Hi Ladies
So, the holiday season is well and truly behind us and we've stepped into 2014 ..... I'm not really a 'make and stick to' kind of girl when it comes to resolutions but I have made some changes!
I am sticking to my no caffeine rule and feel so much better for it! I've explored different varieties of herbal teas, my favourite two being camomile and peppermint tea pigs. I had read about the benefits of warm water with lemon and wanted to add this to my morning routine (as long as I remember to buy lemons!)  The juice of one lemon in boiling water every morning, before the usual mug of tea with breakfast, is great and most certainly makes me feel awake!!! 
I am making sure I get up earlier to make an effort for the day. I always feel better after I've done my hair, chosen something nice to wear and put some lip gloss on, so I'm making sure I give myself enough time to do this every morning so I feel good. I really can't bare it when I hear 'it's only the school run' why shouldn't we feel great doing the school run, or the food shopping or even walking the dog? I plan to continue my feel great routine....
My main change, on a health, cost, clear conscience move, has been to shop locally and support our small businesses, avoiding food miles.  I find that I don't buy half as much food, I know where it's come from and the service really does come with a big welcoming smile! The produce tastes amazing too. And for me, going home and opening up all the brown paper bags adds to the glory!!
I haven't gone down the 'cleaning my surfaces with bicarbonate and lemon juice' route yet but certainly when it comes to fruit, veg and meat I am making good, clean choices.
I personally believe that happy food makes our tummies happy and we should all be more aware of what we are eating.  I think it's really important that children know where their food comes from, what cuts of meat the animals give us and how best to source their food.  E will go in to the butchers and ask for a piece of steak, very specifically a big piece, that can be cooked rare! A girl after my own heart!!!
Do you eat with the seasons? I have been reading one of my favourite books 'River cottage year' learning about what to eat throughout the changing seasons, really enjoying and putting to good use the limited selection available for that time. 
I have spent the week making lists for food shopping and meal plans... Now to put it into practise!


I have turned my attention to baking today though, thanks to Mary Berry, this recipe is the easiest cake in the world to make, great for kids to do as it's weighing, pouring and stirring and eating! We vary the toppings from just plain white icing, melted chocolate, apricot jam or the one below is equally yummy.  I like to have a treat in the tin during the week, you never know who might pop round for a cuppa or when you might feel the need to eat cake......... A whole one!
 
Basic traybake


225g soft butter or margarine
225g caster sugar
275g self raising flour
2 level tsps baking powder
4 large (free range if poss) eggs
4 tblsp milk


Topping - warm 4 tblsps raspberry or strawberry jam and spread over the cooled but still warm cake. Sprinkle with desiccated coconut, around 2-3 tblsps or till it looks enough for your tastes!


Pour all the ingredient into a bowl and mix, or into a food processor. Blend till smooth. Pour into a lined 39x23cm (12x9in) tin, bake for 35-40 minutes.
Leave to cool and cut into generous chunks and store in your favourite cake tin. This cake is particularly great with custard too!


Lots of love and remember to do one thing everyday that makes you happy, dancing to your favourite song, painting your nails or having a bath! We deserve to spoil ourselves with the simplest things!


A xxx