Spent Rhubarb Chutney

After making my Rhubarb Gin, I was left with a quantity of spent fruit that I was loathe to waste. After all, it had just spent two months in gin and sugar - it had so much more to offer!

Homemade Rhubarb Gin

I have a rhubarb plant that seems to go from strength to strength, even though I have successfully managed to kill any and every plant I have ever owned. Being the only one that actually likes rhubarb, however, it can be slightly trialing to find ways to make use of the fruit rather than let it go to waste.

Ode to My Baby

Thank you for the nights
You wouldn't sleep and I held you close,
The days we cried together
Mutual tiredness, exasperation, a journey every mother knows.

Raw Parenting

Babies are precious, wonderful things. Miniature dictators of our hearts with smiles that melt us and sticky hands, that grow up all too fast into fiercely independent children that seem to need us less and less.

Crappy Christmas

For the battle-hardened Warrior Parents, Christmas can be a seriously daunting time. Possibly the most family-centric day of the year, and yet one of you won't get to see the children.

My Mushroom Pate

I love the idea of pate, but really struggle to eat it because I can't stand offal. As such, I've played around with a few ingredients and come up with my own vegetarian one that's absolutely delicious and so, so easy to make!

Tasty Tomato & Red Pepper Soup

Winter is the perfect excuse to enjoy delicious homemade soups. I tend to make batches and freeze them in individual portions, so that I can defrost a different one each day for my lunch at work.

New Year, New...

When 2016 came around, I made a series of non-resolutions. Promises to myself that I thought would make me feel better, look better, be happier.

Warrior Parents

What is a label? Well according to the Oxford Dictionary, it's "a classifying phrase or name applied to a person or thing, especially one that is inaccurate or restrictive". True story bro.

Searching your soul

A bit of soul searching never goes amiss. The long sleepless nights spent staring at the ceiling, wishing that sleep would arrive, and running through everything in your head.

Rocking the Solo Parenting

I'd forgotten how hard it is to be a single parent.

It's been a while

I haven't checked in for a while. If I'm honest, I needed the break. Things have changed around here...

All aboard the Gin Train!

The Wensleydale Railway is a heritage and tourist line, running from Northallerton to Redmire (through Bedale and Leyburn) in stunning North Yorkshire. Running heritage diesel engines and some steam trains too, the railway has a fascinating history and is now kept alive by a group of dedicated volunteers.

The Magic of David

You'll have seen me endlessly banging on about living with my mummy body and learning to love it. This is the first year that I decided I wouldn't wear a bikini on holiday, and this was a big thing for me.

Miraclesuit the Miracle Worker

I've always believed that shapewear and tummy control are reserved for old ladies with saggy wrinkly bits.

A Fresh Scoop

I've been doing lots of work with an awesome new brand called Fresh Naturals recently. Based in Leeds and run by Fliss (who seems just as mad as me - winner), the business sells cruelty free bath and beauty products, without the high price tag!

The Mummy Body

I recently posted about being a mum. The way I was ashamed of my body until I realised that it looked the way it did because I have created two beautiful miracles. And like cake. Must admit to the cake.

Being Mum

I used to feel so embarrassed of my post baby body.

The saggy boobs, the stretch marks, the little bit of baggy tummy that has never quite gone away.

Are we there yet?!

Travelling with children can be a challenge comparable to running a marathon. You prepare, train, focus… and yet when the main event arrives you’ll still be physically exhausted, mentally drained, and wondering why on earth you ever thought it was a good idea!

Returning to Tickton Grange

I've written about the absolutely stunning Tickton Grange and its gorgeous Hide Restaurant before, but was recently lucky enough to visit for a second time. Let's be honest, following the previous visit the hotel had a lot to live up to! It had been completely flawless, with beautiful decor, faultless service and impeccable food.

NatOrigin

Many brands claim to be cruelty free, organic, natural... but when you really scrutinise them, you'll find that this really isn't the case.

I recently had the good fortune to stumble upon a fantastic brand called NatOrigin, originally developed in France by a pair of French pharmacists, and now working in partnership with a British-based company; Butterflies Healthcare.

Delight Touch - Troubled Skin Cream

The second product that Lou and Gee from Delight Touch sent me to try, was this Organic Troubled Skin Cream.

Again made using organic, natural ingredients, and of course cruelty free - this moisturiser is specifically made with people suffering from eczema and sensitive skin in mind.

Delight Touch - Willow Bark Cleanser

Lou and Gee from Delight Touch sent me this amazing Organic Willow Bark Cleanser, to try on my nightmare skin.

It's a combination of ridiculously sensitive but prone to breakouts, so is a nightmare to look after!

Delight Touch

I love meeting new cruelty free brands, it's so wonderful to speak with like-minded people who are working towards a world where no more bunnies need to suffer pointlessly.

Recently, I encountered Delight Touch - a UK based, organic and cruelty free brand run by Lou and Gee, a couple with an incredible story to share.

Boozy Strawberry Smoothie

Summer calls for afternoons spent in the garden, barbecues with friends, and enjoying those last evening rays of sun when the children are in bed - perhaps with a cheeky tipple.

This smoothie recipe is definitely not one to share with the children! Refreshing, tasty, and very, very naughty...

Raspberry Pixie Cakes

I love baking. Fairy cakes are delicious and by playing around with the recipe you can soon make them even better. According to legend, fairies are good - but pixies are naughty.

Naughty Rhubarb Fool

Fruit fool is a decadent dessert, but so simple to make. I love to enjoy it in Summer, sat out in the evening sunshine with a cheeky glass of Prosecco, or even a cocktail. This recipe uses Little Red Berry Rhubarb Vodka, and also fresh rhubarb which is currently in season!

The Little Red Berry Co

I've been working with a fantastic local company; The Little Red Berry Co.

Based in Ripon, North Yorkshire, the company was set up by Rachel Jamieson in 2011. Their products are handmade, local, fresh, and they believe in putting a modern twist on a traditional product.

Friendly Soap

Friendly Soap is one of those brands that truly appeals to me. Simple messaging on their clear, easy to understand packaging, honest ingredients, and run by people that are truly in love with what they do.

Schmoo Skincare - Honey & Oatmeal Moisturiser

After learning about who Schmoo Skincare is, what they stand for and the products that they make - Sam very kindly sent me a pot of this rather delicious sounding Honey & Oatmeal Moisturiser to try out on my sensitive skin.

Schmoo Skincare

I recently came across the wonderfully named Schmoo Skincare. It sounded intriguing, and as a cruelty free organic skincare range made with high quality fruit oils - I needed to know more!

SimplyCook.com

I recently discovered a fantastic company called SimplyCook.com. They describe themselves as "a group of people dedicated to helping others cook great food easily at home" - and based on my experience - that's exactly what they are!

Don't Test My Baby!

No matter how old your child is, it seems that they must be tested. Examined. Measured up against some non-existent, picture-perfect child that the government has invented in some poorly veiled attempt to make you feel like a useless parent.

Coconut Dahl

This dahl is quick and simple, but is perfect on its own or as an accompaniment for a good, homemade curry such as my almost chicken balti.

L xx

Bee Good Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator

Bee Good is the only British premium skincare brand to exclusively use British beeswax, honey and propolis in all of their products. It is a cruelty free company, based in Hampshire.

When I was sent this facial exfoliator to try out, I was a little nervous. I usually find that this type of product dries out my skin and causes irritation.

Bee Good Vanilla & Honey Lip Balm

 

Bee Good is the only British premium skincare brand to exclusively use British beeswax, honey and propolis in all of their products. It is a cruelty free company, based in Hampshire.

I had the good fortune to try out their vanilla and honey lip balm recently, and absolutely loved it.

Zero Harm & Sustainable Luxury: Can That Which is Freely Available Still Be Luxurious?

Welcome to our first guest Nathan Stowe, who owns and writes for Manporium.com, The Luxury Blog for Men. Nathan discusses if and how cruelty free and responsible sourcing can be applied to luxury clothing.

L xx

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are quick and easy, but can look impressive. Serve them with dressed green leaves and they are the perfect starter or snack! Allow one mushroom per person.

L xx

Egg Fried Rice

I love egg fried rice. It's so versatile and will accompany so many different Chinese dishes. Here's my recipe for delicious homemade rice, which means you can control what's in it and also save some money by cooking at home rather than ordering takeout!

L xx

WIN! Beaut-Boutique Competition

I've teamed up with Beaut-Boutique to offer one lucky winner a fantastic Lip Service Duo Set, worth £35!

For Terms and Conditions, and to enter, click here.
Closes midnight GMT, 17.04.16.

L xx

Beaut-Boutique - Marine Collagen Under Eye Serum

The third product from Beaut-Boutique that I was lucky enough to try out, is this Marine Collagen Under Eye Serum.

I'll be honest, I have never really used a serum before. But as a busy working mum with two children, two dogs, and an equally busy husband; life is hectic and tiring and I'm probably one of the people that really SHOULD use serums!

Beaut-Boutique - Skin Perfector

Another product that the lovely Reggie from Beaut-Boutique sent to me, was this Skin Perfector; a "specially blended formulation of natural fruit extracts and essential oils is designed to fight blemishes, reduce red patchy skin, fight imperfections and combat shine".

Beaut-Boutique - Marula Oil Facial Serum

I often complain about my sensitive, dry and eczema-scarred skin. It's something I have had to deal with my whole life and it gets pretty boring! So to come across products that promise to help that is exciting, but I am always pretty dubious...

Beaut-Boutique Ltd

Beaut-Boutique is a fantastic organic skincare range, made in the UK, with responsibly sourced and cruelty free ingredients.

Arrabiata Spinach Spaghetti

Sometimes you just want an easy dinner, made from store cupboard ingredients and requiring minimal effort. This is one of those!

The BEST Chilli!

Hot food is one of my favourites. Not so hot that it annihilates my tastebuds, but hot enough to leave my lips buzzing. I love to cook chilli because it is so versatile - enjoy it with rice, nachos, on jacket potatoes, over a salad - even cold inside a pitta bread or tortilla with some salad!

Almost Chicken Balti

One of my favorite things to do, is create delicious dishes. This is a recipe that I was given years ago, that I have since tweaked in my own way. The result is similar to a balti - perfect served with shop bought naan bread and some rice, to quash those takeaway cravings!

Roasted Rhubarb

Rhubarb is technically in season in May here in the UK - but my plant is already flourishing in my back garden!

Foraging For Wild Garlic

I love to forage for seasonal produce. Berries, leaves, flowers - it's nature's larder and can be used in so many different and exciting ways!

With it being Spring, wild garlic is currently in season. It's often found in shady, wooded areas, and being lucky enough to live in the Yorkshire countryside, we have those in abundance!

Wilted Wild Garlic

Wild garlic has a very gentle flavour, and is particularly wonderful with chicken dishes (and fish, so I am told). Serving wilted leaves alongside a dish, or as part of the plate arrangement, is both tasty and beautiful!