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	<title>Domestic Goddesque</title>
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		<title>The sun is out, let&#8217;s have a picnic.</title>
		<link>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/the-sun-is-out-lets-have-a-picnic/</link>
		<comments>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/the-sun-is-out-lets-have-a-picnic/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 23:01:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Domestic Goddesque</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[about me]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://domesticgoddesque.com/?p=7151</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p>This month&#8217;s Tots 100 Center Parcs Challenge is all about picnics. We had family visiting from New Zealand over the Bank Holiday weekend, so took advantage of a break in the clouds to get out for a picnic at our local park. The thing about picnics is that they can be as simple or as [...]</p><p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/the-sun-is-out-lets-have-a-picnic/">The sun is out, let&#8217;s have a picnic.</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This month&#8217;s Tots 100 Center Parcs Challenge is all about picnics. We had family visiting from New Zealand over the Bank Holiday weekend, so took advantage of a break in the clouds to get out for a picnic at our local park. The thing about picnics is that they can be as simple or as complicated as you want: my Girls often have a carpet picnic for tea during the week- just sandwiches, crisps and fruit, for example, which takes little effort and which they really enjoy.</p>
<p>Or you could take picnics to a whole new level of creativity- which I am far more likely to do if they are on a school trip- and follow the example of Jill at Meet the DuBiens, who has a wealth of <a href="http://www.meetthedubiens.com/search/label/bento%20boxes">Bento-related archives</a> for you to drool over. Or use as inspiration. Likewise Pippa from a Mother&#8217;s Ramblings does an amazing job varying the contents of <a href="http://www.amothersramblings.com/2012/03/making-rainbow-packed-lunch.html">her children&#8217;s lunchboxes</a>. There is a host of recipes on the <a href="http://lunchboxworld.co.uk/">Lunchbox World website</a>, which also sells some fabulous lunchboxes if you are looking.</p>
<p>We kept it simple: DH bought mini-rolls at Waitrose, which we filled with Marmite- both Kiwi and English. Grown-ups got full-sized beef and horseradish, ham and avocado and chicken and chutney rolls. All delicious. There were packets of crisps, slices of melon and pineapple, and mini-cakes and tarts, again courtesy of Waitrose. I am a fan of mini-things where children are concerned. The small size appeals to them. Needless to say that, in the shade of a large tree, it all got eaten pretty swiftly, so that we could get back to the important business of a family game of football.</p>
<p>That&#8217;s the thing about picnics- they are a super group activity. We have had so many over the years in all the countries my parents lived in whilst I was growing up and two things are essential: food and ball sports. Actually that should be four things: food, good weather, ball sports and beer. The life of an expat always seems to involve beer at any group activity!</p>
<p>After we had eaten and played and were in need of a new challenge, I unveiled &#8216;secret spies&#8217;. I have been wanting to try Geo-cache for ages, but the final push were a couple of my Facebook friends who posted pictures of their families having so much fun. So I downloaded the app- at £6.99 it isn&#8217;t cheap but after only one session I have no doubt that we will get value from it. We used this app to navigate around the park, finding the caches of varying sizes, with some success. Only once was there anything other than a log book in the container though, which saddened me: I can&#8217;t help thinking that British people are the worst for just helping themselves to the contents of boxes&#8230;.</p>
<p>We were by no means stealthy: 4 adults, 4 children, a dog and a pushchair would still look obvious even if we were in camouflage. But we had a super fun time: the children loved searching for the boxes and following the compass on the app on my phone. We loved that they walked miles without complaint as we played &#8216;secret spies&#8217;. And I have to say that we are hooked. Especially when there is an ice-cream van just waiting for us as we finish.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>For a chance to become the newest Center Parcs Family Blogger and to <a href="http://www.centerparcs.co.uk/weekend_breaks.jsp" rel="nofollow">win a family break</a> to a Center Parcs village of your choice, simply share pictures of your fun-filled family picnic on your blog and tweet @tots100  a link to it. Be sure to include the Center Parcs and Tots 100 handles in your tweet, as well as the #CPFamilyBreak hashtag before the challenge closes on May 31st.</p>
<p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/the-sun-is-out-lets-have-a-picnic/">The sun is out, let&#8217;s have a picnic.</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>When we went to Center Parcs Longleat</title>
		<link>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/when-we-went-to-center-parcs-longleat/</link>
		<comments>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/when-we-went-to-center-parcs-longleat/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 09:17:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Domestic Goddesque</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[about me]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Center Parcs Blogger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family antics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Center Parcs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Longleat]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://domesticgoddesque.com/?p=7091</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p>A long time ago I was selected to be a Center Parcs Blogger. If you follow the blog you will see that we have been taking part in monthly various challenges since last year, from designing a Water Ride to planting some sunflower seeds. As part of the package, I got to take the DG [...]</p><p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/when-we-went-to-center-parcs-longleat/">When we went to Center Parcs Longleat</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A long time ago I was selected to be a Center Parcs Blogger. If you follow the blog you will see that we have been taking part in monthly various challenges since last year, from <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2012/11/center-parcs-challenge-design-a-water-ride/">designing a Water Ride</a> to <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/04/earth-day-activity-toilet-roll-planters-milk-jug-earth-scoops-and-planting-sunflower-seeds/">planting some sunflower seeds</a>. As part of the package, I got to take the DG family to Center Parcs Longleat to give the Center Parcs experience our full and considered opinion.</p>
<p>We set off on a beautiful day: the sun shone almost all the way to Wiltshire, although with Stonehenge in sight, we were beset with &#8216;adverse&#8217; weather. This was the story of our weekend weather-wise: colder than usual for the time of year and a little bit dramatically wet at times. But we are, above all, British, so we just got on with it whilst complaining bitterly about the weather.</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Center-Parcs-villa-interior.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7137" alt="Center Parcs villa interior" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Center-Parcs-villa-interior.jpg" width="650" height="650" /></a></p>
<p>Check in- all in-car- was extremely efficient and we were able to drive to our villa to unload. The villa- a 3-bedroom- was well-appointed. Clean, tidy and very well-laid out, what the rooms lacked in space they made up for in thoughtfully-designed storage, and still fitted everything that you would need. Frankly we have stayed in many hotels that are far less well-kitted-out. There were hairdryers in each room- portentious as it turned out. There was a TV in the Master Bed. There was natural light- courtesy of a light-well- in the bathroom. There was a neat little kitchen with cupboard space for the bits we brought with us. There was  a fireplace that we could use, and a generous L-shaped sofa to sprawl on whilst we watched DVDs. It was fantastic to have a ‘guest’ loo and good sized boot room in which to store wellies, shoes, bike helmets, scooters and pushchairs. My favourite feature was the giant blackboard, which bore a welcome message, and which got a lot of use during our stay.</p>
<p>Almost immediately I bailed on DH and the children to spend time in the Spa. He likewise abandoned the children to their Godmother- and fellow blogger- Lisa, whose family were with us in a nearby villa as part of the Center Parcs Blogger package, so he could park the car in the vast car-park and collect our reserved bikes. Subsequently mine turned out to be too large, so we returned the following day to the largest store of bikes I have ever seen in my life and mine was exchanged within minutes and without any fuss, for a better size. Both bikes had trailers for The Girls and they saw plenty of mileage across the site over the weekend. Although I had read about the large  Center Parks sites online, it&#8217;s only when you actually get there that you realise how long it takes to get from A to B. This cannot be underestimated if you are booking activities in advance on the site- I would strongly advise that you don&#8217;t book things back-to-back unless you are certain that it is in the same location. Of course at Longleat there is a wonderful Land Train which takes the strain from your legs but still takes time to get around the circuit.</p>
<p>After the Spa, we headed to Huck&#8217;s for a family meal at The Plaza- home to most of the restaurants and the pool complex. The food was great- particularly the kids&#8217; all-you-can-eat buffet, which allowed them to eat pasta with chips if they wanted and then dash off and play in the kids area whilst we explored the cocktail menu.</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Center-Parcs-Longleat.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7138" alt="Center Parcs Longleat" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Center-Parcs-Longleat.jpg" width="650" height="650" /></a></p>
<p>We spent a very comfortable night in soft warm beds, waking to bird song and an unnatural quiet- surrounded by woodland trees, there&#8217;s very little noise which is disconcerting to us city folk. We pedaled down to The Plaza with great excitement. As did half the site. The pool was very busy very quickly.And if I am honest, it was a bit of a mix: we loved the outdoor pool, some of the slides and the circular pool that swept us along like fish. I was very disappointed in the design of the children&#8217;s pool, some of which we only discovered on day two. It just didn&#8217;t seem that it had been properly thought through, and we ended up heading home with several injuries as a result.</p>
<p>That afternoon we had a blast at family bowling: the children managed to outscore the adults in most cases, but we all had such a great time. Even I got over my Bowling PTSD to get involved- the jug of Pina Colada and One Direction on the juke box undoubtedly helped. Then we cycled up to the Pancake House for a magic show and buffet, which totally blew the children away. In fact one of them went up on stage during the magic act, which made it even more unforgettable. It all proved a bit too much for Dimples so she and I bailed early, back to the space and quiet of our villa. The perfect retreat.</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Center-Parcs-Longleat-review.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7139" alt="Center Parcs Longleat review" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Center-Parcs-Longleat-review.jpg" width="650" height="650" /></a></p>
<p>On Sunday morning, after a walk during which I realised how vast the site was and how, in all likelihood, there would remain huge portions of the place that I would not get to see on this visit, DH headed off to do some Field Archery. I watched  The Girls run riot over one of the outdoor adventure areas- designed for much older children- and took hundreds of pictures. We met DH for lunch at Cafe Rouge before heading back to the pool- the main draw for us as a family, particularly as the children are currently learning to swim. We fitted in some Animal Magic with Lisa and her family. And then DH took the bikes to drop off whilst The Girls and I rode the Land Train back up the hill and home.</p>
<p>Supper and a DVD was perfect for our last evening in the Parc: the Girls were exhausted and we were driving back to Bromley in the morning. In the event our departure was very straightforward. DH took the last bike down to the Bike Centre and picked up our car, parking outside our villa as instructed, so that we could pack our belongings. A quick stop at the exit gates to drop off our keys and we were on the road, and home in 2 and a half hours.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>*disclosure: as a <a href="http://www.tots100.co.uk/2012/10/08/center-parcs-family-bloggers-announced/">Center Parcs Blogger</a>, I received our Friday-to-Monday break for two families, together with welcome pack, meal at Hucks and activities free of charge, for the purposes of this review. For more information about Center Parcs, you can visit their website: <a href="http://www.centerparcs.co.uk/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.centerparcs.co.uk</span></a>*</p>
<p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/when-we-went-to-center-parcs-longleat/">When we went to Center Parcs Longleat</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Crafts to make for Fathers Day</title>
		<link>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/crafts-to-make-for-fathers-day/</link>
		<comments>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/crafts-to-make-for-fathers-day/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 May 2013 23:53:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Domestic Goddesque</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Home Craft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tutorial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[card wallet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[craft hangout]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[duct tape]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Father's Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids craft]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://domesticgoddesque.com/?p=7144</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p>The thing that I cherish more than anything on Mother&#8217;s Day are the cards and handmade gifts that The Girls give me. On the same basis, I work hard with our Girls to make something that DH will cherish for Father&#8217;s Day. It&#8217;s an important lesson for them to learn: that a gift that is [...]</p><p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/crafts-to-make-for-fathers-day/">Crafts to make for Fathers Day</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The thing that I cherish more than anything on Mother&#8217;s Day are the cards and handmade gifts that The Girls give me. On the same basis, I work hard with our Girls to make something that DH will cherish for Father&#8217;s Day. It&#8217;s an important lesson for them to learn: that a gift that is thoughtful, that comes from the heart, that you put yourself into, is far more special and precious than anything you can buy.</p>
<p>A couple of years ago, when they were small, I made DH&#8217;s <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2011/06/how-to-make-a-snake-bookmark-from-a-tie-fathers-day-craft/">Snake Bookmark from a tie</a>. But since then, there has been much more involvement. Last year we made a <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2012/06/family/">DAD photo frame</a>. I also wrote a post on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2011/06/easy-fathers-day-crafts/">easy Father&#8217;s Day crafts </a>that you can make. This year, LBG has come up with a champion idea all by herself. She suggested we make something for Daddy&#8217;s Oyster card. So we did.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/fathers-day-duct-tape-oyster-card-holder.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7157" alt="fathers day duct tape oyster card holder" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/fathers-day-duct-tape-oyster-card-holder.png" width="650" height="217" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I found some bright coloured duct tape from my stash and we set to work. Here&#8217;s how we made our Father&#8217;s Day Duct Tape Oyster Card Holder- though of course you could use it for a credit card, gift card or other card.</p>
<p>First, cut strips of duct tape that were just over twice the length of the card, then stick them together, overlapping for greater strength and to create stripes.</p>
<p>Next, fold over the top edge of the duct tape- our &#8216;edge&#8217; was about 2cm deep. Then fold in the sides so that the strip of duct tape is the same width as the card. Using another strip of Duct tape, cover the exposed sticky edges- as well as the loose folded top corners- to hold it all in place. This is the &#8216;inside&#8217; of your card holder.</p>
<p>Place the Oyster card on top of the inside of the card holder, top flush with the top of the duct tape, then fold the remaining length back over the card: it should go about 2/3 to 3/4 way up.</p>
<p>Remove the card then use small strips of co-ordinating duct tape to stick the front edge to the rear edge.</p>
<p>And that&#8217;s it: fill with the card of your choice and give to Dad.</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Fathers-Day-duct-tape-Oyster-card-holder.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7158" alt="Father's Day duct tape Oyster card holder" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Fathers-Day-duct-tape-Oyster-card-holder.png" width="650" height="650" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For other Father&#8217;s Day craft ideas, check out a great <a href="http://youtu.be/PWgX1yLOQg8">Father&#8217;s Day Crafts hangout</a> with Red Ted Art and UK Craft Bloggers. Ideas include:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kidschaos.com/fathers-day-pencil-end-keyring/">Pencil End keyrings</a> from Kids Chaos</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/just-because-i-love-you-book.html">Just because I love you book</a> from Missie Lizzie</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Fabulous fabric bowl from <a href="http://zingzingtree.wordpress.com/">Zing Zing Tree</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://crystalstinytreasures.com/wordpress/paper-bead-bookmarks/">Paper bead bookmark</a> from Crystal</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.redtedart.com/2013/04/25/10-fathers-day-crafts/">Great hot rock paperweights</a> from Red Ted Art</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/crafts-to-make-for-fathers-day/">Crafts to make for Fathers Day</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>{Indoor Play Bloghop} Indoor Camping</title>
		<link>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/indoor-play-bloghop-indoor-camping/</link>
		<comments>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/indoor-play-bloghop-indoor-camping/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 May 2013 23:10:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Domestic Goddesque</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[about me]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family antics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blohop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[building memories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[indoor camping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[indoor play]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://domesticgoddesque.com/?p=7109</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p>I often hear people talking about building memories, and I never really understood what they were on about, but used it as a convenient excuse whenever DH complained about the lack of housework that had been done. This is the story of my discovery of memory-building.</p> <p>We enjoy camping, but The Girls and I are [...]</p><p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/indoor-play-bloghop-indoor-camping/">{Indoor Play Bloghop} Indoor Camping</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I often hear people talking about building memories, and I never really understood what they were on about, but used it as a convenient excuse whenever DH complained about the lack of housework that had been done. This is the story of my discovery of memory-building.</p>
<p>We enjoy camping, but The Girls and I are most definitely fair-weather campers, so the camping gear spends about ten months of the year in storage. Recently however, we were talking about camping and- as DH was working one weekend and the weather prevented us from getting out- I came up with the plan for us to spend the night camping indoors.</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/indoor-camping.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7133" alt="indoor camping" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/indoor-camping.png" width="650" height="650" /></a></p>
<p>We rearranged the furniture in the sitting room so that we could string a flat sheet over the back of two sofas. This created our tent. Then I went hunting for some of our camping gear in the attic. I inflated the inflatable double bed and found the double sleeping bag. The Girls and I changed into PJs and sweaters- as we would when out in the wilds!</p>
<p>Daddy built a fire- in the fireplace- and we toasted some marshmallows.</p>
<p>We read books and stayed up very late.</p>
<p>We used torches to navigate around the house in the dark, and cleaned our teeth using a cup of water, albeit in the downstairs WC.</p>
<p>We crept out in the garden in the dark to say goodnight to Daddy.</p>
<p>Then we curled up, all three of us together, and fell asleep.</p>
<p>I left a handful of glowsticks- activated- in a jar at the foot of the &#8216;tent&#8217; so that we could navigate in the dark.</p>
<p>And we all slept until morning.</p>
<p>The Girls still talk about our indoor camping. I have no idea why I was suddenly so inspired to do it but I will definitely add it to our winter play list. They have asked several times when we can do it again. I hold the memory of the three of us sharing that experience close. I will remember it forever. I hope they do too.</p>
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<p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/indoor-play-bloghop-indoor-camping/">{Indoor Play Bloghop} Indoor Camping</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>My Top Ten Potty Training Tips</title>
		<link>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/my-top-ten-potty-training-tips/</link>
		<comments>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/my-top-ten-potty-training-tips/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 08:56:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Domestic Goddesque</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[about me]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Child Development Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[potty training]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://domesticgoddesque.com/?p=6915</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p>&#160;</p> <p></p> <p>It feels like a thousand years since my youngest was trained, but she&#8217;s only just three. Which means that this time last year, I was &#8216;in the zone&#8217;. She received pants as a birthday present from her Granny and that was it: she insisted she never wear nappies again. I have to say [...]</p><p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/my-top-ten-potty-training-tips/">My Top Ten Potty Training Tips</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/top-ten-potty-training-tips.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7146" alt="top ten potty training tips" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/top-ten-potty-training-tips.png" width="400" height="533" /></a></p>
<p>It feels like a thousand years since my youngest was trained, but she&#8217;s only just three. Which means that this time last year, I was &#8216;in the zone&#8217;. She received pants as a birthday present from her Granny and that was it: she insisted she never wear nappies again. I have to say that part of the ease of it is her personality. Once she decided it was time, it was time. Which is my first tip:</p>
<p><strong>1. Listen to your child.</strong> You know them best. If they are strong-willed you will have a different training experience to the parent of a chilled-out child. Don&#8217;t be badgered by nursery or grandparents. You will know. The children will tell you, either by themselves or with regular dry nappies.</p>
<p><strong>2. Be prepared.</strong> Just because you aren&#8217;t ready to potty train, it doesn&#8217;t mean that you cannot be ready. Have a potty- assuming you want to use one (see tip three)- around the house, read potty books together, take them to the loo with you so they see the process work. That tip&#8217;s mainly for the working parent/s: I don&#8217;t know a stay-at-home parent who hasn&#8217;t had an audience when nature calls. I can also recommend having several potties: one upstairs and one downstairs, so that they are always within easy reach.</p>
<p><strong>3. Think about how you want to train.</strong> Some people don&#8217;t want to bother with potties, which is fine. Some children are very tall and can go straight to sitting on the loo. If you have a boy you may want to think about whether you teach them to wee standing up. Do you want to use pull-ups or training pants.</p>
<p><strong>4. Go shopping.</strong> There&#8217;s the aforementioned potty, and pants but there are other things to consider like a <a href="http://www.gltc.co.uk/family-toilet-seat/gltc/fcp-product/2535?kpid=2535&amp;gclid=CPm_yOOZkLcCFTIQtAodxWAAmw">family loo seat</a>- which has a fold down seat for smaller bottoms which fits over the top of the adult-sized one. It&#8217;s amazing how many children are terrified of falling into the loo. There&#8217;s a kiddie step so that they can access the loo easily. You will also need waterproof sheets for night-time training. And lots of pants and pairs of trousers/leggings/shorts- dependent on time of year- that are easy for children to pull up and down by themselves.</p>
<p><strong>5. Bribery.</strong> Chocolate, stickers, reward charts, there are lots of ways to reward your child. At first you may need to reward them just for sitting on the potty even if nothing happens. Then once they get used to that, you can move the target by making the treat *ahem* performance-based. One of my children is a chocolate-fiend and would do anything for mini-smarties. She got one for, well, a number one, and two for a number two.</p>
<p><strong>6. Train<em> your</em> brain.</strong> Initially you need to ask them every ten minutes if they need a wee. They will say no. Then wee down their legs. Get used to offering up the potty/loo a lot. Always go to the loo before you leave the house and make it your first job when you get somewhere. Stop frequently on long journeys.</p>
<p><strong>7. Be kind to yourself.</strong> It will get you down, this training business. I was recently chatting with a friend whose fully-trained five-year-old randomly wet himself. Stick with it.</p>
<p><strong>8. Take a bag.</strong> I have a &#8216;potty bag&#8217; that I always keep fully stocked. It&#8217;s ready to grab and go whenever we leave the house.</p>
<p><strong>9. Stick with it.</strong> This is generally the advice: once you&#8217;ve started, you can&#8217;t go back. I confess that this is <a href="http://thismummyloves.com/potty-training-by-kelly/">not my experience</a>. With both my children we have had what-I-call a<em> false start</em>: they both tried potty training, decided they didn&#8217;t want to and requested to be put back into nappies. Yet within weeks, they requested pants again and never looked back.</p>
<p><strong>10. Praise.</strong> For yourself, for them. Repeatedly. Until you cannot do it anymore. Continue for about 18 months. Reward yourself regularly with Gin.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/my-top-ten-potty-training-tips/">My Top Ten Potty Training Tips</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Stick Puppets using puzzle pieces: Two Little Dickie Birds</title>
		<link>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/stick-puppets-using-puzzle-pieces-two-little-dickie-birds/</link>
		<comments>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/stick-puppets-using-puzzle-pieces-two-little-dickie-birds/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 20:17:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Domestic Goddesque</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Craft for Kids]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[kids craft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[puzzle pieces]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recycling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://domesticgoddesque.com/?p=7083</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p>I bought a jigsaw from a charity shop recently only to find that there was a piece missing. Yes I could have returned it but at 50p it wasn&#8217;t worth the effort, so my thoughts turned to crafts suing puzzle pieces and what I could make with them.</p> <p>If you stare at puzzle pieces for [...]</p><p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/stick-puppets-using-puzzle-pieces-two-little-dickie-birds/">Stick Puppets using puzzle pieces: Two Little Dickie Birds</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I bought a jigsaw from a charity shop recently only to find that there was a piece missing. Yes I could have returned it but at 50p it wasn&#8217;t worth the effort, so my thoughts turned to crafts suing puzzle pieces and what I could make with them.</p>
<p>If you stare at puzzle pieces for long enough, especially when they are turned over so you cannot see the picture, it&#8217;s surprising what you can see: a bit like staring at clouds until you see images in them.</p>
<p>Which is how I came to make Two Little Dickie Birds stick puppets from the puzzle pieces I had. It occurred to me that the two protruding ends looked a little like wings. So I dug out some lolly sticks, ribbons and my trusty glue gun and within a few minutes had a pair of birds: this would be a great prop for singing nursery rhymes with children!</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/puzzle-piece-stick-puppets.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7126" alt="puzzle piece stick puppets" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/puzzle-piece-stick-puppets.png" width="650" height="650" /></a></p>
<p>The rear of my pieces were conveniently white, but I found a yellow triangular button for a beak and used a marker for the eyes. The wings and tail were made with ribbon which I folded over three or four times to create plumes, then stick into place. Finally I added further tail feathers from scraps of old fabric.</p>
<p>All of which was perfectly timed for a<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajqdVWh07Do"> UK Bloggers hangout</a> talking about crafts you can make using puzzle pieces.</p>
<p>If you look closely, you will see that I also made a crying baby stick puppet, a caterpillar and- not shown- an alien.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Also featured were Red Ted Art with her <a href="http://www.redtedart.com/2013/05/08/puzzle-pieces-crafts-snowflakes/">snowflake ornaments</a>,</p>
<p>Kids Chaos had some <a href="http://kidschaos.com/jigsaw-puzzle-piece-crafts-greetings-cards/">fabulous puzzle cards</a>: watch out for a printable soon on the blog!</p>
<p>Zing Zing Tree showed us how to be playful with missing pieces and resin</p>
<p>Crystal made an <a href="http://crystalstinytreasures.com/wordpress/puzzle-piece-brooch/">adorable brooch</a>: something I&#8217;d never have thought of,</p>
<p>And I admire Me and My Shadow&#8217;s wonderful <a href="http://missielizzie-meandmyshadow.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/upcycled-jigsaw-puzzle-pieces-how-to.html">photo puzzle keyrings</a>: the perfect thoughtful Father&#8217;s Day gift.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3860473/?claim=88gx3dv8wpq">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/stick-puppets-using-puzzle-pieces-two-little-dickie-birds/">Stick Puppets using puzzle pieces: Two Little Dickie Birds</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How I&#8217;ve changed in 30 years: Special K flakeover</title>
		<link>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/how-ive-changed-in-30-years-special-k-flakeover/</link>
		<comments>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/how-ive-changed-in-30-years-special-k-flakeover/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 15:06:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Domestic Goddesque</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[about me]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Brother Adam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Moments in Motherhood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Special K]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://domesticgoddesque.com/?p=7099</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p>Thirty years ago things were very different for me: I was a cute little six year old with blond hair and blue eyes, an annoying younger brother and a mum who made birthday cakes in the shape of fire-engines. Life simply does not get better than that.</p> <p>And then, after a night away from home, [...]</p><p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/how-ive-changed-in-30-years-special-k-flakeover/">How I&#8217;ve changed in 30 years: Special K flakeover</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thirty years ago things were very different for me: I was a cute little six year old with blond hair and blue eyes, an annoying younger brother and a mum who made birthday cakes in the shape of fire-engines. Life simply does not get better than that.</p>
<p>And then, after a night away from home, we awoke to the news that we had a younger brother, and were taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary to meet the little bundle of joy.</p>
<p>The six year old me was not at all happy. Firstly, because she had very specifically asked for an<em> older</em> brother. Secondly, her parents had the temerity to name it <em>Daniel </em>(their favoured name for boys that couldn&#8217;t be used last time round due to a surplus of Daniels being born at the time.) The Mothership held onto the name for six long years whilst they tried and tried for another baby. And then, 24 hours after &#8220;Daniel&#8217;s&#8221; arrival, she bowed to the whims of her precocious six-year-old daughter and gave up the name Daniel in favour of Adam. As requested by the little girl unhappy about the arrival of the &#8216;wrong&#8217; brother.</p>
<p>Yes, I&#8217;d have called them indulgent too. But I didn&#8217;t because I didn&#8217;t know what the word meant. But I enjoyed my new plaything very much.</p>
<div id="attachment_7115" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 614px"><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/the-Bickers.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-7115" alt="Brother Adam then (1985)" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/the-Bickers.jpg" width="604" height="418" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Brother Adam then (1985)</p></div>
<p>Fast forward thirty years and Brother Adam is mere days away from a significant birthday- it shouldn&#8217;t take much for you to deduce which one. He is much taller than he was that day in May 1983. Although he has about the same amount of hair. And he does appear to be fulfilling the role of &#8216;plaything&#8217; very well these days for his nieces- my children.</p>
<p>They are little with blond hair and blue eyes. They have an annoying dog and a mum that makes birthday cakes in the shape of butterflies and Barbies. They have a very indulgent father. Life simply does not get better than that.</p>
<p>I, on the other hand, haven&#8217;t aged as well: I am less blonde, I have green eyes, and my mum refuses to make me cakes any more. Apparently I am &#8220;too old&#8221;. I get to be bossed around by two precocious little girls and never seem to have a moment to myself. I think The Mothership would call that &#8220;Karma&#8221;. But she can&#8217;t say it out loud because as fast as I am turning into my mother, she is turning into hers!</p>
<div id="attachment_7116" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 393px"><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/uncle-adam.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-7116 " alt="Brother Adam now (2012)" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/uncle-adam.jpg" width="383" height="576" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Brother Adam now (2012)</p></div>
<p>But whilst The Girls are at school and Brother Adam is at work, whilst The Mothership has the temerity to be in America visiting her<em> other grandchildren </em>leaving me alone and babysitter-less, I shall munch on my bowl of <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="www.myspecialk.co.uk." class="broken_link" rel="nofollow">My Special K</a> </span></em>undisturbed. I shall enjoy the new recipe wholegrain flakes- three to be exact: wheat, rice and barley. I shall feel smug in the knowledge that the British-made cereal is a source of fibre and contains 8 vitamins and iron.</p>
<div id="attachment_7117" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 394px"><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/me-and-my-special-k.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-7117 " alt="me and my special k" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/me-and-my-special-k.jpg" width="384" height="288" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">me and my Special K. Maybe I need a flakeover.</p></div>
<p>And I shall try and imagine what it must feel like to be as timeless, as ageless, as Special K.</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/specialk30.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7113" alt="specialk30" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/specialk30.jpg" width="145" height="145" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This is an entry for the BritMums/Special K “How I’ve changed Linky challenge”. I was sent a packet of the new Special K for the purposes of writing this post.</p>
<p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/how-ive-changed-in-30-years-special-k-flakeover/">How I&#8217;ve changed in 30 years: Special K flakeover</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Local Flavour: Lavender House, Bromley</title>
		<link>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/local-flavour-lavender-house-bromley/</link>
		<comments>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/local-flavour-lavender-house-bromley/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2013 23:05:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Domestic Goddesque</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[about me]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bromley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Local Flavour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bromley life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lavender House]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://domesticgoddesque.com/?p=3980</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p>If you came to Bromley- and why wouldn&#8217;t you?- to visit me, you&#8217;d be in good company. Obviously the people that have come to visit me so far have been friends and bloggers and I have generally entertained them at home, but if you wanted to get a sense of the area, of why I [...]</p><p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/local-flavour-lavender-house-bromley/">Local Flavour: Lavender House, Bromley</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you came to Bromley- and why wouldn&#8217;t you?- to visit me, you&#8217;d be in good company. Obviously the people that have come to visit me so far have been friends and bloggers and I have generally entertained them at home, but if you wanted to get a sense of the area, of <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2011/05/wonderful-wonderful-bromley-and-why-i-live-there/">why I love living in Bromley</a>, then let me tell you where I would take you.</p>
<p>We&#8217;d drop the Girls at school- you could stand bemused at the edge of a circle of Mother&#8217;s banging on about all kinds of things that may or may not mean anything to you. You would get a sense of the chaos of parking outside school during the rush hour, the rush we are all in to get the children in, do whatever things we need to do before rushing back to pick up our little darlings. You would experience the madness that is driving around before 8am, the speed, the frustration of idiot drivers, people cutting you up.</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/lavender-house-cafe-bromley.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7104" alt="lavender house cafe bromley" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/lavender-house-cafe-bromley.png" width="650" height="432" /></a></p>
<p>And then we would park up and get out of the car, walk past a row of lavender and in a purple door and all of that insanity- the fast pace, the rushed conversation, the mad driving- would vanish, forgotten. The most pressing concern would be cake- the pretty sprinkle-covered cake pops, or the big fat Red Velvet cake? The croissants or the pastry? The fat wedges of plum and almond or a pretty cupcake laden with a pyramid of swirled icing.</p>
<p>We would sit in chairs waiting for our drinks, soft music piping round the room, smoothing ruffled feathers. If it were dry we may be sitting in the garden under the shade of the pergola, watching other children play on the climbing frame, cries of joy punctuating our conversation. We&#8217;d wallow in good service, friendly faces and pay no attention to the clock. We&#8217;d dig into our cakes silently, not thinking once about the calories but about the soothing effect it will have on our souls. We will sip foamy coffee from vast cups as we watch the world go by. We may even forget that the other person is there, sitting opposite us, whilst the hot fluid lubricates throats and softens voices.</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/lavender-house-cafe-sundridge-park.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7105" alt="lavender house cafe sundridge park" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/lavender-house-cafe-sundridge-park.png" width="650" height="979" /></a></p>
<p>And then we would walk out, braced with caffeine and sugar, to join the rush once more.</p>
<p>That my friend, is <a href="http://www.thelavenderhousecafe.co.uk/">the Lavender House</a>. My local cafe and haven.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Submitted to <a href="http://www.theamericanresident.com/2013/04/sightseeing-where-you-live/">The American Resident&#8217;s where you live link</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/local-flavour-lavender-house-bromley/">Local Flavour: Lavender House, Bromley</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Why you should clean your teeth experiment</title>
		<link>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/why-you-should-clean-your-teeth-experiment/</link>
		<comments>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/why-you-should-clean-your-teeth-experiment/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2013 23:42:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Domestic Goddesque</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Craft for Kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family antics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[book recommendation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[eggs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids craft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teeth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tooth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://domesticgoddesque.com/?p=7090</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p>A few weeks ago I ordered a book about cleaning teeth after reading about it in a Sunday Supplement. I don&#8217;t imagine I&#8217;m the only parent who has trouble getting my children to brush their teeth, so the concept of the book really appealed. Open Wide, What&#8217;s Inside is written by a dentist who came [...]</p><p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/why-you-should-clean-your-teeth-experiment/">Why you should clean your teeth experiment</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A few weeks ago I ordered<strong> a book about cleaning teeth</strong> after reading about it in a Sunday Supplement. I don&#8217;t imagine I&#8217;m the only parent who has trouble getting my children to brush their teeth, so the concept of the book really appealed. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OpenWideWhatsInside">Open Wide, What&#8217;s Inside</a> is <strong>written by a dentist</strong> who came up with the idea for a story about <strong>&#8216;sugarbugs&#8217;</strong> as a way of encouraging children to keep their mouths clean. And it has enthralled my children. I imagine that this is a lot to do with the explanation about sugarbugs pooing on your teeth and creating holes which hurt. The illustrations genuinely do not appeal to me but I definitely<strong> recommend the book</strong>.</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/how-toothpaste-works-craft.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7094" alt="how toothpaste works craft" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/how-toothpaste-works-craft.png" width="650" height="650" /></a></p>
<p>The Girls and I did a lot of talking about teeth and cleaning them. I ordered some <strong>disclosure tablets</strong> so that they could see the sugarbug poo on their teeth, and we did a simple craft to illustrate <strong>how teeth cleaning protects your teeth</strong> from these nasty little critters. I just cut large teeth shapes from white card and The Girls &#8216;coloured&#8217; them with candle- white wax crayon would work too. Then we painted over them with watercolour paint, which stuck to the paper but not to the waxed areas. It&#8217;s a great <strong>demonstration of the need for tooth brushing.</strong></p>
<p>I also put a call out to <a href="http://www.science-sparks.com/2012/12/24/how-to-get-an-egg-yolk-without-cracking-the-egg/">Science Sparks</a> for any science experiments relating to teeth erosion and she pointed me in the direction of soaking an <strong>egg in vinegar</strong>, an experiment that I cannot recommend enough. All you do is put an egg in a cup- I used a glass so that we could observe the changes easily- and cover it with white vinegar.</p>
<p>At the same time, we put other eggs in other glasses and covered them with other liquids. The Girls made the excellent point that if the eggs are like teeth- the shell acts in the same way that tooth enamel does, to protect what&#8217;s inside- then we should soak them in things we drink regularly and see if there is a difference. Right there my little home scientists were born *pauses for proud Mamma moment*.</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/egg-in-vinegar-experiment.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7095" alt="egg in vinegar experiment" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/egg-in-vinegar-experiment.png" width="650" height="650" /></a></p>
<p>So, we soaked one in water, one in milk, one in Coke and one in orange juice. And 24 hours later we took them out to examine them. The shell on the water egg hadn&#8217;t changed, obviously. The Girls are certain that the milk egg was whiter. The Coke Egg was darker, so there was real evidence of what happens to your teeth if you drink fizzy drinks and don&#8217;t clean your teeth. The Orange Juice egg was scarier still: there was a layer of scum on the surface of the juice and the egg was definitely losing it&#8217;s protective layer. We were all utterly horrified. The White vinegar egg was the most changed of all- although it still had a shell, the egg had become softer and larger.</p>
<p>In fact the White Vinegar egg was &#8216;boinging like a ball Mamma.&#8217; So, heart in mouth, we decided to test out theory. Sure enough <strong>the egg bounced</strong>. Repeatedly. Given this exciting development, we elected to put the egg into a fresh glass of white vinegar overnight to see if there was a further change. And in the morning, a mere 36 hours after we submerged it, the egg had lost the last vestiges of it&#8217;s shell.</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/what-happens-when-you-soak-an-egg-in-experiment.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7096" alt="what happens when you soak an egg in experiment" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/what-happens-when-you-soak-an-egg-in-experiment.png" width="650" height="650" /></a></p>
<p>It was a properly gripping experiment for us all. <strong>I had never known that you could dissolve an egg shell in vinegar</strong>. But the most alarming result for me was that- although at a far slower pace- the Orange Juice egg was headed in the same direction. We did try brushing all of our eggs with toothpaste and had mixed results- some areas of eggs came clean and some did not. Regardless  I think that <strong>our home experiment proved to the girls that they needed to brush their teeth to prevent this kind of damage</strong>. And they were clearly excited, fascinated and delighted by it because I had to mark up all the eggs so that they could both take them into school for show and tell.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/why-you-should-clean-your-teeth-experiment/">Why you should clean your teeth experiment</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Banana, Fudge and White Chocolate cake</title>
		<link>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/banana-fudge-and-white-chocolate-cake/</link>
		<comments>http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/banana-fudge-and-white-chocolate-cake/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2013 23:05:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Domestic Goddesque</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[about me]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good wife]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipe Book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[banana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fudge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[white chocolate]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://domesticgoddesque.com/?p=7056</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><p>There are so many bananas in our fruit bowl that have been going over before The Girls can be persuaded to eat them, so I put a call out on twitter for a banana cake recipe and Camilla from Fab Food 4 All sent me to her delicious Banana Cake recipe.</p> <p></p> <p>Obviously I made [...]</p><p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/banana-fudge-and-white-chocolate-cake/">Banana, Fudge and White Chocolate cake</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are so many bananas in our fruit bowl that have been going over before The Girls can be persuaded to eat them, so I put a call out on twitter for a banana cake recipe and Camilla from Fab Food 4 All sent me to her delicious <a href="http://www.fabfood4all.co.uk/banana-cake/">Banana Cake recipe</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/banana-and-white-chocolate-loaf.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7085" alt="banana and white chocolate loaf" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/banana-and-white-chocolate-loaf.png" width="650" height="487" /></a></p>
<p>Obviously I made a couple of changes to what is her mum&#8217;s banana cake recipe: the note that Golden Caster sugar made the cake more &#8216;fudgey&#8217; made me think of how much DH loves fudge. So I dug out some fudge chunks sent very kindly by <a href="http://www.oetkeronline.co.uk/products/Fudge-Chunks.html">Dr Oetker</a> a while ago, and added some white chocolate chunks for good measure.</p>
<p>Oh, and I used <a href="http://www.tateandlylesugars.com/our-brands/tate-lyle-sugar">Light Brown Sugar</a> too, so the end result was quite caramelised and rich and it did not need icing of any kind. It vanished almost entirely whilst still warm so I made it again yesterday for friends who are visiting from New Zealand, this time with much less sugar, and when putting the mix in the loaf tin, I added 1/3, then sprinkled a few fudge and chocolate pieces, repeating in layers until it was all used up. This helped the end distribution of gubbins massively and made for an utterly delicious tea-time treat.</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/banana-white-chocolate-and-fudge-cake.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7086" alt="banana, white chocolate and fudge cake" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/banana-white-chocolate-and-fudge-cake.png" width="364" height="485" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Banana, White Chocolate and Fudge cake, adapted from <a href="http://www.fabfood4all.co.uk/banana-cake/">Camilla&#8217;s recipe</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li itemprop="ingredients">3 eggs</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">150g light brown sugar</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 tsp vanilla essence</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">150g Plain flour</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 tsp Baking powder</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">115g Butter, melted and cooled</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 over-ripe bananas, mashed</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/4 cup white chocolate chunks</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/4 cup fudge chunks</li>
</ul>
<p>Melt butter and leave to cool.</p>
<p>Line a loaf tin, and heat oven to 160C.</p>
<p>Whisk eggs, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl until pale and fluffy.</p>
<p>Run whisk, then slowly drizzle melted butter onto the blades until fully incorporated in egg mix.</p>
<p>Fold in banana, then sifted baking powder and flour.</p>
<p>Pour 1/3 mix into base of lined tin and scatter with 1/3rd of chocolate and fudge chunks. Repeat with rest of mix.</p>
<p>Bake in oven for 45 minutes, or until cooked and golden.</p>
<p>Allow to cool before slicing.</p>
<p><a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/banana-fudge-cake.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7087" alt="banana fudge cake" src="http://domesticgoddesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/banana-fudge-cake.png" width="589" height="442" /></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com/2013/05/banana-fudge-and-white-chocolate-cake/">Banana, Fudge and White Chocolate cake</a> appeared first on <a href="http://domesticgoddesque.com">Domestic Goddesque</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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