Omar Khans Bradford | Review

So last week me Kel, Hayley and Jess headed over to Kels home-town of Bradford in the search of a delicious curry. We defiantly found just what we was searching for at Omar Khans. 

Heading over on the train from work was a little chaotic during rush hour, I don't often get trains I always seem to get lost in the train station and can never find the platform I need. Luckily I made it on the right train and arrived on time. Is now a good time to mention I like trains. I can never say that without sounding like an utter nerd or Sheldon Cooper. It seems to have the same raised brow looks as when a fat person admits to liking pies. 

Anyway's we decided to meet in a bar for cocktails (despite all ordering beers) then it was time to head of for food to Omar Khans. It was safe to say by this point I was starving and not to mention freezing cold (It was a cold rainy day and I had worn a cami top and open toe sandals) so I couldn't wait to get tucked into a good old curry. 

The evening started with a simple beer, obviously a bottle of Cobra for me to go with curry. Have I mentioned before just how classy I am?

To start with I had the Mechli Pekora £3.95. Which are white fish pekoras seasoned with cumin, thyme and pomegranate dipped in a gram butter and deep fried. I always choose fish pekora's in Indian restaurants for starters, I always find them light yet satisfying and these were certainly good. For the portion size and deliciousness £3.95 was excellent value. Although the portion did seem large for a starter (who's complaining..not me) i found it a nice size as it wasn't a heavy starter and everything was seasoned well. I couldn't taste any pomegranate but this didn't really bother me at all as they were cooked amazingly. 

Moving on to the main course I read the menu closely. They didn't have my go too choice of  Chicken Balti so I had to step outside my comfort zone. I probably moved one whole step away from this and opted for the Chicken Masala £6.95. This was a very tasty dish and fully of flavour. I'm not saying I know Indian cooking in fact I haven't a clue but I would of preferred the dish to have a little more sauce as I found it quite dry. Especially with the accomplishments of rice £2.50 and garlic nan bread £2.95, it would of been nice to make the dishes a little more saucy. 

Overall I really enjoyed the meal, the staff were friendly and the place offered excellent value for money and I would return. My only criticism is I found the nan bread very sweet although when I pointed this out I literately got thrown a "if looks could kill" look by my friends so maybe this was just me. 

Have you tried Omar Khans?

Sammie

Monthly Shoe Wishlist

Converse All Start - East Coaster (Pink) 

Schuh - Junior - £30.00

I've been recently feeling excited for summer. Browsing for holidays, drinking brothers peach melba cider in beer gardens and last week I actually left the house without a jacket on! Yep summer is starting to peek through the pesky clouds and this year I'm more excited than ever. Although I don't particularly know why. The ultimate summer shoe has to be the timeless converse. I've nearly always purchased white converse and it's taken many years to realise white converse don't stay white for long. This year I thought I'll finally decide to step away from "white" and opt for a more pastel colour. I love these pink converse although I'm thinking maybe more a powder blue colour would also be nice. 

Vans - Palisade Vulc Shoes (Blue/Lilac)

Vans - £40.00

I bought a pair of these slip on vans about 2 years ago and I am crazy about them. (yes we are still talking about shoes). Every time I dig them out I think to myself "why do I not wear these more". There perfect for the summer for throwing on for trips to the park, BBQ's and of course beer gardens and holidays. There the perfect holiday day time staple for doing pretty much anything in. Since my current pair are boring old black and white I'm thinking this year I'll opt for something more fun and I love the tie die blue and lilac tone pair. 

New Balance - Womens U410 Suede/Mesh Trainers

Footasylum - £54.99

Trainers. Again. Ohh Sammie. Well again summer is all about just simply lulling about and having fun. Heels and nights out are swapped for day time events and everything becomes a little more casual. In my eyes anyway. I really feel as though my trainer addiction is becoming more and more justified with every grey cloud that passes. 

What are your favourites this month?

Sammie

TGI Fridays | The secret burger

So after I sulked about having to cancel my birthday plans I did still end up taking a little trip to TGI Fridays. This was the top of my list for two reasons. Firstly I really wanted to try the "secret burger" I had heard about on the blogsphere and twitter for the past week and secondly, I know TGI's celebrate birthdays. It did cheer me up having all the staff singing happy birthday and obviously the free slice of chocolate fudge cake defiantly did. I doubt TGI's had previously witness any other 23 year olds sat grinning away as much as me when they sang happy birthday to them, but news flash it was my birthday and I wanted a little fuss. 

White Chocolate Martini - £6.99

Grey Goose vodka, Frangelico, BOLs Creme de cacao with vanilla syrup and chocolate bitters.

This was a very strong cocktails and one that I would typically sip. I think I saw white chocolate a jumped right in and ordered this. I must say it was far too strong and had to give this away. I think even on a day where I'm feeling 100% (I've been feeling very Ill all week and drinking wasn't the best idea) I wouldn't of enjoyed this. It didn't seem to be too well thought out and defiantly didn't taste of white chocolate, the balance of ingredients seemed way out. I wish I had looked through the menu more as the Red Velvet cocktail sounds delicious. 

The Secret Burger -  £11.99

I'm guessing: A beef burger on a bed of tomato and onion, topped with beef chilli, cheese, Jack Daniels BBQ sauce and crispy onions.

So firstly just how do you order this secret burger? Well listen in closely, when the lovely waiter or waitress comes to take you order you simple say "I'll have what Jacks having" feel a little uncomfortable for a few seconds then feel a sigh of relief knowing the whole thing isn't made up. This isn't on the menu by the way. Secondly you then panic as to how much it is actually going to cost. I can now confirm it costs £11.99 which is one of the cheaper burgers on the menu. 

The burger itself is a thick juicy burger and didn't disappoint. However I really wasn't expecting the beef chilli. The cheese was gooey and melted and the crispy onions were a good touch and added flavour. I wouldn't be TGI's without their famous Jack Daniels sauce neither. It was a good burger and I was super full after eating just half of it. 

However I feel the "secret burger" could of been something a lot more creative such as adding something not seen before like spare ribs. In fact ordering "what Jacks having" could of been anything. I feel this is such a good idea but nothing exciting was delivered. I was also a little disappointed there wasn't a blue cheese burger on the menu. There are more adventurous burgers on the menu. The "Bruce Lee" burger topped with spicy Asian slaw and crispy noodles does look more unique and something I'd not come across so to compare this with the "secret burger" I felt a little disappointed. 

Happy Birthday Fudge Cake - AKA chocolate fudge fixation - Free on birthdays 
Obviously deserts always taste better when there free. However this chocolate fudge cake was seriously good. Since I was so full the staff kindly boxed this up for me to take home. However it didn't mean I miss out on the celebration as they had kindly stuck a candle in the box for me to blow out which I was super happy with. The fudge cake was a very large slice (not complaining) so this mean one thing. Fudge cake for breakfast this morning! 

Over all the food was tasty, good value and the staff were excellent. I would defiantly take a trip back to try more of their hand crafted burgers and delicious cocktails.

Have you been to TGI Friday's? 

Sammie

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Birthdays and growing up (Thought on life)

So if you follow me on Twitter (@LilBlondeSammie) you may have notice I happened to mention a few times...It was my Birthday! Depending on when your reading this it was on Sunday the 11th May. In which I turned the grand old age of 23. 

Now at 23 you may have though I was going to have some sophisticated birthday when in actual fact I spent the whole day sulking at how miserable it was (due to the fact I had to cancel my actual birthday plans due to been rather ill). In fact I've never truly grown out of the "it's my party and I'll cry if I want too" attitude, hence why the birthday cake has a lot of holes in the top of him. As yes I did moan the candles were wrong and Percy looked less less a pig and more like hedge hog so I had to rearrange them. In fact this was after I had already glumly walked around 3 shops looking for a cake sulking that none of them had a minion birthday cake. 

Now before every one thinks what an absolute brat I sound like, I think today has been more the renationalisation that I am in fact growing up. 23 is a weird old age, I'm technically still young enough to do a lot of things but then it's mixed with the feeling "should I start making more long term life plans?". I've friends who have now started family's, bought houses or been travelling and yet what am I doing? Sulking over birthday cake like a child. 

I've been thinking over the past few weeks, what am I doing with my life? What actually makes me happy? What do I want to gain from the future?

After a long hard thing I've come to the realisation I don't actually have to do anything. (Well done Sammie...a long hard thing and you came up with that). In actual fact I enjoy the little things in life, going out with friends, socialising, laughing and generally been happy. Is been content such a bad thing?

I feel the main things that keep me going are simply having something to look forward too. A blogger event, pay day, meeting up with friends etc. I don't have to set crazy life goals as things change all the time. Plus I change my mind so frequently then most goals feel futile from the start. 

To clear my mind I have decided to plan things to enhance myself instead. I really don't mind any more that some friends may seen way ahead of me in the life game with their mortgages and starting family's already. Although the fancy holidays..humm a little jealous. I've decided all I really want to start doing is to prepare myself for what ever the future hold. I feel basic steps will help me feel better about my little stuck in rut feeling I seem to experience every other month. 

1. Start my driving lessons again. I spent so much money about 2 years ago on my driving lessons and then I ended up stopping my lessons when a few things changed and I moved back to working in the city centre. I still don't feel I would use a car but been able to drive is obviously invaluable. I'm not pressuring myself to pass but taking the steps to learn again is something I feel I need to do. 
2. Join a gym. A bit of weird one, but even though I'm not a gym person or very fit for that matter I love the well being feeling from going to the gym and doing some simple exercise. I have no goals for weight loss or any targets but for me going is actually something I'm looking forward to. 
3. Start saving. No one has any idea what the future holds. However it's a no brainier that lots of things we want to do often cost money. I've always had a second little job (I love it and I don't see the point in giving it up) so I've decided to simply start saving this money. I typically earn anything from £50 to £120 a month from working a few Saturday at a bar near me and since I never really notice the extra cash each month, it now seems a no-brainer to put this in a separate account and save it. I've been looking at into touring American next year or Inter-railing around Europe so at least whatever I decide then I won't have to worry too much about starting to save. 

(Images from Pintrest)

Sammie

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Birthday wishlist

So it seems like forever since I've posted. I'm sure it's not just me but all bloggers who get a little edgy when they haven't posted in a while. I'm going to say I've had good reason although one is that I've been living it up over the bank holiday a little too much, the 2nd is I've been I'll since Monday and yesterday the doctors confirmed I've got a kidney infection. 

So although my 23rd birthday on Sunday is now not something I'm looking forward too at least I can still wish for a few goodies to make the day a little better.  Although If I'm honest the main thing I want is to feel better. The doctors did warn me, I may be put on a drip if I don't perk up soon and although been admitted to hospital when the party's over can be somewhat rock and roll, spending the day there doesn't appeal to me so much (look at me moaning). 

Anyhow there some amazing blogger events coming up over the next few weeks I don't want to say too much about them now but I'm very very giddy for one in particular.So at least I can promise some exciting posts coming in the next few weeks.  

Frozen on DVD - £15.00 ASDA direct

Do you wanna build a snowman? 

Errmm yes! But what I really want is to curl up on the sofa and watch Frozen! Since I'm trying to save for a few summer holidays a few nights in are needed and what better way then with a Disney DVD. I'm such a massive child at heart still and I love my Disney films. I did think Disney films took a big down hill turn a few years back but they seem to be back and more popular than ever recently. I always find it adorable how no one ever seems to grow out if Disney, c'mon admit it, hands up if you cried at Up?

Jimmy Choo Flash 40ml - £23.80 Click Fragrance

I love perfume. Perfume is always on my birthday, Christmas list and the additional unwritten list of any friend who is passing duty free. As much as my favourite is Dior Addict it not really a summer scent. The two scents I've been loving for the summer are Jimmy Choo Flash and the Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Delight edition. When I saw this amazing deal on Jimmy Choo on Click Fragrance I knew this was of straight to the top of my list. 

Nike Internationalist trainers - £67.00 JD sports

Shoes. Obvious choice for me. I've been loving trainers for a while and when I saw these I squealed a little. I love the red and blue colours and I will obviously wear these with everything. Right?

P.S Obviously your all dying to know when my birthday is.. Its Sunday 11th May (everyone scrambles for a pen to mark the date on their calendars)

Hope your all well.

Also since I can't keep a secret some of the events you can keep your eyes peeled for feature "bloggers on a boat" party and a exclusive bowling match between 2 well known (one I've loved for years) Leeds bands. 

Sammie

Cocktails and Ice-cream

There was a time on my blog last summer when I attempted to make featuring different cocktails on my blog a regular feature. However this habit died quickly when I came to the quick realisation drinking cocktails and taking my camera on a night out results in either very poor pictures or a lost camera. 

However on my recent little trip to Arnside I realised that although I still love cocktails (I think you all know that by now) I actually enjoy making them. We didn't have any shortage of alcohol on the trip. In fact I think we had more than the local shop (and possibly pub). Vodka, gin, tequila, rum, blueberry rum, watermelon vodka, raspberry vodka, Malibu, baileys, champagne, wine even limes, mint and grenadine. We had thought of it all. 

Since the lovely people from Drink Stuff had sent us over a cocktail making kit and some amazing cocktail glasses I was in my element. The first creation was beer margaritas what the lovely Kel whipped up. Containing, mint, limes, tequila and of course you guessed it beer. My favourite creation was the summery punch which contained fresh strawberry's, errrmmm then alcohol. Lots of that. If I'm honest other than the researched beer-garita recipe we didn't have a clue other than chucking stuff in. What usually tasted nice. Or maybe we just drank too many.

Although the cocktail making kit came with a cocktail guide book with scrumptious cocktails we had a better idea. Stealing the local bar man. Yep you heard me, we kind of borrowed the bar man from the pub to come make us all drinks. Bless the poor boy. Although he defiantly approached the cocktail kit more professionally than us. If your like me than if you can't taste the alcohol then it's a good cocktail. These were those kind of cocktails. 

The following evening after a day of nursing hangovers, an attempted beach walk and a trip to local pub to check if the poor boy had it made it out alive, we decided to put the array of cocktail glasses to a different use. Although the mason jar had been my glass of choice for the weekend I decided it was time for a Margarita Sundae. With fresh raspberry's, Kels home-made white chocolate flapjack (seriously yummy), ice cream, toffee sauce and whipped cream it was delightful. 

Sammie