Something strange has happened. It may not be noticeable to the casual observer, but I can feel it. It is slightly unnerving because of it's unfamiliarity, but it's there nonetheless.
You see, I have grown some balls. Metaphorically speaking. Had I actually grown a pair I assure you that would have been worthy of it's own post (or a Twitpic at the very least). No, I mean I am slowly but surely learning to stand up for myself. I have wiped off the word 'Mug' from my forehead and decided I will no longer let people walk all over me.
Two small things have happened to lead me to this conclusion, but it has set off a catalyst inside which has made me determined to do things differently.
You may remember the bother I had at nursery last week. Well, today was her first day back since that uncomfortable incident. I'm very grateful for all the comments and messages I had on Twitter offering support and advice on how to handle the situation. So today, I strode in and said "I'd like a word please". Very calmly (and with only a minor quake in my boots) I explained the rational explanation for Ruby's comments - you'll have to read back through the comments to see what that was). There was clear relief on the nursery worker's face as it dawned on her it had been a misunderstanding, and she laughed in a kind of 'well, that's alright then' way.
Well actually it's not alright! No, I explained to her that I'd been very upset by our conversation last week, and that I'd felt I was under some kind of scrutiny. She looked mortified and assured me that was never the intention. I told her I'd been upset by the insinuation that we had any kind of official planned visits to our home - oh no,no, that's wasn't want she meant...
Anyway, I said my piece and felt glad that I had done so.
The second thing that's happened is I've realised if I don't value myself and what I do, then people will take advantage. Just as I'm not the best mum in the world, I'm under no illusions about being the best blogger in the world. I still have tonnes and tonnes to learn, but that doesn't mean I should let people take advantage.
I've never had much belief in myself, and I absolutely cannot take any kind of compliment or positive remark. But if I have no respect for myself, then why should anyone else...
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Sweet fix from The Sweet Junkie
Regular readers of my blog will be forgiven for thinking I have a sweet tooth (guilty as charged m'lord). The fact that I've said I have no resolutions to lose weight has been great because it means I get opportunities like this - to review the Traditional Sweets Shop - Sweet Junkie.
I love the way eating Old Fashioned Sweets can transport you back to a different time and place, with different varieties holding special childhood memories.
My sweetie-eating hey-day was the late 70s and early 80s. Back when a penny chew was a penny (actually back then we still had 1/2 pennies), you were defined by whether you were a Fruit Salad or a Black Jack kinda person. Admitting you actually liked Parma Violets was akin to laying on the ground and asking the bullies to duff you up! Much cooler were Refreshers - for the tough nuts who could handle the vicious fizz on the tongue, or Love Hearts - much loved by girls who pretended they didn't like playing kiss chase, but always allowed themselves to get caught! Even just hearing the names of these retro sweets again has filled my head with memories of playground giggling and British Bulldog.
Sadly, a lot of towns have lost their Traditional Sweets Shop and it's difficult to get hold of a quarter of Cola Cubes. Here the t'internet is your friend. Browsing through Sweet Junkie's site is like being 4ft tall again and gazing up at the rows and rows of jars on the shelf; the big shiny silver scale pan and the little white paper bags.
There's all my old favourites including Liquorice Allsorts; Rhubarb and Custard and American Hard Gums plus some I've not had before like Dandelion and Burdock; Storm Guards and Sherbet Oranges
Sweet Junkie sent me some lovely samples to test and the Liquorice Comfits; Aniseed Balls and Liquorice Allsorts were all exactly as I remembered them. I'm not sure how the samples were picked for me, perhaps this is part of a sweet shop owner's role, but he picked perfectly for my tastes - I adore liquorice flavours.
I also tried some Apple Bonbons. These were new to me, although of course I'm familiar with the strawberry and lemon variety. I think I may just have found a new favourite. I seem to remember bonbons clogged your teeth up with sticky toffee goo, but these weren't like that. The gentle, fragrant apple flavour was fresh but subtle. The sweets were chewy, without being gummy.
Speaking of teeth, I love the fact that there is a section on the site dedicated to dental advice! Actually, it makes for a fascinating read, but reading between the lines, and taking only the information which I find personally advantageous, it is far better for your teeth to scoff a bag of sweets all in one go, than to savour them individually leaving large gaps between each sweet. Least that's what I'm believing!
There is a large sugar-free section in the store, and it's great to see so many different varieties, including some kid's favourites which I suspect my daughter wouldn't even realise were sugar-free.
Take a look at the shop, there's loads to tantalise your taste buds, and if you're looking for an unusual Valentine's treat, how about one of their adorable personalised sugar mice.
Worth a follow on Twitter too, you can find them @sweetjunkie x
For the purposes for this review I received sample sweets. I did not receive any other reward, financial or otherwise and the views expressed are my own.
Monday, 17 January 2011
7 things you didn't know about me - a meme
Yesterday I was tagged by the fabby 'Chelle aka @MammaMcCann over at MammaMccann.co.uk. You can read her post '7 things you didn't know about me' here.
Sounds like a simple enough challenge, right? Wrong! I've realised just how much of myself I share with you guys, both here on the blog and on Twitter, so I've struggled to think of facts about me you don't already know. I think I've cracked it, but those who know me better may already be aware of some of these (oh, and Mum, if you're reading this you'll probably know most of it already!)
1. I am a twin. I have a twin brother and he was born before me, so technically I guess that makes me the middle child. I love both my brothers equally, and wouldn't say I've particularly ever experienced this mysterious 'bond' that twins are supposed to have. Every now and then I get an odd feeling in the pit of my stomach - a sense of foreboding - and I have to ring him up to check he's ok. It always turns out to be nothing though.
2. I am 37 next birthday. Which now I come to think of it is only a couple of months away. Crikey, that means in 3 years time I'll be 40. Pretty worrying since I still haven't actually figured out what I want to be when I grow up.
3. I am a tea fiend. I generally drink between 10-12 cups (ok, ok - mugs) of tea per day. They reckon there's roughly half the amount of caffeine in tea compared to coffee, but frankly I don't believe this. 2 cups of coffee is enough to give me a banging headache and a racing heart, yet I can happily drink tea 'til the cows come home. I hardly ever drink plain water. I am well aware of the fact that I should drink much more H2O, but in all honestly, unless it's had a teabag dunked in it, I'm not interested.
4. I've never been on a diet. I guess I'm fairly lucky that I can eat what I want, when I want, although that's not to say I haven't put on weight since having Ruby. The fact is I don't care. Yes, my butt now wobbles when I stand and brush my teeth in the morning, but who cares?
5. I lied to my health visitor and my partner. I never did my pelvic floor exercises ("yes dear, I do them whenever I'm doing the hoovering"). I am pleased to report that my slovenly attitude to my pelvic muscles has had no adverse effect, and I have never yet peed my pants.
6. I need to adopt a more 'Three wise monkeys' approach. I really should learn to not get involved and to keep my mouth shut, but I'm afraid that is just not my way. I have been called as a witness in court 3 times and am awaiting a date for a 4th appearance. Why oh why do I ever agree to give statements? Giving evidence in court is a truly horrible experience, and you always end up feeling like the criminal.
7. I cannot sing. I mean I really cannot sing. Even Ruby tells me to stop when I'm singing nursery rhymes to her, which is a bit ungrateful if you ask me. I've mouthed my way through every school assembly, every wedding and funeral, and every parent and toddler group I've ever been to.
That's me. I hope you now know a little more about me - any surprises?
The rules of this meme state that I now need to tag 15 (blimey, 15!!) other people to take up the challenge too, so here's my list:
@chaoskay http://brinkofbedlam.co.uk/
@mummiafelice http://whitelilygreen.blogspot.com/
@daisychainbaby http://networkedblogs.com/d4SUM
@iheartmuthahood http://i-heart-motherhood.blogspot.com/
@SuperAmazingMum http://superamazingmum.blogspot.com/
@msmollylouise http://mollyandtheprincess.wordpress.com/
@superluckydi http://super-lucky.blogspot.com/
@Lizzy_o http://yummymummyquest.wordpress.com/
@susankmann http://www.susankmann.co.uk/
@Justforcomps http://rhodareviews.blogspot.com/
@helloitsgemma http://helloitsgemma.wordpress.com/
@ElsieAnderton http://babylonlanetales.com/
@Beckicklesie http://www.beckicklesie.com/
@aresidence http://thealexanderresidence.blogspot.com/
@Jo_Bryan http://giventodistractingothers.blogspot.com/
Sounds like a simple enough challenge, right? Wrong! I've realised just how much of myself I share with you guys, both here on the blog and on Twitter, so I've struggled to think of facts about me you don't already know. I think I've cracked it, but those who know me better may already be aware of some of these (oh, and Mum, if you're reading this you'll probably know most of it already!)
1. I am a twin. I have a twin brother and he was born before me, so technically I guess that makes me the middle child. I love both my brothers equally, and wouldn't say I've particularly ever experienced this mysterious 'bond' that twins are supposed to have. Every now and then I get an odd feeling in the pit of my stomach - a sense of foreboding - and I have to ring him up to check he's ok. It always turns out to be nothing though.
2. I am 37 next birthday. Which now I come to think of it is only a couple of months away. Crikey, that means in 3 years time I'll be 40. Pretty worrying since I still haven't actually figured out what I want to be when I grow up.
3. I am a tea fiend. I generally drink between 10-12 cups (ok, ok - mugs) of tea per day. They reckon there's roughly half the amount of caffeine in tea compared to coffee, but frankly I don't believe this. 2 cups of coffee is enough to give me a banging headache and a racing heart, yet I can happily drink tea 'til the cows come home. I hardly ever drink plain water. I am well aware of the fact that I should drink much more H2O, but in all honestly, unless it's had a teabag dunked in it, I'm not interested.
4. I've never been on a diet. I guess I'm fairly lucky that I can eat what I want, when I want, although that's not to say I haven't put on weight since having Ruby. The fact is I don't care. Yes, my butt now wobbles when I stand and brush my teeth in the morning, but who cares?
5. I lied to my health visitor and my partner. I never did my pelvic floor exercises ("yes dear, I do them whenever I'm doing the hoovering"). I am pleased to report that my slovenly attitude to my pelvic muscles has had no adverse effect, and I have never yet peed my pants.
6. I need to adopt a more 'Three wise monkeys' approach. I really should learn to not get involved and to keep my mouth shut, but I'm afraid that is just not my way. I have been called as a witness in court 3 times and am awaiting a date for a 4th appearance. Why oh why do I ever agree to give statements? Giving evidence in court is a truly horrible experience, and you always end up feeling like the criminal.
7. I cannot sing. I mean I really cannot sing. Even Ruby tells me to stop when I'm singing nursery rhymes to her, which is a bit ungrateful if you ask me. I've mouthed my way through every school assembly, every wedding and funeral, and every parent and toddler group I've ever been to.
That's me. I hope you now know a little more about me - any surprises?
The rules of this meme state that I now need to tag 15 (blimey, 15!!) other people to take up the challenge too, so here's my list:
@chaoskay http://brinkofbedlam.co.uk/
@mummiafelice http://whitelilygreen.blogspot.com/
@daisychainbaby http://networkedblogs.com/d4SUM
@iheartmuthahood http://i-heart-motherhood.blogspot.com/
@SuperAmazingMum http://superamazingmum.blogspot.com/
@msmollylouise http://mollyandtheprincess.wordpress.com/
@superluckydi http://super-lucky.blogspot.com/
@Lizzy_o http://yummymummyquest.wordpress.com/
@susankmann http://www.susankmann.co.uk/
@Justforcomps http://rhodareviews.blogspot.com/
@helloitsgemma http://helloitsgemma.wordpress.com/
@ElsieAnderton http://babylonlanetales.com/
@Beckicklesie http://www.beckicklesie.com/
@aresidence http://thealexanderresidence.blogspot.com/
@Jo_Bryan http://giventodistractingothers.blogspot.com/
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Handcrafted Jewellery - by Sherieann
I've been chatting with the lovely Sherieann (aka @RedRoses4) on Twitter for ages now, and I was familiar with her hand-crafted jewellery and charms through her tweets.
It's lovely to see that she's finding an outlet for her talents, having now set up her online shop and started attending craft fairs. Recently, I spotted a new addition to her shop, and had to snap it up. It was this charming little owl bookmark.
I love owls, and it was such a bargain - only £3. Frankly I cannot understand why she sells her beautiful items so reasonably, but as a customer it was amazing value for money, especially as the bookmark is so well-made; the price included postage; and the item arrived in lovely packaging including it's own little sparkly organza bag.
I think these would make wonderful little impromptu gifts - maybe a thank you present, or a gift for a teacher and they'd be ideal for an alternative Easter present for an older child (there's lots of Hello Kitty items in her shop)
I've never used this type of bookmark before (in fact I'd seen them at craft fairs and didn't realise what they were!), but I'm very pleased with how it functions. It looks pretty and feminine so there's no danger of the old man nicking it off me! I have loads of regular boring bookmarks scattered about the house, but in truth I never use them. I generally leave my book face-down, opened on the page I'm at on my bedside table. However, after the umpteenth time of Ruby picking the book up and losing my place, I decided I needed a decent bookmark. This is such a joy - it means now when I fall into bed, I don't have to spend 10 minutes trying to find where I'd got to!
There are some beautiful beaded bracelets which would be perfect for a Valentine's gift (hint, hint!), like this Hearts Galore bracelet with Murano glass beads and silver plated heart charms. I can't believe it's only £5!
Sherieann also makes phone charms, handbag charms, keyrings and other jewellery. My next purchase I think may well be a keyring as I'm forever fumbling about it the bottom of my handbag for my front door key. Please take a moment to look at her store, I'm sure you'll find something you like.
POST UPDATE:
I noticed last week that Sherieann had added a new line to her shop. She really is a lady after my own heart, as she is now repairing and selling recycled, vintage jewellery. I wanted to update this post to tell you all about these fabulous items, but then I went and bought half of her stock! Oops, but at least you can see I do put my money where my mouth is!
I was taken by the gorgeous vintage green beads she had in her store, and knew whey would match perfectly with a jumper I have, so I snapped them up. I was not disappointed. They have been expertly re-strung, a new clasp added, and now they can be given a new lease of life.
I have seen too many broken strings of beads, and necklaces with missing clasps languishing in charity shops, car boot sales and even in my own jewellery box. It is heartbreaking, and to me Sherieann is a beady super-hero, rescuing and breathing life back into beautiful pieces, for people who don't have the time, skill or equipment to fix them.
Being vintage, these items are obviously unique, so if you spot something you love, you should snap it up quickly - I don't expect these beauties will hang around for long. I love this unusual perfume bottle pendant necklace, and it's only £6.
Take a look at the vintage section and see if there's anything that takes your fancy, and if you follow @RedRoses4 on twitter you'll never miss new products being added.
This is NOT a sponsored post, but I was so impressed with my purchase I wanted to share. x
It's lovely to see that she's finding an outlet for her talents, having now set up her online shop and started attending craft fairs. Recently, I spotted a new addition to her shop, and had to snap it up. It was this charming little owl bookmark.
I love owls, and it was such a bargain - only £3. Frankly I cannot understand why she sells her beautiful items so reasonably, but as a customer it was amazing value for money, especially as the bookmark is so well-made; the price included postage; and the item arrived in lovely packaging including it's own little sparkly organza bag.
I think these would make wonderful little impromptu gifts - maybe a thank you present, or a gift for a teacher and they'd be ideal for an alternative Easter present for an older child (there's lots of Hello Kitty items in her shop)
I've never used this type of bookmark before (in fact I'd seen them at craft fairs and didn't realise what they were!), but I'm very pleased with how it functions. It looks pretty and feminine so there's no danger of the old man nicking it off me! I have loads of regular boring bookmarks scattered about the house, but in truth I never use them. I generally leave my book face-down, opened on the page I'm at on my bedside table. However, after the umpteenth time of Ruby picking the book up and losing my place, I decided I needed a decent bookmark. This is such a joy - it means now when I fall into bed, I don't have to spend 10 minutes trying to find where I'd got to!
There are some beautiful beaded bracelets which would be perfect for a Valentine's gift (hint, hint!), like this Hearts Galore bracelet with Murano glass beads and silver plated heart charms. I can't believe it's only £5!
Sherieann also makes phone charms, handbag charms, keyrings and other jewellery. My next purchase I think may well be a keyring as I'm forever fumbling about it the bottom of my handbag for my front door key. Please take a moment to look at her store, I'm sure you'll find something you like.
POST UPDATE:
I noticed last week that Sherieann had added a new line to her shop. She really is a lady after my own heart, as she is now repairing and selling recycled, vintage jewellery. I wanted to update this post to tell you all about these fabulous items, but then I went and bought half of her stock! Oops, but at least you can see I do put my money where my mouth is!
I was taken by the gorgeous vintage green beads she had in her store, and knew whey would match perfectly with a jumper I have, so I snapped them up. I was not disappointed. They have been expertly re-strung, a new clasp added, and now they can be given a new lease of life.
Being vintage, these items are obviously unique, so if you spot something you love, you should snap it up quickly - I don't expect these beauties will hang around for long. I love this unusual perfume bottle pendant necklace, and it's only £6.
Take a look at the vintage section and see if there's anything that takes your fancy, and if you follow @RedRoses4 on twitter you'll never miss new products being added.
This is NOT a sponsored post, but I was so impressed with my purchase I wanted to share. x
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Suspicious Minds
Today I collected Ruby from nursery as usual. As the door was opened for me, one of the staff said "err, we need to have a word with you before you go". "OK" I said as I breezed in and went over to the table to collect her coat and bag. As I'm wrestling her into hat, scarf, gloves etc, I noticed an accident form on the table, with her name on it. Nothing unusual there - this nursery practically fills a form in every time a child sneezes.
I assumed they needed my signature on the triple carbon copied paperwork, so hung around waiting. Then the nursery worker came up and said "can we talk in private?" Still I thought nothing of it, and it was only when she led me and Ruby into a different room that I thought it was all a bit ominous.
"When you dropped Ruby off this morning her face was bleeding" she informed me. "Really?" I replied - I certainly hadn't noticed my child's bleeding face as I unwrapped her scarf, removed her coat and kissed her goodbye.
"Yes," she went on "She had blood down her T-Shirt and on her hand, and her face was bleeding quite badly". I looked at Ruby, who seemed absolutely fine, but had the little, tiniest mark on her face -seriously, the size of a pin-prick. Yesterday, I noticed she had a tiny scratch or spot or something on her cheek, and I explained about this. I didn't notice how or when she'd done it, but explained that she'd probably just picked the scab and made it bleed.
"The thing is," she carried on, "Ruby got very upset and was crying a lot. We tried to clean her up..." (honestly, they were making this sound like a blood-bath!) "...and we put a cold compress on her face, but she didn't want us to. When we asked why she was so upset, she said 'she didn't want the Ladies to come'. Do you know what she means by that?"
I had absolutely no idea what this woman was talking about! So I bent down to Ruby and asked her why she'd been upset when she'd hurt herself earlier. At this point, of course, she decided to go all coy, and hid behind my scarf, refusing to talk. So, again, carefully I asked her "who are these Ladies you were talking about?"
"Her" she replied pointing at the nursery worker before me! At this point I decided that this 'chat' was more an exercise in serious arse-covering on their part, rather than genuine concern for her wellbeing.
The nursery lady went on, "you see this is where we got confused, because at first she said it was us she didn't want to come, but then she said she didn't mean us, she meant 'The Ladies' " She said this with a very sinister emphasis! I told her not to worry, that Ruby had recently started getting quite sensitive about anyone looking if she'd hurt herself, or fell over and grazed her knee etc.
Clearly, I'd said this with too much flippancy for Miss Marple the nursery worker. She was like a dog with a bone. "We wondered, if perhaps you had any scheduled visits coming up...to your home?"
Suddenly the penny dropped and I realised what she was implying. No! I don't have anything like that I replied, feeling super-defensive. How dare she?! What was she suggesting? That I'm on some kind of Social Services list? I was quietly seething, and frankly quite upset and embarrassed by this.
I wracked my brains to think who these people where, that she could possibly be referring to. Then I remembered, on our walk in this morning, Ruby had asked me where I'd been yesterday (I'd been to a meeting and Granny had looked after her for the day). I explained that as Ruby didn't know the people I was meeting yesterday, I'd told her that I'd got the train and met some ladies.
"Ahh" the nursery worker replied, "that might explain it. Maybe she associated her being in pain and needing her mummy, with you not being around because you were busy with some 'ladies'. Where you out for very long?" she asked. Honestly, what was I now being accused of? I'd hardly abandoned my child! I told her (quite firmly) that I'd been out for the day. She was perfectly happy being cared for by her granny, and it was the first time I'd spent any time on my own for months. Why do I have to explain this??!
Ever one to help my cause, Ruby then pipes up, apropos nothing "I don't want Henry to touch my leg!" Oh good grief! The look that the nursery worker gave me. Carefully, I explained that Henry is her cousin. He is 4 years old (he's not some sinister old uncle who touches my daughter). Could this conversation get any worse?
I signed the accident form and said goodbye as cheerily as I could.
I know I should be grateful that the staff picked up on this, and that they were only concerned for her welfare, but I tell you, when it's you who's on the receiving end of the squinty-eyed suspicion, it's not pleasant at all!
I assumed they needed my signature on the triple carbon copied paperwork, so hung around waiting. Then the nursery worker came up and said "can we talk in private?" Still I thought nothing of it, and it was only when she led me and Ruby into a different room that I thought it was all a bit ominous.
"When you dropped Ruby off this morning her face was bleeding" she informed me. "Really?" I replied - I certainly hadn't noticed my child's bleeding face as I unwrapped her scarf, removed her coat and kissed her goodbye.
"Yes," she went on "She had blood down her T-Shirt and on her hand, and her face was bleeding quite badly". I looked at Ruby, who seemed absolutely fine, but had the little, tiniest mark on her face -seriously, the size of a pin-prick. Yesterday, I noticed she had a tiny scratch or spot or something on her cheek, and I explained about this. I didn't notice how or when she'd done it, but explained that she'd probably just picked the scab and made it bleed.
"The thing is," she carried on, "Ruby got very upset and was crying a lot. We tried to clean her up..." (honestly, they were making this sound like a blood-bath!) "...and we put a cold compress on her face, but she didn't want us to. When we asked why she was so upset, she said 'she didn't want the Ladies to come'. Do you know what she means by that?"
I had absolutely no idea what this woman was talking about! So I bent down to Ruby and asked her why she'd been upset when she'd hurt herself earlier. At this point, of course, she decided to go all coy, and hid behind my scarf, refusing to talk. So, again, carefully I asked her "who are these Ladies you were talking about?"
"Her" she replied pointing at the nursery worker before me! At this point I decided that this 'chat' was more an exercise in serious arse-covering on their part, rather than genuine concern for her wellbeing.
The nursery lady went on, "you see this is where we got confused, because at first she said it was us she didn't want to come, but then she said she didn't mean us, she meant 'The Ladies' " She said this with a very sinister emphasis! I told her not to worry, that Ruby had recently started getting quite sensitive about anyone looking if she'd hurt herself, or fell over and grazed her knee etc.
Clearly, I'd said this with too much flippancy for Miss Marple the nursery worker. She was like a dog with a bone. "We wondered, if perhaps you had any scheduled visits coming up...to your home?"
Suddenly the penny dropped and I realised what she was implying. No! I don't have anything like that I replied, feeling super-defensive. How dare she?! What was she suggesting? That I'm on some kind of Social Services list? I was quietly seething, and frankly quite upset and embarrassed by this.
I wracked my brains to think who these people where, that she could possibly be referring to. Then I remembered, on our walk in this morning, Ruby had asked me where I'd been yesterday (I'd been to a meeting and Granny had looked after her for the day). I explained that as Ruby didn't know the people I was meeting yesterday, I'd told her that I'd got the train and met some ladies.
"Ahh" the nursery worker replied, "that might explain it. Maybe she associated her being in pain and needing her mummy, with you not being around because you were busy with some 'ladies'. Where you out for very long?" she asked. Honestly, what was I now being accused of? I'd hardly abandoned my child! I told her (quite firmly) that I'd been out for the day. She was perfectly happy being cared for by her granny, and it was the first time I'd spent any time on my own for months. Why do I have to explain this??!
Ever one to help my cause, Ruby then pipes up, apropos nothing "I don't want Henry to touch my leg!" Oh good grief! The look that the nursery worker gave me. Carefully, I explained that Henry is her cousin. He is 4 years old (he's not some sinister old uncle who touches my daughter). Could this conversation get any worse?
I signed the accident form and said goodbye as cheerily as I could.
I know I should be grateful that the staff picked up on this, and that they were only concerned for her welfare, but I tell you, when it's you who's on the receiving end of the squinty-eyed suspicion, it's not pleasant at all!
All things piggy
I realise my blog is turning a little 'foodie' of late, and the lovely Becca over at Beckicklesie is at least partially to blame for this. I am joining in her 'Oui Chef' club each month. A different theme is suggested and bloggers upload stories, recipes or photos related to that theme. You really should check it out, it's a great way of discovering new recipes.
This month's theme is "You Swine", and although I could have submitted one of many family favourites I have decided to write about pork and specifically, Suffolk pork.
We have been visiting the stunning country of Suffolk for many years now. Long before Ruby came along, we discovered the delights of Grove Cottages and their doggy-friendly attitude. Chocolate Labradors seem to be universally loved in Suffolk and nobody bats an eyelid there if you take your dog into the pub or a shop. We've since discovered that they are equally child-friendly!
To me, pigs means Suffolk. Practically as soon as we've crossed the border from Cambridgeshire to Suffolk the landscape opens to acres and acres of fields dotted with adorable pink piggies and their little corrugated huts. It has become something of a tradition now, but the first person to spot the piggies has to shout "Oink Oink" to celebrate our arrival in Suffolk. I'm quite sure the hauliers in their artic lorries headed for the ports think we're mental, as they thunder past the car and see a grown woman with her head out of the window, oiking loudly.
On one of our very early trips, we'd read somewhere (I think the Observer Food Monthly) about a shop and smokehouse which we were determined to hunt down. Emmetts of Peasenhall (doesn't the name just do it for you?!) is tucked away in deepest Suffolk, on a glorious little village High Street of traditional shops. It has been trading from the same premises since 1820, and their cured, smoked hams have a royal warrant and numerous rave reviews in the national press.
The Suffolk hams are made following a recipe that goes back to the early 19th century. Taking 10 weeks to cure a ham, it is steeped in Suffolk stout, treacle and raw cane sugar for six weeks (being turned every day), then hotsmoked over oak sawdust for two or three days. The taste is to die for!
The store now boasts a little cafe, so it's well worth seeking out, and you should stock up on bacon, charcuterie, preserves and chutneys, British cheeses and Suffolk pressed apple juice.
Another porkie favourite to visit in Suffolk is Jimmy's Farm. We've been going here for years now, and although it has become more commercial over the years, and now has a restaurant, garden shop and even it's own music festival, it still retains it's charm. They have an action-packed calendar with loads of activities and seasonal events throughout the year. Ruby loves the nature trail and the adventure play park, and there's plenty to do to keep the family occupied for most of the day. The old man likes it because of what it stands for, because of the ethos behind Jimmy setting up the business, his passion for rare breeds and ethical farming, and his determined spirit. I love it because you get to see the gorgeous piggies snuffling about for acorns in the wood, and because I have more than a little crush on Jimmy.
The farm shop sells an amazing range of superb quality sausages, bacon and the best black pudding I've ever eaten. They also sell meat boxes for delivery so fear not if you can't get to them.
The final Suffolk pig related activity I want to mention, is something I have wanted to do for ages, but sadly funds don't permit and the moment. Food Safari, based in Suffolk offer amazing workshops including a Free Range Pig in a Day course. Here you'll visit the farm to see how the animals are reared, and then:
After our farm visit, award-winning butcher, Gerard King, of the Suffolk Food Hall, will break down a pork carcass and talk about the different cuts of meat and their uses in the kitchen. Most importantly, some of the meat, will go straight off to the kitchen to be prepared for our lunch!
Once the meat is ready we'll get hands-on developing our own sausage recipes with whatever takes your fancy; blue cheese, ginger, fennel, paprika. Then we'll make our own sausages to be barbequed for lunch.
The day will wrap up with a relaxed pork lunch with beer and wine.
Sounds perfect! Check out their other workshops which include a Smokehouse Tour, Seafood in a Day, Artisan Bread in a Day, Children's Food Safari and many more.
I've included links to the featured companies twitter pages where I can, so come and follow them with me, and join me in my piggy love, and do check out the other entries on Oui Chef. x
This month's theme is "You Swine", and although I could have submitted one of many family favourites I have decided to write about pork and specifically, Suffolk pork.
We have been visiting the stunning country of Suffolk for many years now. Long before Ruby came along, we discovered the delights of Grove Cottages and their doggy-friendly attitude. Chocolate Labradors seem to be universally loved in Suffolk and nobody bats an eyelid there if you take your dog into the pub or a shop. We've since discovered that they are equally child-friendly!
To me, pigs means Suffolk. Practically as soon as we've crossed the border from Cambridgeshire to Suffolk the landscape opens to acres and acres of fields dotted with adorable pink piggies and their little corrugated huts. It has become something of a tradition now, but the first person to spot the piggies has to shout "Oink Oink" to celebrate our arrival in Suffolk. I'm quite sure the hauliers in their artic lorries headed for the ports think we're mental, as they thunder past the car and see a grown woman with her head out of the window, oiking loudly.
On one of our very early trips, we'd read somewhere (I think the Observer Food Monthly) about a shop and smokehouse which we were determined to hunt down. Emmetts of Peasenhall (doesn't the name just do it for you?!) is tucked away in deepest Suffolk, on a glorious little village High Street of traditional shops. It has been trading from the same premises since 1820, and their cured, smoked hams have a royal warrant and numerous rave reviews in the national press.
The Suffolk hams are made following a recipe that goes back to the early 19th century. Taking 10 weeks to cure a ham, it is steeped in Suffolk stout, treacle and raw cane sugar for six weeks (being turned every day), then hotsmoked over oak sawdust for two or three days. The taste is to die for!
The store now boasts a little cafe, so it's well worth seeking out, and you should stock up on bacon, charcuterie, preserves and chutneys, British cheeses and Suffolk pressed apple juice.
Another porkie favourite to visit in Suffolk is Jimmy's Farm. We've been going here for years now, and although it has become more commercial over the years, and now has a restaurant, garden shop and even it's own music festival, it still retains it's charm. They have an action-packed calendar with loads of activities and seasonal events throughout the year. Ruby loves the nature trail and the adventure play park, and there's plenty to do to keep the family occupied for most of the day. The old man likes it because of what it stands for, because of the ethos behind Jimmy setting up the business, his passion for rare breeds and ethical farming, and his determined spirit. I love it because you get to see the gorgeous piggies snuffling about for acorns in the wood, and because I have more than a little crush on Jimmy.
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| Image: Daily Mail. Oh to be that pig |
The farm shop sells an amazing range of superb quality sausages, bacon and the best black pudding I've ever eaten. They also sell meat boxes for delivery so fear not if you can't get to them.
The final Suffolk pig related activity I want to mention, is something I have wanted to do for ages, but sadly funds don't permit and the moment. Food Safari, based in Suffolk offer amazing workshops including a Free Range Pig in a Day course. Here you'll visit the farm to see how the animals are reared, and then:
After our farm visit, award-winning butcher, Gerard King, of the Suffolk Food Hall, will break down a pork carcass and talk about the different cuts of meat and their uses in the kitchen. Most importantly, some of the meat, will go straight off to the kitchen to be prepared for our lunch!
Once the meat is ready we'll get hands-on developing our own sausage recipes with whatever takes your fancy; blue cheese, ginger, fennel, paprika. Then we'll make our own sausages to be barbequed for lunch.
The day will wrap up with a relaxed pork lunch with beer and wine.
Sounds perfect! Check out their other workshops which include a Smokehouse Tour, Seafood in a Day, Artisan Bread in a Day, Children's Food Safari and many more.
I've included links to the featured companies twitter pages where I can, so come and follow them with me, and join me in my piggy love, and do check out the other entries on Oui Chef. x
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