday, anniversary, and other special days.

Gift apparels for him:

Men are also a fashion freak, and they love to carry some cool apparels according to the latest trends. You can dedicate a dress of his choice to surprise on the particular occasions. Girls can also purchase the printed t-shirts to gift their boyfriends on the birthday. They can also make personalized by using their photos to print on the t-shirts. It will help to create the new memory of the special day. They will outshine with your gifted apparels on their birthday.

Delicious cake for him:

A cake is an essential dessert to celebrate the memorable occasions. It is also the most awaited sweet item to commemorate the event. You can prepare a designer birthday cake to surprise your partner. Make it choosing his favorite flavors and ingredients to give him an appetizing feeling of the day. You can also make a photo cake to refresh the beautiful memories of your past time together. It will be the perfect dessert to spread the happiness of the day.

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Recipe: Dulcey de Leche Chocolate Cupcakes

National Cupcake Week 2018

Bakers at the ready! National Cupcake Week returns to the UK from 18-24 September 2018. To celebrate the occasion, Royal Lancaster London will be serving up an exclusive cupcake-creation from Head Pastry Chef Steve Penny: Dark Chocolate and Dulcey de Leche Cupcakes.

The indulgent treat will be served in the hotel’s Hyde Lobby Bar throughout the week and is priced at £3 per cupcake. Steve Penny shares his recipe for a twist on a classic that’s sure to be the icing on top of a sweet week.

Dark Chocolate and Dulcey de Leche Cupcake by Steve Penny

Ingredients (10-12 cupcakes):

250g   Softened butter

150g   Caster sugar

100g   Light brown sugar

250g   Eggs

20ml   Milk

250g   Self-raising flour

30g     Cocoa powder

20g     Cocoa nibs

2 cans Condensed milk

100g   Dulcey de leche

Valrhona Dulcey pearls

Chocolate Butter Cream:

50g Dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids)

100g Unsalted butter, softened

200g Icing sugar

1 tsp Vanilla extract

Splash of Milk (to loosen)

Method

To make the Dulcey de Leche:

Step 1: Take two cans of condensed milk and place them unopened in a bain-marie in the oven. Set the oven temperature to 120 degrees for around 2-3 hours. Be careful when opening the cans as they will remain hot for a long time!

To make Chocolate Butter Cream:

Step 1: Melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Allow to cool until the chocolate no longer feels hot to the touch.

Step 2: Beat the butter in a second bowl until soft then gradually add the icing sugar. Add the vanilla extract and beat again.

Step 3: Add the melted chocolate to the butter mixture until completely mixed, you can add a few drops of milk if the mixture is a little stiff.

To make the Cupcakes:

Step 1: In a bowl mix together the flour, cocoa and cocoa nibs.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Slowly add the milk, eggs and lastly the dried ingredients (flour, cocoa and cocoa nibs). Fold in the Dulcey de Leche into the mix.

Step 4: Fill 10-12 muffin tins. Don’t fill to the top, only ¾ of the cases should be full!

Step 5: Bake at 180 degrees for approximately 15-20 minutes (or until a knife inserted into one of the cakes comes out clean) and allow to cool.

Step 6: Once cool, carefully make a hole in the top of the cakes using a teaspoon and pipe in the dulcey de leche. Top with a spread of the milk chocolate butter cream to give a smooth velvety finish.

Step 7: Sprinkle Valrhona Dulcey pearls and drizzle more chocolate on top just for luck!

Royal Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY
Reservations on 020 7551 6000 or visit wwww.royallancaster.com

 

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Fun Family Activities For Days Off In Scotland

Finding activities for your family to do on your days off can be quite difficult when you’ve lived in the same place for a while. If you live in Scotland or are planning on visiting soon, then you’ll find that there are a lot of outdoor activities that you can take part in. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the fun family activities that you can do in Scotland. Make sure to keep reading if you’d like to find out more.

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High Ropes 

Our first activity that your kids will love is a high ropes course. You’ll find that there are plenty of high ropes courses across Scotland with most of them being hosted by Go Ape! High ropes courses will teach your kids to be brave and they’ll love the adventure of the day. There will be swings, high jumps and much more. Don’t worry about the safety aspect as they’ll be harnessed in.

Kayaking

If your family like a bit of adventure, then they’ll love going kayaking in Scotland. There are loads of lochs and bodies of water that you can do this on and you’ll have the best time doing it. If you have kids that are quite young, then you’ll find that you can actually get tandem kayaks where two people can be together. This will help you and your family get closer to nature and you’ll bond at the same time. Make sure to check out bestkayaks.reviews if you’d like to find out more about what kayak to purchase for the activity you’re going to be doing, for example fishing kayaking or sea kayaking.

Mountain Biking

Another great activity that you can enjoy on your day off with your kids is mountain biking. If your kids love cycling, then they’ll love this new take on it. There are plenty of mountains in Scotland that you can take them up and if they are too young to ride a mountain bike then you could invest in a trailer. This activity is really fun, and you’ll love getting some amazing views and taking in the fresh air. Make sure to try out mountain biking if you want to try something new.

Rock Climbing

Although you might want to get out and explore the outdoors with your family on your day off, the weather does not always permit it. The great thing about rock climbing is that you can do it both indoors and outdoors, so you won’t have to cancel your day out because of the weather. You’ll find loads of rock climbing centres in Scotland and your kids will love climbing the colourful walls while they are harnessed in. Makes sure to consider this activity for your next day off.

Final Thoughts

There are loads of different activities that you can enjoy when you take the time to do your research.  Make sure to get out and enjoy the adventure in Scotland when you have your next day off. You’ll be able to spend time with your family and enjoy yourself.

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How to Make Easy Spaghetti Carbonara – Cheaply – £2.50 – Feed up to 8 People

My special needs boy needs help with making meals, and one day, he’ll likely have to try and make his own, and on a budget.  For this, I kept the ingredients light, and it was to feed 7 people, although we could easily manage 8 small to medium bowls with these ingredients.  The price…..   We kept it low.  20p for Tesco 500g spaghetti, £1.99 for 2 jars of Carbonara sauce from the Co-op, which fabulously, actually has real bits of ham in it, and a creamy sauce.  It’s the best version I have used for this.

Count the milk and butter, and we are at around:

  • £2.50 to feed 8 the basic carbonara.
  • Plus garlic bread from Tesco Hearty Food Range at 32p each x 3 = Optional 96p for three baguettes.
  • Total £3.46 for Spaghetti Carbonara and Three Garlic Baguettes.
Lesley Smith

Easy Spaghetti Carbonara

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course: Mains, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g Spaghetti
  • 30 g Butter
  • 2 Jars Carbonara Sauce Co-op
  • 2 Teaspoons Salt
  • 200 ml Milk

Method
 

  1. Very simply, just bring the spaghetti and salt to the boil, and simmer until the right consistency for your palate. My boy likes it soft, and other like it al dente, so choose your favoured options by the instructions on the packet you buy.

  2. Drain the pasta, rinse with boiling water and drain again.

  3. Return the pasta to a pan and add the carbonara sauce. Heat and stir until thoroughly hot.

  4. Add butter, stir, then add milk until your carbonara reaches your desired consistency.

  5. Serve with garlic bread.
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Easy Ways to Make Your Back Garden More Attractive

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If you have a home with a large garden, it’s a waste to let it go unattended, especially if you have kids around. There are plenty of things you can do to give the space a lift if you’re feeling creative, and the good news is, most of these things don’t even have to cost a lot! All it takes is having a good plan of what you want your garden to ideally look like, knowing who the right contractors for each job are, and perhaps setting aside a little time for your family to take a break while things are underway.

New Plants  

By far one of the easiest ways to give your garden a whole new look is to consider a new arrangement of plants. A good landscaper can help you quite a lot with this, although you can probably do a large part of that job on your own if you know how to do your research online, and also know what resources you have available.

Make sure that you approach this in a tasteful way though – don’t just plant a bunch of the most expensive bushes you can find and call it a day! Try to have some harmony between every element in your garden, and plan ahead so that everything will be easy enough to maintain in the long run too. If you’re not sure how that works, it’s best to leave this part in the hands of a professional familiar with the field.

Attractive Fences

Garden fence panels can allow you to create an attractive setup for your garden boundaries whilst also ensuring your privacy. Rather than sticking with the usual plain fence panels that came with the house, why not go for more decorative fence panels sold by companies like Fencestore? You can find a wide variety of fence panels online at Fencestore’s website. These range from picket fences to the more traditional feather edge fence panels, so choose something that goes well with the garden design you envision.  If you do not have a budget that will stretch to new fence panels just yet, a simple lick of paint can bring a new lease of life into your garden.

Outdoor TV

Keeping a TV outdoors is becoming a more and more popular trend among many homeowners with a large back garden. It makes sense too, especially for those who like to socialise with their neighbours on a regular basis and enjoy throwing the occasional grill party. With a proper outdoor cover, your TV can safely be kept outside the house even during harsher weather, giving you a lot more freedom in how you spend your evenings with the family during those hot summer nights. The only thing you’ll have to think about is making sure to insulate the power cords and other exposed electrical components, but the rest is very easy to set up when you’re working with the right company in the field.  Make sure to also keep any electrical appliances away from any sources of water and ensure there are no hanging wires creating a trip hazard.

Grill Tent

Speaking of grill parties, why not take things to the next level with a classy tent that your guests can use in hot and cold weather alike? Having a good grill in the first place is of course important, but if people feel uncomfortable while eating those tasty burgers, you’re reducing your chances of seeing them at your next party. A good tent can cost surprisingly little if you buy it from the right supplier and know what your requirements are and setting it up is a piece of cake with most modern models.

Keep in mind that you may have to take the tent down during periods of extreme weather, especially if you live in a place with stronger winds, so it’s best to spend some extra time searching for a model that is easy to take apart in those cases.

Lighting can also become an issue if you want to spend some time outside in the tent late into the evenings, so try to come up with an energy efficient solution that will allow you to keep the whole place attractive to guests while also not costing you too much.  For example, it would be a good idea to invest in solar powered lights that also have a movement sensor for the added bonus of security throughout the night.

Swimming Pool

It might cost a bit more than your typical garden renovation, but a good swimming pool can make all the difference in those hot summer periods when the entire family is sweating from top to bottom. It’s not impossible to do it yourself, although it requires very specialised skills and is far from your typical DIY project – not to mention the kinds of tools involved in the job!  It might also be a good idea to coincide the construction period with a family getaway since it is obviously not an overnight job.  An unusable garden in the summer holidays means the kids will be stuck indoors which is not something you want to contend with.

The good news is, quality professionals are not hard to come by, and if you already have your specifications prepared and ready to present, you should have a relatively easy time getting in touch with a company that can do the job properly for you. Something else to keep in mind in case you’re constructing a pool is the average price of water in your area, as sometimes the initial construction turns out to be the lesser evil in terms of what you’ll have to pay.

As you can see, it all comes down to having a few good ideas about what you want to do with your garden and knowing what professionals you can get in touch with to execute those ideas properly. As long as you have your budget in order and take the time to research your local market for the different services you’re about to use, you should have a great time refreshing your garden and turning it into an even more attractive place for the whole family – and possibly some of your favourite neighbours!

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How to make the ultimate chip butty.

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Winner winner, chip-butty dinner

“Daaad! What’s for dinner?”, the kids yell from the other room. It’s been a long, busy day and you’re just not up to cooking a full-on meal. You’ve no energy left. You’re up for something with minimal effort; a good measure of comfort food. Pizza? Nah. Stir fry? Nah. Chip butty? Now who could resist? Surely a winner for the whole family, right? And quite frankly, what tantalises the tastebuds more than a satisfying chip butty in crusty soft bread, coated with lashings of your favourite sauce? Your mouth is watering at the thought. And the best part is that it takes no more than 10 minutes to prepare and around half-an-hour to cook (depending on how well done you like your chips). Yes, winner winner, chip butty dinner it is.

Getting started

Okay, it’s time to get to work and dig out the spuds, get the oven on, track down those herbs and spices and that loaf of bread. Let’s make this a chip butty to remember.

Starting with the potatoes. Give them a good rinse and peel them. If the kids have a particularly sweet tooth (and which kids don’t?), throw a few sweet potatoes into the mix. As well as bringing some brightness to their butty, they’re brimming full of key vitamins, including A, C, E and K. They also cook faster than white potatoes too, which means you’ll be tucking in in no time.

Now, how do you like your chips – a little chunky? Chop them about a finger-width wide. Want a bit of fun? Chop them into shapes – the kids will love them. Or carve them into letters to spell out your kids’ names; they’ll love the personal touch. If the kids love veggies and you have some spare, carrot and parsnip chips taste great and will add an earthy, flavour-packed sweetness to the butty.

If French fries are more your style and you are short of time but are still craving a great butty, get yourself a pack of McCain’s French Fries and the kids will never know the difference. You can still add the herbs, garlic and spices to make the butty one to remember.

It’s now time to get the oven on and up to temperature. Gas Mark 6 or 200°C should do the trick.

Before they’re oven ready, you’ll need to par-boil the potatoes for around 5 minutes (slightly longer if chunky) in boiling water. Once the potatoes are par-boiled, strain and dab slightly with kitchen roll, then place on the tray and drizzle a little cooking oil over them. They’re now oven ready.

If chips are too bland for the kids, why not spice things up a little before popping in the oven? Those herbs in the cupboard? Give them a whirl. Sprinkle on mixed herbs – oregano, rosemary or garlic granules. Even a subtle shake of chilli powder will add extra heat and spice to give your butty an extra kick. Yummy.

Cooking the chips

Don’t forget to set the timer for 35 minutes because those beauties will cook quickly. Once in the oven, don’t forget to check your chips every 10 minutes or so. Give them a gentle shake a few times to ensure they cook well on all sides.

They’re almost done. The house is filled with the aroma of chips!

The butty

Now to the bread: some like it firm; some like it soft. Choose the kids’ favourite bread and mix things up a little. Try a half wholemeal and half white, or if adventurous try a baguette and see who has the longest bite. Tiger bread is great and chopping it into inch-thick slices makes the butty a monster meal ­ wait until you sink your teeth into that beauty!

Don’t forget the condiments; will it be ketchup, brown sauce, mayonnaise, or malt vinegar? Or a bit of everything? Have them close to hand and apply liberally.

It’s now time to butter the bread choosing your favourite spread; be generous and make sure it covers the bread. Or if you’re feeling creative, drizzle over a little olive oil instead, adding a delicious fresh, zingy flavour.

Scatter the chips on your bread, leaving the butty open to spell out the kids’ names in chips, this way you’ll be the best dad!

Winner winner, time for dinner!

Now time to tuck into your delicious feast. Enjoy the greatest chip butty ever made!

If your chips weren’t a winner, why not nip out and try McCain’s French Fries, cooked from frozen and oven ready in 14-16 minutes ­ your kids will never know the difference!