londoninthecountryside
Funky Sandwich
What you will need:
Equipment:
1.) A plate
2.) A Butter knife
3.) A star cutter
4.) A bread knife
5.) A chopping board
INGREDIENTS:
1.) TWICE SLICES OF THICK BREAD
2.) SOME CUCUMBER SLICES
3.) 5G BUTTER OR MARGARINE
4.) 30G OF GRATED CHEDDAR CHEESE
5.) 3 CHERRY TOMATOES
6.) 2 SLICES OF ICEBERG LETTUCE
1.) GET A GROWN UP TO HELP YOU CUT TWO SLICES OF BREAD.
2.) SPREAD THE BUTTER OR MARGARINE ON BOTH SLICES OF THE BREAD.
3. ADD A LAYER OF GRATED CHEDDAR CHEESE TO ONE OF THE SLICES OF THE BREAD.
4.) CHOP THE CHERRY TOMATOES IN HALF.
5.) CHOP THE CUCUMBERS INTO SLICES
6.) PLACE A LAYER OF CUCUMBER ON TOP OF THE GRATED CHEESE.
7.) ADD A LAYER OF CHERRY TOMATOES TO THE SANDWICH.
8.) ADD A LAYER OF LETTUCE LEAFS TO THE SANDWICH.
9.) PLACE THE SECOND SLICE OF BREAD ON TOP OF THE LETTUCE TO CREATE A SANDWICH.
10.) CREATE THE STAR SANDWICH BY PLAYING THE STAR CUTTER INTO THE SANDWICH. YOU CAN DO THIS AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT TO CREATE MULTIPLE FUNKY SANDWICHES.
ENJOY!
Recipe by Hannah Crawford
Review: Natural History Museum
Whether you are a London resident or visiting the city, the National History Museum is a must go for kids no matter what their age is. It is one of the most visited museums in Britain and contains hundreds of supreme exhibitions. The Natural History Museum is absolutely free to visit, and there is great transport links to the impressive building.
I first visited this museum with my sister and my son, when he was only ten months old and we all absolutely loved it. Two years later I took him back and the magic is definitely still there. We arrived at lunch time and the queue was massive, although we were told that we would probably be waiting for an hour and a half to get in, the queue went down within twenty minutes or so.
The busiest area of the museum by far is the blue zone which contains the Dinosaur gallery. You can find yourself queuing for over an hour just to see the dinosaurs due to popular demand. My advice would be to get there early and to view the gallery immediately, or wait until later in the day when the queues have calmed down. During the school holidays, you can pre-book tickets which also improve your position in the queue.
Whether you or the children have a little or great interest in dinosaurs, it is definitely worth seeing. The model dinosaurs are a spectacular feature and will definitely capture any child’s imagination. The large mechanical T-Rex in the dinosaur gallery is absolutely remarkable and it looks extremely real. All of the children seemed mesmerized when they saw it, as did some of the adults. However be aware of the smaller mechanical dinosaurs on display, as soon as my little boy saw them he started moaning at me to take one home with us because they are so adorable!
There are a few interactive touch screen computers at the end of the dinosaur exhibition, which allow children to do some extra exploring. They can then print a ticket which contains a bar code, allowing the user to access their scrapbook online. It is a fantastic educational tool, full of fun facts, photographs, creative activities, games and quizzes. It would come in really useful for any homework projects.
Human biology is also in the blue zone and this was probably my favourite section. There are plenty of facts and figures, but also loads of interactive exhibitions which demonstrate how the brain and various organs in the human body work, and how babies are made. Visiting this museum can definitely help parents when it comes to having that awkward chat about the birds and the bees. Not only will it make the situation less embarrassing, it will also provide plenty of educational facts for you and your child. I personally had a lot of fun testing my memory, which wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.
The green zone has a really fascinating insects exhibition, which may leave you feeling itchy, but the kids really enjoyed it. Although I am not a fan of creepy crawlies in any sort of way, I did learn some really interesting facts and we did spend quite a bit of time in this area as the exhibition was great fun.
There are some sections of the museum that we missed out on completely such as the orange zone and the Darwin exhibition. Although we were there for four and a half hours we ran out of time, therefore I would strongly advice that anybody visiting the museum should dedicate a whole day there, to avoid any disappointment. The day can be so inexpensive, yet keep the whole family entertained for hours on end.
I am already planning my next trip to the museum with my son, so that we can go back and visit the areas that we sadly missed out on. Getting your children interested in museums from an early age can definitely help them in their education.
Overall I rate the Natural History Museum a whopping 5/5 and I would 100% recommend that you visit this place with your family.
CHEESEY TOMATO PIZZA BREAD
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
EQUIPMENT:
1.) AN APRON
2.) A BAKING TRAY
3.) A TABLESPOON
4.) A LARGE PLATE
5.) A TIN OPENER
6.) 3 SMALL BOWLS
7.) WEIGHING SCALES
6.) A KNIFE
INGREDIENTS:
1.) FRESH UNSLICED BREAD
2.) 1/2 TIN OF CHOPPED TOMATOES
3.) 1 SALAD TOMATO DICED
4.) 120G OF GRATED CHEDDAR CHEESE.
PREPARATION:
1.) WASH YOUR HANDS IN WARM SOAPY WATER.
2.) PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 180 DEGREES/ GAS MARK
METHOD:
1.) CUT YOU BREAD INTO TWO THICK SLICES
2.) PLACE YOUR TWO SLICES OF BREAD ONTO A LARGE PLATE.
3.) USING A TEASPOON, SPREAD A NICE THICK & EVEN LAYER OF TINNED TOMATOES TO EACH SLICE OF THE BREAD
4.) ADD A NICE THICK LAYER OF THE CHEDDAR CHEESE TO THE TOP OF THE TOMATO BREAD.
5.) SPRINKLE SOME OF THE DICED SALAD TOMATOES ON TOP OF THE CHEESE.
6.) PLACE BOTH SLICES OF THE BREAD ONTO A BAKING TRAY.
7.) PLACE THE BAKING TRAY INSIDE OF THE OVEN & COOK FOR 20 MINUTES, UNTIL THE PIZZA IS GOLDEN AND CRISPY.
8.) PLACE THE PIZZA BREAD ONTO A PLATE & SERVE.
ENJOY!
Recipe by Hannah Crawford
The King’s Coronation 2023 Teddy Bear
Original art work created and illustrated by Hannah Crawford subject to copyright.
Bourjois Palette Les Nudes
The Bourjois Palette Les Nudes is a perfect little cosmetic for your make-up bag. The palette is an ideal size with a variety of stunning colours that have an incredible staying power.
Frankly, I have never really been that big on eyeshadows; I am somebody who can take them or leave them. Quite often I don’t wear any eyeshadows at all. However, when I purchased this little beauty from Bourjois, I was stunned with how powerful the little eyeshadows actually are. Although the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes is a fair size, the colours themselves appear to be small. Therefore, I wasn’t too optimistic about the eyeshadows lasting me for a decent amount of time. It turns out that I couldn’t have been more wrong!
Firstly, because I am so impressed with the quality of the eyeshadows and the beautiful effect they have on my eyes, I have been wearing the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes almost every day since I purchased them, over seven months ago! After a full seven months’ worth of use, the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes is still going on strong in my make-up bag. The white eyeshadow, which I use the most has now almost entirely gone, followed by the bronze shade which has just under half left and the rest are still completely full.
The pigmentations of each of these colours are purely outstanding, and the durability is just as amazing. I usually apply the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes eyeshadows early in the morning, just before the school run and it literally lasts on my eyes for the entire day. Bourjois claim that the Palette Les Nudes eyeshadows last for up to 12 hours and I would have to agree with this statement. The eyeshadows barely even fade, if at all. After several hours of wear, the colours still look just as vibrant as they did when I put them on. Although I am talking about a typical casual day, so if your day is more physically active you may need to top the eyeshadows up again in the evening. Even when I have worn the eyeshadows in the bath or shower, they don’t slide off and smudge down my face as most eyeshadows do.
As a sleep deprived mummy, long gone are the days where I could get a full eight hours of sleep. Quite often I am lucky to get four or five good hours of sleep, and the crack of dawn wake ups are now an everyday thing. So I need all of the help I can get with my puffy eyes and enormous bags which have now become the norm. So I am so thankful as to how this little palette of gold can immediately glam up my eyes and have me looking like an ordinary woman once again, rather than a like zombie.
The Bourjois Palette Les Nudes has eight beautiful different shades in them, which allows you to create a variety of looks to wear during the day, night or to suit any occasion. The texture of the eyeshadows is so soft, and I believe this is the reason as to why they have lasted me for so long because you don’t need to use a lot of the eyeshadows on your face nor do you need to build up multiple layers. The eyeshadows blend really easy with just one simple brush and layer.
Since I have started wearing the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes a lot of people have asked me about and commented on the type of eyeshadows that I am wearing. I would definitely recommend these eyeshadows to anyone who wants to glam up their eyes, without looking over the top. I think the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes is perfect for any woman’s handbag.
If the nude collection isn’t for you, don’t worry because Bourjois also offer a Palette Les Smoky, which I imagine is just as fabulous as the Palette Les Nudes.
The Bourjois Palette Les Nudes box alone looks so adorable and chic. The box comes in a nice compact little shape, and there is a good size clear mirror inside. So if you want to take the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes out with you in your handbag, there is no need to take out a compact mirror as this already has one. Another unique thing about this product is how it opens and closes. It isn’t just an open and shut eyeshadow as most products are. Once opened, the mirror can swivel 360֯, and it also tilts at an angle which is perfect if you need to capture some good lighting. I really do love it!
Overall I can’t fault the Bourjois Palette Les Nude. In my eyes, I would have to say that the eyeshadows are worth the money and I am glad that I purchased them. Therefore, I rate the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes a glamourous 5/5 stars. Well done Bourjois you have converted me into loving eyeshadows. I will defiantly be purchasing this product again.
Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer
I first purchased the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer after I tired the product with a beautician in a Boots store at the beginning of the year. I can genuinely say before I had ever tried the Clarins Tinted Moisturizer I was quite sceptical when it came to trying and buying any tinted moisturizer products, this was due to bad experiences that I have had in the past. However, as soon as the Clarins Tinted Moisturizer was applied to my face I was immediately impressed by the quality of the product. The beautifying mineral pigments that it boasts, helped to even out my skin tone and left my skin looking fresh and radiant.
Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer really does leave you looking like you have a natural healthy glow. I am so impressed with this moisturizer that after over fifteen years of wearing foundation daily, I have now stopped and have instead started wearing the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer because I love how natural looking it is. This product has made a huge impact to my life, and it has changed how I feel about buying and wearing tinted moisturizers.
Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer has a SPF of 15, this makes wearing the moisturizer in the summer months easier and more suitable. I personally wouldn’t be happy with a SPF lower than 15 as I think this is the least that we should be applying in order to protect our face, especially when you are out in the hot sun. Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer have got the sun protection just right as it provides a threefold protection against UV rays. In addition to this it has 100% mineral protection together with pollution and free radicals. If you would like to apply a stronger a SPF to your face before you apply the Clarins Tinted Moisturizer it shouldn’t change the look, coverage or texture of the moisturizer on your face. This is a huge bonus, especially as this can be so difficult to achieve with foundations.
I think Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer is a great product for the summer time, especially if you are trying to build up a tan. The moisturizer isn’t cakey like most foundations; it also doesn’t leave any marks on your clothing which is also a plus factor. The moisturizer feels so light on your face; it literally feels like you are not wearing anything at all.
Some tinted moisturizers can leave your face feeling greasy and oily, and after a few hours of wear they can begin to feel like they are sliding off of your face. Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer doesn’t leave your face feeling like this. From the very start of applying the moisturizer, it leaves your face feeling comfortable, soft, light and velvety, even after hours’ worth of wear.
Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer contains a natural ingredient called, Katafray. Katafray is a native tree found across Madagascar. Its essential oils are renowned for its fortifying and soothing actions. It is anti-inflammatory and possesses analgesic actions as well as being a relaxant tonic. Katafray has traditionally been used to ease redness and itching of the skin, including eczema. It is also habitually used in face mask products, as it is believed to help with fine lines and wrinkles.
If you are wanting to go for a more natural look, then I would strongly recommend that you try Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer. The moisturizer has a hint of colour that provides you with a very light and natural looking coverage. There are seven different shades of Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer to choose from. A beautician picked the correct shade for me as I was trailing the product in store. If you would also prefer this option you can pop along into any department store such as Boots or Debenhams and ask the Clarins concession stand for a free trial, they will be more than happy to help you out.
Moreover, the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer also lasts for a good amount of time. I have started wear this moisturizer almost every day, from the moment that I first purchased the product, and I still have a fair amount left in the bottle. This means that so far the moisturizer has already lasted me for nine whole weeks and the bottle is far from empty. This is probably due to the fact that you don’t need to apply a large amount of the moisturizer to your face, nor do you need to add multiple layers. Just one small layer will give you a full face of coverage and it lasts for hours. The tinted moisturizer doesn’t last as long as some foundations do, and I personally find that after eight hours of wear I need to top the moisturizer up and add a fresh layer to my face in order to brighten it up. Really, there probably isn’t no need for me to do this, it is just a bit of a habit. I also choose to wear a thin layer of powder over the top of the moisturizer. Once more, there probably is no need for me to do this, however it makes me feel more comfortable and less naked, after all I am used to wearing foundation every day for the past decade. I do think that a light powder over the top of the moisturizer just gives you’re face that perfect finish.
One of the negatives points that I have noticed with the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer is that it isn’t strong enough to cover or hide the bags underneath my eyes. Therefore, if you have just had a baby or have a toddler that still wakes you up in the middle of the night, you may need to get some extra help and purchase some additional products to help conceal the bags. I have been using a light concealer underneath my eyes before apply the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer to my face, which seems to do the trick in brightening my eyes up. Also, if you have a lot of blemishes or scaring on your face, this coverage probably wouldn’t be strong enough to mask them. I would say that this is the only major downfall of the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer. Albeit, it is still only a moisturizer and not a foundation.
In conclusion, I am extremely impressed with the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer, and it has most definitely won me over. It is a product that I will be purchasing again in the near future. So the main question is, is the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer worth the money? Yes, I would have to say that it is, and I am very pleased that I purchased this product as it has done me proud and been worth every last penny.
Unfortunately, the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer isn’t perfect, the coverage doesn’t last for as long as I would hope for and I feel the hint of colour could be increased just a little bit. Despite all of this I am extremely pleased with the product and will continue to wear it daily. Overall I rate the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer a brilliant 4/5 stars. Well done Clarins for converting me!
Hospital Bag
There is no precise time that you should pack your hospital bag for, however it is a good idea to have one packed by weeks 34/35. Some women decide to pack their hospital bags much earlier on, it is completely your choice. What exactly you pack inside of your hospital bag is entirely up to you but there are a few essentials that you should pack inside the bag that you will need for both you and your new-born baby.
Although there are companies who provide pre-made up hospital bags, and brands who sell hospital bags targeted purely at pregnant women you do not have to buy any of these products. A normal holdall, cabin bag, or even a small suitcase will do just fine.
For you:
Dressing gown
Slippers
Towel
Maternity pads – around 24
Breast pads
Paper/disposable knickers
Comfortable clothes for going home in.
A night gown that you don’t mind getting ruined or a large baggy T-shirt.
Copy of your birth plan.
Underwear (You don’t know how long you will be in the hospital for).
Non-wire/nursing bras if breastfeeding.
Hairbrush
Toiletries and make up (for photographs) including toothbrush.
Comfortable shoes
Thick, warm socks
High energy snacks
Fruit drinks
Magazines/crossword/books
Camera
Small change
Music
Tens machine
Massage oils
Front opening tops or loose fitting tops if you’re planning on breastfeeding.
For your baby:
Nappies – Newborn size
Cotton wool balls
Baby wipes
Baby blanket
Baby towel
Sleepsuits
Baby vests
Hats
Bibs
Mittens
Pair of socks or some booties
Muslin squares
An outfit for the trip home
Jacket or snowsuit
Once you have packed your hospital you should keep it somewhere that is easy to remember such s in the hallway, side of your bed or in the car ready for your trip to the hospital.
