Beef Stroganoff: Grand Prix Gourmet, Russia
If you enjoy delicious stews, then this is a must! Beef Stroganoff is a traditional Russian dish made with strips of lean sirloin steak cooked in a sauce of onions, cream and mushrooms. The beef must be cut into thin strips that are half an inch thick and about 2 inches in length. All fat must be removed. Save Print Beef Stroganoff Rating 5 from 1 reviews Prep time: 30 mins Cook time: 1 hour Total time: 1...
Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce. Grand Prix Gourmet, Italy
Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe. Here’s my recipe for Italian tomato sauce taught to me by my grandma. It’s very simple but so tasty. The secret is to make sure you fry the onions and garlic well before adding the tomatoes. It’s such a versatile sauce, good for all sorts of dishes. I make a huge amount most weeks and freeze it in small containers so it’s ready to use. It’s vegetarian too. This recipe serves four with pasta...
Moules Marinière: Grand Prix Gourmet, Belgium
Poor old Belgium gets a bad press when it comes to its cuisine because it sits under the shadow of France. However, my husband lived there for a few years, and he enjoyed so many delicious meals and he always tells me that he would very happily eat Belgian food every day! The most famous dish must be Moules Marinière served with fries, mayonnaise, and a tankard of wonderful Belgian beer. Belgium is a small country, but it boasts about...
Hungarian Goulash: Grand Prix Gourmet
Hungarian Goulash. If you enjoy delicious thick stews and the taste of tomato and paprika, then this recipe is perfect! There are many different recipes for Goulash, but my dad taught me this one, and it is delicious. It is traditionally made outside in a cauldron, but this is not vital. The main thing is that you must not use flour to thicken the stew but tomato puree and potatoes. I have listed some root vegetables, but others can...
Fresh Lobster and Salmon Ravioli
Fresh Lobster and Salmon Ravioli recipe. This recipe is extremely delicious and very special. They make these ravioli in Genoa, on the Ligurian coast in Northern Italy, where my parents were born. If you’re looking for something really impressive for a special occasion, then this is the perfect dish. The very special main ingredients, lobster and salmon, speak for themselves, and anyone who loves seafood will love these. If you...
Valentine Ideas: Unusual & Romantic London Restaurants
Valentine Ideas: Unusual & Romantic London Restaurants Valentines’ Day is very special is the day for romance. We all love to put aside this special evening to be with the person we love – no one else will do. The history of Valentine goes back centuries, and people used to believe that it was in February because that was the start of bird’s mating season – how very romantic. It is a great holiday that many people look forward to...
Langoustine Bisque
Langoustine Bisque or Soup. Have you tried my delicious recipe for Langoustine Hollandaise? You can see the recipe here. Don’t be tempted to throw away the langoustine shells, you can make a delicious and creamy soup using them as a base.It’s truly delicious. Because you discard the shells when you eat langoustine, it is really wise to make a soup or bisque with them. This is also one of those quick and easy recipes that...
Wonderful Star Wars Christmas Decorations
The new film, ‘The Force Awakens’ means that everything to do with Star Wars is chic and totally in! Did you know that you can buy amazing Star Wars Christmas decorations? From baubles for the Christmas tree and really funky R2D2 lights, to free standing giant figures of your favorite Star Wars characters ready to decorate your garden. This is a great time to resurrect the Star Wars mania with the new saga on the horizon, so why not...
Great Gifts for Travelers: My Favorite Things
Great Gifts for Travelers: My Favorite Things. Travel Halo Mask Product Description: This is fantastic for long flights. This mask will definitely help you to sleep in comfort. It’s a special mask that is filled with Microbeads, has pads at the back that keeps your head from rolling around and it includes a free bag and earplugs too. You can remove the mask when you don’t want to sleep and use it as a headrest. eBags Pack-it-Flat...
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Film Review
We were so lucky to be invited by Lord Hughes to the House of Commons to watch a pre- screening of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom because my husband was a ANC freedom fighter when he was a young man. It was a sombre event because Nelson Mandela had died only a couple of days before, but it was a fitting tribute to this great man. We watched Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom in the Grand Committee Room, which was the very room where Nelson...
American Horror Story: Coven
American Coven Story – Season 3 is for you if you’re looking for a Halloween present, or something to do on Halloween that is way over the top. It’s great if you’re in the mood to be totally spooked out too. I am not one for horror I am so easily terrified! It doesn’t take much to send me running for the bed covers. Images live with me forever. So I didn’t actually watch it – I heard it – and I was...
Biology for Kids: SmartLab Toys Squishy Human Body
When my son opened this Smartlab Toys Squishy human body on Christmas morning he was so delighted that he laughed out loud! A human biology book with a gooey body to dissect! Just perfect for a 8 year old – it really can’t get better than that! This book/toy was an instant success. It’s great because he learned the names and relative size, shape and function of the major organs of the human body, and where they sit in the...
Walking Dead T Shirts and Halloween!
It’s almost time to dress up and scare the living daylights out of your unsuspecting neighbours. Let’s start off with some Walking Dead quotes to get you in the mood: ‘Don’t look back, Carl’ – Rick ‘You can’t think forever. Sooner or later, you gotta make a move’ – The Governor ‘You walk outside, you risk your life. You take a drink of water, you risk your life. Nowadays you...
German Sunken Apple Cake Recipe
German Sunken Apple Cake Recipe When my son got back from his school trip to Germany he was very excited for two reasons, firstly he had a broken leg –which meant he could miss school, and secondly because the family he was staying with baked him a sunken apple cake for his birthday. That was exciting because we had already baked one ourselves here at home. We got the recipe from his German teacher at school and it felt very nice to...
Spotlight on Rome: (Part 2)
Spotlight on Rome: (Part 2) This article is the second part of three. Its main focus: Trevi Fountain & The Colosseum. Just standing in the very place where the mighty Roman Empire began is an incredible buzz and actually being in Rome really does bring home what the Romans achieved and just how much they lost. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also the amazing Renaissance-era there too! The centre of the city is crammed with...
Organizing and Packing a Rucksack
Organizing and Packing a Rucksack Organizing and packing a rucksack is a fine art and doing it well will make a real difference to any walker or hiker. Essentially there are 3 things you should do. Firstly, make sure that you buy lightweight clothes and equipment starting with a lightweight rucksack. It must be very light when it is empty, this will make a huge difference to how much you can put inside. The next thing to do is make...
Yorkshire is a Champion Place to Visit!
Yorkshire is a Champion Place to Visit! This may sound like a strange thing to say, but Yorkshire smells so good. I’m not talking about the mouthwatering aroma of seaside fish and chips, or the homely smell of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding wafting from pubs. It’s not the sweet scent of hops brewing in old casks of ale, or lavender fields either. I’m talking about the Yorkshire air! There is an ‘ozoney’ fresh quality about the air,...
What To Do in Rome
What to do in Rome (Part 1). When in Rome – do as the Romans! This article is about what do in Rome… a big topic so this is part one of a three part series. Its main focus: The Vatican & The Monument for the Fallen Rome is an awe-inspiring city and you cannot possibly see it all just one visit. But this is what we did when we were there for 5 days introducing our 13-year-old son to Rome: the most romantic city in the...
Family Tents and How to Choose Them
Good sized family tents are worth every penny. One of the best thing I’ve ever bought is our family tent. It has been an absolute gem in so many ways and not only for taking on holiday. For example, it’s an extension to our house because when we have guests we vacate our bedroom and sleep in the tent in the garden. Also, when my son was younger he used to play in it, and pretend to go camping with his friends. I have also...
How to Sleep Well in the Heat
Hot humid weather can mean no sleep. The humidity is the main problem though because it stops your sweat from evaporating efficiently, making you sticky and uncomfortable. This can be unbearable if you’re not used to it. Of course the easy solution is to turn on the air conditioning, but what if you’re in a place that doesn’t have that sort of luxury? I would recommend the tricks people use in Mediterranean countries. 1. Make sure you...
Best Holiday Destinations to Beat the Heat
Here are some suggestions for summer holiday destinations that are not too hot, the kind of summer vacation ideas that beat the heat but are very high on adventure and excitement. If I could change one thing about myself it would be my intense dislike of the heat. I am so envious of people who come alive and thrive in excessive temperatures. I see them every time I go somewhere hot, lying on the beaches, basking in the sun. They...
Best European Cities to Visit if you Hate the Heat
Best European Cities to Visit to Beat the Heat. If you can’t bear excessive heat and you want to visit Europe during the summer then head north. Southern European cities have temperatures that often exceed 40 degrees in the summer months. They become choked with traffic and all its fumes, they are packed with tourists, queuing to see the sights, and in order to avoid this unbearable annual occurrence, most of the natives leave on...
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher or The Murder at Road Hill House: Review
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher or The Murder at Road Hill House: Review. I finished reading The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher or The Murder at Road Hill House last night, and feel absolutely compelled to recommend it. I found a copy that was destined for the recycle bin and was captivated by the blurb on the back. Here’s an example: ‘A beautiful piece, written with great lucidity and respect for the reader, and with immaculate restraint. A...
George Orwell’s Animal Farm: A Political Fable
George Orwell’s Animal Farm means a great deal to me and this short tale will explain why. It is about when I was a teacher in London. First of all I highly recommend ‘Animal Farm’ and I rather envy you if you haven’t read it yet because you are in for a real treat. It is a brilliantly told, very clever, political fable. Orwell wrote it just after World War II (first published 1945), and it is a satirical story about totalitarianism....
Fancy a New Experience?
Fancy a New Experience? The other day while watching TV I saw a 95 year old woman skydiving. It was a birthday present from her family. She threw herself into the air and looked as though she was having the time of her life. She wasn’t even on holiday! Even though new experience holidays are all the rage you can have a new experience at any time of year. There is probably something very close to home that you could do this very...
The Simplest Asparagus Recipes are Always the Best
I can’t resist asparagus and although there are many delicious asparagus recipes the one I’m going to show you here is my favorite. My father loved it too and he was a professional chef. Luckily it is very easy and quick to prepare and it can be served as a delicious lunch or evening meal. Asparagus is so delicate and nutritious that you really don’t need to do much more than boil, roast or grill it for a few minutes to have a...
Star Wars Quiz
[mlw_quizmaster quiz=5] Here are some real clothes on the theme of Star Wars. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Giovanna Sanguinetti has been a teacher for many years and loves teaching dyslexic children. She is a qualified and experienced teacher of drama and theatre arts too. Her big love is theatre directing. She lives in London and is currently embarking on a very exciting project home educating her son through his exams years of school....
A Blaze of Autumn Sunshine: The Last Diaries by Tony Benn
A Blaze of Autumn Sunshine: The Last Diaries by Tony Benn. Tony Benn’s father ended a BBC broadcast by saying ‘So you will understand that I live in a blaze of autumn sunshine.’ Remembering those words Tony said ‘although I may never publish another volume of diaries, if I ever did, I think the best possible title would be just that: ‘A Blaze of Autumn Sunshine.’ For those of you who don’t know Tony Benn he was...
Looking for Accommodation for the Monte Carlo or Monza Grand Prix?
Going to the Monte Carlo or Monza Grand Prix? Where to stay. Monte Carlo and Monza are words guaranteed to rev up every petrolhead’s heartbeat. They are places inextricably linked to the roar of the engine, and the thrill of the competition. Sure, Monte Carlo is also a playground for the rich and famous, and Monza is a beautiful, historic town perfect for the cultured tourist, but it’s motor racing that makes them special. From all...
Experience Safari Holidays in South Africa
If you’re looking for adventure, then we strongly recommend South Africa. South Africa is nature’s home. It boasts incredible places that are not jam packed with tourists. It is a country where you can enjoy truly spectacular scenery and reconnect with nature, experiencing the freedom of miles of breathtaking landscape. There is traditional cuisine, a vibrant culture, dramatic wildlife, and you can even camp under stars on the...
Authentic French Onion Soup
Authentic French Onion Soup French onion soup is not difficult to make but the onions do need special attention and they have to be cooked properly before you make the soup otherwise they will be too sweet. French onion soup is eaten in France all year round and it is served with croutons and gruyere cheese, which makes it a very filling and nutritious meal. The beauty of this delicious soup is that once it is cooked it does not taste...
Tipsy Laird Recipe for Burn’s Night
Tipsy Laird Recipe for Burn’s Night There’s nothing more romantic than Burns night in Scotland. It certainly celebrated around the whole country, and if you are lucky enough to be in a Scottish highland hotel, then you’ll be celebrating in style too. Haggis, tatties, (potatoes) and turnips or neeps are served, there should be a piper in traditional Scottish dress, and of course a Ceilidh, so that everyone can dance and be merry after...
Spicy Parsnip and Potato Soup
Spicy Parsnip and Potato Soup This is one of the most delicious and warming winter soups I make for my family. The ingredients are basic and extremely good for you because root vegetables are high in fiber and a good source of roughage. If you’re not sure what a parsnip is I can understand because they are not available everywhere. Here in Britain they are very common. We usually eat them roasted in the oven with potatoes when...
Holidays to India
Holidays to India. I have been looking at small group holidays to India by some of the world’s leading adventure travel companies and I have found some breathtaking examples. Getting off the beaten track to experience a country closely is an incredible thing to do and, if you choose do it in India, you will certainly come back enriched and enlightened. However, adventure travel is more than this – it is about responsible and...
Teenagers need Regular Exercise for Health and Wellness
Teenagers need Regular Exercise for Health and Wellness I am very interested in this subject because I am a teacher and I know that teenagers who eat well and take regular exercise perform better at school. There is absolutely no doubt about that. I’ve seen it time and again and there has been a lot of research done on this subject. Some kids are full of energy and are happy at school with an active interest in all it has to offer but...
I Love My Imac Desktop
I love my iMac Desktop. I am in love with my iMac desktop so much that I have two of them! That’s right I have one for me and another for my very, very lucky son. I must admit that his one is quite old and I used to run my business on it, however, he still uses it perfectly well to produce his electronic dance music and videos. So we have had years of use out of it. My son has named it his Apple iPie, and sadly it is on its last legs...
Gifts for Cat Lovers: Cat Design Pillows and Throws
Gifts for Cat Lovers: Cat Design Pillows and Throws. All cat lovers will appreciate these warm, cosy throws and pillows because their designs are truly beautiful. These are quality throws and pillows at very reasonable prices. They are made of luxurious materials designed for utter comfort. Throws: 1. Kitty Korner: The Manual Tapestry with Fringe This is a woven tapestry throw 47 x 60 inches. It is made in the USA. It has 8 panels...
Insider’s Guide to Rome (Part 3)
Insider’s Guide to Rome (Part 3). This is the third and final part of my article about what to do in Rome. The focus is on: The Forum and The Pantheon. You have to be selective because there are so many magnificent things to see in Rome. If time is short, it’s better to focus on a few things and then throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, which will guarantee that you return to the most romantic city in the world. A good guidebook is...
I’m in Love with Scotland
I’m in love with Scotland. One thing that makes Scotland great is the pride the Scots take in their identity and the respect they have for their traditions. For example, the great poet Robert Burns is celebrated every year with a Burns Supper of haggis and smoked salmon. Also, you can expect to hear bagpipes playing in the distance when you are out in the great Scottish wilderness. It has happened to me several times. The last time...
Life of Pi: A Magical Masterpiece
Life of Pi lived with me for a very long time making me think very deeply about our very existence! I highly recommend it for anyone with a love of life and adventure. This is the kind of film that lifts you off your seat, transports you right into the screen, and swallows you up. Was what I had just seen for real or not? It is a poetic story about an Indian family who are forced to transport their entire zoo across the ocean. During...
Mickey Mouse Toys Make a Great Gift for a Child in Search of a Role Model!
Mickey Mouse Toys Make a Great Gift for a Child in Search of a Role Model! My son was about three years old when he first watched Steamboat Willy and met Mickey Mouse for the very first time, and he laughed so much that we had to ration how many times he watched it from then on! He was looking at Mickey Mouse through the eyes of a very young child, and related to this cheeky little character completely. He understood him, and I would...
Carry on Bags: Great Gifts for Travelers
Carry on Bags: Great Gifts for Travelers The last time I went on holiday for a week I fitted everything I needed into a carry on sized bag. I really couldn’t be bothered putting a case into the hold, and I certainly didn’t want to pay extra either. So I carefully packed my favorite things and no more. I rolled them up into sausages and they all fitted perfectly. I made a real effort to colour code things, and think...
Do Cheap Ski Holidays Exist?
Do cheap ski holidays really exist and how easy are they to find? There’s no doubt that skiing can be totally addictive, is absolute fun and something extremely exciting to look forward to as winter closes in. Let’s face it only skiers can really enjoy the winter! But how much do they cost? Perhaps that’s the wrong question. Let’s try asking ourselves this instead; are skiing holidays worth the money? I would say yes, yes, yes!...
Quality Gifts for Men by Victorinox Swiss Army
Victorinox Swiss Army is a company based in Ibach, Switzerland and it has been making the Swiss Army Knife since 1891. This is the ingenious pen knife Schweizer Offiziersmesser, or ‘Swiss Officer Knife’, that US soldiers loved so much that they bought thousands of them after WWII, calling them a ‘Swiss Army Knife’ because they couldn’t pronounce the German words. These amazing knives were originally in made in Switzerland for...
Gifts for Travelers: Waist Bags & Money Belts
If you’re looking for a gift for someone who loves to travel then a money belt or waist bag is a really good idea. When you are on holiday you really don’t need to carry all your valuables with you everyday or have all your credit cards and ID with you especially when you’re staying in one place. But when you’re moving on from place to place then you’re going to be much more vulnerable and that’s when a...
Gifts for Travellers: Warm Active Winter Clothing
Time for thinking about Christmas presents is fast approaching. Here are some tips and ideas for gifts for travellers or outdoor lovers who need to keep comfortable and warm. These days thousands of people go on winter vacations and very often visit cold countries – snow is a magnet that’s for sure. If you know someone who loves being in the great outdoors here are a few gift ideas that will not only be useful, but will be loved and...
New Balance Walking Shoes
I have been looking at walking shoes for my son who is going on a school trip. He’ll be out in the countryside doing lots of activities as well as a lot of walking and I have settled on a pair of New Balance walking shoes. I can recommend New Balance walking shoes because I chose them after a lot of research and I am confident you’ll be as happy with them as we are. I am impressed that they have been through a lot of research...
Sennheiser Headphones: Recommended by a Professional Sound Engineer
My son’s new headphones. At the time of writing my son is only 14 and seriously into music. He spends every spare moment either playing or listening. My job as mum is to protect his hearing and these Sennheiser HD201 Headphones do this very well indeed and are great value too. My son likes to crank up the volume and, before we bought him headphones, he was using ear-buds. This music sounded tinny and distorted and the sound...
Crème Caramel Authentic French Recipe
Crème Caramel Authentic French Recipe Crème Caramel is a very famous and delicious pudding style desert from France, which is also enjoyed in many other parts of Europe. There are many varieties of this egg custard pudding, for example a very famous sweet in Portugal known as Bolos de Nata, is just like crème caramel, the only difference between them is that the crème caramel does not have a pastry base. Here’s the recipe: ...
A Review of the documentary ‘Aluna’ . The Kogi People Warn us About the End of the World
This evening I was invited to a screening of ‘Aluna’ (‘the mind inside nature’), which was followed by a Q&A session with its award winning British director and documentary filmmaker Alan Ereira. This is the second documentary film he has made with the indigenous Kogi people of Colombia. These people are desperately trying to warn us of the very real possibility of the end of the world unless we stop ruthlessly...
Gifts for Guitar Players
Gifts for Guitar players Guitarists love accessories and so it’s very easy to buy a gift for a guitar player. Believe me they are delighted when they receive specialist gifts because most of the things they use wear out and need to be replaced. Make sure you check what style of guitar is played, as they need different accessories. It’s not complicated, it will be electric, steel stringed acoustic, or a nylon stringed classical guitar....
Adventure Tours South America
Adventure travel means going on a responsible and sustainable adventure holiday with companies that have brilliant track records for respecting the places they take you to and the people who welcome you. I urge you to take a minute to look into this kind of travel because it may inspire you to do something different! You don’t have to get involved in daring and dangerous things, you just need to want to see and experience the real...
Arts and Crafts for Kids: Weaving with a Pegloom
When my son was about 5 years old we began to teach him how to weave with a loom the main reasons why we did this were to help him develop his fine motor skills and his hand eye co-ordination. The loom we used was just like this Harrisville Designs Pegloom. I am a special needs teacher and I have used many toys with children of all ages to develop all sorts of educational skills. Weaving is an activity that any young child will...
An Electric Kettle That will Impress all Your Neighbors!
When I was a child my mum didn’t have an electric kettle, instead she used a special round shaped kettle with a whistle at the end of the spout. She would put that on the stove, and when the water boiled the whistle sounded like an alarm. Many times it actually shot across the kitchen like a bullet! My dog used to chase after it, and it was always a battle to see who could retrieve it first him or us! Sadly, a more modern electric...
A Very Handy Booster Car Seat
I swore by my booster car seat that was just like this Graco Backless TurboBooster and here’s why: When my son was just eight weeks old we took him to Italy to meet his grand parents for the first time. It was a quite a nerve wrecking thing to do because traveling with such a young baby brings up many challenges. I remember being scared of flying with my precious, innocent bundle, and when the air hostess gave us a strange...
Drops for tired and dry eyes – app that prompt rests from the screen
Do you suffer form tired and dry eyes because of your computer? Do you experience that awful headache, that strained feeling, or the pulling behind your eyes. I did so I decided to look into what, if anything, could be done to improve matters. To get immediate relief I bought these eye drops. They had great reviews so I gave them a try. I used these lubricant eye drops for about 3 months and I can report that it has really made a big...
Wall Art Decals Make Homes Beautiful
These RoomMates Peel & Stick wall decals are absolutely brilliant. Here’s a story about how I first came across amazing decals/ wall stickers: My best friend and husband gave me such a surprise when I had my baby. We had a small spare room for the baby but because I knew it wouldn’t be using it for the first few months I decided to wait to decorate it until after the baby was born. We thought that would be wise because we...
Why I Love Our Playmobil Pirate Ship
I bought a Playmobil Blackbeard’s Pirate Ship over 20 years ago for my sister’s son who was turning 6, and it was the best toy ever! He played with it for many years and later his little brother took over the helm! After he played with it for my sister passed it back to me when my own son was 4 years old. It had gone full cycle, and after a lot of use from 2 children and their friends, the Blackbeard’s ship was still looking...
Mini Trampoline: Keep Fit for Little Ones
Children need exercise during the winter months and a mini trampoline is a toy that they can bounce on all day, and the really nice thing about them is that they can be used indoors. They are suitable for an average sized living room or bedroom and they can be taken into the garden of course. Grandma bought our son mini trampoline on his 3rd birthday. It was a square very colorful, lightweight one, perfect for a rainy day – or...
WowWee Roboquad For Kids Who Love Robot Toys
When my son hit 13 his WowWee Robotics Roboquad came into its own. This is a fantastic toy for sophisticated teenagers not younger children. We bought it for him as a Christmas present when he was only 8, which was a mistake because he was too young. So, the worse thing happened, it sat in his bedroom for quite a while, motionless. He didn’t really know how to play with it and so he ignored it. I had made a big mistake in buying him a...
Oven Roasted Vegetables With Delicious Creative Dressings
We swear by eating lots of vegetables in my household because we know that doing so is the best way to maintain a healthy state and equip our bodies with everything they need to fend off all sorts of illnesses. Oven roasted vegetables just happen to be one of my favorite ways to prepare vegetables when I make any sort of roast dinner. I have found a wonderful website that proves my theory. It belongs to Micheal Gregor MD who is a...
Quick and Easy Recipes: Delicious Langoustine with Hollandaise Sauce
Have you ever eaten langoustine? Mmm … they are my favorite seafood followed closely by smoked salmon. If you’re looking for quick and easy recipes that will impress your family and friends then langoustine should be on top of your list. First Some Facts about the Langoustine: Langoustine are also called the Norway Lobster, Dublin Bay Prawn or a Scampi It is actually from the lobster family The largest langoustine can...
Mackerel Recipes: How to Make Delicious Smoked Mackerel Pate
Smoked mackerel has a strong flavor and therefore makes a delicious paté that my family really enjoys. In my house we try to eat as much oily fish as possible because it is very good for you and we think that paté is one of best mackerel recipes around! It is an oily fish and therefore is a very rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Although fish is very good for your health, unfortunately it seems that much of it contains toxins, so...
Holiday Apartment in Liguria, Cinque Terre, Italy
Holiday Apartment in Liguria, Cinque Terre, Italy. If you’re looking for an authentic rural Italian holiday then this is it! You can rent a perfect holiday apartment in an ideal setting for nature lovers, walkers, or cycling. Italy has also has some wonderful rural areas which are perhaps its best kept secret. From the Alps in the north down to Mount Etna in Sicily, it is a country of mountains, hills, forests, wonderful...
Visible Learning and the Science of How we Learn. Hattie & Yates
A huge collection of research! In 2009 John Hattie published a book called Visible Learning, which is a huge collection of research about how to improve children’s learning. It talks about what really works in schools and has become a ‘bible’ for educationalists all over the world. Visible Learning and the Science of How We Learn is a follow on from this. Hattie got together with cognitive psychologist, Gregory Yates, and...
The Wind in the Willows: Wonderful Family Book
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham is one of the best-loved children books ever. It is loved so much by so many because it’s a tale for child and adult alike that deals with universal themes. My sister bought this edition for my son when he was only 5 years old, and we have loved it ever since, and it has become our family book. So my son has grown up with the Wind in the Willows. When he was very young we read him the...
Review: The Secret Life of the Dyslexic Child by Robert Frank PhD
Dyslexic himself, Dr Frank is a teacher and psychologist so there is very little he doesn’t know about dyslexia. He has written this fantastic book, The Secret Life of the Dyslexic Child, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has ever asked the question ‘what is dyslexia?’ If you know dyslexic children as a teacher, parent, relative, or neighbor, then you will learn so much from this book. My husband is not dyslexic, but is a...
Very Useful Guitar Stands: A Great Gift for Guitarists
Guitar stands are a perfect gift for guitarists, but this one is even more useful because it’s a stand for cellists and French horn players too. Made by K & M Heli, it is a quality item at a fantastic price. The video below will tell you more about the product. I can tell you that I love them! We are the proud owners of 7 guitars and a full sized cello, which is wonderful, apart from the fact that we live in a small...
Apple iPod Shuffle. Small But Big on Music
I was looking for a quality music product that would not break the bank – then I found the Apple iPod Shuffle, and my search was well and truly over. It is was Christmas gift for my son because he wants to listen to music everywhere he goes! I am a complete Apple freak, so I knew the product would be well made and just be awesome. But I was not expecting to find it quite so beautiful! It’s just so perfectly designed: It’s small,...
Lasagne – an Authentic Italian Recipe
Lasagne is one of Italy’s most loved and famous dishes – it was one of my favourites when I was growing up, and I was very fortunate to have an Italian granny who taught my mum, who in turn taught me this recipe, so it is authentic. That means there are no sausages, chopped vegetables, cottage cheese, or anything else that people throw in – the result is an absolutely delicious dish that any Italian trattoria would be proud to serve....
Language Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
When the Voyager Space Probe set off into space on the ultimate adventure, it needed to say hello. So it was equipped with audio files etched onto a gold plated record intended to be heard by whatever form of life it might come across. This fascinating video is one of these files and it contains greetings and welcome messages in 55 different languages. How many languages did you identify? We will probably never leave planet Earth, but...
How to Keep Out of Trouble When Traveling Overseas
How to Keep Out of Trouble When Traveling Overseas. Traveling overseas is a very exciting thing to do especially if you’re young and on a gap year, or if you have just finished university. However, the group of (mostly European) young men and women who stripped off when they reached the summit of Malaysia’s sacred Mount Kinabalu forgot to do a most important piece of homework – research. Their behaviour was a display of their of...
Teaching English Abroad
Teaching English Abroad. Teaching English abroad is one of the most rewarding ways of travelling there is. It has many advantages, the most obvious being that you get paid to travel, but the others are just as amazing. By teaching abroad you are invited into communities in places all over the world. You will be investing your time into something useful and rewarding. Native speakers of English are sought after in countries as far...
How to Eat Safely in Hot Countries
Food safety in hot countries. Does ‘jippy tummy’ really have to be a part of your exotic trip abroad? And how do people who travel to hot countries avoid becoming ill with potentially dangerous conditions such as chronic diarrhoea or dysentery? This is a very real problem because just one suspect curry can wipe your entire holiday out. It happened to me when I was working in Bangladesh. Unfortunately, I came home with dysentery and I...
Tips for how to keep Cool and avoid Over-Heating
Visiting a hot country has its own particular challenges and it is wise to plan ahead. Due to the change of diet you can expect a temporary bout of diarrhoea, but this condition can be made worse, and even caused by excessive heat and dehydration. Becoming too hot is something that you should avoid and it is important to take the heat very seriously. There are two types of problems that happen when you are over heating: The first is...
Why I make my own Green Juice
Why I make my own Green Juice It is common knowledge that we should include fresh fruit and vegetables in our diet every day, and that we should steer clear of prepared foods. My rule of thumb is that if it looks like a cabbage, then it must be a cabbage (please tell me if I’m wrong!). If it’s in a packet then goodness only knows what food it actually is. I am a scratch cook! Although my husband and I have always eaten...
Things to do in England: The South
Things to do in England: The South The south of England is one of the most visited parts of the UK. It is famous for its beautiful and varied coastline, very interesting history, and seaside towns. The south of England has its own Somerset cider, called Scrumpy, its own delicious Devonshire cream teas, Cornish pasties, Brighton rock and of course it is where you’ll find castles where knights sat around round tables and where witches...
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Packages
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Packages When you start researching about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro you’ll be faced with a plethora of packages – all promising to be the best available, however not all of them will be responsible or sustainable, and they will not take into account how their trips are organized from the point of view of benefitting local people. Adventure travel has to go hand in hand with responsible travel. Nobody should...
Family Adventure Holidays are Best!
Family Adventure Holidays are Best! All inclusive family adventure holidays are probably the most exciting style of holiday you can choose. There’s nothing like experiencing the world through the eyes of a child who is seeing a special place for the first time. I remember when I was in Rome with my 12 year old son – it was pouring with rain, so much so that we were forced to wear baby blue plastic ponchos, along with shorts and crocs....
Day Tours and Excursions
Day Tours and Excursions If you are travelling to a new city and would like to get to know it quickly and in some depth then visit Urban Adventures before you leave home and take a look at their amazing unique tours. The way they work is very simple. If you have a day or even a couple of hours to spare, Urban Adventures will take you to the most interesting places and introduce you to local people so you experience something authentic...
Kruger National Park Safaris
Kruger National Park Safaris My quest to find fantastic adventure travel and vacations online that are both responsible and sustainable has led me to Africa! Like many people I love the idea of going on safari and I think the only real way of doing this responsibly is by going with companies like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel because they endorse sustainability, these links will take you to their sites where you’ll be able to read...
Fantastic Luxury Rail Holidays
Fantastic Luxury Rail Holidays Planning your next holiday? It takes quite a lot of effort. So my advice is to visit the Adventuretravelshop.co.uk because they have done a great deal of legwork for you. They specialize in sourcing great holidays of all styles and for every kind of holiday maker. Here’s a link to their article about luxury holidays by train. They have highlighted Great Rail Journeys, who are experts in creating dream...
Places to Visit in England: The South
Places to Visit in England: The South London is relatively near to the coast to the east and to the south. So the seaside is never too far away. Many Londoners head off during the bank holidays to enjoy the sea air – even if the weather is not so inviting! There are plenty of places to visit in England especially if you love the countryside. Southern England is the home of wonderful counties all with sea-coasts these include,...
A Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe That Kids Love
A Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe That Kids Love I’m sure lots of children have trouble eating vegetables because they are cooked badly. Imagine being faced with soggy boiled green things that taste horrible! My solution is to prepare fresh crunchy vegetable stir-fry. I think there’s more to this aversion to veggies than meets the eye. Did you know that babies are frightened of plants? They have an innate reluctance to touch plants...
How to Keep Travel Cheap
How to Keep Travel Cheap It always startles me how expensive travel is these days. I don’t mean the cost of package holidays or all-inclusive trips, but the costs of physically getting from A to B. Companies like Intrepid Travel or G Adventures have amazing offers on trips all through the year, but these do not include the cost of the flight and any other transport you may need in order to join the trip. There are ways of saving a...
Holidays to Africa: Gorilla Trekking
Holidays to Africa: Gorilla Trekking One of the most exciting adventures you can go on has to be a safari. It’s an incredible feeling when you’re around animals of any kind in their natural habitat. Imagine what being up close to a gigantic silverback gorilla must be like! Very few people are lucky enough to have close contact with these wonderful animals, but it can be done. There are amazing, well-organized, gorilla trekking...
Activity holidays in California
Active holidays in California If you are thinking of going on an active holiday in California then you will need to do quite bit of research because being the third largest state in the US you will be spoiled for choice. California is a gold mine for anyone who loves the great outdoors. You can surf on some of the world’s best surfing beaches in Santa Monica and the great long golden coastline offers amazing scuba diving too. You...
Antarctic Adventures
Travel to the Antarctic Prince Harry raced to the South Pole last year and I’m sure he has never looked back! The Antarctic has always beckoned explorers I recently helped my son with his project about the great feats of Shackleton and Sir Francis Drake, and it is absolutely amazing to think that these days this vast and remote wilderness is open to visitors. Expedition experts will take you into the very heart of this breathtakingly...
Travel Groups for Singles
Small group holidays are ideal for people who find themselves with time for a holiday but nobody to go with! It happens, you’re due for a holiday but your husband or wife has to work, or your annual leave is not at the same time as your friend. So what can you do? Check out an adventure travel company that organizes small group tours. It’s easier than you may imagine. All you do is choose a travel style and a destination, and the...