Taste Test: Jacob’s Cracker Crisps Thai Sweet Chilli Flavour

Let’s get one thing straight here: I’m not a cracker fan unless they’re prawn crackers (but think they’re a completely different thing) so why would I be trying the latest offering from Jacobs? Well there’s two reasons:

1. Curiosity (it’s not killed me yet!)
2. I was get £1.00 back from the Shopitize app on my phone (I may get around to doing a post on this app at some point….maybe a video…no that might scare people!) so worth the risk

So first job is to work out where they would be kept with a name like cracker crisp. Are they a cracker or a crisp? Well according to one of my local supermarkets, they’re filed under crackers. Which is probably the right decision here as personally they do feel more like crackers than a crisp. I found the taste to be a tad strong meaning that I couldn’t have too many in one setting (normally I’m a fan of sweet chilli flavour but it took me two weeks on my own dipping in and out as no one else in the house fancied them).

They’re probably not something that I would buy all the time. For me they are more a wee nibble that you would have out at a party rather than something you’d buy and eat as you would a pack of crisps.

Glasgow 2014 One year on: A Clyde-Sider reflects

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since the 20th Commonwealth Games came to Glasgow! Today would have seen me trying to tread water again with my second shift as a photo team member at the weightlifting in the Clyde auditorium (or as you may also know it, the Armadillo)

I won’t lie, it was nerve wracking. I felt a little out of my depth a times and I think it was because I didn’t really know what I was getting into. But after the second shift, I think I finally settled into things and realised that for the most part, it was just being me and trying to be as helpful to the photographers as possible. After all, some of these guys had just come back from the world cup in Rio and have probably photographed some other high profile events. Then there’s me who’s never done this sort of thing before. At least one us knew what we were doing…I think anyway. Either that or someone’s been lying to me…

I think the other thing for me was that I had no idea about anything about weightlifting. In fact, I’d say, for the most part, I still don’t! I think what still gets me is that, yes people may have been there for a specific lifter, but how they all seemed to get right behind all of the participants and how it all became a bit pantomime from the crowd. When a lift was approved (“good lift”) the crowd seemed to go wild, but as soon as it was regarded as “no lift” I was sure some times the crowd was looking for the judges blood.

There is one lifter who sticks in my mind. That was Daniel from Niue in the 105+ kg category final. It was his last lift in the clean and jerk and the audience had fallen silent, as they did every time as a lifter stepped up to the bar. Before his lift he cried out, in what seemed a distant voice in the large space “Glasgow I need your help”. And when he started that lift, did the crowd back him? Of course they did. Sadly he never made the lift but it always sticks in my mind.

Looking back, it does seem, to a certain extent, a little surreal. It’s the first time that I’ve been involved in something this big. It may not have been the same for everyone but remember coming home on the train, and yes, they might have been crowded, but it seemed that the party atmosphere carried on. It was getting to Dalmarnock station and seeing the athletes/coaches jumping on board and expecting that to be the norm after the Games.

I didn’t think that I would enjoy volunteering again after a bad experience in my past. But I think that the Games were probably one of the best things to happen to me. I’ve caught the volunteer bug again, and whilst I’m limited in my involvement due to work (most opportunities happening at the weekend) I have recently got involved with a local charity and looking forward to getting started with that. I met loads of wonderful people across my time there and some have become friends. I hope that in the future that I get to take part in something as spectacular as this again. It’s certainly some thing that will live with me for the rest of my life.

Lego® exhibition a brick short…

So back at the start of June I while volunteering at the Pearl Izumi round in Motherwell, I noticed a poster advertising a Lego® exhibition called Let’s Go (also known as Brick Built...apparently). Great, I thought. I’d been to the Brick City exhibition last year in Low Parks Museum in Hamilton and loved it (and missed the follow up one, Brick Wonders, at the start of the year in Paisley Museum). So seeing another exhibition in the local area, I knew I wanted to visit. After all, Lego® isn’t just for children!

So I finally got to visit it on Friday…and have to say I was a little disappointed. The main ‘exhibition’ was housed in a small room with it being made up with more of smaller models (not that these aren't as impressive as the larger models that I've seen). Though the highlight is right in the centre with the section of the Forth Road Bridge (that rarely gets a viewing given to the size & weight).

Getting in to see the models is free. It is the other activities that they provide where the money: photo booth, wall art & an animation workshop. This is probably where they are making the money in order to host this event (along with the donations box in with the models)

Overall, it feels that there seemed to be a 'build up' before the event but that like a single high tower of Lego® bricks, it's fell flat. It feels that maybe it could have been more. Maybe this event was more aimed to children rather than AFOL (that's Adult Fan Of Lego® by the way) given that it's happening over the summer holidays.

If you want to pop along and be inspired to what you can do with the little Danish bricks, Let's Go is on at the North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre until the August 15th (Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm)

^{Images (top to bottom, left to right):
Forth Road Bridge
Guttenberg Press
Arc de Triomphe}

BBC Three moving homes….

So last week it was announced that BBC Three is set to become an online channel. I'm not going to lie, the announcement doesn't really surprise me. Over the last few years I'd say the quality that has been delivered on the channel has been variable.

When I look back across the years, you realise BBC Three has been home to some decent stuff. It was the original home of Gavin & Stacey, Little Britain & not forgetting of course a wee programme called Torchwood. There was documentaries that got you thinking (anyone remember Blood, Sweat & T-shirts that started Stacey Dooley's career?). Being Human (I remember seeing the pilot episode when it was part of a showcase on Three of new writers). In The Flesh. Russell Howard's Good News. And that's just what I can pull from the top of my head.

And then you can look at some of the other....questionable content. Snog. Marry. Avoid? Sun, Sex & Suspicious Parents (how many series does this need...and why do the participants not realise what's going on....after all the time?) And then there's the repeats. Repeats of Family Guy & American Dad (although they have lost the rights of these to rival ITV though the current series of Family Guy the BBC has moved to BBC 2 and something tells me they might be trying to get through it as quickly as possible), Top Gear (maybe no longer) & Eastenders (isn't that what the weekend omnibus was for?)

It's a shame too. BBC Three had all the potential there to be something for what is basically an unheard generation. But somewhere along the line, it's got lost. Occassionally it hits the right notes. But maybe it should take notes from Amigo loans and go back to the good old days. Time will only tell what's likely to happen when it moves online.

The day the charts moved days….

5^th July 2015 – The day the charts changed. Not that they had been changing since the introduction of the digital download (heck recently in the UK's official chart streams were also included in the official charts)

Yes, the 5^th of July is the last ever Sunday chart show. Why? Because we're moving to a global release day on a Friday. Why a Friday? Well, according to the IFPI, that's when there's most footfall in stores and the most digital traffic online. And apparently it's an attempt at trying to stop piracy. See, until now, most places have had their own release days: Monday was UK, Tuesday was US, Wednesday is Japan, don't know any for Thursday but Friday was the likes of Germany & Australia. And here in lay the problem. With releases from Germany , Ireland & Australia, they would usually see their release date on the Monday or the Tuesday, so over the weekend it would be 'released' by means not necessarily legal.

Sundays from 4pm were chart time. I never really enjoyed listening to the official chart to be honest. I was more of a Pepsi Chart person (which was a tad annoying when you discovered that the top 10 you'd heard on the Pepsi Chart wasn't the same as Official Chart) but it got me through hours of homework back in the day. And who didn't back in the day wait for that moment when their track came on and record it to cassette? Now we probably just use audio capture on a computer.

I don't know how I feel about the whole global release date (being marketed as New Music Fridays). I can see why they want to do it. But at the same time, I don't know what difference it's going to make. After all, we still see audio only videos up on Youtube/Vevo long before any single is due to be released, so if folks pull the audio only from the video, what incentive do they have to purchase the release when it comes out? Sure the fans may wait but in the long run? It's going to be odd hearing the charts on Friday (and that's what so odd that we'll have new releases on a Friday along with a chart?) and not the Sunday (although you may, in the UK still have The Big Top 40 which focuses on iTunes downloads alone)

I know that this global release day isn't set in stone. Officially, folks can release a track whenever they want. It's going to be an interesting few months. Will we see the big artists hanging around longer? What will happen to the independents who don't have the budgets/resources to compete with the big guns? There might be separate charts for different genres, but everyone knows that it the big official chart position that really counts.

Photos: © Vhari Lannigan
Lionel Richie @ S.E.C.C Glasgow 8th April 2009
Alex Cornish @ Edinburgh Corn Exchange 18th August 2010
Sandi Thom @ Howden Park Centre, Livingston 17th April 2014

Taste Testing: Blue Dragon Sweet Chilli Chicken Flavour Noodles

I’ll try anything once. Look under the food tag for that one. And this is one of those moments. While shopping in one of the local supermarkets (don’t want to show favouritism after all :p) at the weekend, this just happened to be shouting at me (it of course had nothing to do with the fact that it was on offer at only £1)

 

I’m not going to lie. I may be a little very partial to the sweet chilli sauce produced by Blue Dragon so of course I wasn’t going to have any issue with trying this. After all, in my mind it was just a Pot Noodle produced by someone else, right?

Well, on opening you’re presented with 3 little packages:

From left to right we have dried vegetables, the flavouring and of course the noodles. Now it all very simple to make. Open the dried veg and flavourings and pour into the pot you’ve just taken them out of then add the noodles. Fill to the line shown on the packaging (apparently it’s about 200ml), pop lid back on for approx. 2.5 mins, stir separating the noodles, pop the lid back on and wait another 2.5 mins and then,  voila! Ready to eat.

Taste wise they were alright. It was just a nice balance that I think anyone would appreciate. And the portion size was just right too despite what you might think on initially opening the package. My only concern was that they did seem a little watery so probably the next time I’d fill it just below the line. Think getting the water level right, for me, is going to be like adding water to the tomato soup paste by heinz…but that’s another story. Might see what other flavours are available and give them a go.

On the big screen: Mr Holmes

When I saw the trailer for Mr. Holmes, I was intrigued by what it was going to be like though I was quite willing to wait until it was available to buy before seeing it. But on a rare Saturday night out, I found myself watching the very film.

We all have that image of Sherlock Holmes in our head: the deerstalker & the pipe, but what we have in Mr Holmes is none of that (apparently that image was conjured up by none other than Doctor. Watson who wrote the tales). No, here in Mr Holmes we have the 93 year old retired Holmes returning from a trip to Japan and turning his thoughts to the case that caused him to retire while battling with his senility.

I was expecting the film to be more a narrated flashback where in actual fact we’re presented with him recalling the fateful case while almost aiding Roger (Milo Parker, who I think we’ll be hearing more of in the future and is one to watch) solve the case of the dying bees in the apiary which, to all ends, shows a side of Holmes that is rarely portrayed in adaptations: a caring side. The last person in the ‘main’ trio is Laura Linney, who plays the frustrated housekeeper & mother to Roger, Mrs Munro. Ian McKellen’s portrayal both as the 93 year old & his 30 years younger self are brilliant, even if, for me, I could see hint of old Gandalf there (and hopefully this might get a nod come award season!)

I’ve seen quite a few BBC Films (apparently they’ve been making them for 25 years!) but this for me as a film felt a little dragged out for it’s 104 min run time. For me, I could have seen this being made into a series and being shown on Sunday night, maybe as three part-er and it bringing in the viewers. But as a film it seemed a little long.

So in short: catch it just now if you must but it might be a case that can wait until it’s released later in the year.

A childhood favourite brought up to date

A sunday afternoon growing up will always be for me Thunderbirds on BBC 2. Yes, it might have been a re-run in terms of viewing but for me, it was a first time (add to that the Friday night viewing of The Simpsons & either Stingray or Captain Scarlet...) So early this year when the first images of the reboot for Thunderbirds (or as this is known, Thunderbirds are Go) appeared, I admit that I did jump on the 'no please don't do this' given what I deem a failed attempt at reboot Captain Scarlet a number of years ago.

I'm not going to lie. I have been pleasantly surprised by what they have done. Whilst yes it has been brought up to date with the CGI (so things can be done that the puppets couldn't) there are some nice nods to the original series. Let's start with the obvious: music. The original countdown by Peter Dyneley (who voiced Jeff Tracey in the original) has been maintained. It is sort of synonymous along with the familiar theme song. Occasionally, there's even the odd original music moment.

The vehicles:They are more of less the same designs as the old, maybe a few tweaks to modernise them but then, don't they do that to vehicles anyways? And they have also maintained how the vehicles leave the island too (although, there has been some redesigning on the pool. It's no longer a yoghurt pop, more of a margarine tub (this will make sense to those of a certain age!))

Characters: More of less the appearance of the puppets have been maintained. As I said, the CGI allows them to do things the puppets couldn't. Although, I do miss the bobbing that they used to do when walking. I love that the Parker is voiced by his original actor () although I'm not entirely sold on Roselind Pike as Lady Penelope.

The sets: yes I'm calling them sets. Not all the action is CGI. WETA, the team behind shall we say, the magic of The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings, have also had a hand in the show. There are points where CGI & miniatures collide and they do so wonderfully (we wouldn't expect anything else from them, would we?)

It's been loving updated version of the show that does pay homage to the original making it accessible not only to older fans, but also to children.

Taste Testing: BirdsEye Lightly dusted Cod Fillets – Lemon & Black Pepper

Battered fish. Fish in batter. However you want to describe it, it seems that the UK may be having a little love affair with fish in it's various forms. But now it seems that there's a call for lighter options. And it's here that we find BirdsEye latest offering: Lightly Dusted Cod Fillets. They are currently available in three flavours: Lemon & black pepper, rosemary & sea salt and garlic & herb. If you haven't guessed by the title, this review focuses on the lemon & black pepper version.

Packaging

The fillets have more of a thin batter & lovely flaky cod. The fillet itself isn't too thick or too thin. Birdseye have found just the right fillet size for this 'lighter' option. The flavourings of lemon & black pepper complements the fish beautifully and aren't too overpowering.
Looking at this from a personal point of view, while enjoying it and it's lightness (I'm not a great fish lover to start with ), it's not something that I could have week in, week out. I think that it's more of a once in a while meal when you're wanting something a little different from the norm and definitely something for the warm summer months. Wonder if we could get a plain version of this for a try….

Fish with salad & mango. Yum!

When Cycling Came to The Streets of Motherwell….

I'm not going to lie. I'd never heard of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series until a few months ago when an email dropped into my inbox from the local council library who happened to mention it and that it was going to be coming to Motherwell. Apparently, it's in it's 7^th year! But this is the first time that they've dropped by the Scottish town (and officially, on the day, the first dry round that they'd had! Well done whoever bribed the weatherman!)

If you're like me and not too clear on what it is, let me try and explain:

Nine teams battle it out in the Series across the ten rounds for the overall title and to be crowned the fastest and best team in Britain. However,it’s all about the teams. Just because a team’s rider has crossed the finished line doesn’t mean that their team has won.. They get the honour and glory of the individual win, but the aim is for the teams to complete the race in the lowest cumulative time with their five riders, making them the fastest team on the night

Each round will also sees selected guest teams joining in to bring local interest to the Series and to provide them with the opportunity to race on the high-profile stage of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series to aid the development of new teams and younger riders.

All clear now? Good! Now where were we…

So the afternoon was taken up by support events for run by Scottish Cycling which provided viewing before the main event, starting with the Women's Matrix Fitness GP Series before the main Pearl Izumi Tour Series men event. I only got to see a wee bit of the main events as I was volunteering* at it. It was only when I watched it back on TV (very impressed on the turn around time on that, even if it was just highlights! 24 hours?! Can I have some tips please as my videos usually can take up to a week!) I realised how fast the event was. It appeared to be a very well attended event from my point of view. And clean up was already starting before the men's presentations were being made.

I did overhear people complaining about the roads being closed, that it should have been held on the weekend or on the Monday as it was a bank holiday. After all, it was a school night, who was going to trek down there when kids had school the next day…a fair few from what I saw. To be honest, I don't think it was going to matter when they hosted the event, there was always going to be someone who would complain. Folks were saying that it should have been held in Strathclyde Park but I don't think the challenge would be there. And to be fair, the clean up started almost as soon as the last riders had been confirmed returned.

Why should we be hiding events behind 'closed doors' as such in parks & stadiums? Why not bring more events to the streets and show what we can do with our area? It’s not as if they happen all the time. If it was all the time, I could under stand, but once in a blue moon? There should be a community pride in that we got to host something like this. I'm hoping that there's a chance that the Series might make a return to the town in future years. In the meantime, there’s always 2017 and the British Transplant Games to look forward to coming to the area! And then the first European Sports Championships in 2018! 

*Motherwell provided the most volunteers (at the time!) of the series! Go Scotland!

Photos: © Vhari Lannigan. More photos are here

Taste Testing: Tesco Finest Free From Triple Chocolate Cookies

There are benefits to be parts of schemes where you get to try products for less or even for free (and who doesn’t love a freebie, be honest). The Orchard from Tesco is one of these programmes. Not everyone is suited to all their programmes that they offer but if they think that you would be interested, then you’ll get an invite. The latest one that I was invited to came in the form of ‘Tesco Favourites’.
They offered you a selection of products, one of which you picked (as you might have guessed from the title of this blog, I took the cookies that were on offer). You receive a voucher allowing you to get this product free as well as another one to spend on other tesco branded products.
Now to be honest, when someone suggests Free From, automatically I’m thinking that it tastes a bit bland and cardboardy. Unfortunately, I can’t show you a picture of what the cookies looked like but you can have the box (in case you want to go look for them and try them yourselves).
 
Why can’t I show you the cookies? Because they didn’t last! They weren’t what I thought they were going to be. They actually reminded me of chocolate covered hobnobs and felt very more-ish (hence why they didn’t last!) Even my mum, who also had the preconception that they would be tasteless enjoyed them. We’re even considering trying other Free From products after this little experiment (and that’s something I didn’t think I would be saying).
As for the other voucher? Well, we’re quite happy buying Tesco branded products, even if it is to see how they are on par with what we would usually buy. Most of the time, there isn’t that much of a difference between branded and store-own (although I do draw the line at beans, tomato sauce & tomato soup: that always has to be Heinz!) apart from maybe price. The last product we switched was from Kellogg’s Raisin Wheats to Tesco’s own. The only different really is in the size but still the same great taste!
Check out the cookies from the testing here

Things To Do: Glasgow Central Station Experience

Railway stations: some of us pass through them everyday without probably giving a second thought to how they were built or the stories behind them. Some of them are just beautiful structures in their own right. Well, here in Scotland, one station has decided that it’s time to peel back the curtain and give people the chance to see the station in another light.

Here in Scotland, there is an event every September called Doors Open Day. It’s a time where places literally open their doors to the public for a weekend to see inside. Some events are ticketed and go quickly (like the Irn Bru factory….then again, you’d probably never get me out of there). Until recently that was the case with Glasgow Central. But now the opportunity to explore this Victorian station, which operates more than 1,000 journeys a day (making it the busiest in Scotland and the 2nd busiest station in the UK outside of London) out of it’s 17 platforms.

When the tours originally popped up at Christmas, I was desperate to get on the tour as this is a station I pass through whenever I travel to Glasgow on the train. For a fortnight last year, it was basically a second home to me! So I was gutted that by the time I had found out that all the available dates at the time were SOLD OUT! Roll on the end of February 2015 and the announcement of more dates…so I treated myself to tickets as a birthday present. The price: £10 per person. But more on the price later.

Now, I’m not going to give you a running commentary because…well, I want you to go and experience this for yourself! Be prepared to be sporting a hard hat (and hat hair afterwards!) and blue jacket (we are in a working station after all). Our guide Paul started on the concourse with some history before taking us up to the roof* for the views. This was worth the ticket price in itself for me…did I mention I was scared of heights? From the towering heights it to the depths below through snaking corridors below thundering trains. At one point I actually had to take a moment to realise where I was and it was a corridor I’ve walked many a time!

Our guide Paul was very knowledgeable about the history of the station,with added brightness of tales of celebrities who have graced the station to the dark tales of other uses of parts of the underground of the station.

So I said I would mention the price: to be honest, I would have easily paid double what it was for the experience. Shortly they’re looking at expanding what’s on offer to include visiting the Victorian platform as well as the Broomielaw, which I have to say I’ll be going back for.

So, if you’re heading to Glasgow and fancy something a little different, why not think about this. Booking can only be done online and I do recommend planning in advance particularly if it’s holiday time

*access to the roof is dependant on weather & maintenance

Book tickets on Glasgow Central Tours

On The Big Screen: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

I loved the original Best Exotic Marigold Hotel back in 2012. There were scenes in it that I could relate to at that moment in time. When I saw that there was a second one at the tail end of last year, I didn't hesitate about my decision to see the follow up. I'm not going to lie though I did have reservations about it.

I mean, the first film was intriguing given it's concept of a group of older adults head off to a foreign country to a calamity of a hotel. Now, we're a few years down the line with Sonny (Dev Patel) looking at expanding his business but it's not without it's as straight forward as he expects (would we expect it to be?) as well as his forthcoming nuptials to Sunaina (Tina Desi) Our faithful residents are still here and have taken on jobs. (Muriel (Maggie Smith) is co-manager at the first hotel, Evenlyn (Judi Dench) is a fabric sourcer for a company, Douglas (Bill Nighy) is a ‘tour’ guide, Norman & Madge (Ronald Pickup & Celia Imrie) are managing the The Viceroy Club & Carol (Diana Hardcastle) is in the travel agency) 

And here in lies the problem: Once you’ve been re-introduced, the film seems slow, not the haphazardness of the first one that kept the pace. There are still the laughs though not in as much quantity of the first. The return of Jean (Penelope Wilton), looking for a divorce, feels awkward and disjointed and not entirely sure whether there's something missing. In some instances, I can't help thinking that if it had only been Douglas’ daughter Laura (Claire Price) & not Jean, it may have worked better. I did have my reservations about Richard Gere being involved in the film, however, his character, Guy, slotted in perfectly to the already existing cast

Was a sequel needed? Probably not as the first did finish on a nice little note and left you wondering what did happen next but felt complete. I can't help feeling that they left a few loose ends by the end of this one, but I'm quietly hoping that there isn't another film. There comes a point where you need to recognise that something is finished and not drag it out (Disney, I'm looking at you with regards Toy Story! The third one ended everything nicely no need to milk that any more!)

So in short: if you enjoyed the first visit, you'll probably enjoy the second but expect a placid ride to the last bumpy one.

In the kitchen: Making dog biscuits

I love baking! I find it particularly good for taking frustrations out as I beat the life out of the ingredients and of course there is the scent of the freshly made baking filling the house too…and usually, I do have the nanny aka, the dog, watching my every move. So, when a recipe for dog biscuits appeared in a recent mailing from Pets At Home’s VIP club, I couldn’t say no to making a homemade treat for the dog, could I?

 

I’m not going to lie. I hate the smell of peanut butter! And what was the main ingredient of the biscuits? Peanut butter! Not going to lie that the biscuits were quick and easy to make and didn’t take too long to bake either.

And the verdict? Well, we did have a wee nibble given that they did smell alright but the taste…it was bland! At least to us. To the dog, Meg…she absolutely loved them! As soon as she got one, she was gone in a trail of dust. Well that’s what it was like anyway. It’s probably something I’d consider making for her once in a while as a special treat. She’ll just have to make do with the usual inbetween.

On the big Screen – Kingsman: The Secret Service

So finally after months of waiting, I’ve seen Kingsman: The Secret Service. I first saw a trailer for it via one of these surveys things and instantly fell in love with it. But it’s seems like months since that happened but now that it’s finally out, I pop along to see it at the local Vue cinema, making use of their lovely Super Tuesday offer (thanks Vue!)

I’m not going to lie. It wasn’t to a certain extent what I thought it was going to be. I had initially thought that it was going to be some spoof of all those spy movies & TV shows that had gone before. And to some extent, for me, it is. But it also feels as if this fill a gap in the genre too. Making use of today’s issues such as climate change, technology & class divide give it that modern day approach but isn’t delivered in this ‘been there, done it all’ feeling.

Cast wise, I loved the almost chalk & cheese approach with Colin Firth & Taron Egerton’s characters (Harry Hart & Gary ‘Eggsy’ Unwin respectively) loveable given the posh, well spoken meeting the ‘streets’. Mark Strong’s Merlin (almost akin to Bond’s Q) complete with Scottish accent is brilliant too…ok so maybe I’m being biased here cause I’m Scottish but the delivery of one line near the end of the film just sounded like something that you’d hear screeched on the streets of Glasgow. The only issue that I sort of had was with Samuel L. Jackson. It just felt odd seeing him play a character (Valentine) who’s sick/scared at the sight of blood when we’re so used to seeing him being the kick ass and being the one causing the blood.

There is one scene that I did feel lowered the tone and was  felt not needed (again, near the end) not with how well everything had been going before now. Otherwise this was a fairly enjoyable film and not my usual outing. Wouldn’t mind viewing it again. There’s probably small things that I missed the first time round…now…wonder if we’d get a director’s or unedited version when it releases on DVD…apparently some scenes were dropped to get it’s 15 rating.

Slowly cooking – Coca-Cola Barbeque Ribs

Over a year ago, we bought a slow cooker.Three words: BEST.BUY.EVER! I love the idea of being able to throw items into a pot and just cook it over several hours. One issue that I have found is that looking for recipes online under slow cooker can be difficult. But look under crockpot and you’re laughing.

I’ve got pulled barbeque chicken well a truly down to an art. I’ve tried making honey chicken wings (not so keen on) and lemon chicken (again, not keen on). We’ve even tried making a casserole in it (the results were not great for a first attempt!). The latest attempt was making coca-cola ribs!

Wish this was smellavision

I originally tried similar ribs in Clydebuilt, the restaurant within the SECC in Glasgow last year and thought I’d have a look for a recipe to try at home. The one I tried was found on TheFrugalGirls.com. This first time I’ve made them (the last time they were made for me) I’ve tweaked it slight by adding more cola as it didn’t seem to be enough. But they’re absolutely gorgeous and just drop off the bone (that makes it for fun trying to get them OUT the slow cooker).

Maybe next time I might even have a bash at making my own barbeque sauce…anyone got a recommended recipe?

Bon Appitite!

Oh to scan as I shop…

I seem to recall a number of years ago a mention of something about being able so scan your shopping as you went but then all seemed to go quiet. Roll on and recently my local Tesco store have introduced it.

I've been using it for a number of weeks now and I have to ask...where have you been?

In case you're not familiar with it, it involves picking up a scanner (you require to be registered with their Clubcard programme) and then, as you go around you scan the items you want and can then just pack them. Simple! Anything that cannot be scanned you can set aside while loose fruit & veg is weighed at stations and then a label printed for you to scan. Once completed, you go to the specific checkout area, scan a barcode on the screen, answer a few questions (anything you couldn't scan?) after which it begins to transfer the scanned items to the checkout.

Just a wee sample of a shop

I've absolutely loved it! I can now just go in and back out. I love how it gives you a running total of how much you've spent as well as how much you've saved. Any offers are also shown & it reminds you to scan all items in offers like 3 for 2 etc.

We used it a few the day before Christmas Eve for our final shop/ It took us an hour to run round with the scanner and only minutes to get though paying at the checkout given the size of the checkouts and that was only at 10am!

Yes there's the occasional security check once at the checkout but I've only had them the first few times that I've used but other than that, I can’t complain…well, I can. It’s only open for 12 hours and the trolleys are needing a wee cradle for the scanner to sit in when not in use (though I’m told their coming…wish they’d come sooner!)

Britney Spears Hairdryer @ Lidl

I'm not one for buying into celebrity endorsed products. But I couldn't helping noticing the ad in November....December....well. It was the last months of 2014 anyway, for a certain Britney Spears haircare products in Lidl.

What caught my eye, or should I say, made me investigate further was the prices that were being quoted...I mean....£10 for a hairdryer? I might question it, but then, a number of years ago, when wireless keyboards were still on the expensive side, I picked up one with mouse for £15. It's still going strong all these years later.

Anyway, I digress. Partially intrigued and partially in need of a new one, I went for it. Usually these deals don't last long, experience has taught me that, but managed to pick one up. And with a 3 year guarantee as well...so far this is sounding a good deal.

So here's a quick view of the box & contents:

So use? There are two different heat settings,; the obvious hot as well as the cold blast for style setting. There are also 3 heat settings. It's a very lightweight and I found that using it on the second speed setting was good enough for me with hair dried in approx. 15/20 mins .

There's is only one issue that I've had with it is the ease of changing the the different nozzles. It apparently should just be a case of popping one off and adding the other. It's the popping off that seems to be the issue as it does feel as if you could break the nozzle. Not that I have any reason to change the nozzle...I don't think I'll have any use for the diffuser in fairness.

Yes, it's a bargain, but if I manage to get 3 years out of it, then I'll be happy (no doubt it will die one day after the guarantee runs out...that's what happens, right?