Why be Bored!! Shopping Games

OK!!! So I am, sat here waiting for my daughter in the shopping centre @traffordcentre
 So I decided to try and invent some games to play and keep myself occupied. 

Spot the Selfridges Bags

Give yourself 3 minutes to see how many Selfridges bags you can see.  I counted 12 bags in 3 minutes.  Obviously you can choose which ever bag you prefer... Maybe you could see how many white shoes you can spot!! Give it a go!

Catch a Pickpocket

As you're walking choose a shop or if you prefer, walk-in a shop. Large department stores are best. Now see how long it takes you to spot the first pickpocket... it's amazing at how easy it is for people to put things in a handbag or pocket without being caught. Only thing is with this game is,!!! the moral dilemma #doitell or It's up to you.

I Spy

How often do you see posters,  in shop windows and you take no notice.  Why not spend some time reading a few.

In the past I have found some interesting and useful images and information which I have put to use on my return home.

I have in the past found information on joining a choir... Which I went on to join, activities for my daughter, night outs and the odd picture which I found interesting.

My favourite is writing do Internet links, and whilst waiting surf the net looking at the new sites which I otherwise would not have seen. 

Not long ago I found a very useful life coaching poster, which I promptly made use of, by joining up for a FREE 2 day life coaching course.

So give it a go... Who knows what you will find!!

Say Hello

So this activity does not suit everyone. It will take you out of your comfort zone, and push boundaries. 

Rather than sitting alone on tapping away on your phone, try some good old fashion spontaneous conversation with a total stranger. 

My mum is ace at this one-she talks to "anyone". The nice part is seeing her laughing with a stranger who she has only just met.  Sometimes I find myself saying.... "why would they tell you that?".

Try it, it's one of the more scary things you can do, but ever so interested. Who knows who you might meet!!!  In the past, I have met novelist, GP's, retired professionals, people who have lost their jobs, homes. I have happy people, sad people and people who have no one.   

Thoughts of Fashion

I just love to people watch... Call it weird, but it's amazing how as humans we can make assumptions on a person's personality, lifestyle, carer on the clothes they wear. 

So this game is all about changing it up.... 

Look around you and see what people are wearing. 

There is so much ideas on the highstreet. 

I will usually look for someone my height and body frame, and see what they are wearing.  If it looks good next time I shop I will try something simular on, whether it be a pair of high waisted jeans, a crop leather jacket. 

Give it a go and see why your style senses leads you. 

Valentine's Day Games 2019

Love Heart MessagesLove sending love messages why not send some love messages to your family and loved ones.  Cut out lots of love hearts and write messages on them.  Hide them in unexpected places, PJ's,  jacket pockets, handbags, in shoes, car seat, lunch boxes....Spread the Love!!!


Take a Valentine's Day Bath

Colour the bath water pink or red with a little food colouring (watch for allergies) - the kids will love it! Cut some hearts out of craft foam and use them to decorate the sides of the bathtub. If you cut them out of different colours and make them different sizes, you can order them and sort them too.


Valentine QuestionsTwenty questions anyone!!!. Thinks of something to do with Valentine's Day - a card, a heart, Cupid, etc. Cuddle up to your loved one, ask "yes" and "no" questions, try to guess the answer before the 20 question limit is up.

Broken heartsPrint off a large heart and cut out the design like a jigsaw puzzle. Put together the puzzle heart with your loved one. Alternatively print 2 and the first one to put the heart together is the Best!!!!

Want It!

This is one of the exciting games you can play on Valentine’s Day. Hide your special Valentine’s Day gift and ask your partner to search it out within limited time.  If you are feeling especially in a good mood you can give your partner clues to help them find their gifts sooner.....Take it in turns, the more gifts you have the longer the game last.

Match Fun

Arrange many candles on the floor and use only one match stick to light  as many of them within 1 minute.  Whoever lights the most candles is the winner.  Remember Fire kills.

Food for Thought

“I want you. All of you. Your flaws. Your mistakes. Your imperfections. I want you, and only you" - John Legend 

“You don’t love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear.” – Oscar Wilde

“I would rather spend one lifetime with you, than face all the ages of this world alone.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

"I seem to have loved you in numberless forms, numberless times, in life after life, in age after age forever” – Rabindranath Tagore

“My love for you has no depth, its boundaries are ever-expanding” – Christina White

“You're always the first and the last thing on this heart of mine. No matter where I go, or what I do, I’m thinking of you.” – Dierks Bentley

Time for fun! Top tips for a unforgetable evening

It' time to host, people are coming for dinner....fills you with dread? well no fear I have tips and ideas to take away your dinner party blues.  

Lets start by kicking formalities out the window.  Lets think cocktails, fun dishes flare and creativity.  Don't worry about space or the décor, think about food family and friends instead.  Old fashioned is out!!!

We all have them music streaming access, so lets start by looking at music selection, think about the type of music you want to hear, the vibe you want to present.  Music to my ear, Think about searching words  and phrases like  DINNER PARTY which will offer upbeat music, easy listening creating a fab atmosphere for all your guest.  Other search ideas are ACOUSTICS, COOL, JAZZ, EASY LISTENING, JAZZ

Welcoming your guest can also be daunting, it is a crucial aspect of any dinner party, because your goal is to make your guest feel at ease and relaxed.  I have mentioned on previous pages within this blog about setting up a DIY bar, with all your favourite tipples.  Remember your spirits and mixers, garnishes and recipe cards so your guest can make their favourite cocktails.  Always remember that not everyone will want a  alcoholic drink, so search remember to prepare some mocktail recipes, Click here Mocktails. 

So you don't have lots of space, no worries it's the atmosphere, friends and family that counts.  Ask your guest before the dinner party to bring a chair or 2.  If that is not possible try and be creative, use your coffee table, scattered cushions, garden chairs, with a throw or just a piece of cloth.  

Be prepared to have everything ready on-time, try not to get all your guest drunk before they eat nothing worst than hungry guest, after all, you want then to appreciate your lovely food. 

WHAT TO COOK

It's always great to try new dishes however, when you are hosting a dinner party it's always best to keep your menu simple and cook dishes you are familiar with. So sick of soups, prawn cocktails? well don't serve them.  Instead serve dips, houmous which can be moved around the room.  Consider making your own or if you are not that confident try a decent shop bought tub.  In addition, cocktails on arrival perfect!!

Philadelphia cream cheese  topped with sweet chilli, served with crackers is a lovely starter which is easy to share. 

Give your menu lots of consideration beforehand.  A menu that is flexible to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences, maybe mix of nationalities, religions, vegetarian & meat eaters, and who knows what allergies or food intolerances is good to bear in mind.

Try and do a theme menu such as Mexican, or a Curry night.  Make the main dish a big centre piece with all the trimmings.  For instance, if you serve Mexican Enchiladas as a main, ensure your centrepiece is surrounded by all the trimmings to make a feast for your guest.  Lots of cheese, salads, Guacamole, Queso Dip and Nacho Sauce, Cilantro Lime Basmati Brown Rice, Pinto Beans in Chili Sauce. Looking for ideas here.

Because dinner parties can be stressful, try making your sweet (pudding) beforehand.  Depending on your choice some can be made the night before and chilled on the day of your dinner party.  Ice cream, cheese cake, mousse is perfect!

Some Do’s and Don’t’s

DO…..

….find out dietary requirement beforehand, so you can cater for your guest and make them feel comfortable.

….please please, have tidy before your guest arrive.  Empty the dishwasher or wash your plates, not only to make your home presentable, but you can load your dish washer or wash up as the night prolongs.

….locate a bottle opener, fill the ice trays these are things that usually cause chaos and make you flustered if the go missing or you run out.

DON’T…..

…..leave your guest to eat alone while you potter around, they are your guest join them.

…..serve complicated dishes which require you slaving over a stove during the night, KEEP IT SIMPLE!!! So you can be with your guest.

….be afraid to entertain on a budget, friends and family won’t mind.

RELAX AND ENJOY CHEERS x

Click Here:Tacos for a party