Out {of office}

It's been such a busy week at work and at home and I am ever so pleased it's Friday... double pleased that I could turn on my Out of Office at work...

Monday started off at 5.30am when the littlest's black out blind slipped off the window {I'm not moaning in the slightest about the beautiful sunlight that was streaming in}... so that was a long day.

Tuesday I had a Quarterly Property Management in Edinburgh which had taken a whole lot of preparation but we picked up some Krispy Kreme on the way and arrived to bacon rolls for breakfast and pizza at lunch time... turned out a good meeting after all.  Another long day after travelling back and forth to Glasgow then to Edinburgh then back to Glasgow then picking up my girls then back home {I stay somewhere between Glasgow and Edinburgh}

Wednesday after work this happened... some lovely sunshine!

The girl loves to chalk

...and bubbles

...and smiles

Thursday was the start of the interview process for recruiting an assistant for me, does anyone enjoy interviews or interviewing? Previously I would have answered No to that but it really was a good day. We've chosen our short listed candidates and the one to one interviews will take place early May.  Really looking forward to the successful person starting!

Today... that last day of work before annual leave when you have so much to do and you have meetings most of the day. That resulted in me not leaving my desk until near 6pm but my out of office is active and we've now packed our suitcases... Yes we're off on holiday on Sunday morning, just a short 5 day break in the sun... ah... and relax!

I'm hoping to schedule some posts for during the week, if I have time. I always go internet free when on holiday abroad... so that it really is a holiday.  

So, until I return have a lovely week!

A x

{late} Meal Planning

It must be bed time right?

What a busy day.  We were woken up at 5.30am with the littlest thinking it was wake up time... the black out blind had slipped off the window! Someone (who I am married too) hadn't secured it properly.... so when the sun came up baby woke!  She came into our bed and I expected her to drop off back to sleep but no... she did lay down and play with teddies for about an hour but I obviously was also awake from the crack of dawn.  The rest of the day is a blur, a morning shift at work, rush home to make lunch, write shopping list then back out to pick up middle child, rush to shops and back home to make dinner... I've not long sat down and my eyes are heavy!

My meal plan for this week is total rubbish but in my defence we are using up (or trying to) what's in the fridge / freezer as we go on holiday next week... so here it is:

Monday: homemade herb wedges and chilli and pasta bake (chicken and fries for fussy boy child)

Tuesday: stew, sausage and veg casserole with mashed turip

Wednesday: still to decide

Thursday: spaghetti meatballs (for Hubber, Baby and I), BLT baguettes (for older kiddos)

Friday: chicken and fries (middle child), fish and chips (fussy boy child), pizza pasta (for Hubber, Baby and I)

Saturday: something with chicken in slow cooker

Sunday: HOLIDAY (big kiddos home alone, I can imagine their menu next week will be trying out each take away place)

Don't forget to link up with Mrs M and showcase your meal plan (It's sure got to be better than mine)

I am and have been {smitten}

It's been a terrible few days as we have been 'smitten' with the dreaded Norovius!  I won't dwell on that subject though as we're on the mend, thankfully (as long I don't do too much too quickly!)

I'm linking up with Glasgow Mummy's Smitten Saturday  (who's also had some sickness in her house this week, but what a lovely post again from her and well done to her little boy... I'll be starting the same task soon with my littlest)

This Saturday I am smitten with all things handmade!  At Christmas time I joined in with #bloggersecretsanta and I received a gorgeous necklace from Sweet Trash (@ahjuicyfruit on Twitter), I was over the moon with my gift, it was perfect for me... my obvious love for apples and I love scrabble!  Every single time I wear it someone asks about it and I get loads of compliments!  I love it!  Sweet Trash has an etsy shop right now I am totally loving the clouds and anchors available, so cute!

One of my #PostCircle friends send me this adorable apple broach... she is in the process of setting up her etsy shop, which will be found here:  Tilly Teacups I cannot wait until the shop opens to see some more cute designs.

I also received these gorgeous craft fish from another #PostCircle friend... now I wonder if she has an online shop...

Some of my favourite shops on etsy are:

Miss Beatrix  I adore the feather buttons, I think I'll be ordering them today as I notice there is only one set left! ...and I just bought them! Woo!

Claireabellemakes I've just found this shop via a link on Twitter and I love the Cath Kidston ring!

The Dusty Attic Shop I adore the cute ladybug.

Do you love handmade?  Do you have an etsy / online shop.. please let me know so I can check it out!

I hope you join in with Smitten Saturday and don't forget to check out Glasgow Mummy's post too

Exciting Times

There has been a lot going on today, all very exciting.

First there's the small matter of this www.anneeapple.com a lovely surprise from my Husband!  I have wanted the domain for a very long time but it's just recently become available and now it's mine.

As if that wasn't enough exciting news for the one day, I woke up to read this very lovely blog post by Miss Beatrix.

You'll all know {unless you've been on your holidays for over a month} that I joined up with Miss Beatrix's #PostCircle and I am loving being part of it. I've had some gorgeous mail and little gifts sent through the post, there is something wonderful about snail mail. I've been on the hunt for some stationery and it was / is a hard task to find something that I liked, if you've ever looked online for stationery you'll understand what I mean. I even scoured local shops for some nice writing paper and envelopes and no joy! So I made my own!

I started off designing some envelopes which ended up rather complicated and fiddly so I scrapped that and focused on some writing paper designs. A few late nights and about 30 designs later I am kicking off my range with 'Tea Time', 'Yelo' and 'Grey Heart' {I might change the names as I develop the range}. I've also designed some lettergrams.  I love lettergrams, I used to buy these from the post office when I was little and I wrote to my pen friend in Australia, they were so convenient to use especially when I was writing abroad. I just knew I had to design some lettergrams as to me they are a symbol of snail mail.

I'm in the process of setting up my etsy shop  {you can come over just now and follow me there so you don't miss out on the launch} and I plan to offer sets of writing paper, personalised writing paper and also lettergrams. I have lots of other little things swimming about in my head too and I have also now mastered the envelope making {with a totally new design}, so there could be some handmade envelopes available too!

To celebrate the launch of my new etsy shop there will be a giveaway on my blog, right now I'm in the process of designing and organising the goodies for the giveaway.  I'm off on my jollidays next weekend {some lovely time in the sunshine} so when I come back it will be all systems go!

You can follow this blog using the link on the right {via bloglovin or you can follow by google connect or email} so that you don't miss out.  I'm also on Twitter and Facebook come over and say hello!

Thank you to you lovely people who are already supporting me and encouraging my new venture and a big thank you to Miss Beatrix for her lovely blog post and most importantly for setting up #PostCircle as without it none of this would be possible and let's not forget all the new friends I have made recently... hello to you all!

Ax

Let's eat! {Meal Planning Monday}

It's Meal Planning Monday again and I'm linking up with Mrs M (click the image to join in too).

Last week was quite a busy week and it's weeks like that I'm glad I spend the time on Sunday meal planning, writing a shopping list and shopping. Meals in our house can be quite a task to organise, there's 5 of us... 1 quite fussy and 1 a bit fussier than the quite fussy one, so trying to please everyone is a challenge!  

There's probably only a handful of meals that we all eat together and sometimes I can be cooking 3 different meals (after a full days work). But meal planning is definitely helping that mind numbing task (of deciding each day what to cook for dinner) as I can schedule the meals we can all eat when we're all at home. AND we will be saving money too as I am planning meals around what we've got left in the fridge / freezer too.

So without further ado, here's this week's meal plan:

Monday - BLT baguettes

Tuesday - Cottage Pie (from freezer, homemade from a few weeks ago)

Wednesday - Sausage, mash (or fries), beans 

Thursday - Take away 

Friday - not sure yet...

Saturday - Steak Pie (for kiddos as we're out for dinner)

Sunday - Slow cooker meal... not decided which one yet, might try something new

There you have it, hope you link up as reading other people's meal plans can often inspire new dishes to try out the following week.

Enjoy your day!

Smitten Saturday {Mia Tui}

I'm joining Glasgow Mummy for Smitten Saturday (you can click the button above to visit her lovely blog and find out more), basically each Saturday I'll feature one thing that I'm loving right now... food, brand, beauty product, activity, someone... anything really, sounds like fun right?

Right now I'm smitten with my new Mia Tui Minnie Amelie bag, isn't she lovely?

I found Mia Tui on Twitter when a friend recommended (I'm a bit of a bag lady) and I was instantly intrigued, how could a bag that looked so good hold everything... and I mean everything from laptop, iPad, Kobo, make-up, nappies (and other baby things) oh and much much more. 

Inside there are lots of different pockets and 2 drink holders, a pocket that my notepad fits into and also the clear plastic pouch (which is included with the bag) which holds my hand gel, hand cream, eye drops, (lady things), pain killers.  There's also a large pocket at the other side that a clutch bag fits in... YES a clutch bag, a matching clutch bag that also comes with the bag!!  In this I store my purse and other things that I'd normally take out when I am baby free.  This is such a great addition as when I want to nip out at lunch time (when at work), I can just grab the clutch bag and there's no need for taking out the big bag!  Perfect!  The bag and the clutch both have shoulder straps (clutch has a wrist strap too) so they are very handy indeed! I don't think I've mentioned that the bag, inside and out is waterproof... so if you had a drink in the holder and it happened to leak then everything else would be safe!

The bag comes in so many beautiful colours, it was so hard to choose! I do love purple and this colour 'aubergine' is lush!  When I bought the bag there was an amazing offer on... you got a FREE Lottie with each purchase!  How great is that!!  My Lottie is black and it's so soft.  A great bag for throwing crossover your body, it has a big compartment with a mobile phone pocket and groovy elastic to attach your keys too (the Minnie Amelie has this too!!), it also has a smaller compartment at the front too.

So if you're after a new bag, you must check out Mia Tui first, there's bound to be a bag to suit your needs.  The Minnie Amelie is perfect for me, the busy working Mamma.  If you have any questions at all just contact Charlotte on Twitter or Email.. I had lots of questions as I think I couldn't believe everything would fit in and Charlotte offered the most amazing customer service!

And... a little treat if you fancy a bag then put in the code FRIENDS and you'll get 10% off!

So there you have it, my first Smitten Saturday post... don't forget to link up with Glasgow Mummy if you want to join in x

Lampshade making {with Cath Kidston}

Tada... I made a lampshade!

I signed up for the Lampshade Making event at the Glasgow Cath Kidston store and was lucky enough to get a ticket (£15 per person). Those of you who know me will know I absolutely adore Cath Kidston style, so I was really looking forward to this event.  

Another plus; I have been looking for new lampshades for my bedroom for so long but never found anything that was just right and if I can't find it... I make it!

I arrived at the store a bit early but was happy to window shop... the window display of HUGE clocks is amazing (some of you may know I have a clock obsession too.. I'm beginning to sound a little weird)... the lovely staff let us in early and we had a wander around... (I'm sure I drooled a little, hope no-one noticed).

We were shown to the fabric section and told to choose our fabric... Waaaaaaaaa choose?! I wanted them all.... after much 'humming and hawing' I opted for the Blue English Rose as it matches my bedroom colour scheme really well... I had planned on something not too floral.. but I really think the floral patterns are iconic of Cath Kidston.

I found a place at a table with three other lovely ladies, everyone was so nice and the staff made us all feel very welcome. There was endless supplies of cake, juices and sparkly wine! We were all given a lampshade kit (which you can buy from here) and the staff showed us in stages how to make. We worked in pairs as some of the stages were quite fiddly.. team work! As you can see from the photo above the end results are brilliant and you can see why I had such a hard choice choosing my fabric, they are all lush!

My lampshade is up already and I love it! I now plan on making two shades for my bedside lamps and to update my window dressing in the same fabric... although I just looked online at the Cath Kidston website and that fabric isn't listed! I wonder if it's now discontinued? I know the store has a huge roll, so hoping that no-one buys it all before Saturday, I'll be back in to buy some more!

If you're interested in events at your local Cath Kidston store then sign up for their Email Club I know I'll be looking out for more events and signing up so let me know if you do too!

I had a great time tonight and I met some really lovely people.

What are you crafting right now?

{Liebster Award}

I've been tagged by the lovely Glasgow Mummy to take part in a meme.

The rules are: you share 11 facts about yourself,  answer 11 questions that have been asked (in my case by Glasgow Mummy), ask 11 questions and then tag 11 other bloggers to participate... simple!

So here goes...

11 facts

1. I chopped a finger off 9 weeks before my wedding (in 2006), after two lots of surgery they saved all but the top inch.
2. I used to be a ballet dancer.
3. My Husband is 10 years younger than me.
4. I have a sleep disorder.
5. I have some hours towards my pilot licence, I love flying.
6. I love gardening (have only had a garden for 7 years).
7. I love stationery when I was younger I saved all my pocket money to spend in John Menzies and had a novelty eraser collection.
8. I'm waiting on an appointment with a surgeon to repair a paraumbilical hernia which I got when I was quite ill with cold / flu and had an awful cough for 5 weeks.
9. I find it hard to say NO, especially to my kids.
10. I love cycling (but haven't had any free time to cycle since my littlest arrived).
11. I'm a Graphic Designer and Photographer (although I don't have much time for photography just now)


11 questions for me (from Glasgow Mummy)

1. Have you ever been pulled over by the traffic police?

No, thankfully!

2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

North of Scotland, I don't know exactly where but it's so beautiful. The great outdoors, gorgeous beaches. There is something so wonderful about our countryside. Wherever I stayed it would have to be remote, I love the peace and quiet.

3. What is your favourite flavour of crisps?

Worcester sauce.

4. What's the last movie you watched?

Argo.  I loved it!

5. What is your favourite thing to wear?

I really hate all my clothes, every single thing!  I don't know what styles suit my (weird) shape... so I guess the answer to this is my UGG boots as I can just throw them on and they are so comfy and cosy.

6. What does your last text message say?

It was from my friend Kelly, giving me directions to her Mum's house as I was dropping off a personalised print order.

7. What were you doing at 12 noon yesterday?

I was at my desk at work.

8. What is your most treasured memory?

I have three.   The moment each of my children were born.

9. What do you think is the single best decision you've made in your life so far?

I'm not sure I've made it yet.

10. Do you have a pet?

No, I'm not a pet person at all probably due to not having any time in my busy lifestyle... but if I get that remote house in the countryside in the North of Scotland, I'll get a sheepdog and call him Shep.

11. What is on your bedside table?

My bedside lamp, my spare reading glasses, a glass of water, my Kobo and a craft magazine.


11 questions from me 

1. Where was your last holiday?
2. Who was your last email from?
3. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
4. Who do you admire and why?
5. What is your favourite 'guilt' food?
6. What is the best book you've ever read?
7. Who is your best friend?
8. What's your all time favourite song?
9. What's your favourite blog to read and why?
10. What's the one thing in your life that, if you died because of it, people who know you well would just shrug and say "Well, I'm not surprised"?
11. If you could have a super power for one day, what would it be?

11 (lovely) bloggers

1. Miss Dotty
2. Transatlantic Blonde
3. Blog of a Mom
4. Miss Beatrix
5. Twinkly Mummy
6. At Home with Mrs M
7. The Dusty Attic
8. Hollybobbs
9. Little Blog of Horrors
10. Being Little
11. What Would Edna Say

So there you have it, over to you...

It's Monday {again}

So, let's meal plan!

Monday - Sausage, mash and beans

Tuesday - Chicken fajitas

Wednesday - Curry, rice and wraps

Thursday - Gammon steak, pineapple and beans

Friday - Lasagne and garlic bread

Saturday - Sweet and sour chicken

Sunday - Roast dinner

What's on your plate this week?  Link up with Mrs M, click the image below.

Birthday Girl and MPM {meal planning monday}

It's my big girl's 19th Birthday today... Happy Birthday Zoey!  I love her so...makes me proud each day!

MPM {meal planning monday}

Last weeks meal planning went to pot!  Our oven broke (element blew) so we had three nights of take away!  I'm totally take away'd out now (for a while)..

This week looks like this:

Monday - Zoey chose a Carvery Meal for her Birthday dinner.. sadly the place we chose wasn't very nice, so we'll have to arrange another Birthday meal out!

Tuesday - Pizza (I'm working late then have some de-cluttering planned in wardrobe so a quick dinner required)

Wednesday - Mince, Mash, York Puds and Veg last minute change (as I'm getting sick of this meal)  Breaded Chicken Steaks and fried rice

Thursday - Just me, littlest and biggest - Cheeseburgers and Fries

Friday - Baked Potatoes and Salad

Saturday - Chilli Nachos

Sunday - Fish (not decided which type yet), Potatoes and Veg

What's on your menu this week?  Link up with Mrs M by clicking the icon below.

The Slaw {homemade coleslaw}

Happy Easter to you all!

It's been a very busy day in AnneeApple land but lots of fun too.  Hubber is working night shifts this weekend, so as he came home it was time for us to get up.  Baby, big girl and I made some Easter Baskets this morning... some sewing with ribbon and lots of stickers in preparation for our Easter Egg hunt later on, which was lots of fun!

Easter Egg Hunt in the garden {with bubbles too and Gran and Grandad}

Whilst baby napped I prepared dinner... I didn't do the traditional Easter Sunday Roast as it's big girl's 19th Birthday tomorrow and she wants to go to The Carvery for dinner.  I bought in some quiche {not had quiche in so long} and made my homemade 'The Slaw' and rustic wedges with roast onion and cheese {posh for chip n cheese}... here's the recipes:

The Slaw

This is so simple and once you make homemade you'll not buy shop bought again... {this served 5 as a side portion and there is still a little left}

3 carrots

1 red onion

1/4 of {the above} white cabbage

250ml mayo {I use Tesco or Asda Lighter than Light}

Sprinkle of mixed dried herbs

Splash of malt vinegar

Pinch of salt

Pinch of sugar

I use my vegetable peeler to peel the carrots into very thin ribbons, cut the red onion and cabbage into very thin strips.  Into a tub {one with a lid} put the mayo, big splash of malt vinegar, herbs, salt and sugar and stir until combined.  Toss in the veg and stir {If you need to add more mayo that's fine, just add until it's the right consistency... if it's too wet just add more veg}.  Put the lid on and give it a good shake.

This is best left in the fridge over night but if you're not that prepared {like me today} then leaving it a few hours is fine too.  Let me know if you make this and how you get on, I love it and I'm keen to know what others think of it.

Rustic Potato and Roast Onion Wedges with Cheese

We all like chips right?  This is a posh{er} version.

Chop the potatoes and a white onion into wedge chunks and put in an oven tray, drizzle with some sunflower oil and sprinkle with some dried Rosemary.  Cook in oven for 40mins {turning half way through}... for the last 5mins of cooking add grated cheese over the top {as much as you like for your own taste}... Mmmm loved these, very tasty!! {I forgot to take a photo of the finished dish... oops!}

Now to think of next week's Meal Plan... this week's went to pot as my oven broke! More on that tomorrow!

A x

Getting Organised {postcircle}

Have you signed up for #postcircle yet?  I must say, so far I am loving creating stationery and writing the letters. I had forgotten how good it is to actually write a letter!  

The suspense of having to wait to know the answer to your question, waiting for the postman each day hoping there's a handwritten envelope in his hand just for you!  It's great!

When I first signed up, I started the search for a nice writing set... not wanting to spend a fortune in-case I didn't really get into it.  How difficult is it to find nice writing paper?!  

So far all I've found is a writing set in WH Smith but it was quite expensive.  I don't have a Paperchase near me (was once my fav shop) and I know they will have some lovely things.  I decided to make my own!  It's been a bit of trial and error, putting the double sided tape on the wrong side of the envelope, cutting things too short... printing things too small but I'm getting there and my last batch was quite nice and instead of cutting the writing paper I tore it so it has a rustic edge.  I've got lots more ideas and I'm even contemplating making some sets up to sell on if anyone is interested as there is a serious lack of good paper / designs out there.

My stationery

We made a trip to Ikea tonight.  We had originally went to buy a new cabinet to house our printer (as little fingers are pulling the front open and close, open and close, open and close... so it will get broken!) but when we saw it in the showroom it looked a bit cheap (it was £60 too!) so we didn't bother buying it.  Whilst we were there we bought some new replacement canvas boxes (that we use for all of baby's toys and books, they slot perfectly into our TV cabinet, so when baby goes to bed we chuck everything back into it's box and close them over... toy free!).... so that inspired me to use some of the old boxes (the ones that are decent) and have a bit of a de-clutter and to sort all my craft things out... I didn't realise I had so much, it was all hiding in the garage (and I think there might be more in there)...

I've now got all I need for #postcircle in the one place.. I've got a box of coloured paper and card, a tub full of cards and envelopes, ribbons, embellishments  stickers, card toppers, buttons and other bits and bobs and another case full of pens, paints, fancy edging scissors, inks etc... so much good stuff that I can't wait to write more letters... although I'll wait now until I get some more.

I had been having a little 'poor me I've not had a #postcircle letter yet' moan on Twitter (I was just so desperate to get it all going) and the lovely @squeakypigshop sent me some happy mail.  It was so thoughtful, such a lovely long letter AND a chocolate bunny.  

I wrote my reply today... oops it might be a tad long (sorry!).  I also got my first #postcircle letter and it was so exciting... it was all so thoughtful the envelope was apples, I was giddy before I opened it!  Inside there was a beautiful letter and a gift of 3 fabric fish and some to do list paper, so pretty!

My first #postcircle mail

I hope you've got some exciting plans for the Easter weekend?  I'm working tomorrow but off on Sunday and Monday... and it's my BIG girl's birthday on Monday, exciting times!!

Have a lovely Easter!

A x

MPM {Meal Planning Monday}

 

Oh, it's the last Meal Plan of March!  It's my big girl's 19th birthday one week today... eek!  19!  Here's my plan for the week, not exciting at all... I'm hoping to have some fresh ideas for meals in April.. hoping!

Monday - mince and sausage casserole in the slow cooker with york puds and mash (this was meant to be stew but when Hubber took out the bag of meat from feezer, he thought it was stew but it wasn't.... oh well)

Tuesday - chicken nuggets for littlest and pizza for the rest (I'm working till 7pm.. boo)

Wednesday - toad in the hole with mash and gravy (or beans)

Thursday - carbonara (my quick method, I'll post the recipe) with chicken and bacon

Friday - brinner (breakfast for dinner - which is probably quite apt as Hubber is on night shift)

Saturday - twice baked potatoes (not decided on the filling yet)

Sunday - Easter Eggs (and probably a roast)

This week I'm also planning to finish sewing up my knitted Easter Bunny, make progress on the littlest jewelled cardigan I'm knitting for Summer and write more #PostCircle letters,

Have a good week everyone, I'm off shopping for a special girl's birthday.... 19... eek!

A x

Ps... don't forget to link up with Mrs M (click the image at the top) 

{stuff}

Is it just me or is the world moving way to fast?  There is always far too much to do and never enough hours in the day...  this week has been a blur!

You'll have heard (or be sick of hearing) that I've been under the weather, it's just been the cold / flu virus that everyone's had but it really drags you down... If I had the option of going to bed for a day or two to try and sleep it off it may not have lasted so long but that option just isn't there, not when you have a toddler!  So, after nearly 4 weeks of feeling yuk, I eventually went to the Dr as I was in some pain... I have a paraumbilical hernia from all the coughing and vomiting... great!  There is a chance I may need surgery to repair it.  I've to have some test this week and the decision will be made on the results.

On a happy note, I signed up to join #PostCircle  (<< click to find out more).  I'm so excited and can't wait to receive my first letter.  I am on Team Vole and there are 6 members... I sent my first letter out a few days ago and I created my own letter paper and envelope... I hope they withstood the journey!

my stationery

I've managed to stick to my Meal Plan for this week so far and tonight's slow cooker ham with fried rice was very tasty indeed!  

Here's my method:

A ham joint... not an expensive one as slow cooking it makes it so tender... simply covered with water and slow cooked on low for 8 hours.

Rice... I use what I call the 'Riddock Rice' method (as my friends shared their method with me and it's FOOL PROOF)... to serve two I use half a cup of basmati rice and put this into a pot, add a pinch of salt and any herbs / spice you like (you don't have to, a pinch of salt can be enough), add a splash of oil (sunflower or olive oil) and stir until the grains of rice have some oil on.  Then add twice the amount of boiling water (so I'd use one cup of boiling water as I used half a cup of rice) and stir again.  Then pop the lid on the pot, put the gas onto a low peep and cook for 12mins (DO NOT STIR)... turn the heat off and leave to stand, with the pot lid still on, for another 12mins (DO NOT STIR DURING THIS TIME)... after the 24mins you can take the lid off and stir.... perfect rice!

Whilst the rice was resting I chopped up some onion, red pepper, green pepper and mushroom and gently cooked in some oil when the rice was ready I added that, plus some sweetcorn and some slow cooked ham, 2 tablespoons of soya sauce and cooked / stirred for a few minutes until all heated through...  Serve and enjoy!  I love this kind of dish as I can have some leftovers the next day for lunch (I love cold rice).

I'm really looking forward to my Pastry Ring on Saturday, it was so tasty last time I made it, fingers crossed it works out the same!

What have you been up to?

Ax

{Monday Meal Plan}

Can you believe I'm still under the weather?  Entering week 4 of cold and flu symptoms, off to the Dr this afternoon, hope he can prescribe a miracle cure!

It's a busy day again today (when's it not?) so I threw in the ingredients for Spag Bol into the slow cooker this morning before work... I've made double portions so I can use half for tomorrow... here's our plan:

Monday - spag bol in slow cooker
minced beef, onion, pepper, mushroom, passatta, mixed herbs, garlic and tomato puree, dash of worcester sauce.... cook for 8 hours on low.

Tuesday - pasta bake with garlic bread
left over bolognese sauce (from Monday) add in cooked pasta, some homemade cheese sauce (which I whisk up in 10mins), grated cheese on top and bake in oven for 20-30mins.

Wednesday - ham ham with stir fry rice (fries for those who don't want rice)

Thursday - we are out for dinner tonight so just the kids to eat at home, they've requested some piri piri chicken and fries that just cooks in the oven... simple

Friday - homemade chicken chow mein

Saturday - mediterranean pastry ring and salad

Sunday - homemade lentil soup and baguettes (not decided on the filling yet)

There you have it... I'm hungry just thinking of it all...  What's on your menu?  Mind link up with Mrs M, click the link below..

A x

{Chilli}

I hadn't decided on today's meal as I had planned on a huge rush about to get to book club, but I hadn't even finished the book yet.... so that was that decided, no book club!

This morning before work I prepped some 'throw it all in chilli'....

Mince beef, garlic puree, tomato puree, onion, sweetcorn, red pepper, 500ml passata, few spoons of my veg pasta sauce (the leftovers), dash of worcester sauce, tin of baked beans, mixed dried herbs, sprinkle of chilli powder, 250ml water....stir and cook on low for 8 hours!

I was still in a rush to get home so I popped to the chip shop and picked up some chips and we had the chilli over the top with some grated cheese.... o.m.g it was lush!

Ax

{Meal Planning}

I'm late.. but here's my Meal Planning Monday post!

Monday (last night) - {just me and toddler} I made my delicious roasted veg pasta sauce and had that with pasta and homemade wedges (just potato cut up, thrown on a pizza tray and cooked for 40mins!)

Tuesday - chicken and pasta (same sauce as last night, scrummy!) for me.  Chicken and potato shapes and sweetcorn for toddler.  Pepperoni pizza for biggest.  (other two not in for dinner)

Wednesday - chicken fajitas

Thursday - still to plan as I have book club so could be a take out if we are in a huge rush

Friday - mince and potatoes, veg and york puddings

Saturday - cake?  well maybe not just cake but we are going through to Edinburgh so will have lunch there.  I won a delicious treat box of cakes from Patisserie Valerie so I'll collect them AND we're planning a drive through to Krispy Kreme... sugar rush or what?!

Sunday - we're all off on Sunday and Baby Ballet class is off so who knows what we're planning yet...

I'm looking forward to reading your menus... hop on over to Mrs M and check some out!

A x

Liven up limp veg!

I'm on the mend... I've had a cold / stomach flu for two weeks now, it's not been pleasant!  Meals have been quick and a lot of take outs but we've mostly stuck to our meal plan (I'll post my Meal Planning Monday post tomorrow).

Tonight I really wanted something tasty and nutritious. We had been away for the weekend to Wick so ate out a lot and I was dying for something homemade... We had around 10cm+ of snowfall today and the fridge was pretty bare... a limp courgette, a bendy leek, 4 wrinkly tomatoes, a handful of greying mushrooms and a bashed red pepper...fit for the food recycle bin or a tasty pasta sauce?

I prepped the veg and put in a roasting tray, a drizzle of olive oil a sprinkling of Schwartz mixed herbs, rosemary, chives, paprika and garlic granules and roasted for 30 mins.  When ready I popped them into a pot with a tub of passatta, pinch of pepper and simmered for a few mins. I then blitzed gently leaving a bit chunky and served with pasta!  Delicious and I've got two tubs for the freezer!

What do you do with your limp veg?

Test

I've tried posting from my mobile app before and it failed...trying again...

{Meal Planning}

It's Meal Planning Monday time again...  This week my Husband has taken the task of planning the menu as I've been pretty floored with the dreaded cold / flu (but I am still working away and doing all my chores but dragging a box of kleenex along with me!)

So here it is:

Monday - Chicken curry with boiled rice and chapati
Tuesday - Chilli nachos (slow cooker)
Wednesday - Sausage, beans and mash
Thursday - Ham Ham (as it's known in our house) slow cooker ham
Friday - Take away night... I'm thinking Indian
Saturday / Sunday - We have a trip to Wick this weekend, really can't wait to go!

Don't forget to hook up with Mrs M too... I loved reading through everyone's meal plans, lots of inspiration there.  I have so many ideas that I want to try out soon.... once the lurgy has gone!

{three}

 my three treasures 

Meal Planning Monday

Is it Monday again?  Seriously, I feel like I've just typed this post (last week's!)... so, we stuck to our plan which was great... it does make such a difference when everything is planned in advance.  Another hectic week on the horizon so here's the meal plan:

Monday - chicken fajitas (for 4) fish fingers (for littlest)

Tuesday - mince (slow cooker), mash, cauliflower and yorkshire puds

Wednesday - pasta with tomato and chilli sauce (for 4), tuna pasta (for 1 who doesn't like tomato) and garlic bread

Thursday - chilli and wedges (or nachos) (for 3), BLT baguettes (for 1... other is one night shift)

Friday - sausage, mash and beans

Saturday - casserole (slow cooker) with roast potatoes

Sunday - mild curry (slow cooker), rice and chapatis (or nan)

I look forward to reading all your meal plans and don't forget to click the link above and hook up with Mrs M's Meal Planning Monday!

A x

Mediterranean Veg Pastry Ring

Oh Yum!  The Mediterranean Veg Pastry Ring was a success, so good that we had it for dinner again tonight!  Here's my version (as I always adapt a recipe)...

Ingredients

1 courgette
1 pepper
1 aubergine
4 mushrooms
1 leek
handful of cherry tomatoes
olive oil
herbs and spices for seasoning
tin of croissant dough (you could use puff pastry)*
philadelphia with chives

Method

Prepare veg and put in oven tray, drizzle over some olive oil (just a little) and season (I used some dried mixed herbs and a sprinkling of mild chilli powder).  Roast for 20-30mins. (I prepared this part in the morning and just left veg to cool but you could use it straight away)

Open the tin of croissant dough (the tins are great, you twist to open them and the dough is precut into triangles )  Place each triangle on your baking tray (I used a pizza tray and covered with greaseproof paper) in a ring shape (it looks like a big sunshine... for now)...

You can whizz the roasted veg in a food processor with the philadelphia or just chop it all up and mix with the philadelphia, then spoon it into the ring....

Then just fold over the ends of the triangle and tuck in... bake at 180 degrees (fan oven) for 12 mins and that's it!  It's so very tasty and would work with so many different fillings!  

We served ours with herb rice and salad (dressed with oil and balsamic)

Give it a go, you won't regret it!

*if you can't find croissant dough (as I had to visit a few supermarkets to find it) you can use puff pastry, just roll it out so it's about 1-2cm thick and cut into triangle shapes (look at the photo above for an idea of the shape)... I think puff pastry would take a bit longer to cook, so keep and eye on it until it's golden in colour.

Enjoy!

Meal Planning Monday

(Ok it's Tuesday but I'm getting there...)

First time linking up with Mrs M Meal Planning Monday... I do meal plan and I do plan to link up but life just gets in the way!  But here's our plan so far (ps there's 5 of us, 4 adults and 1 toddler, 2 of the adults <the big kids> are very fussy eaters indeed!):

Monday - (we had) Pizza and Pasta.  Toddler had homemade spag bol (left overs from previous meal)
(everyone working and mad rush getting home had to be something quick)

Tuesday - seasoned chicken, cooked in a bag... I'm currently trialling the Maggi range (I'm a buzzagent) with rice and sweetcorn.  1 fussy big child is having pie and beans and toddler is having pizza

Wednesday - mince, mash, yorkshire puddings and veg (a meal we all like!)

Thursday - something from the freezer, some chicken burgers / steaks in there

Friday - spaghetti meatballs and garlic ciabatta

Saturday - I'm going to make the Mediterranean Veg Pastry Ring (Glasgow Mummy recipe here) my sister is visiting and she's vegetarian, it looks great!

Sunday - erm.....

So there you have it... probably not the healthiest of menus for the week.  What are you having?

WIWW

Hey!  It's time for WIWW and I'm linking up with Transatlantic Blonde...

Did I tell you I got my fringe cut back in?  

Yeah, it's OK so far, usually it grows like wild fire.

Wednesday was snowing quite heavy (although it's all gone now), so I wore boring ole M&S black trousers, snow books from Snow and Rock, a emerald green tee from M&S and a animal print scarf from Wallis... my nails (kinda clashed but hey) where painted in Barry M high gel red with white polka dots with a Models Own nail pen.  I'm taking part in the #nailartfeb challenge over on Instagram, so today's (Thursday) theme is OOTD (outfit of the day) so I painted my nails to match my red polka dot Cath Kidston bag (I love that bag!)... so what you wearing?  Don't forget to link up with WIWW xx

How to have a day off...

... if anyone knows the answer to this please let me know!  I'm exhausted and tired rushing about here and there and always have things to do when I'm off work.  I want to spend a day doing nothing, is that so bad?

A

WIWW

Hey!  I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday!

In an attempt to blog more and be more organised in 2013, I'll try and keep up with the WIWW posts!

Navy and beige polka dot dress - Dorothy Perkins.  Love this dress, it's so comfy!

Navy cardigan - George at Asda.  Ancient cardigan but I don't have much in navy

Navy tights - M&S.  A sign of getting old.. navy tights?

Leopard print ballet pumps - Dorothy Perkins.  Fit like slippers

Nails - Barry M (bright red high gel).  Part of my birthday gift from my Son, I love Barry M nails

Cold sore - borrowed from cold virus! blah!

Check out The Pleated Poppy for more details of 'what I wore wednesday'

...oops I bought new boots at lunch time!  Clarks sale drew me in! £69.99 down to £31.99.. I love Clarks, such quality that last for years!  These have a rubber soul and 'soft touch' insole, very comfy indeed!

42

Since I'll be 42 this year (albeit not until December) here are 42 wise statements (Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio):

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it..

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

14 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

17. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

22. The most important sex organ is the brain.

23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

25. Always choose life.

26. Forgive but don’t forget.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

31. Believe in miracles.

32. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

33. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

34. Your children get only one childhood.

35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

37. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

38. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

39. The best is yet to come...

40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

41. Yield.

42. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

New

Happy New Year to you!

Doesn't time fly?!  I was struck with the dreaded cold lurgy over the festives so I've been quite a misery, I am on the mend now with the hugest cold sore ever known as my badge of honour!  It's vile!

My plans of eating too much and drinking a little too much didn't really happy, I still can't taste anything properly so I'm not wasting good wine just yet!  I have been knitting, a pink crossover cardigan for baby, for her ballet class.  I've just got half a sleeve and the border and ties left to do... it could be finished very soon, like tonight if I start as soon as little one is in bed!  I'm not sure if it will fit her though, it may be too big... but better too big than too small, right?

Have you any New Year Resolutions?  I don't usually bother, Hubber does though.. every January he has no alcohol or treats for the month (not that he drinks much but he does like to munch sweets, judging by the amount of sweet wrappers I binned from the car today!)... I am really just planning to be more organised with meal planning, shopping and to have less food waste at home.  To craft more and relax more.. not to much to ask, so here's hoping! (oh yeah, and to stop swearing!!)

We've been scooping up some good bargains in the sales, have you bought anything?

We got a new TV from John Lewis, it's a smart 3D one!  I'll let Hubber set it all up and he can just hand me the remote control and show me how to access the films on our NAS system and SKY and that's all I need to know, I don't watch that much TV but I feel I should watch more as I hear people talk about some good shows, but I often don't want to get drawn into something and commit that much time each week.  We also bought a new king size bed, which I cannot wait to get.  It should be delivered next week, we opted for a jumbo drawer in the base so that has to be made to order.  Don't you just love a new bed, new bedding and new PJs?

We're now on the hunt for a new sofa (wonder if there are any sales going on? haha!)... we did initially want a corner suite but on reflection it would take up a whole lot of room and I really want a patterned (something quite different) arm chair... so I think we're going to buy a plain 4-seater sofa then look for a nice arm chair in a total contrast colour / pattern.  Next on our list is to rip the carpets up, wooden floors are so much easier to clean and when you have a toddler they totally make sense!  If you have any suggestions on the best place for flooring please let me know?

Hope you've all had a good one and are easing back into work / routine!

AnneeApple x

Singing and playing piano on Christmas Day... joy!