So a new kind of blog for myself - September was very busy for me, in terms of Hospitality events, decorating, a new job, cooking comps and, probably most importantly, and excitingly...a new pair of slippers, the fact I now get excited about these type of purchases says a lot about me, but they are lovely - like walking on air in fact.
My New Sofas
Thank the Lord they finally arrived - I had a wee run in with DFS in the process (they delayed delivery twice) but I think the wait was worth it. I went for the Zinc sofa in charcoal with dark wood legs - this is the 4 seater, there's a smaller 3 seater opposite but I'm awful at panoramic photos. Anyway me and Laurie (mostly me) wanted to do up our living room and I think we did a great job!!! I absolutely love this sofa, every time I sit down its like a big fabric hug - too cosy.
That's a wee link to the full range
http://www.dfs.co.uk/zinc-express/zncp2azxp#fSQDch61QDfoRXOR.97
(we've since added a rug)
Ikea Cook Off - Making a meal of it
So to advertise their new range of kitchens and to promote family get togethers J-Comms on behalf of IKEA invited me and a plus one (Laurie - but applications are welcome) to take part in a 'Cook Off' with local celeb chef Paula McIntyre! What a great thyme I had (FOOD PUN - I am too funny heehee) We started the night by mixing, making and tasting Cocktails provided my NightCap Bar-tending run by the very passionate and driven Declan Holmes - he also sports a rather nice beard.
Anyways we cooked all night; from Salmon to Shortbread, and I must admit, Laurie actually did well - she's usually a disaster in the kitchen but she surprised me! P.S who knew that the kitchens in IKEA worked! WHHAAAATTTT!
Franciscan Well
Another invite - I was quite popular in September - either that or all the good bloggers were busy!! So off to The Dark Horse we headed - Lauren's a laugh like, does absolutely nothing and gets to all these events, bloody chancer she is. So I got this cool invite from Duffy-Rafferty Communications to the launch of the new 'Franciscan Well' Beers, they're now supplying 330ml cans sporting 3 new flavours, Banana, Toffee and Clove (why this wasn't called Banoffe Beer I'll never know), Grapefruit and a Red Ale - my favourite was the grapefruit beer, it was really refreshing, almost like a cider but did have a distinct beer-esque taste - so this is a beer brewed in Cork but quite rapidly making its way into our top bars, look out for it next time you're out and give it a try - the night also provided me the chance to hear a local band called DiscoBeard - imagine Ed Sheeran and Britney Spears had twins, it would be these guys - please check them out.
https://www.facebook.com/discobeard/?fref=ts <-- DiscoBeard FB link!!!!!
Mash Direct
So I was approached to take part in the Mash Direct 'Great Veg Bake Off' essentially their version of the Great British Bake Off (I'm still gutted this is leaving - RIP) So I was generously sent a package of Mash Direct goodies to cook with and enter into the comp - here are a few of my entries
I made Southern Fried Chicken with MD Champ, tobacco onions and peppered sauce (pic 3) terrible photo but it tasted super duper - was quite proud of it! Whacked a bit of MD Cabbage on the side too.
Purchases
So I started a new job this month - probably my dream job - it's taken a lot of hard work to get here but I have got there and I am giving it my all. I have worked really hard to get up to date with all the unit specs, getting registrations done and creating resources and I thought to myself, you deserve a treat, so I bought myself a new hoodie and yes, as previously stated, new slippers!!!
(£29.00 Jack Wills in Belfast) (£17.50 Marks & Spencers Lisburn)
In Conclusion
So a busy month for me - I also did two reviews but there for separate blogs - I think you'll like both of them! I'll leave with a few more images of what I got up to this month!
That Pug Snapchat filter was the best day of my life!
