Lifestyle Archives - Page 22 of 27

An Autumn Picnic with Brioche Pasquier

It doesn’t take much to entice the Doves outdoors especially for a picnic. Even in October, it’s deliciously mild and the perfect time for an alfresco feast.

Our Autumnal spread took on a French theme, thanks to family bakers Brioche Pasquier. Having enjoyed one of their loaves following the MAD Blog Awards, we were thrilled to replenish our supplies. Not just a delicious Brioche Pasquier loaf but Pitch too – an individually wrapped snacking brioche that’s filled with milk chocolate.

POD may have cottoned on to her photograph being taken when we took our seats. Thankfully she was distracted by the food and didn’t stay like this!

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First on the menu was French classic Croque-monsieur made with slices of Brioche Pasquier loaf, ham and Gruyère cheese. Accompanied by juicy vine tomatoes.

Next up were toasted garlic brioche skewers with saucisson and mushroom. A simple recipe that’s created by cutting up and frying saucisson and mushrooms in home-made garlic butter. The saucisson and mushrooms were then skewered with toasted brioche cubes and plated.

Dessert came in the form of a tower made from brioche, cornflakes, cinnamon and maple syrup. The mixture was made with melted butter, ground cinnamon, sugar and a little water. Cornflakes were coated in the mixture and the brioche was lightly toasted and cut into circles. All the ingredients were then placed in a stack and laced with maple syrup. As you’d expect, it was sweet but absolutely delicious.

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We even managed to squeeze in a Pitch each too – in fact POD had two! It’s a snacking brioche filled with milk chocolate but free from preservatives, artificial colours and hydrogenated fats. They were a tasty addition to our picnic but just as good on their own as a satisfying snack.

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Our wonderful French feast also included a cheese platter but on this occasion it was a little too much to squeeze in!

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The Croque-monsieur, toasted garlic brioche scewers and brioche tower went down an absolute treat and we really enjoyed Pitch too. Brioche Pasquier have a wonderful range and their products are delectable. Perhaps that’s because they’re made to a traditional recipe, and authentic French baking processes, that have been passed down through generations of Pasquiers.

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We had the best alfesco picnic ever – as you can probably tell by POD’s expression!

Disclaimer: We received products and a Sainsbury’s voucher for participating in this challenge.

First bike ride

POD loved chatting to the mannequins in our local cycle shop recently but she displayed great pedaling skills too. Although steering and facing forward were notably absent, she’s the proud owner of her first bicycle. We opted for one with stabilisers rather than a balance bike which she’d no doubt grow out of before we could blink.

This weekend we headed over to Alice Holt Forest so POD could try her bike out properly. Managed by the Forestry Commission, it’s always a wonderful place to visit and the smell of the pine trees is divine – we regularly visit. Although POD decided not to pedal at all at first, she enjoyed the view from her bike especially when she looked up at the trees.

Seeing a wooden fort was quite distracting and she stopped pedaling almost as soon as she’d begun. On discovering a group of boys were chasing each other around it, she sat patiently on a tree trunk waiting her turn.

Once she’d climbed to the top a couple of times, the helmet was put back in place and she was on the move again. Albeit very slowly. She does well with pedaling if the pedals are in the right position and she’s learnt how to ring the bell!

Facing forwards is not second nature just yet. POD was more interested in peering at her feet, observing what was around her or looking behind her. Staying on the path was a little tricky at times as she’s not got to grips with how to steer. We headed towards the bracken on several occasions but kept her on the path. It was only a matter of time before she left the path completely although she found it highly entertaining!

With Daddy behind her and me running backwards in front of her (while taking photographs!), she managed a few minutes of constant pedaling gathering speed in the process. It was at that point, POD discovered cycling is really good fun. The look on her face at that moment was just priceless. Pure joy!

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast.

Meze headphones: a treat for the ears

Meze Earphones: iPhone, Android, MP3, MP4 compatible.

The white packaging features an embossed logo and stylised imagery of the earphones on the front. The reverse copy highlights the handcrafted nature of the product inside, all of which gives a first impression of quality and raises expectation. Meze for most of us is a tasty Aegean treat. Could it now become synonymous with a crisp and natural audio experience as proclaimed on pack?

On opening the Meze earphones box you will discover a leatherette pouch, also in white with a silver zip and silver logo emblazoned on the front. For me it has a nautical feel. I can imagine the pouch sitting ready for use on the table of a yacht – possibly next to a tall glass of something bubbly!

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Inside the pouch is a towelling lining (adding to my nautical theme). The lid has a mesh pocket which houses three very useful additional silicon earbuds and a metal clip which emphasises portability. The Meze earphones themselves are in a resealable transparent packet in the base.

The handcrafted wood body described on pack immediately catches the eye. The attention to detail is evident. The use of a luxury colour palette – bright white, silver and gold along with the featured wood grain scream craftsmanship. It’s obvious a great deal of thought has gone into creating these headphones. My expectation of their sound quality was high.

The moment of truth was conducted on my iPhone. The earbuds fit comfortably in ear. My music tastes are varied so I was interested to hear how the sound quality measured up across the musical genres.

For me however the litmus test is with one of my favourite classical pieces, Adagio in G Minor – made more poignant by the finale of the war film Gallipoli, as these classical pieces often are. The haunting organ and melodic double base accompanied by the drifting violins filled my head (and usually brings a tear to my eye).

This time was no different. The earphones delivered a deep and as promised crisp and natural sound. Moving on to a more contemporary song I chose John Newman’s Love Me Again. As one of the voices of recent years and with a pace which speeds up and slows down, incorporates drums, piano and the latest production techniques I thought this too would be a good benchmark. I wasn’t disappointed.

Finally I turned to one of my favourite bands the Foo Fighters and their Live album Skin and Bones. (I’ve also seen them Live three times.) Their track My Hero is much played and another great combination of instruments, acoustic and electric guitar, thumping drums from Taylor Hawkins, piano and of course Dave Grohl’s distinctive vocal. With the introduction of the crowd I was keen to hear just how Meze earphones would tackle this challenge. Again my expectations were met.

Meze earphones are a stylish addition to my audio hardware which delivers a rich and natural sound experience – a real treat for my ears! For more information, head over to the Meze headphones website.

Disclaimer: We received a pair of Meze headphones for the purposes of this review. Opinions are own own.

Three Little Dinosaurs Egg Rescue!

We reviewed Wonderful Wildlife 123 by Charles Fuge last year. It’s a great book that teaches children to count in a fun way with the help of a few mischievous animals!

The latest publication from Parragon by the same award-winning author and illustrator is Three Little Dinosaurs Egg Rescue! POD absolutely loves it – so much so we’ve read it twice most evenings!

The story centres around a tyrannosaurus rex called Scratch who is excitedly waiting for his sibling to arrive. His mother asks Scratch and his friends look after the unhatched egg while she takes a shower.

Although she’d warned them about mischievous mammals, the precious egg is snatched. Along with his friends, Lofty the brachiosaurus and Sniff the monoclonius, they set off in pursuit of the egg.

But disaster strikes when they capture the mammal as the egg flies through the air and lands with a plop in the river. POD finds this page highly entertaining as she’s able to say ‘P-L-O-P’ really loudly. It’s always followed by a raucous giggle!

With the mammal making fun of them, the unperturbed trio hit the water in a quest to rescue the egg.

Using a log as a makeshift raft they paddle after the egg in an attempt to catch it.

Having realised there was a waterfall ahead of them, a brave Scratch grabs the egg before they fall down and down.

They land with a bump on his Mummy who is enjoying shower. The friends explain what happened

but were dismayed to discover the egg had a crack in it. But it wasn’t a crack, the egg was hatching – Scratch’s new playmate arrived shortly afterwards.

Charles Fuge has created a fabulous story that’s great to read (in all manner of voices if the mood takes us!) and it’s beautifully illustrated throughout. It’s definitely one of POD’s favourite books at the moment. You can purchase Three Little Dinosaurs Egg Rescue from Amazon (RRP £5.99).

Disclaimer: As Parragon Book Buddies we received a copy of Three Little Dinosaurs Egg Rescue for the purposes of this review. Opinions are our own.

Spicy Tornado – a meal fit for RAF aircrew

Michelin star chef Michael Caines has partnered with popular dating site www.uniformdating.com to create 15 recipes for their new recipe App; Uniform Foodies.

A national survey of uniformed professionals was undertaken to identify what food they love. It found the No.1 dish for nurses was salad, for police officers and doctors it was fish and chips with the armed forces and fire fighters preference an Indian curry.

Michael Caines has created tailor-made recipes of the professions favourites, all of which are available on the Uniform Foodies App. You can download it from today for 69p.

To celebrate the launch of #uniformfoodies from Uniform Dating, we were asked to create our own meal for a uniformed professional using Michael’s recipes as inspiration. The Spicy Tornado is an affordable, hearty and very tasty meal fit for RAF aircrew – an apt choice given my father-in-law was a Wing Commander.

Spicy Tornado (serves 2)

250g cubed beef steak

A small onion

A clove of garlic

Half or one red chili (how hot do you like it!)

Small jar of passata (350g)

Small tin of red kidney beans

A green pepper

Sliced ciabatta bread

Small tub of sour cream

Salt & pepper

Method

Drizzle some olive oil into a pan and heat.

Add the cubed beef steak and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned, remove from heat and place to one side – ideally in a bowl with a lid.

Dice one small onion, chop the garlic and red chilli.

Re-oil pan, add onions, garlic and chilli and cook for 2 minutes.

Put the beef back in and add the passata.

Add the small tin kidney beans.

Season and leave to simmer for 10 minutes.

Roughly chop the green pepper, add more seasoning if required

Cook for a further 2-3 minutes making sure the pepper is still crunchy.

Tear the ciabatta into chunks. Add a generous dollop of sour cream to the dish once plated and serve.

Disclaimer: We received a Sainsbury’s voucher from Uniform Dating for the purpose of this post. Opinions are our own.

Poppy magic

The delight at finding something new in a place you know well is a great surprise. Even better if another unexpected sight takes your breath away just moments later.

Thousands of poppies, in perfectly formed rows basking in the sunshine under a bright blue sky. A real feast for the eyeballs.

Visitors at RHS Wisley exchanged smiles and spoke quietly whilst capturing what lay before them. The sense of calm no doubt instigated by these poignant blooms so widely recognised as the symbol of peace and remembrance.

Walking a little further meant you could sit in-between the rows of poppies. Just sit and stare at the hairy buds, the fragile petals and the intricate detail just calling to be photographed.

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I’ve not seen poppies en masse since POD was born, just a handful every now again by the side of the road. Somehow seeing so many in one place brought back memories of that day.

POD arrived on Christmas Day 2010. She took so long to arrive the shortlist of suitable names was long forgotten. Strangely when the midwife asked “what do you want to call her?” we both said Poppy at the same time. So Poppy she became.

Seems a coincidence that in the week I see a carpet of poppies, POD starts learning how to spell. Hearing her say “P-P-P is for Poppy” is the most wonderful thing.

Linking up with #MagicMoments at The Oliver’s Madhouse, this week hosted by Verily Victoria Vocalises

Jiggly Giraffe by Little Learners

Last year we reviewed the Little Learners Sleepy Puppy Pack which came with a puppy blankie. POD loved it and although she’s three now she can often be seen hunting for it in her toy bag.

She was thrilled when Jiggly Giraffe arrived, also from the Little Learners range, and she really took to the giraffe rattle. Jiggly (or Jiggy as he’s sometimes called!) is a great size for little hands so he’s been on many an adventure with us.

The board book is beautifully illustrated and the rhyming approach (Giraffe likes to shake, Giraffe likes to giggle) makes for an easy read. Jiggly is a great accompaniment although he does give POD the occasional armpit tickle too!

POD likes to learn stories now so she can re-tell them to her dollies, it’s wonderful to hear her reading through the monitor. I may burst when she can read for herself!

The Little Learners Jiggly Giraffe set is suitable for babies and toddlers, currently priced £6.69 from Amazon.

Disclaimer: We received the Jiggly Giraffe book and soft toy for the purposes of this review. All opinions are our own.

Design your own Love Heart

The sweet shop I visited as a child always seemed so large. I imagined it was owned by Willy Wonka but run by his Father. You’d always be on your best behaviour only stepping forward when you knew what you wanted from the jars lining the walls above.

While your sweets were being weighed and the corners of your little white bag twisted, you’d scan the shelves looking for what you could spend your remaining 10p on. It was usually a choice between Love Hearts, a Refresher or a Drumstick. Love Hearts were often the preferred choice as they could be shared.

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As you’d expect a lot has changed since the Eighties. Though the well-known sweets remain, the range includes brand extensions such as Refresher Squashies, Drumstick Squashies, Double Lollies Squashies and Love Hearts Squashies.

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These are jelly-like variations of the favourites and taste just as good. In our house the Refresher Squashies were first to go, closely followed by the Love Hearts and the Drumsticks. Some things never change!

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Swizzels Matlow, the company that makes these iconic British sweets, are celebrating 60 years of Love Hearts and recently launched a competition to mark the occasion.

It is offering fans the opportunity to design their own Love Heart. Ten lucky winners will get the chance to visit the factory and see their own Love Heart being made ahead of its inclusion in packs across the UK.

Head over to the Love Hearts website or Facebook page to enter the competition.

Disclaimer: We received product samples for the purpose of this post. Opinions are our own.

A Sunny Day

It was the first day of the year that warranted a swimming costume, oodles of sun cream and a paddling pool of water. Not to mention the wonderful hat we fell in love with last Summer.

Seeing a paddling pool full of water pleased POD greatly. She enjoyed watching the reflections although it wasn’t long before it was cluttered with watering cans, a bucket and a few flowers.

It was unbelievable to see this long-legged person tower over a pool that was perfect a year ago. POD’s recently shot up gaining a couple of inches in the last two months alone. The plait she requested made her look even older.

Having decided against going in the pool straightaway, POD got comfortable on a chair filling various implements with water. It’s amazing how long you can busy yourself for when tipping one bucket of water into another! POD had not wanted hot water added to her pool but quickly realised it was cold without! She wanted to give the feet a dip though.

After laughing at her “yellow bucket shoes” she emptied a sandpit of water onto the grass to create a muddy puddle. She jumped up and down with glee at her creation

before heading back to the pool to wash her muddy feet and do it all again.

With the paddling pool full of garden toys and emptied of half its water, forward rolls were on the agenda. POD even requested a photograph be taken while she was upside down.

Swingball became the focus once she’d tired of water play – as you’d expect a racket was not required! This approach was short-lived though after she toppled over.

Swingball did become part of a magic show after that – the ball turning into a rabbit that leapt from her hat.

After practicing her jumping skills and asking if she could have a unicorn, POD took to the swing. She rocked to and fro occasionally running to increase her speed. It wasn’t a day for running around too much although we did a bit of that as well as the obligatory jumping on Daddy.

The bubbles made an appearance a little later. It took POD a while to realise you don’t need to blow really hard but she did crack it. She learnt a valuable lesson in not licking your fingers afterwards – as did I!

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast.

Around the World We Go

What we love about being a Parragon Book Buddy is the variety of books. We recently reviewed Everybody Loves Butterflies and Bunny Loves to Play, this time we’ve been singing, dancing and playing with children of other cultures.

POD got to experience being abroad when we visited Bruges in December. In a restaurant she said “Bonjour” to the people next to us several times over – thankfully they found it endearing! This experience was a great point of reference for the book.

Written by Margaret Wise Brown, best known for classics such as Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny, and illustrated by Christine Tappin, Around the World We Go focuses on learning what we don’t know about other cultures.

It first looks at different continents such as North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. This provides a great opportunity to talk about where we live and the countries Mummy and Daddy visited before POD arrived.

POD knows how to shake hands so it’s been good to show her how people introduce themselves. For the time being she’s happy just saying hello and greeting everyone she meets with a huge smile. She’s only three though so she has plenty of time!

POD doesn’t remember the last aeroplane she was on but we do spot them regularly. She was on a train recently though. These experiences have been good when discussing how people travel to other countries – whether by boat, train or plane.

We’ve also chatted about the differences between countries and their sights such as camels, pyramids and mountains.

In the jungle, it’s about the different animals you find and how elephants wash themselves. This will often include an obligatory elephant impression. We briefly talked about Mummy and Daddy’s trip to the Venezuelan jungle too!

POD enjoys the part of the book where you can learn to say hello and how are you in different languages. She’s been doing very well too and always asks what each word says.

Around the World We Go is great for teaching how children from different cultures sing and have fun together; whether flying a kite, having a go on a swing or cycling.

POD thoroughly enjoys this book and its a brilliant way to teach children about other cultures. It’s easy to read with its rhyming sentences and beautifully illustrated with lots to talk about on each page. Around The World We Go is available from Amazon currently priced £4.99.

Disclaimer: As a Parragon Book Buddy, we were sent a copy of Around the World We Go! for the purpose of this review. All opinions are our own.

Older Posts

Newer Posts

Lifestyle

An Autumn Picnic with Brioche Pasquier

First bike ride

Meze headphones: a treat for the ears

Three Little Dinosaurs Egg Rescue!

Spicy Tornado – a meal fit for RAF aircrew

Poppy magic

Jiggly Giraffe by Little Learners

Design your own Love Heart

A Sunny Day

Around the World We Go

Adventures

Visiting Mayfield Lavender Field, Banstead

A wander at Frensham Little Pond, Surrey

7 reasons to love Barracudas camps

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