Step into spring with the perfect cocktail recipe!

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So in the last week we have had the first day of spring, international happiness day, and international cocktail day! Put them together and what do  you get ... a spring time cocktail thats sure to make you happy! I love cocktails and always love to try out new recipes! I thought i would share with you a spring time favourite that i found ages ago on Martha Stewarts site! Its the perfect party drink great for upcoming BBQ's or garden parties this spring, its Strawberry-Rhubarb Sangria and your going to love it! 

Ingredients:

1/4 cup sugar 

1/2 cup water 

2 rhubarb stalks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 

1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from 1 orange) 

1 orange, halved and cut into 1/4-inch slices 

1 pack strawberries, hulled and quartered 

4 cups chilled soda water/ tonic 

1 bottle (750 ml) chilled sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco 

Ice

Directions:

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, add the rhubarb. Pour the mixture to a medium heatproof bowl and let cool to room temperature. (about 30 minutes)

Meanwhile, in a pitcher or large bowl, combine orange juice, orange, and strawberries. To serve, add cooled rhubarb mixture, soda water/tonic, sparkling wine, and ice.

SO there you go super easy & super delicious, the perfect drink for a spring time get together or  if your like me the perfect companion for a days sunbathing ;)! Let me know what you think!

Madge x

Meat Free Week!

Next week is the start of a really great challenge! ' Meat Free week' its a global campaign with the aim to get us thinking about the amount of meat we eat, and the impact it has not only on the animals but on our health and the environment! Now I'm a big green freak, anything to help the planet and I'm there! I have always thought that we are so lucky to live on this planet and that its down to us to keep it going. There is too much consumption going on in the world, we need to stop and think how we are effecting whats around us!

 So on that note i pledge not to eat meat next week! I already try my best to buy my foods from local sources, and only buy foods that are free range, but as from next week i will be going veggie! I have two vegan housemates so i know how delicious vegan/vegetarian foods can be. Although i know for a lot of you meat is a staple in your diet and you won't want to let go of your beloved fried chicken or steak...but this one week of change has so many benefits its really worth giving it a go! 

On a whole we now consume meat with almost every meal! Eating this much meat has become at a huge cost to our health, the environment and the welfare of the animals we're eating. By taking part in meat free week, or even just  eating less meat you can have a positive effect on all of these things. It seems crazy that by eating less meat you can have an impact on the environment, animal welfare AND your health but its true! Through research its seen that increasing the amount of fruit, veggies and whole grains in our diet and lowering our intake of meat is best for optimum health. 

Meat Free Week is also a great way to raise money for some worthwhile charities that support the cause. Some of the money raised is reinvested back into the Meat Free Week campaign enabling it to continue growth on a global scale! Most importantly, this week of no nuggets is about education, becoming more aware, and having the knowledge to make positive informed choices. So give it a go! Try out some amazing meat free recipes and do the world some good whilst your at it! Heres the link to Meat Free Week online page for more information and recipe ideas! :) Also If your interested in this sort of thing a documentary on Netflix called 'Hungry For Change' is great, a real eye-opener, so give that a watch too if you like :)  

Let me know how  you get on, or if you have any recipes you think i should try out! 

Madge x

Make mothers day personal!

I love to make my mum something extra special to make her feel super on her day and quite rightly so! Through out the year I've trailed all handy crafts to create weird and wonderful presents for her to unwrap each mothering Sunday! But this year I've found some great ideas that are still just as personal but the professionals do the work!  What better way to surprise your mum than with something personal for mothers day.. something a bit quirky, original, one of a kind yet still very personal to her! Well I've got three cool ideas for last minuet buys or something to bare in mind next  time, these gift ideas are great for birthday presents too!

Im sure you have all heard of the amazing 'Boomf' magical marshmallow making company, and if not then your in for a treat! Boomf is a London Based company that can print your Instagram pictures onto delicious marshmallows! This truly unique idea looks amazing and is a tasty treat too! They come in a snazzy little box and can be used for all sorts such as topping a cake, popping in your hot choc or straight in your mouth. At £15 per box (X9Marshmallow squares) they are not the cheapest sweet on the block, but Boomf do offer free delivery world wide, and you can even collect from Selfridges if you like! I think it is a little pricey but for a present idea that is personal yet totally cool this is a great choice!

Image - google 

Next up is another photo style present but a little more straight forward! PrintKlub don't print your pictures onto sweets but they do just about everything else from fridge magnets to retro Pola ID strips like you get in a Photo Booth, to actual polaroids! You can recreate your own images in a 'new' retro style! Ive actually ordered a selection of pictures of my mum with me and my brothers to be made into mini magnets for her fridge i though it was a cute little extra to what i have already made her! They are only £7.95 come in a gorgeous little box AND i have a code you can use that almost halves the price! Theres so many cool options to have your images printed onto with this company, its a really lovely way to look back on great memories you photos hold! (Heres the promo code : HanBO3)

Image- Printklub

And last but not least is the amazing personalised Nutella jars! Now my mum is more of a Reese peanut butter gal so i won't be getting her one but i think they are just fantastic as gift ideas! I know id love to receive one for sure, a jar of chocolatey goodness that literally has your name written all over it - Simple yet amazing! Although no longer available online you can collect your personalised jar in Selfridges food halls! 

Image- Selfidges

So thats my three picks if your not going to DIY it for mothers day, let me know if you tried any out! But personally i think breakfast in bed,  a homemade card or a baked good made lovingly by you along with a little time spent together is the best gift to give to your mum on mothers day!

Madge x

Happy International Women's Day!!

Ladies...today is a day to be proud! Stand up tall and shake your tail feathers because today is INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY! For those that don't know what International Women's day is, its a day that marks the celebration of achievements of women across all fields. IWD is  always celebrated on March the 8th, the first International Women's Day was held way back in 1911. And before you haters say anything, its not about being a raging feminist, or degrading mens achievements! It is simply a day to be proud of your personal achievements big or small, an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all women, as well as calling for greater equality through out the globe. 

There are tons of events all over the globe to get involved with to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women, with over 350 in the UK alone! Follow this link to the official IWD site to get involved! Make It Happen is the 2015 theme for the international women's day, encouraging effective action for advancing and recognising women. 

One suggestion i have to 'make it happen' for yourself would be to join the Female entrepreneur association 'Mission for March' ! The Female Entrepreneur Association is an online hub with the mission of inspiring and empowering women from around the world to turn their ideas into a reality, build successful businesses and live a life they love. I know were not all building businesses but its full of really inspirational quotes and tips! For the March mission all you do is Enter your details, with a goal you want to achieve by the end of march in mind. You will receive support through out the moth through a handy booklet guide and planner. Not only that you can join their Facebook group for support from great women all pushing to achieve something! What ever your goal, if it be personal, business related, IWD focussed, this will help you get to the finish line! 

Use today as your stepping stone to make a difference, think globally and act locally! Continue to make everyday International Women's Day, try and do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding. Because at the end of the day if we don't push for a change who will!?

"Here's to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them."

Madge x