Saturday 26 November 2011

Advent



Usually by now I have bought an advent calendar for each of my sons however this year Christmas seems to be creeping up at an alarming rate and I am just not organised at all! When they were younger I always used to buy a traditional advent calendar with pictures behind the doors but these have become increasing difficult to find and aren't popular with my sons. At 6 and 10 they want the chocolate advent calendars that their friends have! I have been looking at alternatives this year and the wooden advent calendar from Next looks perfect. There are 24 wooden drawers, all nicely decorated which are just the right size for a little treat. Best of all the calendar can be re used every year and it also looks nice as a Christmas decoration too!

Friday 11 November 2011

The Midi Skirt


I recently became a member of the Next Blogger Network and have been looking at the other blog entries and thought it was about time I made my first post!

As Christmas approaches I always dread looking for something new for Christmas parties. There is the unwritten rule that you can't wear the same outfit as you wore last year but I hate spending a lot of money on something that is only worn once. This is why I love the Midi skirt from Next as it is such a great investment as it can be worn to any number of parties and all I need to do is buy a couple of different tops and some bold necklaces and I have any number of different outfits to wear. Being black it looks stunning with any of the bright colours that are in the shops at the moment and can really be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.




Sunday 6 November 2011

Trekmates Flameless Cooking System


We have been lucky enough to try out the new Trekmates Flameless Cooking System before it has even reached the shops!

The Flameless Cooking System is available to pre order on the Trekmates website http://www.trekmates.co.uk/online-shop/flameless-cook-system--pre-order

Trekmates describe the cooking system as a revolutionary new cook system for those out and about. The 850ml box allows you to heat and cook food without the need for flame! Using the water activated heat pack the cook box produces no Carbon Monoxide, unlike gas or petrol and is therefore safe to use inside a tent!

These stoves are ideal for lightweight camping and hiking as they provide the means to make a hot drink and lunch without the need for a flame.

This means as long as you have a bottle of water in your tent you can make a nice hot brew without even leaving your sleeping bag! Perfect for those frosty mornings.

The system comprises of a plastic outer container with a stainless steel inner container. An airtight lid clamps them all together. The heat pack and a small amount of water are placed in the plastic container and your food or drink is put in the plastic container. The lid is clamped on and heat is created by a chemical reaction between the heat pack and water, steam is produced which in turn heats your food. The whole system is encased in a neoprene sleeve which retains the heat and also protects your hands from the heat.

We have tried a variety of foods and whilst the larger stove is best suited to cooking a dehydrated meals or reheating pre cooked foods such as baked beans the smaller system is a very handy size and we have made hot drinks, porridge and cooked noodles in it.

We have put the stove through it's paces at home however today the system has had it's first test - a Scout hike! Fortunately it passed with flying colours and the Scout leaders and Scouts were very impressed with what it could do.

Overall this is a great product and should definitely be a hit with lightweight campers and hikers.