Holiday Packing

In 13 days we are flying off for our family holiday. We went to Lanzarote last year and loved where we stayed and the country so much we decided to go back for our 11 year anniversary. 

I'm normally really well prepared with getting everything organised but this year is different. I don't know if its because I'm working and just feel like I've no time or what. It's really frustrating so on my day off this week, I'm going to set out all of our clothes and get them packed.

I booked our holiday through Travel Republic and we are flying with Aer Lingus. The one thing I didn't realise until the other day is that we only have 15kg suitcase allowance. Absolute nightmare so I'm definitely upgrading that when we check in online.

I'll be packing myself and the hubbies clothes and toiletries in the main suitcase and the kids clothes will be going in their school bags. 

To help things along I always do the following.

• Make a checklist on everything we need for the holiday. This includes clothes, toiletries and some toys for the kids. I try to pack as light as possible so there's room to bring home a few things. 
• Lay everything out on the bed in sections, one for me, one for him, one for JJ and one for Sophie. 
• Print copies of all paperwork including flight, car parking, transfers, travel insurance and hotel voucher.
• Cut down on toiletries - this is what ways down the suitcase big time. I'm a divil for over packing toiletries  and cosmetics. Always packing more than I need. So I really need to be mindful this year, besides if I'm really stuck I can buy over there. 
• Don't pack last minute, this is really important to me because I'll just panic pack bringing things I don't need

Have you any tips for family packing? I'll be sharing my makeup bag for holidays and a few more holiday themed posts. If there's anything in particular you'd like to see, let me know 

xxx Anita xxx

Right Let's Start Again

So I know ages ago I said I'd be back doing about three posts a week and to be honest at the time, I really felt this was something I could do. But life has a funny way of catching you out...

Since my last post, the kids are all grown up with Jack going into second class and Sophie starting junior infants. I honestly don't know where the time has gone! It's actually insane to think my little ones are growing up so fast. 

I've also returned to working in pharmacies, currently I'm a dispensary technician working full time in the hope of buying our house (fingers crossed for next May). There'll be a post on that soon, all about the mortgage minefield. It's actually unreal.

I've found myself needing more outlets to de-stress and clear my head. Part of what I've done is join a gym, which I surprisingly love. Something my younger self would have broke her heart laughing at. It's been great. I also wanted to return to blogging,somewhere to share my thoughts and clear my head.

I genuinely loved my blogging days and the friends I made. Some of whom I still talk to. I find I've missed it so thought sure why not give it another start. 

I'll still be doing beauty related items but let's face it I'm a mum now with a busy life so I think it's important I acknowledge that part of me. 

I'm open to suggestions on what people would like to see. I definitely want to cover my other passions like cooking 

Hope you enjoy my comeback 

xxx Anita xxx

Easter At Glenroe Open Farm

On Easter Monday, the four of us headed off to spend the day with my bestie and her two sons in Glenroe Open Farm for their Easter Egg Hunt and to see what animals they had.

Sophie may only be one but she is already following in mine and Jacks footsteps of being animal lovers. She is fascinated by them. 

To say it was busy would be an understatement. I've been there several times and have never seen so many cars in the car park or people strolling around. It cost us €21 (Sophie was free) Not a bad price when I compare it to some of the open farms we've been too.

There was lots to see and do including two of my favourite animals (Deer and Horses)

Have you visited Glenroe or have you any recommendations for other farms?

Xxx Anita xxx

Newest Chocolate Biscuit Cake Recipe

I love to bake but there is no question that it can be quite stressful. The cake may not rise, it could crack. Sometimes, I just like something sweet that doesn't cause any of that panic.

My latest rediscovery is Chocolate Biscuit Cake. It's so easy to make, literally melt the chocolate,butter and golden syrup and then add in the biscuits and maltesers.

My recipe (for 8inch round tin)

🍫 450g Good Quality Chocolate ( I like a mixture of milk and dark)

🍫 400g Unsalted Butter

🍫 175ml Golden Syrup ( I like to use the squeeze bottle to avoid mess)

🍫 1 packet Digestives

🍫 1/2 packet Rich Tea

🍫 1 small packet of Malteasers

Grease your cake tin and line with baking paper, pour mixture in and leave set in the fridge for 3-4 hours. 

For special occasions, I decorate with kit kats/chocolate fingers and whichever sweets takes the fancy of who I am making it for. There's no doubt this is c not so calorie friendly but you would only eat a small slice so it goes quite far for special occassions.

Have you ever made Chocolate Biscuit Cake or do you have a favourite cake you like to bake?

xxx Anita xxx