Archive for January, 2015

Andy’s Mike Oldfield revival!

Tuesday, January 27th, 2015

I’ve renewed my interest in listening to Mike Oldfield again…so I’ve started off with

First

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Mike Oldfield – Tubular Bells 2003

You will notice Mike Oldfield, has been removed from the cover of the 2003 edition, and it’s been re-worked, as Mike Oldfield, was unhappy with the original 1973 recording, stating it was rushed and out of tune!

Second

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Mike Oldfield – Hergest Ridge

This is the 2000 Digitally Remastered edition.

Third

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Mike Oldfield – Ommadawn

This is the 2010 Digitally Remastered edition.

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Breville Active Blend blender or liquidiser!

Tuesday, January 20th, 2015

In an effort to lose weight this year, I’ve stopped drinking Red Bull, cut down on the huge quantities of Diet Coke, stopped eating chocolate bars, and crisps daily….and started to eat daily breakfast!, and to help with breakfast…

I’ve purchased a new gadget, it’s called the Breville Active Blend blender, available from Tescos here, if you can find one, as they seem to be running Out of Stock, as the “New Year Resolution Get Fit Brigade De-Tox for the New Year!”

My Nan use to call them – Liquidisers, the modern name is Blender!

The real benefit of the Breville Active Blend , is you blend in the drinking bottle, so there is very little washing up,

  1. Just add the fruit and liquid to the drinking bottle
  2. Screw on the stainless steel cutting blades cap
  3. Whiz the blender for a 1 minute
  4. Remove the stainless steel cutting blades, run under hot water to clean.
  5. Screw on the drinking bottle cap
  6. Go to work, your done!

Some recipes I’ve been trying out

Green Tea, Spinach & Grape Smoothie

  • 300ml green tea
  • Handful spinach
  • ½ avocado
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • Bunch green grapes

Beetroot, Pomegranate & Pineapple Smoothie

  • 250ml pomegranate juice
  • 250ml orange juice
  • Fresh Pineapple
  • 1 beetroot
  • Handful ice

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Spinach, Celery and Apple Smoothie

  • 300ml Chilled apple juice
  • 1 Stick of celery, chopped
  • 1 Small apple, cored and chopped
  • 1 tbsp Freshly squeezed lime juice, or to taste
  • 1 Handful of spinach leaves

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If you are thinking or purchasing one, remember the additional bottles will cost £10.00 each from Breville direct, if you need more than a single bottle!

there are three versions of the product

Blend-Active® Single Bottle, Product Code: VBL075-01 – RRP £25, available for around £17.50 online.

Blend-Active® with 2 600ml Bottles , Product Code: VBL062-01 – RRP £29, available for around £25 online.

Blend-Active® Family Pack with 2 600ml Bottles, and 2 300 ml Bottles, Product Code: VBL096-01 – RRP £40, available for around £29 online.

(the family pack has the added value of 2  x 600ml and 2 x 300ml bottles, the 300ml bottles are not available separately!)

Blend-Active® 600ml Spare or Replacement Bottle , Product Code: VBL106-01 – RRP £10.

Andy’s Comment, it’s fun, and I get to eat more fruit on the go! The longest part of preparation is cutting up the fruit! Five Stars!

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Andy makes the IT Pro New Year’s Honours List 2015!

Monday, January 5th, 2015

I can now reveal that I made the  IT Pro New Year’s Honours List 2015!

it-pro-new-yeare28099s-honours-list-2015ait-pro-new-yeare28099s-honours-list-2015bIT Pro New Year’s Honours List 2015

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O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Sunday, January 4th, 2015

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O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;

The easiest way to get out of the house, recycle and dispose of it!

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Happy New Year 2015 Folks!

Thursday, January 1st, 2015

Happy New Year 2015 Folks!

and I hope it’s a prosperous one!

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