Kristin Wells is a recent college graduate from The University of Georgia and an aspiring writer. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives through her writing. Kristin also likes competitive cycling, running, and traveling as much as possible.

Eat Healthier without Giving up Your Favorite Foods
When it comes to raising children, one of the most valuable lessons you can teach them is to live a healthy lifestyle. This doesn’t mean subjecting the family to a future blandness of broiled chicken and raw vegetables. Losing weight and eating healthier doesn’t have to mean giving up some of your favorite foods. Learn to substitute ingredients and cooking methods to recreate the taste and texture of your favorite dishes without all the extra fat and calories.

Fried Foods
One of the worst offenders in the unhealthy food stakes is fried foods. Crispy, crunchy and golden brown, fried food is a favorite of many families. Unfortunately, the fat and calories don’t love them back. Create the same look and feel of fried foods by learning to oven bake. Coat chicken breasts or fish filets with crunchy Panko bread crumbs. Give the food a coating of cooking spray, and then bake it in the oven until done. You’ll have the same look and feel as oil fried food in a much healthier form. Use this same method to make French fries, sweet potato fries or coated vegetables such as mushrooms or green beans.

Baked Goods
Much of the bad reputation from baked desserts comes from a few, select ingredients. Cakes are made with eggs or mayonnaise and topped with sugary frosting. One option is to leave out the eggs and substitute applesauce or plain pumpkin. Your cake will turn out dense, moist and delicious. Skip the sweet frosting and top the cake squares with sliced fruit and a dollop of low fat whipped topping for a fancy looking dessert with a healthier attitude.

Pizza
If there is one food that almost every American family loves, its pizza. Unfortunately, with its high fat and calorie count, pizza can be one of the unhealthiest meals you can eat. Turn pizza night into a healthy celebration of good food by changing up a few key ingredients. Use whole wheat tortillas or flatbreads instead of doughy crusts to cut the calories almost in half. Change up your regular cheese for a lower fat version. Get inventive on the toppings by using turkey pepperoni, Canadian bacon instead of ham and lots of vegetables. Finish the pie with a sprinkling of olive oil and herbs for an authentic pizza parlor flavor.

Don’t make healthy eating a punishment for you or your family. The idea is to get them to like living a healthy lifestyle, not just put up with one. With just a few small changes, you can enjoy just about any family favorite dish, either new or classic. These are great ideas to get you eating healthy and stay on track with our New Year Resolutions. I enjoy these substitutions because I don’t have to feel guilty for eating it afterwards. Some of these quick and easy substitutions are found in numerous American Cancer Society recipes to combat the different Types of Mesothelioma. Getting them feeling better through better food is always an ideal first step.

Before Christmas, Hannah with the Bandana, Wylye Valley Girl and Lady Pig Posse organised a supper auction to raise much needed funds for our crumbly church. One of the lots was to join the last shoot of the season. I invited my friend the Persian Princes, of Iranian descent, who grew up on the land before the Republic, so that she could bid on it. I knew that she was hankering to handle a weapon once a again. She was a keen rifle shot in her youth, and had killed her first Sparrowhawk at aged 5. To cut a long story short, she won the lot and the day of the shoot was yesterday. Barney the Shoot Squire very generously said that I could come along. The last day of the shooting season is a family occasion with a melee of many character full types and slightly chaotic. Needless to say I was very excited because I was a shoot virgin.

As I turned the corner into the meeting point; it would be fair to say that I thought I had arrived a day out for Santa’s Elves. It was totally tweed-tastic!

The Persian Princess and I were not attired in the desired garments of the shooting elves. But big deep breath and it was time to mix it up. It turns out the elves were very friendly indeed. Everybody wasted no time to introduce themselves. I already knew some of the local elves and they brought me rapidly up to speed with intelligence on shotguns; 10 bore, 20 bore, cartridges versus bullets and shotguns versus rifles. I won’t bore you with the details. Speaking gun takes more than 10 minutes and to be honest one shoot day does not an expert maketh.

Barney the Squire (Head Elf!) briefed us into the order of the day, some safety points and split us into two units of standing guns and walking guns. Finally, instructing us to jump aboard the spectacular fun bus. They are bespoke army trucks, customised with a cased roof and windows. Inside, there are bench seats and wooden panels to provide a plush yet practical interior, not dissimilar to a yacht cabin.

The shoot spans 7,000 acres of some Britain’s finest countryside. It was a glorious winter’s day with fabulous light and changing skylines. The views were breathtaking and the landscapes diverse and interesting. Throughout my life, I have lived in West Wiltshire, in total, for over a decade, and yet I was completely unaware of the magnificence and beauty of it’s rolling hills. The guns lined up and began their slow, flanking walk through the fields and shrub making tribal, shrill bird calls and whistles. In the distance I could I the pops of the standing guns. Occasionally, the line would draw to halt and the walking guns would raise their shotguns and fire. The first drive of the day was in full swing.

The walking guns circled down onto a valley to hook up with the standing guns. In a flurry of movement the drives first haul was gathered. The pheasants and partridges plumes glistened in the sunlight, the bodies warm and the heads drooped. The keepers, beaters; the shoot ground team and persistent, panting hounds gathered the birds with silent efficiency. My hands were chilled stiff and the cold, fresh air clung to my nose.

The valley buzzed as the elves chatted excitedly about the opener. The next drive the gun groups swapped and I was allocated to a very patient giant elf, Rodders, who was to become my muse.

(If you click on the image below you can watch a 10 minute video of the day. Although sod’s law dictated that I didn’t film Rodders’ best shot and just got him missing stuff apart from one!)

We were standing at the bottom of a valley while the walkers drove the birds off the hill top to provide fast, high targets. Good job, he had ear defenders on really as I chatted incessantly, while we waited for the birds to flurry into view.

The haul was gathered once again and the two groups united around the fun bus for drinks and sausages. Out of the side of the fun bus, emerged a steaming, sizzling Webber BBQ. The shoot was warmed up and everyone was full of chat. It was indeed a day for all. The young and the old, male and female, observers and shooters, keepers and dogs.

I established early on in my blog life that I am very juvenile so it had not escaped my attention the flagrant use of the word “cock”. Basically the shooting elves walk through the country in the woolly pedal pushers shouting “COCK!!!” all day. If you got me some different clothing I could be heaven. “Cock UP!” “Cock Down” “Prickled Cock” – the double entendre is endless and I spent the day smirking like Bevis and Butthead!! I even ask one elf, “if he liked a woman who could handle a weapon?”. Not forgetting the elf who had a furry muff. It was quite simply the gift that kept on giving.

After eleveneses there was one more drive and then we rumbled back to lunch of roast pork, tartiflette, peas and carrots, followed by a cheese board. Here, I discovered the world of shooting averages. Every sport has it’s score card and shooting is no exception. The best shot is one bird to one cartridge shot and work back from that – although this would be the nirvana of shooting, and rarely, if ever achieved. Over lunch, some muttered and some declared their count for the day. For the last drive of the day a sweep stake was announced to see who could accurately guess the bird count for the day.

It was then out for one last drive before the light fell. The diversity of drives and large acreage of the shoot is what makes it so popular. Rodders, my giant elf muse, told me that it is rare to find land so well managed with such a vast range of excellent drives, especially so close to London.

The final drive was up hill and down vale, arriving at a final standing shoot at the bottom of green couloir. I was told it was a grand finale; the birds flew very high and very fast off the brow of the hill. It was a demanding and exhilarating challenge for the guns.

The last bird fell, and the last shot was fired and we mustered for one last time before heading back for tea and scones in front of a blazing fire.

The sweepstake results were announced, and over 200 birds had been shot, to be plucked and prepped for a local game dealer. It was an incredible day out. I had no idea to what to expect but I have to say I was pheasantly surprised.

Buying Valentine’s day gifts and anniversary gifts are an opportunity to connect and indulge this estranged passion. In absentia, it provides a chance to surprise your loved one with a special gift, or flowers, without your partner thinking that you have been putting it about.

The Internet is a wonderful thing and even from the fighting dustbowl that is Afghanistan you can rustle up a gift for her and order online. There is no need to ever disappoint your loved ones again.

Valentines and anniversaries are a time to say thank you to loved ones for supporting you and to show them that even though you might be a grumpy, ungrateful, unappreciative miserable pain in the bottom that you still love them! #Justsaying!

This post has been brought to you with a little help from Interflora

Heledd Kendrick was put in touch with me by the military wives that launched the website Follow The Flag, an online directory for the self employed military spouse. Being married to the military can be about sacrifice. We give up so much to support our spouses so that they can deliver the effect. Often, more than you ever knew, especially if you have children. (Who knew what a journey they would be, married to the military aside?) Then throw in an absentee spouse, akin to Peter Pan, or Petra Pan (very PC), and what you have is barefoot, pregnant, tied to the mobile kitchen.

Heledd and I hit it off immediately because we both are not very good at selflessly serving our spouses and children. We, unapologetically, have ambitions and visions of a life for ourselves, where, heaven forbid, we actually earn money akin to our investment in our education and work/life experience.

Heledd is a former race horse jockey, and editor of a horse racing magazine, who subsequently fell in love with an army fella. Once married and bound she discovered the incarceration of military spousedom. She then sought to find a solution to the complexities of seeking gainful employment, while betrothed to the military and living a nomadic life. The concept for Recruit for Spouses was born.

After months of blood, sweat and tears and community pulling together in true Dunkerque style, with gallons of support from the Royal British Legion’s Women – yesterday was the launch at The Union Jack Club

Military Wife Launches Jobsite for Military Spouses – RECRUIT FOR SPOUSES

NATIONAL businesses are being invited to support the British Forces and their families, through the not-for-profit organisation, Recruit For Spouses, which launched on 17th January 2012.

Recruit For Spouses has been set up to bridge the gap between national employers and a growing band of service spouses who are seeking to re-enter the workplace, after subjugating their careers due to their partners’ numerous postings and frequent deployment.

http://www.recruitforspouses.co.uk

The company has benefited from funding and support from the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion and the web development skills of international digital agency, STEAK.

The Wiltshire based founder, Heledd Kendrick (herself an Army spouse and mother of two young children) who has been developing the concept for over two years, said that it had been;
“a long but worthwhile journey bringing the site to its launch this month”. She continued, “One of the hardest things about being married to a soldier, sailor or airman, is the constant moving around; rendering it almost impossible to find a job. Employers perceive service spouses as being too transient to make a worthwhile contribution to their organisations. However we’re here to prove otherwise – be it short term, contracts, flexi working, job-sharing, full-time employment or virtual (online) work”.

Kendrick will be introducing potential employers to over 400 registered candidates from a diverse background, and who count skills and trades such as accountancy, HR experts, lawyers and PAs among their numbers. STEAK has created a sleek web design, which makes it simple for employers and spouses to register their vacancies and CVs.

A nominal charge will be made to employers (significantly less than most recruitment agencies) and profits from the venture will be ploughed back into service charities, fully embracing the much talked about military covenant.

Recruit for Spouses already has partnered with both British Telecom, Siemens and Golly Slater providing a range of opportunities for service wives and has established a meaningful dialogues with the regional Chambers of Commerce, resulting in the North East Chamber of Commerce advocating the initiative to their 4000 members.

For further information on Recruit For Spouses, please contact:
info@recruitforspouses.co.uk
http://www.recruitforspouses.co.uk

About the author: Alia Haley is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology, parenting, fashion and luxury. Beside this she is fond of phones and bags. Recently an article on silk scarf attracted her attention. These days she is busy in writing an article on Rimmel Mascara.

What do you think British people are like? How much do you know about British people? Do you believe in all the myths surrounding them? Britain receives a large number of foreign students every year and each of them comes here with a stereotyped knowledge of the British people. No wonder, there are many surrounding them – their behavior, attitudes, way of life and eating and drinking habits. Probably the time has come to dispel all these myths for good. We have accumulated some true traits of Britishers based on extensive study and research. Happy reading!

Brits are addicted to tea
Believe it or not, a whopping 2.3kg of tea is consumed each year per person. They like to have their cup of tea at regular intervals. In fact, they do not mind consuming some extra cups of tea throughout the day. But don’t be afraid as you will not be frowned upon if you are not a big fan of tea. There are global coffee chains all around and you will get ample shops which sell fruit, herbal or green teas.

Brits are renowned to form a queue
There is a joke which goes around that if ‘standing for long hours’ was made an olympic sport, and then the Brits will take away all the honors. On a more serious note, it is overwhelming to note that how politely they can queue at bus stops, airports and even roadside shops. Though many people will laugh at this, we must appreciate that we hardly witness such discipline in any country in the world.

Brits are funny
Many foreigners have actually commented that they are the most hilarious lot of people. The people have an in-depth ironic sense of humor which may be hard to understand for any foreign visitor but once you get used to it, you will simply love the British sense of humor and their comic timing.

The British people are reserved in nature
This is definitely a true assessment of Britishers. They are, by nature, very reserved people. Many foreign nationals mistake this attitude for being ‘snooty’ which is so unfair on them. There is a saying in London that you need to be very lucky to make an eye contact with a native. If you really want a Brit to speak to you then start with the universal favorite topic – the British weather. They can be very good friends too but you need to give them ample time and opportunity so that they know you better.

British footfall fans are not hooligans
They just love the game they invented -football. The Brits are very loyal to their favorite clubs and they are very demonstrative and vocal about it. It is only a small population of football fans that gets drunk. In most cases you will find that the game of football actually manages to unify people and brings even strangers closer in defeat and victory. The term ‘hooligans’ was coined by the British media but always remember that a majority of football fans just love their game and will not do anything disrespectful.

Little AMMM

Big AMMM

The Birthday Bollywood Birthday Bonanza with Fireworks was a rip roaring success. The best thing about it for me was that it was a communal effort. Everyone played their part in the party and, as such, the end result was just fabulous and brilliant.

The food was outstanding. Hand reared local lamb, marinaded to perfection by my friend from Ms Licky from New York, slow cooked in the aga for 4 hours, Ms Bandana rustled up dahl and aloo gobi, Mr Set Dresser made a fantastic Goan Chicken Curry and Brindal curry with parathas, with samosas, pakora, courtesy of Mr Blokefriend and Mrs Ladyfriend rajita, poppadoms and mango chutney I did me sen.

As The Wylye Valley Girl so aptly put on Facebook:
“It was very dull. I mean, no-one got drunk and fell over the mushrooms, no-one barfed in the garden, no-one slaughtered ‘Kayleigh’ on Singstar, no-one broke two pairs of glasses, the fireworks were rubbish, the food was lousy, no-one did tequila slammers, no-one stayed till 5am… you can count me out next year!”

Thank you to all my lovely guest-icles and others who made it the best birthday ever. 40 opened well!

So now the time has come to sit firmly back in reality…this is the year of opportunity and I am back in lock down working on another book proposal which is all consuming so forgive and “bear with” (Miranda DVD Box Set for birthday – snigger. I can’t help myself. It is funny!) because the blogging is going to be a little sporadic over the next couple of weeks.

But the good news is that I have been asked to speak at Brit Mums Live on 22nd June in London.

Come and join the party – click here to register.

Also, every Monday you will find me writing with the sassy rock chicks at In The Powder Room and tomorrow is a blinder as me and Wylye Valley Girl have decided to make this year about us and everyone else can go fuck themselves!! Bring it on 2012!

Happy New Year 2012

Watch the video to hear my plans. What are yours?

Ps: This is me just quickly blogging one off. Have folk over tonight and then we are having a Bouncing Bollywood Birthday Bonanza to celebrate my 40th!! I am so excited as we also will be showcasing the disco ball in the dining room.

Pps: There may well be a film of the Bollywood Birthday but it might not happen – it depends on how pissed we get!!

I was very lucky because the big man himself, CEO Bryn Parry was there and he was delighted to receive the toys on behalf of the charity, Help for Heroes.

Toys R Us UK and their vendors sent a fantastic selection of games and toys that will keep the children busy for hours while those in charge can hang out and enjoy a decent coffee in the great drop in cafe area.

The toy haul included:

Barbie Water Park
BARBIE® Puppy Water Park!: Barbie® and her puppies are ready for fun water play adventures at the water park! Includes waterslide and Ferris wheel for the puppies to ride, and Barbie® doll also has a great squirt gun to enjoy water play fun with her favorite puppy friends! Includes doll, 2 puppies and water park accessory.

Baby Born Clapping Hands
BABY born sings Pat-A-Cake nursery rhyme whilst clapping her hands. Doll is interactive and when the child assists BABY born to clap her hands the doll sings faster or slower accordingly.

Alphabet Lotto
Learn the letters of the alphabet in this fun lotto game! Choose which side of the board you play on and try to be the first player to find all the cards that match the letters, or pictures, on your lotto board.

Head Shoulders Knees & Toes
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, and eyes and ears and mouth and nose! Have fun learning about parts of the body with this all-action lotto guessing game.

Pirate Snakes and Ladders
Two games in one! Old favourites are given an exciting pirate twist on this double-sided playing board. Raise the anchor and set a course for the buried treasure in snakes and ladders, or join the pirate fun on the ludo board on the back! For 2-4 players.

Jack and Jill
Race up the hill and be the first to reach the well! A fun counting and colour matching game. Roll the dice to climb the hill and be the first player to reach the well and win the game. But be careful, spin the spinner and you might fall down to the bottom and have to start all over again!

Crazy Chefs
Join the chefs in the crazy kitchen and collect everything they need to make a meal in this great Crazy Chefs game! Grab your plate and wait for your dish to cook! Will you be the first to serve up a tasty treat? A fun lotto game with a food theme. For 2-5 players.

Old Macdonalds Lotto
A fun farmyard lotto for very young players. Make lots of noises and actions as you find the farm cards to match the pictures on your playing board. Be the first player to match your farmer and you win the game! For 2-4 players, encourages observation, memory and object matching skills.

Knex Dinosaur Building Set
The K’Nex Dinosaurs 20 Model Building Set is packed with 326 parts to build a T-Rex, Brontosaurus, Pterodactyl and more. Then bring them to life with the motion-activated sound brick! Instructions and building ideas are included for over 20 different dinosaur models, ranging from beginner to more challenging. Or, use your imagination and create your own dinosaur!

Jumbo Colouring Pad Blue
An oversized colouring book where the outline drawing appears on one side only, so that your child’s masterpiece won’t smudge. The oversized pad is premium white bond paper and the pages tear out cleanly to allow more than one child to colour simultaneously and for proud display once completed! Fifty favourite themes, including animals, sports and vehicles are just waiting for the imagination of your artist to colour. 36 x 28 cm

Jumbo Colouring Pad Pink
You and your young artist will enter a world of magical beauty on the pages of this fantastic coloring pad. Fifty pages of premium bond paper are full of fairies and princesses awaiting your colorful touch and fabulous sense of design. The pages tear out cleanly for display or gift giving!

5 x Triangular Crayon set x 4
These ingenious, triangular shaped crayons wont roll away. Made of plastic, not wax, for additional durability, this set of 24 rainbow color, non toxic crayons stay on the table just where your little artist put them.

Rainbow Scraper
Just create your own masterpieces by scraping away the pre-printed outlines.

Thank you so much Toys R Us for giving me the opportunity to share so many great toys with many children who will get hours of fun.

We’ve put them to the test on a really frosty morning and our feet have stayed lovely and warm but you definitely won’t need to wear them if the you’re indoors with the heating on as they do tend to make your feet extra hot and a bit sweaty!! The real test will be when the snow comes, coupled with wellies, but I’m confident they won’t let me down! Even the husband has become a ‘thermal sock convert’ since being forced to wear these for a week.

The socks wash well, although the fleece inside loses it’s smooth appearance it doesn’t affect the comfort of them. I’ve tried other thermal socks but none have been as soft to wear or kept my feet as warm, I will definitely be buying more in a range of various colours!!

Brought to you courtesy of Heat Holders