Super Boost Green Matcha Smoothie

Since starting Slimming World 25 weeks ago I have noticed my body and tastes change a great deal. Now that I have stepped up my weight loss plan to include more activity what I eat and drink has changed even more. On the days that I exercise my appetite is bigger but for good foods. Before I exercise I have an oat based breakfast and try to include banana for energy and a natural peanut butter to help the long term release of energy. My favourite way to start a gym day is with a lovely big bowl of my Full of Energy Porridge.

Whether you are exercising or not what you drink is also an important part of your diet. When I drink alcohol my whole body feels it and it effects the way I eat. So I am trying to make a conscious effort to not drink as much, limiting it to the odd drink. I have started to add super green matcha to my drinks again and on a gym day the matcha really does give me an added boost! In the past I have written about matcha and what a great drink and ingredient it is. I have used it in porridge, cakes and drinks. When I have matcha in my diet I find that my energy levels are higher, my moods are better and I generally feel better in myself. Over the last few weeks I have been starting the day with a delicious, green smoothie. It has become a loved part of my daily routine hence why I am sharing it with you today!

Haggis Cottage Pie and My Top 6 Whiskies for Burns Night

We love Scotland. It has to be our favourite holiday destination in the UK and we always leave with dreams of moving there one day. It is such a beautiful country, has lovely food and of course the best alcohol! So each year when Burns Night comes along we celebrate with a haggis served with neeps and tatties, all washed down with a wee dram, or two!

As much as we love haggis, it can be a bit a bit of a strong flavour for the children. That is how this recipe came about. But this also helps your haggis go that bit further if you are preparing a meal for more than 3 people. While we were in Scotland last year we had a fantastic haggis dinner at the Glenfiddich distillery. It was beautifully layered and came complete with a whisky sauce. This is where my idea for styling this dish came from. But what makes this haggis dish different is that it also contains Scottish Aberdeen Angus minced beef as well as other vegetables other than the classic neeps and tatties!

This is what I did...

Surviving the New Years Eve Hangover!

This Christmas I planned in advance not to consume as much alcohol as normal. Not only is it not great for your health but as you know I am on a weight loss journey and alcohol definitely does not help!

So when Get More Drinks asked me if I would like to share their hangover survival tips I knew that a lot of people could probably do with the information. We all know that a hangover is hell but there are ways that you can make it more manageable and speed up the recovery from a heavy night of drinks.

How many times have we said "That's it, I'm never drinking again!"? Probably every time that we have woken up feeling hungover. But we always do drink again. The key is to enjoy your drink but limit yourself. You do not need to go to excessive lengths to keep up with friends and drink as much as you can.

Get More have sent me the following information to share with you to help you avoid or cope with a hangover...

Beer52 for Christmas

There is no denying that the trend for craft beers is here to stay. More and more breweries and micro breweries are coming through and moving away from the big mainstream lager and are creating more unique drinks.

Personally I am more of a gin girl than a lager girl but since tasting craft beers I have found that there are so many different flavours to suit all tastes. The hubby does enjoy craft beers and so far, has tried a wide range of ales, stouts, porters and IPA's.

So when Beer52 asked me if we would like to try one of their festive boxes I jumped at the chance. 

Beer52 is the most popular craft beer club in the UK. They have sourced the best craft beers from around the world to showcase in their subscription boxes. Their boxes of brew are sent out each month and are priced at £24 and can be taken on a rolling month to month basis. Each month you receive 8 different, exclusive craft beers and their magazine telling you all about the beers, Ferment. They guarantee that you will be receiving the freshest beers which will be in your glass just 4 - 6 weeks of being brewed.

Look what came in their festive box.

Christmas with Warninks Advocaat

This time of year is certainly one for reminiscing. Remembering childhood Christmases, remembering loved ones and remembering Christmas traditions and passing them on to the next generation.

When Warninks Advocaat contacted me about our favourite Christmas moments my mind immediately drifted back to my teenage years, standing in my grandparents conservatory, behind their bar, taking orders and making snowballs. I loved the moment that the lemonade hits the Advocaat and froths up. No Christmas is complete without a trusty snowball. Before I tell you about some easy snowball recipes I thought that I would share with you our Christmas traditions and how they are being passed down from generation to generation.

Once December arrives all of our attention goes to Christmas. One tradition that we have started since the twins were two is going to buy a real Christmas tree. This was something that I had always wanted so when we decided that it was going to be a memory for our children to treasure I was excited. The whole experience of going out to select the tree, watching it get wrapped up in the net, trying to get it in the car to bringing it inside and decorating has become a much loved occasion. Once the tree is ready for decorating the Christmas music goes on and the kids get busy. Before, I used to be so particular about how the tree was decorated. But seeing how excited the children get when they are adding the decorations that they have made is so much more important. Gone are the days of colour coordination. They have now been replaced with sentimental ornaments. This year our tree is full of memories from baubles that were my grandparents to home made ornaments, from decorations that Santa has left in the children's stockings to keepsakes that the hubby has bought for me over the years.

All About the Drinks! Christmas with Aldi

This weeks is a fun week! Today I am going to tell you my top drinks and bargains from Aldi. In true Aldi fashion they have great, top quality drinks at a price we have come to expect from Aldi.

Today I thought that I would showcase a bit of all sorts. I have got some wines, gins, liqueurs, beers and even champagne. They really do have something for everyone and to suit all budgets! 

But you do not need to take my word for it. In a recent study by Which? Aldi champagne, malbec and even their turkey has been voted by the experts at Which? as their best buys!

Introducing Conscious Water

Conscious: adjective - aware of ones own existence, sensations, thoughts and surroundings.....

What is Conscious Water?

Conscious Water is an aspiration.

Conscious Water is 100% natural flower essence water enhancer. When it is added to your glass of water it creates a wonderfully refreshing drink that gives you a little aspiration to your day.

Flower essence, like other natural sources, has both medicinal and well being elements. Different flower essences can help with different moods and aspirations. Conscious Water have created with natures help six water enhances. You can choose from:

The Drinks Cellar Food and Drink Blogger Awards Finalist Please Vote!

My blog is a finalist for The Drinks Cellar Food and Drink Blogger Awards!

This email was completely out of the blue and was a fantastic birthday present!

Over the last month the online retailers and French wine makers Luc Belaire have been scouring the internet to find the best food and drink blogs. I am over the moon to announce that they have shortlisted Hijacked By Twins!

Now that I have been shortlisted the winner will be up to you, the public!

Voting opens on 4th July 2016 and I hope that you would will vote for me. Everyone that votes will go into a draw to be in with the chance of winning 6 x 75cl bottles of Luc Belaire Rose wine with a value of £165!

To be in with the chance of winning this delicious wine prize simply go to The Drinks Cellar Food and Drink Blogger Awards page and vote for Hijacked By Twins!

Thank you x

Celebrate the Queen's 90th Birthday with Aldi

This weekend people all over the country will be celebrating the Queen's 90th birthday. What better way to celebrate than with a traditional street party! But this year why not make the street party even more exciting by having a barbecue street party!

Aldi have so many products that are ideal for a celebration that would be fit for her Majesty!

Today I am going to showcase my favourite products that I have found in Aldi which all have a true street party feel to them.

These Heartsease Farm drinks are deliciously sweet drinks made with spring water. They are perfect for children, as a refreshing drink or to use as a mixer with spirits. In other shops these drinks are priced at £2.29 so when I saw them in Aldi for just £1.59 I could not resist! They come in three truly British flavours, Raspberry Lemonade, Elderflower Presse and Traditional Lemonade.

Grove Manor British rose wine was a true bargain at just £2.59. This is a slightly sparkling fruity wine which has a sweetness from strawberries and cherries. Served chilled it is perfect as a summer wine.

Refreshing Glass of Greens

A few weeks ago I introduced you to my latest kitchen gadget, the Panasonic Slow Juicer. Ever since I received the slow juicer for the purpose of my review I have enjoyed experimenting and making different juices. Today I thought that I would share with you on of my favourite juices so far.

There is something so satisfying about having a delicious glass of green goodness. As you drink it, you know that it is doing you good, while tasting so refreshing.

There are just four ingredients in this juice, but each and every one has an important role in boosting our health.

• Spinach - This green vegetable is not only full of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron but is also well known for restoring energy and increases vitality.
• Granny Smith Apples - These crisp, green apples contain a high level of antioxidants and are naturally low in calories yet high in dietary fibre.
• Cucumber - With the skin kept on, cucumber is 95% water but does contain a good level of vitamin K. 
• Lime - Limes contain less vitamin C than lemons but still remains a fantastic source and give this juice a zingy kick of citrus

This is what I did...

a2 Milk on Food Unwrapped

Last Friday I told you how a2Milk was being featured on Channel 4's Food Unwrapped.

If you missed it I thought that I would let you know what you missed and what Food Unwrapped found out about a2 milk.

Before I go on let me tell you a bit about a2 Milk and what the difference between regular milk and a2 Milk is.

Cows milk contains two different types of protein, A1 and A2. Cows milk originally contained only the A2 protein, however over the years A1 has become more dominant protein in milk. This is the protein which some people find hard to digest, hence the rise in allergies and intolerance.

a2 Milk contains, as it's name states, the A2 protein. Therefore people who have struggled with regular milk should find that they are able to drink this milk without any discomfort.

New Panasonic L500 Slow Juicer Plus Recipes

When Panasonic contacted me about their new L500 Slow Juicer I was curious to see how it could be different to regular, high speed juicers. We already have a high speed juicer but due to the sheer size and bulkiness of the machine it has been tucked away in a cupboard! When I read that this was a more compact machine I knew that our kitchen really would put it to the test. We have a good sized kitchen, but lack on storage and worktops due to the shape of the room. So finding kitchen equipment that we will be able to have out, to hand, all of the time is a must and can be difficult.

When the parcel arrived the first thing that I noticed was that it was not a large box, this immediately pleased me. If the box is not large, the contents cannot be large!

Before I tell you how I got on using the Panasonic Slow Juicer, let me give you some technical information as well as what the benefits are of slow juicing as opposed to high speed juicing and why it is better for you. I will also be sharing with you an iced dessert, iced cocktail and a juice recipe!

Horlicks Giveaway

At this time of year, now the evenings are cold, it is great to get some warm, lounging clothes on, snuggle up on the settee with a hot drink and relax.

I do love Horlicks but being on a diet I go for a lighter variety. So when I was asked if I would like to try some Horlicks Light Chocolate I had a feeling that this would be a drink that I would like. Most people associate Horlicks with bed time, but it can be enjoyed and more beneficial when drunk during the day! Did you know that Horlicks makes a great mid afternoon drink. When your energy levels are dropping forget the caffeine and have a Horlicks. Horlicks is packed with 14 key nutrients which can help reduce tiredness and fatigue.

To prepare the Horlicks Light Chocolate drink you simply use boiling water. However if you would like a creamier drink use some milk. I used an Oat milk which also went really well with it.

My ideal time to enjoy a lovely, hot cup of Horlicks is when I can sit down, do some crochet and take a little time out for me. To relax my body so that I am ready to face the rest of the day!

How do you like to relax?

Would you like to relax with a cup of Horlicks and a goodie pack of Horlicks vintage goodies?

If so you will be pleased to hear that Horlicks are offering Hijacked By Twins readers the chance to win a bundle, as pictured below. To be in with the chance of winning simply complete all of the mandatory options in the Rafflecopter and as many of the optional extras as you would like!

Terms and Conditions

1 - Open to UK residents only

2 - Hijacked By Twins cannot be held responsible for the prize. I am running the giveaway on behalf of Horlicks. Once the winner has been selected I will pass on their details to Horlicks who will send out the prize.

3 - No alternative prize is available

4 - If the winner does not respond to my email notifying them that they have won within 7 days another winner will be selected.

5 - The giveaway runs until 8th March 00:00

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Press'd - Your Handy Takeaway Coffee

I don't know about you, but I love coffee! But I will confess to being a bit of a coffee snob. After enjoying good quality coffee for a long time at home prepared in both a cafetiere and the coffee machine most instant coffees simply do not cut it! So when I was asked if I would like to try a way to enjoy good coffee, while on the go, I could not wait to see if it would live up to my coffee expectations.

Press'd is a brand new, pure Arabica concentrated coffee that comes in a handy squeezy tub. To make a full of flavour cup of coffee simply add a drop of Press'd to your cup of hot water and enjoy.

Press'd is made of 100% Arabica beans from Colombia and comes in three varieties, Colombian, Vanilla and Caramel. Both the Caramel and Vanilla ones are made with the Colombian blend and have been infused with natural flavours and contain no sugar or sweeteners. All of the drinks are 100% natural and made of pure coffee both liquid coffee and ground coffee. They are all free of sugar, sweeteners and preservatives.

I have tried all three flavours and thoroughly enjoyed them. I have one kept in my bag for when I take Isabella to her ballet lesson on Saturday mornings so, at last, I can forget the instant coffee that they have there and enjoy a good cup of coffee! The hubby has also taken one to work.

The handy little tubs are an ideal size to put in your handbag or even your coat pocket. So if you are looking for a way to always have a good cup of coffee, no matter where you are going, I would definitely recommend trying Press'd!

Disclosure: I was sent the Press'd products for the purpose of this post. No cash payment was received. All views and opinions are my own and 100% honest.

Lavazza Coffee - Post Workout Boost Smoothie

For me, coffee is an essential part of the day. When I drink coffee I will admit to being quite fussy. I very rarely drink a regular instant coffee. When I have a coffee I like to have a top quality drink. So when Lavazza asked me if I would like to try some of their blended coffee I jumped at the chance!

Lavazza is a top quality Italian coffee which has been running for 120 years. In 2015 they celebrated their 120th anniversary by releasing a some limited edition coffee tins which contain their specially selected 100% Arabica ground coffee, which I received to try. The collection consists of three tins, each decorated with a unique design and anniversary logo.

Since 1985, when Lavazza was born, they have been thoroughly committed to developing the art of blending and roasting. They have searched and found perfect flavour and excellent quality. 

Thrifty Christmas Thursday - Money Saving Drinks

At Christmas time we all indulge in food and drinks. This includes alcohol. It is the ideal time of year to treat yourself to an extra special bottle of wine and to get out the champagne or prosecco. But we all know that this can often be the most expensive part of Christmas. But thankfully with Aldi this is not the case!

Along with their cut price food you will also find cut price alcohol. I have found some fantastic bargains and today I am going to share them with you!

Rowse Campaign For Real Manuka - Warming Chamomile Pick Me Up!

If you are into "superfoods" you will no doubt be aware of how great Mankua honey is.

If you do not know what Manuka honey is or what the benefits are from Mankua honey, let me explain a little bit more.

Mankua honey comes from bees who forage the Manuka bush in New Zealand. It has been used for decades by the Maori community in New Zealand who swear by its healing and anti bacterial properties. It can be used to fight off colds and illnesses as well as boost you immunity and can even help skin conditions.

But, that is not all it can be used for.

It is also great for digestion, boosts your energy levels in a natural way and can even be used as an anti inflammatory!

I was amazed by how good this honey is for our bodies.

When buying Mankua honey it is essential that you look for the NPA grade. The higher the grade, the higher the purity and concentration of the Manuka. I was recently sent a jar of Rowse Manuka Honey NPA 15+ to use in creating a drink. With the weather being as it is I decided to make a warming drink that will help chase away the cold blues and will soothe a sore throat and cough.

Here is my Warming Chamomile Pick Me Up.

Tapas Tortilla with Chorizo and Cervezas Alhambra Reserva 1925 - Recipe and Giveaway!

When I was 20 years old I moved to Gran Canaria. I lived there for 7 years and one of the things that I fell in love with the most was the food. In particular the tapas.

When I go out I really do struggle to select what dish I am going to eat, that is why, for me, tapas is the ideal meal. As the portions are small you simply select a little of everything that you want to try! 

The best way to wash down tapas has to be with an ice cold cerveza (beer!). So when I was asked to create the perfect tapas dish to be served with Cervezas Alhambra Reserva 1925 I could not wait to get started. 

I have so many tapas dishes that I love so choosing just one really was difficult. However I decided to make a Tortilla with Chorizo. I have used a hot chorizo so really do need an ice cold beer to go with it. When adding chorizo to any dish you do not need to add any other herbs and spices. The chorizo oozes out delicious smoked paprika and garlic flavours as it cooks. It really does make a flavoursome meal!

Summer Time Tea with teapigs

If you are regular reader you will know how we love tea and teapigs!

So when I was asked if I would like to try making some summer teas I could not wait to get started! Tea is such a versatile drink. It can be drunk both hot and cold, used in bakes and can even have different holistic benefits.

I love iced teas but have you seen the amount of sugar they contain? I was gob smacked when I looked at the nutritional values on one very well known brand. In 591mls there was 31g of sugar, that is just over 6 teaspoons!

So why buy shop bought, heavily sugared iced tea when it is so easy to make at home without sugar, or with a lot less if you like it sweeter?

With teapigs it is so easy to have a wide variety of flavoured iced tea. My favourites are:

• Darjeeling Earl Grey
• Liquorice and Mint
• Lemongrass
• Super Fruit
• Rhubarb and Ginger

They are all super refreshing!

Get More from More Drinks - Review

While I was at the Blog On MOSI conference last month I tried the lovely, refreshing Get More drinks from More Drinks. When they asked me if I would like to try all of their range for a blog post I simply couldn't refuse!

I am constantly trying to drink more water and am very cautious about what flavoured drinks I drink and even more importantly what the children drink. When I spoke to the team about the More Drinks my first question was "what is the sugar content" I was delighted when they told me that all of their Get More vitamin and mineral drinks are sugar free and only use natural flavours.

The Get More drinks come in 6 flavours, each of them are tailored to give you a boost of different vitamins and minerals. Therefore you are able to select which water you need depending on how you feel.