Angela

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Living Room Tips To Know Before Deciding On The Furniture.

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Depending on how essential the living room is to you, it may serve various purposes. It may be like an artist’s showroom where they display all their best pieces for people to see. For some people, the fire is never quenched in the living room! You will find so much artistry that undeniably speaks of the homeowner, and that is only the reception. Can you picture the other rooms?

Whether they are maximalists or minimalists, you will either be taken aback or not. For other homeowners, the living room is where the family gathers alone or with visitors. It is a room for bonding after a day’s work.

The challenge that is always there is when you purchase a new set of furniture for a new living room, and you do not know what will go where. The points that follow show the living room basics that you need to know if you have a new living room and you are indecisive about the furniture.

Living Room Basics

Do you want to create an intimate setting that will attract the eyes of many? Once they are delivered home, what follows? Arranging, right? You should ensure that you pull all your furniture away from the walls. This is a mistake that most if not all people make.

You should flaunt the design of the chairs as much as you can without hiding either side: front or back. Unless they are unfinished, why should you even push them to the wall?

Establish The Focal Point Of The Room

A focal point is vital since it dictates where the furniture will be placed or instead arranged. Hence you will have to build a focal point by either using the television or like in several homes a fireplace, even a chandelier. They do not have to be the only focal objects in your home. You can be as aesthetic as they come- look for individual pieces that you love deeply.

They can be used to design a central point in your home that will be your favourite spot. You can make the furniture and some of the pieces that will be put at the focal point to have a similar theme. If you are a person who loves to mix up prints, it is well and good. Also, it is good to keep in mind that determining the focal point will help you to plan for your space.

That way, you will not have a hard time knowing what will go where. If you are so much into creating conversations, you can consider using the fireplace as the point of focus. Pro tip if you have a large living room, you can also promote interactions by having more spots for people to relax and catch up.

Since not all living rooms have a hearth or a television, you can work with a chandelier. It will be the best option since it is always in a good position.

The points above show living room essential tips that will be of help to you as you decide on the type of furniture to choose for your new living room.

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How To Get Your Child To Sleep

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Are you a newborn mom? Or are you just a mom struggling to get your baby to sleep? It is normal, especially the first few days, if you a new mom before you get used to it. If you are still not able to do so, then this is the article for you; read on. This situation can trigger your stress levels, and you do not want that to happen. You would want to be there for your baby: healthy and strong.

There is nothing more pleasing than watching your baby fall asleep. They are usually at so much peace, and they look so innocent. Even imagining that they will one day grow older is so surreal. At a point in their life, they will be entirely independent that also seeking your assistance will be a one-time thing.

Do you know how kids tend to be so vulnerable or how much they adore their mothers while at a ripe age? That is something most if not all mothers if asked, would tell you that they would love it if their kids remained kids for life and at heart.

That kind of vulnerability occurs once, and if the relationship grows, it never ends. The points that follow show how you can get your child to sleep.

Come Up With A Bedtime Routine

Do you want to have less stressful nights? It is best if you come up with a routine when your baby is at 6 to 8 weeks old. That way, as they grow up, they will have adjusted to it; hence can make changes if they want to. It can be a combination of normal bedtime activities, and they may include engaging yourselves in active games during the day and peaceful ones in the evening.

You do not want them to be too excited before bed because they will not be able to sleep. Hence these quiet games will ensure that they are tired: making sleeping an easy task. You will not even struggle! Consistency will ensure that their system will adjust to sleeping at night. Therefore make sure that the routine is followed to the latter.

As you approach the evening, make sure that any activity that you may have put there has a calming effect. This is similar to how you do stretches after working out- an activity that requires you to be very active.

Showering & Bathing

Do you sleep almost immediately after showering before bed? If so, you should try bathing your baby before bedtime. They will sleep like a log! As you gradually learn what intrigues your child and make them happy, you can include it in the routine.

This will always make them excited because they will have something to look forward too.

Night Time Rules

Also, as part of molding them into better individuals, you should set up some rules for the night. They may include switching off lights in case they wake up in the wee hours of the night. Stress on them, and soon everything will go with the flow.

The above points show what you can do if your child is not an easy sleeper. Also, remember to have relevant night time conditions- make it make sense! Ensure that the routine is kid-friendly.

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The Best Pancake Recipe

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If you’ve been searching far and wide for the perfect pancake recipe, then look no further because we’ve got you covered. Weekends with your family will never be the same again and they’ll fall in love with your fresh, steaming stack of delight.

So read on as we dive into some tips, tricks, and the best pancake recipe.

Cooking Tips

The perfect stack of fluffy pancakes begins with the batter. If your mixture is too thick, then your pancakes will be a total flop and they’ll be pretty undercooked inside. If it’s too runny, you’ll encounter problems with the mixture spreading too thin. You can test your mixture with a ladle or spoon as you gently lift some above the rim.

As you observe the mixture, look out for a thick batter with a steady stream as it runs off of your spoon. If you happen to notice a couple of lumps it’s more than okay. When it comes to cooking you’ll need to preheat your nonstick pan on medium. After about two minutes, you can lower the heat, lightly grease with some butter and pour about 1/4 cup of the mixture into your pan.

While pouring, don’t forget that you’ll need to start in the middle as you continue in a circular motion. This ensures that the batter spread perfectly. Another tip for cooking is allowing your pancakes to cook properly and don’t rush to turn them. Before you turn your pancake, you should see bubbles forming on the top and the underside should be a perfect shade of golden brown.

Ingredients

  • Two cups of all-purpose flour
  • Quarter of a cup of sweetener or granulated sugar
  • Four tsp of baking powder
  • Quarter of a tsp of baking soda
  • Half of a tsp of salt
  • One and three quarters cups of milk
  • Quarter of a cup of melted butter
  • Two tsp of vanilla extract
  • One large egg

Steps

  1. Combine in the same bowl flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda. After mixing, you’ll need to make a well in the center where you’ll add the milk, vanilla extract, egg, and melted butter.
  2. Using a whisk, you’ll need to whisk the wet ingredients together and then fold them into the dry. After mixing, the batter should be creamy and thick. However, if it’s too thick, you can add a couple more tbs of milk.
  3. It’s now time to heat your nonstick pan on medium or low heat with some light grease. When it’s time to pour the mixture, you’ll need to use 1/4 cup of mixture for each pancake.
  4. At the point where you see bubbles on the top and the underside is golden brown, you can flip and cook the other side.

As we conclude, we have just looked at the best pancake recipe. We’ve also looked at some tips that will help with the entire process. Keep in mind that the perfect pancake begins with the batter. Your steaming stack of pancakes can be served with fruit, honey, maple syrup, frozen yogurt, ice cream, or even plain!

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The Top Super Foods For Adults

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Research has proven that adults following a healthy diet can reduce their risk of suffering from lifestyle diseases. Diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even some types of cancer can all be reduced with a healthy diet.

Foods that fall into the superfood category add power-pack nutrients to snacks and meals. Our article features the top superfoods for adults.

Berries

If you didn’t already know, berries fall into the superfood group and have a high fiber content. Since they are naturally sweet and contain tons of antioxidants along with nutrients to fight diseases. Since they are naturally sweet, they can be added to yogurt, smoothies, cereals, and even as a snack on its own.

Even when they’re not in season, you can easily grab a bag of frozen berries.

Fish

Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. These work to naturally aid with preventing heart diseases. Fish can be bought frozen, fresh, or even in the canned variant.

Fish such as tuna steaks, salmon, herring, trout, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies have the highest omega-3 content.

Dark Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens also make the superfoods list. They are filled with calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and various phytochemicals that positively add to our health. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, swiss chard, mustard, and collard greens can be added to just about any dish from soups, stews, and salads.

Nuts

Nuts are also a great superfood since they contain plant-based protein and monounsaturated fats. Both play a very important part of reducing the risk of heart disease in adults. While they can be consumed on their own or with yogurt, you should keep in mind that they are calorically dense. Hence, only small amounts should be consumed at a time.

Olive Oil

Another great food that reduces the risk of heart disease is olive oil. Olive oil contains healthy amounts of vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols. Olive oil makes a great substitute for margarine and butter.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous veggies such as Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, turnips, cauliflower, and others fight to prevent certain types of cancer. They contain a hearty serving of vitamins, fiber, nitriles, and phytochemicals. Legumes are also among the superfoods and provide a great source for folate, fiber, and plant-based proteins. all of which work to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Whole Grains

The last main superfood is whole grains. These provide insoluble and soluble fiber along with minerals, different B vitamins, and phytonutrients. Whole grains have been proven to lower cholesterol and reduce the chances of both diabetes and heart diseases.

If you’re interested in whole grains, you can enjoy a bowl of oatmeal and you can also substitute quinoa, brown rice, bulgur and wheat berries for baked potatoes.

As we conclude, we’ve just looked at the main superfoods that every adult should include in their diet. Superfoods have been proven to reduce the risk of several lifestyle diseases. Next time you go out shopping, be sure to grab some of these foods to go.

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Top 5 Places To Visit In Europe

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European nations are full of lively and dynamic cities known for their nightlife, architecture, luxurious hotels, and hospitable locals. So, if you are looking forward to having a family holiday, gastronomic trip, city break, or romantic getaway either alone or with your buddies pick one of Europe’s spots as your destination.

Read below about the best destinations in Europe. Without a list to refer to, it’s no surprise that you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Best Destinations in Europe

Paris, France

I thought this should come first! The City of Light is usually on the bucket list for every traveler. Its ambiance is just remarkable. The food in Paris is what everyone wants to taste as they enjoy and try to indulge in their culture.

Let’s also give some credit to the divine cuisine and the great number of art collections. What about history? Preserved in the world-class museums you’re free to walk in and learn about France’s and the world’s history.

Take a few trips around the marvelous districts, hit the boutiques and you may think of adding to your fashion collections. Don’t forget to move to the Eiffel Tower and have your view of the city. Your memories in Paris will last forever!

London, England

Everyone is aware of the world-class sights in London. The city is great; however, I’d suggest visiting local London. Travel to the awesome untouristed markets, neighborhoods, cafes, and restaurants.

Tour the British Museum and explore the Tower of London. Bliss! Bliss!

Florence, Italy

Experience the authentic taste of Italy in Florence. Quaint hotels, stunning architecture, museums, and mouthwatering cuisine are some of the special experiences you don’t want to miss. The art and history are also special.

While you have some free time, take food tours and cooking classes. You’ll enjoy it.

Santorini, Greece

No matter where you visit in Santorini, all are stunning. The caldera views are ridiculous. Also add to the fun by enjoying the sunsets, hikes, local wines, and boat tours. Wrap it up by relaxing in the luxurious hotels.

Next, you should hit the decorated beaches – the cool sand makes for a memorable visit. Next in line, indulge in the archaeological delights of the well preserved Ancient Akrotiri. Santorini has much to offer. To drink in all it’s fascinating spots you’ll need a couple of weeks to months.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has much to offer. First, it’s history is amazing. From the decorated Park Guell to the romantic narrow alleys of Barri Gotic. Tour the architectural marvels, sacred churches, and if you love partying set foot in one of the nightclubs.

This city seems to leave no one out. It accommodates the adventurer, culture lover, and the partier with its endless choices of activities to take part in.

Are you a football fan? Go cheer and enjoy Barcelona play in their terrific stadium – Camp Nou. I’d suggest you take a week’s vacation in Barcelona. You won’t regret.

Some of the cities can be a bit expensive, though the investment is worth it. And what you pay for is what you get. Pack and go see what the world has to offer.

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Tips for Becoming a Good Mommy

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It’s fair to say to be considered a good mommy depends on who you ask. Many people enter motherhood with a set of expectations and beliefs on what they think it takes to be a good mother.

You get these expectations and beliefs from the experiences with your parents, communities and society, family, friends, and many others. As a result of this, it can be difficult to apply your ideas of what you believe a good mother should be. This post will give you some tips for becoming a good mommy.

Love and take care of yourself

There is no doubt that mothers are pretty amazing as they give it all to provide unconditional love to their kids. But this comes at a cost because you are always in situations where you judge your efforts and criticize yourself. The best thing you can do is to have positive feelings and take care of yourself. You should not always put yourself last on the things to do. 

Most moms tend to focus on providing everything without thinking about their wellbeing. So they usually forget to nurture themselves, get sick, or become resentful. This is the reason why you should take some time to take care of yourself so that you can become stronger and healthier to look after your children fully with fun. 

Accept that it’s a lifetime calling

The relationship with your child is one of the most important things in your life. You will be involved in almost every activity of your child, such as nurturing, caring, teaching, supporting, etc. While this can sometimes be overwhelming, your child will need you in various ways throughout their life. 

Your baby will need you to be attentive at a short notice to feed, cuddle, and change their clothing. As the baby changes to become a toddler to a teenager, the needs also change. Therefore, to be a good mommy, you should be available to the needs of your child.

Spend enough time with your child

As a parent, it’s understandable that there are so many different things that keep you busy. Because of this, it can be challenging to have adequate time to spend with your child. But you should remember that your kid requires quality and regular time with you. 

Children communicate different things through words and behavior. Therefore, you should listen to them when they are speaking and try to be curious about what they are doing. By giving your little one time and space to hear what they are saying might even boost their self-confidence and development. 

Don’t be too frustrated with their misbehavior

At one point your child will try to experience independence and autonomy which may bring conflict with your beliefs. It might be easier for you to understand your toddler than a teen when they do similar behavior. Hence, in times of frustration don’t take their behavior personally.

Instead, try to figure out the message they are attempting to communicate to you. Most of the time, this behavior has to do with the development of your child and they don’t intend to attack you personally.

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Workout Ideas for Couples

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The best way to get in great shape and improve the relationship is by doing a fitness routine with your spouse. The best thing is that you can have fun doing it with someone else.

Besides, fitness is important for both husband and wife, but it can be challenging to achieve the same goals if you don’t exercise as a couple. In this article, you will learn fitness plan ideas that you and your spouse can do together.

The benefits of working out as husband and wife

There is evidence indicating that couples who do exercise together maintain a better relationship and stick to their fitness plan longer. No doubt having an exercise partner can help you be accountable and dedicated to your fitness goals. Therefore, it makes sense for husband and wife to be fitness partners. After all, your spouse knows you better, meaning they can be a source of motivation. 

If you intend to do fitness routines as a couple, you should understand your fitness levels. Remember that you both have different fitness levels, so you can do exercises without demanding expectations. The bottom line is to enjoy the available time together while achieving higher levels of fitness as a team.

Fitness plan ideas without equipment

You can consider various fitness plans that don’t require equipment. The best thing about such type of exercise is that you can do them in the comfort of your home. Below are some of the fitness plan ideas you can do with your spouse:

  • Light squat jumps. For a warm-up, you can do eight light jumps, a wide deep squat and then back up. When squatting use your abs, lift your chest, and ensure your knees don’t go beyond your toes. 
  • Do push-ups. To improve your posture and metabolic rate, you should consider trying push-ups. However, the tempo should be adjusted for you to have a deeper work-out and more control. Remember to engage your abs and you should always lift out your chin from your chest.
  • A wall sit. A wall sit can challenge your body and mind by streamlining your legs, burning more calories, and building endurance. Hence, your hips should be set up low aligned to your knees, but the knees have to reach over your ankles without going beyond the toes. You can do this with your spouse by doing tricep dips pushing down on your legs. 
  • Cross jump lunges. To have a cardio factor into your fitness routine, you should do cross jump lunges. Face each other and let your spouse do cross jump lunges before taking your turn. 

Fitness plan ideas with equipment

When it comes to exercise with equipment, some of them are more effective than others. Therefore, you should always go for the ones that have higher chances of improving your fitness levels. Whatever the equipment you intend to use, always begin with a five-minute workout. Then you can go for any equipment that you want to use while your spouse is using other equipment. 

Alternatively, you can decide to swap the equipment if there is only one machine available. For example, you can do 15 seconds of intensive cycling which should be followed by 45 seconds of light exercise. But if you are sharing one piece of equipment, let your spouse do it first and switch when they complete the exercise.

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How to Deal With a Young Child as a Single Mum

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Many single mums find it challenging to handle their child’s behavior when it comes to getting organized and asserting their part as the head of the family. This usually happens when your young child’s behavior gets out of control. Thankfully, most single mums understand how to cope with such pressures to help them nurture their children.

Because single-parent families are becoming quite more common than ever, it’s important to know how you can manage some of the challenges so that you can raise a healthy and happy child. This article discusses how to deal with a young child as a single mum.

The challenges of a single mum

Child-rearing can be hard for single mums. This is because as a single parent, you have the sole responsibility for taking care of your child’s day-to-day activities. Worse still, being a single parent, means you experience more stress and fatigue. As a result, there are risks that you can easily get distracted to be involved emotionally or supportive, leading to the rise of behavior problems in your child.

Here are some ways you can reduce stress as a single mum:

  • Show love to your child. Try to give your child unconditional support and love by praising them for the good deeds they do. You can also create time each day to read and play with your little one. 
  • Create an activity routine. Having a structured way of doing things can have a positive effect on you. Hence, consider adopting regular scheduled bedtimes and meals. This can help your kid understand what to expect. 
  • Find high-quality child care. Look for someone who is qualified to care for your child. You can seek advice from experts, friends, or family members for recommendations on how to get professional child care services. 
  • Set limits. Setting home rules can help your child adopt the right behavior. This means explaining to your child what you expect from them in regards to how they speak and behave. Let the caregiver give immediate discipline if your child breaks these house rules. 

Handling your child’s misbehavior

It cannot be emphasized enough the importance of developing a serious tone of voice for your child. You should be firm and lower your voice to communicate with your child, especially when they cross a line. This is the only way your child can understand that their behavior is not within the set boundaries. Mind you, the house rules help your kid to remember what you agree as acceptable or not acceptable behavior. 

Don’t give up if you see that your child continues with their bad behavior. Instead, if the kid is fighting over toys, consider taking them away to redirect their focus. However, if bad behavior is a result of your child’s desire to get your attention, then simply ignore them. 

It’s also important to give your child time out in case of misbehavior. Therefore, choose a place like a corner or a chair where they are supposed to spend time thinking about their bad behavior. Alternatively, you can decide to deny them some privileges as a cost for their misbehavior.

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Best Travel Ideas for Single Mummy

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For many years, it has been a tradition for family vacations to involve two parents and their children. Recently, things have changed because there is a change in dynamics as there is a rise of single mums who are raising their kids. As a result, it’s common for a single mummy to travel with or without their kids. This post will show you some of the best travel ideas for a single mummy.

The importance of traveling

As a single parent, it can be difficult to care for your child. This is because you spend most of your time moving between work, school, and home. Aside from this, you need to do household duties and participate in weekend sports activities with your little one. Unfortunately, these activities can take up most of your time.

When you travel as a single mum, you have an opportunity to bond and get to know each other more. Most of the time, your kid might see you differently. They see a mum who is adventurous and funny, and not just as someone who pushes them to complete their homework and do their daily routine. Besides, being away with your kid allows both of you to know each other in a new environment. As a result, your child can appreciate and respect you as a parent.

Even better, this is a rare chance to share some of the challenges that your child is experiencing. As a single parent, you can find out and see the exact things that are affecting your child. As you can see, spending time away from home can help you learn more about your kid and their friends at school. Also, you can understand their goals in the short-term.   

How to make your travel plans work

There is no denying that while taking a trip with your kid can be exciting, it can also be an exhausting one for a single mummy. Therefore, to make things easier for you, consider doing the following things: 

  • Look for hotels that have swimming pools. When planning to travel with your child, you should book hotels that have pools. A hotel swimming pool usually attracts other children, meaning your child can have someone to swim with. Therefore, you can simply sit on the sidelines and watch them while they are having fun. This means you don’t need to be in the pool the entire time.
  • Prepare well for long travel days. If you intend to spend more days on the trip, then pack things that your child can do by themselves, such as games and books. You need some breathing room to ease tensions while on long train rides or flights. 
  • Create time for you to be alone. You should figure out how you can find some time to be apart from your child while on vacation. This will help you to bond well during the time you come back together. Hence, you can book to have a massage and enroll your child in a kid’s club for a couple of hours. The best thing for doing this is that you will feel energized and enjoy interacting with new friends.
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How to Make Puff Pastry Pizza Pies

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Many people enjoy puff pastry pizza pies because they have a delightful light texture. The good news is that they are quite easy to make and you can change the toppings of these pies to suit your taste. If you are considering making puff pastry pizza pies, then this article will show you the simple steps that can help you get impressive results. 

What are puff pastry pizza pies

Before going ahead with how to make puff pastry pizza pies, you need to understand the terms pastry and puff pastry. The pastry is simply a dough composed of water, flour, and shortening which are solid fats such as butter. Simply put, pastries can refer to different types of baked products produced from ingredients like sugar, milk, flour, baking powder, shortening, and eggs. 

Most people usually roll out the pastry dough and use it as a base for their baked products. Some of the common pastry meals include pies, croissants, and quiches. The best pastry should be light, airy, and fatty while firm enough to hold the weight of the filling. 

The puff pastry means that the pastry has several layers that puff or expand when you bake it. You can make puff pastry by using butter, salt, flour, and water. When water and fats expand to transform into steam, the pastry rises. As a result, pastries will appear flaky, light, and tender when you take it out of the oven.

Making puff pastry pizza pies

As mentioned earlier, it’s pretty easy to make puff pastry pizza pies. You see, you can make these pies with ready-rolled puff pastry. Here is how you can make them. Simply take them out of the fridge in about 20 minutes before you use them. Then you can use either a small bowl or a cup to cut circles out of the puff pastry.

Once you are done with making the circles, spread on it a sprinkle of dried oregano, pizza sauce or tomato puree, slices of cherry tomato, and slices of fresh mozzarella. Lastly, you can choose to add pizza toppings of your choice. 

You can also make mini Margarita puff pizza pies in just under 30 minutes. The good thing about these pies is that children can also make them and they are delicious to eat when you serve them with salad. Below are the steps you can follow to make Margarita puff pizza pies:

Ingredients

To make Margarita puff pizza pies, you will require 320g of ready rolled puff pastry, 4 to 5 tablespoons of tomato puree, 125 g of sliced vegan mozzarella or mozzarella, 4 sliced salad tomatoes or 8 cherry tomatoes, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.

Here are the steps:

  1. Take the puff pastry from its box and lay it on a plate for 15 minutes before you start making puff pastry pizza pies.
  2. Preheat your oven to about 200c and adjust the fan to 180c. Then unroll the pastry and use a small bowl or cup to cut circles from the pastry. 
  3. Place the pastry circles onto the baking trays and top each one with tomato puree and slices of tomato and a slice of mozzarella. 
  4. Lastly, bake the pizza pies for around 15 minutes until you see the pastry getting a golden appearance and the cheese melts. You can serve the puff pastry pizza pies with garlic bread and salad.

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