The WI, Vegan Macaroni & Learning a trick or two......

If I asked you what you thought of the WI you would probably have images of cute little old farmers wife’s huddled round knitting, singing cheering renditions of Jerusalem while eating big chunks of homemade cake served with a strong cup of tea. Lovely – but would it make you want to be part of the WI? You would maybe presume younger women would never want to be seen there or that it offered nothing to the women of today? That it was out of touch with what was happening in the world outside of the villages these women live in perhaps? But what if I told you that you were wrong? (Except for the amazing homemade cakes and tea – you will definitely learn a baking trick or two!)

The Women's Institute (WI) was formed in 1915 to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War. Since then the organisation's aims have broadened and the WI is now the largest voluntary women's organisation in the UK. The WI celebrated its centenary in 2015 and currently has almost 220,000 members in approximately 6,300 WIs. The WI plays a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities.

The WI has succeeded for so long and continues to do so because they have moved with the times. Pop into any WI nowadays and you will find young women who are wives and mothers, who bake and love a good natter but also women who are strong, independent and career driven. Topics covered in meetings range from supporting local domestic violence projects, decorating local bus stops that had been vandalised and veganism (yep you read that right!)  As well as many other local, important issues.

Speaking of veganism - it was at this month’s WI meeting that our guest speaker was Katy Beskow – author of ’15 minute vegan’ . She came and shared some of her amazing recipes with us and this was without a doubt my favourite. Enjoy!

Butternut Squash and Sage Macaroni  (Serves 2 generously)

3 tbsp olive oil

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and chopped into chunks (I used Waitrose frozen chunks)

1 onion, chopped finely

2 tsp dried sage

600ml vegetable stock

300g dried macaroni ( I used gluten free)

Pinch of black pepper

1 slice of day old crusty bread, grated finely into breadcrumbs ( I used gluten free)

How To -

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/ Gas Mark 6

2. Arrange the butternut squash and onion on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes. The butternut squash should be soft and the onion tender

3. Remove the butternut squash and onion from the oven and spoon into a high powered blender. Sprinkle in the sage and add the stock. Blend on high until smooth.

4. Scatter the pasta into an oven-proof dish. Pour over the butternut squash sauce evenly and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Add a top layer of breadcrumbs and return to the oven and cook for an extra 10 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the topping is slightly browned and crisp. Serve immediately.

Small Business Saturday - Jamberry Nails.....

 

 

I am a mahoosive supporter of local small businesses and try where ever possible to shop within my local community. I am a very lucky girly and have been adopted by Gods green county itself, Yorkshire. Meaning I am spoilt for choice when it comes to small local businesses both in my local community and all over the UK. However I do know from literary bestsellers to the latest gadgets, there is no denying that the internet makes it far easier to compare the price of shopping. But the tide is turning and buying locally is the message behind Small Business Saturday.

 And there are plenty of reasons why it is worth going local to support small business Saturday –

1. Your spending will boost the local economy

Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.

2. It is the ethical choice

Buying out-of-season produce, like strawberries in December, lowers your eco-credentials. As does eating veggies and breads that have been flown halfway round the world or wrapped in layers of plastic. When you shop at local bakers, farm shops and green grocers, it is likely that a decent percentage of the produce has had a short field-to-fork journey. Along with supporting local businesses, it means the food is likely to contain more nutrients and have less packaging.

3. They sell quirky, one-off gifts

Independent shops often stock items which are made locally and aren't available elsewhere: buy a dress by a fledgling designer and there is little chance of turning up to the office Christmas party wearing the same as someone else.

 4. You can help build communities

Bookshops, cafes and craft shops often drum up custom by hosting events, from book groups to knitting clubs and children's events. If the businesses are not supported, the local groups tend to disappear too.

5. You might get a better deal or some good advice

Local bakers throw in extra bagels for regulars; grocers give informal 10% discounts; and market stall holders are prepared to negotiate on prices. Independent retailers can use their discretion to reward regular custom, and it can mean you get discounts on the items you actually want to buy, rather than being tempted by multi-buy offers in the big chains.

 So because I am passionate about supporting small businesses and I am an action speaks louder than words kinda gal, every Saturday I will be bigging up my local favourite business in aid of small business Saturday! So with no further ado, let me hand over to Saralyn, consultant for Jamberry Nails -

 

In 2010, a slow and expensive visit to a nail salon sparked the idea for sisters Lyndsey, Christy, and Keri to create a line of do-it-yourself nail wraps. Today, Jamberry is bringing you their creation: one-of-a-kind nail wraps that truly represent your signature style!

Jamberry nail wraps are made with durable materials, so smudges and streaks are never an issue, and can last for up to two weeks on fingernails and four weeks on toes. With over 300 nail wraps in an incredible variety of designs, you can customize, pair, and layer Jamberry nail wraps to create a look that’s all your own—all from the comfort of your home.Nail wraps are thin vinyl sheets that are pressure and heat activated to adhere to your nail for a long lasting and beautiful look. They are made with durable materials, so smudges and streaks are never an issue, and can last for up to two weeks on fingernails and four weeks on toes! Jamberry nail wraps are a one-of-a kind way to express your unique style! Plus, through innovative technology our nail wraps are:

• Non-toxic

• 5-Free (Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor) & SFV

• Easy to apply at-home

• Requires ZERO dry time

• Durable for long-lasting wear without chipping, peeling or fading

 

For further details please contact Saralyn – saralynsoto.jamberry.com/

Small Business Saturday - Dash Water......

I am a mahoosive supporter of local small businesses and try where ever possible to shop within my local community. I am a very lucky girly and have been adopted by Gods green county itself, Yorkshire. Meaning I am spoilt for choice when it comes to small local businesses both in my local community and all over the UK. However I do know from literary bestsellers to the latest gadgets, there is no denying that the internet makes it far easier to compare the price of shopping. But the tide is turning and buying locally is the message behind Small Business Saturday.

 And there are plenty of reasons why it is worth going local to support small business Saturday –

1. Your spending will boost the local economy

 Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.

 2. It is the ethical choice

 Buying out-of-season produce, like strawberries in December, lowers your eco-credentials. As does eating veggies and breads that have been flown halfway round the world or wrapped in layers of plastic. When you shop at local bakers, farm shops and green grocers, it is likely that a decent percentage of the produce has had a short field-to-fork journey. Along with supporting local businesses, it means the food is likely to contain more nutrients and have less packaging.

3. They sell quirky, one-off gifts

 Independent shops often stock items which are made locally and aren't available elsewhere: buy a dress by a fledgling designer and there is little chance of turning up to the office Christmas party wearing the same as someone else.

 4. You can help build communities

 Bookshops, cafes and craft shops often drum up custom by hosting events, from book groups to knitting clubs and children's events. If the businesses are not supported, the local groups tend to disappear too.

5. You might get a better deal or some good advice

 Local bakers throw in extra bagels for regulars; grocers give informal 10% discounts; and market stall holders are prepared to negotiate on prices. Independent retailers can use their discretion to reward regular custom, and it can mean you get discounts on the items you actually want to buy, rather than being tempted by multi-buy offers in the big chains.

  So because I am passionate about supporting small businesses and I am an action speaks louder than words kinda gal, every Saturday I will be bigging up my local favourite business in aid of small business Saturday! So with no further ado, let me hand over to Dash Water owned by Alex and Jack to tell you all about it –

We’re Jack and Alex and we originally started out working in the mainstream soft drinks industry. It's where we developed a daily office ritual of bringing in a water bottle filled with different fruit and vegetables. We'd nerdily compare flavours, but frustratingly couldn’t find anything we liked half as much available in the shops. So Dash was born - and we're doing it all with only three natural, organic, British ingredients: water, fruit and vegetables, and bubbles. Crafted in East London, our infusion is a finely-tuned six hour process to achieve perfection, and currently comes in two delicious flavours: Lemon & Lime and Cucumber & Lemon. Dash is for healthy, tasty, on-the-go hydration - all day long. Our mission put simply is to get people drinking more water. We want to make water more exciting for you, using as few, and as naturally good ingredients as possible. We want to create a drink of the highest quality, adding a little sparkle along the way and that's why we're made in the UK, artisanally crafted and mindfully sustainable. Our sparkling spring water is infused with organic and misshapen fruit and vegetables to add a subtle dash of flavour. Meaning no calories, no sugar, no additives - nothing but all-natural ingredients.

http://dash-water.com

Small Business Saturday - The Soap Shack.........

I am a mahoosive supporter of local small businesses and try where ever possible to shop within my local community. I am a very lucky girly and have been adopted by Gods green county itself, Yorkshire. Meaning I am spoilt for choice when it comes to small local businesses. However I do know from literary bestsellers to the latest gadgets, there is no denying that the internet makes it far easier to compare the price of shopping. But the tide is turning and buying locally is the message behind Small Business Saturday.

 And there are plenty of reasons why it is worth going local to support small business Saturday –

1. Your spending will boost the local economy

 Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.

 2. It is the ethical choice

 Buying out-of-season produce, like strawberries in December, lowers your eco-credentials. As does eating veggies and breads that have been flown halfway round the world or wrapped in layers of plastic. When you shop at local bakers, farm shops and green grocers, it is likely that a decent percentage of the produce has had a short field-to-fork journey. Along with supporting local businesses, it means the food is likely to contain more nutrients and have less packaging.

3. They sell quirky, one-off gifts

 Independent shops often stock items which are made locally and aren't available elsewhere: buy a dress by a fledgling designer and there is little chance of turning up to the office Christmas party wearing the same as someone else.

 4. You can help build communities

 Bookshops, cafes and craft shops often drum up custom by hosting events, from book groups to knitting clubs and children's events. If the businesses are not supported, the local groups tend to disappear too.

5. You might get a better deal or some good advice

 Local bakers throw in extra bagels for regulars; grocers give informal 10% discounts; and market stall holders are prepared to negotiate on prices. Independent retailers can use their discretion to reward regular custom, and it can mean you get discounts on the items you actually want to buy, rather than being tempted by multi-buy offers in the big chains.

  So because I am passionate about supporting small businesses and I am an action speaks louder than words kinda gal, every Saturday I will be bigging up my local favourite business in aid of small business Saturday! So with no further ado, let me tell you all about The Soap Shack owned by Helen Watson -

Based in Grimsby The Soap Shack is a local company selling handmade soap, bath bombs and other bath products. I mainly sell from local fairs and markets at the minute but can deliver products and hampers ordered over the telephone, through Facebook or via my email address thesoapshack169@gmail.com. I can make up any size hampers and have a lovely selection of gift wrapping available. I also do party favours which are very popular with little girls and Wedding favours that can be co-ordinated with your stationary and colour scheme. All products are paraben and cruelty free with most being suitable for vegans

https://www.facebook.com/thesoapshack

 thesoapshack169@gmail.com