The Joy Of Magic tricks From Mavins Magic Range and Giveaway

The joy of a moment can stay with you for a lifetime and a photo of that precious moment brings those happy moments flooding back you , innocent times , times before the responsobility of being an adult and having to pay bills. I remember my 8th birthday party very well , I loved my party and I love my presents. One of those presents I remember getting was a magic set and at the time on Tv magic was everywhere . One of the magic tricks I remember was a magic trick with coins it was my pride and joy and filled my days with warmth and wonder.

 

So you or perhaps your child etc can feel the same joy as I did as a child Wicked Uncle have kindly given a coin trick to me to give as a prize.

This smart set  Dynamic coins from the renowned Marvin's Magic range is a precision-made brass trick that looks incredible and is very entertaining. You have to check out the video on the product page!

Perform a sequence of convincing, clever tricks as you make coins appear, disappear and even transform into other coins. With fully illustrated instructions, this handy set can be taken anywhere, ready to baffle and amuse friends and family.

Intriguing tricks with coins that appear, disappear & even shrink!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win a Drone From Wicked Uncle

 With Christmas coming up how do you fancy one more present under the tree that you don't even have to but though you can if you don't win the competition that will be on offer at the end of this post.Up for grabs is the Force Drone that can safely be used indoors and it is perfect to keep your child amused and will be brilliant fun on their own or with brothers and sister  family and friends. And all for the reasonable price of £34.99

Easy to use, lightweight flying drone with infrared sensors that recognise your hand movement.

For indoor use and simple to control, this brilliant 11cm drone features cool infrared technology. The smart sensors detect the surroundings and react to your movements, flying itself. Control with your hands and watch in wonder as it automatically avoids obstacles and performs flips and stunts! Impact resistant with a flexible shock-absorbing outer cage, USB rechargeable for a 5 minute flight time. Simply toss in the air to fly, wow!

For the chance to win this amazing drone just answer the simple question 

What Christmas Present have you always wanted  ? 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wicked Uncle Review Of Fighter Henry water Sprayer and giveaway

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The Fire Fighter Henry is a wearable water sprayer very reasonably price at £19.95. It has two adjustable arm straps so it can be worn by your child like a back pack with the water container going on their back and a tube coming from this to the sprayer which they will hold in their hands out in front of them. The sprayer is very similar to when a fire fighter uses a hose and it even has two spray options, single and multiple. The sprayer is very easy to use and has a pump action for added fun.

Not only is this a great product for the garden or park play but during the winter months it’s also great for role play. 

A brilliant product that will bring joy to your child and fuel their development ,imagination and creativity.

Fires and fire fighters are always fascinating and this water sprayer is just brilliant.

This fantastic 32cm wide water sprayer has two fully adjustable straps for a perfect fit and is fabulously light for a child to comfortably wear on their back. Perfect for water fights and imaginative play, have fun putting out pretend fires by squirting water, with an easy pump action and both single and multi spraying functions. This mega water sprayer is every tiny hero's dream - brilliant!

If you’ve a mud kitchen this would be a great help to squirt water for those mud pies !

Wicked Uncle is the perfect place to shop on line SO no queues in overcrowded shops! Everything is so well laid out and you pick your age etc and away you go .

Now you can win this water sprayer !

Perfect for slipping under the Christmas tree !

SO the question is What was your favourite Toy to find under the Christmas tree as as child ?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1. The promoter is Wicked Uncle

2. Employees of  Wicked Uncle Ninjakillercat blog or their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition.

3. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.

4. Route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter are via Ninjakillercat blog

5. Closing date for entry will be 20th November  After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted.

6. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.

7. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.

8. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.

9. No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.

10. Winners will be chosen by the use of Rafflecopter

11. The winner will be notified by email within 2 days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.

12. The promoter will notify the winner when the prize will be sent.

13. The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

14. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.

15. The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by [English] law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [England].

16. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [UK] data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party.

17. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

18. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Network. You are providing your information to NInjakillercat Pro who will directly send you the prize  and not to any other party. All your personal information will be deleted after you are sent the prize.

19. Uk only.

20. You must be 18 or over to enter this competition

Ghosts in the Garden York a free event

 What is free nowadays , what can play the soul like a violin and the sensory delights play a concert upon the heart well that would be the delights of York . York is a an ever popular destination and I know it so well as my son went to university there.York is a pure delight and it doesn't have to cost you any money asides from perhaps getting there and what ever food you want , you make the choices and just run with it. DO you like the sounds of that well jump aboard the bus of enlightened souls and lets go have some fun !

I went to York last Sunday instead of a local scarecrow festival as the weather was so bad in Derby we decided to go North and get ahead of the weather and it paid off as we had a fabulous time. Are you sitting comfortably then I shall begin but take heart it involvers ghosts! Are you feeling brave ? Are you really sure ? Once we begin then there is no turning back !

May I present to you "Ghosts in the Gardens " which is on from the September 21st till the 5th November 2024

It is stunning and I have never been so enchanted as I was last Sunday and we didn't get to see all the ghosts meaning we have to go back ! Yay as I think I left my heart there . I tis fun , it is free and a brilliant excuse to walk round historic York. I ended up seeing parts of York I had never seen before and I have been there many times !

Polar Panic Game Review And Giveaway

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Thanks to Wicked Uncle I have a new game to review and there is a giveaway at the end of this blog post.

This game Polar Panic  is a speedy one for two to six players and it is all about finding pairs of funny fish. You take it in turns to flip over the cards to reveal surprisingly similar sealife. When you spot a matching par, slap the cards to claim them for your haul! Keep an eye out for helpful fisherman as well as the sneaky polar wildcard- if he pops up, then it's game over.

 

The game is a little reminiscent of snap and that I think is what makes it so much fun and also it is a portable games making it great to take to friends and on holidays trips on the train etc.The sturdy storage tin makes this a great option for play on-the-go. Fast, fun and totally cool - brrrrilliant! and is priced at a very reasonable £7.95 from Wicked Uncle

I played this game with some younger members of my family and we had such fun , I can not highly recommend this game enough,

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1. The promoter is Wicked Uncle

2. Employees of  Wicked Uncle Ninjakillercat blog or their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition.

3. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.

4. Route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter are via Ninjakillercat blog

5. Closing date for entry will be (th October 2024  After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted.

6. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.

7. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.

8. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.

9. No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.

10. Winners will be chosen by the use of Rafflecopter

11. The winner will be notified by email within 2 days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.

12. The promoter will notify the winner when the prize will be sent.

13. The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

14. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.

15. The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by [English] law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [England].

16. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [UK] data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party.

17. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

18. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Network. You are providing your information to NInjakillercat Pro who will directly send you the prize  and not to any other party. All your personal information will be deleted after you are sent the prize.

19. Uk only.

20. You must be 18 or over to enter this competition

Comfort Zone® Opticalm Diffuser review

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The cat is back reviewing and this time it is the turn of cat calming products , Jack is now 16 and has recently dented my bank account with a scale and polish but it is not as bad as it could have been as we moved to an independent vets.

The new Comfort Zone® Opticalm Diffuser releases a drug-free vapor that mimics your cat's natural calming pheromones, helping your cat feel safe, happy and calm. By sending signals in your cat's own language, this calming aid for cats can help reduce stress and unwanted behaviors like urine marking and scratching.

This new plug-in diffuser uses our same trusted pheromone formula with a sleek, modern design. It optimizes precious outlet space by leaving the bottom outlet open for other devices and features a plug that rotates 90 degrees for ease of use.The diffuser is priced at what I think is a very reasonable price at £13.99

The team who brings you Comfort Zone® products takes your cat's "e-meow-tional health" seriously. Most cats will show improved behaviour after two weeks or less with the diffuser's calming vapours.

Jack is calmer I would say and is not trying to install his own art work onto anything and is not phased if we go away for a few days ( we have a neighbour coming to look after him , he is not there ordering takeaways and watching Netflix)

Jack also has been reviewing theThe Comfort Zone® Calming Pheromone Collar for Cats provides continuous comfort for on-the-go cats, whether they're indoors or outdoors. This collar can help your cat's "e-meow-tional" health by using our trusted pheromone formula.

The Comfort Zone® Calming Pheromone Collar for Cats is veterinarian recommended and mimics your cat's natural pheromones, helping keep your kitty more comfortable during stressful situations, like moving, remodeling, traveling or visiting the vet. The collar promotes a sense of relaxation, which is "purrfect" for on-the-go cats. By relaxing your kitty, this collar will help curb stress behaviors like spraying and destructive scratching.

The collar is £11.99 which I feel is a little pricey for a collar but again that is just my opinion and given the choice I will stick with the diffusor as it represents the best value for myself.

All thoughts words and opinions are that of my own and I was given this product for review. My cat reviewed the products.

Why You Should Choose An Independent Veterinary Practice

 

Recently thee has been a report in corporately owned United Kingdom veterinary practices The CMA  which stands for the Competion and Markets Authority . Bear with me as it is relevant to you and the pound in your pocket and choose an independent vet and you 'll save.

You will not doubt be curious to as to what all the fuss is about. The  CMA is a report which took a closer look at the impact of big corporate veterinary practices on the pet healthcare landscape.  You will have see big vets chains popping up on every street corner almost . The independent vets told me if I can buy a prescription cheaper on line they will tell me , the one thing I will have to pay for is the prescription itself of seventeen pounds.

Now of course all vets provide care and you might be happy with your big chain vet but hear me out one cost is the annual booster for a cat for example mine just cost me £61.25 and when I looked at the prices of the independent vets I have just moved to it was £45 , now that is one hell of a difference.

Personalised Care and Familiar Faces

I think one of the biggest perks of choosing an independent practice is the tailored care and attention your pet will receive .As soon as you walk through a vets door you want to feel part of the family and people getting to know you and your pets. If your pet has a quirk then your independent vet wants to know when their taste in music !

And speaking of the team at my local independent vets I know that I always be greeted by familiar faces there . Their dedication shoes through as when I was there last week for Jack the receptionist was telling us how some person had left their Golden retriever in a car and the police etc had to break into to save the dog . It was all hands on deck with all staff rushing to do their upmost for the poor dog. 

Community Connection

You will find that  independent practice is deep rooted in the local community. the one we go to is on a new housing estate  . The staff themselves will live nearby and know the community so it all interwoven with people understanding.

Flexibility and Innovation

When you go to an independent practice, they have have  all the freedom to innovate and adapt to meet the ever-evolving needs of their patients and clients. Independent Vets are not bound by corporate red tape or rigid protocols. They, instead have the flexibility to implement cutting-edge treatments, techniques, and technologies that can benefit your pets. From advanced diagnostics to alternative therapies, Independent vets are always exploring new ways to improve the quality of care they provide.

Long-Term Relationships

Building lasting relationships with their clients and their pets is at the heart of what a good independent vets do. They're  here for you through every stage of your pet's life – from playful puppies to senior cats  . By choosing them as your trusted veterinary partner, you can count on continuity of care and a team that's invested in your pet's long-term health and happiness. When I changed to an independent vets the other week the receptionist talked to us which in the last sixteen years at out previous vets the reception staff never did

Final Thoughts

So, You will of course want. save money then it is time to look round at your local area to see what independent vets you can find , I promise you you will not be disappointed.

Getting Your Haircut As An Neurodivergent

As a neurodivergent getting my hair cut is not high up there on my priorities in fact my hair has a will of its own so much so I’m surprised it’s not running the country. I do go to the hairdressers but I find it stressful as it’s full of beautiful people confident chatting away to their hairdresser s about their daring plans.

I sit there as meek as anything but I do try to convey what I want a haircut that will look after itself . People will never tame my spirit and I fail why I should try and alter the will of my hair . I’m never going to have swishy hair but secretly it doesn’t mean I don’t covet that thought just a little bit.

There have been times when I have to confess I have trimmed my own fringe though trimmed is a bit quite right .I think one would bluntly say hacked within an inch of its life .So what advice can I offer ?

1 Ask a hairdresser s when their quiet times are and explain your neurodivergent. I’d do this by email maybe unless someone can ring for you.If you feel confident perhaps stagger your visit s , first getting your hair washed then fringe cut that way building up to a haircut.

Getting a haircut as an adult neurodivergent individual can sometimes be a challenging experience. Here are some strategies to help make the process more comfortable and less stressful:

Preparation

1. Research and Choose the Right Salon:

   • Look for salons that have experience working with neurodivergent clients.
   • Read reviews or ask for recommendations from others in the neurodivergent community.
   • Call ahead to explain your needs and ask if they can accommodate any special requests.

2. Set a Comfortable Time:

   • Choose a time when the salon is likely to be less crowded and quieter.
   • Early morning or late afternoon appointments can often be less busy.

3. Communicate Your Needs:

   • Be upfront about any sensory sensitivities or anxieties.
   • Let the stylist know if you have preferences for how you like to be touched or if you need breaks.

4. Bring Comfort Items:

   • Bring headphones to listen to calming music or a podcast.
   • Carry a fidget toy or stress ball to help manage anxiety.

5. Visual Aids:

   • Show pictures of the haircut you want.
   • Use a social story or visual schedule if that helps you prepare for the experience.

During the Haircut

1. Sensory Considerations:

   • Wear a cape that isn’t too tight or irritating.
   • Ask the stylist to be gentle when washing or cutting your hair.
   • Let the stylist know if you need a break or if something is uncomfortable.

2. Use Clear Communication:

   • If verbal communication is difficult, consider writing down your preferences or using a communication app.
   • Give feedback during the haircut if something isn’t right.

3. Take Your Time:

   • Don’t rush the process. It’s okay to take breaks if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
   • Schedule extra time for the appointment so you don’t feel pressured.

After the Haircut

1. Reward Yourself:

   • Plan a small reward or treat after the haircut as positive reinforcement.
   • Reflect on what went well and what could be improved for next time.

2. Self-Care:

   • Engage in a relaxing activity after the haircut to decompress.
   • Use grounding techniques or sensory calming methods if needed.

General Tips

1. Find a Regular Stylist:

   • Building a relationship with a stylist who understands your needs can make future visits easier.

2. Practice at Home:

• If possible, practice having someone touch or comb your hair at home to build tolerance.
• See if a mobile hairdresser can come to you , being in your own environment can make you feel more relaxed.

By preparing in advance, communicating your needs clearly, and creating a supportive environment, you can make the experience of getting a haircut more manageable and less stressful.

Staring At A Blank Blogging Page

 Staring at a blank page one often does not know what to write , will it be popular will it turn peoples heads , there was a time when blog post writings were eaten with such a vicarious apetite no one could churn the worlds out fast enough . But times change and blogging dynasties rise and fall and empowerment and self worth are pushed the forefront sometimes with no means of how to achieve this nirvana . Now I have been blogging for many a year with my blog nipping in recent times and I wondered do people still care and the answer is it does not matter as I really want to get the words down.

As life pootles on by so much has happened and I start to feel I haven't kept pace with my own thoughts as I don't have anyone of late to turn as people are busy with their own lives and problems and I don't want to be a worry wart to them. But I will get there and I need either myself or my friends to reach out of the chasm of quiet.There is wonder in the world and I just need to go about finding it again and embracing the joy into my own life again and put the fragments of it all back together gain.So here I am back again and I will not let the blank page defeat me anymore.

Sometimes you do have to shout out the world noise and focus on your self for a while and whilst the silence from the outside world can leave you thinking no one cares ( please see first paragraph ) there is a way through it. Some people are just natural pied piers of peoples and anything they do is met with an Oscar nomination and this is one of the things of the world . I know my vibe and that is ok and people do get my vibe and I really don't care if they don't . And when people do say hey lets meet etc as an autistic person I can go into a flat tail spin as it is OMG people!

Why Should You Seek An Autism Diagnosis as an Adult ?

Seeking an autism diagnosis as an adult can have several benefits:

1. Self-Understanding and Acceptance: A diagnosis can provide clarity about your experiences, behaviors, and challenges. Understanding that these are part of being autistic can foster self-acceptance and reduce feelings of confusion or self-criticism.

2. Access to Support and Resources: With a diagnosis, you may become eligible for specific support services, accommodations, and resources. This can include therapy, support groups, educational resources, and workplace accommodations.

3. Mental Health Benefits: Many adults with undiagnosed autism may struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Knowing the root cause of these issues can lead to more effective treatment and coping strategies.

4. Improved Relationships: Understanding your communication style and sensory needs can help improve relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. It can also help them understand you better, fostering more supportive and empathetic interactions.

5. Workplace Accommodations: A diagnosis can provide the basis for requesting reasonable accommodations at work, such as adjustments to the work environment, changes in communication methods, or flexible work arrangements.

6. Community and Connection: Being diagnosed can connect you to a community of other autistic individuals, providing a sense of belonging and opportunities to share experiences and strategies.

7. Empowerment: Knowledge is empowering. Understanding your neurodiversity can help you advocate for yourself more effectively in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional settings.

8. Guidance for Future Planning: A diagnosis can help you and your loved ones plan for the future, considering your specific needs and strengths. This can be especially useful in making decisions about careers, living arrangements, and social activities.

If you suspect you might be autistic, seeking a diagnosis can be a significant step towards understanding and improving your quality of life

Fun Gifts For 10 Year Old Boys

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When choosing stocking fillers for your kids or teens you know that you'll want to choose either those edible gifts that will they will want to share with you ( highly unlikely but we can all believe in the dream can't we !? ) or a stocking filler that will last the test of time and not break within minutes leaving you both frustrated.This is where Wicked Uncle comes in with age gifts and you can even choose to have the gifts wrapped at an additional cost with £ for the first present and £ for subsequence presents. Particularly  difficult to choose for are 10 years old boys but this is where Wicked Uncle comes to your rescue with a perfect choice for gifts for 10 year old boys

Shopping with Wicked Uncle is easy and you will find no end of inspiration with it remembering the occasion say it be a birthday for the following year. Delivery is swift through Royal Mail and you are alerted of this this through text and email. And you can trust in the knowledge that all the gifts are quality tested by Wicked Uncles toy testers.

My first choice of stocking filler is chocolate ! and who on earth can resist that that ?! Chocolate in the shape of a game controller is very apt for the ten year old boy age group.

Game Controller - Milk Chocolate, Take a Break!

£5.99

Next up for the gift I recommend is one I would very much love for myself !

Flexible geometric puzzle with endless variations for busy fingers.

£10.99

The perfect fidget toy, very tactile and satisfying to play with, the Dynacube is a one-piece puzzle that you can just fiddle with for ages. Create over 100 different shapes as you work through the puzzle booklet to solve each challenge. The first shapes are easy to do, but how about the other 100? Pick it up and you'll never want to put it down - fidget, fidget! 

PLEASE NOTE : Colour and design will be picked at random to add to the fun!

The next choice is fun and who again can resist chocolate

White Chocolate Smartphone - Truly Tasty Tech!

£5.99

Delicious 14cm chocolate treat - for the mobile phone fanatic.

What I love about Wicked Uncle is not only the choice of its on their fabulous site but the fact they are a family run business who are very passionate and connected in what they do. They stock everything in their warehouse ,hand - wrap and hand write every card, everything they do is done with worker welfare in mind from warehouse to office. The MD even pitches in on the warehouse floor to help out.

So do make sure you make Wicked Uncle your first choice for all your gifting needs for your kids and teens and also you can ship for adults do as who doesn't love that chocolate game controller for example

And my last choice of gift is 

Jelly Eyeballs - Strawberry & Frightfully Tasty!

£6.99

Squidgy eyeball sweets with a gooey strawberry flavour - gruesome!

Glue ear and fitting in. #specialsaturday

What do I love about being a mum or Mummy, mm tough one I could go a sugary sentimental journey but hat just not me. So what I love the most perhaps the up most is arguing with my son.

A puzzling choice , not a knee jerk reaction of a other? read on then you will see why I love with my son after all every good story has a truely heart felt conclusion doesn't it.

Well when J was born he  was a normal baby until all the problems started happening, the constant eczema which is inherited. The sudden coughing fits and gastric problems. the fussy eating, the projectile vomiting.

As he grew then there was the sudden tiredness and falling asleep anywhere ( asthma ) the allergy to food colourings. The inability to live my side, his allergy to cats ( we had to get rid of our cat)s. yes J was one nervous child constant trips to the hospital seeing various medical professionals.

Then more problems came then there was the problem with him being slightly sugar slow and then the bouts of anemia.

Whilst I appreciate these problems aren't as severe as many problems experience with their child of children it is still heartbreaking as well..

Throughout out this I had noticed  that J was not communicating , he had passed his baby hearing test hardly rocket science when he took it.

J was born in September 1998 and looking at an entry from his health book dated June 2000 that he has made little progress with his speech. The silly health visitor said his comprehension appeared good, well it wasn't I assure you. The toing and froing continued with the health visitors still ignoring me. This continued until around October 2001 when J still wasn't really speaking. Eventually after basically a sit in protest at the doctors we got a referral to the hospital where he was diagnosed with Glue ear. He had his operation to have grommets inserted after the usual long weight for an the operation.

Progress was slow but really came into its own on a holiday to Center Parcs in March 2002 when he was three and a half We were on our bikes and J was in a child seat behind me, a squirrel ran in front of me and J said " Bloody Squirrel" and j repeated this all day.

J had been learning sign language at nursery and and a least now there was a focus on his language skills , of course this had now developed. He was a slow learner at Infant School because of his previous problems, nervous and clingy. We had  problems with parties etc he still wouldn't leave my side till he was nearly seven. I just plonked him into beavers one day and ran , same with football cruel but kind and as a result he developed.

So that's why I love arguing with him he has developed into a heartfelt young boy who knows his own mind and is making his own way in the world. He is an academic high fly er play rugby for our County , top sport mans for the schooll. Plays a musical instrument he is an all rounder. What more could I ask for than an argument about his sock draw...?

Seared Scallops And Wilted Greens And Chorizo

Ingredients 

Scallops for how ever many guests.

A bag of curly kale which will serve 4 nicely.

For 3 people I used 7 slices of chorizo diced.

Oil

Knob of unsalted butter.

Method 

Slice the kale into thin pieces and the leaves into larger strips. Heat a large, deep pan to medium-high.  Add the chorizo a cook 3-4 minutes.

Then add the onions( shallots would also work) and cook until soft for 3 more minutes.

Then the garlic or shallots  is added cook until softened for 3 minutes.


Cook another 4-5 minutes before adding the leaves. Toss until wilted over the heat. Add the soy sauce (if you want) then season , you might find it will be salty enough already , keep warm.

A fishmonger had already removed the foots off the scallop ( or is that feet!)

Next add the oil to the pan and swirl it around. When it starts to smoke, quickly add the scallops.  Cook on high for about 1-2 minutes.

Flip the scallops and add the butter.  Spoon the butter over the scallops as they cook another 1-2 minutes. Serve over warm greens.

Sorry I can't love you

Sorry I can not love you.

Sorry I can not love you in the way that you want , I wanted to but my heart just isn't in it , I feel remorse at that I have already cheated on another. It was never my intention to stray but you caught my eye with your film star looks complete with smouldering dark features. You were smooth and you spread yourself around , you didn't say a lot but you didn't have to.

You tried to emulate my first love by being strong you only needed to be strong in small measures , you took my breath away. Every time I tasted your love my heart was crying for my old love you had me torn. How could you do this to me ?

They say flattery is the sincerest form of compliment.

I am odds with my self.

Last time we were together I chocked on my emotions.

The taste of you upon my lips tingle me in all sorts of way.

This is goodbye.

Please don't try to contact me.

And please don't try to get into my shopping basket again.

Sorry Vegemite I can't commit to you, Marmite has my heart and soul.

Easy Beef Cannelloni

Easy Beef Cannelloni 

With Valentine's Day creeping up on us ( I know it's the same date every year) I wanted a simple recipe that was easy to prepare and one that I could tick off as having achieved some culinary. I've still not attempted my baking nemesis that of the Victoria sponge cake , no idea why but it fills me with dread. Back to the Valentine's Day as lovers cannot survive on cake alone shame though a great big crying same.

Ingredients

500 g of mince 

1 tub of ricotta 

1-2 cloves of garlic 

1 jar of passata

Mixed herbs to suit

Grated Parmesan

Cannelloni tubes
Grated mozzarella

Method 

Preheat the oven to 200 c / gas Mark 6

1. Heat the some oil in a pan and brown the mince, with the garlic, onion and dried herbs. Next add the tub of ricotta and half of the jar of passata cooked, stir in 4 tablespoons of parmesan ,then set aside to cool.
2. The best bit is rather fiddly and can get messy ! perhaps you could share this but after all sharing is caring. Fill the tubes with the mixture it does take time so ideal whilst listening to some love power ballads.
3. As you or someone else ( hopefully) fills the tubes place them with a square dish once all the tubes are filled then pour the rest of the pass over the tubes and sprinkle some grated mozzarella over the top.
4. Place in the oven for around 40 minutes ( making any adjustments for a fan assisted oven)

Then serve with a simple salad.