Author Archive: Lydia

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Christmas Shopping Online

Lydia | November 15, 2012

The desire to hit Oxford Street with Christmas approaching isn’t at the top of my agenda. The very thought of battling the crowds with my baby in tow and pushy shoppers after last minute Christmas bargains is keeping me away from the high street this year.

I’ve decided to do my Christmas shopping online. It’s easy, I’ll be in the comfort of my own home and I won’t need to travel on busy London public transport with my baby.

I’m looking forward to finding the perfect Christmas gifts for my friends and family whilst sitting comfortably with a cup of tea and a cat (or two!) on my lap. Many online stores have unique Christmas shops to help shoppers like me find the perfect gifts without traipsing the shops.

Some of my favourite online Christmas Shops for Christmas Decorations, Gifts and Food:

The John Lewis Christmas Shop has a delightful selection of everything from Christmas Decorations, personal Christmas Gifts, Partywear, Christmas Cookware, Christmas Hampers and some of the best Baby Gifts.

The GLTC Christmas Shop has a huge assortment of Christmas Stockings and Sacks, Advent Calendars and Nativity Toys, Christmas Decorations, Personalised Christmas Gifts, Big Present Ideas, Gifts for Boys, Gifts for Girls and lovely Stocking Fillers.

The House of Fraser Christmas Shop has Christmas Decorations, Christmas Candles and Tableware, Christmas Cookware, Table Settings and Home Decorations. As well as Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for Kids, Gifts for Couples, Gifts for For the Home. I love The Toy Edit and their selection of Family Games.

Toys for Christmas at House of Fraser

The world famous Liberty Christmas Shop has unique and luxurious gifts for everyone. There are Stocking Fillers, Liberty Print Gifts, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for the Home and a wonderful selection of Baby Gifts and Toys for Children.

The Marks and Spencer Christmas Shop has Gifts for all ages, Christmas Decorations and a wonderful selection of Food.

The Feel Unique Christmas Shop has everything covered when it comes to Beauty, Skin Care, Fragrance and Healthy Living. There are Gift Sets, Stocking Fillers, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for Mum and my favourite selection of Baby and Toddler Bath and Skin Care.

For delicious treats and food this Christmas I’m shopping at the Waitrose Christmas Shop where there’s a large selection of Christmas Hampers and wine.

Super Vegetable Soup

Lydia | November 10, 2012

Super Vegetable Soup

I’m not a fan of recipes, simply because I like to be a little creative and find it hard to stick rigidly to a recipe.

Unsurprisingly things don’t always work out as they should, but they still end up tasting great.

For lunch I made a Super Vegetable Soup.

It’s super because:

I use all organic ingredients
It’s packed full of vitamins, minerals and hearty goodness
It’s really quick to make
I make it using only one pan
It’s great value for a fresh and nutritious meal that feeds 6 people
I chop the vegetables roughly because they’re blended with a Hand Blender

This soup is perfect for anyone wanting an easy, quick, healthy and filling meal to feed their family.

Organic Ingredients:

1 small Red Onion
2 cloves of Garlic
2 Leeks
2 Carrots
6 New Potatoes
Half a Buttnernut Squash
2 large handfuls of Kale
A splash of cream can be added to taste when serving

How I make it:

Chop onion, garlic, leeks and saute in a large pan. When sauteed I transfer these into a bowl whilst I prepare the remaining vegetables.
Chop the carrots, potatoes and butternut squash into small cubes and add water to just cover the vegetables. Boil until cooked.
Wash and chop the kale and add to the pan of boiling vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes.
Blend the vegetables in the pan using a Hand Blender.

And there it is, cooked and ready to eat!

I don’t add salt or pepper when cooking the soup so it’s suitable for my baby to eat.

Pepper and salt can be added to suit individual tastes when serving. Add a splash of cream if desired.

Serve the soup with warm crusty bread.

What’s your favourite winter soup?