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Last Friday I was lucky enough to go out for dinner with some of the lovely ladies from the Bournemouth Bloggers! We headed to a newly opened restaurant called The Coconut Tree! They are bringing Sri Lankan tapas style street food to Bournemouth! I had never tried Sri Lankan food before, so I was intrigued. I am not a huge fan of spicy food, so I was a bit nervous. There was however a good selection of not too spicy dishes. The menu had a great choice of vegetarian, meat and fish dishes. There was such a vast selection, it was hard to narrow down what dishes to pick. Our waiter was so nice, and knowledgeable about the foods, so gave us some recommendations. As a group we decided to pick 4 dishes each, and share them around if people wanted to try them. We were asked what we would like to drink. As a non-alcohol drinker I said a Lemonade. It was suggested that I try a Non- Alcoholic Raspberry Mojito. It was the best suggestion, it was absolutely delicious loaded with fresh raspberries! It was nice to be made to feel included.
When the food came out it was exciting to see all of the beautifully dished up food. The portion sizes were spot on, and the food itself was full of flavour and very different to anything out there. What I really liked is it is a very sociable way to eat. Because we had many different dishes we got to try new things and talk about the dishes. I picked the Pumpkin Coconut Curry and it was SO yummy! The perfect choice for me. The atmosphere of the restaurant was perfect, I liked the colourful art work on the walls. As the evening went on it got nice and busy setting a great social ambience. If you are looking for something a little bit different and yummy I would highly recommend The Coconut Tree, in fact I have recommend it to lots of people all ready! Thank you so much for having us! (This was a gifted experience , however all of the above opinions are my own. The images belong to me)
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On Bank Holiday Sunday we headed off on a mini family adventure to Marwell Zoo! When I told my little lady we were going to the Zoo she was SO excited, even more so when I told her we would be seeing Lego dinosaurs as well!
It was one of the hottest bank holidays on record, so we went prepared, with bottles of water, sun cream, hats, and loose clothing! We arrived just after 10am (when it opened), and as expected the car park was already half full. I would definitely recommend getting there early, but the Zoo didn’t feel over crowed at all. As we entered the Marwell Zoo we were welcomed by the sound effects of the Brickosaurs being transported in crates, it set the atmosphere of the Brickosaurs Expedition perfectly! And then we spotted the first Brickosaur in the lake! It was so effective, and certainly had the wow factor!
As we started to wonder around the zoo, seeing all of the beautiful animals we kept spotting the Brickosaurs. They have a total of 50 life-like Lego brick dinosaurs scattered around the 140 acre park, it was exciting for us all to spot them. We were provided with a free trail map, but we liked finding them ourselves hidden amongst the trees etc.
As well as the Brickosaurs being amazing, we experienced something else so amazing! A rhino walked right past us (obviously behind a fence). I have never been so close to a rhino in all of my 33 years, it was incredible to be able to share the experience with my little lady! Half way around the Zoo we stopped for a picnic which we made at home. Luckily there were plenty of shady spots to choose from (so needed). They also had drinking taps scattered around the Zoo where we could fill up our bottles for free, which was great! They do have cafes, selling hot or cold food if you don’t want to take your own. We did buy a cheeky ice-cream to cool us down!
Another highlight for us was seeing a Tiger, they too were having a lie down in a shady spot. The tiger is my little ladies favourite animal, so she was over the moon to see one in real life!
As you go around you come across Brickosaurs Base Camp. This is a great part of the expedition! They had large brick pit for the children to build in, and a Lego brick dino jeep! We had the best family day out. There is so much to do with little ones, I would highly recommend a visit! If you are wanting to see the Brickosaurs Expedition you still have time, it is on until September 1st 2019! Thank you to Marwell Zoo for having us! We have made memories we will treasure forever! Marwell Zoo Thompson's Ln, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH Tel: 01962 777407 (This was a gifted experience, however all of the above opinions are my own. The images belong to me)
The Hubby and I enjoyed a thrilling night at The Bournemouth Pavilion, thanks to BH Live and Bournemouth Bloggers! We were lucky enough to watch The Mousetrap! If you haven’t heard of it before, it is a murder mystery play by Agatha Christie. The Mousetrap is one of the longest running plays, opening in London's West End in 1952!
I don’t want to give too much away as we are sworn to secrecy to never reveal the ending, but I will tell you what I thought about the play in general.
The tone was immediately set as the theatre went dark, opening with the murder of a woman, played out in sound, which echoed around the 1929 theatre (the perfect setting for a murder mystery). The curtain lifted and I was astonished by the incredible set of Monkswell Manor, which was recently converted to a guesthouse. The attention to detail was fabulous. From the different entry points, to working lamps that were turned on and off throughout the performance. The set was used like a real life room, it was very believable, and complimented the dialogue.
We were then introduced to the characters including Mollie and Giles Ralston and their four guests staying in their guesthouse. All of the actors played their characters very well, all of which were very different. Watching them I felt like I had been thrown back to a family Christmas, sitting down watching an Agatha Christie on the TV. It was very special to watch it all taking place in front of my own eyes. As well as it being a thriller there was also a lot of humour throughout the play, giving it light and shade. The character of Christopher Wren really stood out, he was utterly hilarious and superbly played.
As the play develops there are many twists and turns, keeping the audience on their toes. The murderer's identity is divulged in Act 3. At the end of the performance, we were asked not to reveal the identity of the killer to anyone outside the theatre, to ensure that the end of the play is not spoilt for anyone.
We both really enjoyed the play, and I would highly recommend it. It is on at The Bournemouth Pavilion until August 10th, so grab your tickets quickly to find out who done it.... (This was a gifted experience via Bournemouth Bloggers, however all of the above opinions are my own. The images belong to BH Live and me)
I was lucky enough to head back to The Bournemouth Pavilion this week to watch the International smash hit show New Jersey Nights, with Bournemouth Bloggers, and BH Live. The show is a celebration of the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, and takes the audience on a nostalgic musical journey.
VOCAL GYMNASTICS, glitz, AND JAZZ HANDS
I will be honest, I didn’t know much about the show beforehand (which is a bit of a surprise as I LOVE music), I therefore didn’t have any expectations. On arrival I noticed the age range was a little older than myself. My Nan said she would have loved it. I get why now as the music genre is mostly from her era. This didn’t matter, as I still recognised some of the songs, and loved seeing everyone dancing and singing along.
I liked that the show was predominately focused on the singing and dancing. Occasionally the singers did speak to the audience in character, providing us with information about the bands which was interesting. During the first half of the show the four singers were in front of a set, and the band were hidden behind. I was desperate for the band to come out, so we could see them playing live. They did towards the interval (much to my delight). I found this much better, as I really felt the music come to life, and the audience did too. The four singers were incredible. They sang solo, but also as a group allowing them all to shine. The best bits (for me) were when they harmonised… it was like listening to silky butter. DANCING, LAUGHTER, AND CHEERS
The costumes throughout the performance were stunning, So many sequins and sparkles. There were quite a few costume changes, which were slick. The costume designer really stuck to each genre really well. I genuinely thought the costumes were fantastic.
New Jersey Nights was great fun, thank you BH Live for the gifted tickets. By the end everyone was on their feet dancing, singing and clapping. If you are looking for a night full of smiles, nostalgia, dancing, and glitz this is the show for you! New Jersey Nights is still on in Bournemouth, running until August 3rd, so grab your tickets quickly! (This was a gifted experience via Bournemouth Bloggers, however all of the above opinions are my own. The images belong to BH Live)
Pizza you say, well go on then! I am a HUGE fan of pizza, it is tasty, comforting, and well one of my many guilty pleasures! When the Bournemouth Bloggers got in touch and invited me to a Pizza Making School at the Stables Bournemouth, I jumped at the chance.
On the night there were about 15 Bournemouth Bloggers welcomed to The Stables Bournemouth. We were provided with drinks from their infamous ciders, wine, and for me a soft drink (as a non-drinker). They had set up an area for us, and had placed some tasty appetisers for us all to try, which were yum! It was such a chilled atmosphere, I love the vibe in their restaurants
Chef Campbell (the Executive Head Chef of The Stables), welcomed us all to the Pizza School and began by telling us how they make their tomato sauce for the base on their pizzas. What I really liked is that they do not buy the sauce in, they make it from scratch using fresh organic ingredients. As well as learning about the ingredients, Chef Campbell did a live demo on how to make it, with hints and tips. The tips were super handy, and can certainly be applied to everyday cooking.
Charlie the Area Chef then went on to show us how they make their Sour Dough for the pizza bases. Again all of the Sour Dough is made in house, using the very best ingredients. I personally think it is great that they make everything in house, it makes it feel authentic.
After the two demonstrations it was time to make our own pizzas! We were provided with a large selection of toppings to choose from, and guided on how to layer the ingredients. I tried to be clever and make a face, but I soon regretted this as I missed the cheese on top!
I had such a fun time! Both of the chefs were great, and extremely knowledgeable. They made the entire experience so much fun. Thank you so much for having us! I will certainly enjoy my pizzas even more knowing how much time and love goes into the making of every pizza!
(This was a gifted experience, all of the opinions and photos above are my own)
Last week I was invited to the fabulous Bh2 Leisure complex in Bournemouth with the lovely Emma from Evenangelsfall, and Amy from Everything Mummy. We were invited for a meal at The Real Greek followed by some Crazy Golf at Mr Mulligans! We had the best time! It was SO nice to let my hair down and to belly laugh!
COLOURFUL and TASTY FOOD, in a CHILLED ATMOSPHERE
The Real Greek has such a chilled atmosphere, which I love. This was my first time trying Greek food, so I was so excited to try something new. We decided to share a selection of hot meze dishes, so we could try lots of different things! We were spoilt for choice!
When the dishes came out I was wowed! The vibrant colours of the food, and the smells were amazing! Everything looked so appetising. It was such a nice way to eat together, sharing and chatting. The time went so quickly, I think we were eating for over 2 hours! CRAZY GOLF, VIBRANT COLOURs, AND giggles
After a really enjoyable dinner we headed to Mr Mulligans for a spot of crazy golf! It was so much fun...I really need more practice though as i was rubbish at it!
Mr Mulligans has three courses to choose from, all of which are very different. They are all so enjoyable, and the course designs are amazing. They have a bar (which serve cocktails), and they offer food too. It is a great place to be sociable with friends.
Bh2 Lesuire complex in Bournemouth is a great place to go with friends, family, or work colleagues. There is something for everyone! I rarely get a chance to let my hair down these days so it was such a treat to go out! Thank you for having us Bh2!
Bh2 Leisure, Exeter Crescent, Bournemouth, BH2 5DD Tel: 01202 311586 (This was a gifted experience, all of the opinions and photos above are my own) ICE ICE BABYWho doesn’t love ice cream? When the Bournemouth Bloggers invited me to an event with The Ice Chef, how could I refuse? I was so excited to see what it was all about. MOCKTAILS, DRY ICE, FRESH FURIT AND A LOT OF ICEWe started the night with yummy mocktails and cocktails. As a non-drinker I really welcomed the mocktail. It was apple based with fresh fruit, and was so refreshing and tasty. Lindsay who owns The Ice Chef then went on to show us how she makes her rolled ice cream on a machine that is minus 25 degrees! The whole making process was fascinating. Lindsay only uses fresh ingredients, with no preservatives. Seeing something made in front of you, then being able to eat it is amazing! IF YOU GIVE, PEOPLE WILL GIVE BACKWhat I liked about The Ice Chef in Lindsay’s back story. She has a 3 year old girl, and started from nothing. She went to Thailand and met a man who was making ice cream in a similar way. This inspired her to do it in the UK. Lindsay believes that if you give out, you will get back. As a business owner myself I totally agree, and loved her ethos. WEDDINGS, CHILDREN’S PARTIES, FESTIVALS AND DELIVEROOThe ice chef takes their rolled ice cream making to all of the above. I think as an experience it is fab and I would highly recommend it. It is fun for both adults and children. For me I loved learning something new. It also satisfied my sweet tooth. Go check them out... Kxx (this was a gifted experience. All opinions are my own, and the photos are my own)
If you are local to Bournemouth and love yummy food in the most relaxing atmosphere this review is for you! I was invited (via Bournemouth Bloggers) to check out Urban Beach’s two course “Jiffy Menu” with a friend. The menu is aimed at people looking for a quick and delicious lunch.
WARMING ATMOSPHERE AND COLOURFUL DECORUrban Beach is a stone’s throw away from the beach. It has a beach vibe, yet the style is classy. Despite visiting in gale force winds and rain, the bright decor and smiles from the staff warmed us up instantly. We were taken great care of from start to finish. FRESH ORANGE JUICE, WARMING SOUP, TASTY FISH AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.The "Jiffy Menu" is the perfect size, it has something on there for everyone. I chose the Curry and Butternut Squash soup, followed by Trout with a Garlic Risotto. The soup was so warming, (perfect on such a horrible day!) It came with Kay’s fresh homemade swizzle bread, which was warm and absolutely beautiful. The Trout with the Risotto was genuinely the best Risotto I have ever eaten. The flavours were incredible, and the texture of the rice was just right. My only criticism... there was too much, and I felt terrible for not finishing both courses!
TAKE A STROLL TO THE BEACHIf you live in the area I would definitely recommend a visit to try their "Jiffy Menu". It is the perfect venue to catch up with friends, go on a cheeky date, or head out with the family. If it had been a nice day we would have definitely finished off our lunch with a stroll along the beach. Thank you to Urban Beach for having us, I hope to visit again soon.
URBAN BEACH 23 Argyll Rd, Bournemouth BH5 1EB T- 01202 301509 Please note we were invited for a gifted meal. All words, opinions and images are my own. |
ABOUT ME
Hi! I am Katie... a new mum trying to balance life, work and a beautiful baby girl! I love to take photos, travel, write, make art, and spend time with my family! xx
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