Quick and Easy Dinner: Pasta All’ Amatriciana 

Everyone needs a quick, storecupboard dinner in their repertoire and this one came to us recently via a recipe printed on the side of a packet of pasta. I varied it slightly, and of course, if you have fresh chilis etc you could use them. This has now replaced our…

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The Dinner Files: Nicola from Simply Homemade

Today we’re joined by blogger and mum of five Nicola from Simply Homemade. Nicola’s blog shares some great healthy family meals and sweet treats, so check it out HERE. Tell us about dinner time in your house- what time is it, where do you sit, who is there? Monday to Friday…

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5 Healthy Treat Recipes to Satisfy your Sweet Tooth

I have a sweet tooth (and if I’m being perfectly honest I probably have more of a sugar addiction than a sweet tooth but anyhoo).  When I am copping on and leaving the box of biscuits alone eating healthily (because we are not going to call it being “good” or…

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16 from '16

It’s good to look back before looking forward, to see what the year gave us. In going through old posts for this review of the year, inspired by Where Wishes Comes From’s ’16 from 16, I really was reminded what a positive year 2016 was for us.  It’ll go down as…

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A Trick to Help Make Resolutions That You Can Stick To 

I always say that I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I definitely use the time off over Christmas to re-evaluate things. It’s the same as the “back-to-school” resolution, or the “back from holidays” ones. Plans to improve myself, my health, my home and my work life balance. My non-resolutions…

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When Christmas Doesn't Quite Go According to Plan.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” Fingers crossed. “‘Tis the season to be jolly” What if I’m not? Or the teething toddler isn’t? The whole perfectly happy Christmas thing is what we’re all striving for. Everyone together. Perfect food. All delighted.  Photos of smiling families in matching outfits…

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What's on TV this Christmas ? (2016)

I admit it, this year’s Christmas TV schedule doesn’t dazzle, there’s the usual formula of films, documentaries and Christmas Specials. I shared some of my choices for Christmas 2016 on the Marian Finucane Show radio programme last Saturday, but here are all my selections in detail.  For the Kids  We’re…

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Carols and Coincidence

As I walked through the carpark on the way to collect my small girl from playschool on Tuesday festive tunes hung on the air. I continued on my way and the music got louder. Voices, singing, piano accompaniment, coming from the church. I checked the time on my phone, I…

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Mincemeat and Custard Parcels 

I love pastry. I’ve loved custard even longer. Mince pies took a while to grow on me, but I’m a fan for about a decade. Add the three together in the easiest Christmas dessert ever and you’ve got a winner. I made these last year as part of the Craft…

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