The Autism Journey begins but I prepared Snacks

So after the revelation on my last post I've had some time to digest and I in a really good place.

My son is beautiful and will always be a shining light in my life and all I know is we'll be taking a different route to his amazing-ness that the path trod by neurotypical children (yes I learnt a new word ooh fancy),

Learning and help that is the way I going to get this autism thing down, and that is what has been happening, which in turn is making me so positive.

Just need to give a big shout out to my Nursery and Kent County Council and they have been so so so so so helpful.

We're already had a meeting with the areas Education person (can't remember her full title) that the problem with having Dyslexia and Dyspraxia we sometimes find it hard taking new information in and with getting a autism diagnosis there is a lot to take in - lucky I have my darling Hubby about to help where I forget.

so we had a really positive meeting about his education needs, we've with mega help from His Nursery applied for SCARF (Sever and Complex Accessibility Resource Funding)

Oh yes now learning a whole new vocabulary as everything is an anagram, think I'm going to need to write my own dictionary on it.

Also talked about starting the application process for EHC (Education, Health and Care) plan - if you want to find out more about it the .GOV.UK website has some great info: although if you're outside the UK reading this I'm sure a quick google search will help ☺☺

Then we had a meeting with a Speech and Language Therapist and they going to start him on PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) really looking forward to that, as my son is non verbal. I am hoping it becomes a way for us to communicate better with each other. Although just a hug between us can say a thousand words.

I have also been proactive I have joined a parents group and attended two course in a local special school resource centre - Strategies for Kids with Speech and Language Difficulties and Starting the Autism Journey.

Both have been so informative and just being able to meet other parents and know I am not the only one going through this and finding out about why he does thing and getting a small glimps into how they think and process things is truly amazing and so helpful.

It's true what they say Knowledge is Power and it this case it the Power to feel positive, to Feel no so helpless and to feel that you will definitely be able to do this.

This is the power I so needed right now, so now turning into Dyslexic cooking Mum - Autism armchair specialist!

My new found positivity is spilling over into other things I've started training again as I am going to run the Hackney Half marathon this April.

Although I still have other things going on in my life that are not so positive (won't bore you with my work related stuff nightmares) at least my personal part of my life is looking a lot better.

I've also gone back to trying to eat health and decided to make Potato Cakes. Now I know I did this before but I have rehashed the recipe a bit - to add some Super Speed food - yes I am back on Slimming world but also some other ingredients to make them a bit more filling.

I took: 

2 potatoes

1 bag of Sprouts

4 rashes of reduced fat bacon - or normal bacon with all the fat cut off before cooking

2 tbs of Quark

Boil up the potatoes and the sprouts.

Mash together.

While the potatoes and sprout are cooking get your 4 rashers of bacon

And cut into pieces

Add the cooked bacon and the quark to the mashed up sprouts and potateos

Then once the mixture is all combined roll into balls

Place on a baking tray then cook in a 200 degree oven for 25 minutes.

Now you can either eat these fresh straight from the oven or let them cool and use them as a fab snack for picnics or anywhere really.

All I know is there healthy and tasty.

Just so glad I got to find time to do a bit of cooking and share it with you all.

As with everything going on it nice to share my passion for cooking.

I've been 'Safari Parking' since before you where born

Showing my age with that Simpson parody title.

But this week we visited Port Lympne Reserve

And O-M-Goodness it was such an amazing day out.

It's set in some lovely grounds and there is so much space, the little one could really get a head of speed up running about and exploring.

They have such a wide array of animal we started in the part with the big cats. I was a tiny bit unsure of about the cages as there was only one wire mesh guard between them and us. 

I am sure it is sturdy and secure, but when you see such a big and powerful animal pacing. Looking for a way out as he might be a bit peckish and fancy's a bit of Human Rump, a little voice in the back of your head is saying are you sure that's secure enough lol...

But the area it is set in is beautiful and we had such a nice day for it, and as it is set at different elevations at the top you could see all the way to Romney Marsh and the sea, pretty... 

You also get to go on these great Safari Trucks a lot bigger than the one I went on Safari in when I was in Nairobi back in 2010.

Although I would not recommend if you have back problems is was a bit bumpy and the seats were very hard - thanks goodness for all the cooking and eating I do,  as I have a bit of extra padding lol

So lots and lots of animal - Ostriches

   

Fantastical Amazing Rhinos, these are such beautiful creatures, still can't believe they are killing them in the wild.

It 2016 people, magic Rhino horn potion do not work, just get to the proper doctor ask for the little blue pills and it will all be okay. 

Can't remember what these animal were call some kind of antelope - I am probably so, so wrong and as someone is reading this they are shouting at the screen..

Giraffes, I love these animals, think they are cool, like how nature solves problems. 

"The food we like to eat it up high?" 

"hmm tricky"

"I've got it long necks" 

As well as having the huge reserve where the animal roam free, they've also got some lovely habitats for the other animals.

They have meerkats, now as I big Disney Fan I alway think of Timon, out of Timon and Pumba - I'm sorry I will never see them as the advert ones - "Simples" eh.. 

Although he did throw me some shades as you can see from the picture above lol.

As I am such a mega geek I found the enclosure with the Fossa in them and because of "Madagascar" the animated movie I started shouting "FOSSA, FOSSA" and pretending to run away, much to the bemusement of my son and the un-amusement of my Husband. 

Yes there was other people about but I don't care. 

They also have a Gorilla enclosure it actually really nice, but as I think it was such a hot afternoon they preferred it inside. They had this amazing area which had slides and rope swing for them.

I know there is nothing better than the wild, but seeing as their natural habitat is being eroded and they are being killed. I find, if they are in captivity, but it's done in a great way like this is, I think that it can sometime be the best thing. To make sure that they are around in years to come. 

Oh and I saw a monkey with a beard, no really story just thought it was cool. 

Oh wise old monkey tell me your secrets - he said nothing, kept all his secrets to himself lol. 

So fantastic time seeing all the different animals 

The Lions 

The Tigers 

The Bears - OH MY!!

Sorry had to do that!!


Along with the Animal they have a fab Dinosaur forest.

Where they have proper size (well I can only assume they are proper size I admit I am not very knowledgble about the Dinos so big apologies to any paleontologists if I'm wrong) Models of a lot of Dinosaurs.

They are split into different time periods and there is a lot of information dotted around the place.  Although seeing I had a toddler who likes to run about it was hard enough getting pics, I had no time to read anything.

Oh they also have them up in the trees to so make sure you look up.

I though it was a really cool idea and something a bit different to come across.

I think the little one was a bit unsure of them to start off with. 

But he soon came round and decided to make a few friends. 

My verdict on the day - aabsolutelybrilliant.

Now I have a fussy toddler who get board very easily and normally if I can spend up to 2 hours anywhere I consider it a win (At the cinema we lasted 5 minutes it was a nightmare) at this place we arrived at 10.30am and the little one was still going strong when we left at 4pm (well strong in spirit, he slept all the way home).

The only slight thing, and the reason there is no picture was the food, we brought a packed lunch for the little man and we had some of their fast food, Burger and Chips. Have to say I wasn't impressed but to give them a bad food review, I think would be to do them a dis-service.

I wouldn't rate what I had, but going around the park and seeing all the signs it looks like they do amazing food. They have a hotel onsite that does by the looks of it a fantastic afternoon tea as well as having a full service restaurant.

They even have Africa lodges you can hire with a personal chef to cook you dinner.

Both those offering sound amazing, so I'm just going to say I had an off meal and next time I go I will make sure I try one of the nicer places or get a night at a lodge before I properly judge.

So my advice is go and have a great day out.

Vlogging the blogging

So I thought I shake it up a bit...

I've given Vlogging a go this week. We went to  Leeds Castle in Kent to watch the Medieval Jousting.

Although when I say vlog, it's more of a video but I am trying new things and will hopefully be making more of this with a bit more talking from now on (Also apologies for the sound a the start it was a super windy day). 

Will be back next week with a proper blog apologies been hectic what with a new job and not having internet at home don't ask but now I have super fast broadband so will be able to blog quite happily from now on.

Farmers market munchies

Hello Everyone!

How are you doing? Hope you are all well, yes? good!

Well I'm feeling better now was feeling a bit poorly ("Aww", thank you for the concern lol). So I went to the only cure for sickness - Honestly I think Doctors should recommend it - Heinz Cream of Chicken Soup. I have been having this when I'm sick ever since I was a kid makes me feel all warm and toasty inside.

This week I would like to dedicate my blog to my local Farmers Market in the little Town of West Malling.

So for those of you who don't know or didn't read my Bio (Fores-shame) I currently live in Kent which is known as the garden of England - and why yes it is very green a pretty and there are a lot of farms and fresh produce producers around.

So once a Month, the last Sunday of every month, the close down the High Street and we have a market.

It was a bit grey and rain but as a family we ventured out. 

For a small market they do sell a lot of stuff of different varieties. I do normally love McCarthy's bread but by the time I got there they had already sold out of the roasted pepper focaccias bread (Super sad faces in our household I can tell you)

And my favourite cookie stall "Thomas Cookies" was there, I even have a loyalty card saving up to get a free cookie which will probably be on my next trip!

And stall selling meat, fish, cakes, Indian food, drink and even a knife sharping dude - But as I don't normally carry my kitchen Knifes out with me I couldn't really use the service lol :)

Total side bar issue, as my blog wouldn't be my blog without me go off on a tangent! But the West Malling Tesco have totally upped their America Food Game - Reminds me of holidays and fun Although it is mostly verging on the sweet side could really do with a couple of savories like Mac-n-Cheese that orange kind you only get state side yummy.

Back to the market, we had a great time looking at all the stalls and having a chit chat with the producers think I might have to periscope it next time.

I got some lovely treats to enjoy at home.

the first was an onion bhaji - I was so useless and didn't get the name of the stall I promise if they are there next time I will get a snap and the name and they where doing curry also, so will need to try that.

Oh and of course got cookies - 3 to be exact, 2 chocolate chip ones for the Hubby and I had the oat and raisian one, I pretend as there's oat and Fruit technically it a health food lol - Well all I know is they are so tasty, very moist and chewy - Glad I only see him once a month as the diet is already awful so the last thing I need is ready access to more cookies. 

Sorry for the gratuitous shot of my bitten into cookie, but my god it was scrummy!!! mmmm cookies

We picked up some precious porkers sausages, they had some out for people to try. I thought they were great, the Husband thought they were great, but the total seal of approval came from the little one we gave him a try and he wolfed it down, he even wanted a second bite.

So with that resounding success of a tasting we had to get a pack, also the good thing is the pig are hand raised and really looked after which is good and is reflected in the taste.

We even got some Scotch Pies form Sussex Pies

Now I've never had a Scotch Pie that wasn't in Scotland, but I'm alway up to try new things.

So we have it the way the Hubby family who are Scottish have them with beans on top. 

And I can say it taste exactly the same (might even be a bit better) as the pies I have had north of the boarder. 

The Hubby gave his scottish side seal of approval too :) 

Picked up some fab meringues too, didn't get the name of this stall either but in my defence I was going to but at that point the heavens opened so need to get to cover to get the little one out of the hail - yep the spring weather in the UK has been utter crap. 

have to say it was a nice meringue crunch on the outside and a bit chewy on the inside the only issue I had was it was supposed to be chocolate but didn't taste chocolaty at all.

And the last item on my list was some lovely Rasberry Gin (Had to get the small one as they sold out of the bigger) although the lovely suppliers Wild Spirits of Kent will definitely have some more in at the next market yay.

had it with some soda water and it was lovely Although glad I got the small one as it went down far to easily lol 

So a great trip to a great little market, and its always good to buy local and you're helping a small business and your also helping the environment,  as you not getting the food miles you get from some products you pick up in the supermarket.

so if you have a farmers market near you please go have a great time exploring and you might even end up with a few lovely little treats like me :) 

Mega Sandwich and Meatball Madness

Hello everyone :)

How are you all, I hope you're keeping well. I know I am.

So what have I been up to this week - hmm not lots but enough to keep me out of mischief.

It was a alright weekend in the Garden of England (That's Kent for you that don't know) So I spent a lot of Saturday outdoors with the little lad.

After some fun time in the park which involved 45 minutes of swings  - as from my previous post the little one likes the swings. Trying in vain at the moment to see my apartment to get a bigger place with a Garden and the first thing that I will put in it will be a swing. I still have all the pushing to do but at least I won't have too far to get there lol.

We went for some lunch at The Swan Street Cafe, it's a lovely little local business with good food and really reasonable prices especially compared to some of the other places dotted around where I live. I been in a few times but this is the first time I ordered a Club sandwich and when I say it was huge it was the biggest sandwich I've ever seen and I've eaten sandwiches in the USA lol.

Honestly it was nearly as big as my head (not that I have a huge head :) ) It was so tasty filled with Chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in lovely doorstep toasted bread. The coleslaw that came with it was scrummy too.

As it was so big I only managed to get through half of it before I was so full. The little one enjoyed his Kid sandwich but that was also made from the same size loaf so he could finish his too.

I think it would be the perfect sharing sandwich. I would definitely have it again although think I have to wait till I am mega hungry to finish it off.

On Sunday Hubby and my Father painted the outside of our apartment. So I had them painting, my mother on babysitting duty and I was running about picking up extra paint, paint hook, white spirit made about 5 trips.

Was a busy day and they did a great job and my Mum even with looking after the little ball of energy also known as my sun she managed to cook us all a Sunday Dinner which was yummy. Why is it that you mum's cooking always taste better than anyone else?

I did with all this going on manage to get one big cook on this week.

I made Meatballs with Bacon, Chorizo and Chillies.

for the meatballs I used:

420g of Low Fat Beef Mince
4 Rashes of Reduced Fat Bacon Medallions - chopped
Half a pack of Chorizo - chopped
A couple of medium Hot Chillies - chopped
and 1 egg

Oh and the boys used my big mixing bowl when painting the house so that had to go in the bin so will be getting myself a new big bowl this weekend luckily I have a could of smaller ones that did the job (just).

I added the mince to the bowl

Followed by the Bacon

Chorizo

Chillies

then the Egg

Then bind it all together you might want to use your hands to do this

Then using the mixture mould in to balls shapes I got 9 pretty big meatballs out of my mix.

I then sprayed them with oil and popped them in a 220 oven for 22 minutes

Also when this was happening I put also in to cook a pack of roasting vegetables.

When these were both firmly cooking in a pan I browned off some onions

then added in some chopped tomatoes

and "Oxo" beef stock cube

Then the roasted veg

When the meatballs came out of the oven I placed them in the sauce.

What I was left with was a yummy hearty meal (which is more fitting with the time of year than my Kebabs last week).

I think it really tasty and delectable but that's just my humble opinion lol.

Oh and last thing I am so happy with the result of the Great British Bake Off. for those of you who don't reside in the UK (although I know some country have their own version) it is a baking competition where 10 contest show of the baking skills in the hope of being crown the Winner. There is no prize money the only high octane action is when someone bake goes wrong.


It's one of the most popular shows here in the UK. just goes to show to make a great TV show you need some personable people and fun format and of course baking lol :)