Bring Out the Cake!

McVitie's Bring out The Cake For Summer

With one Diamond Jubilee under out national belt, a Euro 2012 Championship in full swing and Wimbledon and the Olympics to look forward to, there has never been a better reason to celebrate being British!  And every celebration needs great cake!!

Thanks to McVities it is easy to bring out the cake this summer with their yummy range.  Jamaican Ginger Cake, Hobnob Flapjacks and Jaffa Cake Bars are all big crowd pleasers!  McVities sent us some cakes to try for ourselves...and I never say no to free cake!

I love the nostalgic moments that Jamaican Ginger Cake evokes!  It's been around longer than I have...over 50 years and is a family favourite (especially with custard!)  RRP £1.55

The Hobnob Flapjacks are chewy and crunchy and chocolate topped.  RRP £1.65.

The Jaffa Cake Bars have the same winning formula of zingy orange, sponge cake and bittersweet dark chocolate in bar form. RRP £1.65

My Tiny Tester Freddy could not wait to get stuck into tasting the McVitie's goodies, and he was impressed!  The Hobnob Flapjacks were his favourite with the oaty, biscuity base and real milk chocolate.  As they come individually wrapped they are great for lunchboxes or a snack on the go!

We aren't the only ones getting free cake from McVitie's.  This summer, McVitie's are literally giving away cake up and down the country with their Bring Out The Cake campaign.  

They are attending outdoor events and visiting city centres across the UK.  They are also giving away free cake online!  

Keep an eye on their Facebook page at facebook.com/McVitiesCake for the return of their Bring Out The Cake app, where fans can download a voucher for free cake!  You can have your cake and eat it....for FREE!! 

 It will be going live again soon so make sure you like their page in readiness of free cake!!  Don't miss out!

Thrifty Shopping Tips

How To Save Money On Your Weekly Grocery Shop

The price of our weekly shopping bill has sky rocketed in recent months.  Everyday essentials have tripled in price in some cases.  Home baking ingredients cost so much now that a once cheap alternative to buying ready made goodies has become a luxury.  With a family like mine, with multiple mouths to feed, I've had to make changes to the way I shop to maximize every penny.  Here are some of my top tips to thrifty shopping!


1:   Before implementing any thrifty changes to your shopping habits, have a store cupboard audit!  Check through your cupboards, pantry, freezer and fridge and take note of what you already have on the shelves.  There will be long forgotten tins, jars and packets languishing behind more recently purchased items.  This is their time to shine!!  After you have done your stock take, plan your menus around using up the older items.  Sell-by-dates have a bit of leeway, especially when you are dealing with cans, jars and dried foods.  Don't throw them away unnecessarily.  Planning meals around these forgotten items will almost definitely save you money on the weekly shopping bill, as you will only need to buy fresh produce for a few  week.   Your kitchen will also get a good sort out.  Get creative in the kitchen and have a bit of fun coming up with recipes which may go onto  become family favourites.  My use-up session lead me to invent "Shepherd's Pie with a Twist"  which basically saw me using up soya mince, tins of pulses, seasonings, tinned vegetables etc. and topping with a sweet potato and potato mash.  It's become a much requested dinner...although never to be identically repeated again!!  


2:  Look at the brands you buy.  Are you buying the most expensive top branded products?  If so you can save a fortune by doing a switch!  Most shops have an own brand label and increasingly also have an economy label.  Try them!  You may be surprised by the results.  My recent switches include:


Morrison's Economy Label
Strawberry Dessert Mix 10p
Mushy Peas 8p
Lemonade 17p
Long grain rice 1kg 40p
Batter Mix 7p


Tesco Value
Gravy Granules 20p
Veg Stock Cubes 12p
Kidney Beans 18p
Marmalade 17p


Comparing these prices against the top branded ones, you can see how much can be saved.  There are some economy products I've tried that do not match up to the top branded versions, but with the money saved from my other switches I can buy my Hellman's mayonnaise without feeling too guilty!


3:  Cleaning Products are expensive.  They may claim to make your surfaces gleam with a single spray but they rarely live up to their promises.  Economy Malt Vinegar costs just 13p.  Use it in a solution in a spray bottle and you have an effective cleaner, disinfectant, deodoriser and glass polish for pennies.  It really works and once dried doesn't smell at all so you won't end up with a house that smells like a chip shop!


4:  Pop to your local supermarket just before closing time.  Many products will be reduced for quick sale.  In my local Morrison's all the bread gets marked down to 9p.  I've packed my basket with loaves and rolls and paid less than a quid!  Baked goods freeze brilliantly and so we keep a couple of shelves dedicated to our 9p bread hauls which saves a fortune over the course of the week.  Beware of over zealous bargain hunters....it can get very competitive!


5:  Look out for special offers and bogof's.  Be flexible with what you buy and use the cheap offers to tailor your week's menu planning.  Think of your shopping in terms of what meals they will lend themselves to so you don't buy anything you won't need.  You can even research the special offers in advance and make a list that you stick to to avoid getting it wrong!  Don't be seduced into buying something you don't really have a use for just because it's half price...if it ends up in the bin it's a waste!


6:  When you buy your weekly vegetables  (be it on offer in a supermarket or from a market stall) don't let them go to waste.  As it gets to the end of the week make a use-up dinner for all the perishable vegetables lurking in your fridge or pantry.

A slow cooker veggie stew or soup is a perfect way of utilising carrots, leeks, potatoes, onions, swede, sweet potato and parsnips.  Any excess can be frozen.


7:  Make your own ready meals!!  Even when shop bought ready meals are sold cheaply, they are still an expensive way to feed a family.  It is so much cheaper to prepare your own to freeze for emergencies or for when a teenager needs a quick meal!  We've got a load of plastic lidded tubs that we use to pop in a portion of whatever I've made for dinner that night.  I usually make too much so we don't miss the extra portion being used in this way.  Freezing it then provides one free dinner later on in the week avoiding the need for those pricey, over-processed ready meals!


8:  Freshly made pizzas are really expensive in supermarkets but the kids love them.  Instead buy some own brand natural yogurt and economy plain flour.  You can use this to make your own fresh pizza dough.  Not only is making your own pizzas a fun activity to do with the kids, it can also be a very cheap meal idea!  Puree up a tin of economy plum tomatoes with a sprinkle of herbs instead of buying a shop bought sauce.  Top with whatever you've got  available and use some economy Mozzarella (42p in Morrison's) and a handful of DIY grated economy mild Cheddar.

9:  Keep an eye out for coupons and discount codes.  They can really make a difference to shopping in store or online.  Many brands give away coupons via Facebook apps.  Sometimes you can even get a product for free.  Free is the best price ever!!  I love seeing the money coming off at the till when I hand over a handful of downloaded coupons!!


10:  Avoid 'popping to the shops' on a whim if you feel peckish or emotional.  Try to do a weekly shop and stick to that (with the exception of  an occasional closing time expedition if your local store slashes prices on perishable goods!).  It is so easy to pop out for something while feeling a bit needy and spend £20 on junk food!  A carrier bag full of cake, crisps and chocolate is not helpful to your waistline, your emotional state or your purse!!  


We have trimmed our shopping bills and are far more disciplined in our shopping habits by following these rules.  We are saving our money and taking more control over what we eat.  Even in the current economic climate and with prices soaring, you can make the most of your cash by being a thrifty shopper!


I'm entering this post into the Approved Foods/Tots100 competition and the Fabulous Thrifty Carnival where you will be able to pick up some thrifty tips from other money saving bloggers!!

Super Mario 3D Land Game Review

Nintendo's iconic character Mario is back in Super Mario 3D Land, a visually stunning and addictive game for the Nintendo 3DS!

The graphics are incredibly well done with attention to every bit of detail, made more impressive by the sharp 3D effect.  The colours are vibrant and the whole vibe of the game is fun from the first moment you turn it on.  There are lots of levels to explore, mini games to play  and bosses to beat.  The Mario music is so familiar and adds an uplifting quality to the gameplay.

Using the circle pad to control Mario, you guide him through the environment.  There are special moves to master to help him through the challenges.  Some moves are brand new to this title, keeping the evolution of the Mario franchise going forward.

I was glad that the gameplay started relatively easily to ease Kizzy in slowly and allowing her to get to grips with the 3D action in a gentle learning curve.  She quickly mastered the controls and was jumping, running and collecting on her quest to save Peach.

The 3D element of this platform game made judging distances and making jumps more precise.  It improves the flow of the game to not be dropping off edges continually!   There are lots of secrets and surprises along the way adding to the fun.  There is even a Tanooki suit meaning that Mario can take to the air!  Mario can also throw boomerangs to take out enemies along the way!

I'm sure the game will get progressively harder as the levels progress, but I like that Kizzy has been able to make good headway independently without too much frustration.  It is a fun and colourful world that provides pure unadulterated escapism!  As Kizzy gets further into the game she'll be able to unlock extra worlds which add to the games longevity.

This game seems to be another triumph from Nintendo.  It brings us another game with old school character  Mario in the starring role, whilst further exploring the potential of the amazing 3D technology of the 3DS.  It is an eye popping sensation that will please Mario fans young and old. With so much to explore and discover, you can take your time over the levels rather than rush to complete the game, so it's perfect for Kizzy who enjoys a relaxed approach to gaming.

It costs around £29.19 and is definitely a must have for 3DS gamers who enjoy classic Super Mario fun and games!

For the more hardcore gamers we have reviewed Kid Icarus Uprising for the 3DS too!

Get Crafty On The Beach

Enjoy Beach Art With Your Children This Summer!

British beaches aren't always sandy paradises where you can bask beneath a blazing sun, but that doesn't mean you can't have loads of fun!

One idea for an activity for the kids is to make a Beach Art Family.

Collect as many different shaped rocks and pebbles, pieces of seaweed and shells as you can find.  Give little ones a bucket and let them help (always under a parent's watchful eye of course!)

Find a surface to create your art on...a flat area of sand is ideal.

Use all of these natural craft products to make your family!  Make yourself or each other...it is amazing how many variations you can come up with using different shapes of pebble!

Pebble eyes, seaweed hair and rock body parts go together to make your likeness in seaside form!

It is free, natural, fun, crafty and creative.

There isn't even any tidying up to do afterwards!

Take photos of your finished art attack to remember it by!

Our Beach Family

A Summer Outfit From Next

Next Mummy Stylist Competition Entry

My 9 year old Kizzy is a bit of a mini fashionista.  She loves her clothes and I love seeing her dressed up and looking gorgeous.  She has an uninhibited ability to team up clothing and her original sense of style and knack of co-ordinating colours and patterns means she always looks great.

When I saw the Next Mummy Stylist competition I wondered if I could do any better if I tried to style her myself.  So this is my attempt at creating an outfit for Kizzy from Next that would be perfect for summer and do justice to my gorgeous girl!

Matching the Mood

I started by choosing a palette of colours to match her skin tone and hair colouring.  I love the spice inspired colours that are on trend this season.  They are so rich and evocative of sunnier climes.  They would look lovely on my little girl with her tanned skin and dark hair.  This mood board shows some of the pieces in Next's SS12 range that immediately caught my eye.  I love the use of bold floral decorations and the attention to detail in the cut and design of the clothing.

Warm Spice Colours

With fawns, browns and tans, reminiscent of the warm hues of ginger and cinnamon, even if the sun doesn't shine this summer, Kizzy will radiate the vibe and warmth of an exotic Moroccan street market.

I picked out these key pieces to make up my final outfit which I think is stylish, versatile, practical and would look great on any young girl.

My Outfit Styled from Next.co.uk

My final outfit choice for Kizzy consists of:

The Layer Top and Scarf Set (£15) in tan, offers a mock layered look for a stylish look.  The long white vest is topped by a stripey crop top and finished with a spotty scarf.  I love how the scarf can be used to accessorise other outfits.  It can also be transformed into a bowed head band for a trendy 50's look.  The clashing patterns work well together to give an eyecatching finish.

The Slub Cardigan in Ginger (£15) is my favourite piece. The waterfall style shape is really feminine and trendy.  In the British summertime you need a good cardi to throw on when it's a little bit chilly!  I love the colour and the feature stitching.

The Belted Shorts (£13) are just perfect for summer.  The belt is gorgeous and matches the tan theme, while the pretty flower adds a girlie touch.

Gorgeous brown leather Tassel Sandals £16:  I love how these are both practical and fashionable.  Teamed with a maxi dress or with shorts, they offer a versatile solution to summer footwear.

The Corsage Straw Bag  (£9.50) is perfect for carrying around your essential bits and bobs.  Whether at the beach or at the shops, the bag looks great and the flower adds a touch of whimsy!


The outfit I have styled for my daughter would cost just £68.50.  Each piece would work perfectly in a capsule wardrobe for the summer.  Adding some extra items such as some key denims, pumps, some Chinos, a hippy style skirt, maxi dress and some printed tees would create a number of amazing looks based on the same theme.  With the £500 prize budget I could dress Kizzy for the entire season plus get a few key pieces for her siblings'summer wardrobes too*!

*Including this T-Shirt for her little brother Freddy....I love it!

Great Garden Moments

I've never been much of a gardener, although this is not from want of trying.  My lack of green fingers is an affliction that has marred my ability to transform my little green patch of earth into a colourful sea of vibrant blooms or provide a kitchen garden bursting with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Consequently my garden is little more than a square of lawn...dotted with dandelions and daisies.  But it is much loved!

Our only produce is the tubs of herbs and pots of vegetables planted by me and my children, and a thriving strawberry plant given to me for Mother's Day two years ago.  When new leaves or flowers appear in our graden they are met with wonder as we marvel at nature's ability to bring beauty to the world. We never take our green space for granted.   My garden may not be amazingly landscaped or like an allotment, but it is however a haven to my children who play in it tirelessly.  It is an outdoor space that is full of fun and laughter. This is why it is so precious to me.

Abandoned toys are strewn across the patio.  Scooters, bikes and balls each represent a memory of my children at play.  The sagging springs of our trampoline show the joy of a million bounces. Each  mark on the swingset and slide represent the wear and tear caused by an imaginary adventure involving pirates,castles and monsters.  My patio table and chairs may not be pristine, but their weathered appearance bears testament to the amount of evenings we have sat outside together as a family.  I can almost smell the coals of much enjoyed barbecues and hear the peels of laughter as we have giggled at the antics of one of the children.

The divots in the lawn that become waterlogged in the rain are exciting muddy puddles to be jumped in with welly clad feet.  Spiders' webs and creepy crawlies are the subjects of many a safari expedition.  Pots of mud  have replaced many of my attempts at seed planting.  The over watered compost, stirred with a stick may not be hospitable to seedlings, but in the mind of my kids they are cauldrons of thrilling ingredients ready to weave their magic spells.  Makeshift boats sail in my water butt.  Chalk drawn masterpieces adorn my creosoted fence panels.

My Great Garden Memories

This is why I love my garden.  These are my great garden memories which will endure long after any flower beds would have drooped and died.  My children are the brightest blooms in my garden and my family's laughter is the most perfect harvest we can reap!

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Film Review

Extremely Loud &Incredibly Close is a film that received huge critical acclaim following its cinematic release, making it into the Best Picture nominees at the Oscars.  After seeing the publicity surrounding this film, I was intrigued and put it on my must-see list. Now, thanks to Warner Bros I have had the chance to watch this movie on Blu-Ray.

The film is based on a novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, written following the devastation of 9/11.  It focuses on the life of Oskar Schell, a young boy trying to come to terms with the unfathomable loss of his much adored father (Tom Hanks) following the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers.  

Oskar is a very sensitive and highly intelligent child with an inconclusive Asperger's diagnosis.  His father always challenged his condition in a fun way giving his son adventurous expeditions to complete in order for him to face his fears.  Losing his dad in such a sudden, violent and inexplicable manner leaves Oskar feeling bereft and helpless. Hanging on to his memories and to his father's final ansaphone messages made on "the worst day" Oskar is desperate to make sense of his loss and find answers.

When he finds a key hidden in a blue vase in his father's closet on the anniversary of his death, Oskar is certain that it is a final mission that will bring him closer to his dad.  The name 'Black' written on the envelope that the key is in, leads Oskar to search out all of the residents of New York with that surname, a daunting task for someone with Oskar's fears and one that he calculated would take 3 years.  He meticulously plans his mission and sets out to find the lock that the key will open.

On his journey he discovers many people who all have their own story to tell and who are touched by this special little boy and his quest. He forms an unlikely friendship with a mute man that rents a room with his grandmother.  Communicating by scrawling down notes in a book, there is humour and warmth in their encounters.  There is also an unanswered question as to the true relationship between Oskar's family and 'the renter'. Newcomer Thomas Horn who plays Oskar is an incredible actor with such depth and emotion in his portrayal of a lost boy looking for answers in a world which makes no sense.  Definitely a face to look out for in the future.

For me, it was Sandra Bullock's performance that really tugged at my heartstrings.  Her character doesn't feature heavily in the film but is pivotal to the whole story.  As a mother to a troubled boy, she struggles with the loss of her husband alongside the loss of her relationship with her son.  She seems distant and unable to offer any support or provide any answers to Oskar.  Her grief is palpable and her helplessness is a reflection of Oskar's in the aftermath of 9/11. The film is a testament to the endurance of love in the face of both personal and national mourning. I wept buckets at the end of the movie, but I won't give any of the plot away by explaining why!

Although Oskar doesn't find the answer he is looking for, his mission brings him and the people whose lives he touches so much more.  The resolution is one of acceptance and forgiveness.  Many questions remain unanswered because as in life, some things just can't be explained.

I really enjoyed this film as did my husband and 16 year old Ella.  It is quite a long film (2 hours 10 minutes) but I didn't feel it drag at all.  It is gentle storytelling with a powerful edge.  The subject matter is very emotional as Oskar's grief is so raw and something we can all relate to.  Don't expect action or a fast paced plot line.  Instead immerse yourself in this moving and unusual journey and enjoy some excellent acting performances along the way.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is available to buy now (certificate 12).