Cocktails, Steak & Good Company

My gorgeous friends and I headed out at the weekend for Heather's nineteenth birthday. We went to a place called 'Bank' in Birmingham's Brindley Place - we've been to this restaurant before for drinks but never to eat, and my gosh how much have we been missing out! I can't put into words how blown away I was with the decor, food, service and the overall ambiance and atmosphere Bank had, we love Brindley Place as it's so busy and full of people having fun which creates a brilliant atmosphere. We firstly went round a few bars at Brindley Place and had some cocktails before our meal, in Bank I had steak(shocker) and so did two of my friends and my other friend had lamb, for my pud I had sticky toffee pudding which came with butterscotch ice-cream(mm). All meals looked incredible and my steak was amazing. The service was incredible and all the waiters were very friendly and kept checking we were okay and chatting with us, making us feel very welcome and very - well, looked after. We had such a lovely night and when we left we received gift cards off our waiter for £20 each, meaning in total we have £80 to spend next time so we are already planning our next trip there and i'm already excited! 

Alphabet Dating - #A

I know we are a bit late to the 'Alphabet Dating' party, but oh well - better late than never. If you have no clue what I'm on about then I'll briefly explain - Alphabet Dating basically means you go through the alphabet and turn each letter in to a date, whether it be a day date, evening date, weekend away date or chilled date. It can be whatever you want it to be and you have total flexibility - its just a fun way of mixing things up and making sure that you don't get in to routine of doing the same things every time you go out. Simply type #AlphabetDating in to Instagram and you'll see the phenomenon it has become, and the many different ideas people come up with. 

Bradley and I are taking it in turns with the letters, I went first. 'A' I chose; 'Aquarium' and 'American Diner' and therefore we headed down to the Sea Life Centre and after went to Ed's Diner. It was a lovely little day out and something different to try, I'm excited for 'B' next time and to see what Brad comes up with for it. Here are some (crappy iPhone) pictures:

Are any of you currently doing alphabet dates? Or thinking about it? 

Weekend away in Sunny Devon

Last weekend was Exeter University's open day and my younger sister went to look around (she is currently deciding what Uni's to apply to). As Exeter is a good few hours away from us we decided to make a weekend of it and I went with my Mom and Molly(my younger sister) to Devon for the weekend. The open day was on the Saturday so we headed down on Friday afternoon and came back Sunday afternoon. 

First stop: Exmouth. Exmouth is about half an hour away from the city of Exeter and we stayed here on the Friday night. This beach town is absolutely beautiful, so peaceful and not as touristy as other beach locations in England. Even though the beach was quiet and still, the restaurant's were busy and full. Originally we were hoping to have fish & chips on the beach(oh, so typically British) but it was very chilly(again, typical) so we couldn't. The pub we ended up in had an amazing atmosphere, it was absolutely buzzing with people and luckily we found a table right in the window overlooking the sea, as our hearts were set on fish and chips I was over the moon when I saw it on the menu, and all three of us had the same. It was delicious and well worth the wait! Our hotel was right on the sea front as well so luckily we had the same sea-view for our full English the following morning.

   

After 'trekking' around the University all day we checked into our second hotel of the weekend, which was in the city centre of Exeter. We had heard a few people mention 'The Quay' whilst at the Uni so we decided to head there for our evening meal. It was about a 20 minute walk - this sounded worse when the lady in the hotel told us than it actually was, the walk was all along the canal and was very scenic. We ate in a restaurant called 'Samuel Jones' which was, again, full of people and had an amazing atmosphere. As it was a beautiful weekend there was so many people sitting outside overlooking the canal as well as almost every table full inside. I decided upon 'River Exe Muscles' as we were sitting overlooking the River Exe it seemed fitting, they were absolutely delicious. For pudding I had a raspberry and lemon trifle(I think it was called that) but it was definitely up there with the best dessert's I have ever had, I would 100% recommend this restaurant if your ever at The Quay. 

                                

 

                               

On the Sunday we walked back into the city centre again for a mooch around the shops and a little explore before heading home. We ended up joining some tour group for an hour-long tour of the city(gay, but actually pretty interesting) and then walked around the shops before heading home. I can't stress how impressed I was by Exeter city, it was so lovely and I definitely will be returning and secretly hope Molly ends up there so I can visit her there (although I'd rather her stay at home). 

                             

 

Have any of you been to Exeter? What are your thoughts? 

May Favourites 2015

As May draws to a close I thought it was only appropriate to complete a typical May favourites post. All of the products mentioned I have bought myself unless stated otherwise and opinions are all my own honest views. 

Strawberry Buttercream Yankee Candle 

For a while now I have been absolutely obsessed with burning candles and my new favourite at the mo is this 'Strawberry Buttercream' by Yankee Candle. This was a gift from my friends for my birthday a couple of months ago so thank-you guys! The smell is lovely it's sweet yet not too overpowering, I have a similar candle called 'Sweet Strawberry' also a Yankee Candle which is a little too sweet to burn for a long time and better in short doses. But this one; the 'Strawberry Buttercream' is just right and my new go-to when i'm running a bath or working in my room at night.

Essie - Sunday Funday 

The nail varnish that has lived on my nails the past few weeks is Essie's 'Sunday Funday' it is a beautiful shade of deep pink and perfect for this time of year as we await the Summer. The Essie nail varnish was a present off my lovely Aunty a couple of weeks ago when I recommended the brand to her. The nail varnish's from Essie are such good quality and when using a top coat they don't budge for days which is always my problem as I end up chipping mine within a couple of hours of painting them.

Special K

Special K Cereal, I remember the Special K craze back when I was younger and now I realise why it was such a huge hit. It's delicious, healthy and a perfect morning pick me up. The dried fruit acts as the tasty part of the cereal and compliments the flakes well as they have less flavour, as there is so much flavour there is no need to add sugar or anything else but you could add in extra fruit if you wanted too. Start your day with this you can have all your vitamins and nutrients you need as well as one of your 'five-a-day' straight away.

The 'Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub'

This body scrub came as part of a set which included a body lotion and bath soak. I am in love with the body scrub yet not a huge fan of the body lotion and the bath soak is okay, but I don't ever get too fussy over bath soaks - I prefer bath bombs. I am not keen on the body lotion as I don't feel it really does too much for the skin, I like a lotion to leave my skin soft and this sort of sits on the skin for too long and I don't like this as after putting the lotion on I need it to soak in quick so I can get changed and get out the house I don't really have time to let it soak in. However, the body scrub is a dream - it exfoliates the body, scrubs it down and you really feel like you're having a good clean. It leaves your skin feeling soft and just ah the best feeling, it reminds me of having a massage and the scrub they use before the oil. I am desperately on the hunt for another body scrub for when this one runs out - recommendations welcome as always!

New Bedroom

My bedroom has recently being refurbished and done out and I am slowly getting it exactly how I want it and adding in all my bits and bobs. Since finishing Uni I have really gone to town on finishing it as I want it complete by the summer. All I need now is a couple more photo frames and a new chair for my desk and I am complete - once done I am hoping to do a room tour post as I always love reading these myself - so watch this space. 

Maybelline's Baby Skin Instant Poor Eraser

 This month I have been trying out the 'Baby Skin Instant Poor Eraser' by Maybelline. At first I really wasn't sure whether it was for me or not but I gave it a few weeks and now I use it all the time. It is a lightweight primer that you can put on before your foundation, but i've been using it on days off and days where I don't want a full face of make-up as it smoothens out your face making your skin look 'poreless'. Your skin looks soft and perfect with this on and I think it's perfect for lazy days, or hot summer days where you don't want foundation on. However, I still like it as a primer and use it under make-up if I'm going on a night out to make the make-up last all night. 

What are your May favourites? Love any of these products as much as me? Let me know your thoughts!!

Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint by Barry M

 
Barry M is known for it's amazing quality nail varnish and I've always been a fan. The affordable yet quality brand provide a full colour which lasts a while, which is exactly what I want in a nail paint. The colour doesn't fade or weaken as time goes on which is perfect if you are busy and don't have time to paint your nails often. I'd say this nail varnish lasts up to a week at a time before it begins chipping. The colours I have on here are 443 'Blood Orange', this colour is a dark red I'd say perfect for the A/W season yet great to add into more pastel colours for effect and pattern like I have done above. The other colour I have used is 445 'Almond' this pastel grey kind-of colour is a gorgeous subtle colour perfect for work and casual days if you aren't feeling wearing a bright colour. I'd definitely recommend these two colours and this brand in general.  

What are your favourite Barry M colours? Are there any other amazing drug-store nail varnish ranges I should be aware of?

Summer 2015 Fashion Wish List

Over the Easter break the weather has certainly took a turn for the better here in the UK. The heat, the sunshine and the overall feel surrounding this transition from Winter into Spring into Summer is just lovely. However, it has all happened very quickly and my wardrobe has not had time to adjust to the change just yet. This therefore leads me to a little bit of internet shopping, to see what the shops are offering for Summer 2015 (and we all love a bit of internet shopping)!

1) These daisy print cigarette trousers are perfect to wear to work in the Summer months. Cigarette trousers are perfect for the weather change as they are thin meaning you won't get too hot in the sun, but they are still long in length meaning you aren't too flashy or inappropriate for the office, or if the clouds do reappear you aren't freezing! I love the print as well as they add a bit of colour and fun to your wardrobe. 

2) This pelmet skirt is gorgeous for the Summer months the mini style means showing off your tanned legs and the pop of colour means creating a vibrant and different outfit. The textured material makes the skirt a little bit different than your average mini skirt. I would pair this with some white pumps or some sandals and a plain top, allowing the skirt and the colour to be the main focus. 

 

3) This cropped denim shirt is gorgeous, I love denim as it is but I have seen it is making a return this year as been a front runner in the trends. You can pair this super chic shirt with many different things, whether it be a mini skirt, leggings or over the top of a cream dress. It is a versatile piece that is a must in any wardrobe. 

4) This gorgeous pink play suit is so up my street. The soft material and colouring paired with the metal zips and buttons adds something different to the piece and keeps it unique. This would be perfect for hitting the beach in the holidays, paired with some similar coloured flip flops and a floppy beach hat. 

5) This shoe is perfect for slipping on and off in Summer, the orange one is gorgeous and will bring a pop of colour to any outfit. The cream shoe is plain and simple and perfect if you already have a colourful outfit on that you want people to focus on. Flats like this are a must in Summer, they are lightweight and easy to wear. As they are thin and open-toed it means your feet wont get to hot in the sun!

 

6) & 7) Striped dresses are so versatile and can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. For the Spring/Summer they are perfect for office wear, paring this with little flats or small heels and a tan and your good to go. The stripes will compliment your figure and the length will show of your tan. Perfect. 

8) Khaki is so in right now, and this jumpsuit therefore is so on trend. This jumpsuit is perfect for those Summer days that are still a  bit windy or during the transition of Spring into Summer where your not sure what the weather is going to do. Pair with tanned wedges and a tanned bag for day style and for evening pair with a biker jacket and heels. 

9) This sleeveless blue blouse is perfect for days out and shopping with friends, you can dress it up by tucking it into a skirt or dress it down by pairing it with leggings or denim shorts, very versatile. There are many other patterns and colours in the same style so make sure to head to the website to check out the ones you prefer. 

10) These stunning tan wedges are the perfect shoe to glam up your outfit. Throw them on with a dress or a pair of jeans and feel the effect of the small heel. These shoes are simple yet classic, and will go with anything. Pair them with a tan colour bag and your good to go. 

The importance of saying 'no'

Please don't get me wrong, i'm all for trying new things and doing your best but there comes a point where you realise you have to prioritise certain aspects of your life, and by saying yes to everything and everyone you are actually burdening yourself and putting at risk the quality of your other responsibilities.

I have recently realised this. I am a do-er and I hate the thought of not being busy, I hate laziness and I hate failing (extreme I know). Recently I was taking on too much, by agreeing to everything thrown at me and signing up for more off my own back. You could say I got a bit carried away, and in all honesty I did, my hunger for success took over and it made me neglect the actual work I was doing. By doing so much it meant that not everything could be done justice.

This is where saying 'no' comes in, as I am new to this whole concept of being offered things I thought I had to agree to everything, I had to do everything. A opportunity would come up, I'd have to take it - otherwise i'd failed. Wrong. It's took me a good few months to realise it but - you don't need to do everything, you don't need to be everything.

Saying 'no' doesn't mean you've failed, it means you can prioritise aspects of your life - you can distinguish between a good opportunity and a great opportunity. Saying 'no' means you can make decisions, it means you can understand and weigh up issues, positives and negatives. Saying 'no' allows you to understand yourself, your feelings and your abilities.

Even though i'm all for saying 'yes' to things that are going to better you as a person, saying 'yes' to adventures and once in a life time chances, but sometimes saying 'no' is just as important as saying 'yes'.