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While Britain has already seen Mother's Day - or Mothering Sunday as it's also known as over there - come and go, many other countries around the world will be celebrating Mother's Day soon. It's a day to be celebrating motherhood and honouring the very special women in our lives: mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, stepmothers, mothers-in-law, godmothers and even aunties. So what could be a more special way to spoil the extraordinary women in our lives then by treating them to a decadent afternoon tea – which if you ask us, is an occasion made for mums and mother figures! In Britain, Mother's Day always falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent and and three weeks before Easter Sunday. Whereas in the United States and certain other countries, it is the second Sunday in May. We really love the idea of a themed afternoon tea (come to think of it, we love the idea of a themed anything!) and when it comes to a Mother’s Day afternoon tea party, vintage is the only way to go - well we think so anyway - with mismatched, floral, china teacups, an elaborate cake stand, bird cages, and decorations in the form of pearls and lace. Mothers are obviously all different, so you’ll cater your tea party to your mum’s tastes but inspiration for our ideas have come Angel's own mother who’s pretty big on tradition. Chocolate and flowers also feature quite heavily as they tend to be gifts we traditionally give our mothers on their special day. Colours for this event could be in the traditional pink and lilac, or any pastel hue, or maybe even cream and gold for a classic vintage feel. With the weather getting warmer, there’s a good chance that you could hold your tea party outdoors. When thinking about the menu, we mainly went for old-school English classics, real ‘like mother used to make’ stuff, with an added touch of elegance and luxury. After all you can’t get more English than afternoon tea, so English classics it is! The list below gives food ideas of what you can include as part of your afternoon tea party menu: SANDWICHES Egg and cress Cucumber and cream cheese Crab Ham and English mustard Smoked salmon and cream cheese Rare roast beef and horseradish Rose petals with honey Prawn mayonnaise SAVOURIES Smoked salmon soufflés Mini sausage rolls Blinis with smoked salmon Mini Cornish pasties Parmesan thins Roast beef-filled mini Yorkshire puddings Welsh rarebit Spinach and parmesan muffins Cheese straws Potted shrimp/trout pate on melba toast Mini chicken and asparagus pie SWEET SCONES/TOASTED BREADS Crumpets Tea loaf Tea cakes Brioche English muffins Scones with clotted cream and rose petal jam CAKES, TARTS AND OTHER SWEET TREATS Victoria sponge cake Apple pie with cinnamon cream Chocolate fudge cake Lemon drizzle cake Cherry Cake Jam tartlets Battenburg cake Rose and raspberry or chocolate macaroons Fruit cake Mini Bakewell tarts Chocolate mousse with sugared violets in shot glasses Mini English trifles Pink and lilac iced buns Lavender shortbread Chocolate éclairs Strawberry shortcake Custard slices Florentines DRINKS: Tea! Frozen strawberry daiquiris Mixed berry tea White chocolate mocha Jasmine tea Pink lemonade Chilled Chrysanthemum tea Raspberry bellini Cava with nasturtiums Pomegranate Martini Chamomile tea Champagne with hibiscus Chocolate flavoured cocktails Don’t forget the extras you need to serve such as butter, clotted cream, honey and a selection of jams to go with the toasted breads and scones. And for the savouries, you may need to provide a variety of chutneys, sauces and pickles. Photos: Pixabay Blog graphics: Angel Noire

It's a big day for our sister site Nostalgia Pie as the Retro Reads Book Club has just been launched. It begins on 1st January 2024 with Erich Segal's Love Story being the first book to be read and discussed. As regular readers of An Extra Slice will know, I've been engrossed in the Read Christie reading challenge which began in January of this year. I'm now on the final book of the year and I've enjoyed it so much that it inspired me to start some kind of reading group of our own. So I did! My reasons for participating in the Read Christie challenge were because I saw it as a good chance to read more; get back into some Christie classics - and prove that I could actually finish something that I'd started! I am nearing the end of this challenge and it really has been such a fun experience. So much so that I will definitely be participating in Read Christie 2024. As much as I love Agatha Christie's works, I got thinking about the other kinds of books that I like to read. My taste in books is a lot like my taste in music - pretty eclectic! But one theme that does connect a lot of my reading material (and music come to think of it!) is 'retro.' My enjoyment of Read Christie coupled with my love of retro titles led me to form the kind of book group that I would like to join. I just hope there's others who'd like to participate as well - or else it won't be much of a club! GETTING INTO THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT OF THINGS! One of the things that many of us love about Nostalgia Pie and An Extra Slice is that feeling of community; connecting with like-minded people, and that buzz of excitement as we share memories about all that was great about yesterday. There's that sense of belonging; community and friendship which sometimes, if we're really lucky, spills out into the real world - as it should! There are many people in our lives who may not share the same enthusiasm for the kind of things that we love and enjoy. So it's extra special when you get to connect with someone, rather randomly, who enjoys the same things as you. And it's through these sites that I've met some truly awesome people, some of whom I'm very fortunate to call friends. We figured that this book club, albeit an online one, is another way in which we can bring people together through a common interest - a love of books. It's for those who understand that books are more than just literary works - they're a collection of memories. Just as music can evoke memories and take you back to another time and place in the past, books can do the same too. Certain books can take you back to your early years; school days; family events, and other important milestones in your life. RETRO READS We're choosing well-known retro titles, definitely nothing too obscure so it should hopefully be fairly easy to get hold of. In keeping in essence with Nostalgia Pie, the book titles that we're going to read are those that were titles published between the 1960s-1990s. BUT we'll also look at older titles and classics if it's the kind that most of us would have covered in our school days during the 1960s-1990s. Any post-millennium books selected have been chosen because they are very memorable and have some special significance for me. HOW DOES THE BOOK GROUP WORK? It couldn't be more simple. It's quite similar to the Read Christie challenge but instead of twelve books, we're starting off with just six. So it's ideal for you busy bees! Each book is read and then discussed within a two month period. Towards the end of the two month period, we will 'meet' online to discuss the book. The 'meeting point' is the Retro Reads Book Group page at Nostalgia Pie. There will be two time slots on the day that we all get together to discuss the book for a live Q&A sessions. You can, of course, leave comments after the Q&A sessions have ended if you were not able to attend. HOW DO WE JOIN AND GAIN ACCESS TO THE READING GROUP PAGE? The Retro Reads Group page, on the Nostalgia Pie site (under the 'GROUPS' heading) is private so in order to join in the fun, you'll have to become a member (it's free!) Being a member means that you'll also be able to gain access to any available free resources. Anyone who has been approved as a member will be invited by Nostalgia Pie to join the book group. Alternatively members can request to join and wait to be accepted. WHAT ARE THE BOOK TITLES FOR 2024? We thought you'd never ask! We've selected what we think are a great bunch of titles to kick start this book group. Information regarding dates and times are included on the reading list which is available to members: Love Story - Erich Segal The Reading Group - Elizabeth Noble Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit - Jeanette Winterson Flowers For Mrs. Harris - Paul Gallico The Stepford Wives - Ira Levinson A Little Princess - Frances Hodgson Burnett AND FINALLY... Remember that we are hosting a book group and NOT necessarily a reading challenge - well not unless you want to challenge yourself! So you can read all the titles that have been selected or just choose the books that appeal to you. The first novel, Love Story by Erich Segal will begin 1st January 2024 with the the first Q&A session on 28th February at 1pm and 6pm (EST) Come on everyone - let's get reading! Photos: Angel Noire and Wix Blog graphics: Angel Noire

Christmas will soon descend upon us, and now begins the mad dash to buy presents for our nearest and dearest. Giving well-thought out gifts at Christmas is one of the loveliest things about the festive season - seeing the joy on someone’s face as they tear off the gift wrap and see something they've been hoping for is always a delight. It won't come as any surprise to you all that at An Extra Slice, we love to read and it's just one of the reasons why we love autumn and winter so much - the perfect seasons for reading (although we do of course read all year round!) So this post is created specifically with book lovers in mind. What do you buy someone who likes to read? Well a book of course! True, anyone who enjoys reading would be grateful to receive a new book to get stuck into as a gift. But what if you feel like getting the bookworm in your life something slightly different..? Even though we know books are very much their thing, book-buying for the avid reader can sometimes be a challenge. How do we know they'll love the book we've bought them? What if they already have it on their bookshelf or have downloaded it onto their Kindle? Perhaps they've already read it before - and worse still hated it! Or maybe just maybe, you don't want to be totally predictable and buy them yet another book especially if you think everyone else will be getting them something to read. The smart choice might be to get them a gift that isn't a book but is still related to their love of reading. Some book-themed merchandise maybe? Something they can use while they get lost in yet another novel? Or maybe something that'll look fab in their new reading nook. Believe us - there are so many options with regards to buying gifts for reading fanatics. It's not all just books - as great as they are. If you wish to purchase something a little different for them, you just need to use a little imagination and think outside... the book! So we've come up with ideas for non-book gifts that you could give to a book aficionado and if you're a bit of a bookworm yourself, there's no reason why you shouldn't treat yourself too! For many of the items mentioned here, there are also book-themed versions available if you want to really amp up the literary connection. 1. BOOK VOUCHERS OK, this isn't the most groundbreaking of gift ideas when it comes to buying a present for a book fan, and a bit of a safe option (this list gets a bit more interesting as we go on - promise!) But if there's one thing that avid readers love more than receiving a new book, it's receiving a voucher so that they can head down to their nearest book shop and purchase a copy of the latest book they've had their eye on. And at least this way you'll know that they're bound to get a book they really, really want! 2. BOOKMARKS We know, we know - another simple idea! But let's face it book lovers - those who prefer to read printed books anyway - can never have enough bookmarks. Furthermore, book marks are a gift item that's quite reasonably priced so it'll be quite easy on your pocket. And if it's a gift that you're going to post, you can just slip it into a card. You can get a wide variety of bookmarks and not just the type made from card. There's some lovely resin ones; laser cut-out wood or metal; leather; magnetic ones that attach to the corner of a page... If you're a bit crafty, you could always crochet them a pretty and unique bookmark. 3. BOOK SLEEVES Books are very precious to book aficionados so this one is perfect for someone who loves their printed books. Book sleeves are a type of pouch, usually with a zip that can fit over individual books that keep them safe and limit damage while they're being jostled about among the many other possessions in your bag. Once again, if you're a bit on the crafty side, you could always knit, crochet, or sew a book sleeve, and no doubt the extra effort will be appreciated. If the recipient prefers to read eBooks, then a sleeve for their tablet is another option. 4. TOTE BAG A book sleeve is ideal for one book, but you'll need something a bit more roomier if you have more than one book. A simple tote bag makes a great book bag for someone who likes to cart a few books around with them. And yes you've guessed it - if you're handy with a needle and thread, you could always sew one up for them! There are also some lovely book-themed tot bags around that the avid reader would just adore! 5. READING JOURNAL/PLANNER Planners and journals are all the rage these days. There are ones for health and fitness; mindfulness; achieving goals, and there are plenty of journals and planners out there aimed at those who like to read. We reckon it's a must have for bibliophiles. Reading journals or planners are an excellent way to track your reading, remind yourself of your favourite reads, and help you remember what you'd like to read next. 6. PERSONAL LIBRARY KIT We thought that we knew everything there was to know about book-related products on the market but we had no idea that library kits are actually a thing! Where have we been! Personal library kits are a gift option that's more aimed at the 'generous bookworm' - the reader who likes to loan out their books to others. It's always nice to share... but it's not so nice when what you've loaned out is not returned! Library kits save book owners from having to remember what they have loaned out and to whom, and whether or not the books were returned. While we know that there's probably an app for this, a library kit is for those who like to keep things a little more 'old school' as we do at An Extra Slice! Library kits come with items such as a rubber stamp and ink pad; checkout cards; pencils, self-adhesive pockets and anything else that makes you feel like a librarian before everything went high-tech! Come to think of it, these library kits might also make a good gift for a librarian. 7. BEVERAGES And no we don't mean a can of coke! There is a reason why there are cafes located within many libraries and bookshops nowadays - because books and beverages, especially cosy warming drinks, go together hand in hand! Who wouldn't like to be sipping on something delicious and comforting while they're getting swept away in another great story? So what better gift could you give a bibliophile than a nice selection of teas or maybe even a year-long tea subscription? The book lover who loves tea just as much will be spoilt for choice on deciding what brew to have before they settle down to read a good book. And if tea's not their thing, then there's coffee, hot chocolate... or maybe even something stronger! Whiskey anyone? 8. EDIBLE TREATS As the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe correctly said, it is dull to drink without eating, so perhaps you'd like to give the recipients some edible goodies to go with the beverages! Cakes, cookies and brownies are great to munch on while you're enjoying a hot drink and a good read. Boxes of chocolate or fudge are also a great treat. If you don't want to order something that's ready-made, you could always buy them kits for cakes, scones or muffins for instance, were they can make themselves some freshly-baked goodies for when they're ready to settle down with a good book. Or if they like baking as much as they enjoy reading, perhaps you can get them some bakeware so that they can whip up some bakes to enjoy while they're reading. If you yourself are a dab-hand at baking, perhaps you can rustle up some book-shaped cakes or cookies, or literary themed cupcakes. You could also give them edible treats connected to their favourite read or a well-known book. For example Turkish delight (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe) mix for currant buns (A Little Princess) hot chocolate or chocolate fondue kits (Chocolat) gift box with ingredients to make a treacle tart (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.) You could also give them a framed piece of kitchen art you've designed yourself featuring the recipe. For more inspiration regarding food, recipes and books, check out The Book Club Cook Book by Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp. The possibilities when it come to giving edible goodies as gifts for book-lovers are endless! 9. FOOD/DRINK ACCESSORIES We've already established how food and drink partner really well with books. But now you'll need something to eat them off and drink them out of! Mugs, china teacups and saucers, teapots or a nice tray to transport edible and drinkable goodies and reading material over to the reading space are gifts that will be very well received. 10. GET COSY! We always think of reading as such a cosy activity - and at An Extra Slice, we're big fans of cosy! Does anyone know a book-lover who doesn't enjoy getting all cosy and comfy while getting stuck into a novel? So for the book worm in your life, how about the ultimate in gifts that spell comfort and warmth so that they can get extra comfy while indulging in their favourite pursuit? Fluffy blankets; cosy socks; hot water bottles with wooly covers, shawls and large cushions are all great ideas. One of the advantages of giving such gifts is that they are practical gifts that can be used at anytime and not just for reading, and they'll come in extra handy during the autumn and winter months. 10. CANDLES While we don't think that reading by candlelight is great for your eyes, but continuing with the cosy theme, we do think that having lit candles while you're reading adds to the ambience - especially if they're beautifully scented with a fragrance that promotes relaxation. 11. OUTDOOR ACCESSORIES These are gifts that will appeal to those who love to read outdoors. Though if you're going to give these as Christmas presents, chances are they won't be able to use these for a few more months - unless you live in Oz! These gifts are similar to those mentioned under 'cosy' but these will be blankets, rugs and cushions that are outdoor, waterproof, and more portable versions that you can use in your back garden, or take to the park or beach. A sun hat or sunglasses might also be very well received. 12. TICKETS TO A BOOK FAIR We can't think of a single bibliophile who wouldn't relish the prospect of being surrounded by all things literary. So buying them a ticket to an upcoming book/writers/literary festival will be right , or write (hehe!) up their street! These events are a fantastic way of bringing writers and readers together in certain towns or cities. It's an opportunity to hear readings by authors; talk to writers and publishers; discover new book titles; have books signed; listen to poetry recitals, and even watch acting performances. It's a great occasion for people who really enjoy the creative scene and the written word, and no doubt a lot of fun for those who really enjoy reading. 13. THEATRE /CINEMA TICKETS An avid reader might like to see the pages of their favourite novel come to life on the stage or on the big screen. So if there is a play or film adaptation of a novel that's just been released, you might want to treat your readaholic friend to tickets... and they can see which version of the literary work they prefer. It'll definitely make for an interesting discussion! 14. READING SUBSCRIPTION BOX We're looking at ideal gifts for readers that are not books but we have to admit - this one might actually contain a book! But book subscription boxes are such a lovely gift to receive that we just had to include it in this list. Each company will offer different items with their boxes but you can generally find things like bookmarks; candles; edible treats, mugs and so much more. If it's a bit daunting to subscribe for boxes on a monthly basis, a one-off gift box will still be very much appreciated. 15. BOOK THEMED ITEMS There's a whole host of book-themed and book-shaped gifts out there that book lovers will just die for! Jewelry; t-shirts; sweaters; vases; socks; tree ornaments, even hair accessories. You name it, it's there! There are no end of possibilities when it comes to buying gifts for the bibliophiles in your life. Photos: Angel Noire, Wix, Pixabay Blog graphics: Angel Noire

Before Halloween took over the world as the most highly anticipated autumnal event, there was another event, celebrated annually in Britain that was once the highlight of the season and also had origins of the macabre and sinister variety - Guy Fawkes Night also known as Bonfire Night... also known as Fireworks Night! This great event takes place just a few days after Halloween on November 5th. Unfortunately though, Guy Fawkes Night has fallen out of favour a fair bit ever since most of the world - British folk included - decided that they'd rather don costumes, go trick or treating and partake in other traditions made famous by our American cousins. But while Guy Fawkes Night isn't the biggest event on the British social calendar that it once was, there are still a lot of people who do celebrate the anniversary of the foiled terrorist attack on Parliament back in the seventeenth century. And for those who do choose to celebrate in style, they will partake in traditions such as setting off a plethora of fireworks in their back garden; attending fireworks displays; gathering around the bonfire with their nearest and dearest, as well as indulging in traditional Bonfire Night fare which includes... parkin! WHAT IS PARKIN? Parkin is an ever so delicious baked goody that's as synonymous with Guy Fawkes Night as bonfires, Catherine wheels, and toffee apples. This spiced, sweet treat is traditionally served up on Guy Fawkes Night and is the perfect thing to tuck into while gathered around the glowing flames of a bonfire on a cold, dark night. It's very similar to gingerbread in appearance and taste but it has a different texture as one of the key ingredients is coarsely ground oatmeal. Parkin also contains spices, lots of molasses, treacle or golden syrup which gives parkin its sticky texture. There are two types of parkin - one that hails from Lancashire and the other from Yorkshire. One of the things that's quite unusual about parkin is that you're not supposed to consume it the day it's baked. Instead you leave it in an airtight container for the parkin to 'mature;' so that the flavour develops and the sticky texture intensifies. HOW LONG DO YOU LEAVE IT TO MATURE FOR? Hmm, this depends. Some recipes claim that three to five days is sufficient. Others say seven, some say ten, and there's a couple who tell you to leave it in an airtight container for as long as is humanly possible! The first time we made parkin we consumed it after ten days and it lasted for three weeks. The second time was also left to mature around ten days but unfortunately it didn't keep for more than two weeks after that. It would appear that the more sugar you add to the recipe, the longer the parkin keeps. But we think five to seven days is a good amount of time to allow the parkin to mature. SO WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE PARKIN? Lancashire parkin is lighter, more golden brown in colour as it contains more golden syrup. Yorkshire parkin is darker in colour with a much deeper flavour as it's made with black molasses. If you're a newcomer to parkin it might be an idea to try the Lancashire version first, as some find the Yorkshire version a bit bitter due to the high black molasses content. That might explain why Yorkshire parkin is generally served in wedges topped with stewed apple. Lancashire parkin, on the other hand, is sweeter and tastes a lot more like regular gingerbread. And while not necessarily customary, there's no reason why you can't serve Lancashire parkin with a portion of apple compote because who can say no to apple desserts... though people in Lancashire might beg to differ! THE ORIGINS OF PARKIN While the origins of this deliciously, sticky cake with a spicy kick are not totally clear, we do know that parkin is peculiar to the north of England. Some believe that parkin is older than Guy Fawkes himself and could be linked to Paganism or All Saints Day. But it became more popular in eighteenth century England, and the first mention of parkin by name could be found in court records from 1728, where one Anne Whittaker was accused of stealing oatmeal to make it! Guy Fawkes Night staples such as Parkin and Bonfire Toffee were popular many centuries ago because they were easy to make and kept for a long time. This was the late eighteenth century in England when refined white sugar was very expensive and not easily affordable by those who lived in the poorer northern region of the country. So instead of the refined, white sugar, they opted for its cheaper counterpart - treacle! Another thing that was consumed in large quantities was oatmeal, a less costly cereal. Treacle and oatmeal - the two chief ingredients of parkin! IS PARKIN ONLY EATEN ON NOVEMBER FIFTH? While parkin is traditionally eaten on Guy Fawkes Night, in the north of England it's it's been enjoyed at the beginning of November and all throughout the month for centuries, especially on Parkin Sunday. WHAT'S PARKIN SUNDAY? The first Sunday of November. Well at least it is certain regions in the north of England where parkin is eaten during the winter months and has close ties to the month of November. In these northern regions, parkin is traditionally eaten during November events such as All Saints Day and All Souls Day, as well as Guy Fawkes Night, hence it's close association with the month. So the first Sunday of November is known as Parkin Sunday and no doubt a lot of parkin is eaten on this day! SO WHAT DO WE THINK OF PARKIN? Parkin isn't something that's traditionally eaten in the sooth of England. In fact there are some who have never even heard of it let alone know what it is! But now that we've baked it and consumed it, we are now wondering where it's been all our lives and why we've been through all those Guy Fawkes Nights without it! It's delicious! We love everything about it from the rich brown appearance, to the delicious aroma, to the slightly chewy texture to that spicy kick. It's definitely on the menu at our annual Bonfire Night party. However... it has to be said that parkin is not necessarily the easiest thing to bake, especially if you're a novice baker or just someone who's never baked parkin before. It's taken us a whopping three attempts (so therefore three years!) to create what we're hoping is the perfect parkin recipe. The first time we tried, most of it exploded all over the oven due to too much bicarb having been added! However we did love the rich brown colour and the texture was deliciously sticky, and it kept for quite a long time. Unfortunately we weren't too keen on the bitter taste due to the high content of black molasses even when accompanied with the stewed apple (and no, that's not the reason why it kept for a long time!) The second (and worst!) attempt was a lot lighter in colour which we weren't so keen on but the shade of brown was the least of our troubles! The texture was dry, so dry in fact that we had no choice but to serve it with cream which we doubt the good people of Yorkshire and Lancashire will be thrilled about! It didn't keep anywhere as near as the previous try, and we unfortunately ended up having to throw it out. Not good! But the third attempt - now that was the winning formula! We didn't get it as dark as we'd liked but the flavour was definitely all there and it had that decadent sticky texture that is characteristic of parkin. We added nutmeg and cinnamon which parkin doesn't normally have (we only found one recipe that used cinnamon as well as the traditional ginger) but we really wanted to amp up the spice levels. Plus we also used fresh root ginger which definitely gave it an edge. Feel free to omit them if you wish, but go ahead and give our recipe a go - we hope you won't be disappointed. AN EXTRA SLICE OF NOSTALGIA PIE'S PARKIN INGREDIENTS 8oz/2 cups/227g plain flour 7oz/1 cup/200g soft dark brown sugar 6oz/1 cup/170g medium oatmeal 3 level tsps./9g ground ginger 1 level tsp/3g ground nutmeg (optional) 1 level tsp./3g ground cinnamon (optional) 2" piece of root ginger, peeled and finely grated (optional) 5oz/142g butter 1 egg 3 fl oz/89ml black treacle or black molasses 7 fl oz/207ml golden treacle or golden syrup 1 level tsp./5g bicarbonate of soda 1/4 pint/5 fl oz/150ml of warm milk 1/2 level tsp./3g salt METHOD Preheat the oven to 325°F/170°C/Gas Mark 3 Grease an 8x8 baking tin and line the bottom with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, mix oatmeal, flour, spices (including root ginger if using) salt. In a saucepan, place brown sugar, butter, black treacle/molasses, golden treacle/syrup, and gently heat the mixture until sugar has thoroughly melted while taking care NOT to boil the mixture. Remove sugar mixture from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. In the meanwhile, dissolve the bicarbonate into the warm milk. When sufficiently cool, add the beaten egg and mix well. Pour sugar mixture into the dry mixture and combine well. Add milk mixture and combine well to form a thick, sticky batter. Pour the batter into baking tin and bake for 70 minutes or until a skewer inserted into middle of cake comes out clean. The cake should be quite firm and springy. Allow parkin to cool in tin. Remove from tin, remove parchment paper, and cut into squares. As difficult as this may be, place parkin squares in airtight container and leave it in there for at least three days! allow it to sit for at least 3 days before eating.  This is critical (see blog post). NOTES A lot of the vintage recipes we looked at when trying to make parkin don't necessarily specify a particular type of oats. But we can tell you that Instant oats are definitely out and are not recommended for Parkin. The kind of oats traditionally used when baking parkin are steel-cut oats. We have however used rolled oats and it has been fine. A medium-coarse oatmeal is needed for parkin, so if necessary the oatmeal can be briefly pulsed in a food processor until they are broken down to the required sized pieces. But be careful about overdoing it and pulsing the oatmeal into a fine flour which is not what you want, as you need it to be more on the coarse side in the name of texture! As you know Yorkshire parkin generally uses black treacle/molasses while Lancashire parkin uses golden syrup.  However while it may not necessarily be traditional, there's nothing to stop you mixing the two until you get the desired flavour. The ratio of black treacle parts to golden syrup is a matter of personal taste. Yes it's trial and error but a helpful hint is that if you prefer fuller, stronger flavour then head down the Yorkshire route and add more black molasses. But if you would prefer a more milder but still delicious flavour, then go for more of the golden syrup. Photos: Pixabay and Angel's own. Word cloud: Angel Noire

Some of us haven't picked up a book since leaving school - and couldn't care less! But some of us were once avid bookworms who let real life get in the way: we've got to get to work; study; look after the home; take care of the kids; fit in time with our family and friends... it's a miracle if we're able to squeeze in a decent amount of sleep let alone a good read! But for those of us who always had our noses in a book, we really do miss the regular and delightful habit of reading. These days we're all so busy that even when we do get to sit down with a good book, we can't focus as our mind is often on the million and one tasks we're mentally ticking off our list. Or you begin a book, make good progress but then have to take a break from reading because duty calls... and then you never get to read to the end of the novel. So once again you unintentionally abandon the idea of becoming an avid reader. 'Getting back into reading' or 'reading more' are goals on a lot of people's to-do list, especially at the beginning of each new year. Our intentions may be good but it's not always easy to restart that reading habit. We live in an age of constant distractions especially digital ones, and sometimes it's hard to get that focus. So how do you get back into reading again? How do you put down the phone and pick up a good book? (With your hands!) But whether you are the prodigal bookworm or someone who's never really been into books and would like to start, An Extra Slice of Nostalgia Pie has ideas that might just, hopefully, get you turning or even scrolling (we don't mind!) those pages again! But first... WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT READING? We get it - you're all booked-out after graduating and swore you'd never pick up anything with a cover, a spine and pages AGAIN!!! But to miss out on reading is to miss out full stop - in our opinion at least. There's nothing quite like losing yourself in a novel and partaking in an activity that's known for being relaxing, cozy, and enlightening. There's also something comforting about curling up with a good book and a cup of tea, and also nostalgic - reminiscent of childhood and school days. And for those of you who think that reading is boring, well - maybe you've just never found the right book! Reading is far from boring, and a lot like baking or knitting these days - it's suddenly become cool again as the plethora of bookstagrams and book blogs and vlogs illustrate. Here's why we think reading is so important: It's escapism. How many of us have lost ourselves in a book and let our imaginations run riot? It's a great feeling, isn't it? We live in a world of constant, fast-paced information overload and sometimes our poor little brains (OK, not so little!) can't always cope with it. Reading is a great way to relax, slow down and get away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. We get acquainted with words again. Remember when our English teacher told us how reading would build up our vocabulary and improve our spelling and grammar? Well they weren't wrong! It's a sad fact that many of us have let our spelling slide or use incorrect grammar. This is partly due to text-speak and an over-reliance on tools like spellcheck. Sure, some people might think this is as unnecessary as the ability to do mental arithmetic - isn't that what the calculator function on your phone is for??? But many of us think it's still important and a useful skill, especially in a work setting - and it makes a good impression. Reading is exercise for the brain. So you should treat reading the same way you would a work out session and read regularly. It's being productive. More often than not, we are glued to our devices, and a lot of the time we're not being very productive with them - just aimlessly scrolling (come on, we all do it!) Reading is a good way to leisurely use time we would otherwise have wasted and gives us the chance to put down our gadgets and pick up a book (although we will allow digital books in this instance!) You need to be occupied. If you're someone whose brain needs constant stimulation, books might be the way to go... especially if you're someone who tends to brood or dwell on the negative when you don't have anything else to occupy your mind. BEFORE YOU BEGIN... Think about the kind of books you'd like to read. If you're going to start with a book that's not your cup of tea, chances are you'll get bored and won't continue. You don't always have to read the classics. If Jane Austen or Charles Dickens made you fall asleep during English class, chances were they weren't the novels for you then. And if they're still not, don't fear as there are plenty more different types of literary works that might be more up your street. Don't worry about other people's snobbery with regards to certain types of novels. If someone doesn't like your reading material, then that's their problem, isn't it? Be realistic. You should aim to read every day in order to create a habit and keep it going. But we don't expect you to finish a book, or even a chapter, every night. Set aside a realistic amount of time - at least fifteen minutes - to fit in some reading. Or if you think in terms of pages, think about reading five to ten pages - whatever works for you - on a daily basis. Find a regular time each day when you're likely to continue reading, and stick to it in order to create a routine and keep the momentum going. That might be in the morning with your first coffee of the day; at lunchtime; during the evening commute, or before bed. Read reviews and recommendations which will give you ideas for new books to read. Check out podcasts, Instagram accounts dedicated to books, magazines, your local libraries recommendations etc. It's time to become a member of the library again if you're not already. You know... to keep those endless supply of books coming in because you're going to be such a read-a-holic... There's nothing like being in the home of books to motivate you into reading again. Try to work out which format you prefer - traditional books or eBooks. The stories may be the same but some people have a preference and feel that they read better with a certain format: they can focus better and get through the book at a good pace, and still maintain their level of interest. One reason why people love old school books is because they, can at a glance, measure their progress with the number of pages they have got through, and you can make written notes, while others feel they can get through an eBook much quicker than it's printed counterpart. And don't dismiss audio books either! Admittedly listening to a story is not the same as reading it. But audiobooks are a great way to get into a story for those who are seriously pushed for time but have the ability to multitask. It's also something people can listen to while they're falling asleep. Why not try a book series by listening to the first title as an audiobook and then shifting to a physical book for the follow-up? Providing you have the time of course! Download books onto a device. It's not our favourite suggestion but if you really can't put down the phone or your tablet, then at least get some books on it! But be warned - you might get distracted by phone calls or incoming messages. So here's are our tips to get you into the habit of becoming an avid reader again. 1. COMPLETE THE FIRST CHAPTER OF A BOOK... QUICKLY! Sometimes it's the getting started that's the hardest bit. So getting over that initial potential hurdle - the first chapter - is key. And that's something that former bookworms and novice readers struggle with. So set aside some time when you know you won't be interrupted and just get on with reading that first chapter in all it's entirety. After that you can set time/page limits and take the novel at your own pace - but remember to be consistent. 2. TO READ OR NOT TO READ It's important to remember that an uninspiring start to a book is not always indicative of how a narrative will develop. It's like a movie - you might feel like walking out of the cinema after the first fifteen minutes but then by the end of it, you're glad you stayed. But on the other hand, we've all come across novels that are painfully hard to get through and we just know that the book isn't really 'us'. So the question is do we continue reading until the end in the hope that the story will get better or do we ditch it and find something that really holds our interest? The decision, as they say, is yours! No one wants to be a quitter but sometimes it's better to stop something that's just not working and try something else that might. So why waste precious time! Give the book a chance and set a limit - say the third or fourth chapter. If by the time you've finished that chapter, and you think you can handle it - keep reading. But if you're starting to lose the will to live, then now might be the right time to put that book down and go in search of one that you might enjoy. Reading should never be a chore, so if you're not enjoying your current reading material, give it up - or it could potentially put you off reading for good. 3. START WITH SHORTS If a novel is too full on for you, start with a series of short stories which will be an easier, equally as interesting, and more varied read. 4. PICK UP A SUSPENSE NOVEL One of the reasons why people get bored with a book is because it's too slow-paced or draggy, and we get bored even before we get to the halfway point of the book. Not a great way to inspire motivation in someone who wants to get back into books. But with a novel that has an element of suspense such as a whodunnit or a psychological thriller, those books are designed to hook the reader and keep them hooked, so they're more likely to be a page-turner; a bit more fast-paced, and really draw the reader into the narrative so you should hopefully want to get to the end. 5. CREATE A READING LIST Set up a list with books you're just itching to read. Then every time you hear about a title you want to read, add it to your list and tick it off as you finish the novel. It'll be interesting to see how many you get through in a year. 6. PICK UP A BOOK FROM CHILDHOOD Even if it is Cinderella! Don't underestimate the power of nostalgia to get you bubbling with enthusiasm, and remind you why you fell in love with reading in the first place. Perhaps it's something your parents read to you when you were a child; a book you read when you started secondary school, or a book from a teen series you loved. And if you think that children/teen books are just for kids, well think again! There's a whole host of adults who have gone back to the teen and young adult fiction that they loved when they were much younger. It reminds them of care-free times and how much they loved reading. 7. TAKE A BOOK ON YOUR COMMUTE If you have a fairly long commute into work and use public transport then trust us - a novel makes your journey so much better. You might be too busy when you're at home, and feel too tired when you crawl into bed but when you're sat on a bus or a train with nothing to do, you have no excuses and depending on the length of your journey, you may well be able to get in a couple of chapters. So make a book your new best friend on those long commutes. 8. GO FOR A BROWSE AROUND A BOOK SHOP Book shops are generally known for being quaint and cosy with a lovely, warm ambience. It's no wonder that so many bookshops also have a cafe... and why so many cafes have taken on the appearance of a bookshop. They make you want to seek out the comfy, cosiest spot where you can settle yourself with your tea, and cake while you read your latest purchase. And if you could wrap yourself up in a fluffy blanket so much the better... though you might have to wait until you get home for that! The inviting atmosphere aside, bookshops are of course a great places to find new book titles recommendations. Browsing around book shops is often how lots of people discover their exciting new read - you never know what might spark your interest. Read the next part of this post to discover more tips on immersing yourself into the wonderful world of books. Photos: Pixabay Blog graphics: Angel Noire

The second part of our post to get you picking up those books and back into the habit of reading again. 1. CREATE A BOOK NOOK There's nothing quite like a cosy, charming, and inviting space for you to sit with your book and read in peace. Your reading nook could be a small corner of a room; an entire room; the disused space on a landing, or it could even be outdoors - just anywhere where it's quiet and where you won't be distracted. What you need is a comfy seat, a good reading light, and a little table for your tea and cake! 2. JOIN OR CREATE A BOOK CLUB If you want to get into the habit of reading but keep putting it off, joining a book club might be a great way to get motivated when it comes to reading especially if you're someone who likes socializing. You'll feel as though you're part of a team, there's the social aspect and who knows - you might make some great friends as well. Plus book clubs are great places to share ideas and read books that you might not otherwise have come across. And furthermore, if there isn't a book club in your area, there's nothing to stop you from starting your own. 3. START A BOOK BLOG OR VLOG Those who have started a book blog or vlog have done so because they are keen readers who want to share their love of books with likeminded people. As a novice or born-again bookworm, there's no reason why you couldn't do the same. Starting a book blog/vlog or bookstagram is another way to get your motivation levels up; to inspire you to complete each novel; keeps you accountable for your goals, and is also a unique way to document your journey as a soon-to-be avid reader and fiction fan. It's also a great way to build up a community with other book fanatics, where you can bounce around ideas; share news... and maybe make some book buddies! But remember, blogs and vlogs do take time and effort so start one if you feel you have the time, energy and patience to keep it going. 4. READ OUTDOORS On a day when the weather is good, the outdoors makes a lovely calm, and serene environment to get comfy with a book, whether it's your garden, the park or the beach. 5. WATCH A TV OR FILM ADAPTATION OF A BOOK The debate over film and TV adaptations of novels has been raging on since the creation of film and TV adaptations of novels! We're not going to get in on this debate, but as a tool to get you back into reading, adaptations do come in quite handy! True there can be subtle differences (and sometimes major changes) between the original literary work and it's screen adaptation. And of course the book gives more in-depth background and details than its screen counterpart due to time constraints on the latter's part. But the essence of the book remains the same: the plot; themes; characters; setting etc. So watching the adaption may help you decide if you'd like to then pick up the book. Admittedly its a massive spoiler to watch the adaptation before reading the book, so this is not a tip for those of you who don't wish to know what will happen! 6. CHECK OUT REVIEWS FOR INSPIRATION So you can't judge a book by it's cover or by it's title - but you can (a little) by the review! Book reviews are very helpful to potential readers when deciding what to add to the all-important reading list. They give you a general idea of what the book is about, and if you're already a fan of the genre or the author, it might well be a novel you can't wait to get stuck into. Although reviews are useful, remember that whether a book has been deemed good or bad is the reviewer's opinion. It's not necessarily gospel but rather a guide, so make up your own mind. We've come across some books that got fairly negative reviews and we found them to be quite good. And then there were some that got rave reviews and went on to become best sellers - and we really don't know why (no titles mentioned!) So stick to the facts - if it's your genre and the synopsis intrigues you, then you might enjoy it. 7. GO TO A LITERARY FESTIVAL Also known as a book or writers' festivals, these are generally annual events which bring writers and readers together in certain towns or cities. Lit fests are a fantastic way to discover or rediscover a love of books. They are so much more than just authors sat at individual tables with a pile of books! There are readings given by authors; book signings; poetry recitals even acting performances. It's a great occasion for people who really enjoy the creative scene and will have you falling in love with the written and spoken word. And of course it's a chance to discover - and talk to - new authors, and find knew titles you might want to read. Check out what literary festivals are going on in your area. 8. RE-READ YOUR FAVOURITE NOVEL There's nothing like an oldie but a goodie, so if you can't make up your mind about which new title to select, then why not re-read an old favourite? As long as you’re actually reading something that you enjoy and you're keeping the momentum going, that's the main thing. Happy reading! Photos: Pixabay Blog Graphics: Angel Noire

It should come as no surprise that at An Extra Slice, we really love our books! Reading is such a fun, enjoyable and relaxing hobby. Just being in a place surrounded by books makes us feel happy, cosy and relaxed, be it a bookshop; a book fair, or our very own uniquely-created reading nooks. But when we think of a place with wall to wall books, the most obvious place that springs to mind is of course the library. A place full of free books of all different genres with cosy chairs where we can sit and enjoy them? What's not to like! Many of us will have developed our love of books and libraries when we were tiny children just learning to read and our parents enrolled us at the local library. How many of us remember those old school library tickets we used to have before everything went totally digital? Then there was the school library where we could pick out books for our weekly read or get on with some homework. When we went to college, some of us practically lived at the campus library! Admittedly that wasn't so much for pleasure as much as the need to hurriedly get our assignments done. But for many of us, libraries have been a big part of our lives for a very long time. But as we get older and libraries become less of a necessity, many of us don't use libraries the way that we used to and it's such a shame. Libraries, sadly appear to be on the decline, and are receiving less funding due to government cutbacks. Therefore it's essential to use them while we still can in order to prove that libraries are a vital part of our community. True libraries aren't solely about books like they once were. In fact it's quite disheartening that these days many libraries only carry about half the amount of books they once did, as they gear themselves towards various other services. But libraries are still wonderful places to sit and read; check out new book titles, or catch up on work in peaceful surroundings. And for those of us who love books, actual books, there's no other place where we'd rather be. So here are ten reasons why libraries are awesome and why we should all be making the most of our local library, and ways in which we can do so. 1. SAVE SPACE, SAVE MONEY! For those of you who own and actually make proper use of your Kindle, you're already saving space and money! But for those of us who like to have an actual book in our hands while we're reading, we know just how much space a huge book collection can take up, especially for those of us who are living in more compact surroundings as many of us are having to do now. This way, you get to borrow books from the library and return them when you've finished before moving on to your next read - meaning that your bookshelves won't be groaning under the pressure of all that added weight! Furthermore, as it's free to borrow books from the library, you'll be able to read any and as many books as you wish and it won't cost you a penny - providing of course that you return the books on time and don't rack up any fines! 2. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! A library is a fantastic way to discover new authors and new genres, and basically acquaint yourself with the kind of literary works you might otherwise not have come across. But even with the type of reading material that you are normally quite familiar with, it's still possible to pick up a book that you are less than satisfied with. While book reviews give potential readers an idea of whether or not they will enjoy a book, the only definite way to know if we will enjoy a book or not is, surprise surprise, to read it! This is where libraries come to the rescue because you can of course read a book without spending a penny on it. If the book turns out to be a disappointment, you'll have lost nothing. But if you love it that much, you can go out and purchase your own copy - which is something us book lovers love to do! 3. THE ALL-IMPORTANT LIBRARY BOOK SALE! Most libraries have a section where you can regularly buy books that they no longer wish to loan out. The best one we've seen so far is at The Morse Institute in Natick Massachusetts. And in addition to this, every so often libraries have a massive book sale where they sell off a large number of old books to make space for newer titles. You can buy these books at bargain prices, in many cases much lower than your local charity shop or thrift store with the possibility of setting up your own second-hand bookshop - if you wish to do so! We are all aware of why it's important to cut down on waste and reuse whatever we can, so these book sales are a great idea. Plus with books facing extinction, it's a great opportunity to rescue as many books as possible and give them a new home. Though going back to point number one, your bookshelves may not thank you for it! 4. MAGAZINES GALORE Another thing facing extinction are of course newspapers and magazines - and with the prices of these, it's hardly a surprise! True many publications have moved online but with many of us old-schoolers, nothing beats having the actual copy in our hands. Again this is where libraries come in handy, as many now carry an astounding number of magazine titles - probably more so than most stationers and newsagents nowadays, once again saving you space and money. The Morse Institute in Natick, and Millis Public Library both in Massachusetts, are two libraries we've come across that holds an impressive number of titles, and The Morse Institute in particular has a delightful reading room for readers to enjoy them in. Hopefully your own local library is equally, or at least almost, as good. 5. WORK SPACE As anyone who lives in a town or city will know, such locations have something of a coffee-shop culture, and the humble coffee shop has become something of an office for many people these days. Entrepreneurs, budding authors or just anyone who wants to escape the office and can work remotely can all be found setting up shop at a table at a café or coffee shop. J.K. Rowling started out writing the Harry Potter books over cups of tea at The Elephant Room in Edinburgh after all! But we've always found libraries to be much more suitable places to work and study in. Quiet, peaceful surroundings with books galore, computers and all sorts of other office equipment and services... what more could you want? Furthermore a lot of libraries now have private rooms and areas where you can hold conversations which is ideal for taking those all important phone calls! 6. WORK OR VOLUNTEER Libraries are also places that can provide employment or volunteering opportunities. If you enjoy working with people and love being surrounded by books all day, what better place could there be to work than in a library? Admittedly it can be hard to get into library work but you can always start out by volunteering. Ask at your local library if there are any voluntary positions available. And you can go to the library's or local council's website to see if there are are job posts available. 7. BOOK CLUB What? A library? Holding book club meetings? Well I never! OK, so it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that your local library might have it's own reading groups (kind of goes with the territory!) Book clubs are a great way to ensure consistent reading, and you get to talk about the novel you've just finished with a group of likeminded people. So it's also a great way to socialise and who knows - you might even make a new friend or two! If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, then it 's a good idea to check to see if your library has such groups, and if they don't - why don't you think about starting your own? Maybe even geared towards the kind of books you enjoy reading. Ask your friendly librarian about how to go about creating your own reading group at the library. 8. ASSISTANCE AND EDUCATION Libraries offer a range of services these days. It's not all about books, you know! Although if you ask us books are always the best part of any library! But if you need help writing up your CV and cover letters or need business advice, you can book a session with a mentor who will come in to the library at specific times in order to assist those who need their help. Local MPs have even been known to occasionally set up shop in libraries in order to give help and advice to the locals. And then there are classes that teach you practical skills such as basic computing, numeracy and literacy, all free of charge. See what educational services and assistance your library offers to the public. 9. FUN ACTIVITIES Libraries in more recent times, really have become a cultural and social hub of the community and not just a place to borrow books. You can learn languages; do arts and crafts classes; attend the book or film clubs, and there are often special events for children. Then there are events with authors, poets and other guest speakers. Most of these activities and events are completely free of charge. One of our favourite libraries is Redbridge Central Library and Museum in Ilford, just on the outskirts of London, England. Apart from the fantastic array of books in this very spacious library, the top floor is dedicated to a local history museum which showcases a different exhibit every month. And there's also a delightful little café situated on the ground floor just as you enter the library that serves up a delicious and relatively inexpensive iced coffee or hot brew. 10. COSY VIBES Most libraries are delightful, cosy places where you can take some time out for yourself; reading a good novel, or quietly getting on with some work or study. The library might not be everyone's idea of the place to be, but if you're someone who enjoys quiet time and cosy vibes, then the library might just be for you. You can even bring a non-messy craft project (knitting, embroidery etc.) or get out your tablet and earbuds and watch a movie while being surrounded by books. Sounds like bliss to us! Photos: Wix Blog graphics: Angel Noire

For us creative types, nothing makes us more content than being up to our eyes in a project - or ten! Some people might enjoy sweating it out in the gym; checking out the new releases at the local multiplex, or hiking through woodland areas but for us keen crafters, the craft room is our happy place. If we're not knee-deep in fabrics, with gluey fingers, glitter in our hair, and pieces of decoupage paper scattered about the place, then something is very wrong! There's a keen army of crafters out there that's growing bigger by the day. Which is quite surprising considering that once upon a time arts and crafts was considered old-fashioned, uncool and fuddy-duddy; something your nan would do. Now it's probably something your man would do! Many TV shows that feature arts and crafts have demonstrated that it's 'cool' to get creative. But cool or not, it's most definitely a fantastic way to unwind and destress which is just what's needed for today's hectic way of life. And let's not forget that during the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, many people turned to arts and crafts to while away the time - and found they actually enjoyed it a lot, with many going on to start small-businesses. For those of you whose idea of a wild time is to find as many uses as possible for odd pieces of ribbon, the following will be easy for you to relate to and things that every crafter knows all too well. 1. JUNK? NO WAY! We collect the ribbons from chocolate boxes, tissue paper from gifts, buttons and beads that have fallen off clothes... many may regard these as waste that needs to be binned, but to craft addicts, these are bits and bobs that are bound to come in handy either now or in the future, or inspiration for a new craft project. To illustrate our point, check out florist Mandy's story: I remember taking an order from a bride who wanted flower girl baskets but had left it a little too late. I had just one weekend to come up with two baskets in a rather unusual choice of colour. So I dipped into my box of trusty oddments, - the same box that my sister always used to laugh at - and came up with tulle remnants, pieces of ribbon and a small bunch of silk flowers all in the desired colour, which I was able to divide between the two baskets and mix with other cream-coloured silks. The baskets looked great. I had one happy customer and my sister never laughed at my 'box of junk' again! 2. WORKING ON YOUR CRAFT What's the perfect gift for a crafter? Apart from more supplies for their craft room, a crafting class or workshop of some kind would really be spoiling them. So sessions at a craft workshop it is! There are workshops and classes available for a variety of different crafts which last from one day for something quick and simple, to several sessions which run for a period of several weeks or even months if you really want to get stuck in. It's a really unique and thoughtful gift - just perfect for your craft-mad friend. 3. HERE'S ONE I MADE EARLIER... If you're a keen crafter yourself and you've got a friend or family member with a birthday coming up, there's a good chance that you'd prefer to give them one of your homemade creations. You know that there's nothing more unique than a handpainted teapot, screen printed T-shirt, beaded scarf, handmade soaps or studded leather wristband you've created yourself. As Laura says: When an old friend of ours was getting married, she didn't include a gift list so we had no idea what to get her. My husband, who's an artist, then decided to purchase a plain glass vase. He then went ahead and etched a beautiful rose and ivy design, complete with the bride and groom's names and the date of their wedding. It was beyond stunning - if I may say so - and my friend told me later that it was one of the most gorgeous gifts they'd received. It's deeply treasured and it reminds them of us every time they look at it - as well as their happy day of course! 4. FIX UP, LOOK SHARP! Your favourite T-shirt has a rip in it? No problem -you simply stitch it up, add some embellishments and it's as good as new. Wooden chair literally on it's last legs? Once it's been repaired, gets revamped with a brand new coat of paint in a bold colour, it looks better than ever before. Nothing ever gets thrown out because you enjoy transforming it into a work of art. 5. YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIND THOSE CRAFTING GOODIES! There isn't a craft store you haven't heard of, a craft book or magazine you haven't read, or a craft site you don't know about. And even when you go on holiday, forget the tourist attractions, it's the craft shops you're looking for! Claire tells us: When I first got into crafting, I used to sit at the computer for hours, finding craft sites and purchasing all kinds of wonderful items from them. A 'quick browse' around local craft stores would see me leaving with a big bag of goodies. On a visit to Scotland for a week long break, my husband and I came across a very quaint, little craft shop and of course, I couldn't resist going in. We did not leave empty-handed! 6. YOU HAVE THE BASIC KNOW-HOW You're able to identify a variety of crafting tools and explain what they're used for. You know how to convert measurements with ease. You know your antique rose from your blush pink, and you can talk floristry techniques for hours. 7. WHEN OTHERS SEE AN EMPTY JAM JAR READY FOR RECYCLING... ...you see a container for a new batch of marmalade, jams, or chutneys you plan to give as gifts; a drinking glass for your homemade brew; a new candle holder in need to decoration; a storage jar for your craft bits and bobs; vessel for your new snow globe. That is how you think like a crafter! 8. MAGAZINES ARE THE NEW CARPET! You can barely see the flooring in your house because it's completely covered with craft books that you can't stop purchasing or the latest craft magazines which you love flicking through for inspiration for new craft projects and to find out what's new in the world of crafts. 9. WHY STOP AT ONE CRAFT? A person may be known for one particular craft but that doesn't mean that they won't dabble - or even excel - at others. It's all about the art at the end of the day and us crafters have creativity in our blood. It's all about using our imaginations; developing ideas and creating something that can be enjoyed by others. So don't be surprised if your florist friend is also into balloon art, or your grandad who makes handpainted mirrors is also a dab hand at the potters' wheel. There's no end to some people's artistic talents. 10. YOU'RE A HAPPY LITTLE CRAFTER! Peter explains: Someone once told me that being a florist suited me to the ground because I was such a happy person. Well I don't know about that - I have my moments just like everyone else - but it's true that crafts, floristry in particular, really do bring out the best in me and I'm happiest when I'm getting stuck into one of my projects. This probably explains why the three years I spent at flower school were among some of the best years of my life. Not only did I learn so much but I was among like-minded people who loved getting creative and using their imagination - and boy did we have a laugh! There was the odd row but mostly we laughed! A lot of other crafters feel the same. There's nothing quite like designing and creating something beautiful yourself. And if it's admired by others, so much the better. And if you can actually make a living out of selling your crafts, then you've really hit the jackpot. Photos: Pixabay Blog graphics: Angel Noire

A new season is just around the corner, and spring is most definitely in the air. Winter is awesome but who wouldn't welcome the first few rays of spring sunshine and the promise that summer will soon be on its way? But the problem with spring is that among the other seasons, it plays the role of the overlooked sibling. You know - the quiet one who sits in a corner and reads while his siblings garner all the attention? And when you do notice spring's presence, it's there all too fleetingly. But that's quite unfair because spring actually does have as much to offer as it's seasonal counterparts. It's the perfect time to be out and about if you prefer mild weather to the freezing cold or blazing heat. And everything is just so pretty from the blossom on trees to all those pastel shades that are around to all the cute baby farm animals that have just entered the world. Furthermore with spring there's the symbolic aspect of the promise of something new; the idea of rebirth and new beginnings - where everything is budding and blossoming and coming alive; the concept of rejuvenation... There are notions of fresh hope and light coming after the dark. Surely these are all things to look forward to! With the other three seasons, there are events and activities that are connected with those times of the year: Beach holidays (summer) going to see the fall colours (autumn) and ski trips (winter.) But what do you do during the spring? Quite a lot as it happens! If you think that spring is a quiet season where nothing much happens other than chocolate eggs being stacked on supermarket shelves (that actually happens in winter!) then think again. Check out all the fun things you can do at this time which will definitely put a spring in your step. So spend some time outdoors; watch the season literally blossom; soak up some rays and savour the taste of those delicate spring flavours. 1. DECORATE YOUR SPACE Spring is here so pack away all your winter bits and pieces, and decorate your home with all that's light and bright. We're all familiar with the concept of spring cleaning -and there's a major clue in the name! Spring is the season of everything becoming refreshed, rejuvenated and revitalized, and that starts with the home. So before you give your home a mini makeover, get it spring fresh by getting rid of all the dust, grime and cobwebs from the winter season. It's also a case of out with the old and in with the new (that's not just for new year!) So it's good time to declutter and get rid of/donate anything you don't like, want, or use, before giving something brand new pride of place in your home. Give your home a thorough spring clean. That means seeing to the places you tend to ignore such as behind the wardrobe, the tops of kitchen units etc. Deodorize carpets, clean windows, sort out the junk drawer/cupboard/room etc. Decorate your home with spring flowers Plant a spring garden Make a bird feeder Create a spring-themed wreath for your front door Donate items you no longer need Replace your thick heavy winter throws, curtains, bedding etc. with lighter spring-appropriate fabrics Hang windchimes Decorate a birdhouse 2. HAVE A SPRING IN YOUR STEP We wait for the other three seasons to participate in activities that are associated with those times of the year. And spring is no different. So make the most of the season and what it has to offer. Ice cupcakes in spring colours Take pics of the season Check out the gorgeous blossom on the trees Get caught in an April shower Go clothes shopping! You can pick up bargain winter clothes for the end of the year, and discover the new spring trends as they hit the shops Celebrate the seasons holidays and festivals - Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day... Play pranks on April Fool's Day (we're sure that's still a thing!) Plan a spring break trip Go birdwatching Make a flower necklace or crown Create a spring-themed nature scavenger hunt Seek out the first spring flowers Stalk the Easter bunny - and get your pic taken with them 3. ENJOY THE SPRING WEATHER It's more than likely that you've been stuck indoors since last November so spring weather is the perfect time to be outside more. The temperatures will be higher than it was during the winter of course but not so scorchingly hot that you can't bear it. So make the most of it. Have a picnic Fly a kite See an outdoor movie/play Have drinks at your local beer garden Read a book outdoors Eat brunch with friends Dine al-fresco 4. INDULGE IN SEASONAL PRODUCE With each new season comes delicacies, produce and flavours to indulge in until the new season comes along. So grab these spring goodies while you can and try out new recipes. Make some apricot jam Go strawberry picking Roast asparagus spears Bake a carrot cake Steam some artichoke hearts Make a fennel salad Add mange tout to stir-fries Think of all those yummy puddings you could make with rhubarb! Try out a new recipe using fresh spring produce Brew tea with fresh mint Roast a leg of lamb Poach some salmon Make dandelion jelly 5. OH THE PLACES YOU COULD GO! It's no secret that everyone's social life picks up a little more during the spring months. After months of staying in during the dark, cold winter months, we want to catch up with our mates and be out when the sun's out! Go on that planned spring break trip! Visit a farm to see the baby animals Go to farmer's market Check out yard/car boot sales Art festivals and exhibitions Have drinks at a rooftop bar Outdoor concert Play mini-golf Go to a baseball game Go camping 6. OR JUST STAY IN! But don't feel the pressure to be out all the time if you're really a homebird and you'd rather spend time indoors. You can have just as much fun at home. Garden tea party Game night Movie marathon Backyard bonfire Barbeque Get your skin summer-ready with lots of home spa treatments 7. ENJOY THE SIMPLE THINGS Bask in the simplicity of the prettiest of seasons and indulge in the simplest of spring pleasures. Watch bees hard at work Feel the sun on your face Open your windows to let in the spring breeze Go barefoot in the grass Go on the hunt for four-leaf clover Sketch/paint some nature Pet a bunny 8. HEALTH AND WELL-BEING We admire anyone who's dedicated to their fitness regime. But it's well known that some people just don't have the same motivation during the winter months. Who wants to go for an early morning run on a cold, dark December morning when we can stay all tucked up, cozy in bed? But spring is the perfect time to break out of the exercise rut and make up for lost time. Go for a hike Go canoeing/kayaking/paddle-boating Ride a bike Go running Take a long walk Meditate or do some yoga at your fave outdoor spot Go roller-blading Do a 5K run for a worthy cause Try a new fitness class 9. SPRING FASHION As much as we love the coziness of autumn and winter fashion, one of the best things about spring is that we get to put away our heavy overcoats, pack up our thick woolies and thermals, and wear clothing that much more lighter, brighter and cheery! Ditch the layers and go bare legged Wear open-toed shoes Wear flip-flops Go pastel! Wear floral prints Paint your nails in pretty spring colours Photos: Pixabay Blog graphics: Angel Noire

Title: Sad Cypress Author: Agatha Christie Genre: Crime Date Published: 1940 Country: United Kingdom Published by: Collins Crime Club (UK) Dodd Mead and Company (USA) January has passed and we have long completed the first novel in the Read Christie Challenge for this year, Agatha Christie's very moving Sad Cypress. We have to say that as the opener to this challenge, we were very impressed with this choice - a novel we'd never read before. And of course it didn't stop there as we just had to go on to listen to the radio play... as well as watch the TV episode from 2003 starring Rupert Penry-Jones, Elisabeth Dermot Walsh, and the great David Suchet as the formidable Poirot. PLOT A love triangle leads to murder - as well as the unearthing of buried secrets including that of an illegitimate daughter. But is the murderous poisoner really who everyone thinks it is? HOW THE STORY GOES... When Elinor Carlisle receives an anonymous letter claiming that someone is cosying up to her ailing, wealthy aunt, Laura Welman who had suffered a stroke, her fiancé (and cousin through marriage - if that's even a thing!) Roddy Welman insist that they head over to their aunt's estate in Hunterbury to find out exactly what is going on. While partly concerned about their aunt's health and who might be taking advantage of her, as Elinor is Laura's only known surviving relative, the couple are also desperate to protect their inheritance. Despite living the high life, and Elinor frequently appearing the papers as a socialite girl about town, neither of them earn much and are reliant on the inheritance that they believe they will be left when Elinor's ailing, wealthy aunt, Laura Welman, passes away. While neither of them know who sent the letter, Elinor immediately suspects that the person the writer is refering to is the lodgekeeper's daughter Mary Gerrard who has indeed been spending a lot of time with her aunt. And it is on arrival at Hunterbury, that Elinor and Roddy meet up with Mary again. While Elinor and Mary's paths have crossed from time to time in the intervening years due to Elinor's visits to her aunt at Hunterbury, it's the first time that Roddy has seen Mary since childhood, and he instantly becomes smitten with her - something that isn't lost on the other characters as Roddy's infatuation with Mary continues to grow. This causes a heartbroken Elinor to break of their engagement while feeling an intense rage towards Mary, even wishing she were dead. Just before Laura passes away, she instructs Elinor to contact the solicitor so that after her death, Mary might also be provided for. This leads Elinor to believe that her Aunt Laura made a will but she hadn't - Laura died intestate. But despite her hatred of Mary, Elinor decides to do the right thing by her aunt, and leaves Mary with two thousand pounds which she readily accepts. Mary knows that this money will be life changing for her and plans to start training as a nurse - like her namesake, her mother's sister, Mary who lives in New Zealand. Shortly after Laura's death, Mary's father Bob also passes away. The two appeared to have a very volatile relationship with Bob being very cruel and belittling to Mary, feeling that due to her level of education, Mary has ideas above her station. As Elinor has decided to sell her late aunt's estate, she writes to Mary asking her to clear her late father's belongings from the lodge. Mary does so with help from her friend, the district nurse, Jessie Hopkins. Despite not being on the warmest of terms with the two women, Elinor invites them to lunch seeing as they're all at Hunterbury, and the two women accept. At the impromptu luncheon, Elinor serves up a platter of fish paste sandwiches while Nurse Hopkins made a pot of tea which Elinor politely declined. Not long after lunch, Mary feels ill and is later found dead. It is eventually disvovered that she died of morphine poisoning. Suspicion immediately falls on the only person who'd have a motive to kill her - Elinor, who is promptly arrested. Before Mary's death, a vial of morphine had gone missing at Hunterbury - something that greatly worried both Nurse Hopkins and Laura Welman's nurse, Nurse Eileen O'Brien. However the two women came up for a plausible excuse for the missing vial... Until Elinor Carlisle's arrest. Laura Welman's body is then exhumed, and despite having suffered a second stroke, which was believed to be the cause of death, tests revealed that Mrs. Welman had also died of morphine poisoning just like Mary did. Once again, Elinor had motive as she was to be the sole beneficiary. However, Mrs. Welman's doctor, Dr. Peter Lord, isn't at all convinced of Elinor's guilt even though most people believe that she's behind the deaths of Mary and Laura. Secretly in love with Elinor and terrified that she will be hanged for two murders she didn't commit, Dr. Lord knows that he needs to get help for her and fast... ...Enter a certain Belgian detective, Monsieur Poirot... THE LOVE TRIANGLE The main focus of Sad Cypress was the Elinor-Roddy-Mary love triangle. We enjoyed this main plot, which many of us believed gave us the motive for Mary's murder, because it allowed us to focus on just a few well developed characters, plus it added the drama and tension to the storyline. It appeared to us that the relationship between Roddy and Elinor was very one-sided, with her being madly in love with him, but the feeling being not quite so mutual. While it's evident that Roddy cared for Elinor, it wasn't with the same level of passion that he had for Mary. Even Aunt Laura seemed to be aware of the one-sidedness of their relationship. While a lot of readers were not fans of 'Rodelinor,' we have to admit that for a while, we had hoped that Roddy would realize that Elinor was the woman for him and push past his infatuation with Mary Gerrard but as we got further into the story, we could see that someone as fickle as Roddy really wasn't worthy of a strong, formidable woman like Elinor, so we're glad that they didn't get back together. And while Elinor's last appearance in the Sad Cypress was rather heart-rending, there was also hope that she might get her happy ending... Possibly with Dr. Lord? A STRONG MORAL COMPASS, ANYONE? There's also the inevitable theme of morality (which comes through in all Agatha Christie novels of course given the subject matter) and doing what's right. The opening chapter may have given the reader the impression that Elinor and Roddy were only interested in their inheritance, but it becomes evident as the story progresses that Elinor really does care about her aunt. Roddy does too but he's rather an inactive, self-centred man who leaves most of the Aunt Laura's care to Elinor (probably because he's too busy chasing after Mary!) And it's also quite touching that Roddy refuses to accept, showing that he does have some moral character and doesn't take advantage of Elinor's kind nature. Elinor in turn shows her ability to do the right thing, in offering to share her inheritance with Roddy - which was something they'd agreed on when they were engaged - as well as doing the right thing by Aunt Laura, by giving Mary Gerrard, a woman she hated intensely, the money Laura wanted her to have. It was interesting how Elinor felt guilty after Mary's death because she had wished Mary dead. It was almost as though she believed that she had somehow caused Mary's death purely through the power of thought! Her private guilty thoughts were almost a self-admission of guilt to a crime she had absolutely nothing to do with just because she hated Mary and was jealous of her. Our sympathies lay with Elinor. Not only did she lose a man she was madly in love with, but she was also arrested for a murder she didn't commit. It was also terrible that the real murderer was happy for Elinor to take the blame, knowing that should she be found guilty, her fate would have meant a one-way trip to the gallows. MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND... We can't talk about Sad Cypress without mentioning the very prevalent theme of money, and by the time we reach the end of the novel we discover the real importance of this theme. The opening chapter tells us that both Elinor and Roddy are relying on the inheritance that will be left to either one of them by their Aunt Laura - and the fact that they're getting married means that it doesn't matter who inherits the money as they will both be gaining financially. It gives the reader the impression that perhaps their impending inheritance was the real reason for their marriage rather than an overarching sense of love and romance. Perhaps the ultimate reason for their future marriage was practicalities, sensibilities, ad economics. While we believe Elinor to have been madly in love with Roddy, it was quite common for marriages at this time to be based on practical decisions rather than romantic feelings. OUR VERDICT For us, the main players in this novel fell into two camps: those we liked and those we didn't. The 'don't likes' included Roddy Welman, Mary Gerrard and the two nurses who at time came across as awful.nd while Mary was a victim, we weren't fans of hers even though she wasn't a particularly horrid character. We just felt that she was a little one-dimensional and bland. We also got the feeling that she played the innocent, pretending not to notice Roddy Welman's intense feelings for her. Even the two nurses who she was good friends with told her she must have noticed. But we agree that she'd endured a sad life with a father who didn't seem to love her, and the sister of her adoptive mother plotting and scheming against her which ultimately led to Mary's death. But the biggest tragedy of all (apart from her death of course!) is that Mary never knew that the dear old lady who had paid for her schooling and gave her opportunities in life was actually her own mother. Had Mary known this it would have inevitably altered the course of her life. The structure of Sad Cypress and the way it evolved was very interesting with the novel being divided into sections: we liked the separation of the trial, investigation and lead up to the crime. My favorite part was the investigation when Poirot was talking to each person individually. The story told mostly from Elinor's point of view; the interrogation of the suspects and the triaI enjoyed the court room scenes as seen through Elinor’s eyes. What was particularly interesting was that there were very few suspects I particularly enjoyed the part when Poirot interviewed the 'suspects' and you were with him as he tried to put the puzzle together. And I liked that it seemingly had such few suspects. Almost everything pointed to one culprit. It appeared that Elinor was the only person with a motive for wanting Mary dead. Those of us who are huge Poirot fans - and we are - were delighted by the arrival of the Belgian detective. He didn't come into the novel immediately with most of the focus on Elinor Carlisle until then. But we knew that Poirot would be coming into the story, and we begin to look at the case through the investigative lens of a certain Monsieur Hercule Poirot! But as it's a while before he joins us in the story, we're not directly being influenced by his presence. And indeed Poirot doesn't factor so much in Sad Cypress as he has done in other novels. It appears that he is there to discover the clues; tie up the loose ends, and to help clear Elinor Carlisle's name. However, it has been argued that Poirot wasn't necessary to the telling of the story. Even Christie herself later said that she regretted including Poirot in this story. But how else would details have emerged that pointed towards the killer? I think maybe if she'd left Poirot out, she would have presented Dr. Lord in more of an investigator role, and that might have been good too. We enjoyed the twist at the end. All throughout the novel, people and 'clues' weren't quite what they seemed (as is often the case with the suspense genre!) the motives and clues pointed to Elinor being the guilty party. Even Elinor thought she was the guilty party based on her hateful thoughts towards Mary hence why she didn't defend herself enough! But those of us who are suspense afficionados know that it's highly unlikely (though of course not impossible) for a novel to start with the real culprit being put on trial, so we suspected that Elinor was indeed innocent even though everything seemed to point to her guilt. The motive, we thought, was Elinor's jealousy, but it turned out to be the monetary greed of someone else. While Sad Cypress is a lesser known novel out of all of Christie's work, it has all the ingredients you would expect from an Agatha Christie novel: love, betrayal, dark secrets and most of the seven deadly sins! Despite there being various subplots, by the time the novel reaches it's conclusion, they were all neatly interwoven without any loose ends. Sad Cypress is a very logical, easy-to-follow and relatable story about love, betrayal and jealousy. At some point in our lives, we've all experienced a similar situation to the characters in the novel. Many of us have loved and lost. A great deal of us have experienced some form of betrayal. We've all been insanely jealous of someone at least once in our lives. And show us one person who hasn't experienced the kind of anger that has us hoping that the person who has wronged us will get their comeuppance sooner rather than later! It's a story that all of us can relate to. Admittedly, while we loved the structure, the storyline and many of the characters, we weren't huge fans of the ending. It just seemed to stop abruptly, and we felt that it could have done with a bit more drama during the trial. Having watched the TV episode, which we realize was not totally true to the novel - especially the ending, one thing that we did like was the high level of drama plus that it was Poirot who got to do the big reveal - something that did not happen in the novel, not even in the court room, where we would have loved for him to have done his usual speech as he puts together the pieces of the puzzle when pointing out the culprit. However Sad Cypress was an excellent read and it's a novel we're bound to pick up again in the future. Photos: Angel Noire Blog graphics: Angel Noire

Hi vintage vixens, vamps, and voyagers! We are delighted to bring you An Extra Slice of Nostalgia Pie! It's been a long time coming but we're finally here! Some of you may be followers of our sister site, Nostalgia Pie, a site for all things from the latter decades of the twentieth century, which we refer to as the Nostalgia Pie years. But when we realised just how much of an affinity we had with the years that preceded the 1960s, well, we just knew we had to find a home for that too - and this is it! We really hope you enjoy this site, and if you do - why not join to become a member of the An Extra Slice of Nostalgia Pie community. It's totally free, and you have access to freebies and will be able to comment on posts, as well as post in our forums. OK so what do we have for you in the brand new An Extra Slice of Nostalgia Pie? National Retro day What we affectionately call Christmas for nostalgia and vintage addicts! National Retro Day takes place for the fourth year running on February 27th. But what's it all about? What does National Retro Day entail? And who came up with the brilliant idea for this fabulous day? Read our post to find out more... How To Have a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea With Style Unlike the rest of the world, over in Britain Mother's Day is always celebrated fourth Sunday of Lent. Check out our post with fabulous tips on how to throw your mum an amazing afternoon tea. A Springtime Afternoon Tea Yes we love afternoon tea so much that we've come up with another post for yet another themed afternoon tea which works for Easter or any time during the beautiful season of spring. Cherry Cake A teatime classic! Our post explores the history and popularity of the cake that no tea is complete without as well as a recipe for you to try out. Welcome everybody... And do help yourself to An Extra Slice of Nostalgia Pie! Photos: Pixabay Blog Graphics: Angel Noire

Thanksgiving is about to descend upon us - and here at An Extra Slice of Nostalgia Pie, we can't wait! Ever since Mr.D. and I became a couple, I've been celebrating Thanksgiving with him. It's a very special time for us and it's become one of my favourite holidays. Once upon a time, Thanksgiving wasn't such a big deal to our family and friends in Britain. Before I met The Fella, I barely gave Thanksgiving a single thought! But since moving out here, it means a lot to us that our family and friends overseas send us messages every year wishing us a happy Thanksgiving. Some of them have even celebrated Thanksgiving with us in the past before we moved out here, and years later, our friends in Edinburgh still rave about the Thanksgiving we celebrated several years ago now of which we also have very fond memories. Though what would really make it a happy Thanksgiving for us, is if all of those people could fly out and celebrate Thanksgiving here. And there was that one year, about a year after we moved out here, that I ended up cooking Thanksgiving dinner for eleven people - the most I've ever cooked Thanksgiving dinner for. It was expected to be that way - at one point we almost had another two people join us - and I have to say, it was quite an experience! (All across America, people are going "Eleven people? Is that all???) Going back to our first Thanksgiving together, I hadn't a clue what to do; how to celebrate it; what to prepare; I didn't know anything about the customs or traditions. I understood that a traditional roast turkey dinner was served, and that most people settled down to watch football and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving but not much else. So after interrogating Mr.D. about the dos and don'ts of Thanksgiving, he insisted that it really didn't matter what the traditions were - we should work on creating our own ones. I thought it was a lovely idea. I also knew that it was Mr. D.'s way of saying that he hadn't the foggiest what Thanksgiving traditions were despite having celebrated Thanksgiving his whole life! So create our own traditions we did! Well not right away of course because the thing with traditions is that they need time to take root before they can be established as 'traditions.' Though I'm very glad to say that our first ever Thanksgiving meal has not become one of our traditions or else we'd be eating roast turkey, raw carrots, stuffing and nothing else every year! So as I prepare to celebrate my fourteenth Thanksgiving with the man who introduced me to it all, I take a look at all things that are typically Mr. and Mrs. D and that we just have to include every year or else it won't feel so 'Thanksgivingy!' 1. CHURCH IN THE MORNING For me, it's very important to start Thanksgiving by going to a church service exactly as I would do Christmas morning. Mr. D. isn't big on church but he does accompany me. It's my chance to give thanks for all the good things that have happened in the last year and gives me time to reflect. Thanksgiving doesn't have any real significance in Britain, so there are no special Thanksgiving masses over there. But even when we lived over there, we still attended a mass service in the morning whenever we could - unless this little thing called 'work' got in the way! 2. PANCAKE BREAKFAST Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without a traditional breakfast of pancakes drenched in butter and maple syrup with bacon/sausage and eggs. You might wonder why we'd be tucking into a very filling breakfast when we're going to be tucking into a gut-busting meal later on but when you come to number 5, you'll understand why! 3. ROAST CHICKEN DINNER While most people celebrating Thanksgiving will be tucking into the traditional main meal of turkey with all the trimmings, in this household we'll still be serving up all those delicious sides, but we'll be replacing the turkey with chicken! Why? Well there was a time when the turkey used to be the focal point of the Thanksgiving banquet, just as it was with everyone else (unless you're a vegetarian of course!) I remember for Mr.D's first Thanksgiving in Britain, my mum insisted on cooking a leg of lamb because she absolutely hates turkey. Well, I'm sorry - I wasn't having any of it! I told mum she could have some lamb for herself if that's what she wanted but we were damn well having turkey! Of course I put it much more politely than that! But since moving to rural New England and having flocks of wild turkeys roaming around our yard, the thought of seeing them served up on a platter with a portion of cranberry sauce became less and less appealing. And once we saw the poults running around, that pretty much made up our minds for us - it was over! My mother-in-law points out that the birds that come to visit us are not the same as the ones that end up on our plate. I told her that I couldn't very well eat their cousins, so turkey was definitely off the menu. Mind you, we do have chicken, so maybe I am eating their cousins after all! At this rate we'll be veggie for sure! So we now always have chicken with all the trimmings including potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes and a whole lot of other dishes including... biscuits because I love them. Mr. D would much rather have Yorkshire pudding! This will be followed by pie and lots of it - including pumpkin. And of course there'll be a round of sandwiches the next day! 4. CHICKEN MUST BE TOPPED WITH BACON I thought everyone wrapped the top of the turkey with bacon in order to keep it very moist - after all, no one likes dry turkey, do they? It's certainly something I consider a necessity. But it would seem that when I prepared Thanksgiving dinner in the States one year, many of Mr.D's family had never seen a turkey wrapped in bacon before. Some even thought it was my own invention (I wish!) They thought it was the most awesome thing they'd ever seen, and before the turkey even made it on to the table, the bacon had already been devoured! I continue to do the same thing these days but with chicken instead of turkey. 5. A VERY, VERY, LATE DINNER This is a cross between a tradition and coincidence as try as I might, I can NEVER get dinner on the table at a time when most normal people would expect to eat. But then we're not known for being a 'normal' household! From what I understand, most Americans have their traditional Thanksgiving meal between the hours of 1-3pm. Not in this house though! There are many reasons why dinner is never served before 9pm. In fact the year, we celebrated Thanksgiving in Edinburgh with our friends, we were having such an awesome time that we didn't serve dinner until 11pm! That's right - 11pm!!! Although by the time I eventually sat down to eat, it was after midnight and Thanksgiving was officially over. But while I don't aim to have Thanksgiving dinner at midnight every year, I have to admit I do like the late dinner. Although if we do have guests, I do try to have dinner on the table before 6pm! So the moral of the story is that if you want to eat on time, Chez Mr. and Mrs. D's is not the place to be! 6. FAMILY MOVIE MARATHON Mr.D. is a movie nut so if it's just the family who are coming over, it's not unusual to find us watching movies until the early hours of the following day. We only stop to call friends and relatives, Mr.D. takes a break to game (also his chance to chat to his bestie who lives in North Carolina) and of course to scoff dinner! And one movie that has become a staple for the holiday is the very un-Thanksgivingy Death At a Funeral! No idea why but that film always seems to come out at Thanksgiving. 7. GAMES WITH FRIENDS If we are having friends over, we know that they will not want to sit around watching movies all day. So Mr.D. will watch his beloved movies until our guests arrive and then it's raucous party game time. They might be a bit old hat but charades and bingo always go down well and have proved to be an excellent ice-breaker with people we don't know very well. By the time they've put on their coats to go home, we'll have made a whole new bunch of friends. 8. CANDLES There's nothing like candlelight, and every Thanksgiving I make sure there are candles dotted around the place - especially beautifully scented candles. One of the things our friends in Edinburgh remembered about Thanksgiving was how gorgeous the place looked bathed in candlelight and the welcoming aroma that greeted them as they entered the house. And we always have a candlelit dinner for Thanksgiving because there's just something about that gentle, cosy glow and the warmth of the flickering candles as we're all sat around the table. In fact, come to think of it, that might be another reason why we serve dinner so late in the evening as a candlelit dinner at 1pm just isn't the same. 9. CHEESE BOARD The first year we brought out a cheese platter, it was such a hit that I knew I had to do it again the following year, and now it's a tradition that's remained ever since. And let's face it, if you're going to eat dinner so late, you've got to produce something to keep your guests going and this cheese platter seems to be just the thing. And last year, everyone enjoyed nibbling on a selection of cheeses with crackers, mini sausages, apple slices, grapes and chutney in between playing charades. 10. I AM THANKFUL POEM It was our first Thanksgiving as a married couple and we were living in the Pacific North-West when during the church service the priest read a beautiful poem that has stayed with me ever since. It's a reminder to be thankful for the little things and to count your blessings - even if it may not seem like a blessing at the time. The poem is called I Am Thankful by a talented poet named Nancie J. Carmody. I like to read it every Thanksgiving: I AM THANKFUL I am thankful for... The mess to clean up after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends. The taxes I pay because it means that I am employed. The clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat. My shadow that watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine. A lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home. The spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking. All the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech. My huge heating bill because it means I am warm. The lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means that I can hear. The piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby. The alarm clock that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I'm alive. Weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been productive. Let's be thankful - not only at Thanksgiving, but every day. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!