A Visit to: Mini Monsters Soft Play, Oakham

When I visited Mini Monsters Soft Play Area in Oakham I was surprised such an amazing place existed in Rutland, one I had not yet heard of. I visited with my godson, Edward who is 17 months old. We arrived with a couple of friends joined us with their children to so we could try Mini Monsters out for ourselves.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative/The Rutland Blogger)

Pitta Chips & Dips | Rutland Blogger Recipes

Earlier in the month, I announced the new series I'm introducing to the blog, and that is 'The Rutland Blogger Recipes'. As a keen cook and baker, I've always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen.

I asked the readers what they would like to see covered on the blog, and you guys said recipes and food ideas. So, I've launched 'The Rutland Blogger Recipes' - enjoy!

To begin, I thought as it's summer, why not share a quick and easy BBQ snack or dinner party finger-food idea that I love! Whether you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen too, or you'd like an idea for an upcoming BBQ or party, then this could be an affordable and easy-to-do recipe that suits you.

Wholemeal Pitta Chips with Hummus and Avocado Guac Dips.

My Top 10: In and Around Rutland

Having not posted on the blog in a couple of weeks (apologies about that!), I thought I would share a list of my favourite places to visit in and around Rutland and Stamford that may be of interest to you this summer.

Find out where I like to spend my time around the county.

BBC Antique Experts Visit Fotheringhay Raising £6,000

At the weekend we stepped over the Rutland border and headed to the stunning local Northamptonshire village of Fotheringhay. On 2nd July all your favourite BBC antique experts visited Fotheringhay to support the church for a day of valuing, where locals visited and received an expert's valuation on their special treasures, which helped raise £6,000 for 'The Friends of Fotheringhay Church' - a charitable organisation dedicated to restoring and preserving Fotheringhay Church.

John Foster taking a closer look at a gentleman's collection of penknives.
(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative/The Rutland Blogger)

A Visit to: Lace & Pearl Bridal, Oakham

In June we headed down to Lace & Pearl Bridal at Oakham Enterprise Park to meet with the owner, Naomi Sparks-Wisden to take a look around her gorgeous bridal boutique and to find out more about her business.

Alfred Angelo 2624 Blush Pink Lace Overlay Princess Gown - £900
(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative/The Rutland Blogger)

Things to do this Summer in Rutland

Find out 'What's On' this Summer in Rutland!

What's on this Weekend in Rutland?

Find out 'What's On' this weekend in and around Rutland.

Restaurant Review: Mill Street Pub & Kitchen, Oakham

 At the start of the month, I visited Mill Street Pub & Kitchen in Oakham for the first time. I've heard nothing but great things about the restaurant itself and when they invited me down to try out their menu for myself, I was excited to do so.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative/The Rutland Blogger)

An Introduction to: Two Chimps Coffee, Oakham

I recently visited Two Chimps, a coffee company in Rutland. If you love coffee, then you're going to be very excited about the launch of their website, and the amazing range of coffee which they hand-roast in Rutland.

Baby & Children Activity Groups around Rutland

We asked our readers what they would like us to feature on our blog, and we had a great request from a lady called Steph. She is a new Mum in Rutland and if desperate to find out when and where the local baby groups are in and around the area. So that is exactly what we're doing!

5 month old Daisy, playing at Mini Monsters Soft Play Area in Oakham, Rutland
(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative/The Rutland Blogger)

A Visit to: Aqua Park Rutland

A few weeks ago I visited Aqua Park Rutland's press day, and last weekend it officially opened for 2017 - but this time it's bigger, lots bigger!

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative / The Rutland Blogger)

A Visit to: Two Birds Gin Making Workshop

Earlier this month I visited the Two Birds Workshop in Market Harborough.

Two Birds Spirits is a local British spirits brand who distill gin and vodka in the local area. They recently invited me down to Two Birds HQ to take part in the popular gin making workshop hosted by their very own Spiritsmith and Ginstructor, Simon Brannon.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative / The Rutland Blogger)