Hidden Treasures Along The North East Coast

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I love our coastline. I feel very lucky to live across the road from a Northumberland Beach, even more so when the country is in lockdown.

This week, after heavy rain and strong winds, a reminder of the beaches history, something that usually sits peacefully beneath the sand, was revealed.

Nestled next to Lysdon Burn, in the stretch between Blyth and Seaton Sluice, these steel structures have appeared.

You might have seen them and wondered what they are. Well, they’re Anti-Tank Defences from World War II. how amazing is that?!

The “Tank Traps” are believed to have been built in 1940 and have remained hidden for years. If you’re from the area and fancy having a look, be quick, they’ll soon be buried again.

After discovering this hidden treasure, I learnt about other parts of history along the North East Coast that can only be seen when Mother Nature lets us (because of this, the following images are from Google and are not my own).

The Submerged Forest, Creaswell

The Cresswell Submerged Forest is believed to be part of “Doggerland” which used to connect the UK to Europe.

Lions Head Fountain, Tynemouth

Located on Longsands, the Engine Well was built in 1863.

Steam Boiler From A Shipwreck, Howick

The steam boiler is from the shipwrecked Tadorne which run aground in 1913.

WWII Pillbox, Bamburgh

The pillbox structure is part of a long chain of coastal defensive sites.

18th Century Shipwreck, Bamburgh

The remains have been dated back to 1770.

The Old Pier, Beadnell

The programme “Britain At Low Tide” investigated what exactly this is.

Shipwreck, Whitley Bay

Believed to be the remains of a tugboat that was wrecked 40 years ago.

This one’s a little different because it’s no longer there but I had to include it because it’s so fascinating.

The Maral, Seaton Sluice

The Maral’s engine room caught fire near the Farne Islands in 1987. The crew abandoned the ship and it drifted before becoming grounded between Blyth and Seaton Sluice. The ship was dismantled on the beach and removed. Imagine going for a walk and seeing that!

I wonder how many more secrets our beaches hold and when, if ever, they’ll share them.

Have you seen any of these Hidden Treasures or do you know of any more? Drop a comment below.

The Best “Kitchen Hacks” I Ever Learnt

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From the “why didn’t I think of that!?” moments to serious game changers – below are a list of my favourite hints, tips and hacks for when I’m in the kitchen.

1. Packets of Micro – Rice

These are an absolute kitchen hack anyway but did you know the bottoms split at the side so the packet remains upright when you put them in the microwave.

2. Fresh Eggs?

Test the freshness of your eggs by popping them in a jug of water. If the egg sinks straight to the bottom and stays there, it’s as fresh as can be. If it starts to stand, it’s still fine to eat. If the egg floats to the top, throw it in the bin.

3. Easy Peel Ginger

Don’t peel it at all, scrape that papery skin with a spoon.

4. Freezing Fresh Herbs

Pop left over fresh herbs in an ice cube tray with a little bit of oil.

5. Singing Swede

Have you ever tried to peel and dice a Swede? Impossible task! Microwave your Swede for 20-30 mins, cut in half and scoop out the flesh. This method also works well with butternut squash.

6. Egg Shell In Your Mixture?

Use a larger piece of the shell to scoop out any egg shell fragments.

7. Get Juicy

Before juicing citrus fruits, microwave them for a few seconds.

8. Smooth Mash

Sounds crazy but use a hand mixer for lump-free mashed potatoes.

9. Reheating Pizza (and other bakery goods)

Pop a small glass of water in the microwave when reheating pizza to keep that base crispy.

10. Keep That Water

Use the water you boil your veggies in for making gravy.

11. Frozen Potato Waffles Can Be Cooked In The Toaster…

Couple of pops and job done.

12….So Can Hash Browns!

Again, couple of pops needed but they come out lovely and crispy.

The Best “Parenting Hacks” I Ever Learnt

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From the “why didn’t I think of that!?” moments to serious game changers – below are a list of my favourite hints, tips and hacks I’ve picked up on my parenting journey.

1. Stickers inside of shoes help with figuring out which shoe goes on which foot.

2. Store duvet covers inside of their matching pillow case to keep the sets together.

3. Snow outside? Keep little hands warm and dry by putting disposable gloves on top of their gloves.

4. Cupcake cases are ideal for catching lolly drips.

5. Bicarbonate of soda helps with smelly footwear.

6. After crafting involving the dreaded glitter, wrap sellotape around your hand to help with the clean up.

7. Use a straw to remove strawberry stems.

8. When making children’s beds use a mattress protector, then a sheet, then another mattress protector and finally another sheet – after any night time accidents you just need to whip off the top sheet and mattress protect and the bed is good to go.

9. Repurpose their paintings and artwork as wrapping paper for presents.

10. The ultimate parenting hack – the envelope folds on baby vests means, in the event of a poonami, you can pull the vest down and off as opposed to up and over.

Making Your Child’s Lockdown Birthday One To Remember

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The UK has entered another strict lockdown due to Covid-19 and so we’re all set to spend more time at home once again. As the pandemic goes on, most parents have experienced a small person’s birthday in isolation. Scroll down for ideas on how to celebrate and make lasting memories at home.

1. Treasure Hunt For Presents

Create clues to where you’ve hidden birthday gifts.

2. Cinema Night

Get the popcorn and sweets sorted then snuggle on the sofa for a night at the movies.

3. Downstairs Sleepover

I don’t know what it is about sleeping downstairs but my two love it!

4. Favourite Meal Delivered

Whether it’s pub grub or fast food they enjoy, pop in an order and get it delivered.

5. Piñata Smash

Buy (or make) a piñata, fill it with their favourites then get smashing!

6. Video Call To Friends & Family

Not quite as good as seeing them face to face but a close second.

7. Hot Tub Hire

Most kids love water so hiring a hot tub for the weekend (although a little expensive) is a lovely treat. And the adults get to enjoy it once the kids are in bed.

8. Virtual Entertainment

A lot of children’s entertainers have moved on line. Whether it’s a magician or character mascot you’re after, a quick google will help (and, because it’s virtual, you’re not limited to performers in your local area).

9. Pamper Day

Relaxing atmosphere, face masks and hand massages. Perfect. Plus, the schools are out so add hair dye and get creative with nail varnish colours.

10. Let Them Decide

Ask the birthday boy or girl how they’d like to spend their birthday. Chances are they’ll be happy with the simplest celebration.

Life Skills To Teach Your Children

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With so much for our children to learn in today’s high-tech world, it’s easy for them to miss out on learning practical life skills. Teach them these basic skills and help them on their path towards independence – chances are, they’ll surprise you with how capable they are.

1. Wash Clothes

From about age 6, show your child how to sort the dirty clothes, load the machine, add the detergent and set the washer away.

2. Wire A Plug & Change A Fuse

I can remember being shown this in Year 9 at school, so between 13-14 years old. The teacher told us “bLue to the Left and bRown to the Right”, I still say it every time I open a plug.

3. Wrap A Present

Cutting the paper helps with scissor control, finding the end of the sellotape is a fine motor skill and, once they can wrap presents independently, saves you the job.

4. Change A Lightbulb

Show them the different types of bulbs and how to replace them if they no longer work. Remind them, bulbs can get hot and they are handling glass.

5. Hammer A Nail

To avoid bashed fingers and thumbs, pierce the nail through a piece of card to give them something to hold on to.

6. Basic Cooking Skills & How To Follow A Recipe

Most children have an interest in cooking. Show them how to recreate their favourite meals. Let them know how to peel, chop and prepare different vegetables. Teach them how to use appliances and kitchen gadgets. Get them involved in meal planning and shopping.

7. First Aid

Whether it’s dressing a wound or treating a burn, learning first aid is an invaluable life skill. It helps children become more risk aware and equips them with skills to keep themselves safe as well as being able to help themselves or others if involved in a medical emergency. It could literally save their life.

8. Sew

Start with a darning needle and wool. Once they’re confident with that, move on to sewing needles and cotton. I find little and often, slow and steady is the best way to approach this one.

9. Use Household Cleaning Products

Even if it’s just cleaning the sink after they’ve brushed their teeth or wiping the kitchen bench after they’ve made their breakfast, show them which products they can use safely. They don’t need to “hinch” the entire house but getting them to help with these little tasks is a great start. We’ve recently discovered the Alkimi brand, they are use natural products and are totally non-toxic.

10. Money Management

Start with coins and notes before moving on to banks and accounts. Introducing pocket money for tasks they do around the house is the perfect way to teach children about earning and saving.

11. Change Their Bedding

Get your children in to the habit of making their beds once they’re up and out of it. When it’s time to change their bedding, get them involved. Let them pick which set they’ll be using, show them how to put on the sheet and how to replace the duvet cover and pillowcases.

12. Mow The Lawn & Plant A Seed

It’s not exactly garden weather at the minute but now is the ideal time to order seeds and get them planted. Keep them in pots in a greenhouse or on a windowsill ready for when spring arrives.

Following these simple tips, you can easily help your child build essential, life long skills.

Dairy Free Yorkshire Pudding Recipe

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We’re not massive cows milk drinkers in this household (truth be told, dairy upsets my stomach and I suffer for hours after consuming it) I don’t miss milk at all except when I need it for Yorkshire puddings.

We’d planned a roast for dinner tonight and there was no milk of any kind in the fridge. I decided to try my regular recipe substituting the milk for water and it totally worked! The Yorkshire puddings were paler in colour than our usual but taste wise they were almost identical.

So, if you need to make Yorkshire puddings without milk due to allergies/intolerances (or because, like me, you don’t have any milk in) give these a go. Leave me a comment below with how they turned out.

INGREDIENTS

– 140g Plain Flour

– 4 Eggs

– 200ml Water

– Oil For Cooking

METHOD

Step 1: Heat the oven to gas mark 8 or equivalent.

Step 2: Drizzle a little oil in to a 12 cavity muffin tin and place in the oven to heat through.

Step 3: Combine the flour and beaten eggs. Slowly add the water and mix until the batter is completely smooth and lump free. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Pop the batter in to a jug. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and carefully pour the mixture evenly in to the 12 holes.

Step 5: Place the tin back in to the oven and leave to cook, undisturbed, for 30 mins or until well risen and browned.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy.

Hidden Gems In And Around Blyth, Northumberland

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New year, same Tier 4 restrictions. The official Government Guidelines state “Outdoor recreation and exercise should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel a short distance within your Tier 4 area to do so if necessary.” Below, I’ve listed a few “Hidden Gems” local to me. These have always been quiet when we’ve visited so perfect for a socially distanced walk and explore. Whenever you’re outside, follow the current advice and be respectful.

1. Meggie’s Burn Reservoir

2. Blyth Pier & First Beach

3. Newsham Nature Reserve

4. The Big Spoon & Silver Shroud

5. East Cramlington Nature Reserve

6. Humford Woods Stepping Stones

7. Marden Quarry

8. Queen Elizabeth II Country Park

Hot Chocolate Bombs

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During the run up to Christmas I seen these everywhere! I found a semi circle silicon mould at the back of my cupboard so wanted to find out how difficult chocolate bombs are to make – turns out, they’re pretty easy.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

– silicon mould

– chocolate

– hot chocolate powder

– mini marshmallows

– sprinkles

Step 1 – Melt the chocolate and, using a spoon, cover the mould. Pop it in to the freezer until the chocolate has fully set.

Step 2 – Once set, carefully pop the chocolate shells out of the mould.

Step 3 – Fill one half of the chocolate bomb with mini marshmallows and hot chocolate powder.

Step 4 – Melt the edges of the unfilled half by placing it on a warmed plate for a few seconds then pop it on to the filled half.

Step 5 – Allow the edges to set. Drizzle the chocolate bombs with melted chocolate and top with sprinkles.

Step 6 – Pop the chocolate bombs in to hot milk and enjoy!

Celebrating New Year’s Eve At Home

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This New Year’s Eve will be a lot different to previous years celebrations. Instead of heading out for the night, most of us will be settling in for an evening on the sofa. And instead of ringing in 2021 with friends and family, our guests will be limited to the people who live in our household. Just because NYE 2020 will be different doesn’t mean it can’t be as festive, celebratory, and meaningful as past years – we can throw an incredible New Years Eve party at home. So before the clock strikes 12, get ready to celebrate with these festive quarantine New Year’s Eve ideas.

1. Dress Up

Unsurprisingly, I’ve lived in comfies since March. On Thursday night, I’ll be doing my hair & makeup and swapping my joggers for something a little bit more glam. We might not be going anywhere but, why not?

2. Dress The House

I love decorating the house so will be going all out with balloons, streamers and banners.

3. Lay Out A Buffet

I don’t want to spend the last few hours of 2020 in the kitchen. I’ve bought some picky bits and foods that require minimal effort from me.

4. Set Up A Cocktail Bar

Time to channel your inner mixologist, grab the ice cubes & shaker then teach yourself how to make a Bellini, Cosmopolitan & Daiquiri. Practice makes perfect, right?

5. Make A Time Capsule

Right now, we might be trying to completely forget about 2020 but in a few decades time, when Corona is nothing more than a lager, we’ll want to remember these “unprecedented times”.

6. Watch A Virtual Concert

There’s a few taking place on NYE. From The Time Squares Ball Drop and Sydney’s Fireworks to Just The Tonic and Tomorrowland. You’re bound to find something to watch from a quick google search. I apologise in advance to my neighbours for my singing.

7. Family Games Night

In previous years, between Christmas and New Year, I’ve met up with school friends for a Couples Games Night which always included Articulate. This year, to stick with tradition, I’ll be playing the games with the kids.

8. Get Crafty

We’re planning on making countdown bags, a piñata and balloon drop (inspired by Hot Dub Time Machine) Head over to Pinterest for loads more ideas.

9. Start A New Tradition

We’re going to make a Family Wish Jar filled with things to do and places to visit in 2021.

10. Video Calls

Imagine what 2020 would’ve been like without video calls. We’re fortunate to have this technology readily available so use it to speak to friends and family “face to face”.

11. Celebrate On Your Doorstep

If you’re in Newcastle, Newcastle City Council are planning five firework displays at secret locations. Join them on your doorstep at 6pm on New Year’s Eve to watch the displays and to participate in a doorstep clap for the city and to herald in the New Year.

12. Make A New Years Resolution

The past few months have been challenging for many of us, and New Year’s Eve is the perfect day to reflect and reset. What better time is there to look back on all you’ve accomplished and overcome than the last day of the year? Big or small, its always good to set yourself goals for the new year.

However you’re celebrating on December 31st, here’s to a happy and healthy 2021!

Calendar Club Challenge

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Have you heard about this? We started it last year then COVID hit so…

Basically, you buy a calendar of your local area and aim to visit each place pictured during that month.

It’s a great way to get out and about.

To see places you haven’t seen before…

…and revisit some of your favourites.

We’ve already bought our 2021 calendar from The Calendar Club UK and can’t wait to start ticking off the list.

Will you be joining in next year? If you do participate, just remember to follow the current COVID guidelines for your area.