Seriously Tasty Cheese Scone Recipe

Cheese Scones

When I was a young girl and staying with my nan on the weekends she would often bake with me. I remember the feel of the oversized apron tied around my waist, folded in the middle so that it wouldn’t trip me up.

One of the staple things we would bake together was scones; plain, fruit or cheese, all these would be made with her big hands over my little ones.

So, when I was looking for a tasty bake to make with my boys then cheese scones were a favourite choice.

The recipe and method are straightforward and ideas for moulding together quickly for a warm and wholesome savory treat.

4 from 1 vote

Seriously Tasty Cheese Scones Recipe

As the title says, these are seriously tasty and what's more is that they can be made in the blink of an eye!

Ingredients

200 g Plain Flour
3 tsp Baking Powder
Half tsp Salt
50 g Butter
100 g Cheddar Cheese
20 g Parmesan Cheese optional
60 ml Cold Water
60 ml Milk
1 Egg used for glazing

Instructions

Pre heat oven to 200 ºC (185 ºC if using a fan oven)
Measure and put the Flour, Baking Powder and Salt into a mixing bowl
Combine well
Add the Butter and rub together with the tips of your fingers until it looks and feels like wet sand
Grate the Cheese and mix through with a large spoon
Add the Water and Milk
Work together with your hands but don’t hand longer than necessary
Put out onto a lightly floured surface
Press down to a thickness of 2cm and cut out in rounds approximately 5cm wide
Put onto a baking tray and cook for 15mins until golden
Allow to cool a little on a wire rack.

If you fancy another easy comfort food dish that you can make while you’ve got the oven on then try my Easy Toad in the Hole recipe

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Thank you nan, this ones for you.

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Perfect Pineapple Cake Recipe

Perfect Pineapple Cake Recipe for lockdown in easy picture guide steps…..

This is moist, sweet and a delight to the taste buds. My Step by step picture guide makes it super easy to make. You can also Jump to Recipe

I love a good cake and my family loves baking day too! Who doesn’t love the smell of baking coming from the kitchen and knowing that soon there will be the delicious offerings available to taste.

This cake is made very moist by the addition of the syrup from the canned pineapple. You can use fresh pineapple of course, just make sure if you do that you rescue every bit of juice that you create so that you can add it.

4.8 from 10 votes

Perfect Pineapple Cake

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

35 mins

Total Time

45 mins

Soft, sweet and perfectly baked. This easy pineapple cake will be a treat for everyone.

Course: Dessert

Keyword: cake

Servings: 12

Ingredients

3 Eggs
150 g Caster Sugar
565 g Can of Pineapple chunks in syrup
300 g Self Raising Flour
1 tspn Baking Powder

Instructions

Break the eggs into a bowl and whisk with a hand or electric whisk.
Whisk the sugar into the eggs.
Put the whole can of pineapple chunks and syrup into the mixture.
Add Flour and Baking Powder. Mix well.
180 degrees for 35-40 minutes
Check if it's cooked using a cocktail stick. Put in the centre of the cake and if it is clear when you remove it then it's done.

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If you like the look of this recipe then why not try some of these too:

Easy Soda Bread Without Buttermilk

Easy No Churn Ice Cream With Salted Caramel Baileys

Easy Lemon Curd

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Pesto made with carrot tops. You have to try this!

This dish is so easy to make and the idea that you can make super yummy pesto made with carrot tops is a great idea. The amount of green carrot tops that just end up in the food bin is really daft and finding that they can be put to good use is pretty cool.

We have been growing vegetables this year which you can see in my free pallet patio garden post and you can actually see the carrots as they started off there. They have come out all shapes and sizes which is really cute.

We eat lots of pasta at home and it’s a really quick supper for our family which can fit in with our busy homelife. Pesto has long been a favourite but I had rarely made it before. Then when I was looking for ways to use the leftovers from some of my home grown vegetables I stumbled across someone saying to try it in pesto. I adapted the general idea and had a play and came up with this recipe which is quick, easy and very adaptable to the amount of ingredients you have to hand.

One of the many advantages of this recipe is that it’s an all in one recipe. Everything into the mixer and blitz for a couple of minutes.

Once made you can store for up to two weeks in an airtight container in the fridge. Try it out on chicken or tofu too.

4.34 from 3 votes

Pesto made with carrot tops

Prep Time

10 mins

Total Time

10 mins

This delicious Pesto made with the leafy green carrot tops adds a new dimension to Pesto Pasta. Also great to be smothered over meat or vegetables for your BBQ or main meal

Course: Main Course

Servings: 6 people

Author: Mainy - myrealfairy.com

Ingredients

100 ml Rapeseed Oil
1 bunch Green leafs from carrot tops
1 clove Garlic
10 leaves Basil
1 handful Hazelnuts
25 grammes Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Wash the leafy tops of the carrots well in cold water to remove any soil
Peel a garlic clove
Put all of the ingredients into a small blender with a chopping setting.
Whizz for approximately 2 minutes until it is all chopped to a smooth paste

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Is social media and technology affecting your family?

“Come down for tea” I hollar cheerfully up the stairs….. a minute or so goes by….

“boys, come on my darlings, it’s on the table….” more time passes and not a peep can be heard.

It’s now on the table and I’m getting a bit irritated….”Boys!!”

I’m starting to boil now…. “Right I’m going to count to 3!”

Eventually they appear, not in the least bit aware of the effect of my shouting up the stairs. I’ve now got to get myself out of the self induced strop that I’m in because day after day my voice is just not having the effect I think it should. My little boys are getting into a world of their own and that world is inhabited by the likes of YouTube stars and watching people carry out the silliest of pranks on shows they and their friends find online.

Now, I love to blog, my youngest loves to vlog for my blog and I have brought them the gadgets to watch this stuff on so really the blame lands firmly with me, I realise that but it’s all starting to get on my wick a bit.

Me and the OH do chat about the gadgets in our house and the boys use of them. We are pretty good in a few areas, we don’t have any devices at the meal table, homework is done straight away and they both do classes after school. It’s still amazes me though how they can get so into the zone watching these things on YouTube. I push for things like newsround and adventure shows to throw in a bit of knowledge based learning but even Steve Backshaw has a bit of competition with the YouTube elite of Spencer et al.

Looking at the stats you can find for facebook, snapchat, instagram and all the other little cousins of the social media world you can see the millions of daily users and how year on year these are increasing to meet the demand of our younger generation hopping onto this online juggernaut. Even their games such as Fortnite can have them chatting for hours.

I find myself dreaming of giving it all up and living on a farm away from the bustle of modern life. I see the huge pitfalls too of making this leap; money, contacts, work, school to name but a few of the basics. It’s still so tempting!

I was watching a film the other night about a family shunning the modern way of living and relying more on natural skills and intellectual educational learning and I kept thinking the same thing; there was something missing. The more I thought about it the easier it was to see, the missing link was ‘balance‘.

Technology can have so many great benefits to us and our family life, we can instantly communicate with friends and relatives on the other side of the world and keep our links with these people alive and current. They can help with homework and general knowledge. On the other hand are our children’s social skills being permanently adversely affected? Are we protecting their well-being by letting them be in their rooms on social media apps that distort their communication methods into abbreviated text junk?

So, back to my thoughts about balance and what can I do to instil some balance in the way that we live our lives. We can take a moment to stop and think what we are filling our days with. We can discuss together whether this is the direction we want to continue in. Do we need to get back to basics. Not one of those political slogans but something that is right for our own families. Sitting and talking as a family, eating together at least once a day, spending time without phones, iPads or any form of devise. I’m willing to give this a go and put my other solution of wellington boots and the countryside to one side at the moment. I want us to connect.

Has technology affected the way that you and your family communicate with each other and have you seen this trend slowly change or were there certain triggers? Can they be a valuable aid for educational learning?

Let's see who has got the balance right, involve others in the discussion.Click To Tweet

If you enjoyed this post then I think that you’d love my 5 tips to help the school run go smoother.

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4 Ways to Propose in Public

4 Ways To Propose In Public

Public proposals may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but when they’re planned well, they can be simply sensational. It’s like watching a real-time romantic comedy unfold. In fact, get it right and you could pull off the perfect balance between romantic and fun-loving, if that’s what you and your partner like. Add a few elements of your first date and special memories and your public proposal is sure to be a hit.

You can find in Sydney engagement rings that will be perfect for your beloved. Before you go looking for the perfect piece, though, here are our top tips for pulling of the perfect public proposal.

Plan, Keep Planning And Plan Some More

If you’re quite ready to put your heart on the line for everyone to see, make sure you have a solid plan in place. A public proposal, or any proposal, is definitely not the time to wing it. Whether you’re planning a choreographed flash mob to your favourite song in the middle of town or a singing quarter under her bedroom window, you need to pay attention to every detail. If everyone knows their part, and knows it well, they’re sure to be confident enough to help ensure your proposal is flawless and unforgettable.

Think About Her Response

Hopefully if you’ve gotten to this point in your relationship, you’re completely confident that she will say yes. But there’s a little more you need to consider if you’re going to propose in public. You want to be sure that after an incredible public proposal that her reaction will be fitting. For instance, if you think she will be excited but a little shy around strangers staring at her, it’s going to make for an awkward moment for everyone. So, consider her response carefully. You’re not going to want to plan a high energy proposal in public only for her to feel embarrassed.

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Yet, if she absolutely comes to life in the spotlight and is animated and outgoing, she’s sure to adore a public show of your love.

Don’t Make It Cheesy

There is a very fine line between cheesy and romantic. One of the best ways to counteract cheesiness is to make sure your proposal is highly personal. Play the guitar to your song, include something about how you first met or your first kiss, and take her back to that dazzling first moments. Making your public proposal special makes you super amazing.

In fact, if you need help, hire a proposal planner or designer friend who can help you avoid a cheesy proposal. For instance, proposals with style or themes can be done really wrong or perfectly. Make sure you have the right people helping you.

Choose The Right Spot

Finally, if your idea is a semi-public proposal, decide where you’re going to pop the question and who else you want there, such as friends, family and strangers. In fact, a semi-public proposal is the perfect way to incorporate all those personal details while making her feel like the star that she is.

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If you’d prefer a great big declaration of your love, though, follow the points we’ve laid out above and you’re sure to pull it off with class!

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Once you’ve got the proposal sorted out you may love this engagement ring post right up your street. To find out more about the differences between a wedding ring and an engagement ring then I also have that for you to read by clicking on the link. Enjoy!

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to you all. What a great start to the day I had today, a cup of tea and breakfast in bed. Here is the card that the boys gave me! Little darlings! 🙂

I regaled them with tales of when they were babies and today was the turn of one of my favourite stories of how during my first pregnancy. I tried to convince everyone who would listen that I was going to use just terry towel natural nappies and not touch the likes of disposables.

I had this image of a large washing line full of glistening white nappies blowing dry on a summers day. I remember the look on my mums face as she said ‘yes dear if that’s what you want’. I now know that she was giggling inside knowing me and knowing what hard work that would be. However she is always so supportive and never put me off, instead guiding me through all eventualities.

Suffice to say that I’m not the earth mother that I thought, or hoped to be and the shock of having a baby and learning to cope with my new little bundle of life was enough to put the thought of going natural on the back burner.

Whatever we do and however we cope, here’s to all mothers on Mother’s Day. Well done for each and every nappy change, sticking plaster application and tummy flip that makes us mums.

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What To Know About Vintage Engagement Rings

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If you’re looking for a unique and truly gorgeous engagement ring, an antique or vintage engagement ring may be the perfect choice for her. With so many options that range from cathedral settings to intricate floral designs, vintage engagement rings may be designed to fit the style and personality of the one you love.

While we’ve put together the below tips on shopping for a vintage engagement ring, the most important advice we can give you for vintage engagement rings is to always buy one from a reputable vendor to ensure you receive the value and quality your other half deserves.

An Overview Of Vintage Engagement Ring Settings

While out shopping for vintage engagement rings for Valentine’s at Kalmar Antiques, among the first things the shop will want you to consider is the settings. Vintage settings lend themselves to the styles of the art deco, Victorian and Edwardian times. These beautiful styles often feature amazing intricacies. Filigree and milgrain, especially, are two popular techniques that were used to create even more detail within the settings.

Filigree is a type of delicate metal work that usually features twisted metal threads or metal beads found throughout the setting. The most common engagement rings feature yellow gold filigree embellishments both on the shank and around the diamond.

Milgrain engraving is a type of embellishment that gives the ring its vintage look, complete with minute metal balls that decorate the sides of the band as well as the crown of the ring.

Why She Will Love A Vintage Engagement Ring

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Antique or vintage engagement rings are eye-catching. They boast unique designs with a classic look and beautiful intricate details. A vintage engagement ring truly is a timeless piece of jewellery, something that is sure to be cherished and perhaps even passed down through future generations.

You can also personalise the vintage ring you choose for her to make sure it fits her style. In other words, vintage rings truly do stand out from the crowd.

From a fancy milgrain design to a stunning floral starburst, the options are endless. Vintage engagement rings can be found in an array of metals, too, including, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum.

What To Know When Buying The Ring

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Have you been thinking about buying a really old vintage ring? It will certainly make for a unique engagement ring with a very special history, but keep in mind that it can be a risky move if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Antique rings don’t usually come with a genuine certificate from the AGS or GIA, which means you don’t have real validation of the diamond’s quality. While a seller could promise an exceptional cut, colour and clarity, they might not have any way of proving it.

What’s more, it can be difficult understanding the setting’s condition. You need to be sure the diamond is securely held in place, but you won’t know if the setting will deteriorate over time.

Finally, when it comes to the price of the ring, you may not get the best value. Consider if you’re paying just for the fact that it’s decades old, or for the actual setting and stone.

However, you can avoid all this uncertainty by purchasing vintage rings from a reputable seller like Kalmar Antiques. You’re sure to delight the love of your life.

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If you like this post then check out my post on Women’s Dress Codes to Suit all Occasions or my January Quiz

5 Top Reasons to Service Your Car

And how this will help you keep safe on the roads.

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The weather has certainly taken a colder direction and now when I’m going out in the mornings I’m having to add an extra 10 minutes to defrost the car fully. I find it really scary when I see those cars going past who haven’t taken snow off of their roofs or back window and they can hardly see a thing. As a parent I know that when I am driving there are enough possible distractions with the kids asking for things, playing and fighting – yeah all kids do it, not just yours;) That and the little darlings needing a wee by the time I get to the end of the road mean that I need to have peace of mind that my car is not going to let me down.

It doesn’t have to mean that you have the newest car on the block, it just means that we work with what we have and keep it well looked after. One of the most important ways is having regular services. To highlight this I was contacted by Calmac Tyres in Northampton to raise awareness of how important this is. If you are lucky enough to live near them then contact them for advice and book in for a service to keep your car in tip top condition.

5 Top Reasons to Service Your Car

Prevention is better than a cure. Spotting problems before they become major issues will save you time and money.
Keeping a good value to your car. If you are thinking of selling in the future then prospective owners will be more inclined to buy a car that has evidence of being well maintained.
It’s a time for all core operating pieces to be inspected, giving you peace of mind that a qualified engineer has given it the thumbs up.
Regular servicing helps the cars efficiency. Properly cleaned filters, sufficient and correct engine oil increases the longevity of your car.
Safety for you and your family. A well checked car and tyres is going to ensure that your car doesn’t let you down.

Make sure that your garage has good reviews and is VOSA approved. Looking into the garage to find out if it meets your needs, i.e. does it have disabled access, is it child friendly, have comfort facilities etc will make it a much smoother experience.

Car servicing in Northampton like never before. Book yours from Calmac Tyres Autocentre. If you are looking for a full service or an interim service then it’s best to speak to the garage to look at the full comparison of checks for each service. Generally an interim service is carried out at 6 months or 6,000 miles and a full service at 12 months or 12,000 miles. Your interim service will check all the fluid levels, lights, brakes and bodywork whereby your full service will be a thorough check of all the mechanics of your car, plus the standard fluid levels, brakes, performance and advisory information.

What are your experiences of going to the garage? Do you have regular services for your car?

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If you like this post then try my post here; 5 tips on buying a family car.

Dating with Style Plus Dinner on us!

Today I have for you the chance to win a 6 month membership to Old Style Dating and a whopping £50 voucher to dine out when you go on your first date! What a way to start on your path to love.

How refreshing it is to find a dating site which focuses on old style respect and manners, you won’t find one night stands here but instead people looking for a meaningful relationship.

So much emphasis seems to be put on people flashing everything they have and leaving nothing to the imagination that you could easily think that the good old days of dating and finding out what really makes someone tick has just gone out of the window.

This is where Old Style Dating has come to save the day. The founder Dennie has created a wonderful place to go to find that special someone. Dennie is passionate about promoting real dating for people looking for respect, manners and commitment, with some old style romance thrown in.

How would you like the chance to win a free 6 months membership which gives you complete access to the whole site? This could be the start of something wonderful and a great way to see in the 2019. Valentine’s day is just around the corner and you could be joining someone special to celebrate this day of love!

Competition Time…

Enter here for your chance to win a 6 Month Full Membership to Old Style Dating. Plus £50.00 Dinner Voucher for your first date!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and let me know how you get on and if I should start looking for a new hat!

Terms and Conditions: £50 Dinner Vouchers for your first date through Old Style Dating. 6 Months Membership issued to the winner of this rafflecopter competition. Prize to be used in line with Old Style Dating website terms and condition. £50 Dinner voucher to be issued for the first date when this occurs. No substitute prize given. Verification of entries by myrealfairy.com Verification for £50 Dinner voucher by oldstyledating.co.uk

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How to time manage your way back to happiness

Sounds like a bold statement doesn’t it, surely time management will be a tricky creature to tame!? Well it is, but there is some hope to be able to achieve this……

I started blogging to have an escape and hobby away from my job and the normal stresses that having my chosen career brought my way. Never in a million years did I realise how time-consuming blogging would be. However, for me at least, it is not stressful at all and thankfully it is amazingly relaxing and enjoyable. So even though it’s a great relaxer, it does mean that there are even more things on my plate.

Whether you’re a parent, blogger, career person, stay at home parent, student, none, or a mixture of all of those labels, I bet you all have times when you’ve been juggling loads of tasks and you feel at bursting point.

I have been on quite a few time management workshops over the years to glean a basic understanding of what I should be doing to ease things up with my workload. That doesn’t mean that I always get it right but I do have a couple of tips that you may well find useful.

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Plan Plan Plan – then when the unexpected jumps out at you, which it normally does, you’ve got some idea of where you were in the day before it all went crazy.

Have ‘thinking’ time – time taken at any point during the day that you can just think about what needs to be done and try to put it into some sort of order. Write in a journal if it helps, or on your phone, whatever you use for jotting things down.

When people offer help, say yes! It can be a big hurdle to overcome but generally when people offer then they mean it. Say yes once in a while and feel the difference it can have on you.

My favourite and the one which has the biggest positive effect on me is….Whether it’s bills, kids letters home from school, letters at home…..touch them only once! Try and carry out all the necessary action with it. It may be to book the dentist appointment or phone in the electric reading. Get it sorted out, then file or bin it. This is by far my biggest time saver and also the one that needs the most willpower to succeed.

Finally, remember – You’re not superhuman, you can rest! Ease up on yourself and celebrate what you have achieved.

There is always tomorrow….