Oh me, oh my! How lucky were we with the weather over the Easter holidays - and beyond! It's been glorious - and I love it!
We had a really nice break although I have to confess we didn't do too much exploring of Dorset this time around. We did things like the beach, Upton, Farmer Palmer's and went to visit my family in the Cotswolds. And we had a few days at home, painting and pottering in the garden, which is always nice.
It felt like a really long break, I don't know if that was the weather or the fact that our holidays ran differently to most of the country (hurrah, less crowds!) but it felt like we squeezed a lot in and that was good.
And now it's back to reality with the school run, work, routines… But hey, at least it's sunny!
And we can think ahead to the May half-term. So who's going to tell me their top tips for places to go then?
Monday, 20 April 2015
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
Far From The Madding Crowd
If anyone's looked at the other section of my blog - My reading list - you'll have realised that I am a book geek. I LOVE reading. I really, really do. The only thing I miss about living in London is the fact I don't have the hour or so commute where I would bury my head in a book and lose myself for a while.
Dorset and its beauty has inspired many a novelist and one of the county's favourite famous sons is Thomas Hardy. Having studied Far From The Madding Crowd at school and grown to love it, I was keen to see where this literary genius grew up and got his inspiration from. So last weekend I took a trip to Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, to see where the great man lived (and as it was Easter, it had the added bonus of offering an Easter Egg trail to keep D1 entertained!)
Owned by the National Trust (membership comes in VERY handy in Dorset), the property is your archetypal chocolate-box cottage. It's beautiful. Set in woodland, which you can walk through to get to it, it has lovely gardens with trees, flowers, vegetable patches. And when we arrived, a fire was burning in the parlour, so we even got to enjoy the smell of woodsmoke as it curled up into the air… Bliss!
The cottage is as you'd expect for something built way back when - so tiny that you can't imagine how a family lived it. But somehow they did, and it's in this little oasis of tranquility that Hardy sat and gazed out of his window as he penned FFTMC amongst others. There's even a replica of his desk that you can sit at and perhaps gain some of your own inspiration!
But as a mum worried about how her 4yo is going to enjoy something a bit more mature, the best bit had to be that you can actively get involved. You can touch objects, you can interact and explore your surroundings - and the staff on hand were brilliant at drawing D1 (or Flopsy as they named her thanks to her Easter bunny ears) into conversation and pointing out things in the rooms she would love. OK, so the trail was great because she knew she would get an egg at the end of it, but 'Flopsy' was genuinely interested in who Hardy was and I think she would have enjoyed the cottage regardless of the chocolate incentive.
Just a walk away from the cottage, by the car park for the property, the National Trust has built a new visitor centre with a cafe (good scones!) and the adjacent woodland nearby was popular with families, dog walkers and cyclists. It's definitely an unspoilt bit of Dorset that I'll be returning to again - and not least because Clouds Hill, where
T E Lawrence, Lawrence of Arabia, retreated when he wanted some peace and quiet, is nearby. I told you Dorset was rife with writers!
For more information about Thomas Hardy's birthplace, see http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardys-cottage/
Dorset and its beauty has inspired many a novelist and one of the county's favourite famous sons is Thomas Hardy. Having studied Far From The Madding Crowd at school and grown to love it, I was keen to see where this literary genius grew up and got his inspiration from. So last weekend I took a trip to Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, to see where the great man lived (and as it was Easter, it had the added bonus of offering an Easter Egg trail to keep D1 entertained!)
Owned by the National Trust (membership comes in VERY handy in Dorset), the property is your archetypal chocolate-box cottage. It's beautiful. Set in woodland, which you can walk through to get to it, it has lovely gardens with trees, flowers, vegetable patches. And when we arrived, a fire was burning in the parlour, so we even got to enjoy the smell of woodsmoke as it curled up into the air… Bliss!
The cottage is as you'd expect for something built way back when - so tiny that you can't imagine how a family lived it. But somehow they did, and it's in this little oasis of tranquility that Hardy sat and gazed out of his window as he penned FFTMC amongst others. There's even a replica of his desk that you can sit at and perhaps gain some of your own inspiration!
But as a mum worried about how her 4yo is going to enjoy something a bit more mature, the best bit had to be that you can actively get involved. You can touch objects, you can interact and explore your surroundings - and the staff on hand were brilliant at drawing D1 (or Flopsy as they named her thanks to her Easter bunny ears) into conversation and pointing out things in the rooms she would love. OK, so the trail was great because she knew she would get an egg at the end of it, but 'Flopsy' was genuinely interested in who Hardy was and I think she would have enjoyed the cottage regardless of the chocolate incentive.
Just a walk away from the cottage, by the car park for the property, the National Trust has built a new visitor centre with a cafe (good scones!) and the adjacent woodland nearby was popular with families, dog walkers and cyclists. It's definitely an unspoilt bit of Dorset that I'll be returning to again - and not least because Clouds Hill, where
T E Lawrence, Lawrence of Arabia, retreated when he wanted some peace and quiet, is nearby. I told you Dorset was rife with writers!
For more information about Thomas Hardy's birthplace, see http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardys-cottage/
Monday, 23 March 2015
Me Time
Like most mummies, I spend a lot of my time – and energy – making sure everyone around me is fed, clothed, watered, nurtured, happy, clean, comfortable, provided for… The list goes on. And like most mummies, this leaves me with very little time to look after myself.
So you can imagine my delight when I got to enjoy not only an hour to myself – but an hour enjoying a relaxing hot stone massage at that!
I've never had a hot stone massage before – not for want of trying. The first time I had to cancel after discovering I was pregnant, the second time the spa I was at had a power cut and couldn't heat the stones! But thanks to Paula, owner of Garden Room Therapies in Ferndown, I now know that my first hot stone massage won't be my last.
Yes, I know, having hot stones placed over your body doesn't sound like the most relaxing experience ever, but trust me. It is. The heat of the stones helps to relax the body in a short space of time, which releases tension and boosts circulation. Combined with soothing oils and colder stones, it's also good for relieving pain and reducing stress. Sounds like a winning combination to me.
Paula's therapy room is at the back of her home and as you'd expect, it's a calming space, filled with light and soft music. Paula is a multi-talented masseur and her professional qualifications are proudly displayed. She exudes a calm, confident manner that instantly puts you at ease and under her expert hands, I could feel my tensions melting away. Unfortunately parental duties meant I couldn't enjoy a full 90 minutes, but Paula was extremely accommodating, conscious of my time constraints and ensured I walked out of her house a hell of a lot less stressed than I was when I walked in.
But hot stones aren't just for stressed-out, exhausted mummies - a massage with them can also help muscular pain, rheumatic conditions, fibromyalgia, back pain and insomnia.
And hot stones aren't the only massage Garden Room Therapies offer. Paula's hands can also work their magic with Swedish, deep tissue, pregnancy and aromatherapy massages as well as Shiatsu and Reiki.
A 90-minute hot stone massage costs £20 – blue light workers and senior citizens can get a discount too.
To find out more, see https://www.facebook.com/shiatsubodywork
So you can imagine my delight when I got to enjoy not only an hour to myself – but an hour enjoying a relaxing hot stone massage at that!
I've never had a hot stone massage before – not for want of trying. The first time I had to cancel after discovering I was pregnant, the second time the spa I was at had a power cut and couldn't heat the stones! But thanks to Paula, owner of Garden Room Therapies in Ferndown, I now know that my first hot stone massage won't be my last.
Yes, I know, having hot stones placed over your body doesn't sound like the most relaxing experience ever, but trust me. It is. The heat of the stones helps to relax the body in a short space of time, which releases tension and boosts circulation. Combined with soothing oils and colder stones, it's also good for relieving pain and reducing stress. Sounds like a winning combination to me.
Paula's therapy room is at the back of her home and as you'd expect, it's a calming space, filled with light and soft music. Paula is a multi-talented masseur and her professional qualifications are proudly displayed. She exudes a calm, confident manner that instantly puts you at ease and under her expert hands, I could feel my tensions melting away. Unfortunately parental duties meant I couldn't enjoy a full 90 minutes, but Paula was extremely accommodating, conscious of my time constraints and ensured I walked out of her house a hell of a lot less stressed than I was when I walked in.
But hot stones aren't just for stressed-out, exhausted mummies - a massage with them can also help muscular pain, rheumatic conditions, fibromyalgia, back pain and insomnia.
And hot stones aren't the only massage Garden Room Therapies offer. Paula's hands can also work their magic with Swedish, deep tissue, pregnancy and aromatherapy massages as well as Shiatsu and Reiki.
A 90-minute hot stone massage costs £20 – blue light workers and senior citizens can get a discount too.
To find out more, see https://www.facebook.com/shiatsubodywork
Wednesday, 11 March 2015
Fun at the Farm!
There's been rather a lot going on at Dorset Mummy towers so once again I find myself apologising for the lack of posts. I've certainly got more than enough to write about so when I can get back up and running regularly, the posts will come thick and fast!
But in the meantime I wanted to do a little write up on Farmer Palmer's as I've had a few fun days there lately. Back in January, FP's came up with a fantastic offer on its annual passes - if you bought one within the specified time period, it would be valid from when the park opened in early February this year until the end of the February half term next year. Ok, so it's closed from the end of December for 5 weeks or so, but for £40 (when it would normally cost me £8.75 a visit), this still seemed like an absolute bargain, especially as D2 is free being under 2.
And we've certainly been making use of it, even if the weather's been a little on the 'fresh' side. But the nice thing about having an annual pass is that you don't have to spend all day there - you can just go for a couple of hours if you like, which is exactly what we've been doing.
The nice thing about Farmer Palmer's is the variety of things to do. From bouncy castles to animals to soft play to the play park, there's enough to keep the kids entertained. And let's be honest, us adults too. I wasn't sure how much D2 would get out of some of the entertainment – she's only 16 months – but it's been a good opportunity to explore her limits and see what she's ready for and what she's not ready for.
So the cuddling of guinea pigs has been a reasonable hit, although a couple of the poor creatures have been subjected to a bit of fur-pulling (sorry…!). She's not quite ready for the feeding of animals but is happy to watch Mummy or D1 do it. Bouncy castles are a bit of a no-go – mainly because she doesn't actually know how to jump yet! The play park's a massive hit though, as is the soft play. But the nice thing is that as the year progresses, she'll progress too and we'll be able to enjoy more and more together. And as the weather gets warmer, we'll be able to spend time enjoying the outdoor space more. Hurrah!
To find out more, visit farmerpalmers.co.uk. I'll see you down there this summer!
But in the meantime I wanted to do a little write up on Farmer Palmer's as I've had a few fun days there lately. Back in January, FP's came up with a fantastic offer on its annual passes - if you bought one within the specified time period, it would be valid from when the park opened in early February this year until the end of the February half term next year. Ok, so it's closed from the end of December for 5 weeks or so, but for £40 (when it would normally cost me £8.75 a visit), this still seemed like an absolute bargain, especially as D2 is free being under 2.
And we've certainly been making use of it, even if the weather's been a little on the 'fresh' side. But the nice thing about having an annual pass is that you don't have to spend all day there - you can just go for a couple of hours if you like, which is exactly what we've been doing.
The nice thing about Farmer Palmer's is the variety of things to do. From bouncy castles to animals to soft play to the play park, there's enough to keep the kids entertained. And let's be honest, us adults too. I wasn't sure how much D2 would get out of some of the entertainment – she's only 16 months – but it's been a good opportunity to explore her limits and see what she's ready for and what she's not ready for.
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| Pony grooming |
To find out more, visit farmerpalmers.co.uk. I'll see you down there this summer!
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| Baaaaaaaaaa! |
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| These piglets were just a week old when we saw them! Awwww! |
Monday, 9 February 2015
Queen of the castle!
It was such a beautiful day yesterday, so we decided it was the perfect time to visit Corfe Castle. We've driven past its stunning ruins on numerous occasions so it was nice to get up close to this ancient building. And once we'd walked the half mile or so to it, we were rewarded not just with the castle, but the amazing views its position offered.
I'm not a history buff, but Corfe Castle has a rich and varied background that we all found fascinating. From siblings fighting over the throne to imprisonment to being a favourite of the rich and powerful, its seen it all.
And the view was spectacular. We could see Poole, Bournemouth, the Purbecks. I love Dorset for its coast, but the country element of our stunning county shouldn't be overlooked either.
There was enough to amuse D1, who happily followed the shield trail, did brass rubbings, clambered over stones/hills/stairs and exhausted herself (hurrah!) And she was pretty chuffed with the medal she received for her hard work too!
I'm not a history buff, but Corfe Castle has a rich and varied background that we all found fascinating. From siblings fighting over the throne to imprisonment to being a favourite of the rich and powerful, its seen it all.
And the view was spectacular. We could see Poole, Bournemouth, the Purbecks. I love Dorset for its coast, but the country element of our stunning county shouldn't be overlooked either.
There was enough to amuse D1, who happily followed the shield trail, did brass rubbings, clambered over stones/hills/stairs and exhausted herself (hurrah!) And she was pretty chuffed with the medal she received for her hard work too!
Tuesday, 3 February 2015
Do you wanna build a snowman? Er, no…
It seems that since Christmas most places around the country had experienced snowfall of some kind. I was hoping that we'd avoid it being so far South, so you can imagine the look on my face when my hubby told me we'd had snow this morning…
Let me make one thing clear. I don't like snow. Actually, I don't like cold. I am NOT a winter person. I like hot weather, hot holidays, summer clothes and the feel of the sun on my face. I do not like not being able to feel my toes, wrapping up in 20 layers and not being able to get out in my garden. I think I've made my point.
So the fact that we'd had a couple of inches of snow overnight was not met with joy by me this morning. Unlike some, I was praying that the school would be open and the sun would come out and melt the snow away. (I got both my wishes, hurrah!) Sadly D1 hasn't inherited my hatred of the wet stuff and gleefully pelted me with snowballs ALL THE WAY TO SCHOOL.
I then attempted to go somewhere 10 minutes away in the car. It took me 30 minutes.
I'd diligently cleared ALL the snow off my vehicle, unlike some muppets who could barely see through their snow-covered windscreens.
On the way home, my car slid across some ice.
Then the sun came out and melted it all away.
YAY!
Let me make one thing clear. I don't like snow. Actually, I don't like cold. I am NOT a winter person. I like hot weather, hot holidays, summer clothes and the feel of the sun on my face. I do not like not being able to feel my toes, wrapping up in 20 layers and not being able to get out in my garden. I think I've made my point.
So the fact that we'd had a couple of inches of snow overnight was not met with joy by me this morning. Unlike some, I was praying that the school would be open and the sun would come out and melt the snow away. (I got both my wishes, hurrah!) Sadly D1 hasn't inherited my hatred of the wet stuff and gleefully pelted me with snowballs ALL THE WAY TO SCHOOL.
I then attempted to go somewhere 10 minutes away in the car. It took me 30 minutes.
I'd diligently cleared ALL the snow off my vehicle, unlike some muppets who could barely see through their snow-covered windscreens.
On the way home, my car slid across some ice.
Then the sun came out and melted it all away.
YAY!
Monday, 19 January 2015
So much to do, so little time
Obviously I had all good intentions of blogging regularly and brilliantly when the year kicked off, and like many resolutions, it's obviously slightly waned… There just never seem to be enough hours in the day. I don't think my time management is especially poor, but I do have a little lady who likes to power nap, so unlike some mums, I don't get to enjoy a two-hour stint to get things done. If I get over 30 minutes, I count myself lucky! But what I end up doing while she's snoozing is madly trying to squeeze what I can into that time and being reluctant to start any job that's too big, because I may end up leaving it unfinished.
Somehow I managed to work four days a week, keep a household fairly in check and still find time to go out and have fun. These days I'm working sporadically in the evenings, my house looks like a bomb's hit it most of the time and I spend my evenings thinking I'll get lots achieved then find myself dozing off in front of the TV far too early.
Am I the only time-poor mum out there? And what are your tips for keeping on top of things, other than bribing the grandparents to give you some time off from time to time?! Please share!
Somehow I managed to work four days a week, keep a household fairly in check and still find time to go out and have fun. These days I'm working sporadically in the evenings, my house looks like a bomb's hit it most of the time and I spend my evenings thinking I'll get lots achieved then find myself dozing off in front of the TV far too early.
Am I the only time-poor mum out there? And what are your tips for keeping on top of things, other than bribing the grandparents to give you some time off from time to time?! Please share!
Wednesday, 7 January 2015
So that was Christmas!
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| The tree at Mottisfont |
I hope everyone enjoyed the break. We certainly took advantage of the whole family having the time off to do a bit more exploring, not just of our beautiful county, but some neighbouring ones too.
Rather than write a HUGE post about all the things we did and places we went, I thought I'd write a series of smaller ones – easier for you all to digest!
And what better way to start than with a couple of gems in Britain's heritage crown…
Kingston Lacy/Mottisfont
We had a couple of days visiting some of the national treasures owned by the National Trust. And if anyone's got the traditional Christmas celebrations sussed, it's the NT.
So our trip to Kingston Lacy, just outside of Wimborne, saw us meeting Santa in a shepherd's hut. I'd really fretted about where to meet the big man, but this was such a simple, stylish setting. Santa was wonderful, the girls got a small token gift and we all came away happy. But the fun didn't end there. We got to add links to what was intended to be the world's longest paper chain, play with traditional toys, stud a clementine with cloves for scenting our home, sample biscuits and wines and do some Christmas crafting. On top of all this, we then followed a 12 Days Of Christmas-themed trail around the grounds (which was lit up from dusk although we left before that time). It was cold and wintry, but that just added to the festive feeling.
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| Paper theatre |
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| Snow geese |
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| Sweets! |
For more about both properties, see nationaltrust.org.uk.
Sunday, 21 December 2014
Hansel & Gretel
Hansel & Gretel
I love going to the theatre, it's one of the things I miss most about London, but thankfully Poole has a really amazing one with some great shows on the bill. And just like visiting Christmas lights and seeing Father Christmas is a tradition, so too is a trip to the theatre at this time of year.
Last year we watched – and loved – Lighthouse's Christmas show, The Night Before Christmas, so this year we eagerly booked tickets for Hansel and Gretel in the Studio, which is aimed at 3-8 year olds. And I'm so glad we did because it was fabulous!
We all know the story of the siblings who get abandoned in the woods and tempted by an evil witch and her gingerbread house, so I don't need to recap on that here. But what I will say is that the whole production was very cleverly done and aimed perfectly at its audience.
Before the performance began, Hansel and Gretel (otherwise known as Sean Mulkerrin and Lauren Scott-Berry) ventured out into the audience, introducing themselves to the children and playing "I-Spy", which the kids absolutely loved. This helped to create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that lasted throughout the show as the children happily shouted directions, comments and interacted with the performers (the snowball fight at the end was particularly well received, except perhaps by poor Lauren, who got hit in the face by one!). There were elements of panto ("Oh yes there were!"), songs and audience participation (we were all pretty good at being trees, birds and squelching through bogs).
"So Hansel, do you wanna build a snowman?"
My four-year-old was mesmerised and managed to sit still for almost the whole 50-minute performance (that's another good sign, when you can hold a child's concentration for a decent stint of time). Full credit goes to Sean and Lauren for putting an audience primarily of little people at ease and for their performances – I was particularly impressed by how believable their movements were when pretending to be caught in a storm.
The show's only on until Christmas Eve, so if you fancy going, you'll need to be quick, but Forest Forge, the company behind it (www.forestforge.co.uk), will be back at Lighthouse next year – and I'll definitely be checking out another one of its shows then.
(Pictures courtesy of Lighthouse, Poole)
Let there be lights!
It's become traditional for us to go and see a spectacular street full of lights in the run-up to Christmas, mainly because we lived near an amazing one in London (Lower Morden Lane if you ever want to visit, it's awesome!). So when we moved to Dorset, we had to find somewhere similar - and luckily for us, we live not too far from the famous Runton Road, a cul-de-sac in Poole where most of the residents light up the nights leading up to Christmas for charity.
Runton Road residents have been lighting up Christmas for the past 23 YEARS. Wowsers! There are almost 50 houses lit up - some with simply stunning, subtle white displays, while others have gone for the Full Monty and are covered in brilliant bright colourful characters. The houses have collection tins outside for charity donations - and last year the street raised a whopping £3,720. Amazing! Not sure how much it cost the residents in electricity, but what a fantastic way to give a little something to others at this time of year.
The generosity of one homeowner was further demonstrated by his coming to the door with two boxes of candy canes and telling a group of children to make sure that every child in his garden got one to enjoy. Such a simple, kind-hearted act, but fully appreciated by all.
So I'd like to say a big thank you to Runton Road for spreading some Christmas cheer – not just to myself, my family and the other visitors, but to those who benefit through their kind and charitable act. Merry Christmas to you all!
To find out more about the Runton Road lights, see https://www.facebook.com/RuntonRoadChristmasLights
Ho Ho Ho!
We visited last year and loved it, so decided to take our annual trip last week. And it was still just as magical. We walked around with huge smiles on our faces, taking in all the spectacular sights. Even D2, who's only one, was impressed, pointing at all of them and saying "Wow!". It was a fantastic way to start the final week before Christmas and a lovely thing to do as a family. And full credit to the residents, who didn't bat an eyelid as people traipsed up and down their driveways - even while they were eating their dinner!
Runton Road residents have been lighting up Christmas for the past 23 YEARS. Wowsers! There are almost 50 houses lit up - some with simply stunning, subtle white displays, while others have gone for the Full Monty and are covered in brilliant bright colourful characters. The houses have collection tins outside for charity donations - and last year the street raised a whopping £3,720. Amazing! Not sure how much it cost the residents in electricity, but what a fantastic way to give a little something to others at this time of year.
The generosity of one homeowner was further demonstrated by his coming to the door with two boxes of candy canes and telling a group of children to make sure that every child in his garden got one to enjoy. Such a simple, kind-hearted act, but fully appreciated by all.
So I'd like to say a big thank you to Runton Road for spreading some Christmas cheer – not just to myself, my family and the other visitors, but to those who benefit through their kind and charitable act. Merry Christmas to you all!
To find out more about the Runton Road lights, see https://www.facebook.com/RuntonRoadChristmasLights
Tuesday, 16 December 2014
Life's a beach!
It might be winter, but that's not going to stop me from going to the beach, no way! There's no better place to be on a cold, crisp, clear day and when you live in a county that is home to some of the best beaches in the country, it seems stupid not to take advantage of what's on my doorstep.
Don't believe me? Just look at this…
I love it! That picture was taken just last week, and the beach was just as beautiful today. The sun was glinting off the sea, there was hardly anyone around, I could enjoy the stunning views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. On days like today, there's nothing better than wrapping up warm and taking a stroll by the seaside.
And it's so easily accessible, even with a buggy. If I wanted to, I could walk from Poole to Bournemouth to Boscombe. I'm not likely to do that, I've only got little legs, but it's nice to have the option if I want to. And even better, there are plenty of places to stop on the way, whether it's a pub or a cafe you're after.
There's also something incredibly therapeutic about being by the sea. It calms me, it puts a spring in my step and a smile on my face. As well as putting colour in my cheeks and giving me a some exercise, of course.
So when people ask me what I love best about Dorset, I'll always say the beach.
Don't believe me? Just look at this…
I love it! That picture was taken just last week, and the beach was just as beautiful today. The sun was glinting off the sea, there was hardly anyone around, I could enjoy the stunning views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. On days like today, there's nothing better than wrapping up warm and taking a stroll by the seaside.
And it's so easily accessible, even with a buggy. If I wanted to, I could walk from Poole to Bournemouth to Boscombe. I'm not likely to do that, I've only got little legs, but it's nice to have the option if I want to. And even better, there are plenty of places to stop on the way, whether it's a pub or a cafe you're after.
There's also something incredibly therapeutic about being by the sea. It calms me, it puts a spring in my step and a smile on my face. As well as putting colour in my cheeks and giving me a some exercise, of course.
So when people ask me what I love best about Dorset, I'll always say the beach.
Wednesday, 10 December 2014
It's panto time! Oh yes it is!
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If there’s one thing guaranteed to bring a
smile to your face on a wet and windy winter’s night, it’s a trip to the panto.
I haven’t watched a pantomime since I was a child, but after last night, I’ll
be making sure I won’t miss another.
Christmas and pantomimes go hand in hand –
they’re a wonderful family tradition that lets everyone remember not to take
life too seriously. But there’s a recipe that a panto must follow – it has to
have romance, a baddie, slapstick, comic sidekicks, a sprinkling of fairy
magic, singing, dancing and, of course, audience participation. And Robin Hood at Lighthouse, Poole, ticked all these boxes.
So the story goes like this. The dashing
outlaw Robin Hood is stealing from the rich to give to the poor, while the
dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham (Boo! Hiss!) is plotting to kidnap Maid Marian
and force her to marry him so he can inherit her money, whilst also planning
his revenge on Robin, his sworn enemy.
What you don’t expect in this tale is nods to Riverdance, Chitty Chitty
Bang Bang and songs by One Direction and Taylor Swift. Yes, really!
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| Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen… |
But a story’s nothing without a good cast
to support it, and credit must be given to last night’s stars. CBBC favourite
Ed Petrie was on fine form as Robin, while Patrick Kane was superb as the
villainous Sheriff. The female leads – Alicia Woodhouse as Maid Marian and
Stephanie Walker as Mary The Fairy
– shone for their singing and dancing skills respectively (and their
pretty, sparkly costumes). But let’s not forgot the supporting cast – those
guys and girls can sing, dance, change costumes in a flash and the smiles never
left their faces!
And it didn’t leave mine either. I laughed
at all the terrible jokes and at the silly bits of slapstick. Hilariously, the
cast laughed too – at times they couldn’t keep a straight face, which just made
the audience laugh even harder. I booed and hissed, I chorused “Oh no it isn’t”
and “Behind you”! I sang (badly!), I danced. I immersed myself fully in the
panto experience. And I loved it!
But don’t just take my word for it. Get
yourself a ticket and go see for yourself!
Robin Hood is on at Lighthouse, Poole, from now until Sunday 4 January. For more information or to book tickets, call 0844 406 8666 or visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
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| Shiny! |
Photos by David Stroud and Hattie Miles
Monday, 8 December 2014
Santa Claus came to town!
This is always a busy time of year, especially when you've got children. What with school fairs, carol concerts, parties, catching up with friends, preparing for the big day - it's no wonder most of us end up ill and exhausted in December!
But there are some things that can't be missed - and seeing Christmas lights being switched on and meeting the man himself are two of those. Which is why we've braved some cold weather for those very reasons.
The first foray into the festive season saw us watching the lights being switched on in Poole. We've decided to try and see it being done in different places each year, so last year we went to Christchurch to watch, this year we stuck closer to home. It was on a Thursday night and I don't know if this had an impact on the crowd, but there really wasn't many people there. It was a very low-key affair - sponsored by local children's hospice Julia's House, the lights were turned on by their patron, actress Debra Stephenson. Except not all of the lights actually came on – and there weren't many to turn on in the first place. But it did feel festive, with Christmas songs being played by Fire Radio, and schoolchildren singing carols. I wouldn't rush to watch it again unless it was on a bigger, better scale, but it was a nice start to the Christmas countdown.
And so on to the next tradition, which involves seeing the man in the red suit. We haven't taken a trip to a grotto yet (it's on the cards, never fear), but we did head down to Poole Quay yesterday to watch the Santa Parade.
There's been a bit of controversy about this event - it was cancelled due to Health and Safety fears (or Elf and Safety as my DH likes to quip… Groan!) but was then reinstated on a smaller scale after a public outcry. It basically involves Santa arriving by lifeboat at the Quay before travelling by land train up and down and finally him doing a walkabout. We didn't see the arrival so I can't comment on that, but the actual parade bit was good fun. There was a Spiderman band (if anyone can shed ANY light on that, please do!) and a marching band. I do love a bit of big band action at Christmas! The train had elves, stars of Robin Hood (Poole's panto for the season) and FC himself on, all cheerily waving to the crowd. Sainsbury's were giving out sweets, everyone was in good spirits, and it was just a really nice local celebration of Christmas. Sadly we didn't wait for Santa to reach us on his walkabout as it was cold, but I'll definitely be back there next year.
I'd love to hear what you've been doing to get in the festive spirit. To help inspire you, here's a few pics from yesterday…
But there are some things that can't be missed - and seeing Christmas lights being switched on and meeting the man himself are two of those. Which is why we've braved some cold weather for those very reasons.
The first foray into the festive season saw us watching the lights being switched on in Poole. We've decided to try and see it being done in different places each year, so last year we went to Christchurch to watch, this year we stuck closer to home. It was on a Thursday night and I don't know if this had an impact on the crowd, but there really wasn't many people there. It was a very low-key affair - sponsored by local children's hospice Julia's House, the lights were turned on by their patron, actress Debra Stephenson. Except not all of the lights actually came on – and there weren't many to turn on in the first place. But it did feel festive, with Christmas songs being played by Fire Radio, and schoolchildren singing carols. I wouldn't rush to watch it again unless it was on a bigger, better scale, but it was a nice start to the Christmas countdown.
And so on to the next tradition, which involves seeing the man in the red suit. We haven't taken a trip to a grotto yet (it's on the cards, never fear), but we did head down to Poole Quay yesterday to watch the Santa Parade.
There's been a bit of controversy about this event - it was cancelled due to Health and Safety fears (or Elf and Safety as my DH likes to quip… Groan!) but was then reinstated on a smaller scale after a public outcry. It basically involves Santa arriving by lifeboat at the Quay before travelling by land train up and down and finally him doing a walkabout. We didn't see the arrival so I can't comment on that, but the actual parade bit was good fun. There was a Spiderman band (if anyone can shed ANY light on that, please do!) and a marching band. I do love a bit of big band action at Christmas! The train had elves, stars of Robin Hood (Poole's panto for the season) and FC himself on, all cheerily waving to the crowd. Sainsbury's were giving out sweets, everyone was in good spirits, and it was just a really nice local celebration of Christmas. Sadly we didn't wait for Santa to reach us on his walkabout as it was cold, but I'll definitely be back there next year.
I'd love to hear what you've been doing to get in the festive spirit. To help inspire you, here's a few pics from yesterday…
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
Baby brain never ends....
What is it about having kids that just turns your brain to mush? I know some people say that baby brain doesn't exist, but I beg to differ. Before having kids, I was reasonably organised, had a great memory (both long- and short-term) and could remember things just like that [clicks fingers].
But these days if I don't write something down almost immediately, I forget it. D1 said something hilarious at bathtime tonight and now I cannot remember what it was. I write lists. Endless bloody lists of things to do, to buy, to pack... For the first time ever, this year I forgot one of my best friend's child's birthdays. I didn't forget it by a day or two. It was by weeks. I was mortified!
So what is it about kids that does this? Is it something to do with all those crazy pregnancy and post-birth hormones? Or is it because our brains simply cannot cope with all the extra information that having a child brings? More importantly - will I ever get my brain back?!
I know I'm not alone in this, but if anyone has any tips - or thoughts - about improving my brain power, I would love to hear them!
But these days if I don't write something down almost immediately, I forget it. D1 said something hilarious at bathtime tonight and now I cannot remember what it was. I write lists. Endless bloody lists of things to do, to buy, to pack... For the first time ever, this year I forgot one of my best friend's child's birthdays. I didn't forget it by a day or two. It was by weeks. I was mortified!
So what is it about kids that does this? Is it something to do with all those crazy pregnancy and post-birth hormones? Or is it because our brains simply cannot cope with all the extra information that having a child brings? More importantly - will I ever get my brain back?!
I know I'm not alone in this, but if anyone has any tips - or thoughts - about improving my brain power, I would love to hear them!
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Domestic goddess or slummy mummy?
It's been a busy time at Dorset Mummy Towers, what with Christmas fast approaching, the daily school run, swimming lessons, decorating.... It's a wonder household tasks actually get done at all!
And let's be honest. Those tasks just go on and on and on. No sooner has the washing basket been cleared then it starts to fill up again. Same for the washing up. There's always cleaning to be done, the school uniform to be ironed, tea to be cooked. I'm exhausted just thinking about it!
And here's the worst thing. I am not a natural domestic. I love cooking and baking, but I hate washing up. I like wearing my clothes, but I get bored of washing them and I cannot stand ironing them. I NEVER iron. Except now I have to because the school uniform seems to get more creased than anything else....
Don't get me wrong, I am house proud, I don't live in a dust-infested hovel, but I just think there are so many more interesting things I could do with my time. Like painting my nails. Painting my walls. Watching TV...
Speaking of which, if anyone has seen Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners, then you'll appreciate just how much time gets wasted cleaning. Have you seen it? Those people like cleaning so much, they hoover their gardens, wash their cats (mine would freak if I put him anywhere near a bath!) and use litres and litres of bleach. And don't get me started on the lady who gave her kids a Dettol bath once a week... And at the end of the day, they may have a spotless house, but they haven't achieved much else.
Homes are meant to be lived in, just like kids are meant to get messy. I like my house to feel homely and comfortable - and I want visitors to feel at home too. So next time you're at mine, keep your shoes on, drop crumbs on the floor and relax. Because that's what I intend to do!
And let's be honest. Those tasks just go on and on and on. No sooner has the washing basket been cleared then it starts to fill up again. Same for the washing up. There's always cleaning to be done, the school uniform to be ironed, tea to be cooked. I'm exhausted just thinking about it!
And here's the worst thing. I am not a natural domestic. I love cooking and baking, but I hate washing up. I like wearing my clothes, but I get bored of washing them and I cannot stand ironing them. I NEVER iron. Except now I have to because the school uniform seems to get more creased than anything else....
Don't get me wrong, I am house proud, I don't live in a dust-infested hovel, but I just think there are so many more interesting things I could do with my time. Like painting my nails. Painting my walls. Watching TV...
Speaking of which, if anyone has seen Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners, then you'll appreciate just how much time gets wasted cleaning. Have you seen it? Those people like cleaning so much, they hoover their gardens, wash their cats (mine would freak if I put him anywhere near a bath!) and use litres and litres of bleach. And don't get me started on the lady who gave her kids a Dettol bath once a week... And at the end of the day, they may have a spotless house, but they haven't achieved much else.
Homes are meant to be lived in, just like kids are meant to get messy. I like my house to feel homely and comfortable - and I want visitors to feel at home too. So next time you're at mine, keep your shoes on, drop crumbs on the floor and relax. Because that's what I intend to do!
Monday, 10 November 2014
Have a hands-on Christmas!
The big day is approaching fast and the inevitable preparation is underway. My Christmas puddings are all cooked and maturing nicely and it's the time of year when I start making my jams and chutneys. Delish!
Over the summer months I stockpile fruit and freeze it ready for this season. This year's crop consists of blackcurrants from my garden, apples from my in-laws, blueberries from Trehane's (www.trehane.co.uk), blackberries from local hedgerows and rhubarb from some friends. So far I've done a green tomato chutney and last week I did a batch of blackcurrant and rhubarb jam. My next step will be the classic apple and blackberry. I'm sure people think jam is complicated, but all you need is some good equipment, the fruit, sugar and water. The only difficulty I always have is checking the setting point – hopefully my new jam thermometer will help me with that! #cookinggeek!
Anyway, my point is that jams, chutneys and the like make lovely Christmas presents – and there's nothing like giving a homemade gift to show someone you care.
Recently I've done some writing for the Salisbury and Bournemouth editions of Raring2go! and one of the features was on gift ideas. I won't rehash them all here, as obviously those of you who are local will be avidly reading the magazine, but I will direct you to some of my recipes, which have made their way online. Take a look at www.raring2go.co.uk/eat/recipes/christmas-recipes.
And just in case you're still not inspired, here's a few pictures from my own handmade Christmas a couple of years ago…
Cupcakes in a jar
Gift boxes containing a mini Christmas pudding, jams, chutneys, coconut ice,
cookies and giant chocolate buttons
Have I inspired you? If so, I'd love to know what you'll be making this Christmas. And if you need a taste tester…
Monday, 3 November 2014
Holiday it's a holiday!
We managed to cram so much into the half-term break that I literally don't know where to begin talking about our adventures. So I thought I would do a quick summation of my top 5…
The Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
OK, so it's Hampshire, not Dorset, but I got a great Groupon deal a few months back for the Spinnaker and as we were going to stay with friends in London, we thought we'd call in and do the Tower en route before the voucher expired on 29 October. The deal was entry for 2 adults, a hot drink each and a photo and I think I paid just £9.50 for it, which saved me something like £25. Worth. Every. Penny. It was a beautiful clear day across the South and we had fantastic views of Portsmouth, Gosport, the Isle of Wight and beyond. I lived in Portsmouth many years ago so it was a great trip down memory lane and the perfect start to the holidays. Not great if you've got a fear of heights or glass floors, but if you love sightseeing from on high (which I do), it's amazing. For more information on the Tower, head to www.spinnakertower.co.uk.
Sealife Centre, Weymouth
I love aquariums. There's something soothing about watching lots of colourful fishes swimming around, so I was quite excited to finally be making a trip to the Sealife Centre at Weymouth. And it was worth it. We spent a good 2.5 hours there, exploring all the different sections - partly helped by the fact that D1 had a 'passport' to stamp in each section and getting all of the stamps meant she would get a medal. But we saw a massive array of fish and marine wildlife - seahorses, seals, sharks, turtles, clownfish (that's Nemo to most people!), crabs, stingrays… The list goes on. The staff were all really friendly and knowledgeable and it was just a really pleasant way to spend a morning. In the summer, there's an outdoor wet play area where kids can splash to their heart's content - we'll definitely be going back! www.sealifeweymouth.com
Ice skating at The Ark, Poole Park
I am not naturally graceful. I can barely walk without tripping up. So when we delved into our days out jar and pulled out "Go ice skating" and D1 declared she wanted Mummy to join her while Daddy looked after D2, I'll admit I wasn't exactly thrilled. But I've learnt that being a mum often means being brave in front of your kids (even when there's a spider around. That's love for you!) so I happily got my skates on and ventured shakily onto the ice. An HOUR later, I finally got off! And I even managed not to fall over, not once. Hooray! The rink at The Ark isn't the biggest but for a 4yo who's not used to skating, it's the perfect size. She happily skated round with an aid and the only reason we were on the ice so long is because she didn't want to get off! (www.thearkpoolepark.co.uk)
Crabbing
Going crab-lining is one of those traditional seaside activities that I've never done - and one that D1 was desperate to enjoy. So armed with a bucket, a net and some bacon for the nippers, we headed to Hamworthy Beach to try our luck. Amazingly, D1 managed to sit patiently on the pier and wait it out until the bacon tempted a crab – when she was joyfully rewarded with 2 decent-sized crustaceans. Again the brave Mummy effect came into play and I gloved up and picked up one of the blighters rather carefully - why do we do these things to ourselves, Mums!? Don't worry, we did then release them back into the water and went home happy.
Adventure Wonderland
Billed as Dorset's No1 attraction, Adventure Wonderland is another one of those places we've been meaning to check out for a while, but you need the weather to go. And with the warmest Halloween on record on the cards, we decided it was the perfect day for some theme-park fun. It's not a massive park and to be honest, if we had paid money rather than used Tesco vouchers, I would have been disappointed - it would have cost nearly £40 for 2 adults and 1 child (D2 was free). However, we did manage to spend all day there and we had a great time. Despite the weather, the park wasn't rammed and we were lucky enough to go on rides more than once, enjoyed the Halloween show, spent some time in the huge soft play area, cuddled animals, took a pony ride and bounced on a trampoline. You know you've had a good day when your child cries because she doesn't want to go home… www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
So that was my half term. How did you spend yours?
The Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
OK, so it's Hampshire, not Dorset, but I got a great Groupon deal a few months back for the Spinnaker and as we were going to stay with friends in London, we thought we'd call in and do the Tower en route before the voucher expired on 29 October. The deal was entry for 2 adults, a hot drink each and a photo and I think I paid just £9.50 for it, which saved me something like £25. Worth. Every. Penny. It was a beautiful clear day across the South and we had fantastic views of Portsmouth, Gosport, the Isle of Wight and beyond. I lived in Portsmouth many years ago so it was a great trip down memory lane and the perfect start to the holidays. Not great if you've got a fear of heights or glass floors, but if you love sightseeing from on high (which I do), it's amazing. For more information on the Tower, head to www.spinnakertower.co.uk.
Sealife Centre, Weymouth
I love aquariums. There's something soothing about watching lots of colourful fishes swimming around, so I was quite excited to finally be making a trip to the Sealife Centre at Weymouth. And it was worth it. We spent a good 2.5 hours there, exploring all the different sections - partly helped by the fact that D1 had a 'passport' to stamp in each section and getting all of the stamps meant she would get a medal. But we saw a massive array of fish and marine wildlife - seahorses, seals, sharks, turtles, clownfish (that's Nemo to most people!), crabs, stingrays… The list goes on. The staff were all really friendly and knowledgeable and it was just a really pleasant way to spend a morning. In the summer, there's an outdoor wet play area where kids can splash to their heart's content - we'll definitely be going back! www.sealifeweymouth.com
Ice skating at The Ark, Poole Park
I am not naturally graceful. I can barely walk without tripping up. So when we delved into our days out jar and pulled out "Go ice skating" and D1 declared she wanted Mummy to join her while Daddy looked after D2, I'll admit I wasn't exactly thrilled. But I've learnt that being a mum often means being brave in front of your kids (even when there's a spider around. That's love for you!) so I happily got my skates on and ventured shakily onto the ice. An HOUR later, I finally got off! And I even managed not to fall over, not once. Hooray! The rink at The Ark isn't the biggest but for a 4yo who's not used to skating, it's the perfect size. She happily skated round with an aid and the only reason we were on the ice so long is because she didn't want to get off! (www.thearkpoolepark.co.uk)
Crabbing
Going crab-lining is one of those traditional seaside activities that I've never done - and one that D1 was desperate to enjoy. So armed with a bucket, a net and some bacon for the nippers, we headed to Hamworthy Beach to try our luck. Amazingly, D1 managed to sit patiently on the pier and wait it out until the bacon tempted a crab – when she was joyfully rewarded with 2 decent-sized crustaceans. Again the brave Mummy effect came into play and I gloved up and picked up one of the blighters rather carefully - why do we do these things to ourselves, Mums!? Don't worry, we did then release them back into the water and went home happy.
Adventure Wonderland
Billed as Dorset's No1 attraction, Adventure Wonderland is another one of those places we've been meaning to check out for a while, but you need the weather to go. And with the warmest Halloween on record on the cards, we decided it was the perfect day for some theme-park fun. It's not a massive park and to be honest, if we had paid money rather than used Tesco vouchers, I would have been disappointed - it would have cost nearly £40 for 2 adults and 1 child (D2 was free). However, we did manage to spend all day there and we had a great time. Despite the weather, the park wasn't rammed and we were lucky enough to go on rides more than once, enjoyed the Halloween show, spent some time in the huge soft play area, cuddled animals, took a pony ride and bounced on a trampoline. You know you've had a good day when your child cries because she doesn't want to go home… www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
So that was my half term. How did you spend yours?
Tuesday, 28 October 2014
Let me eat cake!
As well as baking cakes, one of my favourite pleasures is going out for tea and cake. It's one of those brilliant British traditions that I embrace wholeheartedly, so I've been enjoying sampling some of the coffee houses of Dorset. And lately I've discovered a couple of gems that I wanted to share with you.
The first is Corfe Coffee in Corfe Mullen, which won me over with its gorgeous coffee fudge cake. I am not a coffee drinker, but I am a lover of anything coffee-flavoured, so a big slice of coffee cake is one of my go-to choices. And I was not disappointed - it was delicious. Moist, sticky, well-flavoured - worth the sugar rush! And at just £2 for the slice, it was friendlier on my purse than it was on my waistline!
As for the venue, it was very similar to how I would run a coffee shop, if the opportunity ever arose. Comfy seating, books and toys for children, a book swap for adults, products to buy and a good, varied menu. Not to mention friendly staff, which is always a bonus in my view!
There's not a website I can direct you to, but they do have a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Corfe-Coffee/216397928374201). Of course, you can simply pop along to Corfe Mullen and sample them for yourself…
But my cake journey doesn't end in Corfe Mullen, as I've also been fortunate to sample the delights of The Coffee House in Canford Heath. It's very similar in essence to Corfe Coffee but with slightly more of a community feel. There's a giant blackboard with a calendar of local events on it, many of which take place at The Coffee House itself, as well as a community craft table for you to get creative - perhaps you'll be inspired by the work of local artists that adorns the walls!
The tea was exceptionally good value (I think it was £1.50 for a pot that held at least 3 cups) and was served in a pot with a super-cute tea cosy. We sampled a selection of cakes - lemon, chocolate tiffin and a teacake for the children. All were tasty! But again, don't just take my word for it – head there yourself and check it out!
http://thecoffeehouse.eu
If you know somewhere that serves great cake and tasty tea, let me know. I'm always on the lookout for new places to try!
The first is Corfe Coffee in Corfe Mullen, which won me over with its gorgeous coffee fudge cake. I am not a coffee drinker, but I am a lover of anything coffee-flavoured, so a big slice of coffee cake is one of my go-to choices. And I was not disappointed - it was delicious. Moist, sticky, well-flavoured - worth the sugar rush! And at just £2 for the slice, it was friendlier on my purse than it was on my waistline!
As for the venue, it was very similar to how I would run a coffee shop, if the opportunity ever arose. Comfy seating, books and toys for children, a book swap for adults, products to buy and a good, varied menu. Not to mention friendly staff, which is always a bonus in my view!
There's not a website I can direct you to, but they do have a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Corfe-Coffee/216397928374201). Of course, you can simply pop along to Corfe Mullen and sample them for yourself…
But my cake journey doesn't end in Corfe Mullen, as I've also been fortunate to sample the delights of The Coffee House in Canford Heath. It's very similar in essence to Corfe Coffee but with slightly more of a community feel. There's a giant blackboard with a calendar of local events on it, many of which take place at The Coffee House itself, as well as a community craft table for you to get creative - perhaps you'll be inspired by the work of local artists that adorns the walls!
The tea was exceptionally good value (I think it was £1.50 for a pot that held at least 3 cups) and was served in a pot with a super-cute tea cosy. We sampled a selection of cakes - lemon, chocolate tiffin and a teacake for the children. All were tasty! But again, don't just take my word for it – head there yourself and check it out!
http://thecoffeehouse.eu
If you know somewhere that serves great cake and tasty tea, let me know. I'm always on the lookout for new places to try!
Wednesday, 22 October 2014
1 is FUN!
It's been a busy few days at Dorset Mummy Towers with D2's first birthday celebrations taking up most of my free hours and energy. It's hard to believe that this time last year I was mum to a gorgeous teeny-tiny newborn and now I have a walking toddler on my hands who is sure showing her independent streak.
Obviously the first birthday is a massive occasion and a very special one – and I don't mean just for the child. It's a huge achievement for any parent to get through that tricksy first year, so hubby and I quite rightly gave ourselves a pat on the back for successfully guiding a child through those first 12 months (for the second time, yippee!) without causing anyone lasting harm… And that's something us parents should do more often - we spend so long celebrating our children's achievements that we forget about our own. So take some time in the next week or so to give yourselves a reward for doing a blooming good job because this parenting malarkey isn't always easy.
Now, the other thing about birthdays is the fact that I get to do one of my favourite things - baaaaakkkkkkeeeee! If the writing career ever goes south, my other dream is to bake for a living. OK, I'm no GBBO contender, but I can make a mean sponge. And when I was pregnant with D1, I swore to myself that I would ALWAYS make my children's birthday cakes…
So D2 was supposed to get a rainbow cake, but colouring the sponge just made two of them quite dense and 'claggy' (love that word!). So my rainbow cake turned into one layer of pink sponge, one normal, one purple, one normal, sandwiched together with strawberry jam and a pink buttercream. I then covered the sponge in buttercream and decorated the outside with chocolate fingers, Smarties and a bit of sparkle, all tied up in a pretty pink bow!
Obviously the first birthday is a massive occasion and a very special one – and I don't mean just for the child. It's a huge achievement for any parent to get through that tricksy first year, so hubby and I quite rightly gave ourselves a pat on the back for successfully guiding a child through those first 12 months (for the second time, yippee!) without causing anyone lasting harm… And that's something us parents should do more often - we spend so long celebrating our children's achievements that we forget about our own. So take some time in the next week or so to give yourselves a reward for doing a blooming good job because this parenting malarkey isn't always easy.
Now, the other thing about birthdays is the fact that I get to do one of my favourite things - baaaaakkkkkkeeeee! If the writing career ever goes south, my other dream is to bake for a living. OK, I'm no GBBO contender, but I can make a mean sponge. And when I was pregnant with D1, I swore to myself that I would ALWAYS make my children's birthday cakes…
So D2 was supposed to get a rainbow cake, but colouring the sponge just made two of them quite dense and 'claggy' (love that word!). So my rainbow cake turned into one layer of pink sponge, one normal, one purple, one normal, sandwiched together with strawberry jam and a pink buttercream. I then covered the sponge in buttercream and decorated the outside with chocolate fingers, Smarties and a bit of sparkle, all tied up in a pretty pink bow!
And thankfully, it tasted blimmin' yummy! My only complaint about birthdays is just how shattering they can be - for everyone!
I'd love to hear what makes birthdays special for you!
Monday, 13 October 2014
The Wicked West
That's wicked in the good sense of the word, people, not because it's evil!
So yesterday saw our family venturing a little further afield to meet up with some Devon-based friends in a mutually convenient location. We arranged to meet in Chideock, situated to the south-west of Bridport. We took a bit of a gamble and chose a pub we found online (although it had good Trip Advisor reviews). Luckily the gamble paid off!
The pub in question was the George Inn (http://georgeinnchideock.co.uk). We'd reserved a table (ALWAYS a good move when you have children and want to eat on a Sunday) which had plenty of space around it for the kids to play without disrupting anyone else.
But the main attraction was the food. The menu's seasonal and depends on produce availability, which means it's always changing. The kids devoured pasta, tomato sauce and cheese (a favourite with little people), while the grown-ups (with the exception of yours truly) tucked into roast beef or roast lamb with homemade Yorkshires, roasties and veg. I don't eat meat so I enjoyed a delicious squash, spinach and chickpea curry with coriander cous cous, a flatbread and crème fraiche. It was superb. And such good value. I love it when pubs give you a decent plate of food and don't charge you an absolute bomb for it. There's nothing worse than getting a barely-there plate and knowing you've just forked out a small fortune!
The staff were all friendly and courteous and when we left, the pub was heaving - always a good sign. We'll definitely be going back.
With full bellies, we then hopped in the car and drove back east to West Bay for a walk on the beach. As you may know, it's where they filmed TV drama Broadchurch (the second season is currently being filmed there too). But it's also part of the Jurassic Coast, which is a World Heritage Site. And that makes it pretty special.
It's one of those places where the coastline is just so breathtakingly dramatic that you can't help but be awed by nature in all its glory. I don't think words can do it justice - you need to see it to believe it.
The beach is shingle which, I'll be honest, is kind of tricksy to walk on, so next time I'm going to tackle it with decent shoes and give my legs a REAL workout.
But the lack of a beach walk meant we could just indulge in another one of my favourite things - tea and cake! Again we were really lucky and stumbled across the West Bay Tea Rooms (http://www.westbaytearooms.co.uk). Cosy, inviting and still selling ice creams, we were happy, the kids were happy and the coffee and walnut cake my friends shared looked gorgeous! (Which isn't to say that my millionaire's shortbread wasn't, I just had a touch of cake envy…)
Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worse while we were out, but I'll definitely be headed back to West Bay when it's sunnier to have a real look around this pretty harbour village. And I suggest you do the same!
So yesterday saw our family venturing a little further afield to meet up with some Devon-based friends in a mutually convenient location. We arranged to meet in Chideock, situated to the south-west of Bridport. We took a bit of a gamble and chose a pub we found online (although it had good Trip Advisor reviews). Luckily the gamble paid off!
The pub in question was the George Inn (http://georgeinnchideock.co.uk). We'd reserved a table (ALWAYS a good move when you have children and want to eat on a Sunday) which had plenty of space around it for the kids to play without disrupting anyone else.
But the main attraction was the food. The menu's seasonal and depends on produce availability, which means it's always changing. The kids devoured pasta, tomato sauce and cheese (a favourite with little people), while the grown-ups (with the exception of yours truly) tucked into roast beef or roast lamb with homemade Yorkshires, roasties and veg. I don't eat meat so I enjoyed a delicious squash, spinach and chickpea curry with coriander cous cous, a flatbread and crème fraiche. It was superb. And such good value. I love it when pubs give you a decent plate of food and don't charge you an absolute bomb for it. There's nothing worse than getting a barely-there plate and knowing you've just forked out a small fortune!
The staff were all friendly and courteous and when we left, the pub was heaving - always a good sign. We'll definitely be going back.
With full bellies, we then hopped in the car and drove back east to West Bay for a walk on the beach. As you may know, it's where they filmed TV drama Broadchurch (the second season is currently being filmed there too). But it's also part of the Jurassic Coast, which is a World Heritage Site. And that makes it pretty special.
It's one of those places where the coastline is just so breathtakingly dramatic that you can't help but be awed by nature in all its glory. I don't think words can do it justice - you need to see it to believe it.
The beach is shingle which, I'll be honest, is kind of tricksy to walk on, so next time I'm going to tackle it with decent shoes and give my legs a REAL workout.
But the lack of a beach walk meant we could just indulge in another one of my favourite things - tea and cake! Again we were really lucky and stumbled across the West Bay Tea Rooms (http://www.westbaytearooms.co.uk). Cosy, inviting and still selling ice creams, we were happy, the kids were happy and the coffee and walnut cake my friends shared looked gorgeous! (Which isn't to say that my millionaire's shortbread wasn't, I just had a touch of cake envy…)
Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worse while we were out, but I'll definitely be headed back to West Bay when it's sunnier to have a real look around this pretty harbour village. And I suggest you do the same!
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