Rosie Corriette

Notes from a retired blogger

Author: Rosie

  • Floods and Insurance | A Christmas Tale | AD

    Floods and Insurance | A Christmas Tale | AD

    We’ve been renting our current maisonette for over six years, it’s more than a house, it’s our home – Boo was barely two when we moved in and now she’s nearly 9. It’s been the backdrop for so much of our family story – from the legendary birthday parties that Boo had in the garden (take it from me 30+ children will kill your sanity), to the weekly dance-offs me and Boo so passionately partake in; we’ve both grown so much.

    December 2013 and I was so excited for Boo and I to spend our first Christmas in our new home – we all know moving house is no easy feat and I’d made Christmas my goal to have things sorted; it felt like the perfect endpoint to be settled. The tree was up, the presents were prepped for Father Christmas and our first holiday season as a twosome was on course… and then a hidden slow leak originating somewhere behind the washing machine –  which they estimate had been trickling away for over two years – overflowed in the kitchen and meaning my kitchen floor had to be dug up six days (yes six days) before Christmas. Cue tears from me – who knew I was so attached to a kitchen floor and a frantic scramble to salvage Christmas when my landlord broke the news that I would be sans kitchen floor until the New Year. We’re really fortunate that my Mum lives just a couple of miles away so after a quick redirect note for Father Christmas we had the loveliest of times and Boo was none the wiser. 

    Had we not had family close by I know my landlord would have been in a position to ensure we had suitable alternative accommodation and that’s down to landlord insurance. 

    blue concrete storey house on top of building at daytime

    As a tenant I have a contractual obligation to make sure that I have contents insurance, however even if not required by my tenancy agreement it’s something I can’t ever imagine not having – especially the accidental cover, such peace of mind with Boo even though thankfully I’ve never had to use it… frantically touches all the wood! It’s pretty much everything in life, it pays to have insurance and just like a landlord will ensure a tenant had contents insurance it’s really sensible to enquire if a prospective landlord has the appropriate insurance.

    Just in case you were wondering Father Christmas did indeed receive the redirect and safely delivered a toy kitchen and a dolls house and a new kitchen floor for me, although it was on backorder until the middle of January!

    Disclosure: This is a paid collaboration, a fee has been received.

  • Boo, Bao Buns and a Yeti | Abominable |AD

    Boo, Bao Buns and a Yeti | Abominable |AD

    To celebrate the release of Abominable on DVD and Blu-Ray this week Boo and I spent the weekend attempting to master making traditional steamed pork bao buns from scratch just like Nai Nai, the grandmother does in the film. I think it’s fair to say at this point that we’re in no way chefs but what we lack in culinary skill we make up for in enthusiasm and fun in the kitchen; It’s where we spend a lot of our time during the weekend, where we come together and as corny as it sounds cooking is a journey in our house – something we bond over, never perfect but (nearly) always edible and punctuated with a perfect playlist and bowl of snacks to help us on our way.

    The Walton family we are not but cooking together is a great way to chat and not just about how many pleats each bun should have (26, if you’re wondering – which I’d like to point out, is where Boo’s little fingers came in handy!) With winter lingering and half-term next week a hands-on project for all the family and a film to match like Abominable is a big tick for one of the days. 

    Abominable dvd and bao buns flat flay

    Boo had seen Abominable in the cinema last year so it was really nice for her to have the edge when it came to explaining how to prepare the bao buns having watched Nai Nai in the film; allowing for the dough to prove the bao buns will take approximately over five hours to make – definitely a lazy weekend project. However, one that will pay off as they keep in the fridge for a couple of days making them our new go-to snack, a quick blitz in the microwave and they taste freshly steamed. I speak from real-time experience having just wandered to the kitchen for a bao bun fix while writing this – I can confirm I have returned to my desk with a happy stomach. There are literally thousands of different recipes when it comes to bar buns, from super simple to those that are steeped in tradition – This one created to celebrate the release of Abominable is a great start but don’t be scared to adapt/tweak – there are so many great recipes out there and it’s one of those dishes that really benefit from intuitive cooking.

    [pdf-embedder url=”https://www.mummyandboo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Abominable_Recipe_SteamedPorkBuns_INTERNATIONAL-1.pdf” title=”Abominable Steamed Pork Bao Bun Recipe”]

    Whilst there aren’t any shortcuts to making the steamed bao buns, there’s something comfortingly ritualistic about rolling out a minimum of 16 buns by hand and filling them – it wasn’t long before we had fashioned an assembly line of sorts and talk soon turned to Everest, the Yeti and undeniable star of Abominable. Boo explained how friendship and trust were what she took from the film and if I let her have an extra bao bun she’d tell me the ending… I’ve never been prouder!

    child cuddling fluffy yeti toy

    In the spirit of friendship and because I genuinely believe that every house would benefit from a bowl of bao buns in the fridge ready to be heated up here are my top tips for bao bun beginners – trust me, if we can manage it first time round anyone can:

     

    -A regular metal steamer will do the job if you don’t have a bamboo one.

    -Pre-cooking the meat is a great option, especially if you’re cooking with children

    -Place the buns on individual (lightly oiled) greaseproof paper from the final proofing stage to       steaming, trust me the extra time taken to cut the square will mean no sticking

    -No matter how tempted you are to sneak a peak, don’t lift the lid during steaming or for five minutes afterwards, the buns will be absolutely fine trust me and even a quick lift of the lid will cause the buns to sag – and no one wants a saggy bun!

    -Bao buns are perfect for using up leftovers; from Chinese style pork to chilli beef get inventive with your fillings

    -Best of all bao buns are great for keeping in the fridge for a few days, and heat up in the microwave perfectly 

     

    Bao bun in hand it was finally time to watch Abominable – as you can see I didn’t get a look in – who am I to compete with a bite-sized snack, a family film and a fluffy yeti?

    Child eating boo bun while cuddling fluffy yeti toy

    bao bun and fluffy yeti toy

    So do our bao buns bring the culinary bods to the yard? I’m fairly certain the bun houses of China Town have nothing to worry about but they’ve won a place on fridge shelf as it would appear according to Boo it’s our new weekly routine to make them – and who doesn’t love a delicious ball of steamed carbohydrate made with love.

    steamed port boo buns

    Abominable is out now on DVD and Blu-Ray.

    Disclosure: This is a paid collaboration, a fee has been received.

  • Choosing The Best Break For Your Kids

    Choosing The Best Break For Your Kids

    Taking children on vacation has long been one of the biggest challenges which come with taking a break. A lot of kids will struggle with flights, won’t understand how to conduct themselves around other cultures, and will always find it harder to deal with extremely hot or cold weather than their parents. Of course, this is only really scratching the surface of what can make this sort of thing into a challenge, but it would take a very long time to list all of the difficulties you might face. To help you out with this, this post will be exploring a range of different vacation types, giving you the chance to choose the best one for your kids.

    selective focus photo of desk globe

    Package Resorts

    Package vacations have long been one of the most popular ways to getaway. Coming with flights, transport, and accommodation, it’s hard to argue that this option isn’t convenient, and this is even better when you look at the prices for vacations like this. When you choose this option, you will often be restricted to one hotel, and this might not be enough for some people. What exactly makes this good for little ones, though?

     

    Resorts tend to be very secure places, with some having fences around their perimeter, and others even posting guards to stop people from getting in. This ensures that your children have a safe environment to play and enjoy themselves, making it much easier for you to relax in the process. It will be nice to be able to leave your children with the knowledge that all of the hotel staff will be more than happy to help them if they need it.

     

    Alongside this, resorts also tend to come with kids clubs and other activities which can make their breaks a lot more fun. This will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy yourself without having to look after the kids, while also giving your little ones the chance to be social with kids their own ages. A lot of resorts offer these services for free once you make a booking, though you may have to warn them that your children are coming.

     

    Cruises

    Cruises are often looked at as boring and dull vacations, though this couldn’t be further from the reality you’ll find on a cruise ship. Going from port to port in a range of different countries, a vacation like this will give you the chance to see as much of the world as possible, while still being able to keep your children happy and entertained. There are few modern conveniences which you won’t find on a ship like this.

     

    Much like a resort, it will be hard for people to access a cruise without having a place on it. This isn’t thanks to fences, though, as the very nature of a ship makes it extremely difficult to trespass. Companies like Bolsover Cruise Club have invested huge amounts of money into making their ships secure, despite the fact that they are already very hard to breach. Of course, though, parents will be happy to know that this extra effort has been made.

     

    Cruises are designed to meet your every need when you’re away on one. There will be loads of entertainment, things to do, and sights to see, and much of the fun will be perfect for your kids. On top of the swimming pools and sports equipment, some ships have cinemas, bowling alleys, and kids clubs, making it impossible for your little ones to get bored when you’re on a cruise. Of course, though, it’s always worth researching to figure out what you’re ship will have before you set off.

     

    Camping

    Camping used to be the only way that people would be able to travel, and this type of vacation hasn’t changed too much since the early days. Spending your nights in a tent, hammock, or under the stars will be a great experience, offering an opportunity to relax and let yourself unwind, without having to spend a fortune on the whole thing. This can usually be done much closer to home than the other vacation options you might have.

     

    Security is one of the few areas in which camping is lacking. It wouldn’t be too hard for someone to crack open your tents to steal your belongings, but you can easily get around this by simply avoiding taking expensive items with you. While this may sound difficult, most people find themselves far more relaxed when they are on vacation without their smartphones, laptops, and other digital devices. Of course, it would be hard to keep them charged up, anyway.

     

    Camping opens the doors to loads of different activities, from simple exploring to things like kayaking and mountain climbing. You children may have to work to make their own fun, but being in woodlands, open fields, and other natural areas will be sure to spark their imaginations. This sort of vacation will be harder than others, and some people will struggle to relax, though there are few better ways to build your child’s character.

     

    Whenever you’re trying to choose a vacation, it makes sense to keep your children at the front of your mind. Not only will your little ones be bored if they don’t have enough to do, but it can also be unsafe to take them on the wrong types of break. Backpacking, staying in hostels or trying to find private accommodation are also great options if you’re ready to travel that bit more independently with children if you feel confident.

     

    With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to take on the challenge of choosing the best break for your children. This doesn’t have to be a struggle, and you have plenty of options to choose from, making it well worth trying different ones on each vacation until you find the perfect trip for you.

    Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.

  • Dear Writing Mojo…

    Dear Writing Mojo…

    I’ve always been good with words – pick any of my school reports and I was ‘talkative’, ‘chatty’ heck my yearbook entry was ‘Most likely to… utilise elongated vocabulary’. The written word was always going to feature heavily in my adult life and I’ve taken great comfort in seeking a friend of a blank screen and blinking cursor but 2019 was the year that I lost my writing mojo and after an initial search and rescue it’s nowhere to be found.

    Even this post I’ve written out of sync, writing paragraphs and reordering at the end, editing as if I was a complete stranger. Maybe my style or perhaps just the process has changed?

    Is imposter syndrome creeping in? The solitary silence of working for myself making itself heard – who knows. The thoughts and ideas are most definitely there; my oral capacity hasn’t reduced and I maintain that my finest often come to me during a late-night shower. Yet when it comes to translating them onto the screen… nothing. It’s as is if my thoughts are somehow marooned on a desert island if only I was too.

    women standing on sandy beach at sunset with Shikh Zayd Mosque in Background

    The thing is I’ve always been my own boss in one way or another – yes I’ve had extended contracts but ultimately I always knew it was never permanent. My long term career has been transient and whilst suiting my home setup it’s perhaps time to revaluate how rewarding it is for me on a professional – and personal level. There’s no glass ceiling to break at home which I’ve come to learn is both a good and bad thing. I suppose it was always going to happen, mix writing: a truly creative process with deadlines and briefs and you’ll inevitably come to this junction. Maybe I need to write less for work in order for it to return. I’ve just read this last sentence back – this is a privilege anyone who has bills to pay simply can’t afford.

    Or is this a completely normal mid-career crisis I’m experiencing? A to-be-expected blip in the road. Despite being a writer of sorts from a young age I’ve never yearned to write a novel although like many others often felt I had a ‘book in me’; it was this train of thinking that had me believe I could escape a long-term bought of writers block.

    Perhaps I’ve simply grown up too much and in the process lost the space to write – the mundanity of everyday life filling up where once was the opportunity for ‘creative writing’ – remember when that was a whole thing. I’ve tried giving myself a break, trying to work through it – a quick fix hasn’t materialised as of yet and neither will it. It would appear I’m in it for the long haul, maybe 2020 is the year I rediscover my writing mojo. 

    So like a beloved old glove, a little worn around the edges but still so greatly valued and needed I hope you come back to me soon.

    My ability to chat has shown no signs of slowing down – if you’re not already why not follow me on Instagram for daily stories I like to think I offer an eclectic mix of travel, beauty and rambling thoughts of a freelancer; it’s a modern-day smoothie without the bits

  • Why I Won’t De-Friend Someone Because Of Their Political View | General Election

    Why I Won’t De-Friend Someone Because Of Their Political View | General Election

    I originally wrote this post back in 2017 but as today marks yet another General Election it’s important now more than ever as our country is divided and fractious beyond comprehension that we are reminded of the importance of not creating an opinion vacuum when it comes to politics. The internet was heralded as a widener of our world; yet too often we are quick to narrow our outlook and conversations, blocking those who disagree with us. Rant, rave, insult –  there is almost nothing you can say personally to me or about me that will have me de-friending…

    Election fever (I’m thinking more scarlet than one of passion) is sweeping the UK once more as we prepare to go to the ballot for the snap general election of 2017. You all know how I feel about Brexit and that it doesn’t take a genius to work out that I won’t be voting for the Conservatives, however I couldn’t be more encouraged to see people shaping and sharing their own political views online on social media and that’s why I won’t de-friend someone because of their political view.

    I would rather be friends with people that hold polar political views to me than those who are apathetic when it comes to politics. Does that mean that I disagree with people’s viewpoints any less – absolutely not; however with rights come responsibilities (gosh I sound like my mother) and that means that whilst we are all afforded the right of freedom of expression that doesn’t excuse us from the responsibility of ensuring our views expressed both in person and within a digital setting are respectful and within the law.

    Healthy debate is good, what’s not good is when it crosses the line into bullying – there have been too many cases of people feeling singled out for their political view just because it differs from someone they are friends with on social media. I use the term ‘friend’ with trepidation because as the digital landscape continues to grow in terms of use and prevalence in our life we are friends with less and connected to more. By opening doors digitally are we closing them socially in terms of political tolerance?

    General-Election-2017

    I’ve also noticed a worrying trend to call people out online for being politically vocal in a ‘here they come again, spouting their political beliefs…’ manner or those that are negatively labelled for their beliefs and public statements. I’m often called a Remoaner simply for still shaking my head at Brexit – and this works both ways, it’s not just one side attacking the other. When you look at this abstractly without emotion it’s hard not to laugh at the ludicrousness of it all. Individuals are singling out and attacking others for holding different political views when one of the biggest elephants in the room of contemporary politics is the seemingly acceptable notion that politics isn’t for everyone. Even at its highest in recent years, voter turnout is still a statistic of shame for the UK, how can we berate those that voice interest in politics when they are at least engaging in an aspect of our society that affects all of us every single day.

    So whilst over the coming weeks, I may pull a ‘what the…’ face when I read your Facebook post, or RT of a political party or even when after a comment exchange that becomes heated because I cannot abide your political principles I will not narrow my exposure to other views by de-friending you because to do that would start a slow but fatal descent into discouraging political engagement and debate. Yes, I may disagree with you but I will never hate you.

    Oh and for goodness sake, don’t forget to vote – I really don’t care which political party gets your cross in the box, as long as you vote. It takes five minutes to register…