Budget Bites: Hobnobs (3p each)

As James will tell anyone I’m a complete biscuit addict – they’re my favourite food and I love them in the afternoon with a cup of tea. I decided to make one of my favourite varieties; hobnobs!

The sweet, oaty crunch you get with a hobnob is perfect!

This recipe makes 28 chunky biscuits and they price up at 3p each or 85p for the batch.

Ingredients:

225g self raising flour – 7p
225g sugar – 18p
225g porridge oats – 16p
225g margarine – 38p
1tbsp golden syrup – 5p
1tbsp hot water - free
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda – 1p

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180c.
2. Mix the flour, sugar and oats together.
3. In a pan, on a low heat, melt the margarine, syrup and water. Once it’s completely melted add the bicarbonate of soda.
4. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour the melted mixture in. Stir well until all of the ingredients are combined in a sticky, oaty ball.
5. Take little handfuls and roll into small balls and place onto a greased baking tray.
6. Once all the mixture has been made into balls, flatten each one either with your hand or a fork.
7. Put into the oven on a middle shelf for around 15  minutes. The biscuits should be a golden colour, not brown when they are ready.
8. Enjoy!

These biscuits are delicious and keep well in an air tight container for at least a week (if they last that long!).

They make the perfect addition to an afternoon tea break!

**Biscuits can be bought for cheaper than this but I bet they don’t taste half as delicious and are probably full of chemical ingredients.**

Dear Sophia: 13 Months Old

Dear Sophia,

You are a 1 year old now! You’re personality is shining through and we are loving watching you change. The pudgy little limbs you used to sport have been replaced by toddling, long legs and busy hands. You’re so aware of everything that’s going on now – you don’t miss a trick! Here’s what you get up to at 13 months old…

Eating

We’ve done it – we’ve finally done it! We’ve found a food you don’t like; green beans. Which is a bit of a blow as I have nearly a whole bag of frozen green beans in the freezer so I’ll have to get creative with disguising them in food! You’ve been trying them, making a face and taking them back out of your mouth. It’s the first food you’ve ever not liked so that’s not too bad going.

Other than that, you’ve been continuing to eat all we give to you. You have 3 meals and usually 2 small snacks a day which seems to suit you well. You are completely off bottles now and have a warm drink of milk in the morning and evening. Overall we’re so happy with how you eat. Baby led weaning was by far the best choice we could’ve made for you!

Development

This month has seen a big change as you can now…

• Walk! You now toddle around and you’re so pleased with yourself and we are so proud of you!
• Four teeth. You have two teeth on the top and two on the bottom. You look ever so grown up when you are smiling now. You still love to brush you’re teeth too.
• Understand speech. You understand hello, goodbye and goodnight and respond by waving. You understand when we are talking about mum, dad or smudge and look in the right direction. If I say ‘Where’s Smudge?’ you look around the room until you see him, then you wave.
• Naps. You are slowly dropping from two naps a day to one which means mummy has to work twice as fast to get everything done. Now you usually go down after lunch and sleep for a few hours.

Five Favourites at 13 Months:

Favourite toy: You love your push along truck at the moment. You go up and down the room like Speedy Gonzales! Though you enjoy walking on your own you seem to really enjoy pushing your little truck along too.

Favourite book: You had a sound book form Uncle Pat for your birthday that you’ve really been enjoying’'. You like to press the buttons to hear the sounds play.

Favourite food: You’re favourite meal is spaghetti bolognaise at the moment (I’m going to do a post soon on an average week in your tummy – showing which foods you eat).

Favourite activity: Opening and closing things or getting objects in and out of boxes, cupboards, baskets etc.

Favourite thing to do or say: Giving things to people. You like to present people with your toys and food and look at them with a big smile when they take whatever you’re offering.

You’re such a jolly and happy little girl and you seem to be growing up before our eyes at the moment – time goes too quickly!

And that’s what you’re doing at 13 months, our beautiful toddling little sweetpea.

Lots of love from Mummy and Daddy.xxx

Budget Bites: Mackerel Kedgeree (49p per portion)

 

The sunny weather seems to have spurred Dotty and Maggie (our hens) into egg-laying action! We’ve had 2 eggs each day since Thursday so I wanted to use some up for our evening meal. I also had a pack of two smoked mackerels that needed using up today. What better recipe to make with fish and eggs than kedgeree?

Mackerel is a firm favourite in our house. We usually have it once a week in some form or another to make sure we’re on the way to getting our Omega oils quota. It is quick and easy to cook with but is also one of the cheapest oily fish varieties. We also love salmon but usually I just can’t justify the price.

This recipe serves 4 (it served us as a main meal each and there was leftover for one of us for lunch the next day). It cost £1.94 to make or 49p per portion. However, if using shop bought eggs it would’ve cost £2.25 or 57p per portion (still great value!).

**All costings are done using budget or basic brands from Sainsburys or Aldi**

 

Ingredients:

• 1tbsp oil (I used vegetable oil) – 3p
• 1 onion, finely chopped – 6p
• 125g rice, cooked – 7p
• Pack of 2 smoked mackerel - £1.61
• 50g frozen spinach (or a good few handfuls of fresh spinach) – 8p
• 2tsp curry powder – 9p
• 2 eggs – free (from our hens)
• Optional: sprinkle of coriander (I had some leftover in the freezer so used a little bit)

Method:

1. First, hard boil the eggs and cook the rice as per the packet instructions.
2. Whilst the eggs and rice are bubbling away, flake the mackerel flesh into a bowl and discard the skin (or give to the cat that’s staring longingly up at you – which is what I did!).
3. Once the eggs have boiled, cool in cold water and peel when ready.
4. Heat the oil in a pan over a medium heat and gently fry off the onions for about 5 minutes. Then add in the frozen spinach, stirring until defrosted and mixed with the onions.
5. Add the cooked rice and the curry powder and mix well until all the ingredients as distributed evenly.
6. Mix in the mackerel and cut the eggs into chunks then add in.
7. Finish by sprinkling in the coriander, if using, and plating up.

I served ours with green beans and seasoned James’ and my meal with salt and pepper for extra flavour.

This meal was really tasty and filling and a great way to use things up.

(I’ve just noticed that there are four eggs in the pictures above – I used two for the meal and boiled up an extra two for James’s packed lunch tomorrow.)

I’m back!

I haven't updated my blog in so long! I think when Sophia turned 1 I took a bit of a step back and a breather. As much as I love blogging sometimes it can be an additional pressure but I'm glad to be back to it!

Life Update

Not much has changed in the last few weeks, we're still doing the same things and trying to get our house and garden the way we want it. My Ofsted application is still going through so I'm spending lots of time with Sophia in-between working on my childminding website, writing policies and getting the house set up. I just can't wait to get started now! Sophia is walking lots at the moment and has began the transition to her new bedroom (I will cover that in another post soon). James is enjoying his new job and getting on really well.

Something New

Following on from my Baby Led Weaning recipes I'm going to be starting a new series of recipes. Sophia is fully weaned now (well, she has been for a long time really) and is no longer drinking formula and is fully off bottles. She has a warm drink of milk in the morning and the evening. The day after her first birthday we just stopped giving her bottles and she hasn't so much as grumbled so we were pleased.

My new recipes will be budget-friendly family meals. Whilst living on one wage our budget is tighter than ever and I'm having to think creatively to make sure we're eating healthy, tasty yet thrifty meals. Luckily I started meal planning and budgeting when we first moved into our flat so I'm quite used to making food stretch and getting the most from our budget. I hope you enjoy the recipes!

Well, that's it for now! I'm hoping to be doing many more posts from now on after my unexpected break. Upcoming posts I have planned are:

• A new recipe
• Sophia's bedroom tour
• An update on Sophia's development at 13 months

See you all soon!

What have we been up to?

Well, Sophia is now 1 year old! We had a little get together last Saturday. Sophia took her first proper steps on her birthday in front of everyone which was a lovely moment.

(Valentine's breakfast)

We've also got 2 new additions to the family - 2 hens, Maggie and Dotty. We have on average 1-2 eggs a day in total which is great! 

On Sunday we went to get Sophia her first pair of shoes! Her feet are so tiny, yet chubby that we had no choice which pair to get - only one would fit! I like them though and she's fascinated by them.

Maisie came to stay with us for a few days as it's half term. Sophia loved playing with her. We went swimming one of the days but Sophia didn't enjoy it like she usually does, she just clang onto me. Hopefully she will be back to her usual self next time we go as she usually loves swimming.

Yesterday I took Sophia to the doctors for her 12 month immunisations. She didn't like it one bit and it was horrible to see her so upset. She also woke up with a fever this morning so we've missed our usual library group to stay at home and cuddle up together. At least she's not due anymore until after she's 3 now.

I hope everyone has had a good week!

Dear Sophia: 1 Year Your Mother

Dear Sophia,

Tomorrow you turn 1 year old. As I sit writing this post I have tears in my eyes; tears of happiness and sadness. Sadness for reaching this milestone so quickly, my tiny baby who I grew inside me being a whole year old. Happiness and pride for the beautiful, clever little girl you have become.

You see, I have wanted you for as long as I remember. Ever sine I was a little girl I’ve wanted a husband, my own house and a baby of my own. Some people know they want to be a vet or an actress or a lawyer. I knew the only thing I really wanted to be was a wife and a mother.

We struggled to have you and a month before I found out I was expecting you I was really down and sad, thinking it may never happen. But even those months of sadness were a blessing – if we’d had a baby any earlier it wouldn’t have been you! And we wouldn’t know what a truly precious gift you are.

My pregnancy with you was fairly smooth, we had two small scares but overall I had a very healthy pregnancy luckily! I remember saying to your Dad when we were expecting you that the moment you are placed in my arms and he was by my side that I’d have everything I’ve ever wanted.

The day I went into labour with you was so special. I pottered around the flat, checked everything in our hospital bags and had a lot of baths! I was so excited that I was finally going to meet you. I’ll never forget that moment you were placed up onto my chest, warm and wriggling and looking over at your Daddy’s face filled with tears. I fell in love with you there and then and knew I would do absolutely anything for you.

I remember the early days of being a mother. Bringing you home to start our new life together. That first night we couldn’t stop looking at you and marvelling at your incredible beauty. Some days were tough. I’d never been in charge of anything so demanding before! Some days you would just want to be held; I couldn’t shower, make any lunch or do any of the housework. But I just held you knowing that it’s what you needed and that those moments would be fleeting. And they were. All to soon you seemed to grow and started wanting to explore. I’d give anything to hold you, fast asleep on my chest and smell you’re newborn smell once more, even just for a few seconds.

Before I had you I had visions of being a perfect mother with the perfect house and thought I’d get everything right but now I know that there is no such thing as a perfect mother. Only a mum who can be there when you need them and shower you with love and to keep trying her best when some days it just feels like she does it all wrong. You’re sweet smiling face and little giggles are the best reward and I realise I’m not doing too badly.

You’ve changed me in so many ways, all for the better. I no longer care what others think or whether my house is tidy all of the time. You have made me learn patience and what is really important in life; love and family.

I love being a family with you and your Daddy. I look at you together and feel so proud and so in love with you both. He is an amazing Daddy to you I know he’ll always be there for you and for us. Times can be tough, we’re a young family and we don’t have lots of money to splash out but none of that matters – as long as we’re together we’ll have the best time! We love nothing more than getting out and about together and doing something new.

Sometimes I sit and wonder what the future will be like, what will you be like when you’re older.What will your talents be? What will you be interested in? Who will you look most like? I know that I will love you no matter what.

I am so incredibly proud of you, my beautiful daughter, and no matter where life takes you or who you grow into I will ALWAYS be here for you, stand next to you and hold your hand.

So as I sit here tonight, only a few hours to go until you turn one, you snuggly sleeping upstairs in your cot, I know that what I said all those months ago to your Daddy is true – I have everything I have ever wanted. You make our ordinary life extraordinary.

I love you more than words could ever say.

Happy 1st Birthday beautiful girl,

Lots of love, your Mummy.xxx

Dear Sophia: 10 & 11 Months Old

Dear Sophia,

You are now only weeks away from your first birthday and I can’t believe how the time has flown! You are a true joy and I can’t believe our luck that we have you for our daughter. You really are changing into a little girl now and you seem to be understanding more about the world around you.

You’re a cheeky little character and you get into everything, especially all of the things we don’t want you to get into! If there is a little bit of fluff or a wire not quite strapped down, you’re straight there making mischief and we love you for it.

This month saw Mummy finishing working in Birmingham to spend more time with you and so far I’ve been loving it! We have our little routine and enjoy our daily walks, play times and story times. We also have been going to two groups a week – stay and play on a Monday and a library singing group on Friday’s. We always get new library books while we are there as you’re such a bookworm! You love getting out and about and joining in with all the world has to offer.

Your 10th and 11th month has seen you come along so much, both in your development but also in you appearance. Your hair is really growing now and makes you look so much more grown up.

Eating

You still have a fantastic appetite! You eat all the food we give to you and I enjoy finding new, healthy recipes to feed you. Meal times are lovely all together at the table and you love to see that we’re all eating the same. You are gradually weaning yourself off your baby milk and are eating more food during the day. You eat most of what is on your plate and when you’ve had enough you pull your own bib off and push the bowl away (or sometimes start trying to throw the bowl on the floor!). Up until recently I used to load food (like porridge or yogurt) onto the spoon and you’d then put the spoon into your mouth yourself but now you can use the spoon more or less yourself to scoop up the food. You’re trying hard to use your fork too but that’s a little more tricky!

You enjoy having a snack here and there now too, we usually share some fruit or rice cakes in the afternoon to keep you going until dinner time.

(Eating a pear like a big girl)

Development

The last two month have seen more changes.

• Teeth. You now have two teeth on the bottom gums which are completely through and look so cute when you smile.
• Copy sounds. Your speech has come on a lot in the past few weeks. What you say is now starting to sound more like words. You copy the sounds Daddy and I make and you say ‘mud’ for Smudge and ‘bu’ for bye and bubbles as well as ‘mummummum’ for me and ‘dadda’ for daddy.
• Standing unaided. You can stand completely on your own without falling over which is really exciting! You have taken a step on your own and I don’t think it will be too much longer until you are walking.
• Kiss. You kiss us when we say ‘kiss’ which is the sweetest thing!
• Stroke Smudge. You used to be really rough with poor Smudge but gradually we’ve been showing you how to use gentle hands and you now stroke him really nicely. When you stroke him gently you look at us and start clapping, knowing you’re doing the right thing.
• Look at books independently. I’ve noticed that lately you prefer to look at books rather than play with your toys. You sit with them and turn each page carefully. Sometimes you’ll chatter away while your doing it which is a fantastic sign of a budding reader! Although you do this a lot, you’re favourite thing to do is clamber onto our lap to listen to the story.

(Some water play on a quiet afternoon)

Five Favourites at 10 & 11 Months:

Favourite toy: This month it is probably your ball tower which you got for Christmas. You put the balls in the top and they then fall down through the levels to the bottom. Once it reaches the bottom you’ll clap in delight then do it again.

Favourite book: You’re favourite books this month are the book you had for Christmas, ‘Tales from Acorn’ wood which is a lovely rhyming book with flaps in it. You’ve also really been enjoying our nightly bedtime book ‘Goodnight Moon’. It’s a lovely soothing book which we read up on our bed before putting you down for the night.

Favourite food: Cheese! You are like a little mouse! It’s always the first part of the meal you’ll go for. I’m glad you like cheese as much as Daddy and I do!

Favourite activity: Probably still reading. You spend most of the day with a book!

Favourite thing to do or say: You love playing peepo! You like to be the one to hide and then surprise us! When we put you into your cot you pull the blanket up over your head and wait for us to say ‘Where’s Sophia?’ then you’ll pull the blanket down and give us a cheeky smile.

(In this picture Sophia is wearing a little snood that I crocheted myself for her – I love how it turned out and is perfect for this chilly weather!)

We love you so much Sophia, every day you make us laugh and you’re always doing something new and different. Soon you’ll be turning one and a whole new adventure will begin!

Happy 11 month birthday beautiful girl!

Lots of love from Mummy and Daddy.xxx