A None Post -Post

So yeah this week...

Well I've none hardly any cooking, well if you consider heating up Ramen noodles cooking - Well I've done that and threw some chips in the oven.

Don't worry the little ones been eating better than I have.

The reason two major events have happened - we are moving we have sold our and had an offer accepted on the place we want so hurrah!!!

Although that did mean I spent most of the week on lawyers, the bank sorting out budgets and all the oh so fun stuff you need to do before you can even think about moving. YAWN central.

But I think I'm there in sorting it - well the first bit anyway - can see it being a long process lol.

Second big event we took the little one off the bottle. Now I know he's two (just gone) and we should have done this a while back (okay judgy-mac-judgington) although in our defense we already got him using a straw cup for water so this was just the milk and as he wasn't on a dummy this was definitely a comforter.

This is all joined up with him not being the best talker and considering how much I talk probably can't get a word in. The early years practitioner recommended taking him off it, so we did.

Anyone will tell you with a toddler you take away its comforter and you're in for a few days of stress, like with everything the first day was the worst lost of crying, sad faces and heart wrenching looks. Which make you so so so so so so (x a million) want to give in.

But you can't give in as then you're back to square one. So all the time I have then Mantra of "It for his own good, I am a good parent by doing this".

Also doesn't help if you got to be the strong one with Husband unit, although he wasn't as bad and the grandparents on both side trying to find loop holes of when he could have one. So you had me being the bad guy saying No, No and No again, we going cold turkey.

This gave me a glimpse at my future, me having to be the bad guy in situations just to keep him healthy and safe, oh well I suppose that's one of the curse of being a mother.

As I predicted to my Husband and my family in a few days he would be fine and yesterday and this morning calm has return to the land and the little one as he is fantastic and such a star has taken it in his stride and is fine.

Not sure who told me this but I always employ the 72 hour rule. With kids, honestly if you can get through the first 72 hours they will be fine with and change. I can't promise the 72 hours wont be horrid and feel like 72 years but I found it really does work.

So now we have a happier home environment, I will get my pans out do something nice over the weekend.
As I picked up a fantastic cooking book - Slimming World Christmas cook book. So excited about the festive season 7 weeks today yay.

Have been watching the John Lewis Christmas Ad and yes I did cry. If you're not based in the UK John Lewis is one of our Big department stores and their Adverts have become a bit of a tradition her in the UK. There always make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. This year it about a Lonely Old Man that lives in the Moon and a kid on earth see him and tries her hardest to get in touch to bring a smile to his face for Christmas. Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww

I do so love christmas and have already started getting my Decorations sorted (I like to stress not up just pre-planning)  this year considering I got some Christmas Hedgehogs, a Christmas Squirrel, a Christmas Field Mouse and a Christmas Fox I have decided my theme this year will be Woodland Creatures.

Planing for the festivities can never start early enough so get you idea hats on for your festive fun.

I'll be back next week with a bit of cooking and then next weekend I'm going (again) to the Netherlands for fun with the girlies so there will be a lot of food and drink to talk about then.

The Cak-y Baptism, The Missed Week and the Curry

 Hello out there in the blogger-verse.

Sorry I was incommunicado last week it all went a bit crazy.

I had my little ones baptism.

So I had loads of stuff to sort out last week from the arrival of family to sorting out a cake topper. I was actually shameful and used Store bought cake instead of making my own. but what with getting the balloons ordered the venue set up and trying not to loose what little of my mind I have left it was the easiest options.


All I can say is thank goodness for "Not on the High Street" as I managed to get a great cake decal that my poor mother and sister in law spent one night cutting out and sticking on as I had to take the Godparents through the order of service.

Although in all the madness I did manage to whip up a curry - It a take on a curry I made before but as I know the recipe and I know it a fairly quick cook time (Well most of it is letting it simmer) I made Sweet Potato and Chicken Curry.


Ingredients
400g of Chicken
3 Sweet Potatoes
3 Bell Peppers
400g of tinned tomatoes
200g of Tomato Puree
350g of Spinach
Some Fat Free Fromage Frais
Curry Powder - No I picked Hot as I like it spicy but it up to you really.

Also 300ml of Stock (not featured as I forgot until I was in the mist of cooking)

Chop the sweet potatoes and put them on to par boil for 5 minutes.

Then in a big pan throw in the chicken and add the curry powder you can be as generous as you want it up to you spice it up a bit...

Then Throw in the peppers and start to cook off.

After then add the par-boil potatoes to the mix, stir in

Before adding a handful of the spinach.

Followed by the tomatoes

and the Stock

and another handful of spinach and the tomato puree

Keep adding the spinach till it wilted down then simmer for around 25 minutes until the potatoes are lovely and tender.

then you can stir in some fromage Frais to make it a bit creamer. Also if you've got someone who like it a bit milder you can always add a bit more to there curry to cool it down.

serve up with some rice and for added healthiness veg.

So glad I managed to get that in with in the madness. As it very filling and super nommy. 


You'll all be please to hear that the Baptism went off without a hitch, well the best it can with a 23 month old and a 45 minute service.



The reason we didn't have him baptized sooner, was because due to family being scattered across the world it was a logistical nightmare but  nearly everyone invited turned up which is amazing. It so nice to be able to celebrate a nice and happy day in actually really fantastic weather (for England in September).

Our Priest Father Peter was amazing and it was great service and everyone, what ever religion, was made to feel included and enjoyed a few laugh. Especially when my darling son didn't want to go over the font and was grotting my husband by clinging on for dear life to his neck tie lol..

Also the party afterwards was super success too I can't thank The Spitfire pub enough who put on a lovely do the space was amazing.

Made even more special by the fantastic balloons from Party on the Hill . They were such nice displays and I wanted something small and understated but set off the room.

As with kiddywinks running around you know they will be popped or when we're not looking the Helium used for hilarity (Warning Helium can be dangerous so not advisable) but considering some of the parents were doing it they couldn't really then tell their kids off. I don't know sometimes we can be worse than the kids lol..

Don't worry the little ones godmother is a nurse so we were safe from any calamity. lol


Also on the same day we had my in laws 35 Wedding Anniversary and our friends 33rd Birthday so we needed to get extra cakes to celebrate that too. Think I had cake overload.

What with that the glass of wine, the glass of champagne and did I tell you I started of the day with a bucks fizz my diet went truly out the window. But hey how many times am I going to get my son baptized.

So this week at weight club I had a gain so am back on the diet trying to loose it. So to make it more interesting I redid my wrapped chicken recipe (see my 1st July post for details) but this time I added fresh chilies in with the low fat cream cheese, now these were some fiery chilies. They were so nice to eat but did have a bit of heart burn afterward that will server me right for cranking up the heat a bit too much phew.

So I think my next post will be filled with nice and healthy dishes as I need to get the weight off.

As we booked another girl trip to Amsterdam - See Amok in Amsterdam parts 1-3 for what we got up to last time goodness knows what we will get up to this time but I can tell it's going to be filled with Fun, Food and a couple of drinkies (Don't worry I will be sans baby).


Which is great as I really need a break :), 

I had to decimate my Disney holiday fund to throw the baptism party which I don't mind as it was such a great day. Also I have managed to re-start the fund and have 1.5% saved up so far. Ooh so much I hear you say lol 

although with Epcot food and Wine starting and its coming up to the year anniversary of my last trip. I can't help being a bit bummed. As looking at the F&W previews it looks amazing and I would love to taste all the fun thing from all over the world.

Oh well as they say good things come to those who wait so I will keep at the saving try not to go mad at Christmas and hopefully in the January Sales I can bag a holiday bargin.

Faux Fun

So I had big plans for cooking and was going to teach the hubby how to make Bread and we were going to paint the front of the house be busy productive members of society...

The little man had other plans. He was a bit ill and when I say a bit ill if you've ever seen the "Exocist" you'll know what I mean.

Wasn't so bad when we were at home lots of cleaning up lots of hugs as you always worry so much when they are not well,. but his temperature was fine so obviously something just upset his stomach.

Or major error came when we thought he was doing better and took him out to the local hardware store "B&Q" to look at getting supplies for the house painting, and was subsequently very ill down one of the isles and all over his dad. To be fair the staff were wonderful and really helpful and didn't get upset even when I showed them the mess.

Just think that great for a store as there are times when you are a bit mortified but they handled it like it wasn't any trouble at all and I did even offer to do the mopping myself but they said to take care of the little one and they would take care of it.

So as for cooking, this week to make thing easier I stuck with quick simple dishes in between handing out a shed load of TLC.

I made a Faux Carbonara .

cooked up some leeks and Mangetout while frying some bacon..

After the leeks and Mangetout were cooked I thew them into the frying pan too for a couple of minutes.

Before mixing them all with some pasta and low fat fromage frais for very quick very easy and if you've cut the fat of the bacon low in fat healthy scrummy meal.

I even made another Lasange (See previous week's post for recipe) but instead of pasta sheets on top I used potatoes which gave it an added kick.

Don't worry the little one did get better and even managed to have some fun on the swings.

I am  a big kid at heart and the swing are one of my absolute favorite things to do and I am  so glad my son is like me and loves them.  I know when he upgrades to the big kid swings we'll be on them together from morning to night  :) 

As he was doing so well went out for a lovely brunch  at The Fancy Goat. I had a Bucks Fizz (mimosa) to celebrate his recovery

And enjoyed a wonderful Tortilla De Patatas.

Oh and when the waitress said the pan was hot I should have paid more attention as I burnt a finger on it ouchie, ouch.. Although being so yummy made up for the pain.

The little one got some tasty scramble egg very rich and creamy.

Another highlight of the week was another trip to Thomas Cookie Co to get some more of there fab cookies can see them become a staple in my life (but shh don't tell the diet)...

Right this weekend I am having no excuse (well a sick infant isn't really an excuse it a all encompassing situation) I will be making bread and will post it up step by step...

And as it's a Bank Holiday over here I've also got a few other interesting things planned so will be a far more exciting post, well they can't all be mad weekend in Amsterdam (even though I wish they were lol) :)

Piggies, Shooting and the North Pole

Another very busy week... No wonder the doctor says I'm run down.

So last Friday it was my Nephew's birthday so we spent the day in Peppa Pig land part of Paulton Park theme park.

After 2+ hour drive from where we are it started off as a bit of a grey old day but we persevered and headed to see the Pig.

Have to say it was a great day out. So good for young children. There was lots of rides to amuse them. Had fun running on all the kiddie rides.

 Peppa's big balloon Ride.

Windy Castle Ride and a big hit  Daddy Pigs Car Ride.

Also the Soft play area which was helpfully split into section so the little one could play without the fear of being mowed down by the bigger kids.

plus loads more rides attractions and parks.

Have to say was very good value my ticket was around £25 and I bought a couple of souvenirs and some lunch and was pleasantly surprise at the cost of it all.

Would give it a big thumbs up and recommend it to young families as a relatively (remember I go to Disney a lot so that the bench mark) inexpensive brilliant day out.

Saturday we went to farm where my dad does his pheasant shooting for their clay day.

I personally am probably a hindrance with a fire arm so left that up to the Hubby.

Also having dyspraxia I do worry about handling loaded weapons as I'm not the most co-ordinated of people which was apparent as I fell walking across the field. It was compounded by the fact I was carrying the little one. I managed to fall to my knees before I eventually lost my grip on him. Luckily the ground was soft. But it was pretty scary and after I made sure he was okay a few tears but hugs soon made him better. Started to feel frustrated and stupid at the whole thing.

I know it just an accident and these things happen to everyone even people without dyspraxia, but then I have "what if it was worse" though running through my head for most of the rest of the day. Making me feel even more guilty than I did in the first place.

Having dyspraxia has effect my choices as a parent as I refused to use the baby sling/carrier when he was young as I was afraid of falling over when he was attached and he probably spent more time in the pram. As when we where going anywhere new I didn't really like carrying him if I was on my own and when we went shopping it was the Husband responsibility to transport the car seat to the trolley then back again.

The older his got and the more active and mobile hes got as made me less worried although with days like this don't think I'll go again unless I better prepared and have more help when he's running about the place.

Apart from the fall the rest of the day went without a hitch and we from a lovely range type cooker, (So jelly one day I would really love one of these)

event was rounded of with Boar Sausages.

They were super duper local as they farm we were shooting on was where the boar are raised. Super delicious and I can buy them from the local farmers market.

On Sunday in between going to the park to let the little one run off some steam in the nice weather I got some cooking done.

I made a lovely spicy chicken dish. Basically getting some skinless, boneless chicken thighs throwing them in a cooking dish, breaking an Oxo cube over them and sprinkling chilli power (a little or a lot depending on how spicy you want it) then just throwing in Red Onion, button Mushrooms and baby tomatoes before putting it into a high over (200 degrees) for around 25 minutes.

Monday Morning as the Hubby had work in the afternoon we decided to trek all the way to The North Pole, well the Wateringbury one :).

It a really lovely pub very kid friendly as they have a fab garden out the back. The also have a section off Dog Garden as well which is good if you have a boisterous pet you want to keep away from the play area.

Their food is great have eaten there on a few occasion and I've never had a bad meal. It was the first time eating for the little one. I got him a kids meal which he enjoyed some of. But he's still not eating loads so his father and I got to enjoy the rest along with our fab sandwiches. (Would have had order from their main menu but we were a little pushed for time, just another excuse to go back). Although saying that considering how big the sandwiches are and how lovely the homemade chips are accompanying felt so full after eating.

That afternoon I also made some dessert bars. I found a wonderful recipe on Google+ from the Mrs with the Dishes  blog of  Blue Berry Pie bars.

I have converted the recipe into UK measurements if anyone in the UK would like to give it a go as it was simple but effective as they look great and taste fantastic.

Crumble Mix
125g of Butter
100g Sugar
50g Brown Sugar
250g Flour

Yogurt Mix
1 egg
190g Plain Yogurt
65g Sugar
3tps Vanilla Extra
2tbsp Flour

Fruit
350g Blueberries
65g Sugar
2tps Lemon Juice
2tps Corn Flour

Mrs with the dishes has a great step by step guide to making these. But in essence Mix all the Crumble mix ingredients together in a bowl then get your hands in and rub them together till you get a nice crumble consistencies. in your foil lined tray put 3/4 of the mixture to form the base of the dish. Then mix all the yogurt ingredients together and pour on top of the base (jiggle the mix to get an even spread).

Mix the fruit with the sugar, lemon juice and corn flour together stick with it as it becomes a bit gloopy add the fruit on top of the yogurt mix.

Then with the 1/4 of the crumble mix distribute evenly on top of everything and bake in a 180 degree oven for 55 minutes.

Blueberry Pie Bars

I also put a twist on the recipe and made Chocolate Cherry Pie Bars. I used 25g less flour in the crumble mix to add 25g of coco powder. I added crumble Twirl chocolate to the yogurt mix and on top of the cherries which were used in of the Blueberries.

I took both in to work and they were both a big hit, but I think the Blueberry ones where the favorite as the were the first to go.

Wow Malaysia -part 3 street food & KL towers

Gosh this is turning into a epic trip saga but one of the best trips I have ever taken.

Saturday - 28th March 

We too a family trip to the KLCC park. It an amazing space in the city with a massive paddling pool with waterfalls one size of the wall.

Next to a huge play area, with climbing frames, swings, and slides for all ages and abilities. My little one is a huge fan of the swings so we had a play there.

I don't think they have toddlers his size over there as he got in the swing fine but his feet scraped across the floor.

Other slight downside to this amazing space at the play area, there are less trees so not as shady as I would like especially in the Malaysian hot sun. 

But we had fun as a family and the little man got to burn off some steam and It was free. I would definitely say it's worth a visit for anyone who comes to Malaysia for a break with Kids. 

After all that running around we strolled through a series of covered air conditioned walk ways from KLCC to 'The Pavillion' again. This time we stopped at a Germany themed resturant and I had a dish called Wessinbaru. A potato Rossti with Bacon Mushrooms and a couple of eggs on top.

It was an okay lunch. We really went in for the beer but their selection of German beers were very limited. I've started to realise that there seems to be the same limited amount of beers in most restaurants we go too. I assume as this is a Muslim country it not really going to be a big importer of beer. 

Before we headed home I stopped off at the facilities and couldn't help chuckle at this sign. We do take things for granted but everywhere is different and people might not have the same facilities that we all enjoy back home.

In the evening we went out to a 'proper' side of the road Chinese resturant, with my In-laws German neighbours. Over 25% of the Malaysian population are Chinese Malay so there are an array Chinese delicacies to choose from. 

Saw this on the menu.

I didn't order it (hopefully wasn't the  real thing). As a bit of a foodie I like to try new things but there's a moral issue here. It is harvested in such a cruel way the fishermen just cut off their fins and throw them back still alive into the water to die. 

So we stuck to beef and chicken dishes and all shared between ourselves.

I ordered the chicken with chilli and it didn't disappoint as I love spicy food. We had a slight communications breakdown with this dish and a few people who weren't the biggest fan of spicy found out the hard way what I ordered lol.

We also order a type of Courgette (zucchini) called Lady Fingers. Now I thought they were the type of sponge you use in trifle :) They were really yummy and hopefully I'll be able to get them in the UK. 

The resturant was brilliant and I felt like I saw the authentic side of the city.  An eatery serving the locals and non local with traditional Chinese dishes. With an open barbecue for the meat and an open kitchen which might have not past inspection back home, produced nomminess on an epic scale. Even if getting the buggy there was a bit of an effort.

Sunday 29th - KL Tower 

As it was the Grand Prix race day the hubby and the father in law went to the track which meant another Mummy and Nanny day out for the little one.

After the disaster and the dice with death we had getting to the bird park we decided to take a Cab to the KL tower (a 360 observation tower).

It has two main floors, a totally encased one or floor a few floor higher up that is more open. With the little one in tow we opted for the encased floor.

You get amazing views of the city including the Towers. I opted for this city view as if you go up the Petronas tower I sure it's s fab vista as well but then the towers are not in your pictures. 

It's the same in New York I have been up the Empire State Building but prefer the Rocksfella Centre as that mean I get the Empire State Building in my snaps. 

It was great for the little man as he could have a walk about. He enjoyed the views.

Not sure if he knew what he was looking at, but it did hold his interest for a while and from my point of view as safer trip than the bird park for a kid his age. 

There are also a few more things to do around the tower like a driving simulator and a few animals enclosures as well as a mini aquarium. Although we didn't get a chance to do any of them as the Tower knackered him out.

We got a cab back and I had a lovely Tom Yum soup and some Crispy Won Ton from a small restaurant we found on the way home.

It was tasty and filling albeit very spicy. 

Just before we made it back for the evening I popped in to one of the many many bakeries around the city. They must love there sweets and cakes as you can't go two feet with out passing some form of surgery based snack.

Although there was a snack or two I wasn't too keen to try.

I am glad That I picked up something as the evening was a bit of a wash out. At least it was still warm just very, very wet. 

We were treated to a fantastic thunder and lightening show that went on for hours, While we enjoyed the cakes I bought. 

The cakes weren't dissimilar to American style pancakes (or scotch pancakes) with a jam filling.

You will need a drink with these guys as getting through one can be tough. They are very filling and don't think you could eat more than one. 

Monday 30th - chilling

We had a quite day just pottered about.

Although I did have a fantastic burger. It had crisps baked into the bun.

Which added a crunch to each mouth-watering bite.

An afternoon swim and a evening in helped me digests it's Yumminess and set me up for more eventful days ahead.