Helping Out and Eating Out

Afternoon, 

Tattoo finally settling down I write to you after an eventful and laid back kind of bank holiday weekend. As things start to get back to more normality, or whatever this new bullshit is now, Mr Warehouse and I have visited friends, family and even done a spot of masked-up shopping at a local retail park. However there is one thing I am looking forward to tonight, as I have done for the full month of August and that is one of my fave things to do of all time - Eating out!

Announced mid-July 2020, the Gov.uk website states that from 3rd to 31st August, foodies can get a 50% discount when you eat in Monday to Wednesday's that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme. But what is it and how does it work? 

With the scheme launched in order to boost more spending from the Great British public following the reopening of many of our favourite haunts by the Governments Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme means many can get a 50% discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks to eat or drink in (up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner) as many times as you like. You do not need a voucher but can use it at the same time as other offers and discounts. The discount will be automatically taken off the bill should you eat in on the designated days and establishments will then claim a reimbursement from the government for the discount they’ve given you. 

Winner, winner chicken dinner. And you can take your pick from Nandos to KFC and other local chicken shops as there is no minimum spend. Some of the drawbacks though? You cannot claim discount on alcoholic drinks or service charges. Where can you use it you ask? Participating establishments may include restaurants, cafés, bars or pubs and even some work or school canteens. With all diners in a group of any size being able to use the discount it is certainly one that has been popular the last few weeks.

Mr Warehouse, Miss Tweedle-Dee and myself have certainly taken advantage of the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme at a participating establishments and quite frankly taken the piss sometimes, eating out at least once a week, sometimes two or three. 

Week one I took the chance to frequent somewhere I had been meaning to take Mr Warehouse, Miss Tweedle-Dee and myself for several months - Pasha. Located in close proximity to Bletchley Park near Milton Keynes, Pasha are leaders of exquisite Turkish and Mediterranean Cuisine and proud to have reached the Finals of the British Best Kebab Awards 2020.With every meaty morsoul ever-so slightly charred on the outside, tender and succulent on the inside there are no ovens, pots or pans. Just teasing flames from the grill and the best ingredients we can source in locally from within the Buckinghamshire area. Being Turkish food it was a more healthier and fresher choice but with their signature welcome bread and salad prepared the authentic way on site by experienced chefs and platters to die for it was the perfect place to start our culinary journey. 

Week two was Date Night and Mr Warehouse chose an Indian down the road from where he used to live in the next village over. Lounge India welcomed us on a rainy but terribly humid Tuesday but was nice to visit and get the history that it was once a pub run by Mr Warehouse's Dad. Specialising in Indian & Bangladeshi food, every dish was authenticly cooked which were mouth-watering delish, if a little different for me (someone who had never eaten out at a Indian in my life up until that point and barely had a takeaway from one). But with each dish cooked fresh to order and using the finest combination of spices, most of which were freshly grounded in the kitchen.

Week three was special since it was Mr Warehouse's birthday. On the day, following an escape room experiance (honestly so much fun and 100% doing it again), I treated the Bae to dinner at Browns Milton Keynes, conveniently located just over the road on Midsummer Boulevard. Whether it’s a pre-shopping lunch, afternoon tea or, as in our instance, an la carte dinner, the menu delivers fresh and seasonal dishes and all served in the comfort of our stylish yet cosy brasserie ith the elegant yet comfortable bar in the background offering exceptional drinks including classic and contemporary cocktails which we just had to try. 

Last week I had another disappointment (although not on the same level as the Indian) when Miss TweedleDumb and I branched out and visited the Blossom Room, again in Miltons Keynes Hub District. Instagram worth posts lured me to the establishment, however whilst the venue itself screamed dinner with the girls pre-night out, the food was slightly letting the "show" down. I dont know maybe its just not the kind of place you go for food because the cocktails were lovely. Certainly looking at the website it is the perfect Hen-Do starter location with Cocktail Masterclasses and VIP Booths or maybe a calmer Afternoon Tea or Bottomless Brunch to tickle your fancy. Anyhoo, definatly worth a visit for afterworks drinks and to decompress from your office in the tower block next door, the Blossom Room comes with golden angel wings to pose next to, cherry blossoms to gasp at and flower walls with neon signs to lust over, but not really somewhere for food, especially so when the website describes itself as "Japanese-inspired where the theatre of food and drink is served" and here I was expecting sushi and dancing Kimchi. 

Tonight was the last day and so we went out in style booking one of the last tables at The Smoke Pit in Northampton. Right in the heart pretty much of the town and situated behind the buildng I did some of my first ever counselling sessions in and next to The Cordwainer, a Wetherspoons pub whee I had my first post-college job after moving from the 'Shire, it was certainly an experiance being back. A casual, compact BBQ restaurant with sofas and high stools, for pulled pork & chargrilled meats, it was an exclectic mix of odds and sods collected from bric-a-brac shops with an all american feel and a nod to street food and art. The venue alone had Mr Warehouse and I looking around for the whole of our duration there and definatly somewhere to be coming back, if only to try the mega-death shakes my Dad had reccommended to us so highly. 

However as week sixteen starts and the bank holiday ends, so does EOTHO. But does it have to? A news article from the BBC has gone into detail about how beneficial this has been for eateries and establishments up and down the country. Since it was originally designed to boost the struggling hospitality industry, in its first three-weeks over 63 million discounted meals were ordered, but now as the "freebie" ends several restaurants say they will carry it on at their own expense including Tesco Café, The Real Greek, Harvester & Toby Carvery  just to name a few. 

Obviously some of the critics have had had their fill so as to speak and with fast-food chains such as Burger King, McDonalds and others having taken part EOTHO has drawn questioning from some anti-obesity campaignersand ergo pointing the finger at government and asking whether this is them giving a ''green light to promote junk food''. This is something I can totally get behind and understand since the discount doesnt seem to sit well alongside the government's healthy eating plan that bans "buy one get one free" deals on unhealthy food and this is not even taking into consideration the growing evidence of links between obesity and an increased risk from coronavirus. 

Do I think it should continue? Yes is the short answer. However I feel like the little guy is getting left behind as the bigger multi-site corperations can afford to take the hit of a tenner a head, little independants maybe cant and that can't be good for business or economies. If it is extended then whoopie for me and all my loved ones, but I think the government needs to get smarter with their "help" and only allow smaller companies to cash in on the benefits whilst also offering discounted gym memberships or fitness schemes because hell only knows I will need something to shift this Corona-comforter from my waist!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Uncertain Times

Heyy, 

What a different world in which I report to you this afternoon. Since last weeks frolic's in cocktail bars and fancy restaurants things have certainly not been the same. Here in the UK we have just had a public address from our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, stating a national emergency against what can only be described as Pandemic upon unfathomable proportions. 

Several weeks ago we heard whisperings from the East regarding COVID-19 - A new illness that can affect your lungs and airways caused by a virus called Coronavirus. However, Coronavirus isn't by itself a new thing as MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) which, having killed more than 1,500 people between them since 2002 is slowly being caught up by its new cousin on the block, COVID-19. 

The source of the COVID-19 coronavirus is believed to be a food market in Wuhan, China which sold both dead and live animals including fish and birds. The risk of viruses and cross-contamination from animals to humans is more likely in places such as this because hygiene standards are difficult to maintain as well as them being typically densely packed. Whilst there is speculation that the original host is thought to be bats who may have infected live chickens or other animals sold there, the animal source of the latest outbreak has not yet been identified. That being said, Bats are host to a wide range of zoonotic viruses including Ebola, HIV and rabies, which seems unfair given how cute they are! 

Quickly spreading across China the first European country to be affected was Italy. Hitting the headlines every day with its mounting death count suddenly it went from a bit of a laugh about how someone should let Ozzy Osbourne know, to now being a little more worried that it was getting closer to our doorstep. Soon enough the UK government announced some advice, although not at all helpful considering that it is typically cold and flu season. The NHS website states that a high temperature whereby you feel hot to touch on your chest or back and a new, continuous cough (coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours). The Italians seemed OK though, they were still out partying (literally), getting their hair done and visiting restaurants and cinemas, everything was fine apart from a few small northern villages. But things got worse ... 

Early last week things started to move and move quickly. On Tuesday 17 March, moneysavingexpert.com explained easily how banks had agreed with the Chancellor that they will offer 'forbearance' (tolerance and help) on mortgages. This means they all should offer those struggling a three-month 'holiday', allowing customers a temporary break from having to make mortgage payments during this time. Something which helped when Mr Warehouse called me from the bus home explaining he was being sent home sick because he coughed when asking about sick-pay during this period of uncertainty. For us, keeping up with bills and putting food on the table was never really a challenge - until my Fiance's salary went from £300 per week to £70. 

Realistically it should help and maybe get us out of what could have been a very tight hole in the next few weeks and months. Although after spending four-and-a-half hours on hold to our mortgage company on Thursday and then a further 3-hours on Friday morning I was finally able to speak with someone. Feeling embarrassed I mumbled my way through the phone call with a lovely women who explained that there was nothing to be embarrassed by and that everyone is in the same boat and to not worry or panic. And so, for the next three months, we won't pay anything, then when our mortgage repayments resume, the total we owe would be spread over the following remain years on our term, realistically seeing a very small uplift in future payments.

Several days later, the UK Government announced a continuity of the COVID-19 Coronavirus package to help people affected by the pandemic which including a sweeping pledge to pay 80% of employees' wages if they are not working due to illness. Boris and the Chancellor said that they will make sure there are measures in place to cover 80% of the wages of 'retained' employees (Retained being those who would otherwise have been laid off due to the knock-on effects of the coronavirus pandemic). Obviously, there is a limit to the amount paid will be capped at a maximum of £2,500 per month / per employee, all to be issued through grants which can be paid out to any employer.  moneysavingexpert.com confirms that the Chancellor says the scheme will be open “before the end of April”, and wages will be paid backdated to 1 March. Hopefully, this will help many people who would have otherwise lost their jobs. 

Although it seems that these measures did not go far enough as soon enough Boris and his Pals in Parliament had announced that as of Friday 20 March, all schools will be closed, though they'll remain open for the children of 'key workers' – for example, NHS staff, police and delivery drivers – as well as the most vulnerable children. Then came the entertainment cull - Tens of thousands of pubs, bars, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and restaurants across the UK shut their doors for the final time as after Boris Johnson imposed a nationwide lockdown from Friday evening. 

What with all the panic and pandemonium I am hardly surprised that the supermarkets and shop shelves were empty. With a huge surge in demand from shoppers, many of them unnecessarily stocking up on essentials and products such as toilet roll, hand gel and paracetamol, it was becoming increasingly hard to get in some places and find just the normal day to day items to feed your family. it quickly became out of hand, to the point of which normally I would be joining Mr and Mrs Jones in buying out 40+ bog rolls and 80 boxes of pasta shells, but I didn't, because I am not a fucking idiot. Sure enough, the stock became less and less to the point of which Mr Warehouse had become aware we had not seen a fresh loaf of bread or toilet tissue in weeks. 

Going back to basics, we thought like our grandparents would have and headed to the local markets and butchers in search of fresh fruit, veg and meat. But there was nothing. Arriving at a local butcher, calling earlier that day and being promised that shelves would be stocked, there was nothing. A pack of sodding bacon and sausages, by which point, when we came to leave, were snapped up by another desperate customer. Heading to Lidl up the road I thought we would chance our luck. Mr Warehouse and I were able to pick up a few little bits to see us through, mainly some meat for meals and that all-important pasta and bog roll. It is sad to think that as a result of peoples lack of empathy and greed that Supermarkets and shops have been forced to bring in significant restrictions. Limiting shoppers to buying a certain number of the same item, restricting opening times and in some cases stopping accepting online orders altogether. But with shops and stores like ASDA and Iceland introducing the "silver hour", a priority shopping time (usually the first hour of the day) for the elderly or vulnerable it certainly does something to restore your faith in humanity. 

The last week has been strange, to say the least, especially working from home - Now that was odd! But with a live televised statement from Downing Street from Boris Johnson stating a new strict curb on life in the UK to tackle the spread of coronavirus, things certainly look like they are going to change even more. As the UK death toll has reached 335 (as of Monday 23 March 2020) the prime minister has announced that from this evening people must stay at home except for shopping for basic necessities, once-daily exercise (as if I did any exercise anyway), any medical need and travelling to and from essential work. Announcements include that all shops selling non-essential goods such as clothing and electronics are being told to shut and gatherings in public of more than two people who do not live together are to be prohibited. And what if people do not follow the rules? The UK police will have the powers to enforce them, including fines and dispersing gatherings. Scary measures when I am less than six-months off being a Mrs ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Food Glorious Food

Hello everyone, 

Ahh January! The hated month of many. Christmas is long gone, Summer is so far and yet the sickness of Valentine's day is nearing with all its mushy mushy-ness! Payday is long-awaited and the weekends never seem long enough. Getting back to work and into the swing of things is hard and truth be told I have not enjoyed the first few weeks of "my year" yet. That being said, there was one thing I wanted to get out the way, over and done with, booked and confirmed. The Wedding Catering. 

After months, nearly an entire year of searching for catering I had finally settled on something  Mr Warehouse and I were happy with. I wanted canapes and fizz reception followed by a proper sit-down meal with a starter and main, followed by a nice piece of the wedding cake to finish. Mr Warehouse, however, wanted something really relaxed and informal, street food or buffet style, everyone helping themselves when they want, how they want and what they want. A free-for-all. But we needed structure. We need to have some level of formality as to the meal as this is going to form part of our speeches and will support the following goings-on such as the cutting of the cake, first dance, etc. 

After searching around for everything from Mexicana dishes to pizza vans to fish and chips, but nothing really hit the mark. I started looking at what a simple two-course menu would look like, maybe soup or prawn cocktail and a chicken breast something dinner with seasonal vegetables. However, after settling on that as our wedding breakfast we soon realised the cost of it all and how ridiculous the price seemed to spike as soon as you mention it's for a wedding. 

Whilst it was very much me, it wasn't much of Mr Warehouse and I felt his disappointment. With this in mind, we went back to the drawing board, Mr Warehouse and I took inspiration from what we love most about other peoples weddings or events we have been to. We loved hog roasts. Everything about it was us, the stuffing and the meat, sauces and oh lordy the crackling, all wrapped together in a bun. Perfect weather you are sober and even better when your half cut. It feeds many and looks good. Perfect choice. If only they could carve off the meat and serve it to the tables with vegetables and other sides? If only they could provide a starter? 

So I asked. A lot of them immediately said that they couldn't provide starters and that serving to the tables was simply a no-no. Others just never came back to us. That whittled the list down considerably. We had approximately ten suppliers that could do all of what we were asking, but the longer that we went on talking to the companies in particular, the more they seemed to be able to offer or quote us for, including proper crockery and cutlery, saving someone (probably my Dad and our groomsmen) doing the washing up the following day. Another one was able to top that and add in table linen to the quotation, again saving us as the bride and groom the job of buying it all, housing it all, storing it all for months before transporting it to our venue. And then after we have the inevitable task of having to sell it. 

And some of the menus! Wow! Starters that consist of goats cheese and caramelised onion tart, smooth pate with melba toast and freshly baked bread. Another supplier was offering Tomato Bruschetta with pesto and another caterer pushing the boat out with "A Selection of Fine Italian Meats- Including Prosciutto Parma Ham And Salami Served With Fine Cheeses Including Buffalo Mozzarella, Parmigiano and Gorgonzola" (although they were one of the most expensive ones coming in at £3,500.00). 

The mains all seemed to be similar with the main theme being the whole roasted pig roasted slowly over flames until succulently sweet and moreish all carved and served by professional chefs. The meat, in any instance of the caterer we choose, would be served with freshly made apple sauce, homemade sage and onion stuffing and professionally presented crackling. Side dishes and accompaniments did vary from supplier to supplier, everything from simple roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables all the way to a zingy salad, tasty pasta or an exotic couscous dish. 

Following the main meal would host the speeches and once people had finished laughing (or crying) dessert would follow that, a nod to our wedding cake, yet to be cut. Three mini cake rounds sandwiched in between lashings of buttercream and finished with some fresh fruit. This would be supplied and provided by our wonderful (if a little lacking on the communication front) cake lady.  

Evening catering I had considered letting Mr Warehouse have his naff buffet idea, but I wanted the fun and socialising to continue into the night so I had thought up an idea of having all sorts of bar snacks on offer. No evening catering so as to speak, just bucket loads (in my head I was thinking literally buckets) of pork scratchings, Bombay mix, nuts, pork pies, cheese, scotch eggs, mini sausages, crisps - Everyone dipping in whilst guzzling a pint or knocking back some shots. No-one seemed to be enthused by the idea and so I settled on asking our already shortlisted caterers if they could provide evening catering, something to warm the cockles of our guests and be a quick and easy something that wasn't too messy for veggies, vegans and meat lovers alike.

That's when Mr Warehouse and I stumbled upon baked potatoes. Perfect! A simplistic idea found on Pinterest of all places, but the variety and unique toppings and dressings you could have were almost never-ending. Some of our favourite contenders were the homemade gourmet coleslaw, the perfect accompaniment we thought to jacket potatoes combining texture, colour and a zesty depth of flavour. Another one was a crispy Thai salad - sumptuously unique comprising spring green leaves, beansprouts and a sesame oil dressing. Another winner was warming chilli with mixed beans and spices to make our guests glow. So many different toppings to choose from, along with the menus and suppliers themselves - We had a hard job on our hands. 

So I was glad when Dad and his new wife (Yes they got married - No were not going to talk about it) kindly asked us to come over for Sunday Tea and to discuss the proposition of the father of the Bride contributing a large amount to the wedding. This being said, as his offer still stood many months ago, he wanted to pay for the wedding catering, maybe the single most important part of the day, all bar the ceremony and maybe the dress. It was most certainly going to be the most expensive part of the whole day and with nearly a hundred-day guests to feed and a few more evening mouths, it was unsurprising we were getting quotes for nearly four-thousand-pounds. 

However one quote stuck out, mainly because it was cheap, the cheapest in fact, but also because they could offer everything every other supplier could, and was fast at replying which was a big deal for me. I am impatient and want answers now. I don't want to wait or think about it. I want it now. She was more than happy to bend over backwards and help out with anything I could possibly need. She was on hand to have a quick reply via Facebook or emails. Nothing was too much trouble. However the price? Why was the price so cheap when compared and bench marked against competitors, they came out the cheapest? I asked her this question this morning and I got a pleasant and sweet reply "There is one simple reason the quote is a little lighter than competitors. It's the wedding word. We charge a standard fee, wedding or not, whereas a lot of companies add on extra for it being a wedding. We don't." And so, ladies and gentlemen, I think I have found our caterer - Now to book them in!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

The Creation of Fear Pong

Evening, 

Heading out for supplies I was not confident in the evening's frolics. Ever since I had any remotely valid social life I have wanted a Halloween Party. Something to rival Heidi Klum's or Jonathan Ross's. Something people would talk about for months after and anticipate from the sunshine haven of Summer. As the years pass it would go from mad house-party to a family event the school gates would buzz about from September right through until half term. My family's costumes would be infamous, like Neil Patrick Harris and Co. 

Alas though, the first year I have held one, I was a little miffed at the turnout, or so I thought. Having a bit of a dramatic meltdown (who me?!) to my fiance a few nights before, I confided in him that not many people were coming. I knew his brother and his family would come with the kids, I also knew my bestie, Miss Tweedle-Dee and Miss JoHo ould be in attendance along with Miss Tweedle-Dee's lil' bro and another friend. Miss Hackney would probably make an appearance hopefully and a couple from Mr. Warehouse's side of the family. But none of my work colleagues came, disappointingly, however not completely unexpected. 

Nevertheless, I felt much more in the "spirit" of things come that afternoon as we decked out the house in bats, cobwebs, Halloween bunting and more, some of which was all the way from the all hallowed place that is the Doller Tree (or at least I hope so as they look incredible) as Mr. and Mrs. Tweedle-Dumb indulged me for my birthday in sending back some schpoopy gifts that I could use at my party. Despite the distance, Mrs. Tweedle-Dumb would be a part of my first ever Halloween party. Now I know a lot of people go OTT with Halloween party decorations, I can see myself being one of them but this can be verging on tacky however my theory is that if you can't go hard on Halloween then you should go home as it is all about being over the top and ultimately spooky. Obviously with Halloween parties you can take two routes.. The first being the classic creepy, gore and blood route which is great for a festive, cliché type event - Something I would love to achieve in a classy event with posho cocktails and dry ice - something glamorous and stylish – definitely more of a treat than a trick.

Seven came and went, although I was anxiously awaiting the first guests. Dressed to impress I answered the door to our first guests, arm in arm with my little Frankenstein, complete with doggy dress up as a bat. Me? I was dressed in red, jet black wig and red veil, along with Mr. Warehouse in a black suit, green hair and purple sunken eyes, we were the Beetlejuice Bride and Groom - Betelgeuse and Lydia! Although this is maybe not one of our best ones, I certainly think it was a good going and certainly something I have wanted to do for a while. I had considered on a theme, say 80's slasher films or Hollywood's golden age, however, I felt as if this would put people off even moreso of a party where they have to dress up and make a bit more of an effort than normal. I mean of course I could do something like this in time, however Halloween is already so diverse, as long as your dead you can make it work but you know that there is always some lazybones that takes this as a way out and barely dress up at all!

Another thing I would have done if I was really hardcore about it and I wasn't using this as an excuse to drink at home would have been spooky food. Catering, I feel, can really make or break a party and give an excuse for people to chat and talk and mingle whilst snacking, especially to break up any awkward silences with the weird guy that has danced over for a chat. Themed food and DIY's are a great way of adding personal touches and a “center-piece cake” is an almost must, especially something like cupcakes as it’s something that can be given to kids and adults alike and is easy to eat whilst on the move around the room. Food dye and shape cutters are a godsend for amateur cooks such as myself and who normally screws their Pinterest creations up. 

As the night continued, the drink flowed and I most certainly was not counting the Slimming World Syns in the prosecco, or the gin, or the mini sausages I was stuffing down my throat. The highlight, among the many that were had to be teaching my future niece and nephew play "Fear"-pong, a spooked spin on Beer-Pong whereby my niece and nephew would do the pinging and the ponging bit, and the tag-teamed adult would do the drinking. Basically, the kids made us all bladdered. Yes - Definitely a highlight and probably one of the best ideas Mr. Warehouse had. Suffice to say that as a direct result of said drinking game, myself, Mr Warehouse and my other guests were perfectly pickled and come witching hour, I was gone. As the party wound down and the guests dwindled I found myself in my bathroom, looking after a friend of Miss JoHo's who had his head in the toilet bowl. Next thing I knew, I was pushing him out the way to get to the next biggest vessel for my own bile. 

By Midnight I was in bed, tucked up, listening to the rest of them get sorted out and heading to the land of nod too, and all thanks to Miss Tweedle-Dee and Mr Warehouse. I think that despite my reservations, and nearly cancelling at one point, I am glad I didn't, persevering and throwing what will be now known as the Halloween Party of the year!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Crackling Idea!

Ola!

Still we are on our hunt for a videographer, however this time they are taking a back seat as Mr Warehouse and I start to look into catering again. Following the blog posts previous with our "The Gluttonous Guest List" and the dreaded "'W' Word" we have cautiously started to embark on the next voyage of discovery and financial entrapment! After settling down to a rough number for our guest list back before Christmas, we calculated a round figure and cost per head and sent it out to as many caterers as we could find and think of, stating that the event we were catering for was a "family meal" rather than the 'W' word as it seems to add on an extra thirty or forty percent to the total bill for no apparent rhyme or reasoning. Essentially this is still true since the only difference between a genuine family meal and a wedding is that I am going to be sitting in a fat white dress. 

Ideally, we were, still are really, looking for a sit-down meal consisting of 2-courses and finishing with our wedding cake as dessert handcrafted hopefully by a family friend. The catering facilities at Stagsden Village Hall are very basic and minimal as it is an old school house, however, they do have two ovens with hobs and a fridge plus crockery, glasses and tableware we are able to use. Now I was quite understanding, as was Mr Warehouse, that we were not going to get Foie Gras or Duck Breast for our wedding breakfast, however, we were anticipating something simple yet effective.

After multiple caterers coming back to tell us our budget was outside of what they could do for us, we had not one but two catering companies that were able to supply us with a quote and even some sample menus. My fiance and I had asked commonly requested things from anyone providing food for an event such as if the price included VAT or whether they work with fresh or frozen food and how would they handle last-minute requests or changes.  However, after several back-and-forth emails and questions, the caterers stated that "After careful consideration and a discussion with the team [the catering company] are unable to cater for your event, as it wouldn't be cost effective for us to do so due to your requirements and budget. Unfortunately we may have crossed wires throughout e-mails, as [the catering company] were unaware that the catering required was for a Wedding as no mention of this throughout the correspondence and that our Wedding packages start from £30.00 + VAT per head due to the preparation involved and the high standard of service we like to provide for our brides." 

Be it a wedding, family event or Uncle Eric's funeral, you would expect the same level of service and ergo the same price per head. But Ohhh No! Furious at being asked to pay nearly treble the original cost quoted, for a menu, Mr Warehouse and I were extremely happy with, I emailed them back. The catering company replied by attempted to justify the price increase, stating that they "feel from the original enquiry, there was a different impression of the type of catering and service required and anticipated only sending a maximum of two members of staff. We understand when you have said that you would not be fussy about the preparation, but for a Wedding, there will be a lot more involvement to go towards making your Day a special occasion and we can’t offer this type of service for under our standard Wedding price of £30 + VAT per head."

At the time I was so angry and just could not believe that the mere mention of the word wedding would increase the price by nearly twenty-quid per head! That is where my gorgeous Husband-to-be came in with his idea of Italian Family style eating. Imagine heaping platters of delicious food brought directly to the guests' table. No waiting in long buffet lines or figuring out which table goes first. Family style is a beautifully presented and relaxed style of dining, that makes guests or event attendees feel right at home. Platters, full of fresh food, delivered to each table so that guests can enjoy a relaxed meal without leaving their seats. Something I had never thought of, however, the more I think about it the more I like it. And again we are back at the drawing board, sending out quotation requests to as many caterers as we could find and think of and find within a thirty-mile radius. Ideally, we would be looking for a Hog Roast man, just as it is easy and most people are happy with that for a main along with a few pasta dishes, salads and tatties. Not only that but it also lends itself to being great for evening guests too as when the dancefloor becomes too hot they can chill out with a pig in a bun and crackling on the side!

Other than the catering, most of the sourcing of suppliers has been done and the booking process won't be much far behind that. Since Mr Warehouse keeps insisting that we can't afford a holiday this year (I think we can with a variety of vouchers, money off codes and a good old haggle) I have thrown myself head first into Wedding Planning and some would say maybe neglect my gorgeous Hubby-To-Be, putting all of my focus and energy into planning our dream day. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx 

The "W" Word

Hello everyone!

Following on from "The White, Lacy Condom Dress and Others" I have continued in my hunt for Wedding suppliers and items. As before, since Mr. Warehouse keeps insisting that we can't afford a holiday this year I have thrown myself head first into Wedding Planning and so all of my focus and energy is being put into planning our dream day. However, with still so much left to plan and organise I tried to focus my attention more on the bigger budget items, such as the catering. 

One of the first things Mr Warehouse and I looked at was the guest list and how much it is swelling with each and every month that seems to pass. After settling down to a rough number we calculated a round figure and sent it out to as many caterers as we could find and think of within a thirty mile radius. Ideally we were, still are, looking for a sit down meal catering consisting of 2-courses and finishing with our wedding cake as dessert. The catering facilities at Stagsden Village Hall are minimal as it is a old school house converted into a pretty hall, however they do have two ovens with hobs and a fridge plus crockery, glasses and table wear we are able to use. 

Now I was quite understanding, as was Mr Warehouse, that we were not going to get Foie Gras or Duck Breast for our wedding breakfast, however we were anticipating something simple yet effective. Starting with some ideas around starters my fiance and I looked at Pate, Bread and Olives, Soup or a Seafood Cocktail. For mains I was looking for something easy and cost effective also which would please many such as a Chicken Chasseur, Casserole, Pasta dish or Chilli Con Carne. Obviously it would be assumed that all the dishes are served with Seasonal Vegetables and a Potato product where appropriate. 

Sending out the simple suggestions and stating that the event we were catering for was a "family meal" rather than the 'W' word as it seems to add on an extra thirty or forty percent to the total bill for no apparent reasoning. Essentially this is still true since the only difference between a genuine family meal and a wedding is that I am going to be sat in a fat white dress. With this we looked forward to the quotes that were to follow, however many came back stating that our budget would simply be too low to accommodate. 

We were however lucky enough to find a few suppliers that were able to supply us with a quote and even some different food choices and sample menu's that were in line with the budget. My fiance and I had asked commonly requested things from anyone providing food for an event such as is the price inclusive or excluding VAT, if they provide the linens and how many servers would they suggest? Other easily answerable questions followed such as will the servers be uniformed, whether they work with fresh or frozen food and how would they handle last-minute requests or changes. Crucially we wanted to know if they charge a cake-cutting or serving fee as we wanted to have the dessert as the cake and also wanted to double check they have a current food license. On the day we needed to know for planning purposes how long they will need for setting up and if we can get references from others they had catered for. Obviously we needed to confirm when we should give the final guest numbers and what their menu choices would be. 

Although after several back and forth emails asking for some of the above questions asked to the caterers we were sent the details on tastings and when we could potentially arrange a meeting so as to go through the exact menu and pay any holding fee or deposit. Then all of a sudden, Mr Warehouse and I received an email. In it the caterers stated that "After careful consideration and a discussion with the team [the catering company] are unable to catering for your event, as it wouldn't be cost effective for us to do so due to your requirements and budget." 

Following a huge let down like that I battled on and  I suppose like any normal person, you would ask many of the questions previously detailed when hosting an event; Be it a wedding, family event or birthday party all of which you would expect the same level of service and ergo the same price per head. But Ohhh No! 

Yet again after sending the same list of questions to another catering company, again simple questions anyone hiring for an event would ask, irrespective of the occasion, a confirmed menu and details on how to place an order and make payments were sent. Although just before we had a chance to print, sign, scan and send back we were told that they could not provide a fabulous menu compromising of Soup for starters and a Chicken main course with the cake as a dessert as "Unfortunately we may have crossed wires throughout e-mails, as [the catering company] were unaware that the catering required was for a Wedding as no mention of this throughout the correspondence and that our Wedding packages start from £30.00 + VAT per head due to the preparation involved and the high standard of service we like to provide for our brides."

Furious at being asked to pay nearly treble the original cost quoted, for a menu Mr. Warehouse and I were extremely happy with, I emailed them back:
"Apologies we are slightly confused with the pricing as we were quoted for a very simple menu, which we are very, very happy with and ready to book and yet now it is different? I am honestly shocked that the price has jumped to more than double with just the mention of the "w" word. We are not sure what the difference is between a family event which is really what it is as we are not having a big thing made about it at all. My Fiance and I don't have a huge amount of money either, hence only having a small family meal. For a price increase of £18.00+ what would we get for that as we are not fussy about preparation involved as they should be the same regardless of the function and the standards still kept high as we only wanted a sit down meal for close family and a handful of friends? I have also noticed that after reading the below email, the address is a local business we know very well and have visited many, many times before as you are local to Bedford's Priory Park which is where we walk our dog Roxy most weekends. In fact my fiance actually proposed to me just round the corner in one of the meadows so it would really mean a lot to us to have yourselves cater for us. Again I hope you are able to help with this as again I am flabbergasted as to why the price has increased so much. We are ready to book and just needed a few questions answering and are happy to pay in advance."

With this the catering company came back to us and attempted to justify the price increase, stating that they "feel from the original enquiry we made, there was a different impression of the type of catering and service required for the agreed price and anticipated only sending a maximum of two members of staff to serve and prepare the food for a maximum of two-three hours. The price originally quoted didn’t include linen hire (not that we need it I must add), set up or clearing away and that clearly this type of service is not sufficient for a Wedding Reception.    We understand when you have said that you would not be fussy about the preparation, but for a Wedding sit down meal there will be a lot more involvement to go towards making your Day a special occasion and we can’t offer this type of service for under our standard Wedding price of £30 + VAT per head."

I have yet to call them to discuss their pitiful offering, but I can just not believe that the mention of the word wedding would increase the price by nearly twenty-quid per head! Shocking and disgusting is beyond the words that I can describe but to be fair if I was some sort of supplier of goods and knew that I could get at least double if not triple the price for a wedding rather than the same event without such connotations then of course I would also be charging extra. However, the point I make is that I did not initially send out any queries or questions in relation to a wedding and only for a family event, which is as I said before, essentially what a wedding is. Rest assured I am sure that you will hear of the outcome soon as I rip them a new one ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx 

Pacing Prague And Other Tales!

Ahoj!

Racing around like a blue-arse-fly I was now stuck in a serious traffic jam on the A421. Stand still. Not. Moving. Anywhere. Frustratingly I spent over double the amount of time it would normally take me to get to Miss Tweedle-Dee's house for our Pre-Holiday sleepover. After a spot of telly and a night time snack of coffee and Jaffa Cakes we headed to bed for an early night. Waking the next morning the staples of toast and more coffee ensued and afterward it was time to head to the airport. Thanks to Pappa Tweedle-Dee we arrived in good time and after changing up more money (to think I was worried about not having enough) we headed shopping and for a bite to eat. 

Boarding the plane Miss Tweedle-Dee and I were excited and just over ninety-minutes later, with a rather uneventful flight in general that had passed really quickly we had arrived. Touching down we collected our bags and headed through nothing to declare and awaited our driver. And waited. And waited. Went outside into the cold early evening air for a quick Vape Sesh and then back in. Still no driver and it was now I started to panic. Was this a scam? Have I made a grave mistake in booking a hotel and not looking at the reviews? I had been talking to the receptionist for the last few days as Miss Tweedle-Dee and I had many questions but maybe it was all a set up and now I am in a foreign land where I know virtually no Czech and am struggling to call their offices! Help! Just then, as if by magic a pink-shirted gentleman approached us as if from no where and asked us if it was us he was looking for. We must have looked lost! He took my bag (Miss Tweedle-Dee carried her own) and we headed to the car. Driving through the streets of Prague we swapped small talk and asked advice on where is best to eat and visit in the city, but more-so where not to go. 

Finally arriving at the apartment and figuring out our own way on how we get in after being abruptly told by a moody jobs-worth of a receptionist, we settled into what I can only describe as a very white, clean and well equipped studio apartment. Small for the two of us it certainly ticked all the boxes and provided us with everything we could have wanted or needed in our time here including a super comfy memory-foam double bed, small dining table and chairs, wardrobe, safe and small kitchenette consisting of the microwave, kettle, under-the-counter fridge and sink. There is / was a hob however we did not use it. In the hallway was a coat-rack and areas to put boots and other outdoor wears and opposite was a toilet and separate bathroom complete with a very small shower, washing machine and sink. Cosy to say the least, but in all fairness it was a place we would spend the next few nights in bed, scrolling through social media and sleeping before heading out again. That being said the stairs are and have been an issue. Three flights that curve round and are usually shrouded in darkness have certainly been the bain of our lives. 

For our first night in Prague, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I hadn't made any real plans in terms of dinner and neither of us had actually reviewed or researched any where near our apartment for some dinner and therefore we wandered rather aimlessly towards what looked like the Christmas Market set-up. Around there we found what looked like a rather neglected from the outside restaurant, but to be fair it looked warm and I was getting cold so I persuaded Miss Tweedle -Dee to come inside with me. And oh boy was it the best choice we made, I think probably all holiday. Since we had both eaten lunch pretty late neither Miss Tweedle-Dee or I were that hungry so opted just for a single main course from the French Restaurant menu. I ordered a roasted Guinea Fowl and the Bestie ordered a Pork Belly with Potato Puree. This was all washed down with a couple of beers. Such a stunning meal and honest to god I would definitely recommend it so if you are heading to Prague you need to go to La Gare just round the corner from the main Palladium shopping center (which is deceivingly huge by the way, like some sort of shopping tardis!)

Waking up in the city the next morning I was glad for being here and on holiday once again. Heading out into the fresh chilly air we looked round the Christmas Market Areas round the areas surrounding our hotel and found ourselves moving over to the Old Town Square area. We watched the Astronomical Clock and pottered around some of the churches and architectural landscapes surrounding the infamous area. Wandering then took us over the Charles Bridge, and sauntering across the river Vltava and finding ourselves in a small cafe, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I ordered a traditional goulash and some Camembert, accompanied with some tasty raspberry infused beer! Delish! The following days were spent very similarly, touring round Prague, taking photos, filming filler for my holiday Vlog and visiting the many Christmas Markets around the city. 

A visit to several of the most popular tourist hot-spots were also frequented by Miss Tweedle-Dee and I including the Prague Castle which is the largest Castle in the world sprawling out over eighteen acres. Me and the Bestie also visited the Sex Machine Museum which I will be honest was a slight let down, although the Creepy Bear (picture uploaded to my Facebook page if you really need an example) and other apparatus were certainly interesting but possibly not worth the nearly ten-quid entry fee?! Another maybe more worth while waste of money being a tourist in Prague was with our visit to the Chocolate Museum / factory just off The Old Town Square. Other than this simply wandering round the shops and Christmas Markets and stalls have occupied both Miss Tweedle-Dee and I throughout our stay here. 

Eating out in Prague has certainly been an experience which in my opinion was miles and miles ahead of my experiences in Tenerife with Mr. Warehouse in the Summer. Our first night I have already touched on and whilst I was given loads of advise from tonnes of people I knew who had visited Prague before as well as some helpful vloggers and bloggers who live in Prague and the Czech Republic, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I hit up some really, really good restaurants. Firstly there is the cafe round the corner from our accommodation called Cafe Apetit. Whilst I am almost certain that all that occupied at the time we visited on Sunday Morning / Afternoon were all local, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I struggled through our broken Czech to order a delicious open sandwich, coffee and a large slice of cake which all came to under two-hundred Czech Koruna, equal roughly to under a fiver in British money, something which we were both stunned by given if the same was bought in London it would have easily been double if not triple the price and so much lacking in quality. 

Another place you need to hit up when in Prague are Brasilerio where you can have as much meat as you can handle and an unlimited salad and other specials bar. Very similar to the steak all-you-can-eat buffet Miss Tweedle-Dee and I had with the rest of her family and Miss Tweedle-Dumb in Las Vegas you use your coaster to show green in order to tell the meat-staff and servers when you are ready for the BBQ goodness or switch it over to red when you just want to tap-out for a little bit. Regardless of the hefty price tag (well only hefty in comparison to the other eateries we visited which came in well under the four-hundred Czech Koruna I was expecting to spend each night) I still think that for the price it was certainly worth it and would certainly encourage you to visit if here. 

My only let downs about Prague as a whole I feel (apart from going home tomorrow) is that the majority of the city, its sights, tastes, smells and feels could easily be done in half the time we have spent here. I would suggest if you are planning your trip that two or three days would be sufficient and if the Christmas Market is in town, maybe four but I probably wouldn't plan another city break for as long as Miss Tweedle-Dee and I have come for. Whilst it has been relaxing we have done a lot of the same thing. Long lazy mornings lying in bed till noon an staying up late scrolling through news feeds have kept us occupied though and I honestly cant think of many other people I would want to spend my time exploring a European Christmas Market with that my bestie, Miss Tweedle-Dee. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

No Snaccidents Please!

Hiya!

So after the week I was looking forward to the weekend,  but outside the normal confines of an nine-to-five office environment I sudden found myself craving chocolate, sweets, fast food and fizzy drinks. Over the last few months I have tried my hardest to get to the gym at least once a week and ideally twice if possible for either classes or swimming, either / or since the gym bore's my tits off. I can stand nothing worse than running for an hour or cycling ten-miles, only to not get or go anywhere. I think that's why I love classes so much. The variety and fast-paced nature of having to keep up with other fellow fit-bunnies and the fact that you are forced to look into the mirror whilst you attempt your fifteenth squat in a row. 

So far over the last few weeks I have tried several classes including BodyStep and Legs, Bums and Tums. I will be honest and say that the BodyStep was far, far too intense for one of my first classes and as a result I was in a lot of pain for some days after. Almost a week later I tried out the Legs, Bums and Tums class, similar to that one I did all those many moons ago with Miss Hackney back in my old job. It was certainly less intense and much much easier to get to grips with and keep up with the moves and jives. In the next coming weeks I plan to expand into the pool and AquaFit or AquaAerobics, maybe even a more energetic looking BodyPump class.  

The thing is, with weight anyway, is that it is so very, very easy to put on and extremely hard to get off. Fast food, sweets and chocolate in the supermarket are over-priced but with constant deals and offers that make you think that you are getting a good deal you see it as a treat, that is, until you have a Snaccident AKA When food (a snack) is consumed in an accidental, often regrettable way. This can refer to accidentally eating food of questionable quality and/or quantity. Everything has sugar and salt in it in modern days and it seems like its all backwards. Ketchup has high levels of sugar and a Donuts will have high levels of salt. 

I look at my family and I would say that direct blood relations to me would be an average or around 75% overweight or obese and several have even been classified as morbidly obese. It scares me to look at them and wonder about how long they will be around for, least how long I will be about for. I want to be different to my parents, I don't want to be the fat Momma in the playground, sitting on a bench watching from a distance. I want to be able to chase my kids about and run to get them from school and drop them off to their next activity without getting out of breath running up the steps. 

Just a short one this week but I hope that next week I will have more to tell, for the upcoming weekend is a payday and I am well overdue for a night out on the tiles and maybe even a cheeky few treats of the non food variety. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx