Review: Treat Your Valentine At Beefeater Grill

Now after a certain number of years with your partner (months if you're a celebrity), the romance may well fade slightly and, come Valentines Day, the onus is on the least romantic partner to pull their socks up and prove that they still know how to show their loved one a good time.

If you are a parent and the number of babysitters in your area is somewhere in the region of zero to one, this rekindling has to be done with the kids in tow.

Ieuan is still firmly in his Harry Potter phase

Luckily for the Husband, we were invited to review our local Beefeater Grill, the Walston Castle in Wenvoe in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Conveniently situated next door to a very reasonably priced Premier Inn, the Walston Castle is just a stone's throw from Dyffryn Gardens (National Trust) and just a short drive away from Cardiff and Cowbridge with its designer boutiques and shops.

Founded in 1974, Beefeater is one of those brands that has been around for so long that I suspect it may not always be first choice when thinking of somewhere to eat, particularly given the competition from other food chains like Cafe Rouge, Prezzo, Zizzi and the fast food companies.   It had been such a long time since we had eaten at a Beefeater, we weren't quite sure what to expect.

The large car park is well sign-posted and it is possible to park close to both the hotel and restaurant entrances - always a bonus if you have prams or wheelchairs to think about.

Once inside, we found the restaurant to be spacious, clean and well set out.  There was also some quirky artwork on the walls to give the place a more personal feel.

Don't worry it's true.  Ieuan's checked.

Ieuan's first question to Jane, our server, was whether it was indeed possible to eat there until the cows came home.  Cue a discussion about what time cows come home.  Nipping a discussion of modern dairy farming methods in the bud (since we stayed at Hollings Hill dairy farm last summer, Ieuan regards himself as an expert), we took a look at the menu.

As you might expect, steak is a speciality of the Beefeater, although there are some vegetarian options such as the Veg-Out Burger (£8.99) or the Baked Veggie Enchiladas (£9.79).  We found the menu to be extensive with something for everyone.  You can check the dietary elements of each dish on the Beefeater website which is very handy.

There are a number of choices that are ideal for sharing with your date.  There's Sharing Potato Dippers (£7.99) - potato dippers with melted cheese, spring onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream & chive and red onion. Or how about Freshly Grilled Tear & Share Flatbread (£4.49) in Chimichurri, Garlic or BBQ Pulled Pork varieties and the Ribs & Wings Combo (£14.49) - sticky duck wings, spiced chicken wings, bourbon BBQ ribs, chunky slaw and chilli & lime seasoned mini corn on the cob with piri piri and blue cheese dips.

On the basis that foregoing a starter entitles you to dessert the Husband ordered the 8oz fillet steak with chunky chips (£19.49) and a herby Chimichurri sauce on the side.  There is a good choice of sauces, for an extra 99p.

The husband was in far too much of a hurry to get to his steak to take a decent picture for me!

All Beefeater steaks are served with half a slow roasted tomato, grilled mushroom, lamb's lettuce, salad and unlimited triple cooked chips or skinny fries.  There is no excuse for not sharing your chips and a very good excuse for your partner to help you clear your plate.

Each steak is hand-cut each and aged for 21 days and Beefeater trains all of their chefs in their very own steak academy.

I ordered Smothered Chicken Melt (£11.29) - chargrilled chicken breast glazed with smoky BBQ sauce and loaded with streaky bacon and Monterey Jack cheese. It came with triple cooked chips, chunky slaw and a side salad.

I was also tempted by the Signature Slow-Cooked Beef Chilli (£9.49) - slow-cooked beef in a mildly spiced chilli sauce served on a bed of basmati rice with spring onions, red chillies, guacamole, sour cream and crisp corn tortilla chips and the Oven-Baked Seabass (£14.49) - seabass fillet steamed in a pouch with courgettes and cherry tomatoes and served on a bed of thinly sliced potatoes with a crunchy Greek salad.

For the children there is an extensive Mr Men inspired menu from £4.49 with plenty of choice. There's also a 16 page activity booklet to keep them quiet whilst you reminisce about your great romantic highlights.

Caitlin and Ieuan had strawberry and chocolate milkshakes and they both had garlic bread to start.

For their main course, Ieuan chose Mr Perfect's Popin Chicken with chips and baked beans and Caitlin chose Little Miss Trouble's Tomato Penne Pasta.  I particularly liked that there is a range of items you can substitute the chips and beans for (although good luck with that) such as an option to have mashed potato or peas.

Having cleared our plates we turned our attention to desserts - and there is a fabulous selection - many just right for sharing. The Husband is always wary of sharing a dessert with me because he claims he only ends up with about 20% of the pudding.  I refute this absolutely.

Anyway,  he chose the Raspberry Bakewell Tart with custard (£5.49) - a slice of bakewell with a light pastry base, raspberry jam, pistachios and almond flavoured sponge, served warm with custard.

I had the Warm Chocolate Brownie (£4.59) - served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Both were delicious and I must confess, not a lot of sharing occurred. There is a large selection of sundaes though which are just right for two spoons.

From the Kids' Menu, Ieuan chose Mr Jelly's Wobble Jelly and Ice Cream and Caitlin picked Funny Face ice cream which came with mini smarties and strawberry laces.

Probably not ideal date behaviour

We really enjoyed our meal at the Beefeater Walston Castle.  The food was fresh and was piping hot. The restaurant was clean and the atmosphere nicely relaxing - no blaring disco music to ruin the intimacy.  The staff were friendly, attentive and good with the kids.  (Big thanks to Jane and Eddie).

Our meal came to £75 for 4 which included a sparkling water, a large glass of Malbec wine (I don't care what the Daily Mail says), two Costa coffees and an extra milkshake each for the kids.

The Husband often visits steak restaurants when working away in London and was favourably impressed with the quality of the steak he received at Beefeater.

Save money on Valentines Cards - get the kids to make them.

We thought the meal was very good value and we would certainly consider going there again. It's a great date-night venue. Beefeater Grill is certainly back on our list of places to eat out.

Now if only I could find that babysitter .....

Further information about your local Beefeater Grill is at www.beefeater.co.uk.  For the Beefeater Walston Castle, telephone 02920 593896 or you can book a table online.

There is also a reward club where you are entitled to a free meal on your birthday, 5 points for every pound spent and 300 points on activation of the card.

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My Sunday Photo - 24/01/2016

Ice cream is Caitlin's favourite thing.

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The Best Places To Eat In St Paul’s

With St Paul’s Cathedral being one of the most iconic buildings in the capital, the vibrant atmosphere in the area from sightseers and London folk alike make it the perfect location for enjoying a meal.

Feast your eyes on this list of the best places to grab a bite to eat in St Paul’s:

The Saint

Paternoster Square as seen from St Paul’s Cathedral (Image source Elias Gayles via Flickr Creative Commons)

Situated in the lively Paternoster Square, The Saint Bar and Restaurant is the perfect place to stop for a relaxing lunch after a morning of site seeing. If the sun is shining, then go al fresco and enjoy one of their delicious sharing boards or speciality sandwiches on the outside terrace. The ‘Saint Fish Pie’ also comes highly recommended for the hungrier diner. Click here to find out more.

Barbecoa

When it comes to steak, there is no denying that Barbecoa is one of the best venues in St Paul’s. Using fire-based cooking techniques, and meat of the highest quality, their mouth-watering menu will have you coming back again and again. Located opposite the Cathedral, the restaurant offers spectacular views, not just of St Paul’s, but of the hustle and bustle of the open kitchen as well. Check out Barbecoa on their Twitter and Facebook.

The Trading House

Just a 10-minute walk from St Paul’s Cathedral, The Trading House serves freshly cooked pub food with an emphasis on doing simple dishes well. Housed inside the site of the former Bank of New Zealand, this impressive building and the quirky decor within create a vibrant atmosphere for your dining pleasure. Be sure to try the hanging kebabs! Visit The Trading House to learn more.

Bengal Tiger

Mouth-watering Indian Cuisine (Image source: Pixabay)

Sometimes you just can’t beat a good curry. The Bengal Tiger on Carter Lane is ideally located on a bustling corner between St Paul’s Cathedral and Blackfriars Station. Head here if love authentic Indian cuisine in a lively atmosphere, the chefs at Bengal Tiger pride themselves on their traditional dishes made to their own unique recipes. Check them out on their social media.

Miyama

This popular Japanese restaurant has been serving delectable dishes for over 21 years, and is just a two-minute walk away from St Paul’s on Godliman Street. Miyama is a great place to go with friends – watch in awe as the chefs create freshly made Sushi and Teppanyaki masterpieces right in front of you, and sampling their selection of Japanese Rice wines is a must. Find Miyama Japanese Restaurant on Facebook.

So next time you find yourself in the St Paul’s area be sure to book a table at one of these fantastic restaurants.

*collaborative post

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5 Hair Accessories That Every Woman Must Have

For many women, hair is regarded as an important aspect which defines their beauty - their crowning glory. So they want to make sure that they take care of their hair in the best possible way.

Here in this article, we will discuss some of the hair accessories that every woman needs to have in their beauty kit. These accessories will make sure that your hair remains groomed despite any condition, wherever you are.

These hair accessories will keep you smart the whole day. Some of these products may be a bit out of your budget, but you can get them for less using money saving vouchers.

So, if you manage to have these hair accessories, you will never look out of place whatever the situation.

1. Ties and clips

Whether you have straight or wavy hair, thick or thin hair, you need to have a good collection of hair clips and ties. Make sure you have clips and ties in different colours so that you can match them with your dress and other accessories. Ties and clips are good as they can be easily used when you are in a hurry. Clips help to keep your hair under control when you are busy at work. Keep hair bands of different sizes too so you can tie up your hair differently.

2. Headbands 

The second hair accessory that you need to have is a headband. These come in a variety of materials such as cloth or plastic. If you want, you can use more than a headband to get the desired look. In case you want to project a retro look, use a headband that is glittery or has stones. You can choose the colour to match your attire.

3. Combs and brushes 

Many women prefer not to use a brush for combing their hair. The reason is very simple - your hair gets damaged if you brush too vigorously. So for this reason, they use combs. But, it is true that using a brush helps to spread the scalp's natural oils through the entire length of the hair. This makes your hair look shinier and healthy. So for better results, it is good to brush your hair first and then comb it using a comb to reset it properly.

4. Curling iron 

You can use a curling iron to enhance your looks. From classic curls to wavy style for summer, everything is possible with a curling iron. Make sure you buy the one which will give you the size of curl you want.  If your hair is fine or dry, you should take extra care when using a curling iron. Make sure that you adjust the heat of the iron before using it as too much heat will damage the hair. You can find a number of hair curlers at a decent price on coupon sites. Simply use Gorgeous Shop discount code at the site and get the product for less.

5. Hair straighteners

If you are planning to achieve stylish hairstyles just like the celebrities, you should try hair straighteners. Once you've got the hang of them, hair straighteners can help you to create amazing looking hair at home. When it comes to choosing hair straighteners, it is very easy compared to choosing a curling iron. Just make sure that you check the temperature before using it to avoid damaging your hair.

Getting the right products will help you to take care of your hair while looking stunning every time. Some of the products may cost you a little bit but will help you to get the desired look and are certainly worth budgeting for.

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Pairing Food & Wine For Valentines Day

Some wines and foods are a match made in heaven whilst others just never get on.  But do you know which ones?

If you are going to the trouble of preparing a special meal for the object of your affections, why not up the wow factor by choosing a great wine to accompany the food?

The wine buffs at independent wine specialists Roberson Wine have prepared this handy infographic which gives great suggestions to help you impress your Valentine.

At a push, most of us know that white wines go well with fish and chicken, whilst heavier reds are best paired with beef, game and more substantial dishes.

But what about curries, or dessert, or chocolate (yes really)!

The Husband and I tend to stick to red wine and our favourites include the Malbec and Pinot Noir grape varieties, as well as a full bodied Rioja.

You can find more information on Roberson's handy blog - www.robersonwine.com/blog/, including their take on the new drinking guidelines.

My own view?  Drink responsibly with an eye on your health but enjoy the best quality wine you can.

If you like what you've read, please share with your friends - just click the icons below. 

*collaborative post

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Beck Valley Books Tours Review & Giveaway: I'm Yours by Carolyn Menke

New Release....
I’m Yours is the prequel to Return To Me. This companion novella spins the tale of how Sadie’s mother, Audrey, becomes Audrey McCall, and the events leading up to one fateful decision that will affect generations to come.

The Roaring Twenties spell opportunity for Audrey McCall, a starlet who’s as irresistible as the illegal booze poured behind every shuttered speakeasy. Her big theater dreams include landing the impossible, a role on Broadway. But she’s fallen in love with handsome Edward Stark, who wants her to be his leading lady and his alone.

Edward’s confessed his love and is ready to embark on a future with Audrey. No more sneaking off to speakeasies and enduring cast parties, where the catcalls of men directed at his main squeeze get under his skin. Wouldn’t Audrey rather become the mother of his children than worry about the next paycheck?

Muddying the waters is the shifty Rex Wyatt, a new playwright in town, who promises to make Audrey a star. If Audrey gets the part of her dreams, she has to take it. There are no second chances in theater. Are there second chances in love?

Available to buy from....

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   Kobo

Read an excerpt HERE

“A sweeping, romantic debut that brings the war-time forties to vivid life in this Titanic meets Philomena tale—fast-paced, tender, and real.” — on Return to Me by RITA Award-winning Author Gwyn Cready

 “Menke’s writing is so lovely, you will want to wrap yourself in her words and savor each moment you spend in Sadie’s story. Return To Me will tug on your heart strings and take you on a journey back in time.” — on Return to Me by Dana Faletti, Author of the Whisper Trilogy 

 “A timeless tale of love, loss and sacrifice that will equally break and warm your heart, as you cheer for the beautifully complex characters until the very last page.” — on Return to Me by Lori M. Jones, Author of Renaissance of the Heart

Also Available

Return to Me

In 1942...
Eighteen-year-old Sadie Stark, raised by the governor of Pennsylvania, has the world on a string. She doesn’t need the mother who left her any more than she needs the fiance who promises to change. What she needs is to finish college, and keep her wits about her. 

When war-bound James Pasko returns her stolen clutch, and shows her what’s missing in her life, she gains the courage to search for the truth about her past.

What Sadie uncovers rattles her to the core. But James’ steadfast love gives her hope for the future—for the first time—even as the war tears them apart.

When James disappears over enemy lines and Sadie makes a startling discovery, she must decide to follow in the footsteps of the mother who gave her away, or face a life of hardship like she’s never known.

Available to buy from....

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   Kobo

About the Author

Carolyn Menke is the author of RETURN TO ME, published by The Wild Rose Press in September 2015 and I’M YOURS, the companion novella that released in December. RETURN TO ME, set during the 1940s, follows Sadie, as she uncovers pieces of her mother’s past. I’M YOURS, set during the Roaring Twenties, follows Audrey, Sadie’s mother, as a young starlet destined for Broadway, and the events leading up to one fateful decision.

Raised by a former kindergarten teacher and engineer, Carolyn grew up with a book in hand, a story in her ear, and was encouraged from a young age to pretend, create, read, and write. She’d often come down to the breakfast table with a new story or poem to share. Some of her fondest memories are of her mom reading to her from the front seat of their family station wagon during long road trips, her siblings fast asleep beside her. These read-alouds were the beginning of a lifelong love.

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Carolyn blogs for a digital marketing agency and enjoys horseback riding and geocaching with her family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a mom to three young daughters, it’s her turn to carry on the tradition of telling stories, reading aloud, and making the every day magical.

Find the author on the following sites...

Website    Facebook    Twitter    Pinterest    Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

MY REVIEW

This is the prequel to "Return To Me" which explains how Audrey and Edward met and the background to their story.  They are parents of Sadie, the main protagonist in Menke's longer novel "Return to Me".

As a stand-alone story, it is quite brief but it is an enjoyable read nonetheless and whets the appetite for the sweeping romantic story of "Return To Me".  

Once again, Menke's eye for historical detail and her accurate period descriptions (this story is set in the 1920s) make the characters believable.  Whether it is the description of the clothes her characters wear, or the perfumes and music of the time, you feel that you are in the era she writes about.

Interestingly, Menke raises the issues of the struggle women still face to come to terms with what society expects of them and their own personal desires.

And, for Audrey, setting out to claim her independence has consequences that will echo down the years.

I enjoyed both "I'm Yours" and "Return to Me" but my recommendation would be that they are read together - which is, after all, what the author probably intended.  

Follow the book tour

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

Win a $20 Amazon.com GC / Paypal Cash
(winners choice)
Plus ebook to 3 runner ups
Open Worldwide

Ending on Sunday 31st January at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below and Good Luck !!
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Win £25 to spend at Adored.co.uk For Your Valentine

It's cold, wet and miserable outside but what better way to heat things up than by investing in something saucy for the bedroom?

Adored.co.uk is a new adult website dedicated to pleasure which stocks a wide range of adult toys, condoms, lubricants and lingerie to spice up the dullest day or night.

Lace Top Fishnet Stockings - £15.00

Think Fifty Shades of Grey - although I suspect some of us would rather think 'Poldark' or even 'War & Peace'.

Passion Haylin Chemise - £19.80

Adored offers a discrete packaging and billing service and delivery is free to all mainland UK addresses on all orders over £30.

Passion Miracle Chemise Pink - £23.00

I have got a cheeky £25 to give away to use on Adored's website on whatever tickles your fancy.

Just enter via the Rafflecopter widget.  UK entrants only and you must be over 18 to enter.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Monday 8th February 2016.  Terms and conditions are on my Competitions Page.

The prize will be given via a discount code emailed to the lucky winner.

Good luck.

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If you like this giveaway, please visit my Competitions page and share with your friends.  Just click the icons below this post.

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New software helps alert schools to cyber bullying, sexual abuse & radicalisation

Our children are spending increasing amounts of time online, particularly in school and, whilst we can protect our kids at home, it has crossed my mind on more than one occasion to wonder what they get up to whilst using the internet away from home.

Whilst we have signed internet 'policies' and permission forms to agree to this use at school, it's good to know that software is being developed to help schools and colleges with their duty to protect their students' online safety.

Located near Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, UK software developer NetSupport Ltd, has developed new technology that not only helps to keep students safe on the web by monitoring and restricting the scope of their internet use, but also provides them with an avenue to report any concerns they may have – in confidence – to a trusted member of staff.

And with children aged between 8 and 15 now spending more than twice as much time online at school and at home as they did a decade ago, there is now more of a need for this kind of protective measure than ever.

The software’s release supports the new Government proposals announced on 22nd December 2015 to strengthen the current Prevent duty legislation – obliging schools to introduce filtering technology and monitor pupils’ internet use more closely to safeguard and promote their welfare and prevent them “from being drawn into terrorism.”

Using advanced neurolinguistics technology, the product’s comprehensive keyword monitoring feature provides schools with an insight into what students are typing (both online and in programs such as Word) and draws on an extensive database of keywords and phrases covering the spectrum of safeguarding topics: from cyber bullying, sexual abuse, eating disorders and pornography to the potential for radicalisation.

This means staff can be alerted to activity by students who are potentially open to physical or emotional harm and allows them to take the appropriate action.

Ensuring students can report any anxieties they might have is key to an effective safeguarding policy. The new “Report a concern” feature of NetSupport DNA’s safeguarding module provides a simple and accessible way for students to initiate contact with trusted members of staff for help or guidance.

NetSupport has worked with internationally-operating organisation, the Internet Watch Foundation, to ensure the keywords supporting the technology are as comprehensive and relevant as possible. In addition, the company has collaborated closely with its local authority, Peterborough City Council, and school safeguarding leads, as well as conducting its own research with groups of students on the language that they use every day.

To learn more about NetSupport DNA,visit www.netsupportdna.com/education where product video tours, walk-throughs and a range of supporting resources are available.

Any advance in the technology needed to keep our children safe online is surely to be applauded and it will be interesting to see what level of adoption software such as this attracts - and what level of reporting is acted upon and shared with parents.

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Love's Got Wheels - Win A Skateboard

If you're looking for something a bit different to surprise your Valentine this year, I have an unusual and fun suggestion.

I was sent a fabulous Limitless Classic Retro Cruiser skateboard in pink and blue from Skates.co.uk to demonstrate my athletic prowess to the kids.

Whilst the board seems quite small to a novice skateboarder like me, it is incredibly sturdy.  The retro cruiser boards come in a huge range of colours and the technical information you need is as follows.

Deck:  22 x 6"
Truck: 3" high performance aluminium trucks
Wheels: 59x45mm PU wheels
Bearings: ABEC7 bearings
Max Load: 80kg

The board is certainly big enough to take a large adult (cough).  Here's the Husband demonstrating the point, although he's not a big fan of the pink / blue combo.  Caitlin is standing behind him laughing.

Obviously I would suggest full protective gear because as soon as Ieuan put one foot on it, he was flat on the floor!

I am threatening to follow the kids round Cosmeston Nature Reserve on my skateboard when the Husband next takes them out on their bikes.  They don't seem too convinced.

Skates.co.uk also have a great range of scooters, skates and Heelys.  There's free next day delivery and a Price Match Promise to boot (or skate).

Caitlin, about to show me how it's done apparently

If skateboards aren't your Valentine's thing, what about

Rio Pure Pink Roller Skates - £44.95

 SFR Camden Pink Inline Skates - £39.95 

 Grit Atom Pink Scooter - £64.95

If you would like to win the same skateboard I am demonstrating so masterfully, simply enter via the Rafflecopter below.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Monday 8th February. UK entrants only. Terms and conditions can be viewed on my competitions page.

Good luck!

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6 Signs Your Dating Buddy Isn't On Your Side

In my single dating years I used to go clubbing with a friend I'll call G.  On Saturdays we used to go into town and would usually end up in one of the spit and sawdust, sticky floored bars which was particularly popular at the time.

Does your 'dating buddy' actually stick around long enough to have a drink with you?!

This bar had the reputation of being the place where even Frankenstein would find a date. The drinks were watered down. The music was dire and the toilets should probably have been taped off by the Health & Safety Executive.

But it was cheap.  So cheap, in fact, that queues used to snake outside from about 11 pm onwards.

G was always keen to go out.  She was likeable and fun, but once inside the club, you wouldn't see her for dust.  Like a heat seeking missile, no DJ, bouncer or male under 40 was safe.

By the time I had checked my coat into the cloakroom, she would be gone.

In those days, there was no 'girl code' as such - no pre-agreed rules about sticking together.  No discussion about what to do if the other became a gooseberry.

But I got the feeling that I was there to make up the numbers and to give her the confidence to walk in the bar.

Having been left once too often to make my own way home at some ungodly hour, I called time on our Saturdays out.

Have you got a 'friend' like that?

If you're dating, you need a dating buddy who is on your side and, for the sake of your personal safety to agree what will happen if one of you meets someone and the other goes home alone.

Surely a good friend will want to make sure that you get home safely.

And wouldn't a true friend want you to have a good time too?

These signs should give you pause for thought if your dating buddy:-

- leaves you as soon as they get in the club
- flirts with someone you've expressed an interest in
- subtly makes fun of you or puts you down in front of others
- gets you to buy most of the drinks (funny how some people can never find their purse)
- leaves you to go home alone
- only phones you to arrange the next night out

When romantic relationships go wrong, it's often our friends who are there to pick up the pieces.

I'd suggest hanging out with people who value you and your friendship.

The acid test?  How does your dating buddy make you feel about yourself?

And what kind of friend are they when you're not hitting town?

People judge others, too, by the company they keep.

If your dating buddy treats you like this, I'd suggest they're not your buddy.

And they certainly won't help you to get a date.

Have you got friends like this?

If you like what you've read please share on Facebook or Twitter by clicking the icons below.  Thank you! 

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Win A Dozen Red Roses For Your Valentine

There is nothing like a dozen red roses to say "I love you" is there?  And I just such a prize to give away from Beards & Daisies - The Letterbox Florist guaranteed to melt the frostiest heart this Valentine's Day.

Beautiful Valentines Day Roses From Beards & Daisies - The Letterbox Florist

Using Beards & Daisies couldn't be easier.  You simply choose your flower box and select a delivery date. Their florist carefully packs your flowers and greetings card and the flowers are delivered straight to the recipient's doormat.

There are currently 6 boxes to choose from, each one named after a bird:- the Hummingbird, the Nightingale, the Wren, the Dove, the Firecrest or the Skylark. Each box has a different combination of flowers and colour themes.

You can choose from a one-off box or a three month gift subscription - which would be an ideal Mothers' Day gift too.  (This year Mothering Sunday falls on Sunday 6 March).

I was sent "The Hummingbird"  and this box is filled with Alstroemeria, Solidago, Wax Flower, Madiba and Hypericum.

The Hummingbird Arrangement 

Each box contains fresh, locally sourced flowers posted straight through your letterbox in a purpose designed, 2ft ventilated flower box. It’s as easy as receiving a letter and the flowers will be waiting on the recipients doormat when they get home!

This is how the flowers arrive.

The flowers are lovingly packed in premium gift wrapping, including an A6 ‘A Little Note to Say’ greeting card with a hand written message, perfect for any occasion.

The flowers are beautifully packaged.

Lovely additional touches to your flower box

As you can see, the box contains a card which explains which flowers you have received and, on the reverse, there are detailed instructions for both caring for, and arranging your flowers - a great help for those of us who tend to use the "plonk them in a vase" technique!

There is also a discount code to save 10% on your next order.

The Hummingbird box costs £25.99 for one box and £59.99 for a 3 month subscription (a saving of approx £18).

This includes free Royal Mail 1st class delivery in a ventilated box which fits through a standard letterbox.

Order by 4:00pm for free next day delivery.  Note that to ensure the freshest flowers, Beards & Daisies deliver Tuesday-Saturday. Flower boxes are delivered to mainland UK only. The recipient doesn't have to wait in, it's as easy as receiving a letter! Protective packaging ensures flowers are delivered in perfect condition. Signature gift wrapping is included with every flower box, together with a free A6 gift card 'A little note to say' with every flower box.

I found the flowers to be in great condition and they have added a lovely and much needed touch of spring to the house.  The quality of the Beards & Daisies box is excellent and would make a great gift.

Now, to my giveaway.

To win a beautiful dozen red roses for your Valentine (or to cheer yourself up!), just enter via the rafflecopter below.  Mainland UK entrants only.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 on Monday 8th February.  Terms and conditions, together with details of other Mother Distracted giveaways are on my Competitions page.

Note:  Beards & Daisies are only able to deliver to mainland UK. The winner will be required to respond with their details within 48 hours in order that their flowers can be received on Valentines Day.

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My Sunday Photo - 17/01/2016

Daddy & Daughter - A Special Bond

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Will You Be Blue This Blue Monday?

Monday 16th January is "Blue Monday" - no not a celebration of the now-classic song by New Order, but the day in the year when the combination of post-Christmas debt, dreadful weather and the lapse in our New Year's resolutions combine to make us reach a peak of misery.

There's a big difference between "black dog" and feeling a bit down.

The first bank holiday is weeks away. The approach of Valentines' Day is ramping up the pressure on singletons to find true love, whilst some married couples have thrown in the towel and are headed for the divorce courts.

The seasonal fun and frolics of Christmas seem a very distant memory indeed.

The concept of "Blue Monday" was apparently coined by a travel company some years ago to push us into booking our summer holidays.  Marketing has a lot to answer for doesn't it!  Even Santa's distinctive red robes were invented by Coca Cola.

Still, there is certainly some truth in the idea that having something like a holiday to look forward to is a great psychological tonic.

But, let's be honest shall we?

There's a huge difference between feeling a bit down and 'under the weather' and truly suffering from depression.

Most of us, if we stop and think about it, can very quickly come up with a list of blessings, things to be grateful for, things that help us to celebrate living.

We can even, usually, come up with a list of solutions to those problems.

Spent too much?  Talk to your bank manager about your overdraft. Consider consolidating your credit.  Cut back on unnecessary expenditure.

Feeling bloated and unfit? You know what to do, don't you?  Take more exercise, eat better. The old hoary chestnuts of advice stand the test of time, don't they?

Some of us suffer badly from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The lack of sunlight sends us spiraling into a winter depression.

The symptoms often begin in the autumn as the days start getting shorter and are typically most severe during December, January and February.

Symptoms may include a persistent low mood, irritability and feeling lethargic and sleepy during the day.  Sufferers may find themselves sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning.  They may also crave carbohydrates and gain weight

But there are things you can do about this, for example light therapy.  You can buy special light boxes which replicate the effect of sunlight on the body.  You can find more information about Seasonal Affective Disorder and light therapy on the SAD website.

The cure may obviously not be as simple or as instant as buying a light box. I am merely saying that, sometimes, if we take matters into our own hands, we feel better.  Having some control over our problems makes us feel more empowered.

Most of us can find a way to lift ourselves out of the 'Blue Monday Slump'.  A little time out for reflection may help.  Why not try mindful meditation?  Calming your inner voice may help you recognise what is making you feel so discontented.  It will certainly reduce your stress and improve your focus.

A long, hot, calming bath may also help perhaps with a herbal bath oil or a natural treatment such as Bach's Rescue Remedy.

An early night will help.  We are all guilty of TV channel surfing when we know we should be going to bed - or, my particular downfall, playing the 'odd' game of Candy Crush.  One hour's sleep before midnight is said to be worth two hours of sleep after midnight.  Lack of sleep has been proven to have very real consequences to our health and mental wellbeing.

Make sure too, that your bed is as comfortable as possible so that you get a good night's sleep.  If your mattress is over 8 years old, the advice is to change it, but this can be done quickly and at a reasonable cost by searching for mattresses online.

It is important to recognise though, that if you feel things are really getting on top of you, or that you just cannot cope no matter what simple adjustments you make to your lifestyle, then you should talk to your GP.

There are also many organisations you can talk to, day or night, who can help you.  You can find a list of some of them here.

So, if this Blue Monday you feel your outlook is less than sunny, take the opportunity to be a little bit kinder to yourself.

And a bit kinder to others.

We never know exactly what others are feeling.  But by offering a few kind words, everyone's day suddenly becomes a whole lot brighter.

And spring will be here before we know it.

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After School Activities For Kids - Have We Gone Too Far?

Back to school, back to reality.... and the merry-go-round of kids' clubs, after school activities, parties and play dates has started to gain momentum.

Caitlin & Ieuan

Currently, Ieuan has Tae Kwon-do on Wednesdays and Caitlin has ballet on Fridays and Saturdays. They both go swimming on Thursdays.

I find that I struggle to arrange play dates with their close friends because we're often fully booked up which seems, to me, to be entirely the wrong way around.

I'm not disputing the value of after school activities.  They are great for teaching our kids physical and social skills, helping them to make new friends and keeping them occupied in the 'arsenic hours' of 4-6 pm.

But leaving aside the cost of these activities, not only in terms of class fees, uniforms and insurance, there's also the time and cost of taxiing to and fro.

I know some kids who are so booked up that they are doing several activities on school nights. Already their parents are wearing that "how long till half term" expression and have their car keys permanently in their hand like a rookie get-away driver.

When does anyone find the time to do homework?  Or simply relax with the family?

I sometimes suspect that after school activities are a brilliant way to postpone the job of parenting which, for all of us, is sometimes stressful and pretty darn challenging.

Equally likely is that after school activities help occupy our kids whilst their parents are at work. Who has the luxury of leaving work at 4 pm?  Very few.

When I was young, I went swimming in our local pool occasionally and I had a ballet lesson (just the one), every Saturday morning.  My mother has never learned to drive so my sister and I had to go when dad could take us - which was weekends only.

Other activities had to be within walking distance such as our local Brownie pack.

Now, too, it seems that kids are pushed to be experts in whatever activity they undertake.

Perhaps I'm just a hopeless under-achiever.  After all,  I used to like playing Left Back in hockey only because my initials were on the bib (I was Linda Brooks in those days) and there was seldom any danger of coming into contact with the ball.  At least, the way I played.

What happened to doing an activity because you like it?

I think sometimes we push our children too much.

I asked Caitlin the other day whether she wanted to change her after school activities and her reply was very telling.

"Really", she said, "all I want to do is spend more time with my family".

How many other children are feeling the same way?

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Planning Tips For Your Next Family Camping Trip

A family camping trip can be the best way for your family to bond and strengthen relationships. But for that to happen, you first have to make sure that the whole thing goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some top family camping trips to help you out.

Make Sure the Tent is Fit for Purpose 

The tent is where you will be spending your time at night, and it’s where you’ll get shelter when the rain starts to fall. For that reason, you need to make sure that it is up to the task before you go on your trip. There’s nothing worse than getting to where you want to camp and finding that your old tent has a hole in the top. You should always put up the tent in the garden to test it before you leave.

Photo Source

Have a Plan to Keep Everyone Entertained 

Keeping the entire family entertained when you go away on a family camping trip is no small task. It’s not something that can be done unless you have a real plan in place. You can only manage to make the trip go smoothly if everyone is entertained; there’s nothing worse than bored children! Think about what you are going to fill your days with. And you can also prepare some small games and activities to keep them busy and distracted. It could save the trip from disaster.

Take Backup Clothes 

You never know what the weather or the environment is going to throw your way when you go on a camping trip. And your trip might be ruined if you run out of clean clothes after the first day! You should always take more clothes than you think you will need. It’s better to be safe than sorry. It’s also important to make sure that you have the right clothes for the climate and the environment. If it’s going to be muddy, make sure you take the right footwear. Having the wrong footwear can be disastrous.

Take An Ice Chest 

You’re going to want to keep your food and drinks cold when you get there. The only way to do this is to take an ice chest with you when you leave. You can find ice packs for coolers on the internet. This allows you to eat good food, and that’s not always easy when you are camping. You could even take some things that you and the kids can roast over the campfire. I’d recommend buying some marshmallows and toasting them over the fire. This is a great idea for anyone who wants to keep their kids entertained in the evening.

Clean Up As You Go 

When you’re spending time in a natural landscape, it’s important to treat the landscape with care and respect. That means cleaning up as you go along. To do this, make sure that you take bin bags that you can take with you when you leave. And cleaning up as you go along is the best way to do the job. That way, the campsite and your tent won’t become too messy and hard to keep under control. It will also mean that you don’t have to do too much cleaning up at the end.

*collaborative post

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Giveaway: £45 Off Your First FoodZube Online Shop At Tesco

There are loads of food sites which offer meal plans.  There are also lots of supermarkets who deliver.

What if there were a site that helps you to combine your meal planning with your shopping in one location and suggests suitable recipes into the bargain?

FoodZube is a very clever site that allows you to plan your meals according to your taste, budget and the time you have available.  (I'm guessing limited if you're a parent).

FoodZube helps you to organise your favourite recipes in one place, create meal plans and do your weekly shopping in one go, either on your PC or your mobile.

If you would like to try the service, FoodZube offers a free one month trial which doesn't require a credit card sign-up.

Once you have filled in your basic personal information, you will be asked about your preferences - the food you like, dietary requirements (e.g. gluten-free), any nutritional limits (for example protein or carb limits), the time you have and the number you are cooking for,

There is also an option to choose low budget recipes and a very handy 'up to 30 minutes' flag for when there's little time to cook.

You then have the option to add your own recipes, together with the date you intend to cook them so that you create a meal planner.

You can also import recipes from other websites to keep them in one handy location.

Or simply click on "Instant Organizer" which gives you a great list of recipes to choose from based on the requirements you have input on the preferences page.

For someone like me whose repertoire tends to revolve around a combination of pizza, spaghetti bolognese and fish fingers, this is a fabulous tool.

I actually find thinking what to have for tea more stressful than having to cook it.

Once you are happy with the recipes suggested, simply click on "Weekly Shopping" and FoodZube will create a shopping list for you.

It's easy to edit the ingredients you would like and you can also add other non food items to complete your weekly shop in one go.

Click "Buy Online" and you'll be asked to confirm which recipe ingredients you would like FoodZube to add to your shopping list.

Then, very cleverly, FoodZube does your shopping by filling your virtual basket for you to sort through, adding and removing items as necessary.

Currently the supermarket used is Tesco but I imagine there will be a wider choice in the near future.

From this point, all you have to do is check out in the usual way and wait for your shopping to be delivered.

You'll find you've saved quite a bit of time on your shop because you don't have to look for all the ingredients - and you might even save some money since I find when I'm searching it's very easy to add one or two extra treats to the virtual trolley!

You can even start your own food blog on FoodZube's site and connect with other FoodZube bloggers.  This is a service I have never seen offered by any other food-based website.

There are over 50 specialised designs from which to choose and dozens of recipe templates to give your blog a professional edge.

The FoodZube team will even set up your blog's Pinterest account and help you launch it!

FoodZube is free for the first month and costs £7.99 per month thereafter, which I think is incredibly good value.

And I have a fabulous giveaway of £45 off your first FoodZube shop at Tesco.com.

Please note that the winner must sign up to FoodZube in order to receive the prize.  This is free and you can cancel after one month.  No credit card details are required to sign up with FoodZube. The prize will be delivered from Tesco.com which will require an online account with them. Again, there is no charge to do this.

There is no cash prize. The winner will be required to send an email with their home address to FoodZube who will sort out their delivery for them.

Entrants must be over 18 and able to receive deliveries from Tesco.com.

Entry is via the Rafflecopter.  Terms and conditions apply.  UK entrants only.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Saturday 30th January 2016.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Further information about FoodZube is available at www.FoodZube.co.uk, on Twitter or Facebook.

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Review: December Degustabox - A Box Full of Foodie Treats

As you might remember from my last post, Degustabox is a monthly subscription food box service with each box containing between 9 and 14 products from well known and / or up-and-coming brands.

It's a fun way to discover new brands and to try food and drink products you may not otherwise discover or add to your supermarket trolley.  We all tend to buy the same things week in, week out, don't we?

 So what was in the December box?

The contents of the January Degustabox

Each box costs £12.99 including delivery and the value of the box contents is promised to be far greater than this, based on what you would expect to pay if you bought the items in the shops.

Once you have received your box, you are encouraged to review the products and let the brands know what you thought - whether you liked the item or not.

The December box contained, as per the previous boxes, a lovely mix of sweet and savoury treats. There is a selected list of products for each month published on the website but not everyone receives the same combination. The element of surprise adds to the fun.

Once again, there was a mixture of brands I already knew but quite a few I'd heard of but not got round to trying - which is really the point of Degustabox.

There were 10 products from January's selection and 1 from a selection which Degustabox call their "Db's Discoveries".

Degustabox's products of the month are Barilla Mediterranean Vegetables Sauce (£2.00) and Barilla Whole-Wheat Fusilli (£1.50).

Barilla Mediterranean Vegetable Sauce & Whole Wheat Fusilli

The theme of this month's box is "Healthy New Year" and these two items form a mainstay in lots of healthy tea-time suppers.  Pasta is so easy to feed to children.  Even Ieuan eats it!  Whole wheat is much better for us than white too, with one serving giving you 20% of your daily fibre needs.

Hip Pops Soya & Potato Snacks (£1.00 x 2)

Healthier than fried or baked snacks, these contain 50% less fat than standard potato crisps. They come in 6 flavours, 4 of which are gluten free.  The product contains less than 11% fat and is low in saturates.  I received the Barbecue and the Salt & Vinegar flavours. Hip Pops contain around 99 calories per 25g serving.

Hip Pops Soya & Potato Snacks

Betavivo Oat Cereal (£1.00 x 2)

Betavivo Oat Cereal

Betavivo is a crispy oat heart cereal which is proven to lower your cholesterol and blood glucose. One daily serving provides the 3g of beta-glucan from oats needed to reduce your blood cholesterol as well as helping to reduce the amount of blood glucose your body produces.

Nothing But Freeze Dried Fruit Slice Snacks (£1.69 x 2)

Nothing But Freeze Dried Fruit Slice Snacks

Nothing But is a healthy freeze dried fruit and vegetable snack with under 80 calories per bag.  Each packet also counts as 1 of your 5-a-day.  I had the yummy Pineapple & Grape and Strawberry & Banana varieties.

Fabulous Bakers Mango & Pineapple Bars (£1.80)

Fabulous Bakers Mango & Pineapple Bars

We are already big fans of Fabulous Bakers.  These snack bars are made with all natural ingredients and contain no 'nasties' or added sugar.  They are made with real fruit, slow release energy oats and are also high in fibre.

Koko Dairy Free Milk Alternative (£1.79)

Koko Dairy Free Original Milk Alternative

This is a unique alternative to cow's milk as it's made with freshly pressed coconut milk.  It contains fewer calories than skimmed milk, has 0% cholesterol and is 100% allergen free.  It tastes remarkably like cow's milk on breakfast cereals and doesn't curdle in your tea or coffee.

Crabbies Light (£1.49) & Red Square Toffee Mini Vodka (£1.99)

Crabbies Alcoholic Light Ginger Beer & Red Square Toffee Mini Vodka

Now I'm not entirely sure these two can be classed as 'healthy', especially given the new alcohol guidelines which cheerful state that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.  But, on the basis that a little of what you fancy must still surely do you some good, I'm prepare to suspend any disbelief.

Crabbies Alcoholic Light Ginger Beer has half the ginger of the original for a lighter taste and 2.8% vol per 330ml of the beverage.

Red Square Toffee Vodka is made with 7 times distilled and 100% pure vodka and Degustabox have helpfully given a recipe for a pick-me-up cocktail on the reverse of their information leaflet.  To make a "Crabbie's Toffee Mule", simply combine 25ml of Red Square Toffee with 330ml of Crabbies and add some ice.  Simples.

Complete Energy (£1.99), Drink Me Chai (free gift) & Happy Monkey Smoothies (£1.00)

Complete Energy, Drink Me Chai & Happy Monkey Smoothie

Complete Energy Bites (£1.99)

These are low calorie chocolates infused with caffeine.  In fact, 1 bite is the equivalent of a large premium coffee.  They provide an instant energy boost to help improve your alertness, endurance and physical energy.  The Husband has tried them as an energy boost on an early morning sprint from Cardiff to London and says they certainly do the trick.  Just be careful not to take too many - it is caffeine after all, and there's an advisory note on the box.

Happy Monkey Smoothies (£1.00) - DB Discovery

These smoothies have no added bits and give children 1 of their 5-a-day.  They come in 3 flavours, Strawberry & Banana, Orange & Mango and Apple & Blackcurrant.  They are made from 100% pure fruit and are free from sweeteners and preservatives.  They come in boxes of four and are ideal for lunchboxes.

Drink Me Chai (free gift)

Chai seems to be growing in popularity but I must confess I'm not a particular fan.  This one is spiced with a hint of clove and has only 42 calories per cup.  It's available to buy in Waitrose, Sainsbury and Ocado.

The total retail value of the box is £19.94, good value given the cost of the box was £12.99. If you like the excitement of a monthly present and enjoy trying out new brands, I think Degustabox is a great scheme. I'd place it firmly in the 'treat' category but the price is low enough to make it attractive. A Degustabox subscription would also make a great gift. You can cancel at any time, as long as you give them sufficient notice to stop next month's box.

Please note, though that Degustabox can only deliver to Mainland UK and not to Northern Ireland, the Scottish Highlands and Islands and you must be over 18 to order.

I also have a discount code for first time subscribers for a very generous £6 off your first box. Simply enter BLDEG15 at checkout.

Further information is available at the Degustabox UK website, or you can talk to them on Facebook or on Twitter.

Thanks for reading Mother Distracted. I really appreciate your support and I'd love it if you could share this post across social media. If you’re new to Mother Distracted, why not join me on the Mother Distracted Facebook page, tweet me on @lindahobbis or follow me on Instagram.

 *PR Samples were received for this post

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