Liberty's and Sausages

So yesterday I had a meeting near Oxford Street as I got there a bit earlier so I thought I would pop into Liberty as I've always loved the shop. When I was little I thought it was a magical place with all its nooks and crannies we always take a look in especially round Christmas when it was extra lovely.

I love the fact that when it was built it was meant to look old, but now due to it being built in 1875 it is old. So you've got the double history and double soul in the place. The feel of the weather beaten wood from the ships that have absorbed the knowledge of the high seas and the years of shoppers from all ages looking at the spectacular wears. I not much for the supernatural but that places has a mystique about it that is wonderfully eerie (Although I would not like to be there after dark on my own) lol.

I am also a huge fan of the show currently my two favourite shows are Liberty's of London on Channel 4 and Posh People on BBC 2. I think I love all the glamour and the idealistic lifestyle. I lead a relatively run of the mill life (albeit with a couple of Crazy antics thrown in) I'm do okay financially but I am far off rich and I'm fascinated by how the other half live. Some people think they lead feckless lives and its wrong to spend £1000 on a T-shirt or 30k on a dog's bed (honestly I saw one for that price in Harrods a few years back). But I'm still undecided, obviously there's the Jealous aspect of that argument do we criticises because we are on the other side of the fence; and would be behave any differently if we had the money.

Also I think its also a part of cutting your cloth to suit your means. I spend what I can afford on Clothes so if I had more I could spend more. So by that reasoning if I have millions I would be top to toe in Designer fashion lol.

but I digress I was in the store to look at there lovely displays. In the Scarf hall they have a wonderful ship mast which is perfect for the history and the look of the store. Really wanted to climb up the rigging dressed in a flora print with a matching eye patch.

I had to get the view from above and below. It worked especially well with the festive Christmas coins strung up around it and between the floors. Like gold doubloons stolen from a Spanish Galleon.




I also had a look at the light display in the second atrium when I stopped by the 4th Floor carpet hall.




Didn't realise it was going to be featured in last nights programme :). But I love it, it is definitely like a Moroccan Bazaar. Think it especially Apt to visit round Christmas as you can pretend you're in a panto. Think the staff are missing a trick and not getting into the holiday theme and dressing as the cast of Aladdin lol...


As I was in a shop I though I'd make a purchase. I really wanted some Nancy's Nail scented top coat. Although not sure if it a good look to go round smelling your nails all day :). Alas they had sold out which is a shame as I'm not sure when I can get back to pick some up.



But as I didn't want to come out empty handed I went to their Christmas shop and got this little fella. Who is bound to brighten up the festivities in our household. Although I haven't thought of a name. (So any suggestion would be appreciated) :).


Managed to see the Christmas lights down Regents Street. Hmm not really a big fan of such blatant sponsorship on the lights but I suppose that how they get the companies to pay and it probably better than not having them at all.


I stopped outside BBC Broadcasting hHouse as they were having a Sausage fest I bought myself a Uncle Henry's Firecracker Sausage. OMG it was A-Mazing. I do like sausages and this was one of the best.  If you're ever in Lincolnshire definitely pop on by as it is definitely a treat.



I was also asked to try a random bit of sausage from of the stalls and rate it out of 10. It was a herb one and that too was so good. I got a little too into it and proclaim that "I was enjoying it a bit too much" which is something you should never say with a sausage in your mouth. My husband found it hilarious as we watch the "One Show" and my mug popped up. He proceeded to tell all our friends of Facebook. I just thank god no one at work watch it as it been all morning and I've had no comments phew.

But if any of you guys want to watch my now amazing 5 second of fame I sure its on the BBC Iplayer according to my friends brother on FB it's about 18 mins in.  Although I am talking with my mouthful which of course is the height of bad manners and should not be emulated lol.

Sunday Lunch and baking Fun

After my week of highs and lows. I thought I would do something productive with my weekend.

My husband works in Sports TV meaning he works weird and wonderful shifts so this Saturday with him working and the weather being horrible thought I'd give baking a Clafoutis a go.

Although my little one had other ideas as I think he was as board as I was with the wet Saturday. So we played with what I think was every single toy we own. It was actually good fun and for me very therapeutic. It amazing how interacting with a child can make all other problems seem so small. They're just so happy and amused by the most mundane of things which in infectious and cheered me up no end. Another plus it, helped the little one sleep better he did wake up in the night but not as often as he had in the week and not for as long.

So Sunday after being house bound I insisted we at least go out for a bit. With the Grand Prix final in contention I knew I'd have to get him back for that. We decided to try out a new(ish) pub in the area (open March 2014)  The Poppy Field Its a Marston's pub so part of a chain and lacked some of the atmosphere of the other pubs in the area which have their years of history oozing out of the walls. Although unlike these bygone treasures it is amazingly accommodating for Children and ease of access. Wide enough spaces to get the pram around and a lovely colourful play area for little ones which is great. The little one played and discovered while we ordered.

The food was okay too, nothing spectacular but it was a nice meal. I did eat everything on my plate and the menu looked quite interesting with a rotisserie on site. Plan to go back and give that area of the menu a try before I pronounce final judgement on the food. Also even though we didn't order from it the children menu is very good a lot of classic with a slew of healthy items.

Overall it was a great experience and we will definitely be going back as it fit in with exactly what we need at the moment from an eating establishment. The food is nice and the staff and the set up are geared to people with young children. Also have to go back as I never did find out what "The Trouble With Lazy Ethel" was lol.

We got back about 10minutes after the Grand Prix had started and with Lewis firmly in the lead and the little one and my husband captivated by the happening on the screen I decided to do some baking. I wanted something quick and easy as I was cooking more for a stress free activity than an actually event. I decided to make Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies

150g Sugar

80G Brown Sugar

80g Granulated Sugar

2 small eggs

225g flour

dash of Vanilla extract

1tps of baking power.

Bag of chocolate chips

Cream the sugars and the butters till creamy, add the egg and Vanilla Essence stir. Sieve in the flour and the baking powers, dump in the chocolate chips and mix together. spoon teaspoon amounts on to a greased baking tray and cook in a 190c preheated oven for 8-10 min an Voila yummy cookies.

 

The mixture does make quite a lot, I got over 30 in my batch; so I brought them into work for a Monday treat. Great way to start the week on a positive note also doesn't hurt to do something nice for you work chums once in a while.

A Week of Ups and Downs

So not been the greatest week in the Dyslexic Cooking Mum household the little one has a cold. 'A cold? that's not so bad' I hear you say; but with a baby if they don't sleep you don't sleep and congested babies are not the best sleeper. I truly believe this is what they should teach in Sex Ed classes in school. Simulate a sick baby and I'm sure that would bring down the teen pregnancy rate. 

This then developed into tonsillitis. So that meant a trip to the Docs and a bottle full of Meds. He's hasn't been the best at taking medicine but he is getting better. The problem I have is they are always a fluorescent colour and stain. Im sure one top is ruin for good Grr.

Compounded by the fact I'm getting a bit sick of work. Can't be too hard on my work as they have been really helpful with accommodating me coming back to work as a new mum and all the stresses. But I'm feeling under appreciated and under used. Being tired isn't helping but if I'm going to travel in, leaving my Son, I want it to be for something good or at least more stimulating. Know I shouldn't  moan as I know I'm lucky I am that I even have a job and the fact they are so flexible. ( I'll try to be less whiney) 

Last bad thing of this week and it's only Wednesday is they taking down the big hat in Disney Hollywood Studio. 

I'm a big fan of the hat and will miss it when it's gone. Like the Tree of Life, Cinderella Castle and Spaceship Earth I love the way you can see the peak of it (along with the tower of terror) when you walking through the car park up to the main gate. Fingers crossed they replace it with something wonderful and all my moaning is in Vain. 

Hasn't been a total disaster of a week even though I've had no time for cooking I've managed to sample two Christmas Sandwiches the Marks & Spencer's 'Count on Us - Turkey and Butternut Stuffing' which was nice if say a 7 or of 10. Good points is its low in fat so don't feel to guilty about munching it. 

I also had a Pret 'Turkey Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce' sandwich it was AMAZING I am giving it a 10 out of 10 it was so yum but very calorific. Also didn't help I had a sneaky mince pie which was also delicious (will definitely be getting another one of those) I now worring about my waist line lol.

Another nice thing my wonderful Australian cousin sent the little one a belated birthday gift of a Bon-Jovi onesie and a CD with all their songs in Lullaby form. 

Obviously not everyone's cup of tea but both her and I are huge fans so now mega excited to start introducing my son into to the world of Rock yay. 

Last thing which was a good bad thing. Due to Victoria Station being closed this morning my train got diverted to Blackfriers. Although that did mean I got to amble through the city getting to the central line and I got to pass St Paul's in London which is a fantastic building.

Well fingers crossed it all up from here as I have a free weekend ( well as free as it can be with a 1 year old) and I plan to get some baking in yay..

Amok in Amsterdam -Part 3 (Hungover in Hilversum)

So didn't get to bed till 2am but at 7.30am I'm wide awake. First time abroad from the little one. A perfect opportunity to lie in and I'm up checking my phone.

Didn't feel too bad but I lounged around with water and diet coke. Also harassed my host with amusing text till she got up and got me a glass of juice. 

We all got up slowly embracing the fact we had a late flight. 

When we were all washed and up we headed into Hilversum as the walk would blow away the alcohol infused cobwebs. We chatted about the antics of the day before, filling in gaps for some whose recollection of the night before was fuzzy. 

It was weird going into town as the Netherlands is still a country where shops are shut on a Sunday. Well most shops as there was a supermarket open. Think I like that as there's a place to get the essentials but you have the opportunity to have family time.

H took us to one of her favourite eateries in the town  

Flinders cafe  http://m.flinderscafe.nl was a very nice restaurant. On a Sunday lunchtime it was filled with weird and wonderful people. Men in top hats sipping coffee, tattoo old rockers having lunch with their kids and old couples stopping for a cake during their Sunday walk and a cat.

We Sat down after the festivities the night before I had decided not to drink but as S wanted a drink, and I need only the slightest persuasion, so I joined her. I decided to try another beer this time I opted for a Texan. This was another nice beer, perfect for the morning after. 

We ordered some food. As we waited, I found a selection of Disney cartoon books so took a chance to catch up with my reading lol.

  J & I got sloppy joes. After the waiter telling them it was nicer than you can get in England H & S ordered Fish and Chips.

The Sloppy Joes where lovely they came in a brioche buns topped with bacon and cheese a nice way to get you back to normal after a fun night out.

Unfortunately the waiters boast were slightly unfounded and even though the fish and chips were nice it was a bit on the salty side, which was a shame. 

After the food a couple of the girls had coffee S and I were intrigued by a advertisement on the table for Scrappino. 

After egging each otheron we ordered 2.

It is an amazing drink a fusion of Vodka, Prosecco and lemon sorbet/ice cream. It refreshing and filling at the same time it was so good we had to order another one.

We headed back to H's to finish up packing and wait for the time to click round to the airport. We just had time to help her walk the dogs round the local forest next to her house.  which was a riot of brown and golds in the low autumn sun.

Off to the airport, we went, after what felt like too short a time to fit as much as we did in. By that time I was keen to get home and hug my little man. Although Easy jet had other plans delaying us and not having any excuses Grr nightmare.

So a lot later than expected l, but after the girls where lovely and dropped me home first (even though it easier to drop me last) I was finally home just before midnight. The little one was asleep but I got to see him dreaming. Before heading wearly to bed. 

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Amok in Amsterdam - Part 2

So we headed out into the city. We ambled through the red light district where the window displays were just opening up. I expected it to be a lot seedier. I actually was more intimidated by the coffee shops (not that I went in any). Naively I thought they’d be like the coffee shops you get over here with people sitting around sipping expensive Latte with a smoke in hand.  But they were dark dingy and some had loud house music pouring out and the clientele seemed to be proportionately male.

The red light windows had “ladies” in their underwear sitting on stools more often than not engrossed in their phones. I did wonder what they were doing I assumed it was just regular things like doing an online shop or texting their mates. I even saw one women eating noodles while waiting on her next customer.  I think it didn’t seem as sleazy as it is legal, so out there in the open; and I hope less likely the women are forced into situation they are not happy with.

We pootled around the streets looking for a bar, it was only around 6pm but due to the sizes of the bars and the number of people (it was Saturday night) we found it hard to find somewhere. We did eventually stumble into a bar where we could get a seat, didn’t catch the name, but from their selection of only Red or White wine I decided on trying another beer.  I tried a palm as we sat around and chatted about what we thought of Amsterdam and it collective array of nightlife and shops. We’d even, on the way, passed the “Condom-ory” a museum/shop dedicated to the wonderful world of the protective aid.

My Palm beer wasn’t very nice, also this is where I decided to taste S salted liquorice at that point the beer tasted a bit better at least when it was taking the foul liquorice taste out of my mouth. Once we’d finished we decided to head over to the less festive part of time to find another drinking establishment (and some pain-kills for J neck as the wasp sting was still hurting). We walked past the station again and headed into a different part of town.

This was a more residential part of the town with lots of houses/apartments. Because of the time of day the lights were on. Also because, as H informed me, in the past the people of the Netherlands used to suspect people of Witchcraft if they shut their curtains, you could see right in to people’s living rooms and kitchens. So of course we had a nose, and I surmised that I could definitely live there although I think I’d need a lottery win to have a house in that part of the world.

Even though we’d only finished eating around 2 hour previously we passed this lovely little restaurant called Duende www.cafe-duende.nl . H thought it might be Dutch tapas (Never did find out what that is) but it was traditional Spanish tapas. The restaurant was quite out of the way and we only found it as we had just wandered aimlessly through the streets. It was beautifully tiled and like the other restaurant a bit cramped we moved 3 times till we all were happy with our table.

It was a really relaxed atmosphere and the staff were brilliantly helpful giving us English menus so some Cava we ordered meat, cheese and Olives, deep fried cheese, Spanish meatballs, Tomato and herb topped bread, garlic prawns and my favourite calamari. At first we were worried that this would not be enough for the 4 of us. Although after digging in we all were feeling full again but did manage to finish ever last bit of food J. It was delicious and I would recommend anyone heading that way if you can find it eat there. H said she would definitely bring other visitors out that way. Giving it a 9/10 only 1 point off as there wasn’t enough sauce with the deep fried cheese lol..

Having our stamina levels topped up we walk all of 5 building before we found another restaurant/bar with outside seating. It did boast the appearance of blankets and heaters so we decided to sit outside. After ordering a bottle of Pinot, we discovered that the there was only one blanket, luckily J and myself was already under it, so we were in no mood to give it up. Also the heaters even though they were put on after a horrendous noise and a burst of flame from the gas powered monster, both us and the bar staff agreed that they were better off than on.  So we sat in the cold clear evening chatting and drink wine.

While we were half way through our glasses in between our shivers. Some of the group wanted to go home, I pointed out it was only just gone 8pm and I insisted that we stayed out till at least 10pm lol. J spotted another bar across the street, our next destination. We crossed the deserted road, toward the deserted bar, unsure it was open due to the lack of patrons. Finding the door open, Im sure there was an unnatural creek and I hear a distant crow caw, we wandered in.  The walls from ceiling to floor were adorned in framed football shirts and it smelt of beer and broken dreams.  The bar boasted a barman and a lone drunk sitting slumped over the bar. The rest of the girls were in a merry mood, I was slightly worried we wouldn’t make it out alive.

It was my turn and we decided to have aperitifs S & I had “43” and J&H had Drambuie. I got the order while smiling and nodding when the drunk on the bar started talking to me in Dutch even though I ordered in England. I paid my money, grab the drinks and made it back to the table. 80s music was kicking out over the PA system. We sipped our cold warming liquid and bopped along to the sounds of yester year. We were definitely started to get more relaxed and H now has some singing evidence on her phone. The girls wanted to stay on as we neared the bottoms of the glass. I was starting to get worried about our safety as I looked over my shoulder back at the bar.  I have never seen a man clean a glass in a more sinister way. So using my great power of persuasion and the fact they were all a bit merry we headed on.

One more street then another bar, back to fizz and we plotted making our fortune, by writing our story of how we met. Think of the famous five with four, drinking and talking nonsense.  As it had gone 10 we could head back to the station. Even thought there was a sign pointing one way in our infinite wisdom we turned and went the other way. A couple of street later we ended up at another bar up the stairs and had wine. We got chatting to some locals who recommended we try the local Gin “Jenever” it was horrid, burnt all the way down. Although I did manage to finish it off.

Next thing we knew it had gone 12 and we didn’t know what time the trains ran too so we high tailed out of there. We had an interesting time getting back, one of the crew decided to lie down in the street for a photo. We flagged a cab when we realised the GPS was broken and we ended up even further away from the station. We had 7 minutes to make the train he drove like the wind got us there with 3 mins to spare.

I leaped from the cab like a Gazelle followed closely by another one of the gang. I darted across the road dodging cars and Trams. Turned around to see where the rest of the team were. One was hot on my heels the others…. Well all I’ll say is one was on the floor tried to get up only to end up back up on the floor when my other friend oblivious to what was going on right next to her was calling to us over the busy road. Needless to say we missed the train and had to wait 45mins. So I had some more fries covered in Mayo and Ketchup, think there was more Mayo and Ketchup than there was chips.

End of the night we got back to Utrecht couldn’t get a train back to Hilversum so flagged down a cab. After leaving by the steepest train step in the world seriously they must have built it on a side of a cliff. Go in turned to our host and asked her where she lived, which at the time she was unsure of. Luckily as the chips had soaked up some of the booze we managed to him to take us aback to a Hilversum landmark and directed him from there.

So finally back after a brilliant day. I scaled the mountain of the stairs got a huge glass of water and fell into a drink induced sleep.   

Amok in Amsterdam - Part One

I spent this weekend (7/8/9 Nov 14) in Amsterdam with some girly friends. It was my first trip away from the little man. I’ve had the odd night away from him but never in a different country. Actually I was okay thought I’d be a blubbering wreck. I did miss him but as I kept myself busy I only felt the pangs when I saw other family with their little ones around the town.

Left around 3pm Friday and met up with my friends  (AKA S & J) on the Gatwick expressed (actually we all became friends on our commute from London to Kent so it only was fitting we started our trip to meet another member of the “Train Gang” on a train). Treated ourselves to some Moet before departure, then we were off. Can’t believe how quick and easy the flight is we were up and down before we knew it.

The main reason for the trip was to visit a friend (aka H) who had just moved over. She picked us up and whisked us to her lovely new home in the Hilversum area of the Netherland about 30 mins outside Amsterdam.

We got there around 10pm and she’d put out a lovely spread of bread, meats and cheese. I really love this tapas-y finger food type stuff.  Goes great with good conversation and a nice bottle of fizz (or 3)

 

The next morning after waking up slightly dry mouthed. We had some lovely Danish Bacon sandwiches before starting to head out. So 2+ hours later after it took 4 women to get ready using 2 bathrooms (I know, I know, but in my defence I was the quickest and spent most of the morning watching Saturday Kitchen, my friend gets the satellite feed).  We headed out. Our first stop was Hilversum town centre I was very keen to get into Amsterdam itself but the rest of the group wanted a mooch.

I’m so glad we did J as they have a market in the town on Saturday and it’s amazing. I love fresh food markets. Unfortunately in England I can’t see to find ones as good, I love Borough Market but compared to its European counterpart it’s a bit too expensive and more trendy than functional (but you can get pink Fizz on Tap so I’ll forgive it). It was so full of colour and life, just normal people doing their weekly shop getting fresh ingredients to take home and make something fantastic and healthy. I have to say that apart from being shocked at the number of people smoking, I found it really hard to spot an obese person on my trip, (whereas the sad thing in the UK is it a bit too common) and with all the healthy cheap fresh food you can see why. All the colours and the smells along with the range availble was just amazing.

 

Right there and then I could have blown off the rest of the day done some serious shopping and then some serious cooking. Gave me so many ideas of what to make, which will probably disappear when I go to the supermarket and see the tired old stuff I always see. (If anyone knows of any hidden market Gems in Kent I would love to know).

But the day was a-wasting so we moved on. After one of the group bought Salted Liquorish, which hands down is the most awful thing ever, although I didn’t know that at the time that treat came later over a nice glass of beer.

We headed back to the station, waylaid by a Kamikaze wasp that attacked J only one in the group who was allergic. So a trip to the Hilversum Pharmacist, who was so lovely and helpful, we were back on track.

Got the train from Hilversum to Amsterdam there’s usually a direct train but we picked the weekend with engineering works (fitting for an English commuting Group) so we had to change at Utrecht where we picked up an Germany “ICE” train. OMG it was immaculate I was so impress.

For the trip, as it was nearly 2pm and we’d last eaten at 9am I got some Fries with Curry Sauce from a little outlet. It was nice and definitely filled a hole.

 

So at last we got off at Amsterdam Central and started heading down the narrow street crossing the canals of this fair city. Our first stop like all good tourists was the China town then into the Red light district area. 

Having been the only one that was fortified with the fries I had we started looking for a place to eat.  The friend we were visiting recommended “In De Waag” www.indewaag.nl the cities old gate house, built in 1428, which had lovingly been converted into a nice little if somewhat squashed (which is, as I found out, the norm) restaurant.  They had hanging chandeliers of candles which they lower twice a day to change and relight.

 

We started out at the bar, found this lovely beer called “Gulpener”, the rest of the gang on white wine, before being taken to our table. We all ordered the Hotdogs and some fries to share.  It was amazing. A German sausage with tiny onions and I wasn’t 100% what was in the sauce on top was but it tasted lovely; went especially well with the beer. 

 

S &H opted for some mulled wine after the meal, after spotting the people at the next table drinking it. I, myself, am not a big fan of hot drinks and especially hot alcohol. So after another beer when they finished supping on their warms grapes our thoughts turned to dessert. 

S has spent most of the day before and the morning talking about “Poffertjes” as H who lives there didn’t seem to know what she was talking about. I thought it must have been from a fevered dream of a mad person. But low and behold they did exist and they were selling them in a shop a stone’s throw from the Gate House Restaurant. It was a very popular shop serving Waffles and Crepes along with the Poff we were planning to feast on.

We waited patiently for the hordes of people to get served all manner of gooey goodness in front of us.  Deciding on what topping, of which there was a few, we would have on top. We all opted for Ferrero Roche yum. When it was my turn I strode purposefully to the counter and ordered 4 lots. The assistant said they were no longer serving them. I must have had a look like thunder as the person doing the cooking of the tasty treats said he would prepare us some.

He hot buttered the cooking apparatus and poured in 24 little bits of pancake mix and got to work. They took about 4 mins to cook and in the meantime crushed up 4 Ferreros for the topping once they were done he put them in little serving trays, put the chocolate on and dusted them with icing sugar. As for the taste they were lovely nice and small but sweet enough to hit the spot and leaving you full (well after a meal with wine). We ate them outside looking over one of the many canals.

Once we had all finished, which took about 60seconds, we decided to head out into the desending twilight and look for a bar and that's when the fun really began!!!!  – (Part 2 coming soon)