Tuesday 30 October 2012

WIN: Wild Swimming In France Book 30/10/2012

I won a copy of the Wild Swimming In France book from Canopy & Stars on Facebook on 30th October 2012. I received it on 14th November 2012.




REVIEW & RECIPE: Patak's Curry Night

I was sent a lovely Patak's hamper with which to host a curry night. It had plenty of curry sauces, curry pastes, poppadoms and naan bread in it.

I took on one of the recipes from Patak's - the Apricot Chicken - Indian Style (Khubani Murgh) and I think it came out just right and it got a big thumbs up too!



If you would like to have a go at making this for yourself, follow the recipe below...

RECIPE: Apricot Chicken (Khubani Murgh)
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 30 mins
Difficulty: Easy

INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsp vegetable oil
½ tsp (2g) Cumin seeds
200g onions, chopped
450g chicken, diced
8 tbsp (125g) Patak's Balti Curry Paste
200g canned chopped tomatoes
4 tbsp (60g) single cream
150g dried apricots, chopped
200ml water
2 tsp (10g) fresh coriander, chopped
Salt to taste
1 tsp (5g) sugar

METHOD:
  1. Heat the oil in a pan, crackle cumin seeds for 1 minute and add chopped onions and cook on a medium heat until the onions are soft and golden brown in colour.
  2. Add the Patak's Balti Paste and 100ml water and cook on simmer until all the water has evaporated.
  3. Add diced chicken and apricot and cook on high heat until the chicken is seared and add chopped tomatoes and the rest of the water.
  4. Cook on medium heat until the chicken is cooked. Stir in the cream and sugar.
  5. Check the seasoning and add salt if necessary.
  6. Garnish with the fresh coriander and serve with rice and naan bread.

Like the difficulty rating, I would have to agree that this was a very easy to make recipe. It's a definite recommendation if you love a curry, but on't like it too hot. It helps if you're a fan of apricots too as it's a very noticeable and dominant part of the recipe.

Monday 29 October 2012

WIN: It's Liverpool Goody Bag 29/10/2012

I won a goody bag from @itsliverpool on Twitter on 29th October 2012. I received it on 12th November 2012.



I won this for being their 5,000th follower! A nice pen, keyring, notepad, badge and other goodies. I was slightly disappointed though as it had said there would be a Sea Odyssey book included which wasn't. I really enjoyed it when the Sea Odyssey event was here in Liverpool and I would have loved the book as a permanent reminder. Oh well, it's fab goody bag anyway!

Tuesday 23 October 2012

WIN: HP Man Mug 23/10/2012

I won a HP Man Mug from HP Sauce UK on Facebook on 23rd October 2012. I received it on 11th November 2012.



I can't decide if I should add this to my collector's edition mugs & glasses collection or just give it to hubby - what do you think?

Saturday 20 October 2012

COMPETITION: Win Dark Shadows Blu-Ray - Ends 28/10/2012

Well, I really like the look of this film and I wish I could enter to win it myself! I'm a big fan of films that have the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp collaboration and I really want to see this! So when I got the opportunity to run a giveaway, how I could I let all of you down by not hosting one. So read on for your chance to win the fab 'Dark Shadows' on Blu-Ray...
Warner Bros. Pictures is proud to announce the release of Dark Shadows on DVD and Blu-Ray October 15th 2012; along with the Dark Shadows Blog App

From the incredible mind of Tim Burton comes the hit film Dark Shadows, based on the classic US television series!  Barnabas Collins has been trapped for two centuries by an evil witch (Eva Green) who just happens to be an ex lover.  Barnabas now has to struggle with the ever changing 1970s and save his family’s business!  With an all star cast that includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jonny Lee Miller and more, Dark Shadows will be sure to whet your appetite for fun.


IMPORTANT: You MUST complete all of the initial entries to be included in the draw. All the entry options you see below in Rafflecopter MUST be completed, the ones that appear after you have finished these however, are optional.

WIN: MAOAM Pinballs 20/10/2012

I won some MAOAM Pinballs from the MAOAM Mega Vend app on the MAOAM UK page on Facebook on 20th October 2012. I received them on 31st October 2012.


I love these! Will enjoy them as much as the other packet!

Friday 19 October 2012

WIN: Earplugs 19/10/2012

I won some soft foam earplugs from @earPlanesUK on Twitter on 19th October 2012. I received them on 23rd October 2012.


Would it be mean to say the best possible use for these would be to drown out the noise pollution caused by my son? :D 

Thursday 18 October 2012

WIN: MAOAM Sweatband & Minis 18/10/2012

I won a MAOAM sweatband and minis from MAOAM on Facebook on 18th October 2012. I received them on 24th October 2012.


I love the MAOAM minis! Yummy! Yummy!

Wednesday 17 October 2012

WIN: Earrings 17/10/2012

I won some earrings from @craftyfolkEtsy and @SilverBlossom8 on Twitter on 17th October 2012. I received them on 19th October 2012.


These are lovely, the photo just doesn't do them justice!

WIN: Tabasco Chocolate 17/10/2012

I won some Tabasco Chocolate from Tabasco UK on Facebook on 17th October 2012. I received it on 12th November 2012.


Spicy chocolate is a bit of an odd concept in my opinion. I love spicy food and I love chocolate, but I wouldn't have ever have dreamt of putting them both together. It's actually quite nice, even if it is a bit edgy with the aftertaste.

RECIPE: Shepherd's Pie

I decided to make up my own Shepherd's Pie recipe and I'm really pleased with the result, so I thought I would share it with you all...



SERVES: 4
PREPARATION TIME: 15 mins
COOKING TIME: 2 hrs
DIFFICULTY: Easy

MAIN INGREDIENTS:
450g diced lamb (if it's in large chunks, chop it into smaller chunks)
2 large onions, chopped
2-3 large carrots, chopped small
100g swede, chopped small
¼ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp cinnamon powder
2 tsp dried mint
1½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce (I use Lea & Perrins)
2 garlic cloves, crushed or grated
1 tbsp tomato pureé
2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil (I prefer sunflower)
1 tbsp plain flour
300ml lamb stock (I use OXO)

CHEESE & POTATO TOPPING:
2kg white potatoes, chopped into small chunks
50g cheddar cheese, grated
50g butter
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

METHOD:
1. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 20-25 until soft enough to mash.
2. Add the oil to a large frying pan and fry the onions over a medium heat for around 15 mins until soft.
3. Add the carrot and swede and cook for a further 5-10 mins then remove from the pan and put to one side.
4. Return the pan to the heat and add the lamb, cook over a high heat until it is sealed and browned.
5. Now add the carrot, swede and onion to the lamb along with the garlic, thyme, cinnamon, mint, Worcestershire sauce and lamb stock and stir well before adding the plain flour and give a good stir until it is mixed thoroughly. Leave to cook on a low-medium heat for 30 mins, stirring occasionally.
6. In the meantime, remove the potatoes from the heat and drain thoroughly.
7. Mash the potatoes with the butter, cheese (if preferred, you can sprinkle the cheese on top of the mash before putting it in the oven), salt and pepper until smooth.
8. Now remove the sauce from the heat and add it to an ovenproof dish.
9. Add the mash to the top and spread out over the top and use a fork to create ripples on the top of the mash.
10. Put in the oven on gas mark 6 for approx. 30 mins until the mash is golden brown.
11. Serve with fresh vegetables (I like cauliflower, broccoli and savoy cabbage).

If you try out my recipe, please do leave a comment below and let me know what you thought of it!

Tuesday 16 October 2012

WIN: Fortuna Halloween Print 16/10/2012

I won a Fortuna Halloween print from The Fantasy art of Ash Evans on Facebook on 16th October 2012. I received it on 13th November 2012.


I think this print is fantastic! I love the mystical look of the artwork of Ash Evans.

WIN: 4 Pack Nutty Flavour 9Bar 16/10/2012

I won a 4 pack of nutty flavour 9Bar from 9Bar on Facebook on 16th October 2012. Not received and chased up on 3rd January 2013. I received them on 10th January 2013.


Monday 15 October 2012

WIN: 10 Liverpool Fashion Week Tickets 15/10/2012

I won 10 tickets to the Liverpool Fashion Week from Lambrini on Facebook on 15th October 2012. I received them on 17th October 2012.




I gave these to a friend so I hope they enjoyed them!!

Friday 12 October 2012

WIN: MAOAM Pinballs 12/10/2012

I won some MAOAM Pinballs from the Megavend App from MAOAM UK on Facebook on 12th October 2012. I received them on 24th October 2012.


I love these and I'm so kind, I'm sharing them with hubby & son ;)

Thursday 11 October 2012

❁◕‿◕❁ 3 Year Bloggerversary - ► Competition #32 - Sponsored By Colgate ✓

It's been a few days again now, but my Bloggerversary celebrations continue with a competition sponsored by:



Colgate have kindly given me a goody bag full of their products to give to one very lucky winner. Why not take a look at their website and play some great games http://www.colgate.co.uk. You can become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ColgateUK.



Entry is via the Rafflecopter form below. The competition will be running from 1am on 11th October 2012 until 4am on 31st October 2012. It is open to UK residents only, aged 18 years and over. Winners will be drawn at random on 1st November 2012 from all valid entries.

IMPORTANT: You MUST complete all of the initial entries to be included in the draw. All the entry options you see below in Rafflecopter MUST be completed, the ones that appear after you have finished these however, are optional.


Wednesday 10 October 2012

WIN: Stephen Wiltshire 2013 Calendar 08/10/2012

I won a 2013 Stephen Wiltshire Calendar from @StWiltshire on Twitter on 8th October 2012. I received it on 10th October 2012.





I really love this calendar and it is going to get pride of place on my living room wall in 2013! I love what I would define as 'real' art - i.e. art where you can look at it and know what it is, rather than the new age rubbish you see about a lot now that looks like a child splashed paint everywhere! I love the fantastic, intricately detailed drawings by Stephen Wiltshire. Thank you so much x

❁◕‿◕❁ 3 Year Bloggerversary - ► Competition #31 - Sponsored By Carpetright ✓

It's been a few days again now, but my Bloggerversary celebrations continue with a competition sponsored by:




Carpetright have kindly given me a Cotswold Pine Bed (mattress not included) to give to one very lucky winner. Why not take a look at their website http://www.carpetright.co.uk. You can become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Carpetright and follow them on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/carpetright.


Entry is via the Rafflecopter form below. The competition will be running from 12am on 10th October 2012 until 4am on 31st October 2012. It is open to UK residents only, aged 18 years and over. Winners will be drawn at random on 1st November 2012 from all valid entries.

IMPORTANT: You MUST complete all of the initial entries to be included in the draw. All the entry options you see below in Rafflecopter MUST be completed, the ones that appear after you have finished these however, are optional.


Monday 8 October 2012

WIN: Morphsuit 08/10/2012

I won a Morphsuit from Morphsuits on Facebook on 8th October 2012. I received it on 11th October 2012.


David in his glow-in-the-dark Morphsuit all ready for trick or treating!

They were kind enough to let me substitute it for a kids one as my son really, really wanted one. He wanted to be the alien, but they had none left, so he chose the glow in the dark skeleton instead. He's looking forward to Hallowe'en!

WIN: £25 Amazon Voucher 08/10/2012

I won a £25 Amazon voucher from Car Rentals UK on Facebook on 8th October 2012. I received the voucher by e-mail same day!



I was initially going to buy a couple of seasons of my favourite TV programme of all time (for those not paying attention, it is 'The X-Files') on DVD, but as Halloween is impending and were having our first Halloween party (for the kids early evening and for the adults at night), then I am most likely going to use it for a Hallowe'en (that's how it's really spelt you know!) costume. Now, just to decide between a Witch, Dead Riding Hood or a Vampiress - what do you think? Hubby is going to be a vampire and son can't decide on a vampire or an alien!

Sunday 7 October 2012

REVIEW: Cadbury Crispello

I had the pleasure of being sent some of the new Cadbury Crispello chocolate bars to review...


I got 6 yummy bars to review!
Crispello are delicious smooth soft milk chocolate in the centre, delicious crispiness (wafer) on top of that and a delightful milk chocolate coating, needless to say, I very much enjoyed them! You get 3 big pieces in a packet...


You get 3 of these in a packet - yum!
They are very tasty, the chocolate filling is smooth and silky, the wafer adds a satisfying crunch and the milk chocolate on the outside is as delicious as you will have come to expect from Cadbury's milk chocolate.

These are maybe more satisfying a snack than a standard bar of chocolate as they are more filling, so they make a perfect snack to keep you going.

My husband, Paul had some and he thought they were really nice too. Our son, David, also tried some and he loved it and said he wished I'd got 100 bars to review so he could eat them all the time!

The overall verdict is that we all really loved these and we will definitely be buying them when we spot them in the shops!

Cadbury Crispello has an RRP of 50p for a three piece bar and will be available in all major retailers and independent stores from the 8th October.

Saturday 6 October 2012

❁◕‿◕❁ 3 Year Bloggerversary - ► Competition #30 - Sponsored By Fireball Liquer ✓


It's been a few days now, but my Bloggerversary celebrations continue with a competition sponsored by:




Fireball Liquer have kindly given me a goody tin to give to one very lucky winner. Why not take a look at their website and play some great games http://www.ignitethenite.co.uk/. You can become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fireballofficialuk and follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/FireballUK.


Entry is via the Rafflecopter form below. The competition will be running from 7pm on 6th October 2012 until 4am on 31st October 2012. It is open to UK residents only, aged 18 years and over. Winners will be drawn at random on 1st November 2012 from all valid entries.

IMPORTANT: You MUST complete all of the initial entries to be included in the draw. All the entry options you see below in Rafflecopter MUST be completed, the ones that appear after you have finished these however, are optional.


Friday 5 October 2012

WIN: Silver Spoon Create Icing Set 05/10/2012

I won a Silver Spoon Create icing set from Baking Mad UK on Facebook on 5th October 2012. I received it on 6th October 2012! Super fast delivery!



This is going to come in really handy as we our having our first Halloween party for David this year and it's Paul's birthday next month too!

WIN: Logitech Harmony Touch Remote 05/10/2012

I won a Logitech Harmony Touch Remote from Logitech on Facebook on 5th October 2012. I received it on 22nd October 2012.


Yay! A new gadget to fiddle around with! :)

WIN: Bourne Trilogy DVD 05/10/2012

I won a Bourne Trilogy DVD set from Bio Synergy on Facebook on 5th October 2012. I received it on 24th October 2012.



Hubby has been wanting to watch these for ages so he's made up. I'll be watching too as it sounds quite good :)

A Family Of Superheroes!

Oops! I very nearly forgot to enter this as it ends at 5pm today! I am taking part in the very fun #kodakavengers Linky challenge with BritMums...

Here's my very own Iron Man aka my 10 year old son, David...




Here's my very own Captain America aka my hubby, Paul...




And even I got in on it as the Hulk...




Last of all is the Avengers Assemble...




We had to download and print our masks and do our best superhero poses - how did we do? Here's a few other photo's too...






Monday 1 October 2012

❁◕‿◕❁ 3 Year Bloggerversary - ► Competition #29 - Sponsored By Feelgood Games ✓

My Bloggerversary celebrations continue with a competition sponsored by:



Feelgood Games have kindly given me a goody bag to give to one very lucky winner. Why not take a look at their website and play some great games http://www.feelgoodgames.co.uk/. You can become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/feelgoodgames and follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/feelgoodgames.

*actual prize may vary

Entry is via the Rafflecopter form below. The competition will be running from 6pm on 1st October 2012 until 4am on 31st October 2012. It is open to UK residents only, aged 18 years and over. Winners will be drawn at random on 1st November 2012 from all valid entries.

IMPORTANT: You MUST complete all of the initial entries to be included in the draw. All the entry options you see below in Rafflecopter MUST be completed, the ones that appear after you have finished these however, are optional.


❁◕‿◕❁ 3 Year Bloggerversary - ► Competition #28 - Sponsored By Stabilo ✓

My Bloggerversary celebrations continue with a competition sponsored by:




Stabilo have kindly given me a £25 goody bag of Stabilo products to give to one very lucky winner. Why not take a look at their website and discover their wide range of products for home, office, school, university and more - http://www.stabilo.co.uk. You can become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/STABILO and follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/STABILOUK.

*actual prize may vary

Entry is via the Rafflecopter form below. The competition will be running from 5.30pm on 1st October 2012 until 4am on 31st October 2012. It is open to UK residents only, aged 18 years and over. Winners will be drawn at random on 1st November 2012 from all valid entries.

IMPORTANT: You MUST complete all of the initial entries to be included in the draw. All the entry options you see below in Rafflecopter MUST be completed, the ones that appear after you have finished these however, are optional.


❁◕‿◕❁ 3 Year Bloggerversary - ► Competition #27 - Sponsored By Embrace The Meltdown ✓

My Bloggerversary celebrations continue with a competition sponsored by:



Embrace The Meltdown have kindly given me 3x cases of Mars Thick Shakes and 3x cases of Galaxy Thick Shakes to give to six very lucky winners (1 case per person, assigned randomly). Why not take a look at their website http://www.embracethemeltdown.com/. You can become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Embrace-The-Meltdown/195283337182334 and follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MeltdownMadness.



Entry is via the Rafflecopter form below. The competition will be running from 5pm on 1st October 2012 until 4am on 31st October 2012. It is open to UK residents only, aged 18 years and over. Winners will be drawn at random on 1st November 2012 from all valid entries.

IMPORTANT: You MUST complete all of the initial entries to be included in the draw. All the entry options you see below in Rafflecopter MUST be completed, the ones that appear after you have finished these however, are optional.

❁◕‿◕❁ 3 Year Bloggerversary - ► Competition #26 - Sponsored By Feel Good Drinks ✓

My Bloggerversary celebrations continue with a competition sponsored by:



Feel Good Drinks have kindly given me a case of kids drinks to give to one very lucky winner. Why not take a look at their website http://www.feelgooddrinks.co.uk. You can become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/feelgooddrinks and follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/feelgooddrinks/.

*actual prize may vary

Entry is via the Rafflecopter form below. The competition will be running from 4.30pm on 1st October 2012 until 4am on 31st October 2012. It is open to UK residents only, aged 18 years and over. Winners will be drawn at random on 1st November 2012 from all valid entries.

IMPORTANT: You MUST complete all of the initial entries to be included in the draw. All the entry options you see below in Rafflecopter MUST be completed, the ones that appear after you have finished these however, are optional.

❁◕‿◕❁ 3 Year Bloggerversary - ► Competition #25 - Sponsored By Hallmark ✓

My Bloggerversary celebrations continue with a competition sponsored by:




Hallmark have kindly given me 2 sets of 'Story Buddies' - Abigail and Bigsby - to give to two very lucky winners. You can become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HallmarkUK and follow them on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/hallmarkUK.




Entry is via the Rafflecopter form below. The competition will be running from 4pm on 1st October 2012 until 4am on 31st October 2012. It is open to UK residents only, aged 18 years and over. Winners will be drawn at random on 1st November 2012 from all valid entries.

IMPORTANT: You MUST complete all of the initial entries to be included in the draw. All the entry options you see below in Rafflecopter MUST be completed, the ones that appear after you have finished these however, are optional.