Welcome to #mamamondays. Here I try to include anything that is making us happy – and hopefully you too – even though it’s a Monday. And, I have to say it really is making me try to make the most of this often ‘depressing’ day
It has been anything from what we’re doing or planning to what we’re eating, watching or reading. I’ve even included items I’m lusting after or buying and anything else that has been inspiring me to make Mondays – and the rest of the week if need be – just a little more bearable.
I really hope that #mamamondays is inspiring you to make the most of this fresh start we get every week…
CELEBRATING
Can you believe Percy Pig is 25? I couldn’t either until I got one of the most exciting – if a little unusual – emails land in my inbox – an invite to Percy Pigs 25th Birthday Dinner.
Yep! The pink pig gummy sweet created by Marks & Spencer in 1992 was having his own party and I was on the pink list. A dinner party to celebrate this British institution and a culinary journey through the last 25 years of classic foods given a Percy Pig twist.
I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t like a sneaky packet or 2 of Percy Pigs…they have got me through college studying, train journeys, cinema trips and I even packed them in my hospital bag. I mean Percy Pig has his own appreciation society on Facebook and was even made it onto Vogue’s Hot 100 list in 2008.
So, I was intrigued on how this would translate to ‘food’. Arriving via a pink carpet (of course) Percy Pig greeted us at the door where we were shown to a beautifully set pink table and offered Percy on the Beach cocktails.
Our menu (see below) consisted of restaurant favourites mixed with a the flavours of Percy Pig – so blackcurrant, citrus, mandarin, raspberry and grape met savoury in our strictly fish and vegetable based meal (well, it wouldn’t have been right to serve say, pork would it?). The Prawn Cocktail canape with Percy Pig Jelly was a highlight for me (prawn cocktail is my FAVE!) and the rosemary oil on the dessert was unusual but delicious.
As evenings out go this will go down in one of my most bizarre but best nights out in a long time. Here’s a few snaps from the night…
VISITING
I’ve talked about being a member of the National Trust before here. And, how I love the National Trust passport that at each place you visit you can get a dated stamp and work towards a certificate (who doesn’t love a certificate?)
But, on a recent visit to Chartwell House in Kent I picked up this book for Miss Marnie “50 Things To Do before You’re 11 3/4” published by Nosy Crow to tie in with the National Trust campaign to get kids to discover the great outdoors.
I’m hoping it will inspire us too – to ‘get up and get out’ as often we waste so much time on weekend mornings trying to decide what to do. It’s sort of a journal too so a great keepsake – and I figure we have a few years to complete it!
PLANNING
Miss Marnie turns 5 in September and I can hardly believe it. I know all parents say this but really where has the last 5 years gone?
She starts school the week of her birthday so I’m planning quite a big party for her. One because 5 feels like a big deal and two, because she actually hasn’t had a party since her 1st birthday (which you can see here) – so I want it be a be a memorable day for her.
We (I?) have decided on a Circus party theme and yes I have gone a little crazy pining over on Pinterest. But, I have a few ideas too and I will share some of them on here soon.
For now though here is her invite – how cool? I had it made on Etsy and printed at my local printers. I just love it…
