The New Year's Eve Interview 2015

We started a tradition when C was 3 of asking him a series of questions on New Year's Eve.  The first 3 years I wrote down his answers and have them safely stored in the memory box for the relevant year.  This year we decided to do things a little differently and went with a video version.  Such a little ham!

Monthly Menu - December 2015

As December rolls around our eating habits tend to be all over the place.  Christmas parties, late night shopping, wrapping and decorating that takes longer than expected....all add to the stress of trying to keep the family well fed.  I find my menu really comes into its own in December - I can put meal planning on auto-pilot and worry about all the other things there are to do.

North Pole Breakfast 2015

We started the Elf on the Shelf activities a couple of years ago and, this year, while looking on Pinterest for EotS inspiration I came across the concept of a North Pole Breakfast to kick of the Elf season and knew I needed to add that to our plan.

Things I Have Liked/Loved This Month - November

So in a valiant effort to get this my blogging into some kind of regular schedule, I've decided to join a few linkys.  One of the favourites so far is the "Things I have liked/loved this month" linky hosted by A Cornish Mum.  Each month, as the month draws to a close, I'll pick a few favourite highlights to share - a good reminder of the successes, when it's easy to get bogged down by the failures or challenges.  As November is also Thanksgiving month, and we're a dual nationality family, this seems like the perfect month to join in.  I didn't quite make it to ten this month as I hadn't been keeping note of some of the "little things" - but I will for future months.

Protective Mother with a Heavy Heart

So, once again, we wake up to news of atrocities committed by bullies and cowards hiding behind a veil of a religion that is, at its heart, peaceful and tolerant,  These are young boys and girls, most in their 20s, who have been totally brainwashed into thinking their place in eternity can be secured best by blowing themselves up and taking as many innocent people with them as possible....RIP Paris

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Back to School we go!

So the Summer hols have come to an end.....back to school tomorrow for the beginning of a whole new adventure in Year 1. A bit more "real" schoolwork looms ahead this year....I'm looking forward to that! smile emoticon There'll be spelling, and sentences and a little more homework. I get to be a school run Mum for the next two days so am looking forward to hearing all about what's different and what's the same as Reception.

Summer Holiday 2015: Seaton Tramway

After our busy morning at the Donkey Sanctuary we took the short drive along the coast to Seaton for a ride on the Seaton Tramway.

Summer Holiday 2015: Donkey Sanctuary

For this year's summer holiday, our first having to deal with school holiday schedules, I put my foot down against the grossly inflated prices most holiday locations charge.  Don't get me started as I could rant all day about it!  Instead we decided to have a Trip Advisor holiday...... we picked the general area, this year we went with the Plymouth area of Devon as I had many happy family memories of holidays there during my own childhood.  From there we searched Trip Advisor to find a place to stay, places to eat and fun things to do.  Accommodation was B&B in a small guesthouse (The Phantele)which was charming, hosts were wonderful,breakfast was delicious and price didn't blow our budget!

Day one we chose to spend the morning visiting the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth. (The Donkey Sanctuary).  I've always loved donkeys and we thought a quick visit to this charitable center was a good way to start our week - we hadn't expected to still be there at lunchtime - so much to see and do!

Recipe: Crispy Cheddar Chicken

Fried chicken with a white sauce, usually called "gravy", is a staple in the Southern United States and one of my hubby's favourites.  This is far from a healthy version but by baking the chicken instead of frying I can add a cheesy flavour to make it even tastier!  We sometimes serve with rice and a side salad or, more often, roasted garlic mash and a vegetable.

Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork

There are so many versions of Pulled Pork out there these days.  There is something very comforting about the juicy meat, served in a lovely soft roll.  It certainly takes us back to our time living in the Southern U.S. - the home of great BBQ!  This recipe resorts to a traditional low and slow oven cook, it's finger lickin', juicy and oh so tender!

Monthly Menu - August 2015

I have mixed emotions about August.  It's usually our best month for weather, long days and day trips scatter the calendar.  No school for C to worry about for another month.  And yet, as a working Mum, it's the month I feel most guilty about.  So many other children get to spend the entire month with a parent having lots of Summer fun.  However, that might drive me ever so slightly batty lol!  Instead we make the most of every evening and weekend, and C's fabulous childminder (whose son is C's best friend at school) makes sure they don't miss out - swimming club, trips to the park, trips to the beach, picnics etc.  So with the long hot Summer (hopefully!) ahead of us here's what's on our menu.

Recipe: Slow Cooked Jamaican Pork with Pineapple Salsa

We often enjoy pulled pork made in the crockpot so I was quite excited to come across this variation on a theme.  We like spice so the combination of pulled pork, Jamaican jerk spices and fresh pineapple felt like we took a little Caribbean holiday on a warm Summer evening.

School Sports Day

One of those days in the school calendar that parents approach with a bit of nervousness, despite the school's best efforts to remind the children that winning is not important....I don't for a minute believe any child really feels that way!

Recipe - Crockpot Lasagna

We love lasagna!  I have several different ones in my recipe box from the classic Italian meat version to chicken to veggie.  However, they are not always suitable for busy weeknight dinners as they need a long time in the oven.  I'm fortunate in that I can pop home at lunchtime to turn on the slow cooker so I took to experimenting a little and the end result was delicious!  A big thumbs up from the family.

Recipe - Little Apple Puddings

I love a nice Summer pudding when berries are at their prime so I thought I'd experiment with a hot version......it was delicious!

Recipe - Fish Pie

We love fish pie!  There's something about these mashed potato topped dishes that is so comforting, hearty and full of flavour.

I have several different versions I use but this one is far and above the family favourite.

Recipe - Chicken, Bacon & Leek Casserole

A nice winter warmer but great for a chilly spring or autumn day too!

Monthly Menu - May 2015

Spring has sprung!  I always look forward to May with its longer days, a little more sunshine, spring blossoms and, of course, 2 bank holiday weekends.  Evenings can still be a bit chilly though so we don't leave all of our winter favourites behind on the menu this month and still enjoy a nice hot dinner in the evenings.

Where has that 4 months gone???

And so here we are in May and I've been away since January!  My personal goal this year was to really get on top of this blog and find the perfect "balance" in my life.  4 months in and no progress yet made but I'm not losing faith.  I'm picking myself up, brushing myself off and getting stuck back in.

Best Gift - My Secret Indulgence

My husband always tries really hard to spoil me at Christmas.  We''re not quite brave enough to leave things purely to chance so we write a wish list in October.  The list ranges from the outrageous, need to win the lottery first, gifts to the practical everyday items (my list always includes items of stationery and his includes the "fixings" needed for his daily smoothie).

This year he really outdid himself - and I'm finding it hard to choose between 2 gifts as to my favourite 2014 gift.  We both purchased an experience day for each other.  Mine is a day spent with Owls at one of the local wildlife centres.  I am so excited about this, I've had a lifelong love of owls and to spend the day learning about these beautiful secretive birds, and then getting to handle/fly them is going to be one of my highlights of 2015.  A blog post will definitely accompany the day so watch this space........

Recipes - Teriyaki Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork is usually associated with BBQ flavours so this is a little Asian take on an American classic.

Family Fun Days Out - Our Wish List for 2015

Every year we say we're going to visit a new place every month on one of our family days out.  But I've learned, as with most things, if you don't plan for it, it doesn't happen!  Without a plan we get to the night before and end up opting for a tried and tested spot where we know we'll have fun.

So this is my wish list for this year - as we visit each one I'll create a post with our review of the trip.

Recipes - Bourbon Chicken

I first came across this yummy recipe for Bourbon Chicken on Pinterest and the whole family enjoys it. I was surprised to find there's no Bourbon in it although I expect the original recipe did have.

The Seals at Horsey Beach

If you live within driving distance of the Norfolk coastline then I highly recommend a trip to Horsey Beach between late November and end of January to see the amazing colony of grey seals that come ashore to have their young. Only a few miles from the commercial seaside experience of Great Yarmouth, Horsey brings you right back to nature in a very up close and personal way.

Recipe: Pork Fillet with Cherry Sauce

Many years ago I was invited to dinner at a friend's house and she made a delicious bacon wrapped pork tenderloin with a red wine and cherry sauce. I wrote the recipe down but lost it somewhere over the years so, for our New Year's Dinner, I decided to try and recreate the recipe as best I could remember.

Monthly Menu - January 2015

Happy New Year!  So 2015 has finally arrived and I hope you have plans to make it a great one.  The one thing I've really learned over the years is that you can't sit and wait for someone else to make things happen.  No matter what your goals are, you are the one in the driving seat!  With that being said, I plan to make some real changes in 2015, stay tuned for the details.