Toddler Friendly Places to Eat : TGI Fridays

Eating out with my 2 year old is one of the most stressful situations for me as a parent. He has been known to throw cutlery across a restaurant, shout and scream, not sit still and generally be very hard work. It can be hard to find a place ideal for him when we're out at lunch times;  the thought of him having a tantrum because he's hungry and fed up of waiting for his food makes me shy away from places I would eat at without him. And then there's the battle between good, nutritional food and convenience. I would often find myself heading for certain fast food restaurants simply for the ease and speed of service, but of course I don't want to be feeding my toddler fast food every time we're out...

Which is why I decided to create a series on my blog, visiting different restaurants and reviewing how Toddler Friendly they are. You may have seen my previous post reviewing Bodega Leicester. 

We decided to see how family friendly TGI Fridays was.

The lovely people at TGI's HQ sent me this fantastic goody box to take with us, to keep little man amused during our lunch. It included a Team Fridays hat, crayons, puzzle paper, a balloon pump, tons of modelling balloons, and Taylor's favourite part, a Gingerbread man & squeezy icing!

On Sundays, they're currently offering a FREE ice cream sundae to every child in fancy dress!

So Taylor dressed up in his Bob the Builder costume, hard hat and all, and off we went to our local Fridays.

Our nearest TGI Fridays is set on the corner of Highcross shopping centre's food court, full of amazing eateries. Highcross Leicester is a lovely family friendly shopping centre with great facilities and family parking. It took us a lot longer to arrive at TGI's as Taylor had to stop to play on the interactive play screen and try out all the Strollex trolley cars which are available to hire, to make shopping a little less stressful for parents and more fun for little ones. I think I'm definitely going to have to hire one next time as Taylor is desperate for a ride in the cars! :)

We arrived just in time and were shown to our table by the lovely waiting staff, before Taylor was gifted an amazing modelling balloon, how cool is this?

Entertainment 

Keeping Taylor amused is very difficult, he's not a child that will sit still for very long. So this is something that is so important to me when eating out; does the restaurant offer anything to keep young children amused while waiting for their food?

As well as the fantastic balloon, they offer a 'kids pack' which includes some puzzle and colouring paper and crayons. Taylor will often get bored of this, he's possibly a little young, so we were lucky to have the goody box for him to attempt to pump his own balloons and decorate his gingerbread man which he really enjoyed. The gingerbread men are available to purchase to decorate, for £2.49.

Menu

Many kids menus are quite standard. I'm looking for variety and nutritional options...

TGI's have two sections to their Kids Menu; Little League and Major League for older children. The Little League menu offers five options for little ones to choose from, including burgers, fish, chicken & pasta, and all come with a small pot of apple, cucumber and carrot. 

Taylor went for the Tomato Tubes pasta, and out came a huge bowl of yummy pasta, which he really enjoyed.

Of course I had to show you my amazing steak, with Jack Daniels sauce and the beautifully creamy mash. Totally worth a mention, it really is lovely!

We asked for Taylor's ice cream sundae as he started to get a little bored and wouldn't sit still but he managed to demolish it before our sundae's even arrived! They were very yummy! 

Overall, we really enjoyed our lunch at TGI Fridays, the food was perfect and the waiting staff were super lovely. It did get a little stressful at times while waiting for food, as little man doesn't like to sit still for very long and spent most of the time trying to climb over seats and run off! But they do offer some great bits for entertainment to keep them amused. I would recommend TGI Fridays as a Toddler Friendly Place to Eat, but recommend taking something along to entertain them. I will be happy to visit them with my little whirlwind again very soon.

*In collaboration with TGI Fridays and Highcross Leicester

As always, all words, opinions and images are my own

My new favourite post-workout snack

This year I started kickboxing classes, plus working out more at home (although I should do more of that!) but I always struggle with finding the best foods to eat before and after a workout, particularly after. 

By the time I get home from my kickboxing class, it's about 9:30pm and I'm usually pretty hungry at that point and my body ready to re-fuel. But of course it's far too late to cook anything and I usually find a protein shake a bit too much at that time too. 

So when I heard about Taste Inc Chargrilled Chicken Fillets* I was pretty eager to try them out!

100% chargrilled chicken fillets, high in protein, low in saturated fat, salt and carbs and only 45 calories per portion (52 cals for the spicy version) they make THE perfect post-workout snack!

Ready to eat straight from the fridge, the mini fillets are quick and easy to reach for when I get in from my class and they're super tasty. They're the perfect size too, not too heavy and fill me up just nicely before I settle down for bed.

I've also used the spicy fillets heated up with some steamed veg for dinner before a workout and the kids loved them too. And of course I'm happy knowing they're eating good quality, healthy tender chicken breast! Mummy thumbs up!

In fact, I'm a bit gutted now they've ran out! ;)

Taste Inc Chargrilled Chicken Fillets are available from Nisa, Ocado and Morrisons in packs of 5 at £2.70 (and also available individually).

What do you enjoy as a post-workout snack?

*I received these snacks for the purpose of this review.

All words and opinions are, as always, my own.

What Does Mother's Day Mean To You?

Is it an excuse to spend time with your Mum, spoil her and thank her for everything she has done for you? Or will you be spending the day squeezing your little ones tight, feeling grateful for everything you have around you? Or spoiling the mother of your children for doing an amazing job?

I don't have an amazingly close relationship with my Mum, unfortunately. I'm always very jealous of those that do. I will of course still buy her a thoughtful gift and card. But for me, Mother's Day is about me and my babies. After recently separating from my partner, I'm not in high hopes for a day of treats or being spoilt but I will be spending the day holding my babies close and enjoying spending quality time with them, remembering just how very lucky I am to have my boys.

What are you treating your mum's / mothers of your children to this Mother's Day? 

Truprint have put together some great ideas, if you're needing a bit of inspiration!

I like to buy, and receive, personal gifts for Mother's Day; something to commemorate special memories, something special, thoughtful from the children. I've always just received last minute gifts such as flowers and chocolates, but one day I hope to receive something that some real thought has gone in to. That would be so special. 

I love photo books! I used to love looking through photo albums as a child and nowadays, we take so many photos on our phones, they often get lost in the camera roll or uploaded on to social media and forgotten about. Photo books are the modern day photo album, easy to upload on to a website and delivered to your door. They're lovely to look back on and share with family members. 

Memories are priceless. 

You can create a personalised photo book online at https://www.truprint.co.uk/personalised-gifts/photo-book.

However you spend your Mother's Day this Sunday 26th March, 

I hope you have a fantastic one! 

*In collaboration with Truprint

All words and opinions are my own

The Full Monty, UK Tour

Credit: @FullMontyPlay

What do you do when you're having a pretty awful week and you need cheering up? 

You grab a girlfriend and you head off to the theatre for some wine (and cake! Press perks! ;) ), some giggles and some... almost naked men! And that's exactly what I did last week.

The Full Monty by Simon Beaufoy was at the De Montfort Hall all week, and is now moving on to a theatre near you. 

Directed by Jack Ryder, yes THAT Jack Ryder (think Jamie Mitchell in EastEnders) and with a cast headed by Gary Lucy (Hollyoaks, EastEnders, Footballers Wives...) and including well known faces such as Hollyoaks' Kai Owen, Brookside's Louis Emerick, Dinnerladies' Andrew Dunn and Hollyoaks' Chris Fountain, you're set up for a good night.

Based on the 1997 British comedy-drama film, The Full Monty has been adapted for the stage and taken on tour around the UK. And after recently celebrating their 500th show, the cast still seem to be enjoying the run.

Set in Sheffield, the story is based around six unemployed men, four of them laid off steel workers, in the late 80's when Margaret Thatcher's right-ring policies led to once successful steel mills being shut down. The men decide to form a male striptease act, to raise some money.

Credit: @FullMontyPlay

Touching on serious issues such as unemployment, suicide, fathers rights and body confidence, there are some real 'pull on your heart strings' moments, as well as the expected belly-laugh occasions. 

I won't lie, as a big Hollyoaks fan growing up, I was rather excited to see the lovely Chris Fountain, after his recent absence from the world of showbiz and was getting a little impatient throughout the first half, but right before the curtain fell for the half way break, Chris, playing cheeky Guy arrived on stage and made up for the wait by dropping his pants! ;) All was forgiven!

Things got a little confusing at times as the backdrop didn't change too much throughout the whole performance, it was often difficult to work out where they were supposed to be, but otherwise the story was spot on; all the important, memorable bits were in there. (Who could forget THAT moment in the dole queue!!)

The whole performance led up to the well-anticipated moment where things changed from stage play, to show time, where the six men gave us a full on strip tease performance, much to the excitement of the whooping, screaming audience; finishing with them going the FULL MONTY just as the lights went up! 

It was the perfect feel good show! 

Grab your girl friends and head over to a theatre near you before it finishes in April. 

De Montfort Hall, Leicester has some amazing shows coming up this year, including Flashdance, Blood Brothers, family favourite Gangsta Granny, and my favourite; Dirty Dancing!! 

Have you been to the theatre lately?

*Many thanks to Cool As Leicester for the press tickets for this performance.

All words and opinions are, as always, my own.

Messy? Tidy? Blame Your Horoscope!

Are you a bit messy? Or do you like things perfectly tidy and organised?

Apparently you can blame your star sign for this, as the clever people at Furniture At Work say that your organisation skills are all down to your horoscope... 

I'm an Aquarius and it's definitely true that I think about fun first and mess later. I can be pretty messy but I do like everywhere to be clean. A little clutter never hurt anyone! ;) I'm not so sure my desk is messy on Monday but picks up around Wednesday, I'll be honest it's most likely to still be messy by the end of the week!! haha. But I most definitely belong in the 'Signs of Mayhem' section! 

I work from home and a lot of work is done on my dining table. I'll be honest, my kids often have to eat their dinner next to a pile of laundry, a laptop and half a dozen parcels! And while I do my best to keep my dressing table tidy, it's usually sprawled with makeup, brushes and cotton pads.

Yes, I think they've got it right here! I'm a messy Aquarian. But it's not my fault of course... my horoscope made me do it!

How about you? Is it true for you?

February Beauty Favourites 2017

February flew by! It wasn't a great month for me, in fact it was possibly the worst of my life, which is a shame since it's usually one of my favourites with it being my birthday but hey, we'll talk about that another time.

I have five beauty products to share with you this month. My most used, most favourite products. You know, the ones that never quite leave your dressing table as you're reaching for them pretty much everyday!

I have a gorgeous lippy, the best body butter in the world, two eyeshadows and a must have skincare product.

You're welcome.

Alpha H Liquid Gold with Glycolic Acid (£33.50 full size / BeautyBay)

I'm a bit late to the party with this little beauty I know. But I was very excited when my friend bought me this mini version for Christmas. 

Liquid Gold is a powerful, resurfacing treatment that promises to firm, diminish wrinkles and sun damage. It tightens pores and gives a brighter, clearer complexion.

Wow. Even after the first use I noticed a massive change in my skin. It most definitely clears, brightens and firms. I now see what all this fuss is about, it's amazing stuff and I'm really enjoying using it!

I use it as part of my evening skincare routine, every other day, in place of my toner. It also recommends not to use a cream afterwards for a really powerful, overnight facial treatment, so I do that now and then too. You need this stuff in your life!

MAC Lipstick in Blankety (£16.50)

Blankety is one of my all time favourite lipsticks, ever. It's been a firm favourite for a fair few years, but I've definitely been using it a lot this month (as you can probably tell!), it's such a good all round colour that suits any makeup look. 

It's a soft pink beige shade from their amplified creme range. MAC lipsticks are most definitely my favourites, they're creamy, vanilla scented, non drying and long lasting. I quite possibly own most of their nude shades! 

I've been wearing this non-stop, every day lately. During the day time and out in the evening too. It's a gorgeous colour, don't you think?

MAC Eyeshadow in Amber Lights (£13.50)

I have two eyeshadows to share with you, as I have been using the both of them, usually together, lots of this month. The first is Amber Lights by MAC, a beautiful copper shade with a frost shimmer.  I've used this shadow in many different ways, for everyday looks and for nights out. Sometimes as a transition / crease colour, sometimes blended all over the lid and sometimes as a little pop of colour in the outer corners.  

It makes a change for me to go back to separates as I usually just reach for a palette, but these MAC shadows are super pigmented and blend nicely so has been a firm favourite this month.

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Butter 

Now I'm going to need a moment here. Whilst trying to find the link for this amazing here product, it has come to my attention that The Body Shop seem to have discontinued their cocoa butter range. I repeat, NO MORE COCOA BUTTER! Are you kidding me?? I've been using this stuff for years and years! My Dad & Step Mum buy me cocoa butter goodies from The Body Shop every Christmas! I can't believe they've taken this away from me. Rude. 

I love the body butters from these guys, they absorb easily, are super moisturising and the fragrance lasts all day long. My skin is pretty dry and I suffer from KP so I need a really good, nourishing moisturiser and The Body Shop body butters are my all time favourites. Cocoa Butter was always my go to and I'm truly gutted they've discontinued it!

MICA Bella Cosmetics Mineral Eyeshadow in Deep Secrets (£13.46)

I understand this brand has been since rebranded Mica Beauty. This is a beautiful, loose shimmer shadow in a golden brown shade. I've often packed this into my outer corner, or even blended all over for an every day look, it's so smooth and easy to use.

Their mineral makeup promises to be crease free, long lasting and gentle, being free of preservatives chemicals, dyes or talcs.  It is the only product I own from Mica Beauty but I'm very impressed, this shadow is a beauty!

So they were my picks for last month. Are any of those your favourites? If you have any recommendations of amazing cocoa butter body butters for me to get my fix, let me know! 

What are your current favourite beauty bits?