Luau BBQ Party

Over the Bank Holiday weekend we hosted our first summer BBQ party and it was a great success. We invited a few of the parents from school and their kids.  Here are a few pictures of the amazing afternoon.

Drinks station

I kept the menu along the tropical theme of the party

APPETISERS

Vegetable Spring Rolls w/ Sweet Chilli Sauce

Shrimp Tempura w/ Pineapple Sweet & Sour Sauce

Chicken Skewers w/ Satay Sauce

Lime Tortilla Chops

Onion Rings

BBQ Kettle Chips

BBQ

Polynesian BBQ Chicken

Hawaiian Style Pulled Pork

Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry

Coconut Rice

Tropical Fruit Salad

Green Salad w/ Mango, Lime & Chilli Dressing

Summer Feta & Avocado Salad

Luau Coleslaw

Grilled Corn on Cob w/ Chilli & Lime Butter

Bread Rolls

DESSERT

Mini Key Lime Pies

Our friends really enjoyed the afternoon!

I made food boxes for the kids - keeping with the Luau theme

We had amazing weather and the kids loved the paddling pool and the water bombs

 The photo booth and props went down a storm!

Kelly x

Nevendon Manor - Willy Wonka

Hold your breath, make a wish, count to three .... come with me and you'll be in a world of pure imagination!

After attending the Hatters Wonderland a few months back we were all excited about going to the Wonka event at Nevendon Manor and they did not let us down!

The sheer amount of creativity and detail that goes into these events amazes me every time.  During the hour long walk you are guided through the beautiful manor gardens through different scenes telling the story of Charlie Bucket and the other golden ticker winners.

Each set is a visual delight and the talented actors bring each character to life and captivate the audience bringing them into the magical world of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.

Fantastic day out for all the family and we all left on a sugar-high!

 

 

Be sure to check out the next events running at Nevendon Manor - Halloween Horror Trail and Oz, Search for Toto.

Kelly x

Five on a Friday

Another addition of Five on a Friday

ONE:  We have finally replaced our old white UPVC door with a elegant black composite door with light grey weatherboard and glass panel - I love how it has turned out!

TWO:  We have been off work this week so have been spending lots of time out and about with the kids.  Earlier this week we drove to Southend on Sea and had a fab day out at the sea front, visiting the Sealife Centre, fish and chips on the beach, we let the kids have a go on the 2 penny drop in the amusement arcade and paddling in the sea.

THREE: Danny and I celebrated our 8th Wedding Anniversary with a lovely dinner at our local Chinese restaurant China Kitchen.

FOUR: I have found these amazing pink lemonade Snapple drinks in the B&M store at 99p a bottle and they are amazing with a shot of vodka to sit and drink in the garden in the sunshine!

FIVE:   We have booked tickets for the Willy Wonka event at Nevendon Manor at the end of August - we had such a brilliant time at the Alice in Wonderland event they ran a few months back we cannot wait to go!

via

How Well Does your Spouse Know You?

Danny and I celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary tomorrow so I thought it would be fun to do a little quiz on how well Danny knows me.  This is how he did....

How long have we been married?

Danny: 8 years

Kelly: 8 years

Where was our first date?

Danny:  Dinner at your flat

Kelly: Mildreds restaurant (okay I didn't count my place as a proper date)

Who said I love you first?

Danny: Me

Kelly: Danny

Who is my celebrity crush?

Danny:  Hugh Grant  

Kelly:  John Bishop

If I was ordering a drink for us both at a bar what would I order

Danny: Beer & Prosecco 

Kelly: Prosecco & Beer

What is the best meal I have cooked you?

Danny: Everything!

Kelly: Chicken Fajitas

What was the worst meal I have cooked

Danny: Beans on Toast

Kelly: Red Cabbage at Christmas

What would I say was your most annoying habit is?

Danny: Not listening

Kelly: Not listening

What is my favourite colour

Danny: Green

Kelly: Green

What is my dream job?

Danny: Party Coordinator 

Kelly: To have my own event/party planning business

What was my favourite place we have visited?

Danny: Las Vegas

Kelly: Las Vegas

What is my favourite dessert?

Danny: Cheesecake

Kelly: Tiramisu

Since he got most of them right I shall give him a B for effort!

Kelly x

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