Girls Night Out at Gala Bingo

Last night 8 of us went for a girls night out at Gala Bingo, I have never played bingo before but was super excited about the night out.

We arrived at around 7.30 pm and the really friendly and helpful staff helped us register, explained how each game is played and what would happen throughout the evening.

 

We started the first game of the evening off with the traditional bingo book and dabber and oh my did they call the numbers fast! - I think we were all struggling to keep up and I am pretty sure I missed a few numbers out.

During the break one of the staff said we should give the electronic boards a try, I was a little sceptical at first as I was struggling with the paper version and then thought technology would confuse me further! I was completely wrong!, we were given a quick training on the board and the most brilliant thing is that if you press auto play the machine finds each number as they are called and then flashes with the last number you need to find - all you then need to do is listen carefully and when its called call "line" or 'house" and press claim! so easily and you can also sip your wine whilst you play!

Another advantage of the electronic board is that you can order your food and wine on it and it is delivered to your table whilst you play!

The game play is straight forward as well,  you play for 1 line then 2 lines and finally for a house and some games we linked up to other national gala bingo halls.  The evening went by so quickly and was really so much fun.

Unfortunately none of us were lucky enough to win but we will definitely be going back soon for another night out!

Kelly x

Coconut Ginger & Coriander Cocktail

At the weekend I made the most delicious Coconut Ginger & Coriander Cocktail - so cool and refreshing it is the ideal drink for sipping in this gorgeous summer sun! would also be perfect to serve alongside your favourite Thai or Mexican food!

Coconut Ginger & Coriander Cocktail

Serves 1

3 Sprigs of Coriander
1 lime
2 oz of Malibu
Ginger Beer

In a tall glass add 1 or 2 springs of coriander and squeeze in the juice of half a lime. Fill your glass with ice and add the Malibu. Top up with ginger beer. Garnish with a spring of coriander and a slice of lime and enjoy!

Kelly x

Five on a Friday

Another addition of Five on a Friday

ONE: Last Friday we attended the schools annual inflatable day.  The kids had a fun packed few hours after school playing on the various inflatables.

TWO: We celebrated the 4th July at the USA themed fair at Weald Country Park - lots of family fun with Captain America, Bucking Bronco rides and American Classic Burgers!

 

THREE: Zack graduated from pre school on Wednesday, feeling emotional that my little boy is going up to big school in September and Josh will be starting pre school in September!

 

FOUR: I love a cup of coffee in the morning and when I visited the states a few years back i brought back some flavoured ground coffee (Dunkin Donuts Hazelnut and Folgers Caramel Drizzle) and unfortunately our UK supermarkets just don't seem to sell anything similar .... one lunchtime at work I went to have a look around TKMaxx and to my surprise I found these packs of coffee - can't wait to give it a try!

FIVE: One of the mums from school has started to do Avon orders so I on my recent order I picked up a bottle of Avon Moroccan Argan Oil Leave in Treatment and I am sold on it! you just need a few squirts as little goes a long way and it makes my hair feel so soft and silky and it smells amazing and at £3.50 a bottle beats some of the more expensive brands around!

Kelly x

Red Berry Vodka Cocktail

A couple of months ago my boss returned from an overseas trip and I asked her to pick me up a bottle of flavoured vodka from the duty free, she returned with a bottle of Ciroc Red Berry Vodka - it is absolutely gorgeous! this vodka is infused with raspberries and strawberries and enjoyed as a long drink over ice with a spritz of lemonade sitting on the deck this afternoon. I can't wait to get more creative with this vodka!

Red Berry Vodka Cocktail

25 oz of Cirac Red Berry Vodka

Can of Sprite or 7up

Blueberries and diced Strawberries

In a large glass fill with ice, pour in vodka top with lemonade and garnish with berries.

Kelly x

Owl Cupcakes

Just wanted to pop in to share these cute owl cupcakes I made for the bake sale at Zack's schools Inflatable day tomorrow.

Owl Cupcakes

Ingredients
1 box of cake mix (plus eggs, oil, water, etc)
1 tub of chocolate butter cream
24 brown M&Ms
12 orange M&Ms
24 giant milky bar buttons
12 giant cadbury chocolate buttons

Directions

Bake cupcakes according to the package directions.

After the cupcake have cooled spread with a layer of chocolate butter cream.  Place 2 giant white buttons for the eyes topped with the brown M&Ms. Slice a giant chocolate button in half and place above the eyes for the eyebrows and finally an orange M&M for the nose.

Kelly x

Afternoon Tea at Annley House Tea Room

On Sunday my wonderful mum turned 70.  To celebrate we decided to go for Afternoon Tea at the Annley House Tea Room in Latchingdon.

The Tea Room is situated in a barn at the back of a residential house and is beautifully decorated with lots of homely touches giving the place a wonderful cosy and relaxing atmosphere.

The afternoon tea was absolutely delicious, freshly baked scones with strawberry preserve and clotted cream, homemade cakes and a selection of sandwiches and mini rolls presented on a traditional tiered cake stand with your choice of a pot of tea or coffee.

  

As well as afternoon tea, on the menu was a variety of breakfast and lunch options including a  selection of sandwiches, paninis, jacket potatoes and all the home made cakes on display all looked amazing!

Al fresco dining is also available in the tea room court yard - I think this would be lovely on a beautiful summers day!

Annley House Afternoon Tea

Selection of sandwiches & mini rolls

Smoked Salmon

Egg Mayonaise & Cress

Chicken Mayonnaise & Cucumber

Prawn & Lemon Mayonnaise

Cheese

Strawberry & Champagne Cupcakes

Strawberry Profiteroles

Freshly Baked Raisin Scones with

Devon Clotted Cream & Strawberry Preserve

Pot of Tea or Coffee

My mum and I had a wonderful time and would will be definitely be coming again! 

Kelly x

Blackwater Country Show

On Sunday to celebrate Father's Day we went for a day out at the Blackwater Country Show which is set in Heybridge just outside Maldon.

The show is situated around a picturesque lake and included lots of activities and entertainment. The main show ring held a host of displays throughout the day from Sheep Dog Displays, Scottish Bagpipes and Drums to Birds of Prey.

The surrounding fields held many stalls selling a variety of crafts, gifts, plants, food and drink stalls and many of them selling local produce such as pies, bread, cheese and fudge - I brought a delicious sparkling wine from New Hall Vineyard and a bottle of Cox and Quince Apple Juice from Daymans Hill Farm .

There was also lots of activities to have go at - including a climbing wall, kayaking, clay shooting range, archery and the boys particularly Zack had a great time sitting on the fire engines and tractors and feeding the hunting hounds treats.

There was also a variety of vintage cars, military vehicles, a viking village and tractors and farm animals on display to wander around and look at.

 

The show was also extremely dog friendly with lots of canines of all shape and sizes enjoying the day out - there was even a novelty dog show and many demonstrations including Newfoundland dog rescue and the Essex Police Dog Unit. Josh was in his element shouting doggy and cuddling and stroking all the dogs.

A brilliant day out for all the family and we will definitely be back next year.

Kelly x