Tag Archives: home made

Chester, England, Events, Experiences Abroad, My Life, Reviews, Steffi Says

Chester Christmas Market 2015

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During my latest travel to the UK, between the 19th and 24th of November, we came across the Christmas Market by chance. It was a lovely surprise as Christmas Markets have always been a pleasant memory of mine, of the time when I lived in Stoke-on-Trent and went to Birmingham year on year for this particular event.

When we made it to the Christmas Market, the place was already buzzing with people looking and buying items. The decorations and a sense of happiness from the people, really put me into the Christmas vibe. More so because the day was rather cold (it even snowed in the evening!). Cheese with cranberry bits and the cheeky mulled wine helped in all this too.

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This year, the Chester Christmas Market will last a week extra – In fact it will be open 7 days a week, from 10am to 6pm for just over a month. So make sure you make your way there any day between the 19th of November and 20th of December for some fantastic gifts, ranging from home-made stuff, to food and high-end items.

More information can be obtained by reading here and here.

About Malta, Crazy Outbursts, Malta, My Life, Steffi Says

Tea in Summer

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I think, a cuppa is my favourite non-alcoholic drink.

A side note for my foreign followers and readers:
Maltese Summer, especially August, is very hardcore; In the sense, it is very, very hot and humid. Imagine, a temperate of 35 degrees and 80+% humidity on a daily basis. That would feel like 40 to 45 degrees. Add onto that hot ‘desert’ wind to it. Although it might be nice for a week holiday, I’d say in my honest opinion is a nightmare to live in.

All the above, does not really put me off tea… I still feel the need for my morning tea with biscuits, afternoon tea and another right before I go to bed. The only issue is that is too warm for this.

I have tried bottled ice tea and home made ice tea… but this does not satisfy me as well as my tea with milk, or chocolate and coconut flavoured tea!

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So, every morning, I make my tea, and drink it right in front of the fan, while I sweat like a pig…
The sweat is not by choice…
But living without tea, is just not for me.

My Life, Recipes, Steffi Says

New Acquisition: Pasta Maker

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I have wanted to buy a pasta maker for a long, long time. But I have always controlled myself due to the fact that I worried that I would buy it and leave it there taking up space. However, a friend of mine and I have come to agreement that we will both acquire one and learn how to use the machine together. We figured, that this way we will encourage each other in majoring this new en-devour.

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On MasterChef as well as on YouTube I have came across dozens of videos on how to make fresh pasta. The dough itself is easy to make, and most ingredients are available at every kitchen; at least at those who adore the art of cooking. The basic ingredients are eggs, flour, salt and oil. One should only add water if it is too dry to stick together. Of the dough is too wet, you just gotta keep kneading… Don’t add more flour!
At this stage, you would either make spaghetti or fettucini, or some ravioli. In the latter case, make sure you make a tasty mix of ingredients!

I cannot wait until my new toy arrives so we can get crackin`!

My articles / researches, Steffi Says

Hi ho, hi ho! To the Hobbit house we go!

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After watching the Hobbit movie twice at the cinema in a span of two weeks, my fascination with hobbit houses has come back to haunt me. It haunts me as it feels like I will never own one… It mesmerises me as it makes me think, and hope. Life can be so unpredictable at times.

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During one of researches online about hobbit houses, I came across a story about a couple who were given a plot for free in Wales to build a hobbit inspired house. The couple have moved from this house a few years back and are now building a bigger house in West Wales. The original hobbit house, looks like it is now demolished or in the process to be demolished… Not because it was structurally built badly, but because they never got the permissions to build it. Shame really. I think it would have been a great local attraction!

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In one of the interviews they had, they explained how the house only costed them £3,000. They mention that this is due to the fact that the house was mainly built with natural materials and scrapped items.

The house was built in 4 months, mostly consists of wood and is dug into a hillside.the roof was covered with a layer of earth, has grass on which helps blend the house into its surrounding.

The house is using sustainable material and energy throughout; lime plaster instead of cement, a fridge which remains cool due to ventilation coming from beneath the foundation and compost toilet. A wood burner was used to heat up the house.

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I would actually love to get the opportunity to build and have such a lovely home. I do love cities, but I do love being in the country side, enjoying nature itself. Tell me the truth… can’t you imagine yourself sitting right here?

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