Homemade Burgers

Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Serves: 4


Ingredients
· 10 g butter
· 75 g onions, finely chopped
· 450 g minced beef, or minced lamb
· 1/2 tsp thyme, chopped
· 1/2 tsp parsley, chopped
· 1 eggs, beaten
· pinch fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
· 4 tbsp olive oil, for frying
To serve
· 1 ciabatta
· 4 leaves lettuce

· Tomato slices
· Cucumber pickle

Method
1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, and add the onion. Fry over a gentle heat until the onion is soft and very pale golden. Leave to cool. 2. Mix the mince with the herbs and egg, and then season with salt and pepper. Add the onions, and mix. 3. Fry a tiny bit of the mixture in the frying pan to check for seasoning, and then shape into hamburgers. Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the burgers for several minutes on each side. 4. Split the ciabatta horizontally, and toast under the grill. Fill the toasted ciabatta with lettuce, the tomato and some cucumber pickle. Pop the hot cooked burger inside, and serve immediately.

Quote of the Week

Take time to gather up the past so that you will be able to draw from your experiences and invest them in the future.

StairSteady Home Safety Tips

-Don’t walk around in socks or stockings on non carpeted floors. Try to wear rubber soled, low-heeled shoes when ever possible
- Get rid of small rugs as they are easy to trip up over.
- Make sure all of your carpets are properly fitted and all the edges are properly secured.
- Keep you home well lit using long life energy saving bulbs. Pay particular attention to stairs and walkways.
- Talk to your council, Social Services or local Independent Living Centre about having grab rails installed by steps, stairs, toilets and baths and showers.
- Get an anti slip mat for the bath and shower and replace it when it starts to loose its adherance.
- Avoid having any trailing wires. Try to group appliances next to power sockets if possible or consider having more sockets installed.
- Consider using a cordless phone or mobile to avoid having long telephone wires.
- Be tidy! Pick up anything that falls as soon as possible and think about putting small objects such as magazine racks and bins out of the way or beside large pieces of furniture.
- Wipe up any spills as soon as possible
- Never store heavy items or things you use often in high or hard to reach cupboards.
- Never keep anything on the stairs, keep stairs and walkways clear at all times.
- Take your time when getting up to answer the phone or door. Once you stand up take a second to make sure you don’t feel dizzy.
- Consider using nightlights for your bedroom and route to the bathroom or make sure you always switch the lights on before you walk across a room.
- If you need spectacles make sure you wear them at all times and get your eyese checked regularly.
-If you need a walking aid use it at all times and make sure you have one upstairs and downstairs so you don’t have to carry one on the stairs.
-Write out a plan if you fall so you know what to do as it is often difficult to think after the shock of a fall. You could also consider having a personal alarm system so you can get help if you need it.

Rachaels Comment

I have been making Hints and Tips for the StairSteady website but one particular one recently really struck a chord. Everyone at present seems to be having more money difficulties so I decided to do a piece on saving money. All of the hints and tips I put together in themselves were relatively simple but all together they could make a big difference to your monthly outgoings. Some of the tips were even fun to do!
The money saving tips I found can be broken down into three main themes: Food, Energy and Utilities and Activities. Food is a good one to start with as we all have to eat! I discovered that there are lots of things you can do to reduce your weekly bills. The first idea I came across is make a menu: this seems like quite a time consuming thing to do but once you get into the habit of it before you go shopping then you can save yourself lots of money and wastage. I started by making a list of the meals I regularly make, I was surprised how few dishes actually featured on my list, about 10 in total. I then broke the dishes down into ingredients, store cupboard essentials, fresh vegetables and meat/fish/dairy and bought the store cupboard essentials in larger bags to save money. By making double sized portions of some of the dishes like Bolognese sauce, curry, stews, pies etc and freezing them I was able to use them as my own ready meals when time is short, again saving lots of money. Another way of saving money is to use stores own brand store cupboard essentials such as tinned goods, rice, pasta etc, I found they are often just as good as expensive named brands and are a fraction of the cost, there are a few exceptions as no one in my house would eat home brand beans! Home baked cakes and biscuits also save money and it’s something I can involve my children in, they like to ‘help out’ with the stirring and decorating our treats.
Another fun way to save money on your food bills is to grow your own produce. You don’t need a large garden or big greenhouse to get started, tubs on a patio or window boxes and hanging baskets can still produce good crops of fruit and vegetables. This year we have tried tomatoes, cucumber, courgettes, potatoes, beans, peppers, sweetcorn, cabbages and pumpkins. We also have raspberries, apples and plums growing quite happily outside in tubs. They always seem to taste nicer when you have grown them yourself! Salad leaves, herbs and chillies will all grow on a kitchen windowsill so you can have fresh all year around, if you manage to water them better than us!
Utilities are also a big drain on people’s finances, it is really worth shopping around and making sure you are getting the best deal possible. There are lots of independent sources to look at I tried Which? Online site (http://www.which.co.uk/switch/?m=home&cid=carousel). Often you can get a better deal for taking out multiple utilities with one company, I have got all of my electricity, gas, broadband and telephone with just one company and it seems to be much cheaper than when I had them apart.
Saving energy around the home can also cut down on the amount you spend. Simple measures such as swapping all your bulbs to energy savers can, I found, actually reduce your bills by quite a lot. Always make sure at you turn appliances off when you aren’t using them as leaving them on standby can actually use up to 80% of the energy they use when running. When you replace your white goods always make sure you go for the best energy rating product you can afford, some products now are A++ rated meaning you will save money on your bills, this isn’t always an option for some people though, me included! Another simple tip is to only boil as much water as you need in the kettle, completely filling it each time can waste energy.
I also found that by using vouchers and rewards you can save quite a lot of money on days out and other items. Lots of supermarkets offer a reward scheme for just doing your normal shopping, by using these tokens you can pay for days out, meals, hotels, holidays etc with money you have already spent in store. I have managed to take the whole family out on day trips to Zoo’s, aquariums, activity centres and the cinema for free with my vouchers. They also come in really handy at Christmas for presents! Local and National papers and tourist booklets also quite often have vouchers in making your trip out a little cheaper.
I hope that this will inspire you to just make some small changes to your daily routines and that it saves you money too!

Mentoring Slots

I am currently offering a limited number of mentoring sessions to start-up and small businesses, focusing on anything and everything, from start-up to the dilemma of ‘what next’.
Having been in business myself for a number of years, with my company Stairsteady, I have experienced the ups and downs of growing it from a GCSE project in my front room, into an organisation that operates in the international marketplace.
Why am I doing this? Quite simply because I understand that bringing a consultant into your business can not only be expensive, it can be a daunting experience too.
Rather than getting bogged down in the obvious, I offer a new approach and a sounding board for those looking to move on to the next stage with their business, or those wanting to start up. You just tell me where you want to go and we will plan the route there, it doesn’t get much simpler than that.

The sessions can be one off, or on a regular basis and can take place either in Sheffield City Centre or in my offices just off J30.

All conversations are of course fully confidential and NDA’s can be provided on request.
Prices:
£15.00 for 30min £25.00 for an hour

The usual terms and conditions apply. This offer is only open to companies either under 1 year old or with a turn over less that £25,000. However, if you are a larger company and would like to discuss my business consultancy services, please do not hesitate to get in touch for a free consultation. If you would like to be considered email ruth@stairsteady.net

Balance

I am sat writing this post as I wait by my phone for a couple of phone calls- well you have to be productive- this post came out of the blue and I think is more of a response to the fact that I am ill.

I find that I use the word ‘balance’ as a kind of mantra in life. For me ‘balance’ is what I’m aiming for, whether its balance in work and home life or in time in the office and time spent out of it. I see ‘balance’ as being somehow the perfect medium. Now Balance has a lot of meaning or uses (thank you Wiki) but to me balance is all about not falling down, about a bit of everything and keeping in control. One of my favourite definitions of balance is

‘A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.’

I love the idea of being neutral. I think that the link to emotional stability is vital for me (I tend to work on the edge of stress a lot better, but I know that it’s not healthy.) just because I like to think I’m balanced does not mean that I am J we all have to aim for something. I am just very aware that I’m a work-a-holic I love getting involved with things and making things happen, and that can often be detrimental to many aspects of life, health being a vital one. Balance however is not an excuse for me to be lazy or not work, but it’s a reminder of a bigger picture. For many, business and work can get all consuming and I often need a reminder that the world and life itself is a lot bigger than that. For me my mantra is about reminding myself that to be my best and achieve what I want to achieve, I cannot focus solely on one aspect of life and forget the others. So that’s my current saying :)

Also things that have happened in the world of Ruth-
-crashed my car, thankfully no one was hurt, but I currently have a courtesy car while they fix mine
-I have been accepted as one of the 50 UK Female Enterprise Ambassadors
-The first StairSteadys have landed in Ireland- so exciting and I will hopefully put up some pictures when I get them
- I am currently living in an exam obsessed household and my brother does his GCSEs and my sister her A levels. I am so glad I don’t have to do them again.
- We installed a demo unit in Wiltshire, which meant I was lucky enough to spend a few days down there last week, great view, great food and great business.
- I officially have the most horrific coldy flu thing. Having so much vitamin c and Echinacea, I just hate being ill. (not enough balance)

So all in all an eventful week.

Does anyone else have a mantra?

Want to be part of something special?

Want to be a part of something special? Love F1 or racing? want to support young talent?
than this is for you. I have known Russ for quite a few years now (and anyone that follows the blog will have seen him mentioned in a past post) he has been called 'the next Hamilton' and is a very talented driver and now he is offering a really unique oppurtunity, not just to businesses but to individuals.

The Russ Danzey 500 Club

About the Club
We are delighted to welcome you to the 'The500Club', whether you are a regular race fan or you’ve never set foot on a race circuit. Join us to share the journey of one of Britains finest talents on his progression through the motor sport ranks. Get closer to the thrill of real motorsport action, play a part in a young driver’s career and enjoy all the benefits top flight motorsport has to offer.
The Cost
£500 is all it takes to become a member of Team Danzey. We can bring you into the action for a fraction of the real cost of competing, as well as playing a pivotal role in a driver’s career and providing a great platform for corporate use.
You won’t find a better value corporate option in motorsport.
By joining the 'The500Club' you and your guests will enjoy sharing the ‘buzz’ when Russ competes, as well as the atmosphere and camaraderie of a full race weekend.


The Racing Program
In 2011 Russell will race in an exciting program of events in the UK in Formula BARC the proving ground for many successful. The BRDC race championship has proven to be incredibly successful over the years with many F1 and Indy car stars progressing through the series on their way to the top.


Members Benefits
'The500Club' management has put an attractive package of member’s benefits together which are listed below. We are always interested in feedback from our members to help us maximise their enjoyment. Once you’ve joined you’ll receive an exclusive ‘The500Club’ member’s pack.


Exclusive Members Pack
'The500Club' welcome letter outlining your benefits and also a branded T-Shirt and cap,
• www.russelldanzey.om The website is designed to give you up to the minute news on Russell, his training and activities, post race analysis. Give us your email address and stay in touch via regular e-bulletins.
• Company or Individual Branding You will be able to have your own company logo/web address or individual branding on Russell's website for the season.
• Race passes Members can ring and book tickets for all races.
• Meet the Drivers and Team As members of the 'The500Club', you will have the chance to go behind the scenes at all race events by meeting the driver and race team and enjoy a guided tour of the race car.
• Corporate/Personal Track Days Members would have the opportunity to book a personal Trackday with Russ at some of the best UK's circuits.
• Recommend 4 members Introduce 4 new members and get your annual membership and
2 tickets for all races!
Recommend 10 members and get full corporate logo on car and suit
• Signed Framed Photograph An end of season signed photograph to enjoy at home or at work.
• Race Video You will receive a DVD of selected races throughout Russ's season, the on-board camera shows spectacular footage – just how Russ sees the track, a true driver’s eye-view!
• Club Magazine An end of season publication will be produced to include a season review, articles of interest, opportunities for members to promote their services and details of all members of the 'The500Club'
To optimise the benefits outlined above we seek a complete understanding of our members goals, whether you are a company or a private supporter. We aim to make sure that all associated benefits and rewards exceed your expectations, ensuring you enjoy an amazing experience whilst sharing Russ's incredible adventure.
Annual membership
Minimum investment of £500
‘The500Club’ will be delighted to discuss how your investment can be "tailor made" to ensure maximum benefit for you, your company and your guests.


so there is all the info you need, but on a personal note Russ is one of the most dedicated people i know and one of the most talented.
for more info email russ.danzey@mac.com

Thanks,
Rx