Fabulous French Inspired Food

As I said in my last post the food at the weekend was amazing.  I just had to put up some pics as each course was so well presented with flowers and everything.

I'm working all weekend as we have our stocktake so I'm cheering myself up looking at these pics and I promise the next post will be an outfit one.  I wore my new sandals to dinner and they are so comfortable and easy to walk in (although not so much on loose stones!)

Croustillant of Duck Confit, Mushroom Sauce

Apricot Sorbet (to cleanse the palate!)

Seared Prime Sirloin of Beef, Peppercorn Sauce, Crispy Potatoes

Chocolate Brownie, Apricot Sorbet, Chocolate Mint Sauce

Hand Made Biscuits

Fresh Pastries

A French Full English

By the way have you all seen the Magpie Girl's new blog layout?  It looks amazing, you should definitely check it out.

When Years Pass By Like Days

I can't believe what an amazing anniversary weekend I had away with Paul!  The weather was glorious and the 'restaurant with rooms' we stayed at was just incredible.  I have been dreaming about the meal we had since I got home!  I took so many photos I'm afraid they are going to cover a few posts.

We had a lovely afternoon shopping before heading to the Watermill Lodge to check in and get dinner.  The chef is french and an absolute genius in the kitchen.  I have a post to come on the food alone.  After dinner we enjoyed a lazy hour talking and enjoying the view from our room before heading out for a walk around the lough.  I slept for a solid 10 hours before enjoying yet more great food and then we headed back in the direction of home to celebrate my dad's birthday. 

These first group of photos are of the restaurant and accomodation.  I've already told paul I'm taking him back at christmas for our own christmas dinner:)

More photos on the way soon



Time to Reflect

I'm currently enjoying a wonderful weekend away with my husband for our 6th wedding anniversary.  We have been together for 10 1/2 years and I can't believe we've been married for 6! Its amazing to think of all the things we have shared together and how much more we have to look forward to.  I'm taking lots of photos as the place we are staying is stunning.  I have to thank Paul as taking photos of me for my blog isn't something he usually does.

I'll get all those photos up when I get home but here are a few from the girls weekend in Portballintrae a couple of weeks ago.  You might recognise this outfit from a random photo I put up months ago.  I love this dress as it can go from day to night really easily.  We had such a great weekend with the weather I got my legs out during the day, which I very rarely do.  I might even consider doing it again if the sun ever returns:)

Dress:Dorothy Perkins, Jacket:Pennys, Cami:Dunnes, Shoes:New Look, Turquoise Ring:Pressie from Vicki

A big shout out to all those at the the Glasgowbury music festival this weekend.  Hope you're all having a great time.

Happy 65th Dad!

This post is dedicated to my dad who is 65 tomorrow.  I just want to tell you how much I love you and say thank you for all the help, support and love you have given me over the years.  Everyone says it but you really are the best dad in the world.  I hope you have a great day tomorrow and Debbie and I are looking forward to taking you out on Sunday xxxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:)

I Am In Love!!!

Ok maybe my post title is a little extreme but I bought the most gorgeous pair of shoes today!  With my birthday in a few weeks I've been told not to buy anything but these were just to good to walk past.  I mean they were in the sale and if I'd waited for someone to get them they might have been gone....thats my argument anyway:)

I wanted a pair of neutral heels to put with everything and anything.  There is nothing worse than having an outfit picked for a night out and realising you don't really have the right shoes to go with it.  Now I will, hopefully.  They won't be to everyone's taste but I love them and as I'm the one wearing them thats a good thing.

What sweetened them even more was the fact they were reduced from £40 to £20 in the Dorothy Perkins sale and when I went to the till they only charged me £15!  I love the buzz buying new shoes gives you.

They are high but the thick straps give my foot good support so I can walk in them no problem.

A Week in Words

Sorry for the lack of posts this week but I've had the nicest week off work and I can't believe its over already!

Monday - lazy lie on and a play day at home for me and Aimee before a BBQ at Paul's mum and dads.  Paul and Aimee went to the 11th night bonfires but I was too tired so I snuck off to bed.

Tuesday - Paul and Aimee went to watch the bands play while I watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. We had all our friends over for the rest of the day for another BBQ and plenty of banter.

Wednesday - me, Vicki and Lyanne hit the outlet for some shopping before lunch at Pizza Hut and then the cinema to see Bridesmaids.  Paul's parents came to ours for tea.

Thursday - spent a lovely day out with Aimee and my sister, Debbie, running errands and having a good rummage round Lakeland.

Friday - Aimee and I had a girly day together painting nails and shopping.  We got her a school bag and she looks so cute with it on as its huge.

Saturday - we had a family day out to Tollymore Forest with a fun walk round the forest in the rain before a picnic in the car.  Aimee had a ball splashing in puddles and getting soaking wet.  We spent the rest of the day in Newcastle before an early night as we were exhausted. 

Sunday - the weather is awful so we are going to have a quiet day in before getting a takeaway with Debbie and Conor.

I haven't even been near my laptop all week so I can't wait to see what you've all been up to.  Here are a couple of pics of some of the goodies I got this week.

The owl necklace and flower hair clip were a bargin £1 each in the New Look sale and the Oasis dress was just £10!  I am saving the picture of Aimee with her school bag until she is all dressed up in her uniform....can't believe it has come around so quick.

Fabulous Food And Fun

I have just spent a lovely weekend enjoying great food and great company.  I headed to Portballintrae after work on Friday for a great night out with the girls in the lovely Bayview Hotel restaurant.  The food was gorgeous and we sat and watched the sunset through the floor to ceiling windows.  We started the night with wine in the apartment and ended it with tea, minstrels and panic room on dvd....a perfect night!

I had a luxurious lie in on Saturaday before a stroll around Portstewart and a piece of carrot cake and a cuppa overlooking the sea.  We even managed to squeeze in a trip to the cinema to see Bad Teacher before I had to get home to cook for Debbie and Conor coming round.

 This has been such a full weekend and now I'm looking  forward to having the week off at home with Aimee to relax and spend some quality time together.  What is everyone else doing for holidays this year if you haven't already been away? 

Dress: Salt & Pepper, Shoes:Barratts,Bag:ASOS,Ring: pressie from Vicki from Crete

I want to say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my friend Lyanne for tomorrow.  Thank you for the lovely barbeque tonight and I hope you have a great day.

A Thoughtful Treat

My sister Debbie and her husband Conor have been over visiting our grandparents in Devon and brought me back a few goodies just cause they love me:)

More owls I know, but I do love them.  The owl cushion is so cute and I love all the detail on the magnet.

The Roly's fudge is literally the best fudge in the world!  Its so crumbly and creamy and very naughty but very nice. 

Thank you very much for my lovely gifts you two.  I thought I'd put a wee picture of you up so everyone can see who I'm talking about. 

Back To Blonde

My antivirus software decided to corrupt my laptop last week meaning no internet access and therefore no blogging!  Its amazing how much you miss in a week, I'm going to have to spend a good couple of hours catching up on all the blogs I follow.

I'm back now and blonder as you can hopefully see in my new picture.  I'm so pleased with how my hair turned out and everyone was quick to notice it at work.  Lighter hair has definitely lightened my mood and I'm looking forward to a girly night away to Portballintrae this weekend.

 Despite the atrocious Northern Irish weather I'm ready to start enjoying the summer with good friends, a great many barbeques, even more wine and hopefully some new clothes.  I am on the lookout for a pair of scalloped edge shorts and cream wedges if anyone has any suggestions.

Dress:H&M, Cardigan:Dorothy Perkins, Leggings:Dunnes, Sandals:NV

These sandals were one of my best buys ever.  They go with everything and they are so comfortable.  One small downside, they give me ridiculous looking tan lines:)