Homemade Fluffy Pancakes

Nothing quite like a plate stacked with fluffy clouds of happiness and a cup of coffee to start off the day, especially after you've finally perfected it and your kitchen looks as if it's just been flour bombed!

With pancake day knocking on our door and trying and at times failing,at being a topnotch domestic goddess, by not making  my own pancakes and buying readymix batter and then tying to pass it off as my own and then getting caught out. I decided this year I'd make a batch of actually homemade fluffy pancakes and loaded with a few of our favourite fruits.

Ingredients

250g plain flour
1 tablespoon of baking powder
2 eggs (beaten)
300ml milk
A tiny pinch of salt

Maple syrup
Strawberries
Blueberries

Directions

1. No time for messing around, we've hungry bellies to feed! So whip up all ingredients in a bowl to make your pancake batter.
2. Heat your frying pan over a medium high heat and add a knob of butter. Once melted grab your ladle or spoon and pour in your batter in to your pan.
3. Great trick to know when your homemade fluffy pancakes are ready on one side, is when they start to bubble up that's when you know they are ready to be flipped.
4. Pile up high, you should get around 12-16 fluffy crack pancakes depending on size.
5. If you have children or young siblings this is when they come in handy, decoration time! Let them go crazy and have some fun in creating the perfect pancake.

Super easy to whip up they honestly take no time at all, and I'm certainly happy to put down the ready made batter mix this year and enjoy my homemade fluffy pancakes.

Enjoy.

Happy Shrove Tuesday

What will you be topping your pancakes with?

London Mumma xx

5 Girls Early Spring Dresses

I am in love with stripes nothing makes me happier in finding a new striped top, in different colours, styles, no matter what it is applied too that goes for my little Cha-Chi also.

No matter the weather it's a style you can wear throughout the year, be it layered or on its own.

Lusting for Spring to bloom and this crappy weather to sod off I've started to buy some dresses for Leanora that she can wear now and when spring finally decides to grace us.

The colour on this striped girls dress is such fun and is only a sign of what to come this spring for our girls and I managed to bag this Striped Cotton Dress from Cos before it flys off the rails.

I hope you liked this post, I've a so many more but it's been so cold out I don't really want to take Leanora out to shoot with me.

Until then you can shop the post and would love to hear what you think of our choices in the comments below.

Striped Dress | Glitter Boots | Tights

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London Mumma xx

One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice

With the weather still away from warmer days and nights and blissfully dreaming of the summer months, I decided to cheer us all up with a Spanish inspired dish.

Counting down the days for when Leanora and I can chase one another in the summer sun on sandy beaches and enjoy great food and a cocktail or two for Mumma what better way to pass those days or eat are days a with a One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice meal. 

I have jazzed it up, to with a some chorizo to give it a little extra kick and to help give it that real Spanish taste, this one pot dish takes no real effort and can have you sitting with friends and family and catching up in great company whilst is cooks away once in the oven. 

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

8 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed

• 1 teaspoon of all purpose seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1  green pepper chopped
• 1 yellow pepper chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 chorizo sliced
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 cans of chopped tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups of vegetable chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 2 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 large handfuls of frozen peas

Optional 
I had mine on my plate as Leanora is not a fan - 1 cup olives sliced

Directions

1. Pre heat your oven 185/365f/gas mark 5. Turn on your hob and heat your oil over on a medium   high heat. Clean your chicken and season with your all purpose seasoning.  Brown the chicken until golden brown 5-6 minutes on each side and then place on a tray to one side. 

2. pop in your chopped peppers and onion and cook until softened for a few minutes, don't forget to give it a good stir so that all are evenly cooked. whack in your garlic until lightly browned. Add your rice and give a good stir , add your stock, tins of chopped tomatoes, paprika, black pepper, sliced chorizo and frozen peas. Give it a good stir so all is nice mixed together. 

3. Pop your chicken on top of it all, cover you oven proof pot with its lid and place in the middle tray in the oven and leave for 45 minutes. Or until the rice has absorbed all the fragrant liquid and becomes nice and fluffy. 

4. Viola plate up serve with a nice Spanish wine for the adults, juice/water for the little people. garnish with your olives and enjoy ladies and gents. 

Do you have a dish that reminds you of the summer sun? Off any where exciting soon with friends or family?

If you whip up this dish, let me know via my Facebook or Instagram page. 

London Mumma xx

Aromatherapy In Your Home

Nothing more cosier than lighting a few candles at home after a long day. I literally have them strategically placed throughout my home reed diffusers too and is one of my favourite things to shop for the ladies know me well at my closest Space NK, but I've recently feel in love with H&M too I can't get enough of the warm aromatic glow.

A relaxing and calming aroma is always wafting throughout the house, but I do have to be careful as I've a darting toddler and kitten so I always make sure these are placed out of reach or kitty leaps.

So I was delighted when Puressentiel sent me their Gentle Heat Diffuser and a few perfectly selected Essential Oils from Diffuse Respiratory Blend, to help promote wellbeing and perfect to use at the first of golds, weather changes would be perfect for those like me suffering with hay fever.

Air Purifying Blend this has to be my one of my favourites this is great as I have a child and a pet, it's helps purify the air and rid pollutants and nasty smells, especially after Milo has done his thang in his litter box, still kept him inside, far to cold for him to go out yet. Also we do not but it is perfect and could help those who suffer with asthma.

Relax Blend, now this beauty I pop on once both Cha-Chi and Milos have gone to bed and I'm about to settle down and read a book or lounge on the sofa and catch up on the latest episodes of The Haylcon. This Relax Blend is jam packed with 10 aromatherapy oils which is to help bring you into a state of tranquility and peace which will aid a relaxed mind and help you have a better nights sleep.

To get these aromatherapy essential oils going, you will need to have the Puressentiel Gentle Heat Diffuser. This is great to be placed in any room and on any surface thanks to it being made from insulated porcelain and hear only being emitted from the top, but if in doubt certainly as I do place a mat/coaster underneath. It's super stylish design looks great and being blue it fits well in to my home, it also comes in white and looks just as great.

All items are affordable and leaves your home smelling divine from the aromatherapy oils and these can easily be snapped up from good old Amazon.

Have you used essential oils before? What are you thoughts? Or do you prefer to just have candles, if so what is your favourite scent? 

London Mumma xx

Breastfeeding Stress

Every parent when it comes to breastfeeding is different.

It really annoys me when women, smart women compare themselves to others in not being able to breastfeed, now I'm not bullying but I read this week about such a woman, in fact I've read a few similar stories similar recently and yes it really annoyed the hall out of me. Parents worrying and getting upset that there child is breastfeeding more at night and less in the day, and why are other babies only breastfeeding more so in the day and once or twice at night and they deem that this the norm! Get over it plain and simple, just take it easy and no matter what time of the day or night is, just feed your baby and stop worrying about others.

What some parents forget is, if you've a newborn they are still trying to come to terms with being out of the womb and it's for us as parents to help our babies know when it's night and day, yes it's hard work but parenting is.

Now I don't want to sound all mean and angry I probably shouldn't even take it to heart these posts/articles, but if like me you are putting things out there in the world, it's open to criticism good or bad.

Yes I had a good breastfeeding experience but I did not get my tits back until leanora was 18 months old and boy was it a though 18 months, heck just getting her to latch the right way was as sore as hell at the beginning. 24 hours later after being born and our first midwife visit, she showed me the correct way which was great, but I tell you that first 7-10days was excruciating but I persevered and pushed on.

When it comes to your health visitor and you have questions certainly ask them, they are professionals and they are their to support you, but by no means do not let your health visitor dictate to you, only if you need assistance and advice. Health visitors can be venomous and extremely cruel, I've heard and witnessed first hand the horrid tales and cruel things that they have come out with. But no matter what, you are a parent now or possibly for a second or third time, but a parent nonetheless you know your baby better than anyone and what they need from you, just do your best.

Stop stressing out Mumma's and Daddies too, the only thing you need to worry about is A is you baby happy and healthy b) if the tits don't work try an alternative, be it bottle milk if you can produce express! Your baby is going to love you know matter what.

Yeah I may be assertive but don't let this messed up titty society get you down Rent's! Your tits, mine included are all going down hill anyways, what's more infuriating is I had a brilliant set of knockers before having Leanora but I can't cry over spilt milk, every pun intended!

I just want you to know your are doing a bang up job, just relax and chill and enjoy your new addition stop sweating the small stuff, you've done the hard part: Labour

Do you find yourself comparing yourself to other breastfeeding mothers? Do you feel society has put to much pressure on you to breastfeed? Would love to hear, so please do leave your comments below!

London Mumma xx

Golden Gucci Dupes And Cream Sweaters

Sweet Mummy Chicken Fajitas

Last night I whipped up a delicious batch of Easy Sweet Mummy Chicken Fajitas, minimal amount of cooking which meant more time being spent with family and friends.

At least once throughout the week I'll cook a whole chicken and I get creative with the leftovers.  Last night's creativity turned in to an easy peasy Sweet Mummy Chicken Fajitas. 

Not really wanting to slave over the stove, I did and no shame in it, bought most of the ingredients ready made, but we are all allowed a cheat day right and what better way to have a cheat day than with these tasty Fajitas. 

Ingredients serves 2

Half a cooked chicken 

1 packet of flour tortilla wraps

1 tub of sour cream and chives

1 packet of grated mozzarella (250g)

Jalapeno Peppers sliced

Half an Iceberg lettuce

1 tub of salsa

1 tub of smashed avocado

1 lime

pack of fajita spice mix

2 tbsp of olive oil

Instructions

1. Pre heat oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. Shred the remainder chicken from the bone and place in to a bowl. Heat up a frying pay and add 2 tbsp of olive oil, once nice and hot place your threaded chicken inside to heat up and sprinkle half the fajita mix on top. 

2. Take 4 to 6 of your tortillas and heat up in the oven. Chop half of your iceberg lettuce and put on a large sharing board, followed by your, salsa, smashed avocado and sour cream and chive and a few handfuls of your grated mozzarella cheese. 

3. Squeeze half a lime over your now heated chicken and turn off the hob and oven add to your sharing board, both the chicken and your wraps. 

4. Bring to the table and enjoy your Sweet Mummy Chicken Fajitas. You can see I did not plate up my Jalapeños as I was eating with Leanora, so popped some in mine for that extra heat.

How delicious are they, they are called Sweet Chicken Fajitas, as Leanora took a bite and said 'Sweet Mummy' Chicken Fajitas.

If you make these, don't forget to tag me on your social Instagram and Twitter you can also find me on Facebook.

London Mumma xx

Family Mediation

Valentine's Day Gifts

With Valentine's Day under a week away and for those who are still yet to get that special lady a present  I thought I'd share a few great gift ideas.

I know it can be hard for some, coming up with gift ideas, what do you get the one you love, is it good enough, is it expensive enough! Let me assure you know matter what you get make it be something from the heart, I mean I'm alright with a packet of Haribo and a steaming hot latte, maybe a back rub but I'm not fussy.

As long as you get some quality time in, I'm sure it will be fine. But a little treat can do no harm, you may even score some brownie points.

For those who are without a partner, why not treat your self to a wonderful gift, after you all you certainly do need anyone to spoil you, you can do that yourself you've worked hard enough for it.

So matter what this valentines be it witty someone or without i've got a few darling bits to spoil yourself with.

What do you have planned this Valentines? 

Will you be going away, spending the night at home watching a flick and eating your favourite meal, or will you be out with friends or family, spending quality time together? 

Whatever your plans, I wish you all a fabulous Valentine's Day. 

London Mumma xx

Vanilla Valentine's Cookies

Wither you are making a sweet treat for or with your loved ones, this vanilla sprinkle cookies will take you know time at all to make, so that you can spend quality time with the one you love.

If you are travelling on a romantic getaway, or spending a cosy night home, these cookies will add an extra sweetener to whatever you have planned and score you extra brownie well sweet vanilla cookie points with that someone special.

Ingredients

100g/3½oz unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

100g/3½oz caster sugar

1 medium free-range egg, lightly beaten

275g/10oz plain flour

1 tsp vanilla extract

To decorate

400g/14oz icing sugar

3-4 tbsp water

100 & 1000's sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.


2. Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until combined.


3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, a little at a time, until well combined.


4. Stir in the flour until the mixture comes together as a dough.


5. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured work surface to a thickness of 1cm/½in.


6. Using heart cookie cutters, cut biscuits out of the dough and place onto the baking tray.


7. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until pale golden-brown. Set aside to harden for 5 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.


8. For the icing, sift the icing sugar into a large mixing bowl and stir in enough water to create a smooth mixture. 


9. Spread the icing onto the cookies using a teaspoon, in a heart shape smaller than the cookies, sprinkle your 100 & 1000s over the icing  set aside until the icing and sprinkles harden.


I am actually really starting to enjoy this  baking adventure, even better when I've Leanora to help me, great activity for the whole family or very relaxing and therapeutic on your own.

If you end up making a batch, please don't forget to tag me over on Instagram @lindseylondonmumma or tweet me over on Twitter @londonmumma

Happy Valentines

London Mumma xx

Valentines Dresses

Self Love MINTD Edition

    

February, the month of love, but what better way to start the month by appreciating and taking time and loving you first.

This month MINTD Box have blown me away, not just because of all 5 full sized luxurious products one offer, but it truly got me thinking! I've neglected me and truly realised I've stopped loving me, so this month I'm giving back to me and loving me first and what better way than with this glorious box to pamper, unwind and relax with. 

Leanora shipped off to my mothers for the night, The Girl on The Train rented via sky movies, prosecco popped, Chinese ordered I set about taking easy for the night with a little help with my Self Love box from MINTD

Upon opening, the first thing that catches my eye is the Ameliorate Smoothing Body Lotion, this is a new brand for me and this is what I love about MINTD they bring products, luxury ones from far and wide to try and use. Opening inspection finding out more about the Smoothing Body Lotion I couldn't wait to try. I'm all about what goes into a product as I'm vary weary about what I put on my skin, but I'm happy to say Ameliorate Smoothing Body Lotion is Paraben Free, pH Balanced and dermatologist approved. Bath set using the Roque O'Neil Therapie Equilibrium Bath & Shower Essence which I'll come to shortly but first back to the body lotion, it glides on like you would imagine angels singing, it just seeps in to the skin, glides right over you and absorbs quickly in to your skin, in no way is it sticky or even feels that way, but you are left feeling calm and relaxed and it smells truly divine like a light scented powder far from powerful. A little goes a long way in the 100ml tub and  can be used twice daily and is at a price of £17.50

Roque O'Neil Therapie Equilibrium Bath & Shower Essence I am a major fan of bath oils, so it was a delight to see this beauty inside a few heavenly drops Persian rose, New Zealand lavender, sandlwood and jasmine with wild sweet orange and Fragonia essence my bathroom soon smelt like a midsummer's night dream which left me feeling totally invigorated and relaxed. A good heavy duty bottle, which can withstand the cat climbing up on the ledge of the bath this 100ml Equilibrium Bath & Shower Essence is priced at £40.00

Body dried and smelling heavenly from my Ameliorate Smoothing Body Lotion PJ's and slippers on, Chinese delivered and I'm now wrapped up in the sofa and it's time to unwind completely. Out comes Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Roller Ball. Now this brand I've heard of and love and cherish dearly, I've got a set of miniature bath oils and a large one until Leanora got hold of it and I just love the stuff. Totally blown away to find the Rollerball inside. It's not a product I've used before but the scent is a familiar one, essentials oils, just ooze calm, peace and love and this rollerball just does that and is perfect to use after a long hard day and just before bed, this too is free from Parabens, artificial fragrance and colour. Great size to keep on your to help relax your thought out the day and reasonably priced at £16.00. 

With the days and nights beings cold I find that my lips are suffering and I matter how much water I drink to stay hydrated I do find that my lips have been suffering. Skyn Iceland Plumping Lip Gels where neatly placed in the box, I was a bit taken a back I have to admit, I mean I've got quite big lips so do I really need to look a like a duck or want a trout pout. But I'm trying something new this year with beauty and always up for a little laugh even if it is at my own expense. 5 pairs all neatly packaged individually in one large resealable packaging i tore one open and applied as instructed to my clean, makeup free, dry lips don't worry it is a little large to cover all mouth shapes and sizes, gently pressed down and smoothed out any bubbles as requested, topped up my glass and relaxed for 10 minutes watching the movie and removed the lip patch, I was a. Bit worried that it would feel like a burning or tingling sensation, but far from it, it actually feels like a cooling somewhat soothing sensation on your lips, and I have to say I was delighted with the results, my lips refreshed younger dare I say, it had totally restored life back into my lips, hydrated even, lasted throughout the night well until the late morning so certainly does the trick and what it says on the packet priced at £36.00.

Seeing as I've a bit of time to get ready in the morning I can actually get my face on, no early morning dash for me, I can take my time and get my face on instead of walking out the house looking like Predators sister. The last gem in this months Self Love box is Smith & Cult, Lash Dance Mascara in Black. Now as out know I don't wear makeup a lot, but when I do I want to highlight my eyes in particular I've very small eyes, even when I'm smiling I look like a one eyed pirate, so being able to find a gem that helps open my eyes, and gives me fuller thicker lashes then I'm game and this Smith & Cult Lash Dance Masacra proved at £24.00 does just that.

If you are looking to treat your self this month or looking for that perfect gift for that special someone, I highly suggest purchasing this months Self Love MINTD Box. 

Want a piece of advice, grab the box whilst you can at £65.00 you can not go wrong it's a big saving as the actual value is £133.50. It's a great way to try some new brands, all brands you will find is not just stocked on the MINTD website, but Harvey Nichols, Selfridges & Net A Porter also. They ship to the UK, W.Europe, North. America & Australia. Plus as an extra treat for those who are new to MINTD you can bag yourself an extra 10% off using the code WELCOME17

Have you tried the MINTD Box yet? What do you think of these fabulous products?

Did you know you can follow me on Bloglovin and Twitter, would love it if you could.

London Mumma xx

Banana And Walnut Cake

First thing is first, you need to understand I am not a cake maker, bread maker of candlestick maker, but by Pete's sake I'm gonna give it a go and whip up something fantastic, with my little helper in tow, clean hands at the ready, we said a little prayer as we probably will destroy the kitchen in the process.

Kitchen survived, no smoke alarms gone off and all went swimmingly and the end result shocked me, that it actually came out just as I hoped if not better.

I am not fan of bananas, something about the texture puts me off, but Leanora loves them so I do not mind buying them. 

A few left over and a tad overripe, mother and daughter in search for an activity on this rainy day, why not make a 

cake to cheer us up from the weather plus it would be fun.

This is the recipe below, why not give it a go.

Ingredients For The Banana and Walnut Cake 

3 medium bananas 

300 g self-raising flour

150 g softened butter 

150 g soft brown sugar 

2 medium eggs 

75g walnuts 

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For The Cake Topping 

125 g full fat soft cheese 

75 g butter

200 g icing sugar

Teaspoon vanilla essence

Squeeze of lemon juice to taste

5-10g walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas Mark 4.

2. Grease the loaf tin (23cm) with butter

3. Peel the bananas and mash them with a fork and bag the walnuts with a rolling pin in a bag, not to finely as you want a mixture of size

4. Place the butter and brown sugar into a mixing bowl and blend together with a fork. Stir in the bananas and chopped walnuts. Mix in one egg and sift in half of the flour. Add the remaining flour, egg, oil then mix in a figure of eight, but Leanora did not understand so mixed like a mad woman/toddler

5. Pour the mixture into the loaf tin, smooth it level and place in the oven for 50-60 minutes. 

6. Make the topping by adding the icing sugar, soft cheese, butter and vanilla into a bowl and mixing it all together with a fork. Spoon the icing onto the cake and spread it evenly with a knife and sprinkle the remainder of your walnuts on top

A sweet treat to enjoy any day of the week, with a cup of coffee for me, warm milk for Leanora, feet up, blankets at the ready and time to chill and watch a movie.

Enjoy.

London Mumma xx