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CAN I claim to be a seasoned baker now?

Because thanks to Carr’s Flour and their new kids range, I am feeling like a pro in the kitchen!

With the kids getting stuck in we made some delicious rolls with their Really Easy Bread Mix – and it was exactly that.

We literally just added water and some butter – although my boy did do a runner as soon as his hands got a little sticky, before my tweenager also disappeared when it came to using some muscle to knead the dough…

They did return however to split the mixture into smaller balls and demolished them once they came out of the oven – they were perfect for afternoon bacon butties.

And it was the same when it came to the Really Easy Biscuit Mix – everything is ready to pour into a bowl and then you add water and butter – job done.

We opted for some chocolate chips as a little extra and you could even get your little ones to decorate with icing – whatever takes your fancy.

Boring parent bonus points for the flour in both the bread and biscuits being a mix of white and wholemeal flour.

We were also gifted the handy baking set which is the perfect size for mini bakers and we used the heat-shaped cookie cutters for the biscuits.

I would definitely recommend the mixes if you’re like me and not that keen on baking (lockdown made me do it!)

It was a lifesaver having these to make during the half term and as lockdown life is set to continue for a while yet, they’re a great addition to the list of indoor activities to help keep both adults and children sane.

 

 

HOW’S your new year going so far? Still a few days left until the kids go back to school? Yeah, I feel you…

Well it may help to know that Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is running a Family Fun Day on Sunday (January 6) where a number of activities are free for visitors. Every little helps right?

The little ones can get their faces painted for free, take part in balloon sculpting workshops and pick up some circus skills. There’s also a Santa Parade and Teletubbies meet and greet, as well as comedy performances and a magician entertaining the crowd.

And as the event is specifically aimed at children, the site is also alcohol-free for the day.

Visit the site for more information on exactly what’s available www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/family-fun-day

I’m a huge fan of Alesha Dixon – she’s definitely on my list of favourite celebs to chat to – so I was pleased to hear she’s been announced as judge for the Explore Learning Writers’ Awards 2019.

This is a chance for budding young authors across the UK to have their work recognised.

Open to children aged from four to 14, youngsters are encouraged to write a 500 word story with the winner bagging a trip to Disneyland Paris for their family and £500 worth of books for their school library.

To top it off, Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha will surprise them at their school with the news.

Mum Alesha is herself a published author and will this year release the third instalment in her children’s book series, Lightning Girl.

The comp opens March 11 when this year’s theme will also be announced.

Explore Learning will be running a number of free creative writing workshops with schools and libraries across the UK to inspire kids to take part.

The closing date for entries is Sunday May 5.

For more info visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters

One of the nicest ladies in showbiz, it’s always a pleasure to catch up with singer, Britain’s Got Talent judge – and most importantly, fellow working mum Alesha Dixon.

Bumping into her at the Little Black Dress cocktail party, in the glamorous surroundings of Piccadilly’s Hotel Café Royal, she broke the news that she’s joined the online retailer and fashion brand’s board of directors.

Fresh from releasing her latest album Do It For Love, Dixon spoke of her desire to see Little Black Dress develop into ‘more of a lifestyle brand’, for the company to forge links with charities such as domestic abuse charity Refuge and plans to create her own collection early next year. And so, yet another string to add to her bow.

Dixon, who’s mum to daughter Azura Sienna (who recently turned two), was all smiles as we discussed our little ones, using the words ‘it’s great, isn’t it?’ to describe parenthood.  Well, I couldn’t have said it better myself! Juggling motherhood and the world of work is never an easy one, but it always helps to do it with a smile!

www.aleshadixon.com     www.littleblackdress.co.uk