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Monday, 6 June 2016

Michelin Star BBQ Cleaning Tips From Steve Smith @Bohemia Jersey

Michelin Star Chef Steve Smith at the Bohemia Restaurant in Jersey is on a mission to get us all barbecuing safely and cleanly.  (You can find his tips on barbecuing food safely here.)

As it was such a beautiful day yesterday, we cranked up our barbecue, fondly known as "Deep Thought" (due to its resemblance to the Hitchhikers' Guide To The Galaxy Supercomputer when wearing its cover) and The Husband treated us to some lovely chicken kebabs.


I'm sure everyone has much the same conversation after using their barbecue.  "Shall we clean it now?", "um, no let's wait for it to cool down"...... and then many many hours may pass.

This means, of course, that the next time you want to use it, you have to spend 45 minutes cleaning the darn thing first.



I don't need to remind you that it is important to clean your BBQ regularly to prevent food poisoning and to prolong the life of the BBQ, do I?

To make this joyous task a little easier, here are Steve's tips.

Preheat the Grill

Clean the grill just after preheating it, this way the grease and food will scrape off easily.

Grab an Onion

To remove all of the grit, place a half cut onion on the end of a fork and rub onto a hot grill.

Prevent rusting

Clean your grill with soapy water after cooking, then rinse and dry immediately and rub vegetable oil across the grill to prevent rust.

Don’t throw water

If you are using a charcoal grill, then do not throw cold water over the coals after cooking as this will create a mess!

Crack open a Beer

Pour half a bottle of beer over a heated BBQ then rub with newspaper for a clean grill. Then you enjoy the rest of the beer for yourself!  (I'm assuming wearing protective gloves -for the cleaning not the beer drinking!)

Steve Smith - Head Chef @Bohemia, Jersey
Create a Paste

Mix baking soda and water to make a paste then cover the grill in it with a wire brush. Let it dry for 15 minutes then wipe the grill with a dry cloth and place it over the hot coals for 15 minutes to burn off any remains before cooking the food.

And, as ever, keep children and pets well away.

Have you any cleaning shortcuts you can share?

Bohemia Bar & Restaurant is the only restaurant in the Channel Islands to be listed in The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants. Visit www.bohemiajersey.com for more information.
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Win Gorgeous Fair Trade Toys From The Sambhali Trust in Jodhpur, India

If you are looking for an ethically produced, beautifully made soft toy then I have just the thing for you.

Take a look at these gorgeous toys made by the women of  The Sambhali Trust, in Jodhpur, India.


The Sambhali Trust is a non-profit charitable organisation based in Jodhpur, whose focus is the development and empowerment of women and girls in Rajasthan.


The Trust provides underprivileged Rajasthani women and girls with an education in English, Hindi and Maths, as well as training in vocational and social skills, to support them in developing confidence and self-esteem, and help them work towards financial independence.


Since 2007, they have been working with women and children from all communities in Jodhpur and the rural Thar desert area surrounding Setrawa, who experience discrimination on a daily basis because of their low status in class, caste and gender. These women are greatly suppressed due to the patriarchal nature of their society and have little or no access to education. They are denied the right to choose their husband and often face a high level of verbal, physical and sexual abuse within their family circle and community.

The Sambhali Boutique, located in the centre of Jodhpur, provides an outlet for the clothes, accessories and handicraft items produced by the women in our Sambhali Graduates’ Sewing Centre, where rigorous quality control procedures ensure that every item produced in the Sewing Centre is made to the highest standard.

Their merchandise includes a variety of Indian and Western-style garments, silk and cotton camels and elephants, block-printed scarves and curtains, a selection of shoulder bags, and many other items, each one handmade and unique in their own special way. As the Sambhali Trust is a non-profit organisation, so any profit accrued from the sales of items through the Boutique, after paying for raw materials, wages, and shop overheads, go directly back into the organisation supporting its many projects, helping to make the organisation self-sustainable.

Baloo The Bear - £10 each
You can buy these lovely Fairtrade toys from Postcardshome.co.uk, an online business selling quality home decor and gifts inspired by travel. Their team, based in North London, work with designers and illustrators across the world to breathe new life into traditional design aesthetics and methods and they love to promote products which take them back to their favourite places.

Wedding Horses - £15 each
Now to the giveaway.

I have one main prize of one of the Wedding Horses (above) and three runner up prizes of a Baloo The Bear.  Both toys are 30 cm tall so they are sizeable toys.

Entry is via the Rafflecopter in the usual way.  Terms and conditions apply and UK entrants only.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Friday 24th June 2016.

Please note:  Sambhali toys are handmade and do not use any hazardous parts or materials. The dyes used are organic and Global Organic Textile Standard certified.

The Wedding Horse has detailing that is not safe for younger children to play with.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck.
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Sunday, 5 June 2016

My Sunday Photo - 05/06/2016

It's been an absolutely beautiful day today. So much so that The Husband cranked up "Deep Thought" our barbecue (so called because he resembles the supercomputer from The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy when he's got his cover on).

Tea outdoors - a rare phenomenon in Dinas Powys
Despite the fact that we had 40 minute battle to get Ieuan to ingest some vegetables on the rather yummy chicken and vegetable kebabs The Husband knocked up, we spent a lovely hour or so in relative peace and quiet with just birdsong for company.

Let's hope summer lasts a bit longer than a couple of days this year.
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Saturday, 4 June 2016

When Anti Ageing Products Just Don't Do It - Time For Non Surgical Cosmetic Treatments?

Beauty buffs everywhere are fully aware that the price of premium brand skin products can make your eyes water - not only in terms of the cost but, frequently, in terms of the claims made - few of which seem to be backed up with cast-iron proof in the form of quantifiable data. The survey sample sizes always seem to be ridiculously low, don't they?  For example 90% of 30 women tested said our product made their skin glow!

As a marketer, I understand how market research works of course, but that doesn't stop me wanting MUCH bigger sample sizes to validate some of these claims.


Two women sunbathing on a beach
Too much sun can play havoc with our skin in later life
Once you're over 50 and either approaching menopause or in the middle of its clutches, there comes a time when you look in the mirror and think "you know this cream / serum just isn't making any difference".

The last one I tried "Creme de la Mer" left me decidedly unimpressed.  It's a really heavy, sticky cream that has to be warmed between your fingers before applying.  I have found Astral or Nivea to be just as good for a fraction of the price.

Luckily I smoked only briefly in my twenties and was able to give up more or less instantly because I was so terrified of what it was doing to my body.  I remember reading that for every cigarette you smoke you can knock approximately 5 minutes off your life - or something like that. 

And I've never been a big sun worshipper because, being a natural redhead, I found I burned to a crisp very easily and couldn't stand the heat.  

I think it's true that you can spot the face of someone who has indulged in too many ciggies and sun sessions because their face tells the tale.  I was horrified to hear on Channel 5's recent programme -  "Tantastic - Fifty Shades of Orange" that over 2000 people die of skin cancer in the UK each year alone.

Heavy smokers tend to sport those nostril to lip vertical liplines which I think are incredibly ageing and that's without the extra depth the habit gives to the wrinkles you develop anyway.

I do currently suffer from very dry skin and have some flaky patches around my mouth but I figure this is down to my age.

My one bad habit is a frequent glass of red wine and, as we know, alcohol can be incredibly dehydrating and bad for your skin.

I could certainly do with a freshening up and if I was brave enough to consider cosmetic surgery I would get my eyes done.  

Today, though, there is a range of non-surgical treatments which offer the chance to improve your looks without the risks of surgery, and consequently at a more reasonable cost.

These treatments include:-

Anti-wrinkle injections

This is probably the best known and most popular non-surgical treatment, otherwise known as Botox®. It is a natural purified protein produced by Clostridium Botulinum Bacterium which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause lines to form over time. It works by temporarily reducing the contractions of those muscles that can cause permanent lines to create a smoothed, rejuvenated appearance.

Chemical Skin Peels

Surprisingly, skin peels have been in use for over 60 years for therapeutic skincare and dermatology because they are effective for a wide variety of conditions.

Today's peels, such as the NeoStrata®, are formulated with Alpha-hydroxyacids (AHAs), Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) and Bionic PHAs, which have been clinically proven to improve the visible signs of aging.

A chemical peel can help to reduce the visible signs of aging on more mature skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, discolouration and blemishes to give the skin a fresher, more youthful look.

They can also be of great benefit for younger skins as they help to treat acne.

Two sets of lips - non surgical cosmetic treatments - motherdistracted.co.uk
We all want to keep the plump pout we had in our youth!
Dermal Fillers

Most of us have heard of Juvéderm®, which is a range of hyaluronic acid based, anti-ageing injectable products. 

Hyaluronic acid has amazing, long-lasting hydration properties as it can absorb and retain more than 1,000 times its own weight in water. The makers of Juvéderm®, Allergan, have extended the range to include a selection of specialist formulations to suit different needs such as hydrating, filling and smoothing.

The original product, Juvéderm® ULTRA is a non surgical dermal filler used for filling fine lines and smoothing wrinkles, for a soft, natural look. It contains 0.3% Lidocaine, a local anaesthetic to make the injections as gentle as possible. 

There is also Juvéderm® Ultra Smile, an injectable, hyaluronic acid  filler which has been specifically formulated for the lips to provide plumpness and volume.  It also works to smooth fine lines and enhance the mouth area as a whole. As the lip area is delicate and sensitive, it is formulated to contain added local anaesthetic which makes the treatment as comfortable as possible.  

I think the most important thing when considering non-surgical cosmetic treatments is to find a provider with a good track record and excellent pre- and after-care such as The Hospital Group.

It is important to find a provider with fully qualified professional staff who will ensure the treatments you are considering are right for you and who will take the time to explain the procedure and what will happen during, and afterwards.

For me, non-surgical treatments are certainly something I may consider in the future.  I'm not brave enough to go for full cosmetic surgery and I certainly would not want to risk 'cosmetic surgery tourism' , where saving a few hundred pounds may involve a much higher level of risk than undergoing such procedures in a fully vetted and well maintained cosmetic surgery provider in the UK.

Prices start at around £150 per Botox Syringe® and around £200 per Juvéderm® Syringe.  Your provider will tell you how many syringes you will need.  

Just make sure that you are having treatment for you.  Anything that safely boosts your self confidence is worth the investment I think.

*collaborative post
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Friday, 3 June 2016

Affordable Summer Style From JD Williams

JD Williams is a brand I have come to know through its advertising campaign featuring Lorraine Kelly. Lorraine has become a fabulous ambassador for women in my age group (50+) and I love her positive energy and refusal to be pigeon holed as any kind of frump just because she's the other side of 50.

It's great these days to see a vanguard of sassy older women who are making the Fashion Industry sit up and take notice - I often cite Dame Helen Mirren as one of my favourites but there's also Julianne Moore, Susan Sarandon, Diane Keaton, Michelle Obama, Christie Brinkley and Jane Seymour - to name but a few.  In fact I can't remember a time when the sexiness of the over 50 woman was celebrated with so much fervour.

It's even better to see that brands are joining in this positive movement to celebrate those of us who are no longer ingenues but who are in many cases absolute power houses of energy, confidence and knowledge. We are also the ones with the most disposable income so we are certainly worth listening to!

JD Williams is certainly one of these brands and I was recently invited to try one of their maxi dresses (you know me, just can't resist a maxi dress).  I was keen to see if they lived up to their reputation as a brand that has risen from out of the ether to be a major online shopping destination.

I was sent the Waterfall Bead Neck Maxi dress - £50 in a cobalt blue (it also comes in cerise) to try and when I tried it on it reminded me of the good old days of Marks & Spencer when the quality was always there and could be relied on consistently.


The dress, a size 12, was a perfect fit and was lined.  The embellished collar contained beading that was securely sewn on (nothing worse than beading where one or two have come loose and spoil the entire effect) and the length of the dress was just right - skimming the ground without trailing on the floor.


This meant that it could be worn with flat shoes rather than having to find some vertiginous strappy sandals which, these days would mean the Husband having to escort me down the drive in case I take a tumble.

JD Williams has a wide variety of maxi dresses and there are a number of differing brands under its main brand umbrella spanning not only fashion (Simply Be, Joe Browns, Lorraine Kelly) but home & garden (Silentnight, Denby, Yankee Candle) and electricals (Vax, Panasonic, Samsung).

I particularly love this Palm Print Lace-Up Back Column Maxi (£35), available in sizes 10 - 32.

Palm Print Maxi
or how about this one - the Joanna Hope Print Jersey Maxi Dress - £55.

Joanne Hope Print Maxi Dress

I'd also like to try this one from Lorraine's own range - the Lorraine Kelly Floral Scuba Midi Dress - £50.

Lorraine Kelly Floral Scuba Midi Dress
JD Williams offer free next day delivery and a personal account where you can spread the cost of your purchases and at the moment there's 30% off over 200 dresses.  Definitely worth a look.

This is one instance where the advertising promises definitely deliver and I'm really looking forward to their AW16 collection.

*I was gifted the Waterfall Maxi Dress for the purposes of this review.
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Win A Father's Day Print From Photofairytales - 5 to give away

It's really difficult to know what to get your dad for Father's Day isn't it - particularly since most dads have everything they want already.

Every year, without fail, my dad claims he doesn't want anything and "don't you dare go to any trouble" whereas we all know the emotional fall-out which would ensue if anyone forgot.


The Husband on the other hand has no such qualms about being treated to something nice from Caitlin and Ieuan which doesn't cost him anything (for a change) and which doesn't involve at least an hour of arduous physical activity.

Here's a lovely idea from www.photofairytales.co.uk - a print that says everything your kids want to say to their dad (or their grandad).  I know lots of dads say they aren't too keen on 'mushiness', but really they're soppier than a puppy at heart!

Ieuan Hobbis as a robot - motherdistracted.co.uk
Ieuan has his dad to thank for this cunning robot disguise
PhotoFairytales specialises in unique and unusual, handmade, personalised presents with the added bonus of free UK delivery.

Owner Sarah Thexton has been running her online gift shop from her family home in Norfolk since 2009. She supplies a wide range of gifts suitable for any occasion, including weddings, babies, teachers' gifts and gifts for all the family - including gift vouchers.

The Father's Day Personalised Print costs £14.50 including 1st class delivery and can be personalised for either Dad or Grandad - ideal for Christmas or birthday presents too.

The prints are dispatched within 3-5 working days and are available in a choice of colours.  Mine was supplied in blue / grey and you can add one line of personalised text.

The overall size of the mount is 10" x 8" and will fit into any standard 10" x 8" picture frame.  Note:  photo frame is not supplied.

Caitlin Hobbis dressed as a soldier
And Caitlin has her dad to thank for hours of waiting whilst she practises ballet
Your chosen print artwork will be created to order and printed onto very high quality, 240gsm gloss finish paper stock. It will be posted with a backing board and smooth white finish bevel cut mount, and sealed in a protective crystal clear presentation sleeve.

You might also want to check out Sarah's blog where you'll find more information about Sarah's work plus competitions, discounts and giveaways.

Mother Distracted readers can take advantage of a special discount code which gives 10% off across the site.  The code is ‘MOTHERD10’and it is valid until 31.7.16.

And, Sarah has kindly given me 5 Father's Day prints to giveaway (can also be personalised to say Grandad).

Entry is via the Rafflecopter below.  The usual Terms & Conditions apply and the giveaway is open to UK entrants only.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Friday 10th June and in order to receive your print in time for Father's Day, winners must supply their details no later than Sunday 12th June.

The winners will then receive a special order code and details of how to claim their prize first thing on Monday 13th June which will give 3 days to order in time for Father's Day.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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New Releases, Free & Bargain Books Link-up 3 June 2016



How are you all this week?  Wasn't last weekend beautiful?  I had a fabulous birthday made all the more enjoyable by a visit from my sister Sarah and her partner Anil.

The Husband gave me Hemsley + Hemsley's "The Art Of Eating Well" and I am now tasked with actually doing some cooking.  The whole family are a bit nervous.

I didn't get around to making a birthday cake this year which feels a bit odd so I will have to make something chocolatey this weekend.

The Husband has also given me a couple of books to help me get organised enough to do some more creative writing so perhaps one day, you may find one of my novels on this linky.

A girl can dream.

Here's the fab books on offer this week.

Sharing the Love of Books
Enjoy our selection of New Releases / Free & Bargain Books this week

Click HERE for this week's awesome selection.

Authors please feel free to add your own books
Readers please free to add your own finds
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...
Monday
 Life as Leels | IrishdaisylovesRomance | Book Babble | All Romance Reader
Tuesday
It's My Side of Life | Celticlady's Reviews | First Time Mommy Adventures | Bound 2 Escape
Wednesday
Beck Valley BooksA Library of Reviews | Cinnamon Hollow Reviews
Thursday
Miki's Hope | Taking Time for Mommy | Nicki's Nook
Friday
Ebook Addicts | I Love Romance | A Bit Bookish | Mother Distracted | Colorimetry
Saturday
Totally Addicted to Reading | 3 Partners in Shopping | Angie's Angle I Creat Purty Thangs | Wishful Endings
Sunday
Lynchburg Mama | LibriAmoriMieiAli - The Dragon Slayer | Wondermom WannabeMy Bizzy World |  Deal Sharing Aunt 


For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author
For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author
For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 
For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Click HERE for this week's awesome selection.

And don't forget you can always add some of your own!
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