And just like that, Christmas is here! Our tree is And just like that, Christmas is here! Our tree is up, the Santa hats are out and the first doors on our advent calendars are open.

I love this time of year. It is my favourite. And it’s one of the few times still full of magic even as an adult. I’m going to be soaking up every minute of joy the next few weeks bring and I hope December is full of moments of joy for you too.

Happy December! 🎄
AD | Christmas has arrived at @thelexiconbracknell AD | Christmas has arrived at @thelexiconbracknell and there’s so much to entertain the whole family whilst you do your Christmas shopping! 

Visit The Lexicon Glow Room for a magical light experience that will dazzle you with 20,000 LEDs. It feels like the room goes on forever! Then, take a dip in the Light Pool, a magical ball pool with golden balls to be found and prizes to be won!

If that wasn’t all, have a photo in the giant Christmas bauble ‘sparkling selfie station’ and follow the Twinkle Trail, spotting baubles in shop windows to collect the clues and enter to win fabulous prizes this Christmas. Plus, share your sparkling selfie station pictures, tagging #thelexiconbracknell or email them to marketing@thelexiconbracknell.com and you will automatically be entered in a competition for the chance to win a restaurant gift card too. 

There are also special performances from local choirs, bands and singers and even the chance to meet Bluey, Hey Duggee and Chase from Paw Patrol! You can be sure that a trip to The Lexicon will have something for everyone over the festive season this year. We loved our visit to The Lexicon last weekend and know we’ll be back again before Christmas!

Find out more on @thelexiconbracknell website.

#TheLexiconBracknell #Merry&Bright
AD - Press Trip | What a lovely evening that was! AD - Press Trip | What a lovely evening that was! We had our first Glow Marwell experience tonight - and we loved it. It may even be the best light trail we have been to.

We spent well over two hours at @marwellzoo, enjoying the light installations, indulging in the food stalls and cafe, toasting marshmallows and even meeting Father Christmas! 

Glow Marwell was such a nice way to kick off the festive season - and it’s on all the way through December! If you’re looking for a really nice festive activity the whole family can enjoy, this could definitely be it!
AD | Are you looking for gifts for the grandparent AD | Are you looking for gifts for the grandparents this year? @famileo_uk is a wonderful gift, giving the recipient a personalised gazette of family news regularly throughout the year - and it costs from just £5.99 a month. 

Multiple family members can use the same subscription, all posting messages to be added to one gazette - and sharing the cost of the subscription too! It’s great for parents, siblings and children to all share their news with grandparents each week, fortnight or month. 

We’ve been sending my dad Family gazettes for a while now and he absolutely loves them. It means we tell him all the little things that are happening and not just the big news you remember to mention in phone calls. The children get to upload their own messages to their grandad and it’s definitely made them feel closer, building a stronger relationship despite living far apart.

Find out more about Family over on the blog - link in bio - and buy a subscription for your nearest and dearest this Christmas. It’s a gift they will definitely love to receive.
Two weeks of Fred & George! I won’t be doing the Two weeks of Fred & George! I won’t be doing these updates every week but I like having somewhere to put all these photos!

They’re now three months old, super loving and happy, making biscuits and purring constantly.

They stay in ‘their’ room overnight but explore the house during the day, getting more confident as time passes. They even got to the point of relaxing on the sofa with us last night.

Fred & George are now very much part of our family and I can’t imagine them not being there now - even at 7am when they’re miaowing at the door for breakfast!
AD | Stuck for screen-free entertainment that your AD | Stuck for screen-free entertainment that your kids will love? Claim your FREE Banjo Robinson activity pack today!
 
Reading for pleasure is a key indicator of a child’s future success, but if your child doesn’t love to read, what can you do? We know it’s not always easy keeping kids entertained and away from screens, so we’ve partnered with the award-winning @banjorobinson to gift you a FREE activity pack, worth £9.99.

Here’s a little look at the Banjo Robinson subscription - Troy loves it! Travelling to world with Banjo is so much fun! You can read our full review over on the blog and claim your free activity pack too - link in profile.
A whole week of Fred & George. We weren’t meant A whole week of Fred & George.

We weren’t meant to get more cats just yet but sometimes the universe sends you things when you don’t expect them.

These little guys needed a home and a family to love them. And we had a home and a lot of love to give. We still miss Leia but this pair are definitely helping make me feel whole again.

They are both used to us now, and love us. They’re less nervous, give us cuddles and let us pick them up. They’re still living in our spare room but starting to explore the rest of the house under supervision. 

They play fight constant. Love toys, especially a crinkly feather thing on a string attached to a stick, and love being up high. They are an awesome pair and we are so glad to have them.

Thank you @millbrook_rspca @rspca_official for trusting us with ‘Lonestar and Starfish’. We could not love them more. 

#catsofinstagram #catstagram #catsofig #catsofinsta #catlovers #adoptdontshop #rspcarescuecat #kittensofinstagram #kittens_of_instagram
[AD - Press Trip] I’ve just finished writing abo [AD - Press Trip] I’ve just finished writing about our half term break at @pottersresort and it’s over on the blog if you want to go have a read.

I wanted to put some of my favourite photos on the grid too as the kids did so many fun activities - they had THE best time. 

Giant swing, segways, climbing, archery, laser clays… there was so much to do that we couldn’t fit it all in - we need another trip!
And there ends our October half term - well, apart And there ends our October half term - well, apart from Troy who has a bonus week off!

This half term has been pretty lovely. Troy had his school residential the first weekend and then we had a really lovely few days in Norfolk before heading home and picking up two new members of our family - Fred and George. 11 week old rescue kittens who have pretty much stolen our hearts.

It’s been so nice to have a chunk of quality time with this pair and now I’m looking forward to the Christmas holidays. These two are the best company and I really do live for the school holidays. 

How has your half term been?
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Home and Lifestyle Products & Services, Reviews · August 15, 2017

Dining In is the new Dining Out with DineIndulge

Disclosure: We were sent the featured products for the purpose of this post however all opinions are my own.

Before having children Dave and I would go out for dinner all the time – as a couple or with friends. But since having LP and Little Man we just haven’t had as much opportunity to go out. There’s not always childcare available. When we do have childcare one of us will, more often than not, have to drive. Then there’s the inflated cost of alcohol in restaurants or bars. It makes you wonder whether going out is really worth all the effort.

So when DineIndulge introduced us to their private dining at home service it looked like a great idea. DineIndulge give you the experience of dining out in the comfort of your own home. This makes dining in just as exciting as dining out but without as much to organise.

Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge

What type of meals does DineIndulge cater for?

DineIndulge have different menu packages to choose from. There are express menus that are simple but delicious Or indulgent menus for more of a treat. And deluxe menus for something really special. They even do platters for a more laid back and social dining experience. It’s so simple to book online with just a £60 deposit.

Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge

We invited a couple of our closest friends round for a meal, catered for by DineIndulge. We chose a nine course tasting menu. This was the kind of meal that we would love to go out and enjoy but instead brought to our home. All the details of the meal were confirmed by DineIndulge in advance. This included what time we’d like to eat and whether anyone was vegetarian or had any allergies. There were two courses with meat or vegetarian options and we chose what we’d like in advance, ready for the private chef to buy the ingredients.

Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge

What’s it like to hire a chef for a day?

Our chef, Jordan, phoned me the day before our meal. We arranged for him to arrive a couple of hours before our meal would be served. He brought with him absolutely everything he needed. This included his own pans and knives and all the ingredients . Ge’d even prepared as much as he could in advance too.

Whilst Jordan got set up in the kitchen Dave and I got ready. We relaxed and waited for our friends to arrive. I laid the dining table and we cracked open a bottle of wine. It was so nice to both be able to drink. We could pay supermarket alcohol prices rather than the prices we’d usually pay in restaurants.

What was our meal like?

Our friends arrived and we sat down to eat. As there were only four of us Jordan cooked and served the food himself. He cleared dishes when we had finished and even washed up plates in between courses. The first course was a Gazpacho Shot Tickler. This was so full of flavour and an amazing start to our meal. Each of the courses were fairly small and well paced. It gave us a chance to try so many different types of dishes and really savour them.

Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge

This was swiftly followed by a Seared Mushroom Selection. It was served with a poached egg yolk and although a vegetarian dish it was really meaty and filling. We could tell even just from the second course that the meal was going to be memorable. It was the sort of food we would usually only experience in really high standard restaurants.

Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge

Next was a course we chose in advance. We all went for the Crisp Crusted Scallop which was served in a shell! The alternative dish would have been Crisp Crusted Courgette Beignets if we hadn’t wanted scallops.

Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge

We all loved the Truffle Tagliatelle. This was a dish we were still talking about at the end of the meal. With shaved celeriac and truffle oil it was so full of flavour, creamy and something that I would happily eat every day.

Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge

Is having a chef at your house awkward?

All through the meal Jordan was in the same room as us as we have an open plan kitchen and dining room. But after a couple of courses we forgot he was there. We focused on each course as it came, carried on with our conversation and Jordan was so unobtrusive. He was quiet and just got on with cooking and serving. Although at times we made conversation with him he was very much focused on his job and so professional.

Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge

The tagliatelle was followed by a Mango Sorbet. This was so interesting as I’ve never had a meal that’s included something sweet part way through the courses. It worked well though and really cleansed the palette before the main course was served.

Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge

For our main three of us had the Lamb Noisette which was beautifully cooked. It was served with feta, broccoli, carrot puree and a jus. My friend Sarah had Parmesan and Pine Nut Polenta as she’s vegetarian. The dish came with the same accompaniments. It was nice that we all got to eat something that looked so similar. It had most of the same flavours despite the main aspect being different.

Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge
Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge

What were the desserts like?

Before our dessert we had a Peppermint Cream which could have been a dessert in itself. It was so rich and chocolatey and something we all really took time to savour and enjoy. I could happily eat one of those every day and not get bored.

Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge

Our dessert was a Dark Chocolate Marquise served with strawberries. It was lighter and less rich than I expected yet a really good size, filling dessert.

Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge

The final part of our meal was an incredible cheese board. It had a good variety of cheeses, crackers, chutneys and grapes. This was something we took time over and enjoyed through the rest of our evening.

When a chef cooks at your home do they leave a lot of mess behind?

Whilst we were savouring the cheese and biscuits Jordan washed up, tidied up and even swept the floor. He loaded our dishwasher and put as much away as he could before he left. Through the whole evening he wore his chef whites. It was amazing to watch him create such great quality dishes in our family kitchen.

Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge

All four of us loved the food and had such a nice evening. It was lovely to all be able to eat together at home. Without having to cook and serve at the same time. And it was a luxury not having to clean up afterwards! We could spend the whole evening focusing on the lovely food and great company. DineIndulge took all the other organisation and prep away from us, making it such a relaxing and enjoyable evening.

How did we find the whole DineIndulge experience?

DineIndulge gave us such a lovely evening with a private chef at home. It saved us having to organise childcare. And it allowed us both to drink without having to get a cab. Plus we had much nicer food than we would have got at a chain restaurant in town. DineIndulge was the ultimate chef at home experience. It was such a nice evening and I am already looking to hire DineIndulge for another meal, event or even a party in the future.

Dining In is the new Dining Out wth DineIndulge

In: Home and Lifestyle Products & Services, Reviews

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Comments

  1. Plutonium Sox says

    August 15, 2017 at 10:42 am

    Wow Donna, living the dream! We’ve had a chef cook breakfast for us before, which was amazing but a taster menu would be incredible! Also, I LOVE the new look on your blog, so shiny!
    Nat.x

    Reply
  2. Sam | North East Family Fun Blog says

    August 15, 2017 at 11:12 am

    We did something similar but on a smaller scale a while ago. I have a friend who is a private chef and he cooked Steve and I a lovely 3 course meal for my birthday. It was very special and memorable. I think it’s ideal for those who can’t always get babysitters (as we couldn’t – ours were upstairs) but still want to enjoy themselves.

    What a fab way to put your new kitchen through it’s paces – all of the food looks incredible!

    Reply
  3. Emma - Life According to MrsShilts says

    August 15, 2017 at 11:44 am

    Wow that looks like such an amazing experience and what a kitchen for him to cook in too! He’d be struggling in our kitchen. That food looks incredible and definitely an experience to think about for a special occasion.

    Reply
  4. Laura - Dear Bear and Beany says

    August 15, 2017 at 10:15 pm

    This looks amazing! What a real treat that would be to have someone come in and cook you a niece course meal. The food looks delicious, did you manage to fit it all in? x

    Reply
    • Donna Wishart says

      August 15, 2017 at 10:22 pm

      I didn’t eat much cheese, apart from that I managed it all! x

      Reply

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Living Arrows – 33/52 {2017}

About Me
Hi everyone! I'm Donna. Mummy. Blogger. Social Media Manager. Traveller. Lover of stars, rainbows and gin. Firm believer that tea and cake can fix most things.

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