This week my Word of the Week is: Cough! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

I still haven't shaken off the cold that I caught last week. Ugh! It seems to be one of those which hangs around, well the cough at least! My dad has still got it, so has his partner and Stu still has a bit of a cough too. It's strange, the girls haven't caught it but Becky always seems to have a cold at this time of year and Ellie is just a trooper and never seems to catch anything. I have done plenty of Covid tests and they have all came up negative.

Going to York for the Christmas Market on Friday was a great idea but I suffered for it over the weekend. Cough, cough, cough! On Sunday evening when I was doing the food shop I added some cough medicine to the basket, just the cheapest one that they had, Tesco's own. I rang the doctors on Monday morning hoping to get an appointment but the best they could offer me was well in to December. I am hoping to be over it by then and now I feel like I will be, if you asked me a few days ago I thought I was never going to shake this cough off!

When the cough medicine arrived I had a mouth full and it worked, I stopped coughing! I don't know if the ingredients helped or the fact that it tasted that disgusting I just forgot about my cough. I carried on taking it and my cough had eased a little by Wednesday. It was the lack of sleep which did me in. I think I saw every hour Sunday night/Monday morning. I'm still not feeling 100% but I am better than I was. Phew!

We put off going to the cinema on Monday as I was coughing so much and we had a cosy day at home putting up the Christmas decorations. It looks so festive in here now. We ended up going to the cinema yesterday to watch Wicked and I absolutely loved it!! I did worry about having a coughing fit in the cinema but I was that into Wicked that I didn't think about coughing. Ellie and I have decided we're going to watch The Wizard of Oz over the weekend and we can't wait for the 2nd part of Wicked next year, it seems such a long time away!

We don't have much planned for today, I do have a mountain of washing to do, it has piled up during the week and then I think I am going to watch some Christmas movies!

How has your week been? I hope you have all had a good one! I am of course linking up with Anne who blogs at Raisie Bay for her Word of the Week linky! 

What I have loved this week! Week 48. #FridayFavourites

Hello there and happy Friday! I wrote a Friday Favourite post last week all about my favourite things about my birthday that I had prewritten a couple of weeks ago as I knew I had a busy week last week. I didn't link up with Erika and Andrea as I was out all day on Friday and playing catch up over the weekend with blog things and real life things like house work. Hmmf. So this week I am sharing things that I have loved over the last couple of weeks!

Snow!

I couldn't believe it when I went and put some rubbish in the bin that it had started to snow, yes we were forecast snow but usually when it is forecast it's more sleety snow and never settles. The snow settled overnight and my youngest was getting excited for a day off college but it was not to be! By the morning it had all just about gone! Hmmf. There was just enough left to build this snowman. Since then it has been really chilly. Scarf, hat and gloves weather.

Festive food.

Not the things that I buy for over Christmas but the food that I buy in the run up to Christmas and enjoy! A favourite of mine is the Greggs Festive Bake: Crumb topped pastry filled with pieces of chicken, sage & onion stuffing and sweetcure bacon, covered in a creamy sage & cranberry sauce. I am also a sucker for the Coopland's Festive Sausage roll, just pork sausage with cranberry sauce and my all time favourite is the Festive Truffle Pudding, I don't even know what it is a chocolaty, truffle, cakey thing? It does taste amazing though!

Fleece lined leggings!

These are something that I didn't know I needed until I got them! They are what they say, leggings with a fleecy lining but the bonus is that they look just like thick tights and have a high waist that sucks my belly in a bit! I got a pair from Primark for about £7 to try them out and I went back earlier in the week and bought a couple more pairs! Love them!

New outfits!

I got a couple of new items for my wardrobe, the red dress the same as the green one which I always wear and the two piece set, a plain long sleeved top and bodycon checked skirt! I wasn't sure about even ordering it as I didn't think the top and skirt would suit me but I love the fit of both and I have decided dark red is my colour! I have noticed I have quite a few dresses of that colour, my hair and I always like a red lipstick! My coat is new too! It is perfect for the colder weather, waterproof, has a hood and the pockets are huge! 

My birthday & York Christmas Market! 

It was my birthday last week and I had the best day, well couple of days! I was spoilt rotten by my family and friends, ate and drank lots and got everything I wanted and more!! Stu and I went to York Christmas Market, I wrote a whole blog post about it and had the best day. It was everything I imagined and more. It really put me in the Christmas mood!

A night away!

My fella and I finally had a night away without the kids, I call them kids but they're 22 and 17 years old and are more than capable of staying home alone overnight. We stayed in a budget hotel but it was a night away with a bit of freedom. It was lovely, we had a walk around town, a visit to McDonalds and a couple of drinks in a pub that we've always wanted to visit!

Brush on nail glue!

Why didn't anyone tell me about it before? I usually use nail glue which comes with the false nails in a tube and get it everywhere, sticking my fingers together. I spotted some glue which came in a bottle just like you would get nail polish in with a brush and brushing the glue on is so much easier and my nails stayed on for 6 days. That is a record for me! Usually they pop off within 24 hours! 

My eldest trying Guinness!

Becky has always wanted to try the Irish Stout Guinness and she has never felt brave enough to ask for it as she see's it as an old mans drink but while we were at a pub where you can order on the app and have your drinks brought to the table she was feeling brave and got herself half a pint of it. She was so chuffed about it and does actually like it, she said she couldn't drink it on a evening out all night but will order it in the future.

Cough Medicine!

I caught the cold off my fella and despite being really snotty I haven't felt that unwell but I have been left with a rotten cough. I got some medicine, just from the supermarket and it tastes absolutely vile but it seems to have helped. I can sleep now without waking up coughing and during the day I am coughing less. Phew!

Christmas decorations!

The Christmas decorations are finally up! We had planned to put them up on Sunday but we just couldn't be bothered. This is the first year that I haven't really bought any new one's. I have the Harry Potter decorations on my tree, along with some gingerbread men and all the other decorations around the house that we have collected over the years.

What have you loved recently?

50 Elf on the Shelf ideas that you’ll love!

Many, many years ago when my girls were little in December we would get a little visitor, Elizabeth our the Elf on the Shelf! For the first week in December I was always full of ideas and soon after I struggled so would look online for inspiration.

Whether your elf is a seasoned pro or just making it's debut, coming up with creative and fun ideas can sometimes feel like a bit of a challenge so here are 50 Elf on the Shelf ideas to keep you sane throughout December!

Zipline Adventure: Create a zipline across the room using string and have the elf hang on.

Marshmallow Bath: Place the elf in a bowl of marshmallows, as if taking a bath.

Cereal Box Hideout: Hide the elf inside a cereal box with just its head poking out.

Book Nook: Set up the elf reading a book or surrounded by a small stack of books.

Lego Construction Site: Place the elf amidst a Lego construction scene.

Cookie Decorating: Set up a cookie decorating station with the elf in the middle.

Elf ‘Selfies’ with the Toys: Leave out a camera or a phone, and have your elf surrounded by your child's favourite toys as if they’ve been up all night snapping selfies. 

Snow Angel: Make a “snow angel” on the kitchen side with flourand place the elf on it.

Movie Night: Set the elf up with popcorn and treats ready to watch a movie.

Bathroom Shenanigans: Put the elf in the bathroom with a roll of toilet paper unravelled.

Balloon Ride: Attach the elf to a balloon for a floating effect.

Puppet Show: Use stuffed animals or finger puppets for a mini puppet show with the elf.

Candy Cane Hunt: Hide candy canes around the house with the elf pointing them out.

Christmas Tree Climber: Place the elf climbing the Christmas tree.

Puzzle Solver: Put the elf in the middle of a jigsaw puzzle, as if working on it.

Toy Car Races: Position the elf racing toy cars on a track.

Teddy Bear Tea Party: Set up a tea party with the elf and stuffed animals.

Sticker Fun: Have the elf covered in or surrounded by festive stickers.

Snack Thief: Put the elf in the middle of a snack stash with a few crumbs around.

Christmas Lights Tangle: Wrap the elf in Christmas lights (safely and loosely).

Colouring Fun: Set up a colouring station with the elf holding crayons or markers.

Elf Trapped: Place the elf in a jar or container with a note saying, “Help me!”

Scavenger Hunt: Leave clues around the house with the elf leading to a small prize.

Snowball Fight: Set up a scene with cotton balls as “snowballs” and the elf in the middle.

Elf Graffiti: Draw silly faces on family photos using non-permeant marker of course.

Holiday Playlist DJ: Create a mini DJ booth with the elf spinning records or playing music.

Elf Size Snacks: Make tiny snacks and place the elf next to them.

Top of the tree: Place the elf as the topper on your Christmas tree.

Elf Making Reindeer Food: Have the elf making ‘reindeer food’ with oats and glitter.

Elf on the Shelf Calendar: Set up a mini advent calendar just for the elf.

Gingerbread House Building: Set up a gingerbread house kit with the elf “constructing” it.

Snowflake Maker: Have the elf cutting out paper snowflakes.

Read the Elf on the Shelf Book: Have the elf reading its own book

Toothpaste Message: Write a cheeky message on the bathroom mirror using toothpaste.

Snowman Making: Use cotton balls or marshmallows to create a snowman with the elf.

Tiny Tree Decorating: Have the elf decorating a mini Christmas tree.

Elf on the Shelf Tattoo: Create temporary tattoos or stickers for the elf.

Elf in the Sink ‘Bubble Bath’: Fill the sink with cotton balls and place the elf inside.

Santa’s List: Have the elf reviewing or making a list of names.

DIY Snow Globe: Place your elf inside a clear jar with fake snow.

Gift Unwrapping: Set up a scene where the elf is in the middle of unwrapping gifts.

Elves in Training: Create a training camp with the elf doing “exercise” or obstacle courses.

Elf in the Fridge: Have the elf inside the fridge, bundled up in a scarf.

Mini Spa Day: Create a spa scene with the elf relaxing in a tiny robe or towel.

Christmas Wish List: Create a list of holiday wishes and have the elf holding it.

Christmas Elf Parade: Create a parade with toy figures and the elf leading.

Shoe Parade: Put the elf in a line of shoes like it’s a parade.

Game Night: Set up a board game with the elf as the player.

Elf Bandit: Fill a toy car with chocolate coins and have the elf driving off with them.

Elf and the pet: Have the elf interacting with your pet’s toys.

Do you have any more ideas of what to do with the elf?

A visit to York Christmas Market!

Last week Stu and I headed off for a day out to York Christmas Market! I have always wanted to visit a proper Christmas market and I have always been told that York is one of the best and as a bonus it's only a hour and half away from us. This year it started on the 14th of November and runs until the 22nd of December.

We arrived at York just after 9am and had a little wander, we could have taken a bus from the train station to where the Christmas market is but we wanted to take in the sights and despite it being freezing cold it was a lovely walk! You can't miss York Minister! I knew it was big but didn't expect it to be so big! 

Shambles is one of York's most famous landmarks and one of the best preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. It is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley from Harry Potter and it really did feel like it especially with the Harry Potter shops and The Shop That Must Not Be Named!!

We arrived at the area where the market is a little before 10am and the stalls were just starting to open up. There are 75 alpine chalets lining Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square which offer local crafts, artisan products and delicious seasonal treats.

We had a wander around taking everything in and planning what we were going to eat later on in the day. At the time we had no idea how busy it would get later on in the day.

We stopped for a mulled wine, tis the season and all. I had a shot of brandy added to mine. I was still full of cold and thought it would help and it did. It certainly had a bit of a kick to it which cleared my chest. 

We carried on wandering around the stalls. I love how pretty York is. The buildings have so much history and are so quaint and charming. Did you know that Guy Fawkes, the gunpowder plot guy was born in York? It was only when we went walking past a pub and saw the plaque on the wall and signs on the window. It wasn't this pub pictured below, I just wanted to share how pretty the buildings are.

It was heading towards lunch time and we already knew what we wanted to eat! Steak and chips! Cut and Craft a steak restaurant in York have a pop-up stall at the market and before we went I had seen so many videos on TikTok about the steak and chips. I don't usually eat steak but this was amazing!!! It cost £14 which seems a lot but it is steak and like I said before it was amazing! 

The only thing I want to complain about is the toilet situation in York! Firstly they were really hard to find despite the maps that were scattered around. I didn't know York at all and I struggled to find one and the 2nd issue I had that it cost me forty pence to have a pee! It's a good job they took card payments as I didn't have any change. I sat on the loo for longer than I normally would just to get my 40p worth. hehehe

More wandering was done and I started buying things. I could have easily spent a small fortune on things like pies, flavoured vodka, fudge and scotch eggs but I was very reserved and only bought a couple of pork pies when it came to food. The pork pie stall had some amazing flavours, the Paddington Bear one did horrify me at first, my first thought was that someone had cooked that loveable bear but no, it was marmalade flavoured. Such a strange combo but it works. I also brought home a turkey, cranberry and pork pie, some cup coasters, pin badges for the girls a cute little knitted sunflower and some Christmas trinkets and decorations. 

By around half past two it was really starting to get busy! In fact the queues were getting crazy, especially for the food stalls. When we had our steak and chips there were 2 people in front of us, later on the afternoon there was about 40 people waiting to be served.  

Have you ever had a stacked hot chocolate before? These were another thing that I had seen on TikTok and I needed to try one! Hot chocolate in the cup, a cookie on top with a layer or flame toasted marshmallow that was toasted in front of us, whipped cream another little cookie and a York wafer. It is the only way I want hot chocolate in future! The heat from the drink melts the chocolate in the cookie which makes it all gooey which is perfection!

People say Christmas markets are expensive but I didn't find that. £7 for a hot chocolate, the way it came was worth it. You pay around £5 for one from Starbucks or Costa. The only thing I saw which I thought was expensive was the macarons but they always are and are not my cup of tea anyway. The gifty type things and Christmas decorations were reasonably priced and I am happy to pay more for something that is hand crafted and not mass produced.

By about half past three we decided to head back to the train station to catch our train home. We had an amazing day out and I will be going back again next year. We timed it really well, when we were leaving there were hoards of people heading to the market, I dread to think how busy it would be on a weekend and closer to Christmas. I think going on a week day helped too as all the kids were still at school.

Have you been to York Christmas market before? Are you planning on going to any Christmas markets this year?

Our advent calendars 2024!

This year I said to the girls we were going to keep the advent calendars simple this year, they were only getting one each and it would just be a chocolate one. Well, that didn't go to plan. I just can't help myself. I like to spoil my girls and I keep thinking they are not going to be at home forever so I will make the most of it while they are plus at the grand age of 45 I still want and advent calendar, there's something special about enjoying a bit of chocolate every morning in the run up to Christmas. 

Stu and I are keeping things simple. Stu has a Cadbury's one, he always gets a Cadbury's one and I have a Reese's one. I was telling the girls how years ago I could only get Reese's chocolate from specialist, American type sweet shops but now you can get all sorts of Reese's, from everywhere now!

I really hadn't planned on going overboard with advent calendars but then I saw the Hello Kitty one on Shein which I knew Ellie would love. It was only £8.50 and each day there's a different Hello Kitty character to collect. Ellie didn't fancy a chocolate one this year and went with the Swizzles Sweet Shop one.

Becky couldn't decide what advent calendar that she wanted so I chose her the Celebrations Chocolate Christmas Tree Advent Calendar that way she would get a different chocolate every day. I told her that she was too old for a toy or fun one and then the mum guilt got the better of me and I decided to get her an extra one. She was mentioning an alcohol one but they are so expensive so the next best thing was a coffee one.

I spotted the Beanies 24 Days of Flavoured Coffee Advent Calendar on the Boots website in their Black Friday sale, I paid £12 for it but when I was writing this it had dropped to just over £10 which I think is a great bargain for 24 sachets of flavoured coffee. There's Gingerbread, Peppermint, Christmas Pudding, Yule Log, Mince Pie and Orange & Cranberry flavours! Yum!

We are now very excited for the 1st of December! Are you having an advent calendar this year? Which one have you chosen?

Our weekly meal plan! 25th Nov - 1st Dec. #MealPlanningMonday

What happened to November? It flew over which has felt seems so strange considering October really dragged! It's December at the end of this week and the most wonderful time of the year! I had planned on putting the Christmas decorations up yesterday but I just couldn't be bothered so that is a job for today. I am going to keep Stu busy on his last day off work. hehehe

Last weeks meal plan mostly went to plan despite me having a rotten cold. I didn't really do much cooking, I couldn't be bothered. Not because I was ill, I didn't feel poorly apart from having a really snotty nose which was sometimes blocked and an awful cough. It was the lack of sleep which did me in. If I wasn't waking myself up sneezing it was the coughing. It didn't stop my fun though, I had the best birthday, night away with Stu and visit to York Christmas market! We definitely ate well there! I don't like steak usually but had the best steak, chips and gravy! 

This week is all about getting back to a bit of normal before Christmas arrives. I spent Saturday catching up on everything that I didn't do on Thursday and Friday, the important things like ordering the food shop, ordering Gousto, blogging and doing some housework. 

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - I am not to sure yet, it all depends on when I finish putting the Christmas decorations up. I am thinking something quick like an omelette.

Tuesday - Gousto meal - Chinese-Style Chicken Curry With Egg Fried Rice And Chips.

Wednesday - Gousto meal - Marmite & Peanut Butter Pork Udon.

Thursday - Gousto meal - Hoisin Pork Burger With Black Sesame Chips.

Friday - Fish, chips and mushy peas.

Saturday - Pizza.

Sunday - A roast dinner of some sort.

What are you eating this week?

Week 47 of #Project365 17th - 23rd November! A photo every day for a year!

Happy Sunday! I hope you all survived Storm Bert, it was rotten here yesterday, I was supposed to be going out last night but staying home in the warm with a takeaway and a few glasses of wine seemed more appealing!

My week got better the more it went on! I caught Stu's cold early on in the week and felt pretty rough but that was only down to the lack of sleep because of my snotty nose and coughing. I didn't feel that unwell, there was no fever or aching so that was a bonus! I think my brain took over and knew I had to be feeling OK for my birthday on Thursday and my trip to York Christmas Market on Friday! I had a great time and will be writing more about it when I catch up on everything that I didn't do on Thursday and Friday. lol

Now for a photo every day!!

321/365 - 17th November

Stu started wrapping my birthday presents. He didn't finish because he ran out of wrapping paper, he's not an expert when it comes to wrapping. hehehe

322/365 - 18th November

We had snow, it came down quickly, settled and then was gone by the morning mostly. There was still patches in the shade which stuck around.

323/365 - 19th November

It must have been cold, Ellie had a proper coat on! lol

324/365 - 20th November

New nails, fancy one's this time with little flowers on. They were stick on one's and they lasted so well, I've still got them on now! I think it's down to the different glue that I used, I got it from Primark and it comes in a nail polish type pot with a brush and it made putting the nails on much easier!

325/365 - 21st November

My birthday and I had a lovely day even if I was up at 7am because I couldn't stop coughing! I went for drinks with friends, lunch out and a meal with my family. Later on Stu and myself went away for the night. We stayed in a hotel, this photo was taken in the lift.

326/365 - 22nd November

Stu and I went to York Christmas Market, we had a lovely day and we walked for miles. The achy legs and back was worth it though. We ate and drank so many tasty things, bought some gifts and just enjoyed the atmosphere!

327/365 - 23rd November

I finally got around to opening my birthday pressie properly from Jayne, I love Lush and this is just perfect! I think a soak in the bath is called for this afternoon!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

This week my Word of the Week is: Birthday! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

What a week! Following on from last weeks Word of the Week Cold I caught Stu's cold! I started with it on Monday evening but haven't felt that poorly. I was full of snot by Tuesday and by Thursday is was more of a cough and still is. I've tested and it's not Covid so it wasn't all bad. I plodded on and didn't let it ruin my week.

First off, over last weekend it was my blogs birthday. It turned 12! How am I still blogging? I have never stuck to a hobby for this long. I want to say thank you again to everyone who reads, comments and shows their support. It really does mean the world to me. Like I said in a post earlier on the week I have had a shaky year when it comes to blogging and at one point was set to give it all up but now, no chance! I have lots more to say here on my little space on the internet.

I had the best birthday! I was well and truly spoilt rotten! I went to the pub with Becky and a friend at lunchtime, had a small bite to eat and a few drinks. Later on Stu and Ellie arrived and we had a lovely family meal. When our bellies were full we went home where Stu and I got changed and then whizzed off for a night away before we caught the train to York Christmas Market.

My logic was that staying in a hotel would be easier than having to get up at about 5am to get an early bus to the train station. We didn't have to get up until 7am and there was the free breakfast so paying the extra for the hotel was worth the money. It's the first time that we've left the girls at home and they had a great time. They had 3 takeaways! Taco Bell, Subway and then the chip shop! Stu and I were gone for less than 24 hours. lol They did some washing and tidied up so I have no complaints.

I have always wanted to go to a Christmas market and had read York is one of the best and it didn't disappoint. We ate, drank and bought lots of treats! I will be writing more about it when I have had a rest. I walked miles yesterday and we didn't get home until later than we'd planned because of the buses being silly.

I hope you have all had a good week! I am of course linking up with Anne who blogs at Raisie Bay for her Word of the Week linky!

My favourite things about my birthday!

I know this week has been a busy one and that I why I pre-wrote this blog post and scheduled it a couple of weeks ago! It was my birthday yesterday and I am sure I had a great time. I will of course write about it over the next few days. It wasn't a big birthday, I turned 45. I did have to check a little while ago how old I was, I couldn't remember if I was turning 44 or 45. lol

My birthday is my absolute favourite day of the year and here’s a list of all my favourite things about celebrating my birthday and I am of course linking up with Erika and Andrea and their Friday Favorite linky.

It’s my day!!

There’s nothing quite like a day dedicated solely to me It feels like having a custom made holiday that no one else gets to claim, well unless you are born on the same date. hehehe

The birthday wishes!!

I love those texts, messages and calls that pour in from family and friends, some of whom I don’t hear from regularly. It is a lovely way to reconnect and catch up with people!

An excuse to have cake for breakfast!!

Who can argue with birthday cake first thing in the morning? It’s my day so I get to set the rules. Plus I know I am always full from a meal out to really enjoy cake so it was the best idea to have it first thing in the morning.

Free treats and birthday deals!!

The emails have been coming all week! "it’s your birthday come get a free coffee or here’s a little something for your special day". Shops, cafes and even some restaurants will hand out free birthday treats which I plan to enjoy.

The gifts!!

It wouldn't be a birthday without some gifts, I picked most of mine this year so I know I will be very happy and the surprise one's are just a bonus!

No guilt splurges!!

Birthdays give me the perfect excuse to indulge, guilt free! I always say "but it is my birthday" to make any purchase or want acceptable.

The birthday outfit!!

I always love putting a little extra thought into what I wear on my birthday. It is always something which makes me feel good about myself. I got a couple of new outfits for my birthday, I already know. Stu ordered me them and a new coat! Hooray!!

The smell of fresh flowers!!

I love treating myself to a bouquet of flowers. They bring instant cheer, and I feel like my house is saying Happy Birthday too.

A meal out!!

My birthday is the perfect time to enjoy all my favourite dishes without thinking twice or worrying about the calories. 

Feeling all the love!!

Nothing warms my heart more than knowing people are thinking of me. A birthday has this amazing way of making you feel loved and appreciated even in the smallest ways.

Thank you for the birthday wishes! What is your favourite things about your birthday?

Getting ready for Stir Up Sunday! A Christmas Pudding recipe!

Did you know that this coming Sunday it is Stir up Sunday?

Stir Up Sunday is a delightful day that marks the beginning of the festive season! It is the last Sunday before Advent and traditionally the day when families gather in the kitchen to whip up their Christmas puddings. The idea is to make your pudding early enough so that it has plenty of time to mature before Christmas Day. Just like a fine wine, Christmas puddings improve with age allowing all those rich, fruity flavours to blend together beautifully. 

Over the years I have found myself getting more adventurous in the kitchen in the run up to Christmas. I've made Yule logs, Christmas cakes and this year I am going to try and make a Christmas pudding. How hard can it be?

This is the recipe that I am using!

For the Pudding:

75g (3 oz) of suet.

75g (3 oz) of plain flour.

100g (4 oz) of fresh white or brown breadcrumbs.

100g (4 oz) of dark brown sugar.

200g (7 oz) of mixed dried fruit (like raisins, currants, and sultanas).

100g (4 oz) of dried apricots, chopped.

100g (4 oz) of glacé cherries, halved.

1 large apple, peeled and grated.

1 large egg.

150ml (5 fl oz) of milk.

1 tablespoon of black treacle (or golden syrup).

1 teaspoon of mixed spice powder.

1/2 a teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

1/2 a teaspoon of ground nutmeg.

1 tablespoon of brandy (optional, but highly recommended for a festive touch).

For Steaming:

A large pot with a lid.

Greaseproof paper.

Kitchen twine.

Instructions: How to Make Your Christmas Pudding

Prepare the Pudding Mix:

Start by greasing a 1.2-liter (2-pint) pudding basin. Any heatproof bowl will work. This will ensure your pudding comes out smoothly after steaming.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the suet, flour, breadcrumbs, and dark brown sugar. Give it a good mix.

Stir in the dried fruits, chopped apricots, glacé cherries, and grated apple.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add it to the mixture along with the milk, black treacle, mixed spice powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix everything together until well combined.

If you’re using brandy, add it now and give it a final stir. The brandy adds an extra depth of flavour and will help the pudding stay moist.

Prepare for Steaming:

Spoon the mixture into your prepared pudding basin, packing it down gently.

Cut a circle of greaseproof paper and place it over the top of the pudding, then cover with a piece of foil. Secure with kitchen twine, tying it around the rim of the basin to ensure no steam can escape.

Steam the Pudding:

Place the pudding basin in a large pot. Add boiling water to the pot so it comes halfway up the sides of the basin.

Cover the pot with a lid and steam the pudding for about 6 hours. You’ll need to check occasionally, adding more boiling water as needed to keep the level up.

Cool and Store:

Once steamed, let the pudding cool before removing it from the pot. When it’s cool enough, you can remove the greaseproof paper and foil. Cover the pudding with fresh greaseproof paper and foil, and store it in a cool, dry place until Christmas Day. The flavours will continue to develop as it ages.

Reheat and Serve:

On Christmas Day, reheat your pudding by steaming it for an additional 2 hours. To serve, you can flambe it with a bit more brandy for that classic, dramatic presentation. Just warm the brandy in a small pan, pour it over the pudding, and carefully light it with a long match.

Wish me luck! This is going to be the most adventurous thing I have ever cooked. Have you ever made your own Christmas pudding?

My favourite blog posts from the last year!

My blog turned 12 a few days ago and each year I like to share my favourite blog post from the previous year and these are them. They may not be my most viewed posts or have the most comments but they are the one's that bring back happy memories for me and the one's that I enjoyed writing the most!

November - 50 before 50!

I made a list of 50 things that I want to do before I am 50 and I have made a slow start on the list. I have completed some, I'm working on a few more but did have to put a lot of things off when we had other things going on in our lives this year.

December - My favourite things about Christmas!

I wrote about my favourite things about Christmas. I love Christmas. Just skimming over it now has made me feel all warm, fuzzy and excited for Christmas this year.

January - What I have loved this week! Week 1. #FridayFavourites

This was my first week writing a proper Friday Favourites blog post with all the things that I have loved from that week. I really do enjoy writing these blog posts and of course reading all the other blogs which join in with the linky!

February - I did dry January!

I did dry January and wrote all about it. I felt so proud of myself, healthier for it and it saved us some money. It wasn't life changing but it was a great way to start the year. I will be doing it again in 2025.

March - Not a girly girl but still a girl!

I wrote a blog post all about Becky and her clothing choices. She isn't a girly girl and sometimes gets mistaken for a boy, we laugh about it most of the time.

April - We used to rescue animals!

This blog post came about after I wrote a blog post about thinking about getting a pet. I realised when writing the last few lines of that blog post I had to write about some of the animals that my family had rescued when I was younger. We always had a house full of pets.

May - When does the worry end?

I wrote a blog post all about how being a parent is just one big worry. I can tell you more than 6 months after writing that blog post I am still here worrying about my girls. lol I did say in that blog post " I have been lucky with my girls, they are on the whole good girls, they don't go looking for trouble and thankfully stay out of drama." On the whole it is still true but drama just seems to find them. lol

June - 5 years living here!

I wrote about how we are finding living here after 5 years. I loved it when we moved here and still do. I can see us being here forever it is such a lovely, little town!

July - A weekend in Hull!

I wrote about a little break that we had in Hull. Hull is not far from us but it was nice to get away for a couple of nights. It was such a lovely weekend away. I am in the process of planning another little weekend away maybe for just Stu and I. 

August - A big thank you!

I said a thank you to everyone who supported us over a difficult time that we had in my families life. I had no idea that so many people cared about my family and I. Thank you!

September - Why I love meal planning!

I wrote all about Why I love meal planning. I think if I didn't blog, I wouldn't meal plan and my life would be even more chaotic than it is. Blogging is how I got into meal planning! I can't imagine a life without meal planning or my blog now.

October - An evening without the internet!

Some of my favourite things to write about is my real life experiences. This was the night we spent without any internet! It is such a first world problem and so trivial but it made me realise how much we rely on something so small as the internet!

Have you read these blog posts of mine?