Of course it’s too good to be true, but I saw this beautiful cushion yesterday when a colleague brought it in for a show and tell. The theme was things that make us smile, and this cushion certainly did that!

Designed by Nikki McWilliams, it’s just one of a range of biscuit inspired goodies. There are custard creams, iced rings, bourbon biscuits and even the Tunnock teacakes, all in textile format. I think they’d be a real talking point, something to brighten up even the dullest sofa.

And if you want to carry the Tunnocks love elsewhere in the house, then I found a great apron and a mug over on Not On the High Street. Calorie free delights from one of the UK’s best loved biscuits. Just time to put the kettle on then.

And of course there’s a food angle to this. But I consider this a note to my future, much older self. Time spent with 3 different septuagenarians has showed me how your approach to ageing is governed by your attitude to life. And your attitude to life is often reflected in your attitude to food and eating. So, having observed one septuagenarian I don’t want to grow up to be like, here are things I want to remember:

1. Always be ready to try it – if we all became closed off to new tastes and flavours, then we’d never move on from the milk we first have as babies. Which I think only applies to a very small, weird section of society. I know we all get to know what we like, but it doesn’t mean that we’ve tried everything, and that we shouldn’t stop trying new stuff. Imagine being presented the foods of the world, and only sticking with one cuisine which you had tried before? Dull and symptomatic of a closed mind.

2. Just because you’ve lived this long, doesn’t mean you know it all – there are few things certain in any life, but two stand out. We will all die (well, we will as I write this today, but who knows?) and also that change is inevitable. So just because you haven’t experienced it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist or has no value. Never heard of Eggs Benedict? Don’t assume it’s a new fangled thing that must be bad, just something you have not yet had the privelege of experiencing. And therefore see point 1.

3. Age does not excuse you – manners cost nothing. You don’t get away with forgetting your please and thank yous just  because you’ve been saying them for over 7 decades. Set a good example always, especially when the latest generation are around.

4. Say what you want, or shut up – You like your tea strong? Great. If you see point 3 and tell people that nicely, then they are bound to help you get the perfect cuppa, as most people want to make everyone happy. But if you don’t tell them, then don’t whinge about the fact it’s not how you like it. As I write this in 2012, most of us are not mind readers.

5. Be enthusiastic, be connected – this above all else seems to be a key difference between those who are ageing well, and those who aren’t. Age is no barrier to either of these things, and those who continue to embrace all it has to offer seem to still be fascinated by the world. The others are just waiting for the undertaker.

I am so happy to age. Every day I have had another day longer than my genetic father, who died in his earlier 30s. I was lucky to have a great adopted father but Alzheimer’s stole his life in his 60s. If you don’t make the most of it, then you waste it.

Those of you who follow me on Twitter may know that this is very much directed at a non blood related family member, who has not embraced any of the five points. I could thank him for setting me an example of what not to do, but I’d rather say thanks to the fabulous, mainly women, in their seventies and beyond that set positive examples. I know who I’d rather spend time with!

Photo by Steven de Polo on Flickr

Sorry if you haven’t seen snow, but it would seem that large parts of the UK are witnessing snow, many for the first time this winter. And whilst it’s not exactly skiing conditions, I reckon there will be sledges galore out around the slightest slope any time now.

So, what should we have had on standby for warming up post all that snowy activity? These would be my choices:

* Proper hot chocolate. Or at least some of  Hotel Chocolat’s liquid chocolat. You could go for Chilli, although on taste I would prefer the the caramel or even just the classic.

* Fondue. Surely every skiing trip ends with fondue? Can you tell I’ve never been? But I love a good cheese fondue, but you’re going to probably need a good fondue set. And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it has to be a very romantic dish.

* Mulled wine. And we thought it was just for Christmas, but it would appear that it would make great cold weather drinking. Can think of little better for the grownups for thawing out.

* Toast. Hot buttered toast. Is there anything better?

Be safe out there in the snow though, and enjoy it.Let hope it’s all gone by Monday morning!

Sledging photo by Mathias Erhart on Flickr.

I may wake up regretting this today, but I have signed up for the Gold Challenge. I appreciate the words natural athlete are not words to be associated with me, and so the chances of me making it through 2012km under my own effort may seem slim.

But having walked 10 miles in 2011 to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society after the death of my Dad, Eric, in June, I always knew that I wanted to do more this year. So when the email came through with this challenge in it, well, I guess it was a sign. Not as pleasurable as the sign to do the 10 miles which was in the programme for the Battle Proms and I was several glasses of wine up on the evening. This time I was at home, with a Lemsip. Not quite the same.

But I am still able to work a calculator, and 2012 kilometres divided by 366 days (that extra day may be necessary) works out at 5.5km a day. Or 3.41 miles. Or about an hours walking on good flat territory.

An hour a day. To raise funds for vital research to help other families not go through the same thing, eventually. Or at least continue to come up with drugs that help control things. If that’s not a good use of an hour, then I don’t know what is.

I’m sure there have to be other benefits, as this is probably an hour more than I currently get active for, which is not a good state of affairs, particularly as I am not getting any younger, and my waistline appears not to be getting any smaller.

I know that things are not great for any of us at the moment (well, Bill Gates aside), but if you can spare anything to sponsor me that would be fantastic. Even a penny for every mile would be just over £20. You could do it on how much I cover each month, and spread the cost like some charitable Christmas club. Little and often works for me, and even all the littles add up to help.

Thank you in advance, progress reports to follow!

Walking shot by 05com on Flickr.

January – we were thinking about taking great packed lunches and Craig the Wahaca chilli expert was answering chilli growing dilemma questions, which was what no doubt led to the huge amount of chillies that Dr T has harvested this year.

February – I was thinking about Battenberg cakes, thanks to the Hairy Bikers. Dr T is disappointed to report that I am still yet to bake one.

March – we finally ate at the Olive Branch at Clipsham, and pleased to find it at least as good as the Red Lion. Though the Red Lion still wins out for being walking distance. And I was busy thinking about things to take for a street party in Cyprus for the Royal Wedding.

April – we were testing Hare’s Moor curry kits, looking at alternative mugs to celebrate the Royal Wedding and Dr T was hoping for a few tasters of new beers brewed for the big day. He is disappointed to report that he is still waiting.

May – I went to the Real Food Festival with BFF, and we overspent our budgets, ate too much, and came home very laden down. And I subjected her to a tweet up at Gower Cottage Brownies which, as a non Twitter type, she said was one of the most surreal moments of her year.

June – I discovered what I think are the most beautiful cookbooks of the year, headed off to NYC for my most memorable meal of the year at WD50, and lost my Dad. It was still, on reflection, a good month and I was very appreciative of the many messages of sympathy I received. For him, it was a good end, quick, in his own bed and before Alzheimer’s took all that made him him from us.

Great cake results

July- birthday month, and the birthday fairy was generous. And I asked you for support for my aching feet as I signed up for the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk. And many of you were very generous, for which I thank you again.

August – we ate mutton thanks to The Blackface Meat Company, I was trying to overcome a fear of camping and we were enjoying Saffron Pimms at Dishoom Chowpatty Beach. I could have spent the rest of the year happily drinking this.

September – I finally got to write about some of the gifts for foodies that I’d seen in development, and also thinking about what to swap during British Food Fortnight. And I did overcome my fear of camping for two nights to enjoy some great food at Harvest at Jimmy’s.

October – I was dreaming of a life that looked like The White Company catalogue, or at least that I had a trifle dish like theirs. I am sad to report I still don’t. And I was rather bored with the gift selections from M&S, and I guess Heals as well, given it was the same thing again. For the third year running.

November – I was ruffling feathers about the word foodie. And thinking about great food courses. Which is about the right balance.

December – I was backing the Military Wives Choir, which I managed to find a link to food with. And found cool cycling gifts. For which I could find no possible connection to make.

So, eventful, varied and lovely. I’d do it all again. Apart from the camping. Never again!

Wishing you all the very best for, and wonderful eating in, 2012.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and thanks for all the comments and support over the year. Best wishes for 2012!

Photos by dreamsjung, dr XeNo, kthread, tornatore, caribb, kevin dooley, bart fields, wonderlane, hober, Dennis Wong, ldrose, Sweet Carolina Design & Photo

So, here was my brief from Linda:

Brother, early 40s, cycling nut but has a 6 month old baby so less time for cycling. Reads a bit, likes clothes, less sure what he dislikes as he usually wants cycling stuff and has given me a rubbish list like tie, shower gel. Budget up to £80.

And I checked back in, we’re not talking a little bike round town, but competitive road cycling like time trials & duathalons and the etape (public stage of tour de France). Pretty darn serious, and something I know absolutely nothing about, having not progressed much further than having my stabilisers taken off! But when has lack of knowledge ever held me back? Here’s the suggestions I came up with:

* Okay, if you wouldn’t buy someone something to put on the wall, then these suggestions are rubbish! But if you would then I found a vintage Tour de France poster and a more modern London cycling poster (forgot to ask where brother based, but thought this was an interesting graphic anyway). And I thought the classification of cyclists was good too.

* Cycling t shirt too naff do you think? I thought this one was stylish without being too much of a naff themed gift!

* The shower gel part made me think of two great brands, Jack Black and Brave Soldier. The latter came out of the biking world, their website has a gravel rash gallery, which is awful but supposed to be a badge of honour to cyclists! Jack Black have some interesting products like the Dragon Ice Relief Balm, and both have friction free powders to help stop chafing! Mankind stock both, with a starter kit from Jack Black that is a good intro to the brand.

* There looks like there are two quirky cycling magazines (which I think may be the cycling equivalent of Fire & Knives) so there’s Rouleur or The Ride. The former is a subscription, the latter looks more like you buy it by edition.

* Something interesting, but definitely need to be kept out of the way of the baby for quite some time to come. These hand painted peleton figures means he could recreate great races of the Tour in minature.

I don’t think there’s any danger of Linda’s brother reading the blog, and she was happy with the suggestions. In fact we both went as far as to consider putting some of these on our own wishlists! Which is probably still as close as I’m getting to a bike in the near future!

Normal food service to be restored shortly, but it was fun for a change!

Who knew such a simple word could create such dislike? A tweet on Friday said those who claimed ownership belonged up there groups such as furries. Who I don’t think are known for their love of food.

And I know it is a divisive word. But what are the alternatives? When I was looking for a name for the blog, then I guess I could have used gourmet I guess, but doesn’t it sound rather elitist? The dictionary defines it as a connoisseur of fine food and drink. But to me, that means someone who is busy enjoying Michelin star delights seven nights a week, or cooking up Heston style dinners.

An epicure perhaps? One who cultivates refined tastes. A gourmand? One who is fond of good eating, but apparently often indiscriminately and to excess.

Well, none of those kind of sum up my approach to food. I really love my food, I like to eat, I quite like to cook, and very fond of baking. I’ve done occasional dining at Michelin star places, but enjoy a good diner too. I enjoy knowing where my food came from, and I love the stories and products of great producers.

Does it mean I’m a food snob, or not a food snob? I am a food snob, in that I love good food, and people who produce good food. I loathe bad food, bad service, places that just don’t care about the food they serve or where it comes from. So, I wish there was a word that everyone liked, but I can’t find one. I use foodie as a shorthand for just caring about, and being really, really interested in food, high end and low end.

So until there’s a better word that covers all of that I’m afraid there’s no renaming of the blog any time soon! Like they say, you can’t please all of the people all of the time, and each to their own!

Ok, declaration of conflict of interests and bias upfront: I work with the team at Soap & Glory every day, they keep me very busy but we have some brilliant times. I am very proud of the cosmetics range they’ve just launched into our shops, and I’m delighted to give them a shout out for this brilliant gift.

Things you can’t have too many of: aprons and storage tins. And Yum at Heart gives you both, to keep you baking long after Christmas 2011 has disappeared from our memories. But there are even more benefits, as you get the daily delight of Breakfast Scrub. We could all tell you the lengths that were gone to to get this product to market, and I know more about the buying of oats than one person needs to, but boy, was it worth it!

Think warm bowls of porridge smothered in maple syrup. Now, keep it on the outside of your body, and you get a fabulous smelling, effective but gentle body scrub. Love it, love it, love it! Cheers shower time up no end.

And every cook and baker needs a good hand cream, and Hand Food will definitely tick all the right boxes to keep cooking hands in great shape. The gift is £16 at Boots, and is also part of the mix and match so maybe buy two for someone else and keep one yourself! Treat them, treat yourself, make us happy! Please!

Official “Bewitched” Cookbook  – I’d love this one on so many levels. Was a huge fan of the show as a kid, and it surely taps into the whole early 60s vibe as well. Pre dinner martinis anyone? It also apparently contains the special recipes that saved Darrin’s career, and who knows when those might come in useful!

Zuzu Bailey’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” Cookbook – it’s not Christmas until the angel gets his wings, and maybe they get wings when we cook from this. These are good old-fashioned American recipes inspired by the fictional town of Bedford Falls. I can see myself making Potter Pot Pie and Silver Bells Christmas Cookies and settling down with the family to watch the film.

Pulp Kitchen – Recipes for the Good, Bad and Ugly – this is great for food loving film buff, with recipes inspired by all kinds of films and genres. From The Godfather to Bridget Jones Diary (blue string at the ready), Casino Royale to the Sound of Music, there are all kinds of recipes to add another dimension to your film viewing.

The Star Wars Cookbook: Wookiee Cookies and Other Galactic Recipes – I’m very tempted to buy this for Dr T, and imagine it will be a source of pride to any other Star Wars geeks and fan boys. In fact, it’s almost worth it for the photography alone, but then what other cookbook do you have that has Princess Leia Danish Dos and Mos Eisley Morsels? I would say this was actually aimed at littler cooks, but sure there are some very big kids who would really appreciate this!

Love at First Bite: the Unofficial Twilight Cookbook – I seem to remember that vampires don’t eat proper food, but couldn’t see that there wouldn’t be a cookbook to go with this hugely successful franchise. So there are Bites at Dawn, also known as breakfast, and even Howl at Twilight cocktail recipes. I would say it was again one for a real fan, though probably fan girls in this case!

Like I said, these are all a bit of fun, but sure there will be recipes in here that you’d have great fun making, and it may be a great way to introduce a reluctant cook into the kitchen. Just wiggle your nose and see what happens!