Center Parcs, Elveden Forest - Review (Girls Weekend Away!)

Helloo,

I'm back again with another little trip this time being a little adventure the girls and I took to Center Parcs, Elveden Forest. Here is a little review. I will admit it was a child free, messy weekend for a bunch of 22 year old girls and frankly it was brilliant. 

I missed Corey like crazy, as always just like two weekends before I visited London for the Brit Mums Live blogging conference. Thankfully the brilliant invention of FaceTime meant I can still talk and see him. However, silly no service in the whole of Center Parcs. My only point of contact is through their wifi (luckily free!) on Facebook or Whatsapp. This was hugely disappointing, you know as a blogger I love my phone. It was hard!

Well I will start by saying I have recently passed my test and managed to get a car (5 days before this trip). I decided to be super brave and drive. This even being after accidently destroying my bonnet on the 3rd day of owning a car a few days before, it went into a barrier in a carpark. Whoops. But luckily I was stationary at the time and on my own, so no one was hurt. Just my poor car. But my driving itself is pretty good now I have some confidence. So we got there in one piece safe and sound. In only about an hour and ten minutes from mine. 

Here's a look into the lodge we stayed in. We just had a basic one as price wise was best. However, if you can afford one with a game room then go for it. It was nicely modern decorated, extemely comfy beds. Even a second toilet next to the bathroom. All very spacious, except for the kitchen. 

Here is some pictures of the scenery and shops etc around the resort. 

We decided the cheapest option food wise would be to do a Tesco shop before we went. We decided on meals beforehand, made a list and done the shop. We actually stuck to the list and it came to around £120 for 4 adults. Which is expensive really but a lot cheaper than eating out lunch and dinner. Just sucks meaning have to cook. But we looked at a menu which was £22 for just a pizza, crazy amounts! 

As a blogger, a plate can not be touched until a photo has been taken - it's like some sort of ritual. So I took some snaps of food and drinks (teapot and jug of pimms - had to work with what we could find!). So here you go..

Now it is time to take a little look at what we got up too over the weekend..

FRIDAY

On the Friday night the girls went for a swim whilst I just had a walk round and had a look around. We then headed back about 9 so you can imagine our hunger and had a disaster trying to work the oven, setting alarms off. Whoops. We got there in the end, with a very burnt pizza. Then played a card game called 'sh*thead' with drinks until around 2am. I was rubbish, I lost like 6 out of 8 rounds so I always ended up as the 'shi*thead'!! A little deer headed up towards our room which was so cute, but it was so dark, couldn't snap a pic. We headed to bed just as the worst storm came - thunder, lightening and well being in a forest was pretty scary. 

SATURDAY

On Saturday, I was the first one up as always at about 8.30am. Not surprised as I am the only mum of the group so sort of used to the early mornings. I had a shower and got ready before the girls woke up. One of them not waking till noon!

We sat outside in the sunshine for lunch before they headed off for a swim. Instead I sat in Starbucks with a yummy Mango Passion Juice Blend before doing some shopping and picking up some bits for Corey. 

Then we headed to The Pancake House for an afternoon snack, all I need to say is YUM! Best pancakes ever. I love pancakes but never had stacked ones before. Oh it was amazing. The picture above in food bit speaks for itself really! So good that we ended up going back before leaving.

I won't really go into the evening much as well we cooked mexican food, played a lot of alcohol games (ring of fire, red bus and some others for those of you who may know them!) and as you can imagine got extremely drunk but it was very fun and chilled just in the patio area even played charades! 

SUNDAY 

Well they woke up extremely hungover. Luckily for me, I have never suffered from one. I was up bright and early again before everyone else and cooked a full english whist they got up and ready. 

After lunch, we got to head to the spa with free day passes we were given by the lovely customer services after we complained about something. I have never been to a spa before so had no idea what to expect at all to be honest. I unfortunately couldn't snap any photos as didn't want to ruin anyone's privacy. But it was amazing and beyond the best part of the weekend. I can not explain in words how good it was and how truly relaxing. Like we have never been so relaxed, ever. It included a massive outside heated jacquzzi type pool, lots of steam rooms, saunas and etc. Even water beds, right these scared me because I didn't want to pop one but comfiest thing ever - we all ended up napping for a bit. We didn't have any treatments as far too expensive but who knows, maybe next time.

We then headed back to our lodge and started cooking a bbq. We had a bit of a problem with this. The lodge comes with a bbq, but luckily we didn't buy coal for it as there is a sign on it saying disposable bbq's only. We had to buy some. Very odd! But the amount of food we had for the 4 of us was insane but most of it went. It was an interesting experience all being bbq cooks for the very first time. Turned out so yummy though :)

The girls finally managed to persuade me to go swimming, I didn't want too as I didn't like being in a swimming costume however I am so glad I did. It's not a swimming pool you can actually swim in. It is very much a crazy place full of waves and so many slides and rapids. I swore I wouldn't go on them but I was forced and it was extremely fun!!! 

By this point it was around 9pm when we got back to our lodge so we all tucked up under a duvet on the sofa and watched a movie with some jelly and treats :)

MONDAY 

You had to be out of the lodges by 10 which sucked. But we packed up the car and went for more pancakes before heading to the sweet shop and other shops on the resort. Then we just headed home and made it in just over an hour which was pretty good timing to be fair :)

................ 

Here is a look at some of the little bits I picked up around the shops. I love homeware so it was really hard to stick to just buying these three little cute plaques but so glad I did, now to find little spots for them. I brought Corey a little doggy and an avengers fan. Every time I go somewhere new I collect a fridge magnet and a squashed penny coin thing you can make. I also picked up a mood ring for myself, to recapture my childhood a bit. I may use it as a toe ring! 

There you have it, our weekend away - it was pretty amazing, a very much relaxed and well needed drunken weekend away to let loose a bit with the girls! :) However, I was so glad to be back at home and cuddling Corey!! I will be back in another post for the pros and cons of Center Parcs. So be sure to keep an eye out for it. Plus in less than 2 weeks on 20th July, I will be off to Wales for the week with mum and Corey :)

Love, Gemma xo

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Nickelodeon Store - Leicester Square, London

Helloo,

If you saw my recent post from last week about how I got invited to go to a wonderful exclusive pre-opening of the first UK flagship Nickelodeon Store in Leicester Square, London. It's right next to the M&M store.

Whilst I was there, we were luckily enough to be treated to a gorgeous place called Muriels Kitchen. The decor was amazing and food was super yummy!

Then once we headed to the store, we got to have a look around and see the store. As well as do some fun activities like making a hat, treasure hunt and pass the parcel.

Some of the things they sell in the store, is massive amounts of Spongebob which I am super excited about. As well as Paw Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dora The Explorer, Bubble Guppies

The store is now open to public, be sure to visit. I certainly will be!! Will you?!

Love, Gemma xo

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Comedy Gala 2015 - Night Out In London :)

Helloo,

I always have the mummy guilt of going out without Corey, because I genuinely hate doing fun things without him! However, last night I finally after years of wanting to attend got to go to Channel 4's Comedy Gala!!

My friends and I decided to make a bit of a day out of it, so we headed to St Pancras. A friend nipped into MAC to pick up a lipstick, so I ended up doing the same (even though I said don't let me buy anything in there). But it was fate, I had wanted Mehr for ages and the first lipstick I picked up to swatch was Mehr. It was just meant to be so I was a bit naughty and treated myself - glad I did though :)

We then headed to the very famous Searcy's Champagne Bar whilst at St Pancras. Oh wow, the prices were incredibly expensive. But our friend treated us all to a bottle to share. Felt like pure luxury - looking at the menu finding the most expensive bottle as you do just to see the price. £9000 for a 30 litre bottle?!!!

Heading out to dinner to a little pub garden near the Tower of London called The Minories. It was really sweet and so much cheaper than I was thinking it would be. We shared a starter between two people of potato wedges with pulled pork (yum!!) and then had a burger each with a drink - coming to just £10 and look how delicious..

Then we started to head off to the 02 Arena, and for those of you who don't know apparently you can take cable cars which is basically on a zip line. I was quite excited until we got closer and I saw them - I was panicking absolutely crapping myself. I get stomach cramps when I'm nervous, my heart was racing so bloody fast. The lovely friends I having a laugh at how scared I was because they had all done it before so was fine for them. I almost didn't get on but I was so glad I did as was fun once up there! However, when my friends started walking around mid air going across the River Thames so they could take a picture together - lets just say they heard a lot of naughty words!!! Have to admit though, I got a pretty good selfie with the 02 in the background..

Comedy Gala was meant to start at 7.30 but was almost 8 by the time it did. I was so excited as the opening act was Attraction (the shadow act) from Britain's Got Talent - I loved them then and seeing them live was so great. Plus Alan Carr - who was not on for long enough in my opinion. The good people were not on for long enough at all like Paul Chowdhry (my favourite from the night) who was beyond hilarious and some others like Trevor Noah, Seann Walsh, Kevin Bridges, Russell Kane and more. Michael McIntrye, who I have never really found funny before until last night and he was the best and I certainly want to go to one of his stands up now. I was gutted that Jimmy Carr and Paddy McGuinness weren't there as they are two of my favourites! I was really disappointed in the lady comedians - most of them sucked really badly and the ending was actually appalling like they really need to up that next time. I paid roughly £55 for my ticket and it was worth it, had great seats and will 100% want to go again next year.

my best friend and I :)

For those of you who don't know, Comedy Gala is held as a charity event to raise money for the brilliant Great Ormond Street Hospital in London who look after and help very sick children. When Corey was premature he was almost rushed there, thankfully he managed to stay at our local hospital but I have friends who had children who had to stay there and all the amazing work they do needs help to keep that going for many years to come.

So pretty please if you get a chance text GOSH to 70007 to donate £3 :)

I'm not sure when this year's Comedy Gala will be aired on TV but hopefully soon - be sure to watch it, have a good old laugh and of course donate! Now if you had to pick your ultimate favourite comedian ever - who would it be? Mine will forever be good old Jimmy Carr!

Love, Gemma xo

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Netflix Recommendations

Helloo,

Something that we all love, Netflix!!!! If you don't have it already then seriously you need to jump on board. The basic package is £5.99 a month, that's all you need to be honest.

I spend a lot of time at home, just genuinely as a parent you do but now I work from home too. My days and evenings are being spent watching Netflix. Luckily, one upside to being a single parent - don't have to share the television choice. I decided Netflix was a good way to cure the boredom of the nights spent alone once Corey has gone to bed. I can get through TV series quite quickly especially once I'm hooked.

I am not even going to attempt recommending movies, as there are far too many and it is all down to personal preference. But TV series are different so here are some of my Netflix recommendations:

Friends

Coming soon to Netflix. A classic that we all know and love. Everyone watches but when was the last time you watched from beginning to end in order? It is really strange doing it but so worth it. 

Pretty Little Liars

This is a new recent find for me after many blogger recommendations. I'm currently half way through and safe to say I am obsessed. It is by far one of my top ever series. All about four friends in school and a missing person investigation. 

Orange Is The New Black

I am yet to watch this, it is a Netflix original but I have only heard very good things - it is next on my list. Story line is do with girls is prison.  

The Walking Dead

I am not into zombies at all, I watched the first few episodes which were pretty amazing. But it started to get a bit too gruesome for my liking. If it sounds like something you would like, then go for it.

Gossip Girl

Pretty much exactly what it sounds like - very girly. I love it! Admittedly I have only watched the first few series when they came out, but I will finish it off with my long list to watch. I hear it gets better as it goes on :)

The Prison Break

I wondered whether I would like this or not. Certainly need to watch first couple of episodes to get into it properly but then it is amazing. The title explains what it is all about plus with Wentworth Miller for eye candy, just yummy!

Breaking Bad

I'm not even going to tell you the plot of this as it is one you need to watch to find out. I was really surprised but in a good way, it is much more interesting than I ever thought and by seems of it everyone else thinks the same too. It is brilliant!

Charmed

I don't know how big this is in UK but I know it is still huge in America. I love it, for me it is one of those just like Friends that can watch an episode over and over and not get bored. It is about supernatural stuff, witches fighting demons. I love it! 

Scrubs

We all know what Scrubs is, I got so excited when I found they had all the series on Netflix. Doctors living lives, such a good comedy to watch!

Some other suggestions are: Vampire Diaries, 24, House Of Cards, Fringe, The Bridge and more..

They have sooooo many it is unbelieveable. Your TV choices are sorted for months. I just wish they had a better selection of newer movies as I would like to see them too! 

Whilst writing this post I came across a blogger's Netflix tag that I saw on Alice's blog which you should check out here - I think I will give it a go at some point I think :)

What is your favourite TV series?! Leave me your recommendations in the comments..

Love, Gemma xo

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