Dear Boys,

Before you were born or even thought about your daddy and I loved each other.
We met at work as we both worked within the same department. Doing completely different jobs but under the same roof. We were friends for many years and would go out on nights out with work together. I always thought your daddy was funny and sweet but never thought of us as a couple together. It was many years later that he finally plucked up the courage to ask me on a date. I’ll be forever grateful that he did and that our love story started right there and then. You are both a part of that too, our love story didn’t end with you, it’s still going strong and growing bigger and bigger digging its roots deeper into the soil of life. We both love you so much and are proud everyday that we created such special little people who are growing so quickly before our eyes and continuing to amaze us everyday.
Boy this week I went to the first meeting at your school. I wasn’t sure if it was something you could attend as it started at 6pm. There were a few other children there but I knew that you’d be getting tired right around that time and so I thought it best you stayed at home. I do wish though I could have let you see your new classroom. The evening started with an introduction from the head teacher. She seems nice and part of the reason I chose the school for you. It has a lovely family feel and I hope that you’ll fit right in there. We were given lots of hand outs about various aspects of school life. They explained the school day and what you’d be doing when. Lunch is at 11:30 and we can choose the menu together from home in advance. I think you’ll love the dinners they sound really nice and the catering staff said it was all cooked on site which is good. In the morning there’s a little space for some worship which is nice and the reason I waned you to go to a church school. Even if you decide religion isn’t for you that’s ok, just use that time to reflect and be grateful for the day ahead. After lunch you get some tooth brushing time, this I thought was a good practise and I was also glad to read about hand washing before lunch. Is it too much to send you with some alcohol gel? I think my healthcare background has passed on the importance of good hand hygiene to you! Even Flixster knows the drill when it comes to alcohol gel before eating!
There were uniforms there to view too and an order form. I need to get on with ordering them for you, it just seems like a big thing to do! Your uniform will be grey trousers, a white polo shirt which can be monogrammed but it’s not compulsory, along side a red school jumper with the school logo on it. Theres also a PE kit to buy, book bag and kit bag. It’s all so exciting yet scary!
I’ve arranged for your teacher to come and meet you in a few weeks at home. I couldn’t find out if your teacher was male or female as the reception classes have one of each. You asked me to find out two things at the meeting, what sex your teacher is or in your words “Is the person going to be a man or a girl?” and what your password will be for the computer, hopefully when they visit it will all become clear. I did ask though if you were to have a computer password and apparently not until you move up the school so that should put your mind at rest. I had a look at your classroom and it seems like a lovely environment for you to grow in. That was the part I wish you’d seen. When I’d finished I came home to find you waiting for me, but you’d fallen asleep on the sofa. It’s the first time you’ve ever done that in your life and it reminded me just how little you still are. Being an August baby I worry about how you will keep up with your peers.

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Flixster you just get cheekier and funnier everyday at the moment. You’ve taken your very first steps. Its slow and steady progress at the moment but you’ll get there. I think it’s almost the same date as your brother did. He was walking around 13 months just like you are. On Tuesday you took 3 consecutive steps at the breastfeeding group we go to. I wish I’d caught it on camera. I’ll try to catch you this weekend if I can so that you will be able to watch it back when you’re older. I love all the new things your learning. Each morning I get a hug from you and I love it.
I love kissing your chubby little cheeks.
However I don’t love you waking up between 3 & 4am each day. Please please please can you sleep just a little bit longer in the morning. We always bring you up into our room when you wake and I lie down to feed you but that’s it then, you’re up and about and raring to go, ready to menace us.
You know your own mind and you are very strong-willed, you know what you want even if you’re not supposed to have it! I love watching you grow up so fast before my very eyes. You adore the boy and the relationship between you both is fantastic to watch. I hope you will be close together for many many years and support each other in all you do.

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The boy told me the other day that he loves having a brother, my heart melted when he said it. He’s such a sweet caring boy. You both are.
I’m hoping to make it a summer to remember but please forgive me if we don’t get it quite right. I want you to enjoy your last summer before school as once you starts I’ll miss my days with you so much. So lets enjoy the long summer days and try to get out and about as much as possible.
Please always remember I love you both unconditionally….forever.
Mummy

Wow, just wow. I actually don’t know the best way to start this blog post. I have so many thoughts running around my head about the ‘Dine around the Dome’ event I was very grateful to be invited to attend last Thursday evening. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I certainly didn’t expect the culinary taste teasing tour that we were treated to.

We were told to meet at 6:30pm at the Circle 360 champagne bar on the upper level of The Orient area in the Trafford Centre. Anyone who knows me personally will know how often I frequent the Trafford Centre. It’s almost my second home. I love the place. As a family we spend quite a lot of time there because living in the Manchester area we aren’t blessed with the best weather so the convenience of having a covered area which has everything you need in one place and free parking is the perfect solution. I love that it has entertainment, Odeon cinema, ten pin bowling, adventure golf, Legoland and Sealife to name but a few. As well a massive variety of shopping and so much choice when it comes to food. No matter what your taste they’ll always be something to suit you there.

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

Before the boys came along and it was just the two of us we would head to the Trafford Centre on date nights to try new restaurants, any special occasion would be marked with a meal and a few drinks. We’ve had many great nights there and worked our way around many of the eateries. So when thinking about dining around the dome I wasn’t sure how many new things I’d discover.

A little before we were due to meet up at the Circle bar I met with my good friend and blogging inspiration Jenny from Lets Talk Mommy. I haven’t seen her in a while so it was great to have a quick catch up together. We headed up to the bar and signed in. I love meeting new people and chatting but I felt a little nervous at this event as I knew it would be a small gathering and thought that perhaps everyone would already know each other. Over the course of the evening I got to know quite a few people and everyone was so lovely. I certainly have quite a few new blogs to add to the list to read now!

At the bar we were given an Elderflower martini which as the description said was dressed dirty with a twist of lemon. As I was driving I was very careful to just take a little sip to sample the flavour. It was at that point I instantly regretted not being able to drink the whole thing. Wow, what a start to the evening, it was beautiful! I could have sat there and sipped the whole thing, if the evening had ended there I would have been a happy lady. I haven’t stopped to have a drink at the bar before. It always looks like a fab venue. Having young children it’s never been possible to just take time out to sip on a champagne but next time we have some couple time there together I am adding it to the must do list! I often walk past and see couples or friends sipping and chatting there, taking a break from shopping. The bar staff were lovely and I can’t wait to return and sample some more of the menu!

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

Jenny and I sampling the Elderflower Martini at Circle 360 Champagne Bar

After a few introductions we were off to our first stop on the tour Cafe Rouge. Now although I have eaten in Cafe Rouge a couple of times I’ve never considered it to be one of my top choices of food venues. I’m not sure why, maybe I’ve just not had a dish there that has wowed me. Everything changed last night. It was our first stop on our tour but they certainly set the bar high for the rest of the evening. We were served ‘Ceviche de Saumon’ which although originally from Peru consisted of Atlantic salmon slices cured in lime marinated with chilli, red onion and spring onion served on a bed of crisp baby gem lettuce. It was drizzled with Valles des Baux EV olive oil and finished with fresh coriander. It was delicious!

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

I love sea food more than I love meat so this was my idea of a great starter. I loved the way the sharpness of the lime worked with the heat of the chilli. The salmon itself had a lovely light flavour and the crunch of the lettuce made sure that it wasn’t a heavy carb laden starter which ensured we had lots of room to carry on with the rest of the tour. I do love bread but if I start with it when I’m already hungry I tend to eat too much then there’s no room for the fabulous main course.

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

The food was paired with a white wine called ‘Saint Etalon Sauvignon’ again I just had a sip but it was crisp and tangy and I thought it was in my own description quite sharp. Cafe Rouge said that it was a perfect accompaniment to a lime marinated fish. I’d defiantly agree with that. I enjoyed a lovely chat with my new-found dinner mates and all too soon it was time to move on.

So from France we headed to Italy in what was probably the quickest hop from country to country ever! So within minutes we’d hoped over the border and were seated in Carluccio’s which is located on the ground floor of The Great Hall at the back of The Orient in the Trafford Centre.

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

This time as most of the food was to be served cold the table was already laid with the dishes and was a fabulous sight it was to behold! Beautiful wood serving boards decorated with thinly sliced Italian meats from Carluccio’s own deli. Palma ham, Mialno salami, Napoli salami and herb roasted ham were amongst the selections decorated with olives, caperberries and home backed focaccia.

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

 

I love a pick and mix style meal so I was in my element with all the different things to try. By far the hit of the table was the Caponata.

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Caponata as I found out was a traditional Sicilian dish of aubergine sweet and sour stew, served cold with toasted sliced focaccia for dipping. This dish took me by surprise. Looking at it you expect it to be a warm dish. It was chilled to perfection and it really works. It was so juicy and flavourful. This is something that I wouldn’t hesitate to order in future. I’m hoping that the recipe can be found in one of Antonio Carluccio’s cook books though as I really think the boys and hubby would enjoy the dish. It seemed to be a hit with everyone!

Shortly after we were seated the warm dish of the evening Pepolata Arancini was served to out table. Pepolata Arancini is a crispy fried pepolata and mozzarella rice balls served with a pepper mayonnaise for dipping. They were delicious, when you cut into them the outside was crispy and the inside a melted gooey mixture of the cheese and rice. I could defiantly see myself returning here for more of these little bites of heaven!

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

 

This beautiful dishes were accompanied by an Aperol Spritz which I had never heard of. As I learned on the evening Aperol Spritz is a classic Venetian aperitif of Prosecco, Aperol and soda. It is a drink that was invented in 1919, it apparently took off like wildfire outside of Italy in 2014 but I must have missed this being in the new baby haze of life. It is set to be a must-sip drink of summer 2015. I for one can see myself getting on board with this! Although again I only had a sip it was really refreshing. I can see myself ordering a glass of this next time I head to Carluccios’s which I imagine will be soon after the wonderful taste tingly samples I had on the evening!

 

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From Italy we headed much much further west to latin America, Las Iguanas to be precise (which is only 30 seconds walk away!). Las Iguanas is one of my ‘go to’ restaurants when we are at the Trafford Centre. I love the flavours there. I thought I knew the food pretty well but as I discovered on the evening I haven’t branched out enough with the menu and was excited to be sampling dishes I haven’t had before.

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

On the menu was a fantastic selection of foods. Adorning the table as we arrived were some Totopos which are Mexican spice-dusted corn chips with tomato salsa, served with Peruvian olives.

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

 

Olives are like Marmite in that I think you either love them or you hate them. I used to hate them but after many years of trying them over and over again I now love them. The olives served at Las Iguanas were particularly nice! If you’re a lover of olives I’d recommend sampling those. Along side the corn chips and olives there was also a salad. It was a Mango and Pecan salad with avocado.

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This was the only sample of a salad on the evening, it’s a good job though that it was as this one would have won hands down! The soft sweet mango was perfectly complimented by the crunchy candied pecan nuts, the baby spinach was lovely and fresh as were the peppery rocket and piquant peppers. This was the sort of salad that I wouldn’t necessarily choose normally but having tasted this one I would certainly look out for something similar in the future. As far as I could tell this was a hit up and down the table. I also loved the way it looked, very pleasing on the eye it made a great visual dish.

The cooked food selection was soon with us and we were once again in for a treat. At Las Iguanas we were served Churrasco Skewers which are mixed marinated and flame-grilled skewers of honey glazed chicken and halloumi, served with Manioc root cassava fries with home-made tomato salsa. I tried the fries first. I hadn’t pre-read the menu so I assumed they were normal potato fries. I was in for a pleasant surprise. I’ve not had cassava before so I was keen to look it up and discovered it is the third largest source of food carbohydrates in the tropics, after rice and maize. It was really nice, quite sweet not dissimilar to sweet potato. The salsa was a lovely accompaniment to the fries too.

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

I’m a big cheese fan and halloumi is up there as one of my favourites, especially when its been flame grilled so I was looking forward to the skewers and they didn’t disappoint. I only tried a small bite or two as I wanted to make sure I had room for all of the other delights of the evening. I can tell you thought that’s it defiantly a dish I’d add to the list of foods I’d like to go back and have again.

The last item to be added to the table was Empanadas which are crispy “street-style” pastries served as either brie and mango or tender lamb and mint varieties. Where I was sitting we were served the brie and mango ones so I didn’t get to try the lamb and mint although I heard the others talking about how nice they were. I cut into my empanadas which was steaming hot and looked lovely, I tried some expecting a sweet type of dessert taste given that it was brie and mango but it wasn’t that sweet at all. The brie complemented the mango perfectly. I’m not sure I’ve ever had warm mango that I can remember but it was really tasty. I almost wish I could have eaten the whole thing but given that we still had a couple of stops on the tour I didn’t want to fill up too soon.

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The food at Las Iguanas was accompanied by a Mango Collins drink. Mango Collins is a cocktail I’ve had before at Las Iguanas so I already knew that I loved it. For anyone that hasn’t tried it it is a refreshing cocktail of Absolute Mango vodka, triple sec blended with orange and mango juices topped with lemonade which gives it a gently sparking taste on the tongue. It was a great pairing with the summary foods we’d been served and if I wasn’t driving I’d have indulged in a glass!

All too soon it was time once again to switch countries this time we were headed back east to Japan and Korean. The restaurant we were going to is called Wokooshi. Out of all our stops this one was new to me. Wokooshii can be found at level 1 of the Orient in the Trafford centre. It was founded by Gerry Yeung who is also the founder of Manchester’s famous Yang Sing Chinese restaurant. We were delighted to be served by Gerry himself who explained all about the family ethics of the restaurant. He is passionate about bringing the Japanese and Korean flavours to the diners.

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

Wokooshii has been open since early 2012 and the word Wokooshii, amalgamates the words wok and oishii, which means ‘delicious food’ in Japanese and the description couldn’t fit the food any better. I love how involved Gerry is with running the restaurant he explained all about the sourcing of ingredients for the menu and how everything is made in-house from scratch. Nothing is bought in pre-made at all so you can be assured all the flavours are authentic.

On the table as we arrived was a cup-shaped lettuce leaf for each person, we joked that we’d eaten so much so far that we really could only mange a leaf. Thankfully though the staff of Wokooshii had other ideas and within moments they had brought out Beef Bulgogi to our table. This was beef marinated in Korean soy sauce, sugar and black pepper to enhance its tenderness. It is traditionally served with a side of lettuce which is used to wrap the cooked meat to add crunchiness. We all picked our pieces of beef, added a hot sauce and tucked in. I have to admit beef isn’t my favourite meat so I was very pleasantly surprised when I found myself finishing the whole leaf wrap. Gerry explained that Bulgogi means ‘fire meat’ in Korean. The dish is listed 23rd in the ‘Worlds 50 Most Delicious Foods’ poll. The meat was historically grilled on gridirons over a brazier, but now it is also popular to pan-cook the meat. Wokooshii Bulgogi is cooked on a sizzler or hot plate.

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

We didn’t have to wait long to taste the flavours ourselves. We were first served a Japanese dish of Salmon Teppanyaki which was a succulent salon fillet cooked on a teppan (hot plate) with butter, garlic, sake and Japanese soya sauce accompanied by mild peppered teppanyaki vegetables and rice. The dish was accompanied with sizzling seafood udon noodles with scallops, king prawns and squid. The noodles were served on a sizzler with a lively Japanese soya sauce.

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The salmon was perfect, so moist with lovely flavours of the sauce, the vegetables were crunchy and matched the salmon well, I didn’t try the rice as I wanted to leave room for a sample of the noodles as udon noodles are my favourite and I wasn’t disappointed! I couldn’t just try the noodles thought without trying the seafood too. I’m pretty much in love with any foods from the ocean, I much prefer them to meat so I went in and helped myself to a king prawn and some scallop. I always think scallops can be a dangerous choice when eating out, it only takes a little over cooking to make them rubbery and not nice to eat. Wokooshii scallops however were as near perfect as I’ve ever had, a delight to eat and perfect with the king prawns, squid and udon noodles. I was sure to only have a small sample though as I knew we were going to be also lucky to try the Korean food.

The Korean taster was something I’ve not heard of before Spicy Chicken Bibimbap which is a signature Korean family dish made up of steamed rice served in a hot stone bowl topped with chicken, carrots, kimchi, black wood mushrooms, bean sprouts, seasonal greens and topped with an egg. This dish is mixed at the table with chilli fermented soya bean paste.

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I particularly loved the way this dish was presented, Gerry himself mixed it for us after adding the sauce while explaining the elements of the dish.

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Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

The dish was accompanied by Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Sake which is one of the oldest style sakes. It is coarsely filtered and milky white in colour, which gives it a full pleasantly sweet complex flavour which is best served chilled.

IMG_4493I have sampled Sake before and yet again this had surpassed my expectations, it was something I will be going back to enjoy some time soon in the future it was a great companion to the Japanese and Korean food. We were also given a sample of Asahi Premium Japanese Black Lager. I am not a regular lager drinking I much prefer a wine or spirit based drink so I wasn’t sure I was going to like this one. As it was poured due to its dark colour I expected to be tasting something similar to a stout based drink which I’m not keen on but was very pleasantly surprised when I tried a sip. I’m glad I did as it was much much lighter to drink than its appearance made out.

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As the saying goes don’t judge a book by its cover and this is very true in the case of this lager! It was very smooth. Asahi means rising sun and it is made using only the purest water along with the finest hops.

One of the things I loved most about the Wokooshii restaurant was the seating layout. There are so many different sized tables available, whether you are having a romantic evening out or dining as a large group there’s sure to be the right size table for your party. As we were a large group we spread out over two large round tables which made for great conversation and the meeting of new friends.

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

The last treat in Wokooshii was the sampling of a particularly nice sparkling sake, this was not something I’d had or even heard of before but is now on my must have again list. The bottle is came in is particularly beautiful.

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

I can see myself having to revisit Wokooshi quite a bit just to repeat all the fabulous flavours! Sadly before long it was time to move on to our 6th and final stop of the night, the dessert surprise!

We had been told that dessert would be a lucky dip, we’d be given and number and then asked to sample the dessert that corresponded to that number. In reality we all sampled each others, which was fab! The desserts were provided by a section of restaurants from around the Trafford Centre. There were far too many to be able to list them all. I’m a dessert lover so this was my idea of heaven! This was the sight that greeted us as we entered The Captains Table room looking out over the orient open eating area.

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

My number corresponded to a delicious lemon cheese cake, I was so busy sharing it around I didn’t even get to find out where it was from. I did however find out that the fabulous chocolate dip accompanied churros were from La Tasca. They have also been added to my list of places to dine for those beautiful treats alone!

The desserts were accompanied by Espresso Martinis provided by the 360 Champagne Bar, it was as though we had come 360 degrees ourselves, finishing off with drinks from the place we started! This was the drink that I wished I could have finished the most out of all the sips I’d had that evening. As a coffee lover this was an amazing find.

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Coffee to accompany dessert was also served by Nespresso who were showcasing their new special edition coffee Peru Secreto an intensity 8 with an intense sweet round espresso flavour. As with all the special editions they won’t be around long so if it’s something you are interested in then get it while you can!

Before long it was time to say farewell to all my dining companions and new-found friends. Just before we all left we gathered for a group photo.

Dine Around the Dome event at the intu Trafford Centre, Manchester. Picture: Jason Lock Further Info: Laura Price Carousel PR Mobile: 07871 392 870 Office: 0161 686 5520 D/L: 0161 686 5546 Twitter: @LauraJPrice Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press Release Distribution, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

What an evening we’d been treated to, from far east to far west via France. So many wonderful flavours to tingle the taste buds. So many new finds to add to the list of places to visit. I can’t say that one dish stood out above the others because it didn’t, they were all so fabulous. I can’t compare country to country, like for like it wouldn’t be fair. I can say though that there wasn’t a dish I tried that I didn’t like, no actually love!

We can often be found at the Trafford Centre as a family and from now on I can see that we’ll be working our way around the restaurants too. The only problem we’ll have is agreeing which one to go to!

If you’re still with me at the end of that epic blog post then thank you for reading and I hope you’re not feeling to hungry now!

Picture credit for some of the images to Jason Lock Photography of Carousel PR

Thanks to the Trafford Centre for organising the ‘Dine around the Dome’ event. I was not paid for this blog post but all the food and drinks were complimentary on the evening.

 

Last Saturday I took part in my first Park Run. I’d first registered with Park Run a couple of years ago when I heard about it but I was too nervous to go. I was worried I’d come last and look like the most unfit person in the world. The results would be there online for all to see. I’d have felt awful looking at them. How wrong could I have been!

So last week I headed out a little before 8:30am to go and find my local Park Run venue. I wanted to make sure I was early so I had plenty of time to find the start. I’m always an early person so I didn’t want to be late on my first run. I parked up and saw a few people in running gear. I’d already looked up online the route that my local park run took so I knew roughly which way to head.

All the park runs start at 9am I think and its easy to find your local one on the website.

I kept following everyone until I got to the large group of people huddled by the start. As I knew no one I just smiled at a few people and set up my iPhones music ready for the run. I had read on the website that music was ok but to only wear one headphone so that you can hear the marshalls. As a rule follower I only put one earphone in.

Just before the start a nice chap dressed in a yellow jacket gave a quick briefing about some safety rules and reminders. He also welcomed first timers which was nice. He explained that at this particular park run you have to go around the route 3 times to make the 5km. I needed to remember to count!

In just a couple of minutes we were on our way. I hung back to the end of most of the people as I know I’m not great at running so knew I’d be slow. I went past the start and tried to get into a nice rhythm that suited me. I managed to keep going like that for around 18 minutes before I had to slow down for a walk. I kept going though running when I could and walking when it became to hard. The marshals on the course were great and clapped every time I passed. It made me feel proud for taking part and pushing myself to keep going.

I finished though, I did it, I finished! Just after the finishing line you scan your barcode that you get when you register which later translates to your time. I knew roughly what time I’d completed it in but wanted to wait for the park run results. I was surprised later o in the day with a text message to tell me that I’d completed the run in 38:01 and I’d come in position 191. I wasn’t sure how many runners there had been but I knew I hadn’t finished last as I saw another man scan his barcode not long after me. Later that day I was able to check online and there were 208 competitors that particular week. So I was far from last.

Walking back to the car I felt so proud that I’d done it. I’d taken part in my first park run and I was no longer a newbie, and although I did feel like it was the hardest thing at the time I actually do think I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the challenge and the push it gave me to keep going.

I’m looking forward to taking part again in the future and I can’t believe it took me so long to get myself to my first one!

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I’ve done it, I’ve actually done it. I’ve pulled my shoes on and made it past the threshold for my first run. I promised myself I would and I did! I feel good and proud of myself for keeping my promise.

It was only a really small one of 3.18km but it’s a start. They always say the first run is the hardest so I’m glad its over and done with now. Onwards and upwards!

Distance – 3.18km

Time – 25:12

Average pace – 7:54 per KM

What I had running on the iPhone – I used the 10k runner app, I’ve used this before and I’ve had god results from it. I really wasn’t sure where I was fitness wise so I started from run 3 of the first week on the app. This was 5 minute warm up, then 20 minutes of 1minute running and 1.5 minute walk 8 times, followed by a 5 minute cool down. I felt this was pretty easy for me so I added in some extra running. I also had the Nike+ app running as it’s something I have used for many many years and like to keep adding the km to it.

Music – Now I wasn’t really prepared today and I need to sort out the music on my iPhone so I started off with the ‘Now thats what I call Running’ album on but switched to some random other tunes half way through the run. I need to sort it out properly but it seems like a big job – maybe hubby to the rescue on that one……hint hint!

So the plan is that tomorrow all being well I’m going to take part in my first ‘Park Run‘ which I’m pretty nervous about! Park run organise free weekly 5k timed races all over the country. I’ve been registered for ages but not actually made it to a run yet for lots of reasons. I really want to make tomorrow my first one. Even if I come last I need to start somewhere!

#ThisGirlCan

Before having my gorgeous boys I used to enjoy running, I ran a couple of 10k’s but then life got in the way. I would never describe myself as a runner pre-children but I certainly tried! Ever since Flixster was born I’ve wanted to try running again. I just can never seem to find the motivation to get up late in the evening once the children are in bed and all the housework is done and put my running shoes on. It’s all about taking the first step.

They always say the first run is the hardest.

For the longest time I’ve contemplated blogging about my running journey, starting from the very beginning. I’m not a fit person anymore, I’m still carrying extra baby weight and I’m permanently tired from the interrupted sleep. So I’ve put it off and off and off. But this week a chance presented itself to work towards a goal. The opportunity to join in the fun of the ‘Run or Dye’ event. With races taking place up and down the country reaching out to every corner, over the course of the year I couldn’t pass it up. As a lover of living life in colour the concept appeals to me so much. It’s only a short course of 5k which is achievable even if you have no level of fitness like me. The most important part is having fun and taking part. It’s not about the time you run or walk on the day Run or Dye’s mission is to encourage better health, fitness and nutrition decisions among its participants and supporters.The sheer amount of colour you get covered in is a bonus and enjoying yourself is mandatory!

 I’m going to take part in the event on June 6th in Liverpool, which I know isn’t very long away but I’m a person who works well under pressure! I’ve got 2 and a half weeks to get out and do some practising! I’m hoping the Run or Dye race is the kick I need to get back out there and find the time to run again. I can’t wait to participate in world’s most colourful 5K cross the finish line and celebrate in the world-famous Dye Festival as the full force of the brilliant colours are blasted all around.

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I did have some concerns about the dye that I will be covered in but after reading about it on the website I’ve found out it is a safe, eco-friendly, plant-based dye powder. Run or Dye draws its inspiration from the ancient Hindu festival of Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colours.”

In addition to the fun everyone will be having, Run or Dye will be bringing colour to those who deserve a lift to brighten their lives. Whether it’s repainting the local playground, creating a bright and exciting mural for a community space or simply arranging for a bunch of blooms to be delivered to someone in need, Run or Dye wants to know who you would like to thank with colour . Gifts will be given to worthwhile causes, large and small around the UK, covering the 15 Run or Dye event locations. Bringing the true spirit of Run or Dye which celebrates life, friendship, fitness and fun outside the events the gifts will help even more to live life in full colour. Schools, organisations and individuals in need can be nominated via the Run or Dye website, http://runordye.co.uk/colour-nomination so if you can think of a worthwhile cause get in touch with them. I can certainly think of a few good causes I’ll be nominating.

I’m going to start blogging about my running journey, even if it helps motivate just one person to get out and go for a walk then I’d be happy. I don’t know when I’m going to find the time, but I will do it. It’s time to make a positive change to my health. #thisgirlcan

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As a motivation for people who fancy having fun and joining in with the colour party like me Run or Dye are offering £3 off the entry fee by using the code KISDISCOUNT on the Run or Dye website.

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Once again the days are slipping away in front of my very eyes. The boys are growing together and another month has passed.
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I’m still finding myself say ‘gently’ to the boy every few minutes when they are together, he can still be quite rough with Flixster. I try to snap them together as much as I can. I can’t believe how much they look like each other in the next picture. It must be the angle but Flixster looks almost the same size as the boy.

 

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Last week when the weather was good we went to the local park. The boy had so much fun pushing Flixster on the swings. Flixster was loving it too. It gave me a glimpse of how they will play together in the future, it was lovely to watch.

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Flixster is also getting to know what is expected when the camera comes out too now and is beginning to smile on cue which makes for a great shot.

The last two picture for siblings this month are, I think my favourites of the boys that I’ve ever taken. I think the last one in particular shows the love that’s growing in the boys eyes for his little brother. I don’t think it needs any more words.

 

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dear beautiful

This past weekend we decided to take a trip as a threesome to Blackpool Pleasure Beach (BPB). As Flixster is still so small my mum kindly looked after him while we went to have some fun with just the boy. The boy rarely gets any mummy and daddy alone time so we thought’s he’d enjoy the attention.
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I subscribe to the BPB newsletter and spotted an offer on tickets so I booked the day before we planned to visit. I booked unlimited ride wristbands for the 3 of us and it came to £51.   I was a little nervous about the weather but as it was the only day we had free this month and rain wasn’t forecast for all the day we wrapped up and took our chances with the weather.

I haven’t been to BPB in a long time, I have fond memories of days out there during my years growing up. I vaguely remember as a small child going in the fun house that was there with my brother and dad. It lately sadly burnt down.

When we arrived we were directed by one of the many staff outside to the ticket office where we could collect our prepaid tickets. We were attended to very quickly and back outside the main entrance within minutes with a map and ticket receipts in hand ready for a day full of fun!

Once through the turnstiles we headed over to the classic Alice in Wonderland ride. I have many pictures on this very bench over the years and this was my first with my own children! I think its a lovely reminder of the day you go to BPB!
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As it was already 11:45 by the time we had been on the Alice ride we made the decision to find some lunch. We are early risers in our house (4:50am in the usual time…yawn!) so an early lunch is normal for us!

A quick look at the map to see what was available and we made our choice to dine at Burger King. The boy has never been to Burger King but just a couple of weeks ago we drove past one and he very reasonably piped up

“Mummy do you have to be a king to eat at Burger King?” I’ve never told him what its called so he read the sign himself. I was so amused by his question that we promised to take him one day and today seemed like the perfect opportunity.
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He was thrilled with his cheese burger ,chips and milk, it came with and I spy book so that pleased him as well. We don’t do fast food often so it was a nice treat.

After fuelling up we were back on our way to the intended destination of Nickelodeon Land! The first ride we came across was The Backyardigans Pirate Treasure. Its a boat ride that spins quite quickly forwards then backwards. The boats go up and down on a track. We hadn’t watched the ride before we jumped on so I told the boy it was slow (he says he doesn’t like fast rides). In all honesty I though it would be quite slow……it wasn’t.

He loved it.

All was fine! He even went straight back on with Daddy!

 

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The next ride we tried was Diego’s Rainforest Rescue. It was little hot air balloons that spin (by hand) and go up in the air. I’m not sure why I don’t have any pictures of that ride. It was fun but made us quite dizzy! So what do you do when you’re already dizzy? Thats right go on another spinning ride……!

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It was the boys choice to go on the Fairy World Taxi Spin next. It had a button which he loved that made the taxi go up and down. After it finshed we were well and truly dizzy and a bit fed up of spinning rides.
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So I took a chance and asked the boy if he fancied the Krusty Krab Order up, its a mini free fall ride. He said he did want to try it. I explained it went up and down quickly about 6 times and it might make his tummy go funny. He was keen to give it a try. I was nervous with this one as he’d been on the frog hopper at Alton Towers last year and didn’t like it. We sat down and got strapped in. He seemed to be fine. The ride started and he was looking the other way, I couldn’t work out how he was so I kept laughing to reassure him it was fun. It turned out he loved it and wanted to go straight back on with Daddy! It was a roaring success!IMG_4073 IMG_4081

The next thing we tried was Dora’s World Voyage, I stayed off this one as I’m not keen on the round boat type rides. Daddy took him on. Daddy came off saying it was a bit boring but the boy seemed to enjoy it.

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As we had done most of the rides that we could now in that area we chatted about getting a snack as it had been some time since lunch and we wanted coffee too! What better snack to have at an amusement park than some doughnuts. We went for a wander and on the way stopped to ride the Wonderpets Big Circus Bounce. The boy was giggling away on this because of the way it bounced up and down. I’m not sure daddy was that thrilled but he smiled all the same!
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On our quest to find doughnuts we can across the big guy himself and his best pal Patrick, we had to stop for photos!IMG_0189_2 IMG_0198_2

After hunting down some coffee and doughnuts to share (the doughnuts not the coffee!) we set out to explore some more of the park. Since I hadn’t been in a very long time (prob over 10 years ago) there have been some changes. There is now a new (well to me anyway) Wallace and Gromit ride. This proved to be a big hit with the boy. The ride vehicles are designed like slippers and you go through various scenes from the Wallace and Gromit shorts and films. It does feel a little disjointed as its not telling a story but the models are well done and theres a few surprises on the way.
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The boy absolutely loved this ride and we ended up going on quite a few times, we even had our picture taken with Gromit outside. He’s not seen most of the Wallace and Gromit films but is familiar with Shaun the Sheep (this has since changed and we’ve watched them all now thanks to Amazon Prime!)

 

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After convincing him to move on, the boys went off to try the cars. The queue seemed short but took ages to get a car as there were only 8 out on the track. I wandered around for a little bit waiting for them to get their turn and returned to watch when they were nearer the front. IMG_4119 IMG_4135

It was nice to watch them out driving together but the boy came back unhappy as there had been some discussion about the pedals or something, that I couldn’t understand! So we quickly moved on to another classic ride the river caves. I remember this from when I used to come in my teenage years. The sign says it was originally built in 1904. It predates the pirates of the caribbean ride in Disney thats for sure!!

IMG_4152Another hit with the boy and again we went on twice!

By now the day was getting colder again and the park was closing. We went back to see if I could have a ride on the new red arrows ride but it had already closed which was a shame as I wanted to try it but maybe some other time!

There was just time to ride the carousel and make our way back to the car. We’d had a ball and the boys hasn’t stopped talking about it since Sunday. He loved it. Anyone who will listen is told about the rides in minute detail. It always surprises me how much he takes on board.

The boy fell asleep in the car on the way home and was pretty much un-wakeable upon arriving home. I had to get him changed and clean his teeth while he was asleep. That is the ultimate sign of a great day out!

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We are already in May now, this year  is flying by. As a family we are still so undecided about holidays for this year. I know I need to make a decision soon though or it’ll be too late.

Holidays are a luxury and I fully appreciate that even to be able to consider going away is something that most people can’t afford to do. So I do consider myself lucky that its something we may be able to do. We haven’t been abroad as a family of 4 yet. The boy is 4 in August and Flixster has just turned 1. We have gone over and over many different options and can’t decide which one is going to be right for us.

Before we had children we were lucky enough to be able to go on holiday each year, some time several times. We would frequently go to Walt Disney World which we adore.

Since the boy came along we have taken him twice to Florida, once when he was 16 months and again when he was just a little over 2 years old. Both times we had a fantastically wonderful time. Memories were made for us all. The boy does seem to remember some of the second visit, if that’s down to photos and videos I’m not sure but I know he can’t wait to go again.

However a holiday like Florida needs lots of planning and I’m not sure I’m comfortable booking something so soon with such little time to plan the logistics.

Recently we’ve been looking at package holidays through tour operators. Having never really been on a beach holiday I’m not sure what to expect. Would the boys have enough to do? They are both pretty active and we as a couple can never really sit still and relax. We’ve come to expect lots to do and see on holidays. Our boys are early risers (like 5am risers!) so saying in bed in the morning is sure to be a no-no! We need somewhere that’s going to have lots of things to do and see, that’s very family friendly.

I always prefer recommendations so love reading reviews. If anyone has any ideas of where to start looking then please feel free to comment. I’d love to read some other posts about family holidays too!

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