This year, I decided some homemade gifts would be a nice idea, and ones Birdy could get involved in, too.
I love to use my slow cooker for dinners but I haven't tried any sweet treats in it before, so I had a look online for some inspiration and decided to make chocolate orange flavoured fudge.
Recipe:
One can (397g_ sweetened condensed milk
200g milk chocolate
One Terry's Chocolate Orange (170g)
Method:
Switch the slow cooker to "high" and break up all the chocolate. Put all of the chocolate into the slow cooker bowl and cover with about three quarters of the can of condensed milk. Leave the lid off. Stir no more than once every 10 minutes. After 50 minutes, the mixture should have combined, melted together and should have a thick consistency.
Line a lasagne dish, or similar, with clingfilm, leaving plenty around the outside. Pour in the mixture and leave it to cool to room temperature. A little tip I use with any sort of cake mix is to leave a fork in a mug of hot water for a few minutes, and then use the fork to press down the mixture until even. This flattens the mixture but doesn't pick any of it up onto the fork.
Once cooled to room temperature, gently fold the margins of clingfilm over the top of the mix. Pop it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but ideally overnight.
Once set, remove from the dish and cut into pieces.
Admittedly, my little one didn't get too involved in this at 14 months old - it would be better suited for slightly older children, and of course, make sure they're very careful not to hurt themselves on the slow cooker!
I had some small cellophane bags that I'd ordered for our wedding with the intention of using them as sweetie bags on our DIY sweetie stall, but I never used them as I found some traditional striped paper bags, instead. So, I dug them out and thought they were the perfect size to hold 6 or 7 chunks of homemade fudge.
I used sticky labels to write a Christmas message (do this before adding the fudge pieces, otherwise it will probably be impossible to stick it on straight!) and then secured the top of the bag with a piece of wrapping ribbon.
I did try the recipe with Toblerone and with Aero Mint - both tasted lovely but due to their different textures, didn't have as good a consistency as the Chocolate Orange. I imagine this recipe would work with most solid chocolates though, so give it a go!
I'd love to see your attempts on Instagram so if you try this at home, please tag me (GinaShergold1)!
Love, Gina xx
Welcome to my journey of being a new mum! I live on the South Coast of England with my husband Steve and our new daughter. Blogging about our adventures and the ups and downs along the way! Xx
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Sunday, 13 December 2015
Monday, 7 September 2015
50 Facts About Me
I've seen this a lot recently and thought it would be fun, so here goes! :)
1) I was born in Swindon, Wiltshire, but moved to Devon when I was 6 months old. I moved back to Swindon at around 1 year old with my mum when my parents separated, and was there until I was 2 and a half. I don't remember it at all.
2) My dad was born in Lusaka, Zambia, which is in the South of Africa, He moved to England when he was 7.
3) I have an older brother called James who is 27 and lives in New Zealand with his wife-to-be Kristine and their son, Marley (almost 3 years old).
4) I was called Georgina because my dad wanted me to have a traditional English name and my mum wanted to give me either a "quirky" name or a boy's name. I was either going to be Georgina/George, Charlotte/Charlie, Francesca/Frank etc. I've never been known by Georgina or George - everybody has always known me as Gina.
5) My middle name is Francesca, after the midwife who looked after my mum and brother when he was born.
6) I couldn't say the word "remember" until I was about 5. I thought it was "bremember" and was really sad when I learnt the proper way to say it.
7) I lack confidence in a big way and have even had hypnotherapy sessions to help me to overcome the issue.
8) I went to an all-girls secondary school.
9) From the age of 2 and a half, I lived with my dad and my brother.
10) I still love Disney films and secretly want to be a Disney princess.
11) I was born on 25th October 1990, making me a Scorpio.
12) I've only been away from Bird about 5 times in total since she was born, and only for an hour at a time apart from for a friend's wedding where I spent around three hours away from her. She's my best friend and I can't stand not being with her!
13) I have A-Levels in English Literature, Sociology, and Criminal and Educational Psychology. I didn't go to uni because I have no idea what I want to do for a career.
14) My first pet was a cat called Marble, although I don't really remember her.
15) My guilty pleasure is watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians - I can't help but love it!
16) I'm the most sentimental person I know. I keep cards, letters, and anything else that's given to me. I have a large white wicker basket full of Bird's first things - a size 1 nappy, her first outfits, both of our wrist bands from the hospital, all of the cards we received, my scan photos - I've even deflated the foil helium balloons people gave us and kept those. I just can't bring myself to get rid of things.
17) Despite having a huge lack of confidence, I have had "run-ins' with several doctors when it's come to Steve's health issues if I've felt things aren't moving in the direction or at the speed that I feel is necessary.
18) I did kickboxing classes for around 7 years and it's one of the only sports I enjoyed. I also love swimming.
19) I very rarely drink alcohol as I cannot stand the feeling of not being in complete control. Boring, I know, but I just don't enjoy it! (My 18 year old self did enjoy it though, a lot).
20) I am extremely snap happy and always have a camera close by.
21) I really didn't like myself as a person until I met Steve. I was pretty much exactly the same as I am now, I just didn't think much of myself, but he's gradually increased my confidence and helped me to feel better about myself. Thanks hubby! :)
22) I had chicken pox as a baby and again when I was 11! It's unusual to get it twice, but it's possible!
23) I have 5 tattoos and I regret 4 of them. I rushed into them when I was younger and am really not a fan of them anymore. I do have plans for another one though and have put a lot of thought into it.
24) I love making cakes but I don't love eating them.
25) My favourite motto is "this too shall pass" and I think it's relevant in pretty much every tough situation I've come across! :)
26) I'm a bit too obsessed with Pitch Perfect...
27)... and my party trick is playing the cups to "When I'm Gone" like Anna Kendrick does in the film!
28) Something that really bothers me is people who are rude or mean for no reason! What's the point?! Be nice!
29) My favourite colours are orange and dark blue.
30) We have two cats called Bobby and Boots.
31) My first job was in a hairdressers when I was 15. I loved it.
32) I have nine peircings - my tongue, my belly button, 3 in my left ear and 4 in my right ear.
33) I absolutely love green tea and drink about 7 cups a day.
34) My favourite flowers are oriental lilies.
35) Looking at my baby girl still makes me cry sometimes, 11 months on. She makes me so happy and proud all the time and pregnancy/becoming a mum have made me a very, very emotional person!
36) I used to love sad/emotional songs and films but since having Bird, I can't listen to or watch anything sad without bawling my eyes out.
37) Caterpillars and moths REALLY freak me out... I can't explain it, they just do. I'm not a fan of most creepy crawly things but these really give me the shivers.
38) Speaking of shivers, I'm constantly cold.
39) I used to wear fake eyelashes everyday and now I can't stand them.
40) I've never tried smoking and have never understood the appeal of it.
41) Italian food is my favourite. Yum.
42) I don't cope well with other people being upset.
43) I would love to buy an old run down house and make it beautiful and then live in it.
44) I'm fascinated by sharks and watch way too many documentaries on them (why are we shocked when we go into their environment and then get attacked?!)
45) I love matching outfits with Bird. I just think it's so cute!
46) I really wish I could speak another language but I don't have the patience or attention span to learn one.
47) My dad still owns the house I grew up in and I love going back there. It's in a lovely little village in Devon where there's a cute little village pub and a real wishing well. It's such a pretty place.
48) I get so over-excited at Christmas and go way overboard with decorations and presents.
49) I usually know the words to a song once or twice after hearing it and it will stay in my head for days, even if I don't like it.
50) I'm very excitable and struggle to hide it. I go high-pitched and squeaky and annoy myself with it.
I hope you've enjoyed reading my 50 Facts About Me, and if there's anything else you'd like to know, leave a comment or contact me on Instagram! (GinaShergold1) :)
Love, Gina Xx
1) I was born in Swindon, Wiltshire, but moved to Devon when I was 6 months old. I moved back to Swindon at around 1 year old with my mum when my parents separated, and was there until I was 2 and a half. I don't remember it at all.
2) My dad was born in Lusaka, Zambia, which is in the South of Africa, He moved to England when he was 7.
3) I have an older brother called James who is 27 and lives in New Zealand with his wife-to-be Kristine and their son, Marley (almost 3 years old).
4) I was called Georgina because my dad wanted me to have a traditional English name and my mum wanted to give me either a "quirky" name or a boy's name. I was either going to be Georgina/George, Charlotte/Charlie, Francesca/Frank etc. I've never been known by Georgina or George - everybody has always known me as Gina.
5) My middle name is Francesca, after the midwife who looked after my mum and brother when he was born.
6) I couldn't say the word "remember" until I was about 5. I thought it was "bremember" and was really sad when I learnt the proper way to say it.
7) I lack confidence in a big way and have even had hypnotherapy sessions to help me to overcome the issue.
8) I went to an all-girls secondary school.
9) From the age of 2 and a half, I lived with my dad and my brother.
10) I still love Disney films and secretly want to be a Disney princess.
11) I was born on 25th October 1990, making me a Scorpio.
12) I've only been away from Bird about 5 times in total since she was born, and only for an hour at a time apart from for a friend's wedding where I spent around three hours away from her. She's my best friend and I can't stand not being with her!
13) I have A-Levels in English Literature, Sociology, and Criminal and Educational Psychology. I didn't go to uni because I have no idea what I want to do for a career.
14) My first pet was a cat called Marble, although I don't really remember her.
15) My guilty pleasure is watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians - I can't help but love it!
16) I'm the most sentimental person I know. I keep cards, letters, and anything else that's given to me. I have a large white wicker basket full of Bird's first things - a size 1 nappy, her first outfits, both of our wrist bands from the hospital, all of the cards we received, my scan photos - I've even deflated the foil helium balloons people gave us and kept those. I just can't bring myself to get rid of things.
17) Despite having a huge lack of confidence, I have had "run-ins' with several doctors when it's come to Steve's health issues if I've felt things aren't moving in the direction or at the speed that I feel is necessary.
18) I did kickboxing classes for around 7 years and it's one of the only sports I enjoyed. I also love swimming.
19) I very rarely drink alcohol as I cannot stand the feeling of not being in complete control. Boring, I know, but I just don't enjoy it! (My 18 year old self did enjoy it though, a lot).
20) I am extremely snap happy and always have a camera close by.
21) I really didn't like myself as a person until I met Steve. I was pretty much exactly the same as I am now, I just didn't think much of myself, but he's gradually increased my confidence and helped me to feel better about myself. Thanks hubby! :)
22) I had chicken pox as a baby and again when I was 11! It's unusual to get it twice, but it's possible!
23) I have 5 tattoos and I regret 4 of them. I rushed into them when I was younger and am really not a fan of them anymore. I do have plans for another one though and have put a lot of thought into it.
24) I love making cakes but I don't love eating them.
25) My favourite motto is "this too shall pass" and I think it's relevant in pretty much every tough situation I've come across! :)
26) I'm a bit too obsessed with Pitch Perfect...
27)... and my party trick is playing the cups to "When I'm Gone" like Anna Kendrick does in the film!
28) Something that really bothers me is people who are rude or mean for no reason! What's the point?! Be nice!
29) My favourite colours are orange and dark blue.
30) We have two cats called Bobby and Boots.
31) My first job was in a hairdressers when I was 15. I loved it.
32) I have nine peircings - my tongue, my belly button, 3 in my left ear and 4 in my right ear.
33) I absolutely love green tea and drink about 7 cups a day.
34) My favourite flowers are oriental lilies.
35) Looking at my baby girl still makes me cry sometimes, 11 months on. She makes me so happy and proud all the time and pregnancy/becoming a mum have made me a very, very emotional person!
36) I used to love sad/emotional songs and films but since having Bird, I can't listen to or watch anything sad without bawling my eyes out.
37) Caterpillars and moths REALLY freak me out... I can't explain it, they just do. I'm not a fan of most creepy crawly things but these really give me the shivers.
38) Speaking of shivers, I'm constantly cold.
39) I used to wear fake eyelashes everyday and now I can't stand them.
40) I've never tried smoking and have never understood the appeal of it.
41) Italian food is my favourite. Yum.
42) I don't cope well with other people being upset.
43) I would love to buy an old run down house and make it beautiful and then live in it.
44) I'm fascinated by sharks and watch way too many documentaries on them (why are we shocked when we go into their environment and then get attacked?!)
45) I love matching outfits with Bird. I just think it's so cute!
46) I really wish I could speak another language but I don't have the patience or attention span to learn one.
47) My dad still owns the house I grew up in and I love going back there. It's in a lovely little village in Devon where there's a cute little village pub and a real wishing well. It's such a pretty place.
48) I get so over-excited at Christmas and go way overboard with decorations and presents.
49) I usually know the words to a song once or twice after hearing it and it will stay in my head for days, even if I don't like it.
50) I'm very excitable and struggle to hide it. I go high-pitched and squeaky and annoy myself with it.
I hope you've enjoyed reading my 50 Facts About Me, and if there's anything else you'd like to know, leave a comment or contact me on Instagram! (GinaShergold1) :)
Love, Gina Xx
Labels:
a levels,
Bird,
cakes,
chicken pox,
christmas,
confidence,
decorations,
doctors,
facts,
presents,
Steve,
tattoos,
uni
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