The Last Day {Blog Every Day in May}

I have learned a few things about a few things with this venture.

One that when I say I’m going to do something I feel responsible to complete it in it’s entirety.

I didn't blog every day this month, I've missed like 3 days and I was up last night feeling guilty about it. Thinking about how I should make time to write the posts and back post them.

I don’t have time for that. I didn't have time to do them in the first place so why where would I find the time now? Plus I was the one who decided to do it. There weren't any consequences if I didn't blog every day.

But this is what I do to myself and my blog is currently just something I do for fun in my free time.

Which is another thing I learned. If I want to look at blogging as a ‘career’ there is a lot I need to learn!

There is so much more to blogging in a professional manner then there is just blogging for fun.

It’s definitely something I've been thinking of doing as well. With my girls going to both be in full time school in the fall, I will have a bit more free time.

There is another lesson. I am not always the best time manager. I used to think I was, but I tend to not give myself enough time to complete things.

If I want to be a better (professional) blogger I should possibly look at more planning ahead, among other things. 

At the end of the day I really enjoyed some of the topics that Elizabeth suggested for Blog Every Day in May and it got me talking about things outside of the foodie zone.

It was a good experience and I’m glad I took part! 

#BEDM

21 Blogs to Choose From

Here is a list of 21 blogs I read regularly. 

I do read and follow many other blogs too, but these seem to be ones I am always checking for updates! 

They are in alphabetical order. I don't have a favorite so to speak. Each one gives me something different that I need or want. 

The majority of them are food blogs, but I do love a good book or lifestyle blog! 

Sometimes I wonder if I should turn my blog into more of a lifestyle blog. 

Then I think about how much work I already put into my blog and then how much more work it would be to add all the other life things in. 

Maybe one day when I find more time. Like one day I will pull it out of my back pocket and go "Hey Time! Where'd ya go? I've been looking for you!" and automatically I will be able to do all the things I want too and blog about it too! 

How great would it be if it were that simple. 

In the meantime if you're looking for something new to read here are 21 blogs to choose from! 

A Flurry of Ponderings - {books} by Missie

American Cupcake Life - {lifestyle} by Kelly

Bakerella - {baking/food} by Angie

Baking Explorer, The - {baking/food} by Kat

Jen's Food - {food} by Jen

Bookish Outsider - {books} by Fi

Brave Tart - {food/baking} by Stella

Caked Crusader, The - {baking/food} by The Caked Crusader

Cakeyboi - {baking/food} by Stewart

Confessions of a Cookbook Queen - {baking/food} by Kristin

Crazy Cupcake Gem - {baking/food} by Gem

Debs Dust Bunny - {lifestyle} by Deb

Kitchen Frolic - {baking/food} by Stephanie

Londoner, The - {lifestyle} by Rosie

My POTL - {lifestyle} by Laurie

raspberri cupcakes - {food/baking} by Steph

Rosalilium - {lifestyle} by Elizabeth

Sparkly Panda, The - {lifestyle} by Rhiannon

Sprinkle Bakes - {baking/food} by Heather

Susannah Conway - {lifestyle/photography} by Susannah
Taking Flight into Art, Love, and Life {art/lifestyle} by Kelly Rae

I'm always looking for new blogs to read, so please leave a link to your favorite blog or your own blog in the comment section below! 

notes: this post was written for Day 28 of Blog Every Day in May, #BEDM. None of these blogs or bloggers have endorsed this post in anyway, all opinions are my own. Please see my contact/policy page for more info. I just posted some cool pictures I took of fruit once, because fruit is always good. I could have used images from the blogs I listed, but I like to ask permission first and I didn't write this in time! :0) 

Summer Salad & Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar

It’s summer time! Well, near enough summer time. This morning I took my girls to the park and even though rain was threatening to fall at any moment, we went anyway. 

We were lucky and had a great morning at the park with friends before of course we were rained on our way back.

It’s always better to be rained on on the way back then on the way there. It’s one of the things I've learned in my time here in England.

After we were dried off and I had the kettle on (coffee for me and hot chocolate for the girls) I made lunch.

I made the little ones peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a salad for myself. I wanted an excuse to use the Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar I made over the weekend. 

I made my salad with lambs lettuce, ruby chard, carrot, goat’s cheese and strawberries topped with my homemade Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar, a little bit of olive oil, and seasoned with a little pepper.

It was really good. I loved the sweetness of the strawberries and goat’s cheese against the savory lettuces and carrot. You can use this dressing with any salad.

I think salads are one of those things that people just need to make for themselves because there are so many things people like different lettuces and vegetables and dressings.

This dressing would also be good mixed with a little olive oil as a dip for really good fresh bread. My littlest one likes her olives soaked in the dressing as well. There are lots of uses for Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar.

Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar

100ml balsamic vinegar

450ml white wine vinegar

100g sugar

500g British strawberries

Mix the vinegar's and sugar together in a medium saucepan and heat gently on a low heat until the sugar dissolves. Turn the heat up and bring the mixture to a boil. In the meantime hull and quarter the strawberries. In a bowl mash the strawberries with a potato masher. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the mashed strawberries. Allow to cool before covering and allowing to seep for 24-48 hours.

Sterilize about 4 regular jam jars or whatever you will be using to store your vinegar by washing in the dishwasher and place in a warm oven to make sure they are completely dry.

After the 24-48 hours pour the mixture through a sieve and store in the sterilized jars. 

 notes: In association with Sainsbury’s for the Best of British campaign. Please see my contact/policy page for further information.
Today's topic of Blog Every Day in May was National BBQ week and I think this salad would be perfect for a BBQ! Day 27 of Blog Every Day in May #BEDM

Today's Blog Every Day in May topic is the best thing about childhood. 

Well, I think that the above meme about sums it up really. 

My Little Pony Birthday Cupcakes!

A while back I shared with you some delicious Elvis cupcakes that were topped with Elvis cupcake toppers, made by Birthday Cake Toppers. (website is MIA) When they sent me the Elvis ones they also sent me My Little Pony Friendship is Magic cupcake toppers.

One may think that I had asked for these cupcake toppers for my daughters, but truth be told, I love that show. I saved them so I could use them for my birthday cupcakes. 

It’s a very clever and entertaining show that still has values. Everything a good show, cartoon or not should have.

Yes, I am a 30-something who loves a cartoon about ponies. In fact I wish my girls liked it more so I had someone to watch it with me.

I mean they will watch the odd episode; perhaps they are too young for an all out My Little Pony marathon.

However they weren't too young to appreciate these cupcakes. I made them for us for my birthday 2 Friday's ago. Again because my birthday was a busy day I used Betty Crocker Lemon Cupcake box mix. But please feel free to use your favorite cupcake recipe. Flavors and colors could be adjusted to your favorite pony etc... 

It’s not like I have made my love for the show a secret. I have made some My Little Pony Friendship is magic inspired treats in the past like – Rainbow Dash’s Rainbow Jellies, Fluttershy’s Spring Time Cupcakes, and Apple Jack’s Apple Pies from Sweet Apple Acres. 

All of those posts were from 2012. It's funny how I blog has changed.Also I never finished my goal of making something inspired by each main pony. Still have Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity. Guess I have to get brainstorming! 

Do you watch the show? Who is your favorite Pony? Please leave a comment below I do like discussing the show!

notes: The edible cupcake toppers were provided for me to review. All opinions are my own. If you are interested in cake toppers please check out their site here. If you don’t see what you’re after just ask them and they will do their best. They can also use a personal photo. Betty Crocker have nothing to do with this post what so ever. Here are the Elvis Cupcakes

Super Detox Smoothie

It seemed like every time I turned around someone else I knew was talking about juicing.

I received a juicer for my birthday back before I had kids so like 7 years ago. I juiced a few things and then it was shelved.

The juicer came with a book by Jason Vale, telling his story on how juicing saved his life. Then my friends bought me The Juice Master’s Keeping it Simple! - over 100 Delicious Juices and Smoothies by Jason Vale.

The first book was donated, but the second I had held on too. So, when I felt like I was hearing the word ‘juicing’ I brought it out and decided to do the 3-day detox.

Instead of over thinking it I just did it. It was actually quite refreshing. I did struggle a bit the last day. I was very tired. So, if you ever think of doing a juice detox make sure you aren’t too busy, because you will be tired.

For the whole program and recipes check out the book! He also explains how the juice are beneficial and how they help to detox.

I’m not really sure what to write about, as I’m not sure what people want to know about juicing? So, please if you have any questions or anything you want to know leave a comment!!

My favorite juice of the 3 days was breakfast on day 2 and here is the recipe.

Super detox smoothie

½ small pineapple

1 handful fresh blueberries

1 handful fresh black berries

200g low-fat live yogurt

4 ice cubes

Juice the pineapple before blending with the rest of the ingredients until smooth.

notes: This post is not being compensated or endorsed by Jason Vale or his affiliates in anyway; all opinions are my own. Please see my contact/policy page for further information. This post was written for day 24 of Blog Every Day in May. #BEDM

Date Night at The Plowden Arms

My husband and I don’t have a date night. If we get a chance to go out together we take it. If not, well then we don’t.

I know everyone says couples should take time for themselves and I agree. Especially if you feel you need that time alone. I don’t always feel like I need that and sometimes I do.

We do try to celebrate special days (not holidays) like our anniversary. 

Back in April we went out for a meal at The Plowden Arms a lovely pub in Shiplake Cross, Henley-Upon-Thames.

It was an amazing meal. We mainly ordered off the Specials board although it was a tough choice because the menu had some amazing looking food on it.

It had a great atmosphere; it felt like you were stepping back in time. It had a very classic pub look and the food is very traditional British food.

The sauce Robert or sauce Robert-Francois Rabelais is one of the first brown sauces made with white wine vinegar and mustard and is dated circa 1483-1553. Which he let me try and it was very good.

The dessert I settled on was a boozy, brioche type cake from “The English Cookery Book” written by J.H. Walsh and published in1858 they have called it Tipsy Cake, roasted pineapple. It was a perfect dessert to an amazing dinner.

The menu was full of information about where certain recipes originated. I like that sort of thing, I love learning about food.

The service was good too, the servers were friendly and helpful when we asked questions about some of the Specials.

On to the food! Here is what we had and I would have it again! Like I mentioned above we don't go out much so it's a treat when we do! 

starters

Turkey Meat Scotch Egg, Cranberry Sauce

Scottish Scallop, Black Pudding, Apple Puree, Celery Cress

mains 

8oz aged Sirloin Steak with Chips and sauce Robert

Roast Duck Breast, Spinach Braised Lentils Red Wine Gravy

desserts

Treacle Pudding with vanilla ice cream

Tipsy Cake, roasted pineapple

notes: I was not compensated for this post in anyway. All opinions are my own. I have written this post for Blog Every Day in May day 23 the topic was “date night.” #BEDM

The Plowden Arms

Shiplake Cross
Henley-Upon-Thames

Oxforshire RG9 4BX