Chocolate Orange Hemp Seed Truffles - the perfect healthy Easter treat!

Happy Easter everyone! As the Hemp Seed Bites that I made in my previous post were such a hit, I thought I'd try a spin on the recipe and make some delicious Chocolate Orange Hemp Seed truffles. The recipe is pretty much the same as the Lemon and Coconut Hemp Seed Bites but with a few small changes to make an altogether different but amazing flavour! What's more these incredibly indulgent truffles are really good for you and would make an impressive dinner party treat or gift. The children absolutely LOVE them!

Chocolate Orange Hemp Seed Truffles (makes 16 truffles)

• 3/4 cup shelled hemp seeds 
• 1/2 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
• 1/4 cup agave/coconut nectar 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 20g of grated organic dark chocolate (I used Green & Black's aromatic spices with warming chilli for that extra kick!)
• zest of 1 orange 
• pinch of salt 
• 2 tbsp coconut oil 
• 1/3 cup unsweetened desiccated for rolling 
• Just under 1/3 cup of organic coco powder for rolling
• Rose petals for decorating (optional..I got mine from Botanica whole food store)

Take the first 7 ingredients and combine in a blender or food processor until a dough forms that is fairly smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste. Melt the coconut oil very gently over low heat until just melted. Then while the blender or food processor is running add the coconut oil in and mix until evenly distributed.

Now take tea spoonfuls out and shape into truffle sized balls. The dough will feel a little oily but don’t worry, the chilled truffles will not be! Put the 1/3 cup desiccated coconut on a flat plate and roll each ball in the coconut. Put the cup of coco powder on a separate flat plate and roll each ball until evenly covered. Place the finished truffles onto a baking sheet covered with grease proof paper and when all are finished put in the freezer for at least 1/2 an hour to firm up. Store in the fridge.

Do not leave at room temperature for too long though as they will lose their firmness.

For more information on the benefits of hemp seed and also coconut oil please refer to the Lemon and Coconut Hemp Seed Bites recipe and Coconut Oil Ice Cream recipe.

Enjoy!

Happy Easter everyone! As the Hemp Seed Bites that I made in my previous post were such a hit, I thought I'd try a spin on the recipe and make some delicious Chocolate Orange Hemp Seed truffles. The recipe is pretty much the same as the Lemon and Coconut Hemp Seed Bites but with a few small changes to make an altogether different but amazing flavour! What's more these incredibly indulgent truffles are really good for you and would make an impressive dinner party treat or gift. The children absolutely LOVE them!

Chocolate Orange Hemp Seed Truffles (makes 16 truffles)

• 3/4 cup shelled hemp seeds 
• 1/2 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
• 1/4 cup agave/coconut nectar 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 20g of grated organic dark chocolate (I used Green & Black's aromatic spices with warming chilli for that extra kick!)
• zest of 1 orange 
• pinch of salt 
• 2 tbsp coconut oil 
• 1/3 cup unsweetened desiccated for rolling 
• Just under 1/3 cup of organic coco powder for rolling
• Rose petals for decorating (optional..I got mine from Botanica whole food store)

Take the first 7 ingredients and combine in a blender or food processor until a dough forms that is fairly smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste. Melt the coconut oil very gently over low heat until just melted. Then while the blender or food processor is running add the coconut oil in and mix until evenly distributed.

Now take tea spoonfuls out and shape into truffle sized balls. The dough will feel a little oily but don’t worry, the chilled truffles will not be! Put the 1/3 cup desiccated coconut on a flat plate and roll each ball in the coconut. Put the cup of coco powder on a separate flat plate and roll each ball until evenly covered. Place the finished truffles onto a baking sheet covered with grease proof paper and when all are finished put in the freezer for at least 1/2 an hour to firm up. Store in the fridge.

Do not leave at room temperature for too long though as they will lose their firmness.

For more information on the benefits of hemp seed and also coconut oil please refer to the Lemon and Coconut Hemp Seed Bites recipe and Coconut Oil Ice Cream recipe.

Enjoy!

Polarn O. Pyret..Review of iconic Swedish baby and children's wear store as it opens in Tunbridge Wells

Jake, Joshua and Grace modelling some of PO.P's current range

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to an exclusive blogger event to celebrate the opening of the fabulous Swedish children's wear store Polarn O. Pyret ("PO.P" for short) in the High Street, Tunbridge Wells. 

The brand is a national treasure in Sweden, where parents clamour for the label's signature stripes, practical design and unmatched quality. The PO.P range covers clothing and outerwear for playful boys and girls aged from newborn to 12 years.

The first thing that struck me when I entered the store was how wonderfully bright and colourful their clothing range was. A lot of thought has also gone into the layout and functionality of the store, including fun tunnels for your children to explore and a small play area to keep them entertained. This, alone, put it ahead of its competitors for its thoughtfulness towards parents trying to shop with younger children and made it a joy to browse the rails, tables and shelves all lined with beautiful, quality clothing for kids.  

The superior quality of the clothing is evident, with well thought out design such as leggings for girls with adjustable waists, cuffs that roll down for growing room and detailing on their range of wind and waterproof jackets that you can't help but be impressed by. The jackets themselves are lightweight, have a hard wearing, urban edge, whilst still maintaining practical design such as chin protectors, reinforced areas on the elbows, detachable hoods (including velcro straps to adjust the hood size), reflectors and breathable material. They can be combined with a contrasting coloured fleece for extra warmth that include thumb holes to make it easier for your child to put on and an interlocking zip. 

The other great thing about the brand is its 'timeless' appeal, ensuring that not only will the clothing stand the test of time due to its quality but will also transcend fashion at any time too. This is particularly true of the brands instantly recognisable striped Classic range to which a whole corner of the store is dedicated.

The good news is that PO.P are currently running a sale on selected items with up to 50% off, so really worth a look!

For more details on their range and for your nearest store you can visit their website here: 

Polarn O. Pyret

or visit the Tunbridge Wells store at 64 High Street.

Happy shopping!

Jake, Joshua and Grace modelling some of PO.P's current range

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to an exclusive blogger event to celebrate the opening of the fabulous Swedish children's wear store Polarn O. Pyret ("PO.P" for short) in the High Street, Tunbridge Wells. 

The brand is a national treasure in Sweden, where parents clamour for the label's signature stripes, practical design and unmatched quality. The PO.P range covers clothing and outerwear for playful boys and girls aged from newborn to 12 years.

The first thing that struck me when I entered the store was how wonderfully bright and colourful their clothing range was. A lot of thought has also gone into the layout and functionality of the store, including fun tunnels for your children to explore and a small play area to keep them entertained. This, alone, put it ahead of its competitors for its thoughtfulness towards parents trying to shop with younger children and made it a joy to browse the rails, tables and shelves all lined with beautiful, quality clothing for kids.  

The superior quality of the clothing is evident, with well thought out design such as leggings for girls with adjustable waists, cuffs that roll down for growing room and detailing on their range of wind and waterproof jackets that you can't help but be impressed by. The jackets themselves are lightweight, have a hard wearing, urban edge, whilst still maintaining practical design such as chin protectors, reinforced areas on the elbows, detachable hoods (including velcro straps to adjust the hood size), reflectors and breathable material. They can be combined with a contrasting coloured fleece for extra warmth that include thumb holes to make it easier for your child to put on and an interlocking zip. 

The other great thing about the brand is its 'timeless' appeal, ensuring that not only will the clothing stand the test of time due to its quality but will also transcend fashion at any time too. This is particularly true of the brands instantly recognisable striped Classic range to which a whole corner of the store is dedicated.

The good news is that PO.P are currently running a sale on selected items with up to 50% off, so really worth a look!

For more details on their range and for your nearest store you can visit their website here: 

Polarn O. Pyret

or visit the Tunbridge Wells store at 64 High Street.

Happy shopping!

Healthy Easter Treat for Kids (and Grown Ups)...Lemon and Coconut Hemp Seed Bites

Easter is about to arrive and although the children will inevitably be indulging in their fair share of Easter eggs (courtesy of the Easter Bunny!), I thought it would be great to balance all that sickly chocolate with a healthy treat they will also love. Having looked for some inspiration online, I found the recipe for these fabulous lemon and coconut hemp seed bites courtesy of the veggie nook - a fab blog by vegan Gabby who takes a holistic approach to eating.

They are so easy to make, look appetising and are a brilliant way of getting seeds into your children.  They also make a great after dinner treat for the grown ups too!

Recipe for Lemon and Coconut Hemp Seed Bites (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Raw)

Makes 22 bites.

• 3/4 cup shelled hemp seeds 
• 1/2 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
• 1/4 cup agave/coconut nectar 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• zest of 1 lemon 
• pinch of salt 
• 2 tbsp coconut oil 
• 1/3 cup unsweetened desiccated for rolling 

Take the first 6 ingredients and combine in a blender or food processor until a dough forms that is fairly smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste. Melt the coconut oil very gently over low heat until just melted. Then while the blender or food processor is running add the coconut oil in and mix until evenly distributed.

Now take spoonfuls out and shape into balls. The dough will feel quite oily but don’t worry, the chilled bites will not be! Put the 1/3 cup coconut flakes on a flat plate and roll each ball in the coconut. Place the finished bites onto a baking sheet covered with grease proof paper and when all are finished put in the freezer for at least 1/2 an hour to firm up. Store in the fridge or freezer.

I have kept mine in the freezer and the good thing is they are still soft to bite into when you take them out. Do not leave at room temperature for too long though as they will lose their firmness.

Benefits of Hemp Seed

Hemp is a high protein seed containing all nine of the essential amino acids (like flax). It also has high amounts of fatty acids and fibre as well as containing vitamin E and trace minerals. It has a balanced ratio of omega 3 to 6 fats at around a three to one ratio. This won’t help correct your omega balance if it’s off, but it gives you the right balance to start with.

Further the protein content of the hemp seed is supposed to be very digestible. Many people noted their personal experience of finding that hemp seed protein did not cause bloating or gas, like some of their whey, or other protein shakes did.

Unlike soy which has super high amounts of phytic acid (that anti-nutrient that prevents us from absorbing minerals), hemp seed doesn’t contain phytic acid. At the very least, this makes hemp seed a step up from soy.

Hemp contains:

• All 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) our bodies cannot produce.

• A high protein percentage of the simple proteins that strengthen immunity and fend off toxins.

• Eating hemp seeds in any form could aid, if not heal, people suffering from immune deficiency diseases. This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed has been used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on by tuberculosis, a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away.

• Nature’s highest botanical source of essential fatty acid, with more essential fatty acid than flax or any other nut or seed oil.

• A perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 Linoleic Acid and Omega-3 Linolenic Acid – for cardiovascular health and general strengthening of the immune system.

• A superior vegetarian source of protein considered easily digestible.

• A rich source of phytonutrients, the disease-protective element of plants with benefits protecting your immunity, bloodstream, tissues, cells, skin, organs and mitochondria.

• The richest known source of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids.

Information sourced from: The Nourishing Gourmet

Easter is about to arrive and although the children will inevitably be indulging in their fair share of Easter eggs (courtesy of the Easter Bunny!), I thought it would be great to balance all that sickly chocolate with a healthy treat they will also love. Having looked for some inspiration online, I found the recipe for these fabulous lemon and coconut hemp seed bites courtesy of the veggie nook - a fab blog by vegan Gabby who takes a holistic approach to eating.

They are so easy to make, look appetising and are a brilliant way of getting seeds into your children.  They also make a great after dinner treat for the grown ups too!

Recipe for Lemon and Coconut Hemp Seed Bites (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Raw)

Makes 22 bites.

• 3/4 cup shelled hemp seeds 
• 1/2 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
• 1/4 cup agave/coconut nectar 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• zest of 1 lemon 
• pinch of salt 
• 2 tbsp coconut oil 
• 1/3 cup unsweetened desiccated for rolling 

Take the first 6 ingredients and combine in a blender or food processor until a dough forms that is fairly smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste. Melt the coconut oil very gently over low heat until just melted. Then while the blender or food processor is running add the coconut oil in and mix until evenly distributed.

Now take spoonfuls out and shape into balls. The dough will feel quite oily but don’t worry, the chilled bites will not be! Put the 1/3 cup coconut flakes on a flat plate and roll each ball in the coconut. Place the finished bites onto a baking sheet covered with grease proof paper and when all are finished put in the freezer for at least 1/2 an hour to firm up. Store in the fridge or freezer.

I have kept mine in the freezer and the good thing is they are still soft to bite into when you take them out. Do not leave at room temperature for too long though as they will lose their firmness.

Benefits of Hemp Seed

Hemp is a high protein seed containing all nine of the essential amino acids (like flax). It also has high amounts of fatty acids and fibre as well as containing vitamin E and trace minerals. It has a balanced ratio of omega 3 to 6 fats at around a three to one ratio. This won’t help correct your omega balance if it’s off, but it gives you the right balance to start with.

Further the protein content of the hemp seed is supposed to be very digestible. Many people noted their personal experience of finding that hemp seed protein did not cause bloating or gas, like some of their whey, or other protein shakes did.

Unlike soy which has super high amounts of phytic acid (that anti-nutrient that prevents us from absorbing minerals), hemp seed doesn’t contain phytic acid. At the very least, this makes hemp seed a step up from soy.

Hemp contains:

• All 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) our bodies cannot produce.

• A high protein percentage of the simple proteins that strengthen immunity and fend off toxins.

• Eating hemp seeds in any form could aid, if not heal, people suffering from immune deficiency diseases. This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed has been used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on by tuberculosis, a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away.

• Nature’s highest botanical source of essential fatty acid, with more essential fatty acid than flax or any other nut or seed oil.

• A perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 Linoleic Acid and Omega-3 Linolenic Acid – for cardiovascular health and general strengthening of the immune system.

• A superior vegetarian source of protein considered easily digestible.

• A rich source of phytonutrients, the disease-protective element of plants with benefits protecting your immunity, bloodstream, tissues, cells, skin, organs and mitochondria.

• The richest known source of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids.

Information sourced from: The Nourishing Gourmet

The Benefits of Coconut Oil and a Recipe for Coconut Oil Icecream!

One of the many fascinating things I learnt on the Newtritious Delicious  course I attended over the last three weeks was regarding the tropical wonder of Coconut Oil.  I have used coconut oil myself for years but mainly as a body lotion or shampoo and conditioner. It had never occurred to me that I could use it to cook with and was unaware of the wonderful benefits introducing it into your diet could bring...

Coconut oil is a traditional oil which has nourished people for centuries. It is one of nature's most health promoting oils and the safest to cook with. Key constituents of coconut oil:

Capryllic acid - principally antifungal (also found in butter fat and breast milk)

Lauric acid - antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and antiprotozoal (also found in butter fat and breast milk).

Did you know? Lauric acid helps to maintain a clear complexion as it survives digestion and is attracted to the sebaceous glands in the skin where it dissolves the sebum and may slow the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

• Boosts immunity
• Increases metabolism
• Lowers cholesterol 
• Promotes healthy thyroid function
• Increases energy
• Rejuvenates skin

Coconut oil is such an effective metabolism booster and weight loss aid that Asian farmers stop feeding coconut to their animals when they want to fatten them up!

Suggested use: stir-fry, sauté, boost up a smoothie, bake with it, add to hot drinks such as coffee...or make ice cream with it!

Coconut Oil Ice Cream

Ingredients

113g coconut oil

150g coconut sugar

2 eggs

330ml milk  

Method

Blend egg and sugar until a high volume is reached (about 15 minutes).  Meanwhile, melt the coconut oil until just melted, don't get it too hot, just barely warm enough to melt the oil.

Slowly drizzle the melted oil into the blender. Once all the oil has been emulsified by the egg and sugar (looks really creamy and smooth) then slowly pour in the milk.  More milk makes a lighter ice cream, less milk makes a more dense ice cream.  

Place the ice cream in the freezer and freeze for at least 6 hours.

You can serve with a delicious syrup from Rose Café or drizzle some melted bitter chocolate on top.

I got my Coconoil and Rose Café syrup from the fabulous wholefood store Botanica in Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells.

For more free advice and tips on nutrition check out Newtritious Delicious on Facebook

Or visit their website for information on their courses: http://www.newtritiousdelicious.com/

You can also contact Abir directly via email at: info@mynewtrition.co.uk

One of the many fascinating things I learnt on the Newtritious Delicious  course I attended over the last three weeks was regarding the tropical wonder of Coconut Oil.  I have used coconut oil myself for years but mainly as a body lotion or shampoo and conditioner. It had never occurred to me that I could use it to cook with and was unaware of the wonderful benefits introducing it into your diet could bring...

Coconut oil is a traditional oil which has nourished people for centuries. It is one of nature's most health promoting oils and the safest to cook with. Key constituents of coconut oil:

Capryllic acid - principally antifungal (also found in butter fat and breast milk)

Lauric acid - antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and antiprotozoal (also found in butter fat and breast milk).

Did you know? Lauric acid helps to maintain a clear complexion as it survives digestion and is attracted to the sebaceous glands in the skin where it dissolves the sebum and may slow the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

• Boosts immunity
• Increases metabolism
• Lowers cholesterol 
• Promotes healthy thyroid function
• Increases energy
• Rejuvenates skin

Coconut oil is such an effective metabolism booster and weight loss aid that Asian farmers stop feeding coconut to their animals when they want to fatten them up!

Suggested use: stir-fry, sauté, boost up a smoothie, bake with it, add to hot drinks such as coffee...or make ice cream with it!

Coconut Oil Ice Cream

Ingredients

113g coconut oil

150g coconut sugar

2 eggs

330ml milk  

Method

Blend egg and sugar until a high volume is reached (about 15 minutes).  Meanwhile, melt the coconut oil until just melted, don't get it too hot, just barely warm enough to melt the oil.

Slowly drizzle the melted oil into the blender. Once all the oil has been emulsified by the egg and sugar (looks really creamy and smooth) then slowly pour in the milk.  More milk makes a lighter ice cream, less milk makes a more dense ice cream.  

Place the ice cream in the freezer and freeze for at least 6 hours.

You can serve with a delicious syrup from Rose Café or drizzle some melted bitter chocolate on top.

I got my Coconoil and Rose Café syrup from the fabulous wholefood store Botanica in Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells.

For more free advice and tips on nutrition check out Newtritious Delicious on Facebook

Or visit their website for information on their courses: http://www.newtritiousdelicious.com/

You can also contact Abir directly via email at: info@mynewtrition.co.uk

Snowballs near Springtime...

Spring is only officially a few short days away and as the daffodils attempt an early bloom we were treated to a mini snow blizzard last week which meant the children got to enjoy an extra day off school.

Cue welly boots, winter warmers and a snowball fight in the back garden!

No sooner had it arrived, the snow was gone again and the sledges and snow suits were packed away until next time Mother Nature decides to treat us to some more free fun...!

Spring is only officially a few short days away and as the daffodils attempt an early bloom we were treated to a mini snow blizzard last week which meant the children got to enjoy an extra day off school.

Cue welly boots, winter warmers and a snowball fight in the back garden!

No sooner had it arrived, the snow was gone again and the sledges and snow suits were packed away until next time Mother Nature decides to treat us to some more free fun...!

The Goodbyes and Hello's of Motherhood...

I had been putting it off, I knew I had. Time was moving too quickly again. I finished feeding the baby and laid him gently in his Moses basket next to my bed. I loved him being there, laying next to me, hearing his breaths and funny little noises while he slept. I knew when he dreamed. His first giggle was in his sleep and I wondered what dream was making him smile. If he became restless I could reach my hand out to his and even in sleep he would instinctively grasp it, reassured of my presence.

But there was time again, moving like a strong breeze that we were all being swept along on. The first night I laid him in his basket he seemed so tiny and vulnerable, laying there, wrapped in a blanket. Night after night I would lay him there again and watch him for a few moments as he slept, aware that my tiny newborn was leaving me one night at a time and a beautiful bouncing baby boy was quickly taking his place.

I loved that he was growing so happy and strong, that we were now being rewarded with smiles and coos, but a little part of me felt sad, sad that I was saying goodbye to tiny fingers, tiny toes and tiny little babygrows. With no space for a cot, I knew that the time for him to leave my bedside for a room of his own, was drawing near.

The weekend,  I thought. I'll do it then...just a few more nights...but as I laid him in his basket and saw how small it now looked as his little arms fought against its sides, I realised in that moment that it would be for the very last time. I scooped him up and laid him gently in his cot in the nursery. He lay there peacefully with arms outstretched and like the first night I brought him home, he once again looked small. I stroked his hair softly with a sigh and backed quietly out the room, pulling the door to slowly until only a hint of light remained.

As I climbed into bed that night I stared at the now empty basket and felt a pang of melancholy. I missed him being there at my side, but it was of course as it should be, his own little rite of passage, his first natural step of many towards independence.

As our children grow we say many goodbyes as we pack away their outgrown shoes and clothes and what were once much loved toys that are now discarded to one side, forgotten, in favour of something shiny and new. Some of us may hang on to a few of those things so that we can get them out occasionally and remember the younger child or baby that was before.

But when we say our goodbyes, we also say hello. Hello to new wonders that help ease the transition from one phase to another. This enables us to live with our children in the moment they are in and hopefully appreciate it...warts an all. I have loved my children dearly at every phase but a part of me will always miss my babies...

I had been putting it off, I knew I had. Time was moving too quickly again. I finished feeding the baby and laid him gently in his Moses basket next to my bed. I loved him being there, laying next to me, hearing his breaths and funny little noises while he slept. I knew when he dreamed. His first giggle was in his sleep and I wondered what dream was making him smile. If he became restless I could reach my hand out to his and even in sleep he would instinctively grasp it, reassured of my presence.

But there was time again, moving like a strong breeze that we were all being swept along on. The first night I laid him in his basket he seemed so tiny and vulnerable, laying there, wrapped in a blanket. Night after night I would lay him there again and watch him for a few moments as he slept, aware that my tiny newborn was leaving me one night at a time and a beautiful bouncing baby boy was quickly taking his place.

I loved that he was growing so happy and strong, that we were now being rewarded with smiles and coos, but a little part of me felt sad, sad that I was saying goodbye to tiny fingers, tiny toes and tiny little babygrows. With no space for a cot, I knew that the time for him to leave my bedside for a room of his own, was drawing near.

The weekend,  I thought. I'll do it then...just a few more nights...but as I laid him in his basket and saw how small it now looked as his little arms fought against its sides, I realised in that moment that it would be for the very last time. I scooped him up and laid him gently in his cot in the nursery. He lay there peacefully with arms outstretched and like the first night I brought him home, he once again looked small. I stroked his hair softly with a sigh and backed quietly out the room, pulling the door to slowly until only a hint of light remained.

As I climbed into bed that night I stared at the now empty basket and felt a pang of melancholy. I missed him being there at my side, but it was of course as it should be, his own little rite of passage, his first natural step of many towards independence.

As our children grow we say many goodbyes as we pack away their outgrown shoes and clothes and what were once much loved toys that are now discarded to one side, forgotten, in favour of something shiny and new. Some of us may hang on to a few of those things so that we can get them out occasionally and remember the younger child or baby that was before.

But when we say our goodbyes, we also say hello. Hello to new wonders that help ease the transition from one phase to another. This enables us to live with our children in the moment they are in and hopefully appreciate it...warts an all. I have loved my children dearly at every phase but a part of me will always miss my babies...

'Little Blue Zebra'...The baby animal picture company

A friend recently gave me one of these gorgeous baby animal prints by Little Blue Zebra as a present for Jake's nursery and I immediately fell in love with it and the rest of their unfeasibly cute designs!

Little Blue Zebra is a family run business specialising in beautifully illustrated baby animal pictures for little ones. Featuring the artwork of award winning children's book illustrator, John Butler, the company was co-founded by his two daughters Lucy and Joanna who grew up watching their fathers beautiful illustrations come to life. When they became mothers themselves, they were inspired when decorating their children's nurseries, to set up the company so that children everywhere could enjoy these adorable prints.   

All of the prints are designed by Lucy, a graphic designer who used to work at the Sunday Times. I really love the thought that has gone into the designs from the contemporary fonts which give a modern edge to the carefully selected colour palette she's used to compliment the illustrations. I can imagine Mums and Dad's everywhere taking their prints into their local hardware stores to match their children's wall colours to them!

Their range includes, alphabet, number, letter, and baby animal pictures and would make perfect gifts for a new baby, young child or in fact anyone who's a fan of all things cute but modern and also educational too!  They would make great wall art for a nursery, child's bedroom or playroom.

I have already enjoyed practicing the alphabet with Grace and playing guess the animal with this stunning alphabet print and can't wait to get it framed and hung in the nursery (although Jake may have a fight on his hands if Grace's enthusiasm for this particular print is anything to go by)!  

For more information on these beautiful illustrations click here: Little Blue Zebra

A friend recently gave me one of these gorgeous baby animal prints by Little Blue Zebra as a present for Jake's nursery and I immediately fell in love with it and the rest of their unfeasibly cute designs!

Little Blue Zebra is a family run business specialising in beautifully illustrated baby animal pictures for little ones. Featuring the artwork of award winning children's book illustrator, John Butler, the company was co-founded by his two daughters Lucy and Joanna who grew up watching their fathers beautiful illustrations come to life. When they became mothers themselves, they were inspired when decorating their children's nurseries, to set up the company so that children everywhere could enjoy these adorable prints.   

All of the prints are designed by Lucy, a graphic designer who used to work at the Sunday Times. I really love the thought that has gone into the designs from the contemporary fonts which give a modern edge to the carefully selected colour palette she's used to compliment the illustrations. I can imagine Mums and Dad's everywhere taking their prints into their local hardware stores to match their children's wall colours to them!

Their range includes, alphabet, number, letter, and baby animal pictures and would make perfect gifts for a new baby, young child or in fact anyone who's a fan of all things cute but modern and also educational too!  They would make great wall art for a nursery, child's bedroom or playroom.

I have already enjoyed practicing the alphabet with Grace and playing guess the animal with this stunning alphabet print and can't wait to get it framed and hung in the nursery (although Jake may have a fight on his hands if Grace's enthusiasm for this particular print is anything to go by)!  

For more information on these beautiful illustrations click here: Little Blue Zebra

"How are his what?!"..An amusing encounter with the health visitor

Hard to believe Jake was three months old on Monday, where has the time gone already? I was thinking back to Joshua at that age today and remembered a somewhat amusing encounter with a health visitor in clinic which always makes me smile.

As Joshua was my first born and also a small, underweight baby, I would go and have him weighed much more regularly than I have with my other two children. He must have been around 4 months or so on this particular occasion and after stripping him down to weigh him (which I remember him not being very impressed with at the time), I began to dress him whilst attempting to make idle chit chat with the health visitor over the din of his protesting cry.

"So, how are you finding it all?" she asked. "Oh you know, muddling through but we're getting there!" I answered. "Oh that is good" she replied. "How is he feeding then? Any problems on that front?"...."No, he's doing great actually..." I responded rather loudly over the increasing volume of my screaming baby. "Oh fabulous, glad to hear it...so what about sleeping? Is he sleeping through yet?" "Yes actually, just started a few weeks ago thank goodness!"...."Brilliant." she replied..."And how are his erections?".....

I paused for a moment, slightly surprised by the sudden turn in questioning, but being a first time mother assumed this must be standard protocol.."Oh, erm, yes, fine thank you." I answered somewhat bashfully on my son's behalf. "Great..and how many has he had now?" How many? How many? What a strange question I thought and quite frankly I didn't have a clue but I knew it was a lot. "Oh gosh, he's had loads..." I replied, wondering why on earth she would expect me to be keeping a tally. "Loads?!" replied the health visitor. I suddenly felt unnecessarily worried as I saw a rather shocked look cross her face. "Yes" I replied concerned. The health visitor looked baffled. "Does he have something wrong with him?" she quizzed. "No!", I replied rather defensively and with increasing concern..."Why is that not normal then?" I asked anxiously. I mean, how was I to know? I'd never had a baby before. Oh gosh, maybe it's a testosterone problem..."Well no, not really" she responded "How old is he now?", "He's just over four months" I replied. "Well at that age he should only really have had three!". THREE?!! Three?! How very specific! Three erections is all he should have had?! But he must have had over a hundred I thought, my mind racing...oh dear...this was bad...! 

As Joshua finally calmed down, and a normal volume of conversation was able to resume, I thought I'd better check that I'd heard right.."I'm sorry Sarah, just to be sure...could you repeat what you asked again?". "Of course" she replied, "I asked.....how were his injections?!"

Oh how we laughed....

Hard to believe Jake was three months old on Monday, where has the time gone already? I was thinking back to Joshua at that age today and remembered a somewhat amusing encounter with a health visitor in clinic which always makes me smile.

As Joshua was my first born and also a small, underweight baby, I would go and have him weighed much more regularly than I have with my other two children. He must have been around 4 months or so on this particular occasion and after stripping him down to weigh him (which I remember him not being very impressed with at the time), I began to dress him whilst attempting to make idle chit chat with the health visitor over the din of his protesting cry.

"So, how are you finding it all?" she asked. "Oh you know, muddling through but we're getting there!" I answered. "Oh that is good" she replied. "How is he feeding then? Any problems on that front?"...."No, he's doing great actually..." I responded rather loudly over the increasing volume of my screaming baby. "Oh fabulous, glad to hear it...so what about sleeping? Is he sleeping through yet?" "Yes actually, just started a few weeks ago thank goodness!"...."Brilliant." she replied..."And how are his erections?".....

I paused for a moment, slightly surprised by the sudden turn in questioning, but being a first time mother assumed this must be standard protocol.."Oh, erm, yes, fine thank you." I answered somewhat bashfully on my son's behalf. "Great..and how many has he had now?" How many? How many? What a strange question I thought and quite frankly I didn't have a clue but I knew it was a lot. "Oh gosh, he's had loads..." I replied, wondering why on earth she would expect me to be keeping a tally. "Loads?!" replied the health visitor. I suddenly felt unnecessarily worried as I saw a rather shocked look cross her face. "Yes" I replied concerned. The health visitor looked baffled. "Does he have something wrong with him?" she quizzed. "No!", I replied rather defensively and with increasing concern..."Why is that not normal then?" I asked anxiously. I mean, how was I to know? I'd never had a baby before. Oh gosh, maybe it's a testosterone problem..."Well no, not really" she responded "How old is he now?", "He's just over four months" I replied. "Well at that age he should only really have had three!". THREE?!! Three?! How very specific! Three erections is all he should have had?! But he must have had over a hundred I thought, my mind racing...oh dear...this was bad...! 

As Joshua finally calmed down, and a normal volume of conversation was able to resume, I thought I'd better check that I'd heard right.."I'm sorry Sarah, just to be sure...could you repeat what you asked again?". "Of course" she replied, "I asked.....how were his injections?!"

Oh how we laughed....

A letter for Mum on Mothers Day..

Firstly, to Mummy's everywhere...Happy Mothers Day! I hope you all got spoiled. I was lucky enough to be brought breakfast in bed this morning by my brood and some beautiful cards too. The most special cards though were the ones the children made by hand at school and pre-school. They will definitely be going in my keepsake box!

But this isn't a post about me as a Mum. This is a little post for my Mum....

Dear Mum,

Did you know that ever since I was a little girl I have always looked up to you...mostly because you have always been taller than me (even in adulthood much to my annoyance!) but also because you are one of the strongest and kindest women I know....

It may sound like a corny cliche but you have always been my best friend and strongest ally. You are the first person I think to call when I need advice, have had a bad day or have something exciting to share. You must have spent years on the phone listening to my ramblings but always with a patient ear (even when your dinner is sat going cold).

Thank you for teaching me all your fabulous beauty secrets! From a young age you have always reminded me of the importance of wearing sunscreen, eating healthily, making sure I remove my makeup before bedtime and having a good skin routine. These may seem like small things but they are also a wonderful gift from mother to daughter that I look forward to passing down to my own daughter one day.

Thank you for being strict with me when I was growing up, whether it be from reminding me to say 'please and thank you', to giving me curfews when I wanted to go out or for saying no to things you realised were not always in my best interest (even though I didn't realise it at the time but do now).   Thanks for not always taking the easy route and giving in to my endless protests. Although I may not have thanked you for it then, I realise now I am a mother myself that children need boundaries. Your rules were by no means suffocating as you still gave me the freedom to enjoy my younger years and have fun at parties and with my friends but I think I am a more grounded person for the ones you put in place.

Thank you for all the laughter we've shared over the years. You bring out my funny side and I bring out your witty side (and sometimes wicked side!) and so together we have a lot of fun! I love that you are almost always happy and full of smiles. Your uncomplicated, easy going nature makes you a great person to be around. You are not afraid to be honest with me, even if I might not always like what you have to say and you are also not afraid to say no sometimes (although your generous spirit means you usually say yes!).

It was only when I became a mother myself that I understood what a mothers love really meant and how many sleepless nights I must have put you through over the years as a result. As children, we will never really understand that where we see adventure you see danger. I no doubt have plenty of sleepless nights of my own to come when my children are grown and no longer nestled under the safety of my wing but at least you will be there (no doubt with a cold dinner on your lap listening to my worries over the phone)!

Thank you also for being the most amazing, loving and hands on grandparent a daughter could wish for. We are so grateful to you and Dad for all you do. All the help and support you have given us over the years has paved the way for many happy memories for the children and has given me the freedom and flexibility to run my photography business as well as allowing us some occasional time off to enjoy a good night out or weekend away.

Finally, thanks for being a great Mum, for always being there be it through the laughter or the tears, for never judging me, for having my back, for making me laugh, for passing on your wisdom, for being patient and for being my friend. You are a beautiful, kind, generous, bright and unique woman and I am very lucky to call you my Mum.

Love you always,

Me xx

P.S. Please can you have the kids the weekend after next? I could do with a night out...Thank you! ;)

From the archive..

Firstly, to Mummy's everywhere...Happy Mothers Day! I hope you all got spoiled. I was lucky enough to be brought breakfast in bed this morning by my brood and some beautiful cards too. The most special cards though were the ones the children made by hand at school and pre-school. They will definitely be going in my keepsake box!

But this isn't a post about me as a Mum. This is a little post for my Mum....

Dear Mum,

Did you know that ever since I was a little girl I have always looked up to you...mostly because you have always been taller than me (even in adulthood much to my annoyance!) but also because you are one of the strongest and kindest women I know....

It may sound like a corny cliche but you have always been my best friend and strongest ally. You are the first person I think to call when I need advice, have had a bad day or have something exciting to share. You must have spent years on the phone listening to my ramblings but always with a patient ear (even when your dinner is sat going cold).

Thank you for teaching me all your fabulous beauty secrets! From a young age you have always reminded me of the importance of wearing sunscreen, eating healthily, making sure I remove my makeup before bedtime and having a good skin routine. These may seem like small things but they are also a wonderful gift from mother to daughter that I look forward to passing down to my own daughter one day.

Thank you for being strict with me when I was growing up, whether it be from reminding me to say 'please and thank you', to giving me curfews when I wanted to go out or for saying no to things you realised were not always in my best interest (even though I didn't realise it at the time but do now).   Thanks for not always taking the easy route and giving in to my endless protests. Although I may not have thanked you for it then, I realise now I am a mother myself that children need boundaries. Your rules were by no means suffocating as you still gave me the freedom to enjoy my younger years and have fun at parties and with my friends but I think I am a more grounded person for the ones you put in place.

Thank you for all the laughter we've shared over the years. You bring out my funny side and I bring out your witty side (and sometimes wicked side!) and so together we have a lot of fun! I love that you are almost always happy and full of smiles. Your uncomplicated, easy going nature makes you a great person to be around. You are not afraid to be honest with me, even if I might not always like what you have to say and you are also not afraid to say no sometimes (although your generous spirit means you usually say yes!).

It was only when I became a mother myself that I understood what a mothers love really meant and how many sleepless nights I must have put you through over the years as a result. As children, we will never really understand that where we see adventure you see danger. I no doubt have plenty of sleepless nights of my own to come when my children are grown and no longer nestled under the safety of my wing but at least you will be there (no doubt with a cold dinner on your lap listening to my worries over the phone)!

Thank you also for being the most amazing, loving and hands on grandparent a daughter could wish for. We are so grateful to you and Dad for all you do. All the help and support you have given us over the years has paved the way for many happy memories for the children and has given me the freedom and flexibility to run my photography business as well as allowing us some occasional time off to enjoy a good night out or weekend away.

Finally, thanks for being a great Mum, for always being there be it through the laughter or the tears, for never judging me, for having my back, for making me laugh, for passing on your wisdom, for being patient and for being my friend. You are a beautiful, kind, generous, bright and unique woman and I am very lucky to call you my Mum.

Love you always,

Me xx

P.S. Please can you have the kids the weekend after next? I could do with a night out...Thank you! ;)

From the archive..

Life changing nutrition courses with NEWtritious Delicious...prepare to be enlightened!

Today, I attended part one of what I can only describe as an incredibly inspiring course, at Botanica wholefood store in Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells with NEWtritious Delicious. The two hour session has already turned all my thinking regards nutrition and healthy eating on its head and had me running to my food cupboard when I arrived home, with gratefully open eyes as to its contents! 

The course covered essential health principles relating to the food we eat and the effects on health and disease are explained. It is not about calorie counting to control weight or avoiding particular food groups, but eating in such a way to increase energy, metabolism and vitality, which can be literally life-changing for you AND your children.

The course is run by Naomi (Botanica's owner), Abir (nutritional therapist) and Sophie (medical herbalist). They gave insightful and fascinating presentations on the health benefits of eating the right types of food, whilst also educating us on the damaging effects on the body of eating the wrong types of food (including a few surprises on that front). The food that we sampled on the course was mouth-wateringly delicious, healthy and simple to make and I would challenge anyone not to be impressed! 

Below are a few examples of the food we tasted. As you will see, as well as being incredibly healthy, each dish is naturally rich in colour, making it a feast for the eyes as well as your stomach!

What NEWtritious Delicious say about their courses...

"The full course runs over 3 sessions (we also run a condensed day course on a Saturday). During each session you will have the opportunity to taste 5 courses of delicious food alongside what we promote as health enhancing beverages. We don't regurgitate "politically correct" nutrition which you hear everywhere and can be misleading. Bridging the gap between food and medicine, we base our courses upon traditional dietary wisdom which is backed up by leading science. We also weave concepts of health and disease through these important health principles to enable you to eat for health and vitality.

The great thing is this type of food tastes the nicest and is beneficial for the entire family. Our motto is Simple, Affordable, Powerful.

During the courses you will gain new insights into healthy eating by tasting delicious food, watching food demonstrations, listening to essential health principles and asking any questions that may arise in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

At the end of each session you will be given a booklet to take away which has the session's health notes, recipes and resources".

Mission

Naomi, Abir and Sophie are all professionals in their field. They are all mothers who are realistic about time and money but are absolutely convinced about the power of food to safeguard their families.

One other thing in their (or possibly your) favour – they are not chefs! Their food is not complex or difficult.

To find out more about their amazing courses click here: NEWtritious Delicious.com
or visit their Facebook page: NEWtritious Delicious on Facebook

The NEWtritious Delicious team

 

Today, I attended part one of what I can only describe as an incredibly inspiring course, at Botanica wholefood store in Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells with NEWtritious Delicious. The two hour session has already turned all my thinking regards nutrition and healthy eating on its head and had me running to my food cupboard when I arrived home, with gratefully open eyes as to its contents! 

The course covered essential health principles relating to the food we eat and the effects on health and disease are explained. It is not about calorie counting to control weight or avoiding particular food groups, but eating in such a way to increase energy, metabolism and vitality, which can be literally life-changing for you AND your children.

The course is run by Naomi (Botanica's owner), Abir (nutritional therapist) and Sophie (medical herbalist). They gave insightful and fascinating presentations on the health benefits of eating the right types of food, whilst also educating us on the damaging effects on the body of eating the wrong types of food (including a few surprises on that front). The food that we sampled on the course was mouth-wateringly delicious, healthy and simple to make and I would challenge anyone not to be impressed! 

Below are a few examples of the food we tasted. As you will see, as well as being incredibly healthy, each dish is naturally rich in colour, making it a feast for the eyes as well as your stomach!

What NEWtritious Delicious say about their courses...

"The full course runs over 3 sessions (we also run a condensed day course on a Saturday). During each session you will have the opportunity to taste 5 courses of delicious food alongside what we promote as health enhancing beverages. We don't regurgitate "politically correct" nutrition which you hear everywhere and can be misleading. Bridging the gap between food and medicine, we base our courses upon traditional dietary wisdom which is backed up by leading science. We also weave concepts of health and disease through these important health principles to enable you to eat for health and vitality.

The great thing is this type of food tastes the nicest and is beneficial for the entire family. Our motto is Simple, Affordable, Powerful.

During the courses you will gain new insights into healthy eating by tasting delicious food, watching food demonstrations, listening to essential health principles and asking any questions that may arise in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

At the end of each session you will be given a booklet to take away which has the session's health notes, recipes and resources".

Mission

Naomi, Abir and Sophie are all professionals in their field. They are all mothers who are realistic about time and money but are absolutely convinced about the power of food to safeguard their families.

One other thing in their (or possibly your) favour – they are not chefs! Their food is not complex or difficult.

To find out more about their amazing courses click here: NEWtritious Delicious.com
or visit their Facebook page: NEWtritious Delicious on Facebook

The NEWtritious Delicious team

 

Coconut and Sesame Seed Flapjacks with a healthy twist!

Welcome to 'Sweet Tooth' and the first of what I hope will be many delicious cakes and baking recipes thanks to a new collaboration between myself and professional baker friend Angharad Llywelyn. Angharad is a member of the British Sugarcraft Guild and has been baking for years. With so much experience behind her, she finally decided to set up her wedding cake business in 2009 and since then it has gone from strength to strength. 

Together, we will be bringing you a monthly slot on some of our favourite baking recipes but will also be welcoming recipes from readers who would like to share their own recipes on the blog! To find out more about Angharad's fabulous cakes you can visit her website at: http://www.alweddingcakes.co.uk

So, this month we thought we'd start with something simple yet delicious....coconut and sesame seed flapjacks...

Ingredients

250g salted butter

200g Golden Syrup

150g unrefined sugar 

50g coconut

50g sesame seeds

350g organic porridge oats

Directions

1.   Preheat the oven to 175°C / 347F /Gas Mark 3 or 150°C / 302F / Gas Mark 2 if using a fan assisted oven.

2.   Weigh the coconut, sesame seeds, unrefined sugar and oats.

3.   A good tip is to add the butter to a medium sized saucepan and place on your digital scales before turning on 

     the display.

4.  Pour the golden syrup over the butter until you have measured out the 200g required.

5.  Add the unrefined sugar and then warm over a medium heat until the ingredients have completely melted.

6.   Add the coconut and sesame seeds into the pan.

7.   Add the porridge oats and stir until the oats are completed coated with the mixture.

8.   Place the mixture in a greaseproof lined metal tin approximately 7"x10" in size and spread evenly.

9.   Cook in the oven for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.

10.  Stand for an hour before dividing into 12 or 16 slices and leave to cool completely before removing  

       from the tin to give the flapjacks time to set.

11.  Enjoy!

Calories: 12 slices at 420 calories each and 20g of fat.

              16 slices at 315 calories each and 15g of fat.

Although flapjacks are somewhat calorific and therefore we wouldn't advocate you eating the whole tray in one sitting(!), we thought we'd ease your guilt by bringing you some interesting facts about the health benefits...they are also a great way of getting seeds into your children too!

OATS - Health Benefits

• Lower Cholesterol Levels
• Unique Oat Antioxidants Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
• Stabilise Blood Sugar
• Oats and Other Whole Grains Substantially Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk
• Antioxidant Benefits
• Fibre from Whole Grains and Fruit Protective against Breast Cancer
• Cereal and Fruit Fibre Protective against Postmenopausal Breast Cancer
• Whole Grains and Fish Highly Protective against Childhood Asthma
•  Protect against Heart Disease
• A Well-tolerated Wheat Alternative for Children and Adults with Celiac Disease

SESAME SEED - Health Benefits

• Rich In Beneficial Minerals
• Copper Provides Relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Magnesium Supports Vascular and Respiratory Health
• Calcium Helps Prevent Colon Cancer, Osteoporosis, Migraine and PMS
• Zinc for Bone Health
• Sesame Seeds' Phytosterols Lower Cholesterol

BUTTER

Is Margarine Better than Butter? NO! This is a tragic myth. Butter is a completely natural food essential to your health - especially when you eat organic.

• Contains lauric acid, important in treating fungal infections and candida.
• Contains lecithin, essential for cholesterol metabolism.
• Contains anti-oxidants that protect against free radical damage.
• Has anti-oxidants that protect against free radical damage.
• Has anti-oxidants that protect again weakening arteries.
• Is a great source of Vitamins E and K.
• Is a very rich source of the vital mineral selenium.
• Saturated fats in butter have strong anti-tumour and anti-cancer properties.
• Butter contains conjugated linoleic acid, which is a potent anti-cancer agent, muscle builder and immunity booster.
• Vitamin D found in butter is essential to absorption of calcium.
• Protects against tooth decay.
• Is your only source of an anti-stiffness factor, which protects against the calcification of the joints.
• Anti-stiffness factor in butter also prevents hardening of the arteries, cataracts and calcification of the pineal gland.
• Is a source of Activator X, which helps your body absorb minerals.
• Is a source of iodine in highly absorbable form.
• May promote fertility in women.
• Is a source of quick energy and is not stored in our bodies adipose tissue.
• Cholesterol found in butterfat is essential to children's brain and nervous system development.
• Contains Arachidonic Acid (AA) which plays a role in brain function and is a vital component of cell membranes.
• Protects against gastrointestinal infections in the very young or the elderly.

Golden Syrup - Interesting facts:

It was discovered in 1883 by a Scottish businessman, Abram Lyle, as a byproduct of sugar cane production in his factory in London. It was originally made available to employees and was so popular that it was decided to produce and market it. It proved so successful that it has been on sale ever since. Lyle's packaging has remained almost unchanged since 1885 and now holds the Guinness record as the world's oldest brand.

Raw Unrefined Sugar

Raw unrefined sugar is not the same as the brown sugar that you see in the store, even though they are both brown. Unrefined raw sugar is made from the juice from the sugar cane plant and has trace minerals and nutrients present. Refined sugar is devoid of all nutrients. Typically, white sugar is made of pure carbohydrates. Today, it is common knowledge that refined white sugar has devastating affects on the body and health in general. Besides being a certain way to elevate blood sugar levels, unrefined white sugar is considered to be “empty calories” as it offers no nutritional substance whatsoever.

When it comes to choosing sugar, there is no doubt that unrefined raw sugar is the best choice. It contains minerals and nutrients that are stripped from refined white sugar and regular brown sugar. Raw sugar contains roughly eleven calories per teaspoon and has the same vitamin and mineral consistency that is found in the juice from the sugarcane plant. These minerals include Phosphorus, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Potassium. In addition, when sugar is refined and processed there are many harmful ingredients that are added to the sugar as a result. Unrefined raw sugar does not have these harmful chemicals. Some of these include: Phosphoric Acid, Sulphur Dioxide, and Formic Acid

Welcome to 'Sweet Tooth' and the first of what I hope will be many delicious cakes and baking recipes thanks to a new collaboration between myself and professional baker friend Angharad Llywelyn. Angharad is a member of the British Sugarcraft Guild and has been baking for years. With so much experience behind her, she finally decided to set up her wedding cake business in 2009 and since then it has gone from strength to strength. 

Together, we will be bringing you a monthly slot on some of our favourite baking recipes but will also be welcoming recipes from readers who would like to share their own recipes on the blog! To find out more about Angharad's fabulous cakes you can visit her website at: http://www.alweddingcakes.co.uk

So, this month we thought we'd start with something simple yet delicious....coconut and sesame seed flapjacks...

Ingredients

250g salted butter

200g Golden Syrup

150g unrefined sugar 

50g coconut

50g sesame seeds

350g organic porridge oats

Directions

1.   Preheat the oven to 175°C / 347F /Gas Mark 3 or 150°C / 302F / Gas Mark 2 if using a fan assisted oven.

2.   Weigh the coconut, sesame seeds, unrefined sugar and oats.

3.   A good tip is to add the butter to a medium sized saucepan and place on your digital scales before turning on 

     the display.

4.  Pour the golden syrup over the butter until you have measured out the 200g required.

5.  Add the unrefined sugar and then warm over a medium heat until the ingredients have completely melted.

6.   Add the coconut and sesame seeds into the pan.

7.   Add the porridge oats and stir until the oats are completed coated with the mixture.

8.   Place the mixture in a greaseproof lined metal tin approximately 7"x10" in size and spread evenly.

9.   Cook in the oven for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.

10.  Stand for an hour before dividing into 12 or 16 slices and leave to cool completely before removing  

       from the tin to give the flapjacks time to set.

11.  Enjoy!

Calories: 12 slices at 420 calories each and 20g of fat.

              16 slices at 315 calories each and 15g of fat.

Although flapjacks are somewhat calorific and therefore we wouldn't advocate you eating the whole tray in one sitting(!), we thought we'd ease your guilt by bringing you some interesting facts about the health benefits...they are also a great way of getting seeds into your children too!

OATS - Health Benefits

• Lower Cholesterol Levels
• Unique Oat Antioxidants Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
• Stabilise Blood Sugar
• Oats and Other Whole Grains Substantially Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk
• Antioxidant Benefits
• Fibre from Whole Grains and Fruit Protective against Breast Cancer
• Cereal and Fruit Fibre Protective against Postmenopausal Breast Cancer
• Whole Grains and Fish Highly Protective against Childhood Asthma
•  Protect against Heart Disease
• A Well-tolerated Wheat Alternative for Children and Adults with Celiac Disease

SESAME SEED - Health Benefits

• Rich In Beneficial Minerals
• Copper Provides Relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Magnesium Supports Vascular and Respiratory Health
• Calcium Helps Prevent Colon Cancer, Osteoporosis, Migraine and PMS
• Zinc for Bone Health
• Sesame Seeds' Phytosterols Lower Cholesterol

BUTTER

Is Margarine Better than Butter? NO! This is a tragic myth. Butter is a completely natural food essential to your health - especially when you eat organic.

• Contains lauric acid, important in treating fungal infections and candida.
• Contains lecithin, essential for cholesterol metabolism.
• Contains anti-oxidants that protect against free radical damage.
• Has anti-oxidants that protect against free radical damage.
• Has anti-oxidants that protect again weakening arteries.
• Is a great source of Vitamins E and K.
• Is a very rich source of the vital mineral selenium.
• Saturated fats in butter have strong anti-tumour and anti-cancer properties.
• Butter contains conjugated linoleic acid, which is a potent anti-cancer agent, muscle builder and immunity booster.
• Vitamin D found in butter is essential to absorption of calcium.
• Protects against tooth decay.
• Is your only source of an anti-stiffness factor, which protects against the calcification of the joints.
• Anti-stiffness factor in butter also prevents hardening of the arteries, cataracts and calcification of the pineal gland.
• Is a source of Activator X, which helps your body absorb minerals.
• Is a source of iodine in highly absorbable form.
• May promote fertility in women.
• Is a source of quick energy and is not stored in our bodies adipose tissue.
• Cholesterol found in butterfat is essential to children's brain and nervous system development.
• Contains Arachidonic Acid (AA) which plays a role in brain function and is a vital component of cell membranes.
• Protects against gastrointestinal infections in the very young or the elderly.

Golden Syrup - Interesting facts:

It was discovered in 1883 by a Scottish businessman, Abram Lyle, as a byproduct of sugar cane production in his factory in London. It was originally made available to employees and was so popular that it was decided to produce and market it. It proved so successful that it has been on sale ever since. Lyle's packaging has remained almost unchanged since 1885 and now holds the Guinness record as the world's oldest brand.

Raw Unrefined Sugar

Raw unrefined sugar is not the same as the brown sugar that you see in the store, even though they are both brown. Unrefined raw sugar is made from the juice from the sugar cane plant and has trace minerals and nutrients present. Refined sugar is devoid of all nutrients. Typically, white sugar is made of pure carbohydrates. Today, it is common knowledge that refined white sugar has devastating affects on the body and health in general. Besides being a certain way to elevate blood sugar levels, unrefined white sugar is considered to be “empty calories” as it offers no nutritional substance whatsoever.

When it comes to choosing sugar, there is no doubt that unrefined raw sugar is the best choice. It contains minerals and nutrients that are stripped from refined white sugar and regular brown sugar. Raw sugar contains roughly eleven calories per teaspoon and has the same vitamin and mineral consistency that is found in the juice from the sugarcane plant. These minerals include Phosphorus, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Potassium. In addition, when sugar is refined and processed there are many harmful ingredients that are added to the sugar as a result. Unrefined raw sugar does not have these harmful chemicals. Some of these include: Phosphoric Acid, Sulphur Dioxide, and Formic Acid