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Christmas birthdays and wheat free chocolate madeira cake recipe

Chris and my dad share a birthday. In December. Cue panic double present buying…
Christmas in our house doesn’t really get started until after their birthdays. As a child, we used to decorate the house with my grandparents the weekend closest to Dad’s birthday. Chris remembers something similar in his home when he was growing up.
This year (and actually last year as well, thanks Facebook for the reminder 🙂 ) I asked Chris when he would like to decorate and he said the sooner the better! Phew, we are both big kids at heart and now we have kids Christmas is so much more magical.
Next panic is the birthday cake. I sneakily made a wheat free cake so that I could enjoy it too, hurrah!

Here is the recipe if you fancy making it yourself!

Chocolate madeira loaf cake

175g butter or soft marge
175g golden caster sugar
3 eggs
200g SR flour (I used Dove’s Farm gluten free)
50g ground almonds
1 tablespoon cocoa
  1. Preheat oven GM3 or 170C
  2. Butter and line 900g loaf tin
  3. Whisk together butter, sugar and eggs.
  4. Fold in flour, almonds and cocoa. Add a generous splash of milk if the mixture is a little dry (gluten free mixes usualy need extra liquid)
  5. Bake for 55  minutes. Cover with foil for the last 25 minutes if starting to catch.
  6. Cool in the tin for 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  7. For the butter icing I combined 100g soft marge, 200g icing sugar and 25g cocoa
  8. I decorated with coffee chocolate beans and a cake topper from Inspired by Alma, yay!

 

This year Chris had the day off for his birthday and we treated ourselves to the brand spanking new Star Wars film. It was amazing!!!
But even more amazing is having Chris in my life. We are perfect together and our shared love of Star Wars is just one example (I’m wearing the Rebel Alliance symbol necklace he bought me for my birthday!) May the force be with you…


Vlogmas: baking my own gluten free mince pies

Yesterday I reviewed 3 supermarket brands of mince pie. But over on my YouTube channel I have been baking my own!
Here is the recipe:
Ingredients:
8oz flour
4oz hard margarine or butter
1 tsp caster sugar
2 eggs
water
mincemeat
optional: granulated, caster or icing sugar to sprinkle

 

Method:
  1. Rub the margarine into the flour until it forms ‘breadcrumbs’. Add the sugar and mix in.
  2. Add the eggs and bring together into a dough. You may need to add some cold water as well as gluten free flour requires extra liquid.
  3. Heat oven to GM6 or 200 Fan
  4. Roll out dough and cut out 12 rounds. Place in bun tray.
  5. Fill with 1 teaspoon of mincemeat.
  6. Cut out tops for the pies. I used a star but you can do rounds and completely enclose the mincemeat.
  7. Bake for 10-15 minutes. I removed mine and sprinkled with sugar after 10 minutes then returned them to the oven for the remaining time.
I had some spare pastry left over which I used for jam tarts but you could make another 6 mince pies if you wanted.


Lacey Patrick and the Wizard of Darkness by Deborah A Stansil

I was a little apprehensive about starting this book. Firstly I am not a young adult: no matter what my heart tells me, the wrinkles tell me otherwise! Secondly, it was written by the fabulous Deborah from My Random Musings who I met at BlogOnXmas and was lovely so the thought of critiquing her work was daunting!
I will start off with the only negative comment I have and that is that I didn’t get grabbed by the prologue as it is set in a dream. Re-reading it afterwards, I think I felt uncomfortable with the present tense which is my own personal preference and doesn’t reflect on the language or story.
However, the opening chapter really gets the story underway and introduces us to the very likable main character Lacey, a high school student.
I was a little surprised that the book is set in America. I was expecting it to be in the UK for some reason! Anyway, Lacey is starting a new year of school and has a new teacher but when she meets him it is the man from her dream. Just when she thinks it might have been coincidence, he talks about meeting her in her dream. The subtle way he drops it into the conversation made me shout ‘ha!’ at that point earning a strange look from Zach 🙂
The teacher Mr Hartman explains that Lacey is a witch (a bit Harry Potterish if I’m allowed to make comparisons) and they start to train together to develop her powers so that she can defeat a dark wizard who hasn’t yet realised his powers. But who is the dark wizard…?
The book has plenty of mystery, red herrings and twists. My imagination kept running away with me about potential suspects and outcomes. NO SPOILERS!

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I’m hoping there will be a sequel as there seems to be a suggestion at the end that Lacey’s story isn’t over…
Thank you Deborah for giving me the chance to read your book and I will share it with my children when they are old enough and I can tell them I know the author!

‘Please explain terrorism to me’, by Laurie Zelinger

This is a book that I hope I never have to read again or show my children. But I will because the world we live in is not a kind one 🙁 It is incredibly sad that we need this book but that makes it even more important to read it and use the techniques it advises.
I have had the difficult ask of trying to explain terrorism to my children and am so reassured that Dr Zelinger’s method is similar to my own!
The book is comprised of 2 sections, first a story for children to access and secondly notes for parents.
The story really highlights that children know what is going on, they see and hear things that we may not be aware of so ignoring the situation in the news may only serve to create increased fear and stress. I completely agree with this and whenever there has been an attack I sit down and discuss it with my children to ensure they have facts
The notes describe Zelinger’s PEARLS approach stands for Prepare Explain Answer Reassure Listen Safeguard. It is simple but effective, making sure children have access to appropriate information and are allowed the time to process it and respond with questions.
I would score this book 5/5. It is thought provoking, intelligent, caring: essential reading for parents in our troubled world.

 

A Story for Children, P-E-A-R-L-S of Wisdom for their Parents

Complemented by exquisite, colorful artwork, Dr. Zelinger skillfully crafts an easily relatable children’s story using everyday situations, around the oppressive concept of Terrorism in the news. With masterful understanding of the child’s world, new and frightening concepts are introduced carefully and gently, with the child’s perspective in mind. Dr. Zelinger provides parent coaching to further the dialogue in her P-E-A-R-L-S of Wisdom section (Prepare, Explain, Answer, Reassure, Listen, Safeguard) where caregivers are given scripts to guide them, as well room for individuality. This pioneer book helps children and parents face a critical, often avoided topic with reassurance and calm.

“This book provides the ‘PEARLS’ of wisdom for parents and children to discuss a scary topic like terrorism in ways that promote healthy and authentic parent-child conversations that yield to mutual respect and bonding.”
–Marc A. Brackett, PhD., Director, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

“Deep and yet accessible, her remarkable deciphering of the psychological factors that hinder the free communication between parents and children on terrorism is compelling. This fascinating guide amounts to a riveting lesson of clarity and to a masterpiece in bridging the unbridgeable.”
–Hon. Yehuda Lancry, Former Ambassador of Israel to the U.N.

“Please Explain ‘Terrorism’ to Me is a straightforward and down-to-earth treatment of a difficult subject. Dr. Zelinger uses common sense, a simple clarification of the basic issues, and reassurance to provide a deeper understanding of terrorism for kids–without a corresponding rise in anxiety.”
–Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D., Psychologist/Author

Available to buy from…
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble Kobo GPlay Paperback

 

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From the Growing With Love Series at Loving Healing Press

More books by the author

About the Author

Illustrator, Ann Israeli, and
author, Laurie Zelinger

Dr. Laurie Zelinger, Diplomate, is a Board Certified Psychologist with a specialty in School Psychology, and a Registered Play Therapist with forty years’ experience. She is a licensed New York State psychologist who recently retired from a Long Island public school system and is now devoting her time exclusively to writing, consulting, and her busy private practice. Dr. Laurie’s previous books include: “Please Explain Anxiety to Me: Simple Biology and Solutions for Children and Parents,” The “O MY” in TonsillectOMY & AdenoidectOMY: How to Prepare Your Child for Surgery (in its second edition), A Smart Girl’s Guide to Liking Herself Even on the Bad Days for American Girl, and a chapter on selective mutism in the compendium, School Based Play Therapy (second edition). She is also credited with being a consultant for the Bitty Baby book series by American Girl where she assisted in the development of the “For Parents” sections, as well as editorial development of another American Girl book. Dr. Laurie’s interest in writing began in 4th grade, when a play she wrote was performed by students in her public school. Dr. Zelinger is a fellow and elected officer in the nationally based American Academy of School Psychology and spent four years on the Executive Board of the New York Association of Play Therapy. As a media referral specialist for the American Psychological Association, she has contributed to nearly 200 venues regarding child development. Dr. Laurie and her psychologist husband, Dr. Fred, are both certified Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteers. They have been happily married for over thirty-five years and have raised four children. You can learn more about Dr. Zelinger and her books at DrZelinger dot com.

You can also follow the author here…
Author on Facebook Book Facebook page Goodreads

Ann Israeli graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and began her art career as a textile designer. She worked designing wallpaper and home furnishings before moving on to a career in Women’s and Children’s knitwear designs, where she won many awards. She began a second career as an art teacher in the Rockville Centre School District on Long Island, New York and earned her Masters of Art degree from Adelphi University (New York). Currently, Ann enjoys visiting her newest grandson in California and spending time with her husband, children, family, and friends. She also relishes her time working on oil painting and hopes to continue on her new path as an illustrator.

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‘Gingerbread at Moonglow’ by Deborah Garner: review and giveaway!

Getting in the mood for Christmas? I was lucky enough to be sent ‘Gingerbread at Moonglow’ to review and it has made me feel very festive!
The novella begins just before Christmas where a hotel owner is getting all set to provide her guests with a wonderful Christmas. This involves an accidentally supersized gingerbread house (hence the title)!
Although it is a novella rather than a full novel, the characters are well developed and the plot is both engaging and heart-warming. I am interested to see how it fits with the 2 earlier novellas in the series (see descriptions below) but it works perfectly well as a stand alone read.
As if the story isn’t enough, the author has also included some recipes at the end which sound very tempting!
My only complaint is that I wanted it to last longer and I want to know what happens to the characters. Maybe next Christmas…
Score 4/5

NEW RELEASE….

The small town of Timberton, Montana, boasts an ambiance of near-magical proportions during the Christmas season, due in no small part to resident artist and chef Mist’s mysterious way of working small miracles in people’s everyday lives. Each year, return guests and new arrivals mingle with local townsfolk to enjoy companionship, exquisite decor, and exceptional cuisine at The Timberton Hotel.

As the aromas of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and molasses mix with heartfelt camaraderie and sweet romance, guests share reflections on family, friendship, and life. Although decorating the outside of a gingerbread house may prove easier than deciding what goes inside, no one leaves Timberton without renewed hope for the future.

The Moonglow Series…

Each book may be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of the series.

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Available to buy from…
Amazon.co.uk   Amazon.com   Barnes and Noble   Kobo   iBooks   GPlay   Paperback

Also available in The Moonglow Series
Each book may be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of the series.

Mistletoe at Moonglow, The Moonglow Series, Book 1

The Timberton Hotel has always provided a perfect Christmas retreat for regular guests, as well as newcomers. But the small town of Timberton, Montana, hasn’t been the same since resident chef and artist, Mist, arrived, bringing a unique new age flavor to the old western town.

When guests check in for the holidays, they bring along worries, fears and broken hearts, unaware that Mist has a way of working magic in people’s lives. Old-fashioned time spent together, exquisite food, conversation and a snowball or two offer guests a chance to trade sadness for hope. One thing is certain: no matter how cold winter’s grip is on each guest, no one leaves Timberton without a warmer heart.

Available to buy from….
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Nook   iBooks   Kobo   Amazon Paperback   Barnes & Noble

Silver Bells at Moonglow by [Garner, Deborah]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver Bells at Moonglow, The Moonglow Series, Book 2

Christmas at the Timberton Hotel arrives each year with a unique set of guests, some returning, some new. When this holiday brings a celebrity seeking reprieve, sisters who are distant yet closer to each other than they think, a widow approaching a new horizon, and an eclectic smattering of local townsfolk and visiting relatives, the season is certain to be eventful. Add in a hint of romance and there’s more than snow in the air around the small Montana town.

Elegant decor and exquisite cuisine from resident artist and chef, Mist, form a backdrop to much needed camaraderie, bringing strangers and friends together. When the last note of Christmas carols has faded away, the soft whisper of silver bells from the front door’s wreath will usher guests and townsfolk alike back into the world with hope for the coming year.

Available to buy from….
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Nook   iBooks   Kobo   Amazon Paperback   Barnes & Noble

About the author
Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.

 

 

Find the author on the following sites…
Website   Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   Google+   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

 

 

 

 

Follow the Book Tour

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*I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY !!

Win your choice of $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal
Ending on Sunday 10th December at 11.59pm EST

Open Worldwide

Enter Below & Good Luck !!

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