That's Yummy Mummy!

Who hasn’t been loving these beautiful long sunny days? It has been hotter than some parts of Europe recently which makes me very happy! The Spring really has Sprung and it’s been a wonderful April with Bank Holidays, the fairytale wedding of the century (who didn’t love watching the beautiful Kate marry her Prince Charming William?). So with the Spring well under way, and the Summer months approaching, I’ve decided to select a few favourite things for you to try too – enjoy!

By Jess Contomichalos

I have a special place that I absolutely love and I want to share it with you! This has been a favourite place for my little family since my eldest was a little tiny girl – there are streams to play in, flowers and leaves to look at (seriously beautiful), bridges like the one’s in Monet’s garden at Giverny (but not painted blue) and just the most wonderful atmosphere and feeling – as if you have stumbled across something very special and very peaceful. We went there a couple of weeks ago for the first picnic of the Summer and it was as beautiful as ever – it is in Bushey Park at Hampton Court….the secret bit means you’ll have to find it for yourself! xxx

I have a deep passion for wine drinking (no, seriously! Ask my family!) so it was with great enthusiasm that I agreed to test a new product from the Gallo Family Vineyards, makers of the nation’s best-loved rosé wine. The new wine in question is a delicious new Merlot Rosé, the latest addition to the Gallo family. Having read the review of the wine, ‘Gallo Merlot Rosé is a luscious rich-coloured, full-flavoured rosé that offers all the vibrant flavours from the Merlot grape – ripe plum, blueberry and hints of cranberry – in a light bodied style, with a soft finish’, I decided to test it.

Setting off to Bushey Park for a picnic in the beautfiul ‘secret garden’ seemed an ideal place for wine-tasting too…what an absolute triumph! This deep-hued Merlot is a refreshing alternative to the lighter pinks of the Gallo White Grenache and Gallo White Zinfandel…this new release will suit all tastes which means you can now pick a perfect pink for you – even my husband is not too proud to be pink when it tastes like this! This exciting new varietal is the perfect wine to enjoy with family and friends on all ocassions. Gallo Merlot Rosé has an RRP of £6.99 and is available in all leading supermarkets. Please visit http://www.gallofamily.co.uk for more information.

For its growing number of fans, rapeseed oil should need no introduction – but for anyone who is new to it, here’s a bit more background…‘Rapeseed oil enjoys many health and culinary benefits. It has been proved to contain only half the saturated fat of olive oil and is packed with Vitamin E (a natural antioxidant) and Omegas 3, 6 & 9. In addition, it’s free from preservatives, trans-fats and artificial colourings, all of which make it the ideal choice for lowering cholesterol and promoting a healthy heart.

Not only is Heart of Gold rapeseed oil good for your heart and your general wellbeing, it tastes utterly delectable too. It’s got a wholesome, nutty tang and can be used either cold or hot – where its high flashpoint makes it particularly versatile. Drizzle it on salad, pour it over pasta or swirl it round in a stir-fry! And what many people don’t realise is that rapeseed oil can be used in baking as well – just proving that healthy eating can still be a sensory and culinary delight!’.

When we cook at home, we have to use Greek olive oil or I have Grumpy Greek husband! So, I was a little worried about him spotting the Heart of Gold oil and finding not a drop of Greek Olive Oil in sight! As he embarked on cooking a traditional Greek dish, I waited with baited breath….amazingly, not a word from the kitchen, no plate-throwing(!) – having read the benefits on the bottle and how this oil is good for your heart – I have a convert in the house! We are now torn between using Rapeseed oil or Olive oil, and now tend to buy it whenever we see it!

Heart of Gold is still a young brand, but enthusiasm for the product and its future growth is plain to see. As well as establishing a growing network of stockists, including Divertimenti in London, selected supermarkets (Waitrose, Tesco, Asda and the Co-op), National Trust shops, independent farm shops and delicatessens, there is also the promise of a range of flavoured oils to be launched later this year. For more information check out http://www.heartofgoldrapeseedoil.co.uk

WIth the great outdoors becoming the place to be during these long hot sunny spells! Bath-time becomes bit of a full-on part of the daily routine! I have discovered a great brand with lots of lovely products within it’s collection! If you are looking for some baby bath time products – look no further! My life has become decidedly easy since being introduced to Earth Friendly Kids products. My favourite one is the Shampoo and body washes. There is a lovely selection of organic products that are kind to baby and toddler skin.

Earth Friendly Kids and Earth Friendly Baby products are available from Waitrose stores, good baby and health stores and also via http://www.HealthQuestStore.com – or call 0845 310 4411 for nearest stockist!

Okay! With the weather hotting up and the Summer approaching, if you are going to buy a pair of summer boys pyjamas for your little one’s this year – you have to check out the fabulous range of kids nightwear at Feather & Black.! I had a good look online and chose two lovely designs, one for Joseph (12 yrs) and the Shark pyjamas for Antonis (4) and he wont wear anything else! They are made from 100 per cent cotton to keep them cool at night – lovely! The pyjamas cost from £18.00 and are worth every penny! There are a few designs to have a look at, as well as a gorgeous selection of nightwear for girls too! For more information go to http://www.featherandblack.com – their beds are worth having a look at too!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK!

April is my birthday month and I always love the way the season changes just in time for my celebrations! This year I had a big picnic in my mum’s garden with all four of my children, my Grandmother and a few friends – it was wonderful! I was given a card by a dear friend of my mum’s and thought I’d share the quote with you!

‘How can money be the root of all evil when shopping is the cure for all sadness?’ Naomi Comer