• Exploring Bentley Priory Nature Reserve
    Family Life - Local Review - London

    Exploring Bentley Priory Nature Reserve

    February 2, 2021 - By 

    Last weekend we went off to explore Bentley Priory Nature Reserve in Stanmore, north London. We wanted to visit after we went to the Battle of Britain Bunker at Uxbridge last year. RAF Bentley Priory was the headquarters of Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain and throughout the Second World War. Bentley Priory Bentley Priory itself was the final home of the Dowager Queen Adelaide, Queen Consort of William IV, before her death there in 1849. Bought by the RAF in the 1920s The Royal Air Force station was closed in 2008 and the original house was turned into…

  • Puff pastry mincemeat tart recipe
    Family Life

    Puff pastry mincemeat tart recipe

    January 31, 2021 - By 

    You’re probably not expecting another Christmas recipe in January. Sorry, not Sorry! I love mincemeat and don’t see why it shouldn’t be enjoyed throughout winter. It’s warming and delicious and there are so many ways to enjoy it. I have so many jars that I was looking for a quick and easy pudding to make. This puff pastry mincemeat tart is a winner! Puff pastry mincemeat tart ingredients: 375g ready-rolled puff pastry 300g mincemeat Brandy Butter or Brandy Cream to serve How to make a puff pastry mincemeat tart Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C for a fan oven. Unroll your…

  • Family Life

    Laser Hair Removal: A Definitive Guide For Beginners

    January 28, 2021 - By 

    Photo by Camille Brodard ~ Kmile Feminine Creative Designer on Unsplash Laser hair therapy is very different from the other physical therapies and cosmetic treatments that you undergo. No, you are not just removing body hair from different parts of your body; it’s a bit more than that. No more wasting time in the salon and buying expensive waxing strips because visiting a laser hair removal specialists can give you a life-changing experience. If you are new to this field and have no knowledge, here is a definitive guide for you. Laser Hair Removal: A Definitive Guide For Beginners Shave the…

  • A walk through Black Park Country Park, Bucks
    Buckinghamshire - Family Life

    A walk through Black Park Country Park, Bucks

    January 24, 2021 - By 

    I really enjoy sharing some of the places we visit as a family. Since getting our dog last year we’ve explored lots of new places near to where we live on the outskirts of London. We’re really lucky to be close enough to London to go in when we want, but also have beautiful countryside at the end of our road. Last weekend we went for a walk through Black Park Country Park in Buckinghamshire. Black Park is just off the A412, in close proximity to Langley Park and the Pick Your Own Farm at Iver. Black Park Country Park…

  • Mulled wine chocolate brownie recipe
    Family Life

    Mulled wine chocolate brownie recipe

    January 21, 2021 - By 

    Is anyone else still enjoying Christmas food? We have so many Christmas chocolates, treats and bottles of mulled wine. It was a bit strange drinking mulled wine in January but I don’t see why it should only be drunk at Christmas. I set a little mulled wine aside to make a batch of mulled wine chocolate brownies. We love brownies and I thought this was a fun twist on a brownie recipe. This isn’t my recipe. I’m not sure where the original recipe is from as I found it in a pile of recipes I’d ripped out of magazines. Mulled…

  • Exploring Northala Fields with kids
    Family Life - Local Review - London

    Exploring Northala Fields with kids

    January 14, 2021 - By 

    Looking for somewhere new to take the children in west London? Have you been to Northala Fields in Northolt? It’s easy to get too with so much space for kids to run around. We’re going to tell you some of our favourite things about Northala Fields and why we think you should visit if you haven’t yet. Exploring Northala Fields with kids There’s a handy free car park at Northala Fields (but it fills up quickly so get there early!). The first thing you notice is the four huge artificial mounds. Although they look really old they are actually quite…

  • Wembley Park Christmas Lights
    Family Life - Local Review - London

    Wembley Park Christmas Lights

    January 9, 2021 - By 

    Ok so Wembley Park Christmas Lights may be over but I’m all ready for next Christmas! Days out and activities have been a little thin on the ground during the Christmas holidays. One evening we decided to head over to Wembley Park to see the Christmas light installations. Wembley Park Christmas Lights We love to visit Wembley Designer Outlet but of course all the shops are closed at the moment. It’s still a fun place to go for a walk through though. We weaved our way around the shopping centre, past the back of the Stadium and towards Wembley Park…

  • Exploring Osterley Park West London
    Family Life - London

    Exploring Osterley Park West London

    December 19, 2020 - By 

    A few weeks ago we were looking for somewhere new to explore near us. 2020 has been all about exploring our local area. We’ve discovered some lovely places in West London and were keen to visit somewhere new to us. We didn’t have to venture too far to find Osterley Park in West London. Owned by the National Trust, we pre-booked our slot, and headed out for the day. Exploring Osterley Park West London The National Trust’s Osterley Park and House, is in Isleworth, West London. It comprises of a Georgian estate in gorgeous parkland. Like so much of London,…

  • Baking edible gingerbread decorations
    Family Life - gingerbread

    Baking edible gingerbread decorations

    December 16, 2020 - By 

    Over the weekend I decided to make one of the gingerbread kits I had bought and featured in my Gingerbread Gift Guide. I chose the Waitrose Gingerbread & Shortbread Decorating Kit. The kit helps you bake and decorate your own magical festive treats and included ingredients to make both gingerbread men and shortbread Christmas tree shaped biscuits. I thought these would be great for baking edible gingerbread decorations to hang on our tree. Baking edible gingerbread decorations I just needed to add unsalted butter, water and golden syrup to the packet mixes. First I made the shortbread, leaving it to…