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Gardening for Biodiversity is good for you!

There are over 2 million domestic gardens (or 359,000 acres) in this country. Just imagine the difference it could make if even a small number of those gardens became biodiversity friendly! But we wouldn't just be opening our gardens to nature for altruistic reasons. Inviting birds, butterflies, bees, wildflowers, and trees into your own garden won't just help the planet, it will help you, too!

Gardening for Biodiversity also has advantages for human health and wellbeing. Research has shown that the more urbanised humans have become, the more we actually need exposure to nature. It's good for your mental health. A sterile garden, with tightly mown grass, or artificial surfaces, offers humans no exposure to nature, no buzz from busy insects, no birdsong, no life.

People feel better when they are surrounded by nature and indeed this sense of wellbeing has been shown to increase in line with an increase in biodiversity - the wilder the area, with more different types of plants and animals, the better you will feel! A visit to a town park with tightly mown lawns cannot compare to how good you feel on a walk through a wildflower meadow or a semi-natural woodland. So just imagine the health benefits of bringing some of that feel-good nature right to your door.

Indeed in a time of climate change 'anxiety', wildlife gardening is a great way to help you to feel like you're doing something positive to help your local wildlife and community, including the farmers who depend on pollinators - by making room for nature on your patch of land. What an honour it is to be able to manage your own patch of the planet and decide exactly what can grow there. You have the power to decide what creatures can share this space with you. Perhaps there is room for some more of our native biodiversity on your patch?

Small is beautiful

To help Irish wildlife, we need to consider all of our biodiversity. It's actually the small plants, the wildflowers, bugs, caterpillars, spiders and other 'creepy-crawlies' that are so important as they form the base of the food webs that support the more 'attractive' birds and mammals we may want to help the most. There are a lot more invertebrates than there are mammals or birds. But without all the small guys, our larger charismatic fauna can't survive!

Whenever we try to help a species/group in our garden, we should consider how we might provide food, shelter and safety for that group and if our garden management (such as our use of pesticides) may be damaging to it in any way. While we can never replicate natural habitats that have taken many thousands of years to evolve, we can try to replicate semi-natural 'mini-versions' that meet these needs, for instance an area of your garden that mimics a woodland edge, a wildflower strip that mimics a meadow, or a section of native hedgerow or a small pond.

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Immersive read: Biodiversity-friendly gardens: for a healthier planet and a healthier you

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There are over 2 million domestic gardens (or 359,000 acres) in this country. Just imagine the difference it could make if even a small number of those gardens became biodiversity friendly! But we wouldn't just be opening our gardens to nature for altruistic reasons.

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Families, staff members and communication partners who have attended a Lámh Course can view video clips and details of Lámh signs demonstrated by Lámh sign experts. These Lámh sign video clips are a part of your Lámh Course Training Pack, and are of most benefit when used alongside of the Lámh Handbook & Signbook you received from your Lámh Tutor.

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Families, staff members and communication partners who have attended a Lámh Course can view video clips and details of Lámh signs demonstrated by Lámh sign experts. These Lámh sign video clips are a part of your Lámh Course Training Pack, and are of most benefit when used alongside of the Lámh Handbook & Signbook you received from your Lámh Tutor.

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Blueberry and oatmeal face mask exfoliant - pamper yourself 

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Blueberry and oatmeal face mask exfoliant - pamper yourself 

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A fun game to help us think positive about ourselves

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50 of the Best Cleaning Tips to Make Your House Look Brand-New

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We've got a trick to clean every corner of your home (it's just what we do)!Work your way through these tried-and-tested cleaning tips from the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab to add sparkle and shine to any room.

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Saturday 14th November - World Diabetes day. 

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Saturday 14th November - World Diabetes day. 

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What is Diabetes? - Diabetes Ireland : Diabetes Ireland

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What is diabetes mellitus?
The term 'diabetes' means excessive urination and the word 'mellitus' means honey.

Diabetes mellitus is a lifelong condition caused by a lack, or insufficiency of insulin. Insulin is a hormone - a substance of vital importance that is made by your pancreas. Insulin acts like a key to open the doors into your cells, letting sugar (glucose) in. In diabetes, the pancreas makes too little insulin to enable all the sugar in your blood to get into your muscle and other cells to produce energy. If sugar can't get into the cells to be used, it builds up in the bloodstream. Therefore, diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels.
Before you got diabetes
Before you got diabetes, your body automatically kept your blood sugar exactly at the right level. Here is how that worked. After a meal containing carbohydrates, sugar is absorbed into the blood stream very quickly. The amount of sugar in your blood must not get too high or too low. Two hormones - insulin and glucagon - were produced in the pancreas - to ensure that the blood sugar was always well controlled no matter how much you had to eat and how much you exercised.
Types of diabetes
Diabetes Mellitus is the most common and there is two different categories:

Type 1 diabetes tends to occur in childhood or early adult life, and always requires treatment with insulin injections. It is caused by the body's own immune system destroying the insulin-making cells (beta-cells) of the pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes usually develops slowly in adulthood. It is progressive and can sometimes be treated with diet and exercise, but more often Type 2 diabetes may require antidiabetic medicine and/or insulin injections.
Prediabetes is described in this video clip -
Diabetes Insipidus is often confused with diabetes mellitus because of the similar name and symptoms. Diabetes insipidus is a rare disorder where the system the body uses to regulate its water levels becomes disrupted. More information can be found here. To contact the Irish support group see http://www.pituitary.org.uk/support-for-you/support-in-your-area/ireland/republic-of-ireland/

The differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes

Characteristics of the condition

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Risk Factors - Very different

* Having another autoimmune condition
* Having a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes combined with environmental factors and a common infection which may trigger onset

* Over 40 years of age
* Have a parent or brother/sister with diabetes
* Had diabetes during a pregnancy
* Are overweight for your height
* Do not take 30 minutes of physical activity daily
* Have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol

Symptoms: Some overlap

Fast onset of extremely high blood glucose levels which leads to:
* Extreme thirst
* Frequent urination
* Weight loss
* Hunger
* Fatigue

High blood glucose levels which lead to:
* Thirst and frequent urination
* Urinary tract infections
* High blood pressure
* Fatigue
* Neuropathy
* May also have no symptoms or just mild thirst or repeated infections

Nature of illness: Very different

Autoimmune condition that causes your cells to kill off your insulin producing beta cells, as a result your body no longer makes insulin.

Your body makes insulin but it isn't used properly by the body or there is not enough insulin to meet your body's demands resulting in an insulin inefficiency.

Onset: Very different

Quick onset, generally within a few weeks or months.

Slow onset, may be several years after glucose levels begin to rise. On average 12 years pass between onset and diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Treatment: Some overlap

* Intense daily self-management of insulin to balance food intake or exercise
* Must take multiple injections of insulin or infusion through insulin pump

* Daily self-management of food intake, exercise and medication
* Over time roughly 40% may need to use insulin injections

Age of diagnosis: Typically different

Typically early childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age.

Typically adulthood but can occur at any age.

Complications: Same but to varying degrees

* Short term complications give rise to acute emergencies such as hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis
* Long term exposure to low glucose levels can cause hypoglycemic unawareness
* Long term exposure to high glucose levels can cause blood vessel damage
* Blood vessel damage can cause blindness, retinopathy, heart disease and foot problems including amputation and earlier mortality.

* Many people at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes may have already had up to 12 years exposure to long term high blood glucose levels and have complications at diagnosis
* Damage to large and small blood vessels throughout the body which causes blindness, retinopathy, heart disease, kidney disease, amputation, gastroparesis, early mortality.

Is it preventable?: Very different

No

* Yes, up to 40% of diagnoses may be prevented with healthy diet and weight management
* A further 40% may delay the onset of the condition with alterations to dietary intake and healthy activities to curb weight gain.

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Diabetes Ireland is the only national charity in Ireland dedicated to helping people with diabetes. We achieve this by providing support, education and motivation to everyone affected by diabetes. We also raises public awareness of diabetes and its symptoms and fund research into finding a cure for diabetes.

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Study Technique and Dealing with Exam Stress

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Study Technique and Dealing with Exam Stress

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Marion Roche

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Some delicious breakfasts produced  by 3rd years 

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Some delicious breakfasts produced  by 3rd years 

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Sophie expertly demonstrates the creaming method 

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Irina cooking dinner for family - looks yum 

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Irina cooking dinner for family - looks yum 

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Irina’s impressive cross stitch! A framer! 

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Irina’s impressive cross stitch! A framer! 

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What does a clean skewer look like when baking?

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Chopping and basic knife skills - Kids’ Kitchen | BBC Good Food

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Chopping and basic knife skills - Kids’ Kitchen | BBC Good Food

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Learning how to hold a knife and cut ingredients safely is a fundamental cooking skill. BBC Good Food’s Kids’ Kitchen videos, recipes and advice will guide you and your children through essential skills.

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Makes 25

Ingredients
150g butter
80g brown sugar
80g caster sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
225g plain flour
1/2 teaspoon bread soda
pinch salt
25 chocolate Rolo's
100g dark chocolate
Edible sugar eyes

Method
In a bowl, cream the butter and both sugars.
Add the egg and vanilla and mix.
Finally add the flour, salt and bread soda and mix until a smooth dough is formed.
Wrap in cling and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 170C.
Once the pastry is rested, roll on a floured surface and using a cutter, cut out 25 circles.
Place these on two lined trays and egg wash.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove and allow to cool slightly.
Once cold, stick on a Rolo with some melted chocolate and finish decorating by piping on the legs and adhere the edible eyes onto the Rolo.
TIP: If you cannot buy edible eyes, just use white and dark chocolate instead

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Makes 25 Ingredients 150g butter 80g brown sugar 80g caster sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg 225g plain flour 1/2 teaspoon bread soda pinch salt 25 chocolate Rolo's 100g dark chocolate Edible sugar eyes Method In a bowl, cream the butter and both sugars. Add the egg and vanilla and mix.

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Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6/ fan 180C and very lightly butter a 12-hole muffin tin. Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl. In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then stir in the melted butter, milk and honey. Add to the flour with the remaining ingredients. Combine quickly without overworking (it's fine if there are some lumps left - you want it gloopy rather than fluid). Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin. Bake for 20-25 minutes until well risen and pale golden on top.

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Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6/ fan 180C and very lightly butter a 12-hole muffin tin. Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl. In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then stir in the melted butter, milk and honey. Add to the flour with the remaining ingredients.

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Banana Squares

Oven Time : 20-25 mins

www.odlums.ie /recipes/banana-squares/

What you need:

225g/8oz Odlums Cream Plain Flour

125g/4oz Shamrock Golden Caster Sugar

2 large Bananas, mashed

4 tablespoons Vegetable Oil

2 Eggs

1 teaspoon Odlums Baking Powder

Good pinch of Goodall's Cinnamon

To Decorate

75g/3oz Cream Cheese

75g/3oz Butter (room temperature)

1 teaspoon Goodall's Vanilla Essence

225g/8oz Icing Sugar

Banana Slices (optional)

How to:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Line a Swiss Roll tin 28cm x 18cm / 11" x 7" with greaseproof paper or baking parchment.

2. Place sugar, bananas, oil and eggs into a large mixing bowl and blend together.

3. Add the flour, baking powder and cinnamon and gently stir until mixture is smooth and ingredients are all blended.

4. Pour into the prepared tin and spread evenly.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until top is golden and a cocktail stick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

6. Allow to cool completely.

Topping

1. Beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla essence together. Then gradually beat in the icing sugar until topping is smooth and spreadable.

2. Spread on cake and cut into squares. Top with banana slices. Cover and store in a fridge.

Note

Banana Squares are also delicious served plain, topped with chocolate spread or simply dusted with icing sugar

Banana Squares

Print Recipe >

What you need:

225g/8oz Odlums Cream Plain Flour

125g/4oz Shamrock Golden Caster Sugar

2 large Bananas, mashed

4 tablespoons Vegetable Oil

2 Eggs

1 teaspoon Odlums Baking Powder

Good pinch of Goodall's Cinnamon

To Decorate

75g/3oz Cream Cheese

75g/3oz Butter (room temperature)

1 teaspoon Goodall's Vanilla Essence

225g/8oz Icing Sugar

Banana Slices (optional)

How to:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Line a Swiss Roll tin 28cm x 18cm / 11" x 7" with greaseproof paper or baking parchment.

2. Place sugar, bananas, oil and eggs into a large mixing bowl and blend together.

3. Add the flour, baking powder and cinnamon and gently stir until mixture is smooth and ingredients are all blended.

4. Pour into the prepared tin and spread evenly.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until top is golden and a cocktail stick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

6. Allow to cool completely.

Topping

1. Beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla essence together. Then gradually beat in the icing sugar until topping is smooth and spreadable.

2. Spread on cake and cut into squares. Top with banana slices. Cover and store in a fridge.

Note

Banana Squares are also delicious served plain, topped with chocolate spread or simply dusted with icing sugar

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Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Line a Swiss Roll tin 28cm x 18cm / 11" x 7" with greaseproof paper or baking parchment. Place sugar, bananas, oil and eggs into a large mixing bowl and blend together. Add the flour, baking powder and cinnamon and gently stir until mixture is smooth and ingredients are all blended.

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Breakfast Booster Banana & Oat Smoothie

www.odlums.ie /recipes/breakfast-booster-banana-and-oat-smoothie/

What you need:

15g/1 tablespoon Odlums Porridge Oats

1 large Banana

300ml/½pt Skimmed Milk (ice cold)

2 Ice Cubes or Frozen Strawberries

Additional fruit, if desired

How to:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blitz for about a minute until smooth.

2. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy!

Note

Drizzle with Rowse Honey for extra sweetness, if desired.

Breakfast Booster Banana & Oat Smoothie

Print Recipe >

What you need:

15g/1 tablespoon Odlums Porridge Oats

1 large Banana

300ml/½pt Skimmed Milk (ice cold)

2 Ice Cubes or Frozen Strawberries

Additional fruit, if desired

How to:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blitz for about a minute until smooth.

2. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy!

Note

Drizzle with Rowse Honey for extra sweetness, if desired.

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Breakfast Booster Banana & Oat Smoothie Recipe | Odlums

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Breakfast Booster Banana & Oat Smoothie www.odlums.ie /recipes/breakfast-booster-banana-and-oat-smoothie/ What you need: 15g/1 tablespoon Odlums Porridge Oats 1 large Banana 300ml/½pt Skimmed Milk (ice cold) 2 Ice Cubes or Frozen Strawberries Additional fruit, if desired How to: Place all ingredients in a blender and blitz for about a minute until smooth.

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Easy Food is Ireland's go-to source for all things food. It is the ultimate cooking and kitchen guide for home cooks, from fail-safe recipes to expert tips from our very own custom-built test kitchen.

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Videos - preparation and cooking of food 

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Videos - preparation and cooking of food 

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Videos about cooking including the Licence to cook videos.

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How to master 10 essential kitchen skills

Want to learn how to chop an onion, how to chop a chilli or how to roast a chicken perfectly? Know the secret to peeling and cutting an avocado? We'll show you how.

Brush up on your cooking skills with our video guide to the techniques that are used in the kitchen. It's easier than you think. Why not try one new cooking technique each week and soon you'll be cooking like a pro!

Take a look at our cooking skills videos below.

1. How to boil and poach an egg

2. How to peel and cut an avocado

3. How to chop herbs

4. How to chop an onion

5. How to chop garlic

6. How to cook rice

7. How to cook pasta

8. How to make a baked potato

9. How to make scrambled eggs

10. How to cook roast chicken and vegetables

To see all our cooking videos, check out our YouTube channel.

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Want to learn how to chop an onion, how to chop a chilli or how to roast a chicken perfectly? Know the secret to peeling and cutting an avocado? We'll show you how. Brush up on your cooking skills with our video guide to the techniques that are used in the kitchen.

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Burgers can be a great way of getting the kids to eat meat and doesn't always have to mean digging out the BBQ. Serve in wholegrain bread buns or with grilled potato wedges and salad.

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Find your favourite baking recipes to bake at home and discover our range of flour, porridge, and ready mixes today!

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Take a look at this video on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/TI2Jpxq3xJ4

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Lots of supports here for all students - baking, literacy, numeracy and more

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Members of the National Council for Special Education