First came the cronut, then the duffin, what now? It’s all about the sconewich!
Fun and tasty, this ice cream sconewich will to put a smile on everyone’s face. To make your own homemade scones simply follow the recipe in our post for scones with maple syrup icing.
Ingredients
500g fresh apricots, chopped 250g caster sugar 1 tablespoon, dried lavender, extra to sprinkle (you will also need a muslin bag or tea infuser) 1 tub of vanilla ice cream Handful, edible petals (optional), you can find stunning varieties online from Sous Chef (www.souschef.co.uk) 1 packet Genesis Crafty Sultana Scones
Method
Warm the sugar for a couple minutes over a medium heat
Add your chopped apricots and lavender (in a muslin bag or tea strainer) to infuse, simmer softly for 30 minutes then discard your lavender and leave the jam to cool
Halve your scones and add a good scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of apricot jam
Sprinkle with dried lavender and/or edible flowers!
Recipe created for Genesis Crafty by lifestyle blogger Coralie Grassin of Teatime in Wonderland teatimeinwonderland.co.uk
Scones with maple syrup icing: This wonderful and classic flavour combination is simply delicious for teatime scones
We all know that the British love a good afternoon tea and this recipe for scones with maple syrup should tick all the right boxes. Devised by Genesis Crafty, a modern bakery and family business owned and run by six brothers, the delicious icing recipe not only looks impressive but tastes delicious, ideal for really easy to prepare, yet visually stunning afternoon teas.
Ingredients for scones
350g self-raising flour
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
85g butter, cut into cubes
3 tbsp caster sugar
175ml milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
beaten egg, to glaze
Method
Heat oven to 220C fan/Gas 7 and lightly grease a baking sheet. Tip the flour into a mixing bowl and add the salt and baking powder, then mix. Add the butter, then rub in with your fingers until the mix looks like fine crumbs. Stir in the sugar and then the milk to get a soft dough.
Turn dough on to a floured work surface and knead very lightly (don’t knead dough too much or scones will be tough). Pat out into a 2cm-thick round and using a 5cm (diameter) round cutter, stamp out as many rounds as you can. Place on a baking sheet. Lightly knead together the rest of the dough and stamp out more scones to use it up. Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg. Bake for 12-15 minutes until well risen and golden.
Alternatively buy 1 packet of Genesis Crafty Sultana Scones – they are fab!
Ingredients for icing
100g icing sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 tablespoons maple syrup
Handful, chopped walnuts, hazelnuts and pecan nuts
Method
Mix your icing sugar with a spoonful of butter and 3 spoonfuls of maple syrup
Coat your scones with the icing and sprinkle with a mixture of chopped walnuts, hazelnuts and pecan nuts – add a big mug of coffee for an American twist on the traditional British afternoon tea!
Recipe created for Genesis Crafty by lifestyle blogger Coralie Grassin of Teatime in Wonderland
Something about those first few days of sunshine in spring makes you think of new beginnings and fresh starts. Whether that is a new job, a new look, or even a new relationship, spring is the perfect time to make a positive change in your life.
Whether you are struggling to rekindle the flames of a flagging relationship, searching for Mr Right, or just looking to broaden your social circle, these handy tips from MySingleFriend.com founder Sarah Beeny will help you Spring clean your love life and get some fresh perspective.
Out with the old, and in with the new
Spring is the perfect time to revamp your look. So try a new hairstyle or lipstick. Or give that winter beard a trim. If you decide to go for that trim, you can always check out products from Beard Struggle that help men maintain awesome beards. A small change can give you a big confidence boost.
Re-evaluate your relationships
Still comparing dates to your ex or previous dates? Holding on to the past could be blurring your vision and holding you back. Take the time to consider what you really want to get out of dating. Are you looking for a relationship? Are you looking for friendship?
Organise your priorities
When you date, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Identifying what you want will ensure that you don’t compromise your values for someone else. Dating should be an addition to your life – not the centre of it.
De-clutter
Say good riddance to past lingering relationships that you know aren’t good for you. Someone who wants to be with you will make the effort and will let you know that they want to be a part of your future. Don’t waste energy waiting around to hear from someone you know isn’t really interested. Find someone who realises how fabulous you are.
Get rid of the cobwebs on your profile
Just like you change up your wardrobe to welcome the spring sunshine,take the same approach with your profile. Get yourself noticed byremoving any old pictures and swapping them for sunny snaps. Update your profile and let people know what you have been up to recently.
Set yourself mini challenges e.g. make a new friend each week
The more people you meet the more likely you are to find someone you click with. Not everyone will take your fancy but by meeting more people you improve your communication skills and learn to talk to just about anyone. This will give you confidence on a date and you won’t feel as nervous in front of someone you do fancy.
Date night
Dedicate one night a week to broadening your dating horizons. You don’t necessarily have to go on a romantic date, but dedicate that one night a week to trying something different. It’s a great way to explore the city and meet new people. You’re never going to meet new people sitting at home alone, so get out there!
Spring is the perfect time to wake up your love life. As the days get longer and the sun starts to finally peek out from behind the clouds, people naturally feel happier, more relaxed and more open to meeting new people, so it’s a great time to spring into action and get dating. With these handy for dating declutter, you can get a fresh perspective on romance and turn up the heat on your love life.
It can prove difficult to make the most of a new gym membership without professional guidance. K West Hotel & Spa’s Personal Trainer, Clifton Goldson shares his top tips for achieving fitness goals and how best to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Don’t be Afraid of the Weights
What’s the secret to achieving the highly-desired dancer physique? Step off the cross trainer and pick up a pair of kettle bells. Whilst cardio develops overall fitness levels and stamina, using weights in compound exercises – such as squats and burpees – is the key to building long, lean muscle mass.
A Balanced Diet
80% of how we look is related to diet, so despite endless hours in the gym, you really are what you eat. Try to avoid fad diets and instead opt for a portion-controlled, balanced diet.
Rest and Rehabilitation
On a mission to get fit, overtraining may seem like a good idea. However, resting your body is just as important as exercising, as without rest progression can plateau. Schedule two rest days each week, and a full week out every three months. Getting a full 8-hour sleep each night will also ensure maximum results.
Hydration
Too much of a good thing can be bad. The optimum amount of water needed to keep you fully hydrated is two litres, as much more than this can dilute sodium levels in the blood. Similarly, coffee has great health benefits as it helps speed up the metabolism and aids in fat-burning, but should be enjoyed only once a day.
Defining Targets and Measuring Results
Do you want to feel fitter? Or look great on the beach? Whatever your aim, it’s vital to set targets to stay motivated and to measure your progress. Steer clear of regularly using the weighing scales and instead quantify your progress using a measuring tape or before/after photos.
Enjoy the Process
Fitness is a 50% physical, 50% mental challenge, so it’s important to enjoy what you do. Wear comfortable gymwear as you’re more likely to exercise for longer, and don’t forget your headphones if music is your big motivator. Always finish your training with one exercise that you really love, as you will leave the gym feeling great on a post-workout high.
Fortaleza! It’s one of the best neighbourhoods on the planet to visit right now. Fact.
As a holiday destination in Brazil, the city of Fortaleza is often overshadowed by Rio de Janeiro. That is until now. Airbnb’s latest travel trends report highlights Fortaleza as one of the hottest ‘hoods on the planet to visit right now, and we can see why.
With its glorious stretches of long beaches, bustling cultural scene, colonial architecture, dynamic shopping, delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife, Fortaleza has it all. We’ve highlighted the top 10 things to do in Fortaleza, because if it isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be now.
STROLL DOWN AVENIDA BEIRA MAR
On a warm day, there is nothing better than strolling down Avenida Beira Mar (translated to avenue bordering the sea in Portuguese). With high-rise hotels and buildings lining one side, and on the other a promenade running along the Beach with barracas, ice cream stalls and street food vendors everywhere, it’s a glorious scene. If you’re a fish lover, then visit the open-air fish market at the end of the avenue. Here you can buy fish at one market stall, and another stall will clean, cook and serve it up for you with some rice. You can’t get fresher than that. When the sunsets, Avenida Beira Mar really comes alive with beachfront markets, live music and open-air night clubs.
VISIT PRAIA DO FUTURO BEACH
Image source: Jorge Andrade
Fortaleza is famous for it’s urban beaches and the beautiful Praia do Futuro beach is a must visit. The beach is located just ten minutes away from the popular Beira Mar Avenue, however we recommend that you catch a taxi here as it’s a little out of the way. The beach is fantastic for swimming and has lots of lovely beach barracas.
image source: Jorge Andrade
Make sure you sample some of the delicious regional delicacies that the vendors are selling along the beach – crab chico is delicious. An insider tells us that the barracas come alive on Thursday nights when all the locals come out to enjoy a spot of crab eating and some Brazilian country music. Hotel Vila Galé Fortaleza is right on the beach and a great place to stay in the area if you don’t feel like leaving.
EXPERIENCE A CRAB FEST
Going to Fortaleza and not experiencing Thursday night crab-fest and having a crab-blowout is inconceivable. If you don’t fancy going to Praia do Futuro, head to Varjota which a neighbourhood where you’ll find lots of bars and great restaurants. Order a ‘Caranguejada’ which is a crab dish with lots of fresh spices. It’s authentic, local and delicious.
CHECK OUT DRAGAO DO MAR
image source: George Vale
For a happening area of culture in Fortaleza visit Dragão do Mar. The main draw of this area is the modern cultural centre which hosts films, exhibitions, live music and theatre performances. The centre is surrounded by a lovely collection of restored 19th century buildings and this area really gets going at night. Lots of the old buildings are home to many bars and nightclubs. The bar Chop do Bexiga is a lovely place to sit outside and listen to music whilst sipping on a drink and soaking up the nightlife. Head to Orbita if you fancy a spot of dancing later.
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO A TROPICAL PLAYGROUND
Cumbuco is a lovely little fishing village about 16 miles North West of Fortaleza. It’s an exceedingly beautiful place. Think spectacular Sahara like sand dunes, white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees and beautiful blue lagoons. Sounds like paradise right?
If you’re after a adrenaline-fuelled adventure, rent a buggy and go sand dune bashing. Whizzing over the honey-coloured dunes is a heart-thumping experience and feels just like a roller-coaster ride. If you have a guide, ask him to stop off at the beautiful Águas Crislatinas lagoon where you can zip-line straight into the water. Also stop off at Parnamirim Lake where you can have a go at ski–bunda which is a bid like sledging, but on sand. You basically sit on a wooden board and slide down a sand dune. The aim is to build up enough momentum to reach the refreshing waters of the lake.
Cumbuco is also famous for being one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world. Even if you don’t fancy having a go, bathing in the lagoons and watching the kite surfers do their thing is a cool experience.
VISIT THE METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
image source: Joao Carlos Medau
No trip to Fortaleza is complete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Metropolitan Cathedral. The church, built in Gothic-Roman style took abour 40 years to build, fits 5,000 people, and is the third largest in Brazil. Pretty impressive.
TAKE A BOAT RIDE
For a different perspective of the city, take a boat ride along the shore. Boat rides are usually around two hour long tours and offer up stops for diving in the lovely waters along the way. The main tour operators are Ceara Saveiros (located Mucuripe Beach), Marina Park Hotel (at pier in front of the hotel), and Martur (also at Mucuripe Beach).
GO CRAZY AT PIRATA ON A MONDAY
On a Monday night Pirata, which is a club on the waterfront, is the place to be. The bar goes really wild and is called ‘craziest Monday’ by the locals. The place gets absolutely jam-packed. Expect live bands playing forró and other Brazilian dance tunes.
VISIT MERCADO CENTRAL
The Central Market is one of the main sights of Fortaleza and is definitely an experience. Located in the city center next to the Fortaleza Cathedral, it’s an absolutely huge market with over 500 stalls that sell everything from hammocks to leather bags and regional food such as cashews.
EAT AT COCO BAMBU
If you love seafood then this is your place. It’s a charming beach facing restaurant with a great outdoor space. It’s our favourite restaurant in Fortaleza and with it’s 16-page menu, serves up a whole lot of everything. Don’t get carried away ordering, the portions are ridiculously generous and big enough for two. Fortaleza is famous for it’s seafood so order one of their shrimp dishes.
GETTING THERE: TAP Portugal flies from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester to Fortaleza, via Lisbon, with prices from £532 return. Call 0345 601 0932 or see flytap.com.
STAYING THERE: Bed and breakfast at Hotel Vila Gale Fortaleza is from £50 per room per night; all inclusive at the Hotel Vila Gale Cumbuco is from £119 per room per night, see vilagale.com.
Is moving day looming? Has the panic of packing started? Follow our top 10 tips for a smooth and stress-free move.
Moving house is exciting but it can also be a huge headache if you’re not organised. Come moving day it’s easy to find yourself up to your neck in cardboard boxes, bubble wrap and black bin liners, on the brink of an emotional breakdown because you don’t think you’ll be finished by the time the removal men arrive.
To help you avoid this tear inducing and hair tearing scenario, we’ve put together our top 10 moving tips that will make you’re life easier come the dreaded day. Happy moving!
MAKE A CHECKLIST
Create a checklist of everything you need to do. Jotting down little tasks like cancelling newspapers, searching for cheap van hire, defrosting your freezer and informing your bank and other companies of your change of address will help you feel organised. Also, checking things off a list will make you feel good and like you’ve accomplished something towards your move.
GET YOUR PACKING MATERIALS READY
By this we mean boxes, bubble wrap, duct tape and sheets to cover items. Start stashing old newspapers for protective padding and pick up extra boxes when you go to the supermarket. If you get all your packing materials ready, you’ll avoid the crazy rush for boxes and bin liners come moving day.
COMPARE REMOVAL COSTS
Hiring a van for a couple of hours like Luton vans is cheaper and might be more practical than getting a removal company involved. From self drive vehicles to a man with his van, there are loads of removal options out there. However, if you’re moving long distance, it’s best to get some professional help instead of trying to DIY.
PACK EARLY
The best bit of advice we can give you is to start early. Packing things up will take a lot longer than you think. About three weeks in advance (minimum) should do it. Start with the things that you use the least. It makes sense to start with seasonal items like Halloween and Christmas decorations or gardening tools and furniture depending on the time of year.
Top Packing Tip: Never overpack boxes and put the heaviest items in first.
DECLUTTER
Don’t be a hoarder. There is no better time for a clear out and to declutter. Be ruthless and get rid of all the junk that you don’t need. Start with one room at a time and go through it object by object. If you haven’t used it in years, then get rid of it. The less you have to pack, the easier and cheaper moving day will be. What’s more, you can even make money by having a clear out. Sell all your unwanted goods at a carboot sale or on gumtree and ebay. You will probably be able to pay for all your moving day expenses out of everything you sell or buy something lovely for your new home.
RECYCLE
Recycle as much as you can. Shred old documents, take recyclable items to a recycling centre or your local charity shop. Don’t just throw away things and add to landfill – think of the environment.
PUT YOUR STUFF IN STORAGE
Moving everything in just one day can be super stressful and a lot of hard work. Instead of doing it all at once why not ease the pressure and put some of your belongings into self storage? Packing the things that you use the least slowly and storing them somewhere else means:
You won’t have hundreds of boxes lying around the house getting in the way.
You won’t get stressed out doing it all at once and you’ll have some energy left to unpack.
You can keep everything safe until after the move, so you won’t be overwhelmed with furniture and boxes when you get to your new house.
CLEAN EVERYTHING
Wash all your clothes, towels and sheets and make sure all your ornaments, crockery and furniture are spotless. You don’t want to transport old dust to your new house.
LABEL YOUR BOXES
This seems like a no brainer, but it’s an easy thing to forget to do. There is nothing worse then moving into your lovely new home with a million boxes, and having absolutely no idea what’s in them. Remember to be specific and list what’s inside each box. For example instead of just bathroom, list what’s inside like bathroom towels, bathroom cleaning products, bathroom toiletries – get the idea?
DON’T STRESS
Just take one step at a time and try your best not to stress. Soon it will be over and you’ll be able to enjoy your new home.
Top Tip: Remember to pack an overnight box of everything you’ll need for your first night in your new home, including a bottle of bubbly to celebrate.
Moving day can stressful, but if you give yourself plenty of time it can be a breeze.
A recent survey has found that the best side to wake up on is the left side of bed! Want some more tips on how to get a good nights sleep? Read below:
Wake up on the REAL right side of bed?
Did you bounce out the house full of energy this morning? No? Believe it or not it might have something to do with the side of the bed you rolled out of.
A new study by Spatone has found that people who rise from the bed on the right-hand side feel more tired than people who get out of bed on the left
A recent survey has found that the best side to wake up on is the left side of bed! Want some more tips on how to get a good nights sleep? Read below:
No More Bright Lights
You might think of it as a luxury but having a TV in your bedroom is not the best idea if you want a good night sleep. Shona Wilkinson, nutritionist at SuperfoodUK.com says:
“Establish the mood of the room that you sleep in, making it a calm and relaxing environment. This includes the colour of the walls, bed linen and décor and avoiding very bright, stimulating colours. Make sure you keep work out of the bedroom, as well as distractions like mobile phones, computers and TVs.”
Soothing Smells
When you go to bed feeling relaxed you’re more likely to wake up feeling refreshed in the morning. Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading nutritionist and author of ‘Natural Alternatives to Sugar’ suggests incorporating scented oils into your bedtime routine:
“Try using aromatherapy oils such as bergamot, lavender, roman chamomile and marjoram in a warm bath, just before bed. A few drops of lavender oil on your pillow at bedtime can also help.”
Cut Out Sugar
Your late night snack of choice may be behind your restless nights, to keep you from waking up in the early hours, swap your snacks to something that contains complex carbohydrates. Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns suggests:
“I’d recommend a couple of oatcakes, or some rye crackers with a bit of hummus. This can give a gentle release of energy and helps us to stop waking up hungry during the night.”
If you can’t stop reaching for those chocolates, try Slissie (from £39.99, www.slissie.co.uk), to satisfy your cravings without the calories. Slissie releases tasty, appetite-suppressing flavours, from vanilla to chocolate, which can help you resist eating things you know you really shouldn’t.
Change Your Tea Bag
Swap your regular builders tea to a calming mug of chamomile tea, Marilyn says that it encourages your body to relax. Try to avoid teas like oolong as the caffeine in it may interfere with your sleep, see more details at Monicashealthmag.com
Put Back The Wine Bottle
You might think that enjoying a glass of wine before bed is one of the easiest ways to get to the land of nod but it could actually leave you waking up feeling less than refreshed. Marilyn explains:
“Avoid alcohol. Not only does it affect blood sugar levels causing adrenaline and cortisol to be released, but it also blocks the transport of tryptophan into the brain. Tryptophan is important because it is converted into serotonin, the calming and relaxing neurotransmitter.”
Nature’s Little Helper
If you’d like a little natural help to get a good night sleep, turn to nature’s tranquiliser, magnesium. Cassandra, explains:
“Many of us live hectic, stressful lives, and are more exposed to environmental and food toxins, which can make us more prone to a magnesium deficiency. Try to include dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, whole grains and bananas in your diet, which are all rich in magnesium. Alternatively, to make sure you’re getting your daily dose I would recommend taking Natures Plus KalmAssure Magnesium Powder (£24.50, www.naturesplus.co.uk), which are very easy to absorb and easily delivered to the tissues. You will see the difference after 3 months.”
Turn Down The Temperature
Normally you can’t wait to snuggle under your warm duvet at the end of the day, but that may not be the best way to get off to sleep.
A colder room can actually promote a better sleep than a warm one, with the optimum temperature being between 15 and 20 degrees.
Morning Motivation
It may be an effort to drag yourself out of bed a bit earlier to fit in a workout but it may help you have a better time snoozing the next time you see your bed. Marilyn says:
“Try to exercise early in the day. Exercise can be extremely stimulating and some women find it difficult to sleep following a late work out session.”
Just A Glass
Keeping your hydration levels up is important for your overall health but if you’re drinking a lot before bedtime it could come back to haunt you in the night. Cassandra says:
“Limit how much you drink before bed – ideally keep to no more than one glass of water (or other fluid) in the 2–3 hours before you go to bed. Avoid bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods after dinner as they can encourage you to urinate more often.”
Hair, we put it through so much especially when it comes hair when using heating appliances like styling irons and hair dryers. The pressure from the heat causes the cuticles to crack causing split ends and leaving you with dry and brittle hair. So when you style your hair at home using heated appliances, then you jump straight into the freezing cold, you are going to increase your chances of damage to your hair. We asked Nicky for his ideal tips on how to protect your hair this winter.
1. Before using your heated appliance, it is vital that you use a good quality Heat Protect and cover the entire head, such as my Nicky Clarke Heat Protect Shine Spray (retails at £12.00 from www.nickyclarke.com)
2. After applying the heat protect product, comb through with a wide toothed comb to ensure extra coverage to the hair.
3. Once you have applied the spray you now need to take into consideration your hair’s natural texture. The thinner the hair, the lower the temperature should be. Putting too much heat on very fine hair will just cause even more breakage.
4. I would recommend using a good quality moisture shampoo that will hydrate the hair and add an extra gloss and shine.
5. The best way to prevent damage from heated appliances is to use the correct products and avoid chemical procedures. Intensive moisture treatments are really great and my top tip would be do one a week. Put a shower cap on and sleep with it on and rinse the following morning.
6. When using styling appliances make sure you turn the temperature down to a low heat and try to limit your use of them to once or twice a week.
7. If in doubt and your hair is extremely damaged from the heat, pop into see your hair stylist who can recommend an in salon treatment for a good quality condition.
8. Make sure you clean your styling appliances each time after using. With the use of pre-styling products, your tools will be left with a build-up of residue.
9. Sometimes the ends of our hair can become so badly damaged that the only solution is a trim. It is always best to visit your hair salon at least every three months to keep your hair looks its best.
10. One of the worst things you could do is to using your styling appliances on damp or wet hair. Your hair is at its weakest when it is wet so make sure your hair is 100% dry.
Are you intrigued by the supernatural? The UK has had its fair share of UFO sightings and, with The Falkirk Triangle in Scotland named UFO capital of the world, it seems you don’t have to travel far from home to catch a sneak peak of flying saucers and mysterious green men.
So if you’re up for an adventure into the unknown (and willing to risk abduction to another planet) then dig out your night vision goggles and check out these five UFO hotspots. And just in case you haven’t nabbed a spot on a spaceship to rest your head that night, with the help of LateRooms.com , we reveal the best hotels nearby for a good night’s sleep – no matter how spooked you are.
Bonnybridge, Scotland
With more than 300 UFO sightings reported every year, this sleepy town takes the title of UFO capital of the world. Set in the heart of an area known to UFO enthusiasts as The Falkirk Triangle, Broad Haven which stretches from Stirling, Fife and Bonnybridge, see thousands of ogling visitors each year, all desperate to spot the next mystery.
This little Wiltshire town was at the centre of controversy in the 1960s when a number of locals reported a number of sightings – and the eeriness isn’t confined to the past. Mysterious noises, intriguing balls of light and odd shadows in the sky attract visitors from all over the UK to hunt across Cradle Hill and neighbouring Stonehenge for a glimpse of the alien action.
Nicknamed after the Bermuda Triangle, the ‘Broad Haven Triangle’ is quite the head scratcher. Reports from schoolchildren of seeing a mysterious aircraft were far from treated as fairytales and fiction, as members of staff were quick to support the sighting. This supernatural spotting had everything, from saucers to creatures in silver suits – how can you argue with that?!
Dubbed “Britain’s Roswell”, the Rendlesham Forest incident, which saw unexplained lights put down to UFO landings by US Air Force specialists, took place over a series of nights in December 1980 and continues to fascinate UFO enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists. And with sightings reported earlier this year it’s no wonder the believers keep going back for more.
First put on the UFO radar in the 1980s, Cannock Chase is the creepy creature hotspot that just keeps giving. With sightings as recent as March this year, the Staffordshire town is bustling with conspiracies about werewolves, pig-men and even the legendary Big Foot. People are so adamant about what they saw that townspeople have even written books about the sightings, so make sure to pick up a copy when you visit.
While camping might sound like the ultimate fun trip, try not to get too ahead of yourself in this regard. Whatever may be your preconceived notions about camping, there are still plenty of things that you will need to keep in mind, especially if you are a first-timer.
You may initially think that you won’t even need most of the essentials on the list, but that’s the catch of camping sometimes – you never know what may happen or when you might need those very essentials you think aren’t that necessary. Here is a list of a few of those essentials :
Navigational Instruments
This is not just restricted to maps or a compass. Even something like a GPS tracker could be added to the list, depending on the circumstances. Although as far as mere convenience is concerned, just a map and a compass would also suit you just fine provided you know how to use both of them to the fullest potential.
First Aid Supplies
Now this one pretty much goes without saying. You could opt for pre-assembled ones or make your very own kit (provided you have the expertise) to suit your personal needs and preferences. You will also need to keep in mind the overall length of your camping trip and the number of people you will be going with. Only then will you be able to pack accordingly. Also a guide to deal with medical emergencies is a must.
Light sources
Sure you may be doing a lot of your camping during the day, but what if it’s raining throughout the day and you can only travel/walk at night? In this regard, headlamps and flashlights are the main choice for most people out there simply because of the fact that they are small, lightweight and tend to have long battery life as well. Even packable lanterns are a good option, but finally don’t forget to carry spare batteries at any cost.
Tools and repair kit
Multitools and knives, especially some of the best survival knives uk made or otherwise are absolutely essential in every regard. They are also instrumental in the aspects of food preparation and first aid as well. This cannot be stressed enough. After all, if you end up entering the forest, you will certainly require at the very least, a basic folding knife that you can use to cut through twigs and branches in the way of the path.
Basic Insulation
Unless you happen to be trekking or camping in blazing hot weather which I very much doubt you even would, you will certainly need, at the very least an additional layer of clothing. Also in the countryside, things can turn chilly, windy or wet rather fast so you will need to do your packing keeping the current weather scenario in mind.
However, there is one essential item that does not entail anything physical. That is simple and basic knowledge. Having all the essentials is going to be ultimately useless if you have little to no idea about how to actually use them in the event of an emergency. So do remember to pack up all of them, but also don’t forget to do your research regarding how to use them either. One is pretty much useless without the other and you would do well to keep that basic fact in mind.
Check out this recipe for hot lemon curd pudding with pine nut ice cream, fennel sorbet and Early Grey tea parfait.
You should begin the process the day before eating. First, make the pine nut ice cream and fennel sorbet, as they need the longest to set. If you’re on a roll, make the Earl Grey tea parfait the day before too.
Which you do first is up to you.
Pine nut ice cream
(makes a small tub – roughly 6 servings)
170g of pine nuts
500ml of full-fat milk
160ml of cream
140g of caster sugar
4 egg yolks from medium sized eggs (with whites reserved)
Fennel sorbet
(makes a small rub – roughly 4 servings)
2 fennel bulbs
2 tablespoons of Pernot
1 star anise
190ml water
175g sugar
15g liquid glucose
1 lime juiced
A few basil leaves
Say you opted to make the ice cream first;
Warm a splash of milk (10ml should be fine). Put the pine nuts in a food processor and blitz with the warmed milk to a paste
Bring the rest of the milk and the cream to the boil, together. Allow to cool
Whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until pale and creamy
Pour the milk and cream mixture over the egg yolk and sugar. Pour at a gradual pace and constantly whisk, to avoid the yolks cooking, although not vigorously as you don’t want a layer of foam to develop
Whisk in the pine nut paste and cook on a low heat, always stirring, until the mix thickens to a custard (to a temperature of 80°c)
Strain into a new container or bowl and allow to completely cool – I would suggest bringing down to room temperature and then finishing off the cooling in the fridge
Churn in an ice cream maker until it is thickened and creamy. Freeze
Next, the sorbet.
Toast the star anise in a pan for a minute. When it begins to release its aroma, add the pernot and bring the boil. Take off the heat and allow to cool
On a mandolin, slice the fennel on the thinnest setting. Reserve the fronds
Place the fennel in a shallow tub, pour over the cool pernot and freeze
Bring the water, sugar and liquid glucose to the boil, stirring occasionally so the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and allow to cool
Take the fennel out of the freezer once partially frozen, add a few leaves of basil and the fennel fronds. Blitz and strain, making roughly 250 ml of fennel juice. Blitz again with the water, glucose and sugar
Strain into an ice cream maker and churn until you have a slushy like consistency. Freeze
Earl Grey tea parfait
(makes 8 servings – circular cutter of 4cm diameter)
This parfait has a fairly loose set, so serve straight after removing from the freezer
2 Earl Grey tea bags
20ml of lemon (or bergamot if you can find it) juice
20 ml water
1 sheet of gelatine
4 egg yolks
72g caster sugar
60ml whipping cream
12 ml double cream
For the parfait,
Make the tea. Bring the lemon juice and water to the boil. Take off the heat and add the tea bags. Let brew.
When the tea has infused with a deep orange colour and tastes sufficiently Earl Grey-like without being bitter, remove the tea bag
Bloom the gelatin in cold water for 4 – 5 minutes
Heat the double cream until warm
Add the sugar to the tea mixture, and bring to 118°c – achieving a syrupy texture
During that time, whisk the egg yolks to a pale colour
Squeeze excess moisture from the gelatin, add it to the double cream and stir until incorporated.
Pour the syrup over the yolks gradually, whisking continuously to avoid the egg cooking. Stir in the double cream and geltaine
Whisk the whipping cream to soft peaks and fold in the egg and syrup mixture
Pour the parfait mixture into a lined, flat tin so it reaches about a 1cm in depth. Freeze
Basil meringue
At this stage you’ll notice a lot of reserved egg whites. You can use some to add texture to the dish, if you like
85 g icing sugar, sieved
80 g egg whites, at room temperature
a squeeze of lime
4 basil leaves, cut into fine strips
Set the oven to 75°c – 100°c depending on how much time you have. The lower the longer you’ll need
Whisk the egg whites and lime to soft peaks
Mix the icing sugar and basil together and add a spoonful at a time to the egg whites, still whisking until firm peaks form
Spread evenly and thinly over a baking tray lined with baking paper
Bake until completely dried out and crispy. Break into shards and store in an airtight container
Hot lemon curd pudding
(makes 6 individual portions – ramekins of 6cm diameter)
Make immediately before cooking. Alternatively, prepare all of the stages in advance and complete by whisking the egg whites just prior to cooking. This is not a soufflé, and does not live or die by its rise, though expect some.
50 g butter
200 g golden caster sugar
2 tablespoons hot water
1 lemon’s zest
2 lemon’s juice
3 eggs, yolks and whites separated
50 g plain flour, sieved
250 ml milk
Heat the oven to 170°c. Place a tray in the oven with water roughly 2cm high. Allow the water to come to heat
Gently warm the milk
Beat the butter, sugar, lemon zest and hot water together
Add the flour and lemon juice and mix
Add the egg yolks one by one, mixing with a whisk
Slowly add the warm milk and whisk slowly until you have a smooth batter
Whisk the egg whites to firm, but not stiff, peaks and gently fold the two components together
Pour to the top of ramekins lined with butter and place in the bain-marie in the oven.
Bake for 25 minutes. You want the top to be browned and slightly crisp, with the sides being of a soufflé consistency and the base a lovely, piping hot lemon curd. That’s the magic
To serve
A handful of toasted fennel seeds and pine nuts, blitzed to a coarse dust
A handful of fennel fronds and/or fresh basil leaves cut into strips
On a circular plate, place the hot lemon pudding, still in his ramekin.
Do not turn out, as we want to keep the three distinct layers of texture in tact.
Put a small amount of the dust on the plate to prevent slippage, then place the parfait on top
Put a small amount of the dust on top of the parfait and rest a small quenelle of the pine nut ice cream on top.
Crumble a small amount of meringue onto the remaining space on the plate and rest a small scoop of the fennel sorbet on it
Be creative with the meringue shards, basil and fronds if you wish
If you’re reading this article then you’re already winning! Dr Sally Norton, NHS weight loss consultant and founder of VavistaLife reveals 5 minute health wins that take – yep 5 minutes
There are never enough hours in the day or days in the week to get everything done. The bare essentials may make it through but looking after us often ends up at the bottom of the list. It’s crazy – because looking after ourselves saves time in the long term, as we are able to function more efficiently and less likely to succumb to illness when we are healthy. But when life is out of control, try to find just 5 minutes for yourself. Here’s how…
Get moving
Whilst the NHS recommends around 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week plus time on strength exercises, it seems most of us just don’t make the time for it. The good news is that more and more studies are showing that shorter bursts of high intensity or sprint exercises can have great health benefits too….so having too little time is no excuse. Any exercise is better than none. Set your watch for this simple 5 minute workout….. Sprint as fast as you possibly can (on the spot if necessary) for 20 seconds, jog for 20, walk for 20. Repeat 5 times.
Breathe
We sometimes forget that our brain needs downtime too. Stop for 5 minutes and focus on your breathing for a quick way to unwind and de-stress. Set a timer and sit in a quiet place – even your parked car before you hit the office or supermarket! Now focus on taking deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Phone a friend
It’s well known that social networks and healthy relationships help stave off the mental health issues that affect 1 in 4 of us at some time in our lives. By taking 5 minutes out of your busy day to chat to a friend or work colleague you are strengthening those bonds and cementing those lines of communication that may prove invaluable in keeping your mind as healthy as your body.
Plan ahead
‘Failing to prepare is preparing to fail’ as the saying goes. When we are surrounded by unhealthy choices at every turn it’s no surprise our willpower lets us down when we are stressed, tired and hungry. Try to spend just 5 minutes each day planning your healthier meals and grabbing some nutritious snacks for when the hunger pangs hit you unawares.
Think positive
Sometimes we feel as though the world is waging war on us, that deadlines are dragging us down and that life is leaving us listless. But it’s not just a cliché – studies show that looking on the bright side of life can really make things better and even lead to increased success at home and work. What’s more, it’s possible to develop a sunnier outlook even if you are normally a glass half-empty type. Rather than feeling down in the dumps, spend 5 minutes listing all that you can feel grateful for, however small. You will find your mood lifts – and if you make it a regular habit, who knows what benefits will follow.
However busy you are, there will be 5 minutes somewhere in the day for a quick boost to wellbeing, health, weight or fitness. You just have to remember to look for it! Perhaps wake up 5 minutes earlier or set an alarm at a certain time of the day. Add it on to an existing regular routine like after a shower or on arriving home from work. Anything that reminds you that you need some time too.
Becky Alexander & Michelle Lake, authors of Packed, a hip and easy guide to lunch on-the-go, share their top tips on how to save time and money on your lunch
If you work in a city centre, there are now loads of places to buy a lunch. The thing is, the mark-up can be massive for what you get (3.60 for a veggie sandwich?). Lots of us get into the habit of buying the same thing most days too, which means we aren’t getting the variety or veggies we probably need. If you are spending 10 minutes each day queuing to buy your lunch, then why not spend that time getting organised buying a few online basics to make your lunch instead? Then you can get out for a walk or have more time to relax instead. Brits are spending on average 2.5K a year on lunch, which is the price of a very nice holiday. Here are some tips to help you make your own, and save some time and money:
Do an online shop at your desk
Once a week or fortnight, buy things like bags of cooked Beluga lentils, olives, feta cheese, tuna in olive oil, nuts and roast peppers so you can always make a delicious packed lunch.
Buy an amazing loaf of bread
Buy the most delicious, seed-packed rye or sourdough loaf from a posh bakery or market stall. Cut it into wedges and freeze. Take a chunk to work every day to go with your soup or salad – much nicer and loads more nutrients than a bit of white baguette.
Baby steps
If the thought of making your lunch before work seems like a massive hassle, why not try once or twice a week to start with?
Buy fridge stars
Radishes, rocket, cauliflower and red peppers will last for a week, maybe two, in your fridge, so you won’t worry about them looking soggy by Friday.
How much?
The mark-up on shop salads and sandwiches is huge. Many are low on protein (half an egg anyone?) and high on cheap, chewy lettuce. For the price you pay, think how much salmon, cray fish, avocados etc you could buy instead for that.
Batch cook at the weekend
Once a week or fortnight, make a veg- and pulse-packed soup or veg chilli. Freeze and you have something to pull out and take to work when you have zero time in the morning.
Sunday lunch savings
If you are cooking a roast lunch, add a few more veggies to the tray such as carrots, red onions, cauliflower and sweet potatoes. These can be your lunch on Monday, maybe with some feta cheese on top. Save any leftover roast chicken too to have on Tuesday in a hearty sandwich, with some roast peppers and rocket.
Coffee habits
If you buy a coffee most days, you are spending about 500 a year. That’s a weekend away. Why not take turmeric or matcha teabags to work instead, which can give you a few extra nutrients too.
Hot chocolate soufflé: with a decadent, melting middle this one is all about seduction and sharing a spoon.
Ingredients
75g butter
450ml milk
50g plain flour
4 eggs, separated
1½ tbsp cocoa powder
50g caster sugar
Preheat the oven to 190°C
Melt the butter in a pan, stir in the flour and cocoa, and blend over a low heat. Add the milk and mix well using a hand whisk until thickened slightly. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool, then add the egg yolks and beat in.
Put the egg whites in the bowl, mix on speed 6 for a few seconds, then add the sugar and continue to whisk until soft peaks form. Fold in the sauce.
Pour the mixture into a greased 1.2 litre dish. Stand the dish in a roasting tin filled half full with boiling water, put into the oven, and bake for 40- 45 minutes, until well risen.
