simple ways to be mindfulness

Hey readers,

You don't have to be deep in mindfulness to appreciate the beauty of mindfulness. You can take little bits of practice and apply them to your everyday life but incorporating mindfulness can really give you peace of mind. 

I suppose the first thing is to understand what mindfulness is. Well, mindfulness is basically in a nutshell it is being in a mental state where you are present and mindful of the moment. But also accepting and acknowledging any feelings or thoughts that the person has. It is a mindfulness mediation where you transport yourself to a place of calm and presence.

Looking at the definition of mindfulness in the oxford dictionary describes mindfulness as the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. A mental state is achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

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One way of practicing mindfulness is listening to a guided mediation to help them sleep as it allows them to focus on the words and relax.

One of the ways to practice being mindful is incorporating mindfulness activities colouring or anything really that involves concentration can help, as well as being creative can help visitation technique.

Stopping what you doing and focusing on breathing. If you have a trail of thought accept that and focus on a thought or feeling that you may have, or it could be looking at something in detail in the room. This can bring back being aware of your surrounding and slowing down your thoughts. It can help give you time to think a bit more clearer as well.

Another mindfulness practice is to concentrate on the body part that is holding tension and focus on releasing that tension. The best thing to do is to sit somewhere quiet and comfortable where you can focus on scanning your body where you feel tense, then allow that body part to relax and let go of that tension. 

This can give you more knowledge of where you might hold tension and also give you a sense of listening to your body and working with it to help reduce the anxiety.

Overall, the main idea of mindfulness is breathing, being aware, and concentrating on listening to your body, in turn being mindful of what is happening. However, not necessarily responding in any way is just about building a stronger mind to deal with the world around you. It is about change and breaking the habit of being you and changing it to a positive response such as taking a step back, thinking, and being present. 

I myself am not a total convert to mindfulness but I take some practices and adapt them to my life. I have found over the months mindfulness to be beneficial especially when I feel like I am not in control.

I hope this has been enlightening and maybe you want to give it a go. As I said I am no practitioner in it but if you want to look further in detail you can find more information here.

Do you practice mindfulness? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. 

Cheers for reading X

41 Questions to ask kids after school

 Hey readers,

It can be hard as parents trying to get out how your child's day has been. so here are some open questions that help encourage your child to talk about their day.

1. Tell me about the best part of your day.

2. What was the hardest thing you had to do today?

3. Did any of your classmates do anything funny?

4. Tell me about what you read in class.

5. Who did you play with today? What did you play?

6. Do you think math [or any subject] is too easy or too hard?

7. What's the biggest difference between this year and last year?

8. What rules are different at school than our rules at home? Do you think they're fair?

9. Who did you sit with at lunch?

10. Can you show me something you learned (or did) today?

11. What did you have for lunch?

12. Whom did you sit with at lunch?

13. Who told a funny joke today? What was it?

14. Who gave the best presentation in your class?

15. Who gave the worst presentation?

16. Which of your teachers was the kindest today?… Happiest?… Grumpiest?

17. What book did you get from the library?

18. Who was a superhero today (who helped someone)?

19. Whom did you make laugh?

20. Whom did you help today?

21. What games did you play at school today?

22. If you could change part of your day today, what would it be? Why?

23. Is there anything that the teacher taught that you don’t understand?

24. How do you feel that you did today? Why?

25. What is one thing your teacher said today that you remember most?

26. If an alien spaceship came to your class and beamed someone up, who would you want them to take?

27. If you could create your own school, what would it look like and what would happen there?

28. If your teacher could teach only one subject, which subject would you want that to be?

29. If you got to be the teacher tomorrow, what would you do?

30. If you got to teach tomorrow, who would you want to be your assistant?

31. If you could change any part of your school what would you change?

32. What was your teacher like?

33. Were you nervous?

34. Who did you play with at lunch?

35. What kind of homework did you get?

 36. What was the hardest rule to follow today?

37. Tell me a story from today.

 38. What happened today that made you keep going (even if it was hard)?

39.  What will you do to solve a problem at school or improve your work What made your teacher happy? What made her mad?

40. If you could switch seats with anyone, who would it be? And why?

41. What nice thing did you say today?

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 04/04/2021

**AD** Reasons why you should give video dating a go.

 Hey readers, 

If your single and ready to mingle then maybe you should think about online dating. It is so popular nowadays as 1 in 3 people go on the internet to find a potential partner. 

I know we have more time indoors and maybe extra time due to being furloughed so maybe a fun way to pass the time is video dating. There is a massive surge during lockdown to connect to new people and have that buzz back of meeting someone new. 

I think one of the main reasons why online dating is becoming a firm favourite in the online dating world is the fact we are used to video calling with popular video apps such as what's app and zoom. We are familiar with this technology and with the ease of being able to operate it makes it a strong contender in the way we date online. 

Another positive aspect of video dating is the fact that because it is online it is much safer as you can bloke someone or end a call if you don't feel safe. 

This is in comparison to meeting someone and it can be quite difficult if you're not enjoying yourself or want to remove yourself from the date but you have the confidence to say that it is not for you. 

Of course when you go on a physical date and meet up with someone you are still putting yourself at risk because you don't know someone. At least if you take your time with video dating you can get a feel and it is safer to report than to be a physical situation where you don't feel as safe. 

Let's face it with video dating is less expensive because your home, you don't have to think about the cost of food or drink. I mean even if you are having a take away together but separate it still be a lot less compared to the physical date because you're paying for the transport element as well. 

The benefit of having a date with someone on zoom is you don't waste time for hours meeting in a bar to then find out there is no connection. Having video dating saves the time of setting up as it is quick to connect on the internet, it is flexible to what suits both of you regarding time. 

Video dating is a more relaxed affair because you're at home in your safe environment which can settle you in the build-up to the date. Hopefully, if you are more relaxed and vice versa you get a more genuine feel for the person. 

Now one area that maybe you want to explore when online dating is narrowing it down to finding someone local to you. Cheshire Dating Site not only offers the opportunity to meet potential partners in Cheshire but also caters the older individual in the over 50s category.

  Cheshire Dating is a fun way to meet new people. It is really easy to set up and no time meet new people in the local area of leisure. Just because you are over 50 doesn't mean your over. You can still have a good time and get the buzz of meeting someone new. 

Cheers for reading X

This is a sponsored post however all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

**AD** Why you should check out dating in Isle of Man

 Hey readers,

Some people want company but during these difficult times over the past year with the whole situation of the coronavirus, it can be hard. That is why online dating is more popular than ever. 

However even though dating online is a good opportunity to meet others, it can become difficult to find people close by where you live. 

So, if you live in the Isle of Man then you don't want to meet a potential partner in London. That is why it is good to check out dating sites such as Isle of Man Dating which caters specifically for people who want to connect with others who live in the Isle of Man

Research has shown that 1 in 3 people meet online which is why you should consider meeting your next potential partner online. Remember it is ok to go at your own pace and on the Isle of Man dating you can meet someone who meets your requirements. 

You don't have to be straight if you are looking for a same-sex relationship then there are plenty of people out for you on the Isle of Man. 

Plus instead of waiting around for an opportunity to meet someone going online gives you the open doors quicker. Of course, you can test the waters as you might not meet the perfect companion the first time around.

 However, dating can still be fun and have a laugh getting to know someone. The beauty is you have the power to reach out and a person for you. The whole experience can be a learning experience as well and going through the process of dating you can understand what you want in a person if you don't know already. 

The benefit of dating online is you can take your time and get to know someone, there is no rush because well let's face it there is plenty of time to kill currently.  Another additional to online dating is it opens up to meet more people compared to people you might meet in real life. 

You may not know that one of the most popular elements of dating online is video calls through the likes of What's App and Zoom. You can literally have a virtual conversation and connect visually. 

You don't need to just chat you can do things together for fun such as playing an online game. It is a relaxed way to get to know someone and there is not that pressure because it is laid back atmosphere. 

With the Isle of Man Dating site is so easy to step up, you don't have to be tech-savvy to have fun meeting new people. On the website, it is so quick to do, following the step to step instructions. 

On the website, you can also filter criteria that you want in a partner for example whether they smoke? or if they have blue eyes making it so much quicker to narrow down the right person for you. 

The Isle of Man dating site covers a wide range of areas from Newtown, Bride, Patrick and even more Isle of Wight locations, so what are you waiting for people of Isle of Man sign up now!

Cheers for reading X

This is a sponsored post, all opinions expressed entirely my own. 

**AD** Why senior dating is where it is at.

Hey readers,

Coronavirus has impacted a lot of people from all walks of life. For single and older people it can be tough going and very lonely. There are many older people who hold the assumption that once you reach a certain age you won't be successful with dating. 

Well let me tell you something you can have fun at any age and anyone can date. There are many older single people wanting to date. However, last year in particular it has been tough to get out and meet others that is why dating online is popular than ever. 

One particular site called Guernsey Dating Site not only is free to join but offers the opportunity for the over 50s to meet someone new online. You can meet people who live in the area of Guernsey covering areas such as Alderney and St Martin. 

 It is a trusted site where you can meet like-minded people whether it be divorced people, Christian, lesbians etc. With the search feature, you can narrow it down to likes and qualities that suit you and your desires. 

You also on Guernsey Dating doesn't have to faff with quizzes making it much more relaxed and not have to get stressed out about complicated questions to answer. 

The website is really easy to navigate around, it is clear and simple to understand. You don't even have to use a computer it is accessible on tablets and mobile phones too. 

Remember if you are at all uncomfortable you can say no or you can contact instantly Guernsey Dating who can help deal with any issue that may have arisen. 

The benefit of dating in later life is that there is no pressure to start a family and get married. You can take your time to get to know someone in a relaxed frame of mind. 

Also, you don't have to tie down with someone, if you just what to have company then that is ok as society has a much more open-mindedness compared to decades ago where relationships were viewed completely different. Just remember to have fun and do things on your own terms. 

When you are older you have a more sense of yourself of what you like and don't like. You have the confidence with age and experience, you are more aware of what type of person you connect with and what person really doesn't work well for you. 

One of the key benefits of online dating is that you have the freedom to choose who to connect with. You can take your time and don't have to rush things so then you are more likely to connect with someone who suits your needs, 

One of the growing features of dating sites is video dating especially during the pandemic. Not only doing video dating is new and it feels exciting. 

This is particularly prevalent when we are at home and not doing anything exciting. Video dating is great to get to know someone, have company and do something fun together. 

This could be watching a movie together but separately in your own home whilst enjoying a cocktail together and sharing that experience separately but together online can really lift your spirits. 

Cheers for reading X

This is a sponsored post, all opinions expressed entirely my own. 

**AD** How to update your digital branding

Hey readers,

One thing I have learnt over the past year during this pandemic is that people have never used online as much as now when it comes to buying and being influenced over the decisions they make.

 We spend a lot more time indoors including showing what you have been up to and being entertained on social media. The internet is a big part of everyone's lives now and that's why as a brand it is now your time to shine. 

The first port of call is to look at your digital marketing strategy and work on updating your brand so that is inviting to all to connect with. 

So, what does digital marketing mean? 

Digital marketing (also known as online marketing) is where bands work on connecting with potential customers to promote their brand through the internet and other forms of digital communication.

 The kind of things we are talking about is emails, social media and web-based advertising, text and multimedia messages to help promote their brand. 

Why is digital marketing important for your brand?

If you are successful with digital marketing this means can help grow your audience, build a reputation and get sales. Digital marketing is also cost-effective by needed less money to invest compared to other traditional marketing methods. If you get to know your audience this has the impact of creating brand loyalty.

In this post, I am going to talk about why it is important to update your digital marketing. 

1. Target audience. 

It is important to know your target audience to cater to their needs and wants. A way to find your audience is to investigate and find characteristics of the people who engage with your brand. 

You can do this by analysing who is buying your product right now. What product is popular with your audience - this then can provide valuable insight into knowing where to move the brand forward. 

Communication is a valuable tool with brands and using social media is very effective in finding information about your target audience. For example, asking peoples opinions on the brand and product will open understanding of where to move the brand forward.

2. Visual presentation. 

It is important to keep everything updated with your brand. With the website maybe you feel the design is outdated and you could opt for a fresher and more relative design with the logo and web page design.

 Think about the message you want to send out and if that correlates correctly with the brand. You want things short, snappy and to the point to keep people interested. 

You can more than even get some fantastic deals for things such as fonts from companies like fancy fonts site where you can purchase a wide range of fonts for your website. 

I think focusing on the visual element is one of the first things people notice and are quick to make a judgement based on that. That is why it is important to make sure your website is updated so that the brand meets the message that your want to portray to people. 

It is also important to make sure you have the correct font that is readable. Also making sure that your website is easy to navigate on computers. Forbes has highlighted an important consideration with making sure your site should not only be mobile accessible but also easy to load on a computer or tablet.

There is nothing more frustrating when you try to load a page on your phone and it struggles to load, chances are people may give up. 

3. Connecting with customers.

This next point follows on nicely from the last. The best way to get your audience to grow is by listening to what the public has to say and have good communications with your customer.  

By being personal with the public really helps give a positive message about your brand. Now more than ever is an opportunity to connect with people via social media. 

Simple methods work wonder such as starting a discussion - making sure that you talk in a 1-2-1 helps people feel like they are important. That doesn't mean to say you can't have fun like that too is a good feature to incorporate connecting with people. It doesn't have to be about business it could be a silly meme that people can relate to.

 Another way to get people connecting with the brand is to show behind the scenes of how you run your  business. People are naturally inquisitive and it can be really interesting to see how a brand works in order to get to the goal they want to achieve.  

Finally, one last point with updating your digital marketing is to make sure that your brand is on all social media platforms even the newer ones on the block such as TikTok. The more outlets you advertise your brand gives the opportunity of more presence on the internet. 

Cheers for reading X

This is a sponsored post but all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The best Easter Instagram captions!

 Hey readers,

Who else is egg-cited for Easter? well, I have a treat for you with 

 easter captions perfect for your Instagram posts check them out below. 

Cute Easter Captions.

🐰 "Have a hoppy Easter!"

 🐰"Don't worry, be hoppy."

🐰"Filling my Easter basket with joy and lots of chocolate."

🐰"The best Easter is one spent with your Peeps."

🐰"You're a good egg."

🐰"Bunny kisses and Easter wishes."

🐰"Living life in full bloom."

🐰"Spring has officially sprung!"

🐰"Spending today with some-bunny special."

🐰"Today was egg-stra special."

🐰"Have an egg-cellent Easter!"

🐰"Some-bunny loves you!"

🐰"Why did the Easter egg hide? He was a little chicken."

🐰"Wishing everyone an egg-stra special Easter!"

🐰"Spending Easter with the cutest chicks I know."

🐰"There is nothing better than a friend unless it's a friend with chocolate."

🐰"Cute chick."

🐰"Without you, I'd go off the Peep end."

🐰"Easter always puts a little spring in my step."

🐰"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." —Audrey Hepburn.
🐰"The promise of spring's arrival is enough to get anyone through the bitter winter." — Jen Selinsky.

Clever easter captions. 

🐰Not decorating eggs today? Yolk's on you.

🐰(Cad)bury me in chocolate.

🐰Way too egg-cited about this holiday.

🐰Don't worry, be hoppy.

🐰I'm having a good hare day.

🐰Did you hear the joke about the egg? It's not all it's cracked up to be.

🐰How do I like my eggs? Cadbury.

🐰Quite literally putting all my eggs in one basket.

🐰Without you, I'd go off the Peep end.

🐰Who else is egg-cited for Easter?

🐰That’s all for Easter Sunday, yolks.

Easter captions using emoji.

🐰: Cheers to 🍫, 💐, 🥚, and 🐰!

🐰: Every🐰 loves some🐰 on Easter.

🐰:🐥🐥dig me.

🐰 Some 🐰loves you!

🐰:🍫+ 🍷= my kind of celebration.

🐰:The Easter 🐰has arrived!

🐰:🙏 for 🍫

🐰:Here's to ☀️and 🍷!

🐰: On Easter, we eat 🍭🍫for breakfast.

🐰: I love my 🐣!

When your heart is full. 

🐰All my favourite holidays revolve around chocolate.

🐰 *Ears* hoping you have a happy Easter!

🐰I’ve been a good egg this year.

🐰Cheesin’ because I finally have some spring in my step.

🐰Full bloom.

🐰Wishing you all a hoppy Easter.

🐰Spring: a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be.

🐰So glad I could finally come out of hibernation.

🐰Nobunny loves you like I do.

🐰 Spring is all about new beginnings.

🐰Hip hop hooray!

🐰Happy to let spring do its thing.

If you’re hanging with your crew.

🐰Just a couple of chicks.

🐰Happy Easter from me and my Peeps.

🐰I’m a chick magnet.

🐰Eggheads gotta stick together.

🐰Without you, I’d go off the Peep end.

🐰Cheers to wishing we all learn how to turn water into wine.

🐰There’s nothing better than friends unless those friends have chocolate.

🐰Thank goodness we’re all having good hare days.

🐰April showers aren’t so bad with buds like these by my side.

🐰The cutest chicks I know.

🐰So eggcited to see them, it hurts.

I hope you have a Hoppy Easter!

Cheers for reading X

Why I don't support light it blue for autism

Hey readers,

The 2nd of April is a day dedicated to Autism Awareness Day. Autism Speaks raised awareness for lightening buildings, landmarks or homes on the colour blue for Autism. I won't be supporting this campaign as I object to it.

Firstly, it is the colour blue. No problem with colour but what I do have a problem with is Autism Speaks admits that they chose blue because boys are diagnosed more than girls. 

To me this is sexist, it is almost as if to say that if you are a girl with Autism your condition is not as important. I may add that I am female and autistic and I know first hand the battle we female autistic individuals have to deal with!

Why blue? I mean it feels like it is targeting one type of person. We all know that is not the case with the condition. It is a spectrum and no one person is alike.  I like the idea of the association with autism with a spectrum of colour. 

It celebrates the diversities in the condition.

That leads me to my next point is Autism Speaks attitude is if people don't donate money to the organisation they won't be saved and then that will lead to being left hopeless and useless.

 Well, I sure as hell don't feel like that and I don't give money to Autism Speaks. I am not perfect and have my faults but I don't think I result in anything. I don't believe any human is nothing, I am a strong believer that it is good and bad in everyone.

Here's the thing with psychological research if you have the funding then you have more power of influence. It is more likely swung towards quantitative (numbers, questionnaires, tests) as a pose to qualitative (which is about people taking more about personal experiences and longitudinal studies which observed over a long period of time in the individual's natural environment). It is well known that qualitative wins the day most of the time. This is because it is cheaper, quicker and measurable. 

Compared to qualitative which takes a long time but hears the voice of the person. Therefore you can manipulate numbers and that has an impact on the power of research. Then trickles down to treatment and assessment. If it is based on certain criteria and that cuts of other certain behaviours that are less typical and more found in females due to the response from their background. 

This is going to sway what we perceive as Autism and therefore will only see the popular characteristics. This is not to say sex is separate it is to do with the way that gender is segregated and wrongly taught from an early age. Male aspies are more computer/geek but this could be argued that it is not down to their own natural personality more of a choice/opportunity.

 What the parents buy for them or what they see in their childhood through experiences can have a direct response to want impact s their behaviour. We all want to fit in and be accepted. Our parents most of the time try to adapt to the messages.  Not because they are being mean it is what their education or financial implications have on the behaviour. 

As a parent, you try and do your best for your child. With the times and what is deemed as socially acceptable, that will influence decision making and performance. I.e. It was acceptable in the 70s to hit a child. Whereas now the vogue thing to do is use positive parenting where the focus is listening to the child and allowing them to be a person with a voice. The chances are if you were hit you became more sneaky and lie better to your parents. 

You were less like to be heard and lore forced. Whereas the modern way the child may be more open and talk about issues. You can already see how behaviour can change due to standards and teaching. Hence why money is powerful and can easily sway judgement. 

It just reiterates the ideas of certain criteria to fit Autism. Is ticking the correct boxes and not seeing the contextual identity within making the assessment for the individual. If you are put in a room with a stranger how can you possibly see the real you? There are many factors that influence behaviour.

I'm not denying that Autism comes in all different manners. But I get the sense that Autism Speaks is narrow-minded. They have money to do the research. They also send out a strong message that Autism can be curable that somehow it is a disease that can be removed or treated. Somehow it will go away with treatment and be cured. Not denying that therapy can help and change responses. 

But it doesn't get rid of. It just provides coping mechanisms to follow. The downside to Autism is we are flexible and we can have a set formula but if a change is made or too many stressors that is where the problem lies.

What we need to do is not think of Autism as a problem that needs to be fixed. Rather there Autism has differences that need to be understood.

Just look at the logo for Autism Speaks. It has a piece that is separated from a jigsaw. It says you are a problem to a parent or a caregiver and that problem needs to be fixed.

I think we need to understand the condition and accept the person for who they are.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 28/03/2021

tips on dealing with impulsive buying

Hey readers,

I think now and again we have all acted on impulse. It may be the odd item that is impulsive but a lot of people impulsive buying turns into a regular occurrence. 

So, it might be a good idea t put in strategies to stop yourself from having a desire to spend impulsively so regularly. Here are my top tips below. 

1. No spend days.

I do this twice a week and it is really great to train yourself to have a time where you don't spend money. 

It is like a reset button and helps make you think before you spend. It also gives back control of your situation and makes you appreciate the things that you already have around you.

2. Newsletters.

Unsubscribe to company newsletters this stops the urge especially when the company try to entice you in with some sort of sale. Out of sight, out of mind is key and if you don't think about it then do you really need that item in your life?

3. Shopping list.

It helps to plan ahead and one way of doing this would be to have a shopping list beforehand of all the things you need. 

It is important to stick to this method and not deviant away from what you plan to buy. This helps keep you in check with your finances.

 Having a shopping list gives you back control which will inturn in the long run give you confidence that you are keeping your finances in check. 

4. Ask questions. 

If you are seeing something in a shop and feel the desire to buy right here, right now then a good way to decide is to ask yourself, do I really need this? will I use it? can I  afford it? 

Giving yourself that time to think about it instead of instantly caving and buying can help stop you in your tracks and again gives you back control as your not acting but deciding on what to do first.

5. Plan your purchase. 

If there is something that you desperately want then plan your purchase.  So for example, if you need to get someone a birthday present plan beforehand, set an amount you want to spend, what you are going to buy and find the best present by researching around.

 This way you are in control and you can save money buying finding the best price before going shopping. 

6. Goals.

If you want to save up for something (e.g. earphones) then it might be a good idea to set up a fund to save up each week with a set amount. Yet again it reinforces the sense of control but also gives you delayed gratification, which personally I think s better than impulsive gratification. 

Having delayed gratification means you can enjoy for example the earphones when you have saved enough money. You have waited and known that if you put the effort into saving you will be rewarded. Therefore there is more pleasure as you have worked hard to save for the wanted item. 

What do you think about impulsive buying? Have I missed a tip out on my list that you think is a good way of controlling impulsive buying? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

Love for daylight hours

Hey readers,

Have you remembered to forward your clocks? Isn’t it wonderful to get lighter evenings now and I am happy about this change, let me tell you why?

I suppose the first obvious reason why daylight saving time is good because it is lighter evenings and lovely to see the beautiful sunsets you get during the summertime.

It is lovely to have more motivation as there is more light, which means getting more things doing.

Having more time to see things in the evening if I am out and about.

I really enjoy the calm of the lighter evenings, especially if it is dry and you can go for a lovely evening stroll.

Better change (if dry) to eat Alfresco, especially if it is a picnic at the park, makes my boys in particular super happy.

For a parent, the dream of having a quicker time to get the washing dry, meaning more loads completed in a smaller time is the dream!

That being said you don’t need to live in your home if you have some open space, a lot more quitter for us parents and the boys to play together outside without getting under your feet. Which is always an added bonus ;)

I find that if my boys are out playing in the fresh air later in the evening they sleep better during the night-time.

You feel happier when it is lighter and less likely to want to stay on watch TV, maybe because you are more energetic.

Have more desire to get out of the house and less sluggish.

During light times the golden hour is a beautiful time to take attractive photos.

With the lighter mornings, you’re more motivated to get up and not need as much sleep during the lighter months.

What things do you like about Daylight Saving Time? Love to hear your comments in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

Stuffed potato skin recipe

 Hey readers,

Looking for a recipe that is comforting but also popular with everyone in the family? Then you need to check out these stuffed potato skin recipe. It doesn't cost the world and they taste so delicious. 

Did I not mention that is easy to knock up perfect if you are wanting something quick and easy for a meal in the week. 

What you will need.

* 4 baking potatoes.

* 4 Bacon strips.  

* A dollop of Sour cream on each potato.

* 20g of chopped chives.

* 100g of grated cheddar cheese. 

* 1 tbsp olive oil. 

* clove of garlic. 

* 1 tbsp butter.

Method. 

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C, fan 200°C. 

2. Prick the potatoes and cook them in the oven for an hour.

3. Take the potatoes out of the oven and leave them on the side to cool down for five minutes.

4. Then cut the potatoes in half, scoop out the middle section leaving the skins empty. Put the potatoes in a bowl and leave to the side.

5. You can put the skins back into the oven to keep warm. 

6. Next you will be concentrating on making the stuffing. 

7. Get a pan put some olive oil into the pan. cut up some garlic and add the bacon. When that is cooked mix into the potato mixture, add the cheese, chives and butter. Mash it all together so that it is blended in well.

8. Then take the skins out of the oven and scoop the mash into the skins and mould it to fit.

9. Put back in the oven for 15 minutes. 

10. Take out of the oven and add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of chives on top.

11. The stuffed potatoes are ready to be served.

Cheers for reading X