htlcy

November Favourites*

December 6, 2015 htlcyLeave a comment

Hello, you. How are you? Just thought I’d post something a little light-hearted to break up the more serious posts.

I’ve done a couple of these things before so I guess this can be my November favourites: and as always, it’s a fabulous mixture of wonderful things!

All things coconut…*

Above we have a picture of some Vita Coco cafe latte drink*. I am a huge coffee fan, and this certainly didn’t disappoint. Whilst I’m not the biggest fan of coconut water on its own, I appreciate the freshness it provides and this proved to be deliciously refreshing coupled with coffee. Definitely one to purchase in the future; Drew was a fan, too!

I was extremely late to the coconut oil bandwagon, but now I’m on it there’s no turning back. I first tried coconut oil over summer as a make up remover, and quickly realised that it worked an absolute treat. It didn’t leave my eyes sore and stinging, didn’t make my skin inflamed and itchy and – best of all – didn’t exacerbate my acne prone skin. For makeup remover I use KTC pure coconut oil. However, also at the #HullBloggers meet I received two sample pots of organic cold pressed oil; Vita Coco* and Viridian* which smells divine! It’s a fabulous moisturiser and lipbalm, leaves my skin feeling soft, and best of all it has slight spf in, so I know I’m helping to protect my skin in more ways than one.

misfit shine*
I won this at the last #HullBloggers meet on the raffle which was amazing. I’ve always been interested in getting one of these, and when I finally did I was literally jumping for joy. The misfit shine is like any other activity tracker: you connect it to an app on your mobile device and it stores and collates your data, whether that be from walking, running, cycling, swimming or anything in between. It can also track your sleep pattern, which is great for someone like me as sleep is extremely important. Turns out I actually walk quite a lot, which really surprised me. The design is very sleek and smart (it’s made of aviation-grade aluminum) and lights up to show your progress. I couldn’t get a great picture as it’s hard to capture, but it really looks great and can be worn as a clasp, bracelet or pendant if you buy the necklace to go with it.

I haven’t had any other experiences with fitness monitors so I can’t compare my experience, but I have been pretty pleased with the misfit so far!

My Barbour International Axle jacket
Because I’m a lucky girl I received this beautiful coat for my birthday. It’s from the International range, so is inspired by Barbour’s biking heritage. The coat itself is waxed and lined with signature Northumbrian lining and is an absolute delight. In fact, I love it so much I might just have to dedicate an entire post to it!
Excuse the dodgy pics; I was so eager to show my dad when it arrived I took them as quickly as possible! Better ones will appear in a post in the near-future, I assure you!

Bespoke and Oak* products
I received this gorgeous personalised gift at the #WrenFamilyFavourites event and I’ve been loving it ever since. I’m a huge fan of anything handcrafted or personalised, and this is exceptionally lovely. It now takes pride of place in my kitchen. I think I may have to check out their website for some festive goodies!

The Incredible Face Mask from Mays Beauty*
Face masks are great when you want a bit of me time. This little face mask may look pretty dull but it packed a real punch. When it said ‘clears impurities’ I’m more than certain it did because it really does anchor to the skin and remove any dry, flaky or oily patches. If you have sensitive skin I’d probably give this one a miss, but it would be a new refreshing experience for those who like to feel like they’ve been well-cleansed!

Patch and Smudge
Okay so this one is a little bit of a joke but I have to include them. These are my new guinea pigs Patch and Smudge, who have been here for about a month. I cannot believe how obsessed I am with them; they are such wonderful little creatures and I’m sure they’ll be popping up in posts from time to time!

Ahhh but just look at their little faces!
Patch is on the left and Smudge on the right. I believe they’re about 3 or 4 months old and they’re very cute. They’re doing wonders for my well-being!

Well, that’s all for now. I hope you’ve had a great Saturday!
Heather x

Meds and TW: Intrusive thoughts

December 3, 2015 htlcyLeave a comment

It is my aim to be as frank as possible on here. I think being honest is incredibly important; not only for me, but for anyone who reads this.

When I talk about dealing with mental illness and disability I do it for two main reasons: firstly, this is a place for me to express my feelings. It is almost cathartic being completely honest, because it helps me to deal with things. I used to be someone who bottled things up for days at a time, only ever expressing emotion when things got to much and I broke down in tears/lashed out in fits of anger. This wasn’t healthy and I’m trying to change that. It just so happens that this is a great way to be upfront and honest. Secondly, being honest is the right thing to do. I don’t want to lie about my experiences. On the whole, things are good right now, but when things aren’t I don’t want to sit here and pretend they are. it’s doing myself a disservice.

This post might be a little surprising/ridiculous and you don’t have to read it if it isn’t your cup of tea. You can hang on and wait until I post something else; that’s the beauty of blogging. But today I am going to be totally upfront because it is important for me.

If you have been reading you’ll know I’m currently on medication to control the symptoms of my anxiety and depression. Without this medication, I cannot function. At my worst, I couldn’t leave my room without panicking, nevermind leave the house. So yes, they have been fantastic at minimising these panics. I also cry far less than I used to: if I remember rightly it was at the end of my second year when all my assignments were due in that things got Bad. I remember having to write an essay on Chaucer’s Wife of Bath Prologue whilst taking breaks out to cry.

Seriously. It got that bad.

Fluoxetine has been one of the wisest choices I’ve ever made; I can go out, I can go shopping, I don’t always feel terrified; although of course I have bad days. But fluoxetine has been brewing some nasty little intrusive thoughts. And – annoyingly- this is the only problem I have with it.

It doesn’t seem like much, but these thoughts have been disturbing to say the least. I’ve never acted on them (if i did it’d be an absolute disaster) but it doesn’t make them any less terrifying. They’re usually triggered by seeing sharp objects; knives in particular. And i get this little thought in my head that goes ‘hey, I wonder what would happen if you just stabbed yourself with that? you know. just a little bit. You should, you really should. Just try it!’

wow. okay.

So of course these had to stop. At first I was worried about mentioning the thoughts in case they became so concerned they decided to do something drastic (I know, I don’t know, don’t ask) but I did, and turns out they’re just changing my medication, so that’s easy enough. So long fluoxetine, you’ve served me well (sort of).

Sertraline; I hope you’ll be good to me.

I hope you’re having a good Thursday.

Heather x

#WrenFamilyFavourites: Wren Kitchens Event with Linda Barker*

December 1, 2015 htlcyLeave a comment

It was a chilly November evening as we made our way to Wren Kitchen HQ, situated across the Humber bridge nestled in the sleepy town of Barton-Upon-Humber. Fizzing with anticipation and excitement, we tentatively entered the heart of Wren Kitchen’s design hub and sat shyly, admiring the delicious aromas wafting from the room before us.

When I was invited to the Wren Kitchen’s Family Favourites event I admit I didn’t really know what to expect. I suspected that there would be lots of food (check!), wonderful blogger-company (check!) and some rather gorgeously designed kitchens (check!). However – to my delight – the Wren Kitchen event was far more than I could ever have imagined; it was utterly fabulous.

We were kindly greeted by the lovely Victoria, who handed us some very intriguing goody bags…we knew from the off that this was going to be a fabulous night!

As we walked in we were handed a glass of bubbly (and a non-alcoholic option for those who had to drive) and ushered to tables laden with all sorts of interesting crafty goodies. I am seriously into anything crafty/arty. My mum has always made scrapbooks and cards, and she’s always creating something new every week and I think I definitely have some of that creative streak. We were given our very own personalized recipe scrapbooks just for the occasion! Safe to say my mum was pretty jealous when I showed her!

We were made to feel extremely welcome by the lovely Linda Barker, who went on to explain her collaboration with Wren Kitchens. Linda is a seriously talented designer (and a fabulous chef as it turned out!) and we were treated to a live cooking demo. Wren Kitchens have been running a campaign for people to enter their family favourite recipes, and the bloggers at the event (yes, lucky us!) got to taste these recipes for ourselves.

We were treated to vanilla and chocolate marble cake, peanut butter and banana loaf and warm mince pies. And what’s best of all is we were actually given the recipe so we could replicate them at home; Drew is going to have to deal with lots of cake because I have had such a baking-craving after this event!

The mince pies were a festive favourite of many, but I’m a real lover of anything chocolatey so the marbled chocolate cake was my favourite of the night.

After our live cooking demo and plenty of chat from the lovely Linda and the team, we were treated to a look at Linda’s very own kitchens. I’m a student so I’m only living in student accommodation, but I developed SERIOUS kitchen envy after seeing these. They were fabulous; and as explained by Linda their kitchens are as bespoke as you can get for the price, which is fabulous as Wren believes that the kitchen is the heart of any home. Now Christmas is approaching I can definitely agree with that, and as someone who is really into cooking, the kitchen becomes a vital part of every day life.

This was a fabulous kitchen; just look at the units! I was also a fan of the duck-egg blue colour scheme.

This one was more rustic, yet with a modern edge. Really beautiful!

Linda loved explaining her designs to all of us. This geometric print is similar to something she has in her own kitchen, and it made a great focal point for the room.

I hope by this point you’re as jealous as I am…how wonderful are these?!

After having a nosy around the kitchens, we all enjoyed some more chat (and cake!) and had a couple of pictures. We were all huge fans of our personalized apron and wooden spoons…they were such a gorgeous touch, and we demanded we have a picture of them!

I just want to say a massive thank you to the lovely Wren Kitchen team, all the wonderful bloggers and of course, to the fabulous Linda Barker. It was a really wonderful night and it was a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of!

Has this post given you serious kitchen envy? Let me know in the comments below!

You can check out Wren Kitchen’s website here and Linda’s collections here.

I hope you’re having a fabulous Tuesday.

Heather x

Meds, Appointments and Pain…

November 28, 2015 htlcy2 Comments

…are just a few words to sum up the last few months. It’s really strange. I worked out the other day that I haven’t had a single week free of hospital appointments since I moved back to uni. That’s three months with at least one hospital appointment every week (but sometimes up to four a week).

I am exhausted.

Being perpetually tired is something i’ve had to get used to as of late, and the worst thing is I don’t know what it is that is leaving me so run down. The other day I had my occupational therapy appointment. For anyone who doesn’t know, they basically help you to ‘do’ things better. So in my case – cerebral palsy (right hemi) – they help me to make sure my hand has ‘reached its full potential’ in terms of coordination and control. As it turns out, I have a pretty powerful grip in my palms, but I find controlling my fingers and other fine motor movements completely frustrating. I can’t pick things up with my fingers very easily at all, or do up buttons, or cut up my food at dinner, or use my right hand when my left hand is full (getting on the bus with the change in one hand/ticket in the other/personal belongings balanced somewhere on my person is incredibly challenging).

As is the case for many with a disability you learn to adapt to difficulties, and you manage to find a way around the more challenging daily activities. This isn’t always a conscious effort, and as my occupational therapist pointed out I won’t realise I’m making these changes. The adaptations one makes with CP aren’t ‘natural’; they’re not energy-efficient or ‘easy’ movements because they’re not the movements the body is designed to do. I had always read that people with CP expend between 3-5 times more energy than those without but I didn’t quite realise this until the other day, particularly with regards to my own CP.

My therapist gave me a simple task to complete with my right hand; I had to place plastic pegs into holes on a board. This wasn’t a trick and there was nothing sneaky going on: it was just a simple, easy activity.

But not for me.

As I tried to gain control of my fingers to pick up the pegs I dropped them. I then struggled to get the pegs at the right angle if I managed to pick them up (very awkwardly). My elbow was pointing outward, my wrist was curled under, and my whole posture changed; I was so, so intent on completing this activity my head felt like it would explode. Everything about my body was fixated on trying to complete this one little meaningless task, and it completely exhausted me.

and, most of all, I felt like a failure because I couldn’t.

I’ve never done these tasks before, and I’ve never seen an occupational therapist until this year. Treatment was mostly focused on my leg (physio, the occasional neuro and consultant) and my walking, as I had an operation to enable me to do so when I was very small. I think my hand just got a little bit left out on the way, and as a result I’m finding all these tasks impossible and ridiculous and a little bit of a shock to be honest.

Of course I’ve always known I haven’t had good control over my hand, and I often deliberately avoid using it because I drop things and have in the past been made fun of for it (kids, eh). But this exercise drove it all home to me.

It’s hard to live with a brain injury. It’s frustrating when your body doesn’t behave in the way you want it to. And it’s tiring, because not only is it physically taxing but mentally frustrating.

We had a long discussion about Everything, and it was so refreshing because I felt like she really understood me. We discussed the fatigue, and really it’s probably a variety of things combined into one; med side effects, pain-related tiredness, depression, anxiety, CP…and for now that’s something I have to work through. I need my medication. I can’t just stop doing things. And unfortunately neither my pain nor brain (ha!) can switch off for very long.

But most importantly what my therapist made sure I knew was that it is okay. It is okay to feel this way. It’s okay to take rest days, and it’s okay to have a break.

Living with a disability isn’t easy.

It is not okay however to make myself feel bad about all this, and feel bad about the fact I’m tired, or think of myself as a failure, or less than worthy. Because those thoughts just add fuel to the fire.

Having the depression and anxiety on top of the CP/spinal problem really doesn’t help (and I spend a lot of my day feeling sad/empty/guilty/horribly anxious as it is) but I do not need to add to these feelings.

I am not a failure, because I will learn how to do things differently. I will thrive, because I’ve already come this far without the help.

Getting used to everything is taking time, but I think I am getting there. It’s just going to take time.

I am sorry because this is a really rambling, ridiculous post, but (as always) many thanks for reading if you got this far. It means a lot.

Take care of yourself whatever you’re doing; we could all do with a break every now and then.

Heather x

One of Hull’s hidden gems: Stanley’s Brasserie

November 26, 2015November 26, 2015 htlcyLeave a comment

Hi there! Now, this is the fourth year I’ve lived in Hull to study at the university, so I’ve had ample time to sample and savour the local delights in wonderful restaurants dotted around the city. On Saturday it was my birthday (which is a completely scary thought…where has that year gone!?) and my parents headed over to help me celebrate with a meal out (I know, I’m a lucky girl!). We wanted to book a table in a local restaurant for the occasion and decided to try Stanley’s Brasserie in Hull. I’ve never been before and always admired its cosy atmosphere from afar.

I’m so so glad I booked that table, because it was absolutely amazing.

I’m a fan of most foods. I like to be adventurous, and it’s always great to try new things. I was fortunate enough to have an upbringing filled with many different types of food and cuisines from all over the world. As I’ve got older I’ve become a real fan of seafood, and fish – when it’s well-cooked – is one of my favourite meals.

Well, little did I know when I sat down at the table that I’d have one of the most delicious fish dishes I’ve ever had.

We kicked off the meal with cocktails, and I chose the Espresso Martini. If you’re a big coffee fan, this is definitely the drink for you. Delicious! In fact, it was so good I forgot to take a picture. Woops!

To start I ordered the Hot Mozzarella. I’m a huge fan of cheese – cheese and biscuits is one of the best parts of Christmas day for me – and when I saw that this came with Italian prosciutto, I knew it’d be right up my street. I wasn’t wrong. It was fantastic; oozy, salty mozzarella in crunchy breadcrumbs, surrounded by fruity tomatoes and a good drizzle of pesto and topped with some delicious prosciutto, which is definitely one of my favourite things in the world.

It was divine, and it tasted even better than it looked.

Next up, I had the seabass fillets, which came with a spinach and potato gratin and a dressed side salad. This was literally the best fish I have ever EVER tasted. The skin was crisp and salty; the fish itself was succulent and tender, and the gratin and salad was the perfect accompaniment.

It was truly divine, and is definitely one of the best things I have ever eaten.

Because I enjoyed it so much I didn’t even stop to take a picture which is a real shame, but wow. I would go back just for the seabass.

To finish mum and I shared a little lemon meringue pie. I think it’s true what they say; you definitely have a separate stomach for pudding! I did take a photo of this one.

Again, beautifully presented and also extremely delicious. It had a crisp, buttery pastry case, lashings of tangy lemon curd, sweet marshmallowy meringue all topped with a generous helping of whipped cream (although we could have had ice cream but I think mum would agree the cream was a great option!).

All in all this was seriously fabulous. If you’re around this part of the world be sure to drop by; it’s feeling very festive at the minute, and the fairy lights definitely help!

You can check out their menu online here.

I hope you’re having a fabulous Wednesday.

Heather x

Today has been great…

November 23, 2015 htlcy1 Comment

…although it didn’t necessarily start off that way. This morning I was sore and cranky but I took some painkillers and made it into uni (after some cuddles with guinea pigs of course). Here’s one with smudge which is super cute, if I do say so myself .

Emma has been here since yesterday which is super lovely. It’s great to have a catch-up with my best friend, especially when ice cream is involved. She accompanied me to my pain management so we went for hot waffles afterwards which were as good as they look. And yes, they are m&ms on the top…and cream….and chocolate sauce. And I had two scoops of gelato; banana and nutella. I know, I really do have a big sweet tooth!

If you’re ever over this way, be sure to visit caffe gelato. It’s a popular haunt for families and students alike, and when I was battling my way through final year it became a fabulous incentive: unhealthy perhaps but delicious all the same.

Emma is a really creative and crafty person, and she crocheted me a purse which is amazing!! I love anything handmade; it’s so thoughtful, and no-one else will have the same thing.

It was nice to have pain management today because I’ve really been missing it and feeling it, too. I had an orthopedic appointment last week which is useful because they’re going to review my spine, which I think is needed. It will mean having a full spine mri but hopefully all will be well and I won’t have any more problems with the vertebrae in my spine to deal with. Fingers crossed!

Things are looking up, and this week I feel on top of all my work and errands which makes a change.
Although admittedly, I still feel like being an adult is hard, and I still think I’m about 6.

Shame I turned 22 the other day!

Anyway, I better get going. We’re going to chill out tonight with some films and snacks.
It’s so lovely to have a little bit of a break in my schedule.

Has your Monday been going okay?

Let me know, and keep your eyes peeled for my Wren Kitchens post…it’s going to be a good one!

Heather X

Ps here’s a cute pic of Patch…I know. I’m officially a crazy guinea pig person.

Happiness is…

November 21, 2015 htlcyLeave a comment

wrapping up warm in the crisp, cold weather, 2. frothy coffee the first thing in the morning, 3. meeting new people and putting names to faces, 4. sharing tapas and laughter and drinks with Drew, 5. that bubbly, lovely feeling you get when sipping on cava, 6. cosying up under blankets and watching rubbish tv, 7. knowing your best friend is coming to visit, 8. feeling Happy and not Sad, 9. feeling like I’m getting somewhere with hospital appointments, 10. slowly starting to feel at peace with taking meds and everything else.

I know it’s all going to be okay.

Heather x

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Al Porto*

November 14, 2015November 14, 2015 htlcy4 Comments

Hello there. Sorry It’s been quiet this way; so many deadlines are approaching at once and I’m getting into a bit of a flap over them. I’m sure they’ll get done but I’m a chronic worrier so I’m always doubting myself!

In light of this (and in light of all the dreadful things that are happening around the world at the minute, I thought i’d bring a little bit of festive cheer to you all.

Just over a week ago I was invited to Al Porto restaurant in Hull to sample their 2015 Christmas menu. I knew it would be a treat, and we weren’t disappointed!

I was joined by Kathryn , Chelsea and Steph for an intimate, cosy Christmas meal for four and a glass of prosecco was just the thing we needed to kick-start the celebrations.

We even had crackers which was a real treat!

The menu was long so it was more of a tapas-style affair; I think I could have eaten much if we hadn’t shared plates!

First up was the chestnut soup. I don’t know about you but chestnuts always remind me of Christmas. I have fond memories of wandering around Christmas markets with a bag of piping-hot roasted chestnuts to nibble on and to keep my hands warm! I’ve never had them in soup but it was absolutely wonderful; it was like bowl of Christmas, and I couldn’t stop eating it! Definitely one of my favourite things on the menu, I must say. I’m already planning to order it when I go back!

Up next we had the smoked salmon roulade. Admittedly, smoked salmon isn’t always something I enjoy but I was pleasantly surprised and actually really liked it. The filling was creamy yet fresh, which cut through the richness of the smoked salmon beautifully. If you’re a smoked salmon fan you’re bound to love this.

Next up; a delicious vegetarian option. Above is Melanzare Parmigiana, which is aubergine layered with tomato and cheese. I knew i’d like this because my mum often makes this and it is seriously delicious. If you’re into punchy tomato sauces, you’re in for a treat here. I’d even bet that people who don’t like aubergine could have a go with this; really wonderful and filling.

Next, it’s onto the mains. This was my favourite dish of the whole night; it was the roasted guinea fowl with rosemary, red wine and mixed wild mushroom.

This was spectacular; it really was. The guinea fowl was cooked to perfection. It was tender, juicy and perfectly accompanied by the red wine jus. Simply roasted potatoes and vegetables freshened everything up, and the wild mushrooms were a luxurious touch. I couldn’t stop eating and I’m definitely having this when I go back. Believe me; you will not be disappointed! It was the ultimate in winter comfort food.

Next, a traditional Christmas dish enjoyed by almost everyone; the classic roast turkey dinner. This was a little bit special though, and was stuffed with chestnuts and topped with rich cranberry jus. Admittedly we don’t usually go for turkey at Christmas because I find it can dry out, but once again this was moist, succulent and delicious. The crispy skin on the outside was the perfect finishing touch, all served with seasonal roast veg. What’s not to love?!

One for the red-meat lovers: beef wellington with mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables and that delicious red wine jus that’s so moreish and rich. What a treat! Beef wellington is something i’d never make at home; it seems far too time confusing and when dealing with such expensive ingredients I’d worry about messing up. Al Porto hhave nothing to worry about as their chefs are clearly fabulous; tender beef, crisp puff pasty, smooth potatoes…what a fantastic way to bring in the festive season!

One for the fish-lovers; pan-fried halibut on a radicchio risotto with a pesto drizzle and prawn. I’m a huge fish fan (although smoked is something I’m not always a fan of) so this was beautiful! Halibut is a delicious fish and I don’t get to eat much of it so I loved trying it here! It was everything a good piece of fish should be: crisp on the outside and moist on the inside, sitting on top of a very moreish risotto freshened up by a good helping of pesto. How divine is that?! Another favourite meal of the night.

Above you see the veggie equivalent to the beef wellington; a Chestnut, spinach and blue cheese encroute. I’m definitely not one of these people that thinks a meal without meat isn’t a meal; one of my best friends is a vegetarian and I’d like to think I know a little bit about veggie cuisine. I don;t eat meat everyday of the week and sometimes i just completely fall out with it and won’t eat it for a few weeks, and I know Vegetarian food is just as exciting and wonderful. If you’re feeling going meat-free for a change this would be just the thing. Crisp, flaky puff pastry, Christmassy chestnuts, creamy blue and earthy spinach; delicious.

Luckily we had just about enough room for dessert, and were treated to homemade chocolate roulade, tiramisu, and minced pie gelato (not pictured). The roulade is a real chocoholic’s delight; filled with a rich, creamy chocolatey ganache that just melts in the mouth. The tiramisu was creamy yet light; which is wonderful considering that we had filled up on some really indulgent food! The mince pie gelato was also amazing; it is everything good about a mince pie with the added creaminess of authentic Italian gelato. Just fabulous! I am a real chocolate-lover so i’m eyeing up the roulade for next time…my mouth is watering just thinking about it all!

All in all it was an absolutely fantastic experience. Al Porto is definitely not to be missed; it’s a gem in the hustle and bustle of Hull, and is just the perfect place to take some time out to relax and enjoy the festive season with family and friends. Their Christmas menu is £24.95 during the day and £28.95 during the evening for a three-course meal. I really do recommend it.

A big thank you to Al Porto in Hull for having us, and for Lisa arranging the event. It was truly wonderful. Don’t forget to check out Al Porto’s website here.

I hope you’re having a good weekend. Stay safe wherever you are.

Heather x

*cost of meal and drinks provided by Al Porto. As always, my posts are honest and this does not in any way influence my review.

Cooking in the Kitchen with Primula cheese*

November 7, 2015 htlcyLeave a comment

If you’ve been reading for a while you might be aware that I’m into cooking. I find cooking great therapy, and usually on bad days Drew will come home to cakes/biscuits/bread, or indeed a mixture of all three. Because cooking requires lots of preparation , I don’t always find it easy to create fresh meals from scratch, particularly if I’m in a lot of pain.

This is where Primula comes in!

Primula were kind enough to send me some products from their range of cheeses. I’m sure you’ll remember these; they are firm favourites as sandwich fillers and, as I found out, great for handy shortcuts in favourite meals!

I decided to get creative and made a variety of Primula cheese-inspired dishes, which were very easy to prepare and extremely tasty!

Firstly, I decided to try making some cheesy stuffed potato skins.

Here’s what you’ll need:

5 medium sized baking potatoes,

half a tube of Primula Cheese and Chives,

4 rashers of smoked bacon,

a drizzle of olive oil,

seasoning to taste,

a small amount of grated cheese of your choice (I used double Gloucester).

Firstly, you’ll need to prepare the potatoes. I made sure to prick each potato with a fork several times (as it lets the heat escape) and put them in the microwave on a plate at full power for 15 minutes, or until the potato is cooked on the inside. Meanwhile, turn the oven on (about 170 degrees/gas mark 6).

As the potatoes were cooking, I chopped my bacon in bite sized pieces and grilled using my handy George Foreman grill. I remember when these were all the rage, and I must admit that we have had a lot of use out of ours as they make cooking really easy and are very quick to clean! Perfect if you’re low on spoons/energy/just don’t want to spend ages cleaning up. I grilled these bacon pieces until they were crispy and golden.

When the potatoes were cooked and the insides like mashed potato, I carefully scooped out the flesh into a jug (you could use a mixing bowl) added my crispy bacon and put the empty skins into a non-stick oven dish. I then squeezed in approximately half a tube of Primula’s delicious cheese and chive into the potato and bacon mixture, stirring well. Here is where you should add a drizzle of olive oil; it can be really hard work to mix everything in evenly! Crack in some black pepper and season to taste, before dividing the mixture out and placing it back into the empty skins. I then topped with a scattering of grated cheese.

Pop them into the oven until they are piping hot, golden and bubbly, (approx. 15-20 mins) and voila! Delicious, easy and filling; perfect for these wintry, chilly nights we’re having.

Here’s a pic before they went into the oven:

I also decided to make one of my all-time favourite snacks – cheesy nachos – using Primula’s original cheese. Again these were super easy to do, and extremely yummy.

All you’ll need:

A bag of salted tortilla chips,

a tube of Primula original cheese,

grated cheese (if you like things really cheesy!)

and a jar of jalapeno peppers to heat things up a bit! I chose red peppers, as they are hot yet sweet.

These are super simple. Just pour the bag of tortilla chips into an oven-proof dish, squeeze as much Primula original cheese onto the top as you wish (and yes, I did put plenty on there!) and add the jalapenos/extra grated cheese if you fancy. I then just popped them into the oven (again, 170 or gas mark 6) until the cheese was bubbly and the chips lovely and toasty. Just keep an eye on them, though. 15 minutes will be sufficient. They really were lovely and the Primula cheese was a perfect topping for them. Here’s a quick picture I managed to take before Drew and I devoured them all:

I’m a big fan of fresh guacamole – particularly with cheesy nachos – so I couldn’t resist making my own (with the help of Primula cheese, of course!). This time I opted to use Primula cheese in light. You will need:

2 ripe and ready to eat avocados,

juice of half a lime/lemon (I used lime this time),

Primula cheese in light (about a third of a tube)

salt,

cracked black pepper,

some coriander leaves; as many as you’d like,

cayenne pepper to garnish.

Homemade guacamole is so easy, it’s almost not worth buying it premade! All I did was scoop out the flesh of both avocados (but keep the stones in the middle; you’ll see why soon!) and put into a food processor along with the lime juice, a pinch of salt, twist of black pepper, Primula light and coriander. I then whizzed up the mixture to form a smooth, well-mixed paste. I then placed the guacamole into a bowl after checking it was seasoned to taste, and placed one of the avocado stones into the middle of it. The reason for this is it helps the guacamole to keep its bright green colour. I then sprinkled cayenne pepper on top (just a little; you can of course skip this step entirely) and it was done! The Primula really added a creaminess to the guacamole and it’s something I’ve never thought of adding before. I definitely will now!

Here it is:

As you can see I also made a super-quick tomato salsa to go with it. All I used were chopped cherry tomatoes, coriander, the juice of half a lime (or you can use lemon if you prefer) a teaspoon of sugar, a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Then all you have to do is mix them together! Very easy and a great accompaniment to the guacamole.

All in all I’m really impressed with Primula cheeses. They taste great and make mealtimes so much simpler. You can find Primula in the dairy aisles of all good supermarkets, or check out their website here to check out more about their products and collaboration with the charity Make a Wish.

Let me know if you decide to try any of these!

Hope Saturday is treating you well.

Heather x

ps sorry for the terrible photos; i’m having to make do with my phone camera which has no flash and is generally rubbish, so bear with me! I should have my camera soon 🙂

Hullywood Loving

November 5, 2015 htlcyLeave a comment

Hello, you. It’s Thursday and I’m in bed working. I put the guinea pigs into their pen and they’re currently nibbling on hay and being squeaky and generally very cute. As far as days go, recently things have been Good; because it’s bonfire night tonight I’d usually be very worried about the loud noises and bangs and things but right now I’m feeling okay, although I have no doubts that my startle reflex will be playing up nicely of course. But it’s okay, because right now I am feeling positive and good, albeit ever so sleepy.

Anyone who knows me personally will know I’m a proud mancunian. I LOVE my hometown of Manchester; it’s vibrant, bright, dynamic and just generally very wonderful and most importantly it’s home. When I was looking around universities I looked for ones very close to Manchester because I knew I might need a little support from time to time, but when people found out that I was coming to the University of Hull, many were skeptical at first.

You see, Hull doesn’t have the greatest reputation in the UK. People seem to remember it from its fishing days; ‘Hull smells a lot, I remember that!!’ or seem to think it rather run-down, lacking in amenities and things to do. In my leavers’ book someone wrote a comment about Hull being grey and dull, and whilst I won’t lie and often the skies may be grey and foggy this time of year, the place is anything but dull.

This will be my fourth year living in Hull, so I think I’m qualified to correct those who think badly of it. There are lots and lots of things to do here (and remember, I’ve lived in Manchester for most of my life and I think that’s a great comparison!). There are a number of restaurants to visit (including the lovely Al Porto, which will be featured in an upcoming post! There are bars, pubs and clubs where you can dance the night away/drown your sorrows/sing badly on karaoke. There’s places to go bowling, watch the latest films, play laser quest and you can even go and visit some penguins at The Deep which is a stunning aquarium (trust me, I love going there and would go every week if I had the time). The centre of Hull is also home to 3 indoor shopping centres and historic Old Town, so there’s plenty of places where you can go and enjoy some retail therapy. Newland and Princes Avenues are full of interesting boutiques, bars, cafes and restaurants, and it is a lovely bustling part of town near to the university. If you’re partial to a charity shop haul then there’s plenty to choose from down Newland. I have spent many an afternoon on the lookout for books/clothes/furniture I probably didn’t really need in the charity shops that are dotted along it, usually followed by a coffee in one of the numerous cafes on either Newland or ‘Prinny Ave’.

The university itself is beautiful with a mixture of old and new buildings, and currently campus is covered with a blanket of golden leaves that crunch satisfyingly underfoot. My department (English) in particular is wonderful; they are incredibly supportive of their students and will help in anyway possible. If you’ve been reading you’ll know my mental health has made things difficult for me, but my department has always been there to support me when needed. I love attending university; I’m always learning, always developing and I’m always pushing my boundaries, and no doubt the English department has been integral to that process.

Every time I return to Hull from Manchester I get that rush of excitement when I approach the Humber Bridge. It has been a place where I have grown, changed, and (hopefully!) developed as a person. Things haven’t always been easy whilst living over here, but it is the place I will always remember. So much has happened since I’ve been living here and I’ve become so incredibly fond of it. Although it’ll never be my ‘hometown’ I think I’ll always have a special place for Hull. All I ask is that you take your time to get to know the place before you slate it. I know this is only a short post, but I really fell like I need to stick up for the place. It is unlike anywhere I have been before.

Hull, has been good to me.

I hope you’re having a peaceful Thursday and enjoy yourself if out watching fireworks. Stay safe!

Heather x