Girls Day Out

This weekend I went out for the day with the girls.

Destination: Bluewater. 

Aim: shop till' we dropped and get as much of the Christmas shopping done as possible.

Did we do that? Lets just say we struggled to shut the boot with the purchases of three adult women who all love shopping when we packed the car. (You can watch my YouTube Haul video to see exactly what I got, here!)

Bluewater is my all time favourite shopping centre. Located in Greenhithe, Kent, it's approximately an hour and a half from my house in Cambridgeshire - so it's not too far and when I go, I make a day of it. There's over 300 shops (!), over 50 restaurants, a cinema, Pirate Cove Adventure park (crazy golf) and loads more, so there's no shortage of things to do to keep you amused. Put it this way, you'll plan to go for the day, but want to stay longer.

Is the force with you? If so, don't lego... (hehe)

Ghostbusters Lego in the Lego Store

I like Bluewater for loads of reason - a huge one being the range of shops. Two floors host the best range of brands, and at the risk of sounding like an advertising leaflet, they really do have something for everyone. One of the things on my shopping list for the day was some winter clothes for myself, as I had a mass clear out recently, and needed a few bits. Bluewater have everything that I want, including some of my favourite shops that only have the odd store or two here in the UK.  For example; Victoria's Secret or American Eagle. So it's worth making the trip, even if you live further away. It's also got the great everyday's like H&M, River Island, John Lewis and Warehouse etc. as well. All of which seem to stock a much better selection of items than other branches I've been to.

Lovely gift idea from New Look

With Christmas fast approaching, I needed to really crack on with the pressie buying and my first stop was Menkind. I managed to pick up some great stocking fillers, and even managed to bag a bargain buying two selfie sticks on offer for £5 - can't go wrong with a bit of a special offer! And who doesn't need a selfie stick?! (I've never actually used one!) After this I managed to continue my Christmas haul with buys from the Disney Store (where they had a sale on Marvel Avengers toys - which my son happens to love) and also some decorations from this beautiful gem of a store called Flutterbyes which sold the most beautiful gifts.

Lovely range of plaques at Flutterbyes

Flutterbyes

After a successful start to the day, we decided it was time for food. The range of restaurants is just as fantastic as the range of shops and considering one of the girls in our group is vegetarian, we didn't struggle to find somewhere that catered for both her and us. We settled on a lovely bit of Italian at Carluccio's and were really happy with the meal - a starter, main course and a drink each only came to £40 for three of us, so for the value we were very happy! And with full tummies off we went for the next half of the day..

We hit the good old trusty's like John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, and I of course spent (well, I class it as investing!) some money in MAC. It was then that I noticed what was going on with the annual Bluewater Winter Wonderland. I'm the worlds biggest Christmas lover, it's my favourite time of year and Bluewater put on their epic wonderland with indoor ice-rink, snow slide and Christmas cinema. As well as this, they have festive rides and stalls for the kids too (ah-hem, and me). Make sure you check the website out for full details and to book your tickets - here. Winter Wonderland wouldn't be complete without Santa's Grotto either, and I'm pretty sure I saw the big man in Pandora buying my pressies in preparation...

Winter Wonderland opens on November 26th, but if you can't wait until then, the Christmas Light Night, with festive music and fireworks is happening on November 13th and Heart FM's Toby Anstis will be there too (claim to fame - I've met him!). I will likely be visiting for both of these events, being the Christmas fanatic that I am!

My shopping trip was made so easy because I used my loaded Bluewater Gift Card. Accepted in nearly all of the centre's shops, it was so easy and straightforward. It's great if you want to give a gift, but don't want to be limited to one store and it's like having your own little credit card for Bluewater! It's also good if you're on a budget and don't want to overspend - just pop your money on the card and off you go. I must say that it's my birthday in two weeks, and if anyone wants to buy me anything, please can I have a Bluewater Gift Card...?

Being able to go to all my favourite shops under one roof is brilliant. It's easy to get everything done and you can literally tick every name of your Christmas buying list while you're there because the choice is so vast. The centre loops round on itself, so no walking back and forth, you just follow yourself round...which is also great is you need to 'think' before making that splurge purchase (who needs anything more than toast for a week anyway?!)

I'm just sad that I couldn't try any of Lola's Cupcakes! I mean, just look at these beauties!

Lola's Cupcakes, artform i edible version!

Oh Lola, you do know how to make a good looking cupcake!

If you're wondering how to get all your Christmas shopping done, then Bluewater is your one stop destination. And for those who seem to have everything, the Bluewater Gift Card is something you can't go wrong with (birthday donations gratefully received).

..So, what are you doing this weekend? Could you squeeze in a trip to Bluewater? If so, see you there!

Follow Bluewater on Twitter: "TweetBluewater and find them on Facebook and Instagram.