Stephen

10 Sweets From Your Childhood That Will Make You Feel Nostalgic

Who remembers going to their local sweet shop, picking up a little white paper bag and filling it with delicious penny sweets? I certainly do! It was the highlight of my day!

Here are just ten of my childhood favourites, which I’m happy to say you can buy online from retailers like A Quarter Of.

1. Barratts Shrimps

Just looking at these delicious sweet, pink shrimps takes me back to the mid-1970s. They were soft, sugary and well… delicious!

2. Double Dips

I remember these Double-Dips fondly; walking home from school, dipping away! These days, you can even get cherry, orange and cola flavour fizz dips.

3. Parma Violets

I can actually taste and smell these Parma Violets just by looking at this picture.

4. Anglo Bubbly

What a classic! So many of us kids thought we were cool and grown up if we were allowed a Bubbly!

5. Milk Teeth

Admit it… did you also pretend you had a pair of false teeth every time you bought these old fashioned milk teeth? I can taste them now, they had a very light coating of sugar on the outside too. Scrumptious!

6. Barratt’s Fruit Salad Chew Bars

Does your mouth just ooze saliva when you think back to how great these fruit salad bars tasted? They were raspberry and pineapple flavoured, and when you were a small child, they looked massive!

7. Mr Tabs Mini Candy Bricks

Mr Tabs Mini Candy Bricks looked like mini colourful bricks which were packed with delicious fruity flavours and wrapped in a delicate little wrapper.

8. Candy Watches

Who remembers nibbling these candy watches? They came on a little piece of white elastic which you placed on your wrist whilst so you could eat and play at the same time! If I recall correctly, they also made a candy necklace.

9. Matlows Refreshers Chew

These classic chews will certainly bring memories flooding back. The chew was yellow in colour and right in the centre you’d find a wonderful fizz. I remember these tasty chews being a wonderful lemony flavour.

10. Flying Saucers

How could I not include sherbet flying saucers? These were a must when you were a young child, they came in various colours and consisted of fruit flavour sherbet in a wafer shell. No visit to the sweet shop was complete unless you had a couple of these.

Well, there you have it, ten wonderful, sugary, fizzing and tasty sweets to bring back your childhood memories.

I’m pleased to say that all of the above can now still be bought online from this amazing online shop called ‘A Quarter Of‘. Believe me, you’ll certainly be amazed by the huge collection they have and the best thing of all is that they are still so cheap to buy.

Happy memories one and all.

Fun Chocolate Treats You Can Make with Your Kids

Baking and cooking with your kids is a great way to bond with them and have fun together. Kids just love getting messy in the kitchen, and they love the responsibility you give them even more.

By baking and cooking with kids, you can teach them the value of food and the skills required to support themselves when they’re older. If your kids love making potions in the bathroom, show them how they can make a potion in the kitchen that turns into something edible!

Almost all children love chocolate and some of the easiest things to bake with kids contain chocolate. Anything with melted chocolate is double the fun because it creates a gooey mess. But don’t forget you can teach your kids how to be clean and tidy in the kitchen too.

Try making some of these delicious chocolate treats that just about anyone can make whether they’re 5 or 85.

Chocolate Nests

These chocolate treats are so easy any adult or child can make them. If you want to get the kids into the kitchen, but you’re not very confident with your skills, these are simple enough for anyone to do.

All you need is chocolate and cereal, and maybe some treats to decorate. Pick whichever cereal you like, but since you’re mixing it with chocolate, don’t go too sweet. You can use Rice Krispies, corn flakes or even bran flakes.Just melt the chocolate (it’s best to do it in a bowl over another bowl or saucepan of hot water), mix it into the cereal and spoon it into cupcake cases. Add some decorations (chocolate eggs are great for Easter) and put them in the fridge to set.

Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes are also easy enough for the kids to help out. They’ll need a bit of a helping hand with measuring, breaking eggs and handling anything hot, but they can do a lot of the tasks involved.

Have the kids mix, measure and pour, and they’ll feel so proud of themselves for helping in the kitchen. Once the cupcakes are out of the oven and have cooled down, let the kids have fun with decorating.

They may not be the prettiest cupcakes ever, but they’ll be a great achievement for your children.

Chocolate Brownies

Brownies are another easy thing to put together with the kids. You can buy a ready made brownie mix, or you can be a bit more daring and start from scratch. For extremely sumptuous brownies, use a good quality dark Italian chocolate, instead of just cocoa powder.

You can have all kinds of fun with brownies too – they don’t have to be just plain chocolate. Try adding popping candy for a giggly time. You can use nuts, caramel, marshmallow and peanut butter. There’s no limit to the different flavors you can add to your brownies. You can even try blondies – brownies with white chocolate.

When you’re baking with the kids, make sure they’re supervised with anything hot or sharp. Baking should be fun, not cause for a trip to the ER.

Great Gifts at Great Prices: Top Tips for Christmas Shopping

The Christmas period is an exciting one, we all know that. With all of the festive cheer and the smiling faces putting up the decorations, shopping for gifts and visiting Christmas markets with all of their traditions and smells; it’s one of the most popular times of year despite the freezing weather!

It can also be a particularly difficult time for some families who aren’t as fortunate as others. While some parents will be out buying their children, friends and family all kinds of elaborate gifts, others are trying to balance the books to enable them to give their loved ones one special gift that will make their Christmas because they just don’t have the disposable income available to buy the latest gadgets or to pay the hefty price tags of the high street brands.

To counter this problem, there are a few things you can and they’re relatively simple too. The first is to utilise the likes of www.swap.com which allows people to buy, sell and swap their unwanted or second-hand items with other people looking to buy, sell or swap their items which means you get perfectly good children’s clothes, DVDs, toys and games without having to pay the high prices. It also means that parents can make a little bit of extra cash by selling the goods and that money can be put towards extra presents or saved up for another occasion.

Another good thing about sites like Swap is that a lot of the ‘second hand’ items aren’t even used, they’re simply the kind of items that parents have bought or the children have been given as presents, that simply don’t fit or aren’t of use to them. For example, you can buy, sell and swap sports equipment and if your child isn’t into that particular sport you can sell or swap it with someone who might be for something that is more suitable.

Then you have the kind of website that has been around for some years now – online auctions like eBay. With these sites users have the chance to bid for certain items at prices they can afford, opting out when the price gets too high; but they also have the opportunity to ‘watch’ specific items and search for topics that might be of interest.

While some will still have the high price tags you would find in stores, there are some great bargains to be found especially if you don’t mind the odd defect here or there, like a small mark on the collar here or there or a bit of a pull on the stitching. A lot of brand new items can be bought for a fraction of the price with a little bit of research and even the will and ability to do the repairs yourself if you feel as though they need them; giving your family that amazing gift without the astronomical fee.

A final suggestion is to utilize the many Christmas markets that appear each year. These festivals are often held in the more ‘traditional’ cities, and present the opportunity for people to showcase their handmade items which can make for great gifts for any family member no matter how old or what their interests may be. With a bit of a wander around you will almost certainly find some truly unique gifts that will genuinely appeal to the recipient and because it’s handmade as opposed to made by a brand, it’s often a really good price.

Why Being Eco-Friendly is Important

plant life — Photo Credit: Will Merydith via cc

Being eco-friendly involves a straightforward commitment to reducing harm to the planet and it can cover a wide range of actions and behaviours.

Over the past five years, the idea of being eco-friendly, or ‘being green’, has shape-shifted in the UK from being a feel-good activity to having a more central role in peoples’ lives. Recent floods, rising energy and water bills, and authoritative climate studies are among the many factors driving this significant cultural change and they have promoted a growing awareness of environmental effects.

The body of evidence for man-made climate change is very strong. To reduce these adverse effects, the majority of governments from around the globe have put in place plans to reduce the levels of ‘greenhouse gases’ being released into the atmosphere. These gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, have been held responsible for contributing to global warming, with compelling scientific evidence to support this.

Sadly, many people choose to ignore the problems of global warming, believing that the consequences are a long way off, and whatever ‘eco-friendly’ practices we can implement, we will have little or no impact on the worst effects of climate change.

The Economic Benefits of ‘Going Green’

It is not surprising, then, that in recent years there has been a fresh focus on the economic benefits of being eco-friendly, which help to focus on the short-term effects of global warming. For households, businesses and organisations of all sizes, being eco-friendly is beneficial not only for the planet, but for the pocket too.

Households can cut their annual energy and water bills with a few simple changes. For example, installing LED lighting, which uses up to 90% less electricity than traditional bulbs, can result in huge savings. Likewise, eco shower heads, eco taps and tap aerators can reduce water consumption by more than 50%. Energy-efficient home appliances extend to boilers, heating controls and other energy-management devices. Insulation is another important issue.

For businesses, eco-friendly actions are equally effective and now form an important element of Corporate Social Responsibility. In fact, a recent global survey of 2,500 businesses by Grant Thornton revealed that companies are pursuing more socially and environmentally sustainable practices, not only for marketing purposes or altruism, but also because it makes good financial sense.

Consumers worldwide are also judging businesses by their eco-friendly activities, according to a survey from Accenture. Among young people in particular, how a company behaves in terms of environmental practices is crucial for continued loyalty.

Business Benefits

Furthermore, larger businesses in the UK now have to include full information about their carbon emissions in annual reports, which puts more pressure on them to reduce energy, water and other fuel consumption.

All organisations in the public and private sector, from hospitals, schools, colleges and universities to local councils, charities and others, are embracing the idea of being eco-friendly and are assessing the financial benefits of going ‘green’. Leading by example, the Department of Energy and Climate Change has recently completed an energy-saving LED lighting retrofit in its Whitehall offices.

Additionally, 24/7 businesses, such as hotels, are working hard to develop their sustainability strategies by utilising a range of eco-friendly tactics. For example, leading UK hotel groups like Carlson Rezidor have recently reinforced their “Think Planet” initiative with a range of projects, including LED lighting retrofits, smart heating, ventilation controls and more efficient heat pumps.

Companies and organisations are implementing a wide range of eco-friendly practices, with the aim of reducing the amount of air, water and ground pollution, as well as waste. For example, renewable technology and energy sources are commonly employed by businesses to help protect the planet.

In these cases, the commitment is ethical, positive and beneficial, without necessarily having an immediate economic effect. It is true, though, that renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, offer greater long term potential and are more cost-efficient than carbon-based fuels like oil, gas and coal.

Being eco-friendly has gone far beyond recycling and organic food. It is also rapidly losing the stigma that has put many people off in the past. Being green is easy and it benefits everyone.

Mark Sait is the managing director of SaveMoneyCutCarbon.com, a full-service efficiency partner, helping businesses and households reduce energy and water consumption and cut carbon emissions to improve sustainability.

3 Special Gift Ideas for a Special Mum

The bond you have with our mother is one like no other. We share our happy times with them, as well as the more challenging times in our lives. Whatever happens, whether good or bad, we know our mothers are always there for us.

So, if your mum has a birthday coming up, this is your chance to show her just how much she means to you. Even if it’s not her birthday, why not buy her a gift and spoil her anyway? There’s no rule to say you have to have a reason!

Surprising her with a gift when she isn’t expecting one is a great way of saying ‘Thank You’ for everything she’s done.

1. A Locket

Lockets come in all shapes and sizes, so take your time to find one to suit her personal tastes. Pop in a picture of all the family together so she can keep you all close to her heart every day. If you have children, pop in a picture of them instead and include a lock of their hair. Any grandmother’s heart is guaranteed to melt at receiving this gift!

2. Porcelain Doll

Porcelain dolls have been popular since as far back as the nineteenth century. They remain just as popular today and are a wonderful addition to anybody’s household. They’re often hand-painted with fine attention to detail, making each one completely unique to its owner. You can also personalise the gift by buying a doll that shares the same name as your mother. Or, if she has an interest in the British monarchy, you could opt for a doll based on a member of the Royal Family.

3. A Tree

A tree makes a wonderful gift because it’s a living thing that your mother will actually be able to watch grow. Do a little research beforehand and learn about the symbolic meanings of different trees. For example, Rowan trees are symbolic of healing and protection. Oak trees are symbolic of wisdom, longevity and family. Pick something that has a special relevance to your mother, or your family as a whole. Make an occasion of planting it and if you keep it in a pot, involve the whole family in decorating it.

As it matures over the coming years, you can make it the centrepiece of special family occasions. At Christmas and birthdays you can hang family keepsakes from it, or decorate it with fairy lights. Or, if you’re the creative type, you can hang jam jars with tea lights from the branches of the tree. Wrap the jars in different coloured cellophane and fasten it to the tree using ribbon. It’s inexpensive, incredibly easy to do, and creates the perfect evening ambience for a summer garden party. A tree makes the perfect gift, because it’s something the whole family can enjoy for many years to come.

We’re all guilty of taking our mothers for granted at some point, or another. So, whatever you decide to buy, ensure it’s a gift that reminds her just how special and valued she is.

How To Plan The Perfect Children’s Party

At first you may think that a children’s party is quick and easy to organise. After all, the little ones are easily pleased are they not? Think again; children become socially aware at a young age thanks to the constant bombardment of advertisers and social networks. (There are age limits for using them you know). They are judged by their peers and will live with the consequences of a poorly organised party for a long time.

Photo by Janet

It is best to plan the party early because there is much to do. Use the same techniques to arrange for the children as you would for a sophisticated gathering of your own. Here are some things to which you must attend.

Is There A Theme?

In the image, the bags of treats are obviously made for a Halloween party. If you are giving a theme to your child’s party, make sure that it runs through every step you take. Read on to see places where you must apply it.

Personalised Invitations

Make high quality invites that guests’ will want to keep. Use a computer, printer, beads, sequins, and hot melt glue, to create invitations that will be legendary in their social circles. Remember the theme when making the invitations. You could include balloon pictures for birthdays or spiders and cobwebs for all hallow’s eve.

Party Food

You may have read articles that encourage you to feed the children with jam sandwiches and chocolate fingers. Do that at the peril of your child’s social standing. Food is a vital part of the occasion, and it should be top quality. The food doesn’t have to be expensive. Salmon, egg mayonnaise, and ham sandwiches always go down well with children, but remember to cut them into triangles and remove the crusts.

Make the cake yourself or pay someone to make and personalise one for your kids. Most of them prefer sponge to fruitcake, but the latter will impress the parents of the guests when they take some home. Remember to apply the theme, if appropriate, when preparing food.

Entertainment

Traditional party games get the occasion off to a good start but follow them up with a professional entertainer of some kind. You will find clowns, who have fun and make balloon animals, in the telephone directory, but try to be a little more imaginative. How about a caricature artist, or a magician? They always go down well at parties. If you have room for a bouncy castle, it is a brilliant way to use up the last of your guest’s energy. Have a first aid kit on hand because someone always suffers a minor injury.

Home Time

Parents try to beat each other with the quality of the party bags the children take home. Outdo them all by including a gift for each child. Maybe a wristwatch or a necklace; nothing costing more than fifty pounds though, there is no need to go overboard.

When they next meet at school or nursery, your child will be able to walk tall in the knowledge that their party was a success. All the other parents will be quaking in their boots now that you have set the bar so high. It is their turn next, so sit back with a self-satisfied grin and enjoy watching them sweat. Mission accomplished!