Our Valentine's Day

Hi everyone,

As we were going to be visiting family on the 14th Feb this year, we decided to have our Valentine's Day a week earlier. We didn't trek too far as the weather wasn't predicted to be great and at points in the day that was proven with how rainy it was. We went to visit Varney's in Upminster which is an Irish Shop/Deli/Café. It's opened recently and is very inviting to go into. I have seen good reviews for it as well. I brought some Barry's Tea and some Kimberley Biscuits. It's good that they have opened as otherwise I'd have to go to Sainsbury's in Camden or in Abbey Wood. You'd think that given there is a reasonable Irish community between Havering and Barking & Dagenham that the Sainsbury's in Romford would stock Irish products in their World Foods aisle.

After making a mad dash to avoid the rain from the shop to the bus stop, we headed to Hornchurch. Our favourite Nando's is there. We'd gone into one of the card shops there to get each other a valentine's card, a card for our youngest nephew's birthday as well as a card and present for one of my sister's birthday. I got a shock when I got the reciept! I've never spent that much on a card let alone a valentine's card. Of course my husband is definitely worth it but talk about price hikes!

We then enjoyed a late lunch/early dinner at Nando's in Hornchurch. We know a few of the managers there and it is always a treat to see them. Compared to the one in Romford, they don't mess with my allergies and always double/triple check everything even if the restaurant is busy. Now I can no longer tolerate their spice including the plain spice so instead I have something worth trying. I order two side orders of Halloumi Cheese, one toasted pitta and a plain large chips. I make the humble chip butty mixing Greek and British cuisine together under the roof of a Portuguese/ South African restaurant. Now that's a mouthful to say!

After we returned home, we enjoyed an evening in front of the TV. I can't exactly remember what we watched but it wasn't 'The Notebook'. I wanted to watch it but my husband has heard from others that it isn't great so I couldn't convince him. Watch this space, I may be able to make him a fan yet.

How did you spend Valentine's Day? Did you meet up with your girlfriends? Did you do something special? Did you show someone some love?

Lily xxxx