Jun
14

Fantastic recipes, book reviews and more…

Sweet potato & butternut squash soup with lemon & garlic toast

Delicious and easy to make for those frosty winter nights, snuggle up warm and enjoy this winter soup recipe hearty meal with warm crusty bread

Sweet potato & butternut squash soup with lemon & garlic toast

Ingredients

For the soup

  • 500g sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and diced
  • 1 tbsp clear honey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle
  • 2 onions, roughly chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1l vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp grated nutmeg
  • 100ml double cream

Method

  1. Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Put the sweet potato and butternut squash on a baking tray and add the honey and a drizzle of olive oil. Roast for 40-45 mins until soft and starting to caramelise at the edges, stirring occasionally.
  2. Meanwhile, fry the onions in 1 tbsp olive oil until soft, then add the garlic, chicken stock, cinnamon and nutmeg. Bring to the boil, and simmer for 5 mins.
  3. Remove the sweet potatoes and butternut squash from the oven and add to the pan with the stock. Blend everything until smooth using a stick blender. Stir in most of the cream and bring back to a gentle simmer, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. To make the lemon & garlic toasts, gently warm the olive oil and garlic in a pan over a low heat for a few mins; the garlic should be softened but not browned. Remove from the heat and mix in the butter and lemon zest until smooth. Leave to cool, then stir in the chives and thyme.
  5. Toast the ciabatta slices, and top each with a spoonful of garlic butter. Serve with the soup, drizzled with the remaining cream, and some black pepper.

Enjoyed making this easy butternut squash soup recipe? Click here for more recipes, book reviews and more….

Jun
12

New and reconditioned vacuums – IBS will help reduce down time

IBS are market leaders in innovative Industrial Services equipment and solutions. They have a reputation as leaders in cutting edge technology for Industrial Blower Equipment such as Busch Vacuum pump, becker vacuum pumps and Gardner Denver blowers which are known for their high performance, robust equipment, cost effective and versatility.

The IBS Blowers Team

Hiring equipment such as elmo rietschle vacuum pump from IBS is simple and affordable to minimise customers down time in the event of:

  • Emergency breakdown
  • Planned repair/maintenance
  • Short-term demand
  • Testing of new systems
  • Accidental damage

IBS not only offer world class products they have a dedicated team of experts in Industrial Blower Services technologies. They pride themselves on customer service even offering customers a free Industrial Vacuum Loader health check, which ensures your vacuum loader, is always in good working order thus eliminating any unnecessary downtime with breakdowns or faulty equipment.

IBS also have a large stock of new and reconditioned vacuums that are ready to be dispatched immediately. Their top of the range Industrial Vacuum Equipment such as leybold vacuum pump and Gast vacuum pump Industrial Vacuum Services ensures you will always have the best the industry has to offer.

Jun
10

RUMM’s technology and energy management is first class

RUMM have an excellent track record that has taken them to greater heights with their Energy Management Services and Systems. RUMM offer a first class world renowned service and are committed to business energy reduction. RUMM take their commitment seriously with expanding to the USA, opening up world class offices. I found this recent case study by which RUMM have assisted Doncaster, Blaenavon achieved excellent results in reducing energy consumption and savings.

The Client

Doncasters is a leading international engineering group. It manufactures precision components and assemblies for the aerospace, industrial gas turbines, specialist automotive fasteners and petrochemical markets. Doncasters excels at working with alloys and metals that are difficult to shape and form.

The Brief

With an energy bill of £1.4million at the Doncasters’ Blaenavon site, RUMM was asked to look at ways of reducing energy consumption thus improving profits. The main focus of this was to design and install an automatic monitoring and targeting system (aM&T) to monitor consumption.

The Method

RUMM

RUMM installed an aM&T system which provided Doncasters with half hourly data in order to identify those areas where savings could be made.

To ensure everyone was able to understand how the system worked and where the plant was using excess energy, the RUMM team worked closely with the incumbent energy team, in order to identify how electricity and gas were being distributed and the key areas in which they were being used.

The Results

By evaluating opportunities for savings within the thermal efficiency field, and optimising ‘waste heat’ to minimise temperature dissipation, RUMM was able to bring energy consumption down by 27%, giving the Blaenavon plant a saving of £1million over 2 years, against a 40% increase in sales.

This success contributed to Doncasters receiving an Energy Management Award. Such was the success of the work in Blaenavon, Doncasters also asked RUMM to install its energy management solution at four other plants in the UK. Since installation, a total of £3.6million has been saved in energy consumption costs, equating to 11,800 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Why it worked

Using RUMM’s technology and energy management expertise allowed Doncasters to clearly identify those areas of high energy consumption and focus its efforts in order to set specific objectives that reduced energy consumption. As well as looking at existing manufacturing methods, the company was able to test, prior to installation, proposed new systems to evaluate future energy consumption.

“The service we have had from RUMM has been first class. Such was the project’s initial success, we installed at a further four sites and continue to look at other sites where RUMM’s intelligent monitoring can be used”

Group Energy Manager, Doncasters

Do you need help in reducing energy consumption and therefore save money? Would you like your company to achieve excellent results in Energy Reduction in Manufacturing?

Mar
22

What do you give teenagers for school lunches?

Are you struggling to find healthy school lunch ideas? Having a 15 year old and 13 year old I have spent the past 10 years wracking my brain what to give them for school lunches, the options are limited to sandwiches, fruit, snacks, crisps etc. As they have grown older they eat far more resulting in school lunches becoming an expensive meal of the day. Its easy to give them tuck money and hope like hell they buy something substantial however, it usually consists of junk food which plays havoc with their sugar levels the rest of the day.

With childhood obesity and diabetes on the rise, it’s clear our kids need healthier eating habits. Establishing these behaviors early in life can lead to healthier eating as an adult. And what better place to start learning good habits than in school?

Experts find that many school lunches are too high in cholesterol and saturated fat, and too low in dietary fiber, whole grains and vegetables. However, the days of soggy tater tots and rubbery hot dogs may be numbered. Schools nationwide are working to make more nutritional lunches available to all students. From vegetarian lunch options to using local produce, school lunches are transforming.

I found some great nutritional school lunch ideas I decided were worth sharing, these easy lunch recipes will make your life easier:

3. Turkey Salad Rolls

CHICKEN SALAD ROLLS

Combine diced smoked chicken, toasted almonds, halved seedless red grapes, thinly sliced celery and mayonnaise. Transfer to an airtight container; pack with a whole wheat hot dog bun for your talented kid to assemble.

4. Corn and Zucchini Fritters

Corn and Zucchini Fritters

Prepare a batch of whole wheat pancake batter, using about 1/2 the liquid. Stir in a cup thawed frozen corn, one small grated zucchini and a handful of Parmesan, and a sliced scallion. The zucchini will add moisture; add more liquid if the batter is too stiff. Cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Pack with Greek yogurt for dipping.
10. Chips and Dips

Chips and Dips

Combine chopped fresh tomatoes, lime juice, finely chopped white onion and chopped fresh cilantro. Pack flaxseed tortilla chips with small containers of the salsa, avocados mashed with lemon juice, and Greek yogurt.

11. Mini-Bagel Breakfast Sandwich

Mini-Bagel Breakfast Sandwich

Spread the bottom of a split, toasted mini-bagel with cream cheese, Canadian bacon or pancetta, a scrambled egg and a tomato slice. Spread more cream cheese on the bagel’s top slice before setting into place.
Click here for other articles, reviews, recipes and more….

Mar
21

Grand Designs an inspiration event on a grand scale

dblo Associates residential architects London are exhibiting at the Grand Designs London Show in May 2015. Its a great time to pop into their stand at the show if you need any advice or have any questions regarding architecture, interiors and property advice. They are the leading experts in grand design delivering innovative, contemporary, flexible solutions from remodelling to bespoke new build homes. Visit them to realise your Grand Design.

Their team of experts are waiting to answer any query you have they have wide experience and knowledge across a variety of project and contract types.

dblo Associates specialise in extensions and refurbishments and believe that the quality of surrounding have a direct influence on the quality of our lives, whether in public, the work place, or the home. dblo associates is an organisation dedicated to creating and enhancing value through design.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to get advice from them at the Grand Designs Show.

header logo EXCEL

Mar
20

The family you can turn to in time of need

Arranging a funeral can be one of the most stressful things you will ever have to do and Lodge Brothers funeral directors Addlestone and funeral directors Chertsey are there to help. They have compassionate staff with years of experience who know exactly how painful grief is.

With Lodge Brothers funeral directors Cobham (a new branch recently opened) you will feel like you are part of their family. Their staff are dedicated to helping the community and every person who comes to them for assistance.

Funeral directors Ealing offer memorial headstones, floral tributes, pre-paid funeral plans, cremations, coffins and caskets. All the Lodge Brothers branches are actively involved in the community. Have a look at what some of the recent news from Lodge Brothers.

St David’s Day Marked at Lodge Brothers & Wickendens Ealing

Ealing branch of Lodge Brothers & Wickendens marked St David’s Day this weekend with a colourful display of daffodils alongside the traditional Welsh flag, in memory of past clients of Welsh origin.

District Manager Paul Bye explains “It’s important that all our branches respect the multi cultural communities they serve and hang flags on as many public holidays as possible. This has become a recognised event in the local community and locals now look out for the change of the window displays.”

Funds Raised for Home Start by Lodge Brothers Walton

The staff at Lodge Brothers Walton were delighted to welcome Carol Hodges (Manager) and Gill Robinson (Family Support Coordinator) from the charity ‘Home Start’ to the branch, to present them with a cheque for £150 for monies raised with donations from the local community.

Both Ann McMurray (Branch Arranger) and Sharon Brunn (Relief Branch Arranger), made holly wreaths at Christmas time, which were available from the Walton branch for anybody who wanted to remember their loved one. Whilst it was not a requirement, people still generously made donations in return for taking a wreath home with them.

Ann said “It is a difficult time of year for many families who have lost a loved one, and therefore we wanted to help them by providing something special which could either be taken home as a table decoration, or even placed in memory of someone in a special place.”

Sharon chose the charity Home Start as the worthy cause to receive the monies raised.

Pictured are left to right: Carol Hodges (Manager – Home Start), Gill Robinson (Family Support Coordinator), Ann McMurray (Branch Arranger), Sharon Brunn (Branch Relief Arranger).

Mar
18

Are you looking to outsource your IT Department?

Do you own your own business and find keeping up with technology a headache? Knowall IT have the solution to your IT problems. They have affordable packages to choose from where you are able to outsource your IT department to them and they will take care of all your IT needs. Keeping up to date with technology can be overwhelming when its not your core business, however, IT is essential to run your business. Knowall IT manage hundreds of small to medium enterprises, their engineers keep up to date with technology at all times.

Knowall IT understand that companies cannot afford the additional expense and time of system down time, system updates and system changes, they provide practical and affordable solutions.

Knowall ITs Ad-Hoc IT Support contracts are designed to support either an onsite IT Manager with 2nd and 3rd line engineers or designed for smaller organisations that do not rely on too much IT.

The Ad-Hoc contract, as opposed to paying per incident, gives you preferential rates and the same SLAs as our Full IT Support service.

  • 24×7 Telephone & Remote Support
  • Emergency Engineers – Onsite within 1 hour
  • Onsite Visits for Critical Issues
  • 99.9% SLAs
  • Monthly Reporting

Remote Support

  • 24×7 Telephone & Remote Support
  • Professional and Highly Experienced

Site Visits

  • Re-Active Onsite Visits For Critical Issues
  • Onsite Within an Hour – London Based

Software Support

  • General user applications, including Microsoft Suites, Sage, Maximiser, Access Accounts, Solid Works, Photoshop, Entourage, Mac mail, to name but a few
  • Microsoft operating systems 2003/2008
  • Active Directory | Exchange 2003/2007
  • SQL 2005
  • LINUX based email, web and DNS servers
  • Macs, PCs & Server Hardware
  • Networks & Security, including Firewall’s and routers configuration and management. Vendors include Cisco, Sonicwall, Juniper and Zyxel/Zywall
  • Delivery of applications through WAN’s using technologies such as Microsoft Terminal Server, Citrix and Jetro also known these days as “Cloud Computing London.”
  • Anti-virus, spam and spyware prevention
  • Data backups and protection
  • VOIP (Voice Over IP) traffic management over LAN’s & WAN’s – SWYX

Service Level Agreements

  • 1 Hour response to any user related issues
  • 15 Minute response to any critical issue
  • Immediate despatch of engineers for critical issues – onsite within the hour
  • 24×7 Support available

PAY AS YOU GO can be used for one off incidents or on a retainer basis for preferential pricing and service levels.

  • Telephone, Remote and email support – from £60 Per Hour
  • Onsite Visits from £70 Per Hour

Mar
17

Searching for a company that repairs industrial equipment contact IBS Blowers

Home

Searching for a company that repairs industrial equipment, a company that came highly recommended to me from many of the industry we are in. IBS Blowers whom specialise in industrial Blower Services based in the UK, impressively they have expanded their company and opened offices in America. They have increased their staff to meet the demands placed on their highly efficient service and excellent products.

They are so intent on customer satisfaction they offer a FREE HEALTH CHECK for Vacuum Loaders; offering a service our company requires from time to time. I completed the quick and easy form and within no time at all, assistance for the Free Health Check was on offer.

No hidden costs involved or any pressure just a simple straight forward offer. They have a wide range of some of the leaders in brand name vacuum pumps such as Busch Vacuum pump and becker vacuum pumps, should you require a new vacuum pump or would like to hire one.

If you cannot afford the time for them to repair your vacuum pump, providing they have a suitable replacement in stock, IBS will forward a reconditioned unit immediately to minimise your downtime. Upon receipt of your old machine, providing it is in serviceable condition, they will charge for the replacement at the service exchange value. If your vacuum pump is not serviceable, IBS will upgrade your purchase to reconditioned status.

Click here for more information on Gardner Denver blowers and elmo rietschle vacuum pump

Mar
16

Are you tired of going out alone?

Renting a friend doesn’t have to be something to worry about with Dukes of Daisy friend for hire service, this affordable and simple solution of going to a function without a partner is quickly and conveniently sorted out with their safe service they offer.

Their professional approach makes you feel at ease within no time at all. Dukes of Daisy are a fast and easy solution to finding a date at the last minute. Before you cancel that special occasion because don’t have a date, find out how they can help you.

Outgoing Caucasian escort Cindy hot blonde dates birmingham sexy brunette escorts Hollie

Whether you prefer blondes or brunette’s ladies and men with all different attributes to choose from there is someone for everyone. Not only can you choose the physical looks but you can also choose the type of person they are. Perhaps someone with a sense of humour or who has a sensitive side, you will find someone to suit your budget all sorted out in a few simple steps.

Have a look at some of the large selection of girls that Dukes of Daisy’s have to offer, you can even put up your wish list.

If you would like to earn excellent money, click here to find out more female escorts

Mar
15

Are you paying too much for energy?

RUMM Energy Management Solutions UK and systems are committed to the environment with a passionate qualified group of professionals bringing you the latest in technology through their innovative systems and solutions allowing companies to reduce energy and save money. The effects of this are far reaching and go a long way towards helping to save the planet.

RUMM are constantly expanding their team with new employees to assist with the increasing demand with Business energy reduction.

I found an article on their website I decided to share, showing just how committed RUMM are as the leaders in energy management services.

RUMM to boost staffing levels by more than 50% to meet growing demand this year

We are engaged in a major expansion of our business.  After 10 years hard work it’s great to become an overnight success!  One of the key reasons is the increase in the market brought about by ESOS – Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme – an EU energy initiative that requires member states to introduce a mandatory programme of energy audits for large enterprises.

The Carbon Trust has indicated that to date, too few lead assessors have been accredited to carry out these audits, which could lead to a bottleneck as the compliance deadline of December 2015 approaches.

RUMM has been carrying out this kind of audit for large companies for many years and all of RUMM’s energy account managers are ESOS recognised lead assessors.

RUMM already employs 26 staff, and aims to increase staffing levels to 40 to meet demand.

Dr Steve Lloyd, RUMM co-founder and Chairman, says, “These will be sustainable, knowledge-based jobs, and will include graduate engineers, scientists, installation technicians as well as other support staff, however, our intention is that this level of staffing will continue permanently, and not just for the duration of the ESOS scheme, as we build relationships with customers throughout the UK and they understand the cash saving benefits of lowering energy consumption an on-going basis.”

RUMM currently works with customers across the industrial and commercial sectors to make significant savings in energy costs and carbon.  For example, Amtico, Zodiac Group, Welsh Water, the Celtic Manor Resort, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Yuasa Batteries etc.  Our clients have saved more than £40m in energy costs.

“Our ultimate target is to make energy savings of £1bn,” confirms Dr Lloyd. “The ESOS programme will place us well on the road to achieving that.”

RUMM co-founder and Director of Sales Jamie Watkins adds, “We are already geared up to take on the challenge presented by ESOS both in terms of expertise and innovative technologies. Our innovative technologies are also allowing us to partner with some of the major energy providers in the marketplace in the UK & Europe. Now we just need extra staff to deliver it all, as well as building up long-term partnerships with major enterprises throughout the UK.  Large consumers, those with energy bills over £250k per annum – benefit hugely from the substantial energy savings we can make for them by installing the appropriate technical infrastructure and supplying specialist resource.”

If you are interested in working with a talented team in a high growth area within a rapidly expanding company click here Business energy reduction UK

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