Get ready to feast your foodie eyes on the restaurants that I've been checking out over the past few weeks. In my previous post, discussing the food I ate in September, I was primarily focussing on the food scene in Newcastle but, this time, I ventured out a little so you can see a bit more of what I've been trying out.
O C T O B E R
27-10-19 - Newcastle
Pictured above, my friend and I took a trip to the Boiler Shop Emporium in late October. While I feel the Emporium Market lacked hot food offerings in general, we did get a chance to try the delicious loaded fries by Little Bao Boy. This was skinny fries topped with the most scrumptious curry sauce, spring onions, crispy onion, and sesame seeds. I did find it super salty but, still, I probably could've eaten it twice over. You could really taste the care and attention that had gone into flavouring and tenderising the meat.
After the market, we visited Horticulture. With an incredibly indulgent R Place doughnut in hand, they were kind enough to let me eat it in their 1st-floor lounge area, accompanied by one of their lovely caramel lattes. I must say, they serve up a strong latte, which is always a good thing. While I've heard mixed opinions on Horticulture, I'd definitely have a little faith and try out more of what they have to offer.
N O V E M B E R
9-11-19 - Pickles, Edinburgh
Some great food was had in November as we visited to celebrate Mum's birthday. Aside from some of the restaurants that I only consider mandatory for a visit to Edinburgh, including Dishoom, we tried 2 new places which I adored. First of all, was Pickles; a bar dedicated to great wine and fine cheese and pickle platter boards. The atmosphere inside was so warm and welcoming, in fact, I could've spent the entire evening in there if it wasn't for being in such a food coma. If you're in Edinburgh, you have to try this and experience the joy of cheeseboard-ing, but make sure you organise your time well because it really does get busy.
10-11-19 - Tani Modi, Edinburgh
The following morning, the food coma had well and truly passed and I was ready to take on breakfast. After being turned down for space in Rabble (note to self: book for breakfast there next time), we decided to move on to another one of our options - Tani Modi. Ultimately, we didn't draw the short straw at all. Again, this one has to be managed well for time because, we were lucky enough to get a seat for 4 shortly after we arrived but, while we were eating, a queue outside began to build up. The food, most importantly, was brilliant! I chose blueberry pancakes which were huge and packed full of berry compote and yoghurt; accompanied by (another) latte which this time was even stronger. I'd definitely recommend visiting Tani Modi - it has such a charm.
20-11-19 - River Beat, Gateshead
As part of a press release for their new Christmas Banquet menu, I was invited along to try some of the Asian/Thai inspired Tapas at River Beat Gateshead. While Thai food isn't typically my first choice, I did really enjoy some of the flavours we had a chance to check out, especially the plum and tamarind sauce on the sweet potatoes. Items such as the red braised belly pork and their sweet and sour salad were great too. There didn't seem to be quite enough for the table of 7, though, which was a little disappointing and some of the dishes were a bit simple (such as popcorn and tempura prawns) but, all in all, I think it's a lovely little spot for a date night if you're a fan of Eastern-inspired food.
22-11-19 - Shoe Tree Cafe, Newcastle
Before heading out to do some photo shooting with a friend, we popped over to Shoe Tree cafe in Heaton for a bite to eat. As it was just before lunchtime, I was still passing it off as brunch so needed no excuse to request pancakes. And, wow! The Vegan Biscoff pancakes were quite possibly the best pancakes I've eaten... EVER (and believe me, I've tried a fair few pancakes). My guess is that they used coconut milk in the recipe and the hint of coconut flavour added such a creamy and unique dimension. They were fluffy, there was just the right amount, and it was covered completely in caramel sauce, crumbled biscuits, and vegan ice cream. Such a dream and most certainly not my last try.
D E C E M B E R
1-12-19 - Babucho, Newcastle
After Mum and Dad finally got around to checking out the Newcastle Christmas markets with us, we ended up in Babucho. This quayside restaurant is a New York-style brasserie which I had always wanted to try out. As we were there on a Sunday, Mum and Dad opted for the Sunday lunch which came with the world's most enormous (maybe) Yorkshire pudding; it was a bit annoying that there was no veggie option for the roast dinner but Jamie was happy to opt for the prawn risotto which looked great and luckily came with some hefty prawns. I, though, couldn't resist a pizza. I went for the Lebanese pizza, which was a great mix of warm flavours and was VERY filling. Mains were topped off with the cutest banoffee tart - always a winner in my eyes. I loved the happy staff (despite it being busy, they remained cheerful), and glamorous interior; I'd definitely visit again.
11-12-19 - My Dehli, Newcastle
I took my readers along with me to my stop at My Dehli over on Instagram as I was invited to try their lunchwala menu. This is a small restaurant devoted to serving real Dehli street food. As someone who always enjoys tasting authentic cuisines, especially as they tend to get very westernised by the time they reach us, I was thrilled to finally try this place! I chose a Powered by Paneer Dehli roll (essentially a wrap) which was the perfect amount of spice and had great big chunks of paneer inside - bonus. I couldn't resist a few Halloumi fries, either. They were deep-fried in golden crumbs, meaning they were super-naughty and came in at £1 per slice - a little on the pricey side but a girl can't help herself when the halloumi craving hits.
22-12-19 - The Open Jar, Norton
A catch up with one of my longest friends was made over an Open Jar parmo. This Teesside delicacy rings home, for me. While I'm used to being served a parmo in a cardboard box, it's always a little treat to go out for a fresh parmo. This was my first time trying out The Open Jar, since it only opened this year, and after hearing some mixed reviews I was pleasantly surprised. As I mentioned above, the parmo's are made fresh to order, so they arrive oozing with goodness. I ordered the Gluten Free Parmo, which was also accompanied by gluten-free 'creamy cabbage', telling me that they really do pay attention. There was plenty of everything too; lots of chunky homemade chips and a big dollop of garlic mayo, and the creamy cabbage comes (as part of the price) in its own separate bowl which I would happily share between 2. My only little blip about this is that service is slow. Understandably, parmos are made fresh so a 30-minute wait is justifiable, but we didn't get asked for drinks until about 15 minutes in.
27-12-19 - Little Italy, York
My uber indulgent Christmas remained completely intact well into our trip to York. A few hours wandering the shambles worked up an appetite so we headed to Little Italy, a place we were all very excited to try. This real Italian bistro is situated in the city centre above their own delicatessen which we took great advantage of with our antipasti platter. A few little niggles did occur - not serving large glasses of wine aside from the house wine, only serving one variety of gluten-free pasta, and not having a single piece of bread in sight (no pizza, no garlic bread, no bread for the antipasti - only the bruschetta dish seemed to be allowed it). It didn't stop us completely devouring our food though. The meats and cheeses on the antipasti were fresh and delicious, drizzled with oil and olives. Then, I ordered Tagliatelle Dettori which was heaped on my plate with no shy portioning (I struggled to eat it all, in fact) and was the perfect combination of rich and creamy. It may be a little pricer here than other York restaurants, but the quality of the food really does reflect that.
Deciding on one favourite would be difficult, given the amazing food I've been able to try these past few months. I have to say the flavours and authenticity of My Dehli were to-die-for, and the pancakes at Shoe Tree Cafe were one of a kind, but I'm an Italian food lover, through-and-through, so would probably add a little star next to Little Italy.
Where have you been eating recently?
Last year I shared some eco-friendly ways to add some flare to Christmas gifts - this year I'm back at it, making sure my Christmas gifts look great while also being sustainable and not costing a bomb.
Just as I did last time, this year I'm still always using brown paper for my wrapping. Not only is this paper easy to recycle and customise, I seriously think it looks better. This year, I went for a patterned brown paper from IKEA. They have some fabulous designed brown paper in IKEA, but I especially loved the simple white print for this year.
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S T A M P E D L A B E L
Using my miniature stamp set from Flying Tiger, I added a little 'Merry Xmas' to a piece of card, not caring too much for it to be perfect - I think the rustic look is gorgeous for this. I then simply carefully tore the card, added some holes with a hole punch, and threaded some red string through it. Tie and tape the string at the back, then arrange the lines to look nice and neat (don't worry about any crossing over at the back).
Obviously, for this one, you can add your own flair to it wherever you wish. I chose red string to match my colour scheme and added a little personal note for the gift receiver on the inside of the card.
It really couldn't be more simple but really does turn out looks sophisticated and full of thought.
W A X O R S C R A B B L E
Or both! Whether you have a wax stamp in your craft draw (which, I admit, not everyone does) or maybe just a few old scrabble letters knocking around - they can definitely be added to your wrapping! I loved the idea of using the wax stamp for the end of the string - it was a little bit tricky but with the addition of a teeny little bit of glue, I managed to keep the string end held down while prepping the stamp.
It was also nice to add a bit of different coloured string; I love the black-white with the brown and white paper and also reckoned my red wax would go better with this one.
Of course, you guessed it, the J is significant for the giftee which I think is a great way to add another personal touch.
M I N I P I N E C O N E S
This has to be one of my favourite designs I've created! I got my hands on some mini pine cones (but you could also find and use acorns, twigs, or leaves) and threaded the string around the bottom wings, knotting it securely.
I placed the cones a bit off from the centre, just to add some dimension then looped the rest of the string around the package. With this, I love the deep red in combination with the dark wooden pine cones - I think dark green or gold would also be a beautiful combination.
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Adding simple touches to your Christmas gifts can be sustainable AND beautiful - I hope this has definitely inspired you to forget about glitter and ribbon this year. Try something new and wow your family.
From Day ...
Layering up in the cold winter's frost is crucial and, when wearing such an elegant dress like this one, I think it is equally important to choose the right layers. For this look, it meant that a fitted overcoat would perfectly complement the wrap dress. The coat, from M&S, is new to my wardrobe this year and, as I'm always a sucker for sophisticated Winter coats, it's barely off my back (and, as an added bonus, it's super soft).
With this, I went for a neutral scarf, a bobble hat that's been keeping my ears safe from frost for a few years now, and THE New Look boots that just about everyone has or wants. The boots themselves are super comfy and will definitely be worth the small dollar as soon as the snow starts to come down.
... To Night
Moving through to the night, whether on the same day or not, it always going to require a little bit more of a glow up. From drinks with friends, a dinner party, or even the actual Christmas Day (!!), it could mean adding accessories, makeup, heeled shoes, or all of the above. This is what I did here.
My makeup stepped up a little bit; adding a darker-nude lip and red/burgundy eyeshadow tones to match with the dress (careful, don't go too heavy with matching colours). What's hiding beneath my hooded eyes is the glittering eye pigment, which I would consider only mandatory for a Christmas party look, by the way.
For accessorising, I repped a fair amount of Oasis here. I've always loved the idea of earrings but, as something that has baffled many others before, I don't have my ears pierced and just don't want to. Lovisa's clip-on adaptors gave me a new lease of life, though, so I was delighted to be able to wear these beautiful heart-shaped ones from Oasis (even despite the numb ear lobes - the clip-ons look good but OUCH). As well as this, I added my trusty, simple H&M gold rings and a Pearl Hairclip.
With the addition of 3 simple things: glam makeup, jewellery, and hair accessories, this dress quickly flashes from a day to night look just like that.
Which festive look will you be choosing this year?
As bloggers, we too often set our sights on working with the big shots and, far too rarely want to really showcase what the local community around us has to offer. Whether you live in a big city or a small town, every place has its quirks and unique areas or businesses and I think it's about time we show them off. Here's why you should be sharing more about your local life...
Rekindle your own desire
Since starting to blog more about what is around me in Newcastle, it’s enabling me to discover exactly that. I would have had no idea about half of the places on offer in the city centre if it wasn’t for other bloggers pointing them out on their feeds. Similarly, as I yearn to blog more and more about places in Newcastle, I’ve found myself researching the next place to go, opening my eyes to places that I probably would’ve walked past beforehand.
SEO reasons
It’s often forgotten about just how powerful local searching can be in terms of blog engagement. I mean, see it from your own point of view; if you’re the kind of person to Google search ‘Place to eat in Edinburgh’ you’re most likely going to come across a blog post. As a local, especially, people may trust you better, ultimately retreating back to your content for more ideas. So, next time you’ve found some great brunch spots in your area, don’t forget that that info could be helping others too, potentially resulting in a healthy handful of page views for you.
Giving Back
We’ve heard it all before; ‘support local businesses’ and ‘give back to the community’. With the likes of Brexit looming over, local businesses really do need your help to not only keep them running but helping to earn livings. For me, whenever I’m invited to check out a new venue in Newcastle, the thing that warms my heart the most is when I hear about how the artwork is local, the food is locally sourced, or the bar celebrates brewers from nearby. If you can help support these kinds of institutes, you’re not only helping one local business, but you’re creating a domino effect; aiding in the upkeep of many small and growing businesses all around you.
We’ve heard it all before; ‘support local businesses’ and ‘give back to the community’. With the likes of Brexit looming over, local businesses really do need your help to not only keep them running but helping to earn livings. For me, whenever I’m invited to check out a new venue in Newcastle, the thing that warms my heart the most is when I hear about how the artwork is local, the food is locally sourced, or the bar celebrates brewers from nearby. If you can help support these kinds of institutes, you’re not only helping one local business, but you’re creating a domino effect; aiding in the upkeep of many small and growing businesses all around you.
Making yourself seen
I often get asked ‘How do you get invited to these blogger events?’ And, a lot of the time, my answer is that I make it seen and heard where I am. The PR companies aren’t going to invite you along if they don’t think you are actually able to get there. Publishing blog posts, tagging Insta locations, and adding local hashtags is just 3 ways of how you can make it obvious that you are interested in joining local events and, believe me, a lot of the time these events are very fun so you’d be treating yourself by doing these simple things.
Don’t let yourself believe that you are closing your audience demographic simply by publishing a blog post about a nearby restaurant. You are widening your repertoire, broadening your portfolio, supporting your town, and falling back in love with what is on your doorstep. We should all be excited by the thought of bloggers sharing the excitement of what their town has to offer, I know I certainly am.
*This post contains gifted items.
One of my favourite kinds of invitation is that of a food invite. This time, it was the team at Slug & Lettuce in Durham who invited me to their new, updated venue to check out their menus and stunning interior.
Now that this venue has returned as a slug and lettuce, it's also come with a brand new look, featuring bird-cage booths, flower trellises, and dusty pink tones - I love the style they've gone for. Of course, it's worth mentioning that they have not one, but two selfie walls and everything else fit for an instagrammable location. But, of course, what would a tropical-themed and glamorous bar and restaurant be without its menus.
I'm going to start by saying that this is an honest review and, truth be told, the only thing that could possibly have let me down on this visit was the small menu. Slug & Lettuce are renowned for their updating of pub-style food; making old classics into modern-day dishes. Items such as Sausage & Mash, Scampi, and Lasagne showcase this simple menu which, undoubtedly is cooked with that Slug touch, but I just feel could just be a bit broader.
Nevertheless, I decided to take advantage of the more unique item on the menu, the Tostadas. Funnily enough, when I first visited S&L years and years ago, a tostada was the first dish I ever tried from their menu - it's good to see that they are still around. It is effectively a flatbread pizza with a crispy base and plenty of toppings - I went for the Shawarma Tostada. One thing that I find is that, they fill you up a lot more than you'd think - if you were coming for lunch, one tostada will fill you up plenty but, if you're out for a big dinner, it might be worth ordering a side to complement (now is the point in which I acknowledge that huge portion of chips that I ordered on the side).
Jamie, my boyfriend, joined me on the trip and, for his meal, ordered the 12oz Rump steak which he thoroughly enjoyed. He asked for it rare and, I've got to say, it was cooked to perfection. Again, you can already see that the portion sizes are great too.
As I alluded, we succumbed to our sweet cravings and, opting for the trio system in order to get a taste of a few things. We chose salted caramel bites, limoncello drizzle sponge, and the macarignues. They were all lovely and I was pleasantly surprised. While the limoncello drizzle sponge wasn't overpoweringly alcoholic (thankfully), the meringues were super sweet and indulgent. As for the salted caramel bites, though, they were just a dream paired with our glasses of red wine.
All in all, it was a wonderful meal and I think this the perfect place to hang out with friends or family, in the heart of Durham, surrounded by instagrammable opportunities (which is always a bonus).
Thanks again to Slug and Lettuce, Durham, for the invite!
You may be the most outgoing individual out there or completely introverted, either way, it’s not uncommon for someone of any background to experience homesickness. Whether you are travelling far and wide to start University, or just commuting into the city, it is completely normal and completely valid. Whoever you are, you don’t need to tackle it on your own so today, you can sit down with me and listen to my tips of how to help those feelings wash away.
Keep yourself distracted
This involves saying yes to things, putting yourself out of your comfort zone, and generally getting yourself out there! Whether it’s moving your study plans to the library or common room rather than your bedroom, signing up to a society, or trying to join in with things you never usually would, a lot of the time, you’re mind will be so focused on the new task or environment that you might even forget about your homesickness all together.
One of my favourite things to do when I’m feeling in a bit of a rut is to jam-pack my days. Instead of going to Uni then coming home, arrange to meet some friends after, start the day early with a run, plan a late-night study session; keeping the plans rolling will really help keep your mind of any niggling worries.
Limit home visits
As much as you’ll want to go home every weekend, sometimes keeping constant contact can just make you feel worse. A quick phone call home every evening to check-in is perfect, you get to update your family on what’s been happening without seeing exactly what you’re missing. Plus, you should be able to tell them about all of the different things you’ve been doing with your days and, as you begin to receive praise, you’re only going to want to do it more and more.
Know that it’s okay!
Whether it’s the dog you’re missing, your Gran, or simply the corner of your bedroom that makes you feel cosiest, it’s completely fine to miss these things. After all, these are the things that you have most likely grown up with and formed an unbreakable bond with. When you move to University, by no means do these bonds have to break - feeling homesick is a completely normal and common thing to experience and, no matter how bad it feels, there will always be a way to feel better. Every University has a support team, well equipped for dealing with any of your worries and, believe it or not, a lot of your friends will probably be feeling this way too, so it’s completely fine to have a little chat.
Limit it to 3 words if you need to: ‘Distract. Limit. Share’. Keep your mind away from your worries, limit the time you have to think about these thoughts, and don’t be scared to share these thoughts. As we all know, a problem shared is a problem halved, and, when it’s a problem as universal as this, we all have a lot of halving that we can help with.
We'll kick off with a disclaimer: I'm an eager cook and frugal bunny, so eating out is always a treat for me. I see others out for food every weekend and, not only do I question 'how the hell do you afford that?!' but I also know that my own cooking is sometimes just as good (if I do say so myself). Of course, you stumbled across my blog expecting the typical 'perfect life' of a blogger/influencer but, I'm certainly not about that here. So, with that in mind, I'm going to chat on about the little treats that I allowed myself over the past few weeks.
1. The Brownie Bar - Heaton
I very recently popped into The Brownie Bar to try out some of their treats with a few friends. The staff were more than welcoming to us, chatting with us, double-checking any dietary requirements, making us laugh, and leaving me alone as I proceeded to take multiple pictures of my cookie. Oh and, if you're wondering why I got a cookie in a Brownie Bar, it's because this beauty has a brownie nestle inside it. What a dream! I paired it with a banana nut ice-cream milkshake which was pretty much gone in seconds.
2. Valerie's Tearoom - Whitley Bay
It was actually my first time to Whitley Bay when I came to this Tearoom but I knew from social media and word of mouth that this was a lovely little place to check out. It certainly didn't disappoint. I got 20s/30s vibes from the interior but was so pleasantly surprised by how clean it was, even considering it was an old fashioned style place. The selection of cakes was wonderful; almost every type of classic cake you could think of. I opted for a walnut and coffee cake slice (which was very rich and large) and a pot of tea, of course, served in silverware.
3. Bao Bar - Heaton
Just before our brownies, we tried out Bao Bar, also on Chillingham Road. Bao Bar serves, you guessed it, steamed Bao Buns filled with your choice of 5 fresh fillings. I was super impressed with the chicken in my Chicken Bao Bun - not only was it super fresh, but also tender and delicious. While it may feel a little on the pricey side, with 1 small bun being around £4, it's definitely worth giving a try.
4. The Punch Bowl - Cradlewell
Standing proud on Jesmond Road is the newly renovated The Punch Bowl Hotel. Owned by the same company that owns The Brandling Villa, this pub opened its doors in July and seems to have had a lot of mixed reviews since then. This, though, is mainly because of the cheeky remarks and controversial attitudes that it holds (yet it's mostly sarcastic). Jamie and I did, however, welcome it with open arms. The vibes inside are so reminiscent of an old fashioned pub, with racing green subway tiles, old leather sofas and log burner. Although, I'm here to talk about the food which is 100% worth going for. It's pub food that has been carefully tweaked and changed to showcase delicious, unique flavours unlike anything else. We tried the pastrami potato rosti with silverskin onions and the venison meatball garlic toasted sandwich with parmesan fries - absolutely wonderful.
5. Acropolis Street Food - Tynemouth Market
Whenever one of the local markets is on, I'm always mostly thinking about Acropolis Street food. Luckily, they seem to go to all of the main markets in Newcastle and, seeing as the Jesmond Food Market is super local to me, it's dangerous for my bank account. Their gyros, packed with everything they have to offer, is an absolute melody and, if it was possible, it would eat it over and over again. It's the only one on this list which I've already visited multiple times before and, I can guarantee it'll continue to be one of my favourite choices.
Having eaten at all of those new places, I've got to say that I'd love to revisit the Brownie Bar the most given the fact that I've already checked out their breakfast menu and, when breakfast that good is so local, I don't know how I'll be able to resist.
This blog post was inspired by the wonderful Bekki at mynameisbekki.co.uk. You can read her recent post of where she's been eating, here, and follow her on Instagram too.
Where have you been eating out recently?
It’s been a long summer - many days off, many relaxing times, and very many fun times. It was a great way for me to invest some more time into blogging, meet new people, and spend time with those I love. Of course, it wouldn’t be a true ‘Rose Glow’ reflection if it wasn’t completely random though, would it?! From food, theatre productions and places; here are the random things that I discovered this summer.
It’s been on my list of places to visit for the longest time and, finally, we decided to do it. We were lucky enough to get a rather nice day to do so, bar the insatiable rain. Nevertheless, we even decided to buy a metro day-ticket and take a look up to Whitley Bay too. I have to say, though, the Tynemouth Market was my favourite part of the day - I simply couldn’t believe how large it was. There were stalls after stalls, as well as food vans (featuring my beloved Acropolis) and unique shops. I will definitely be making Tynemouth market part of my monthly routine and have been told that I should definitely visit at Christmas time.
Rocky Horror Show
Completely and utterly late to this party but, I guess, there has to be a point in everyone’s life in which they discover the wonderful world of Rocky Horror and, for me, that time was this summer. Along with my sister and mum, we watched the fabulous RHS production at the Newcastle Theatre Royale (which is a fabulous theatre, fyi) - this show features Duncan James as Dr Frank and I was just blown away at how alive he was in that role. The whole show was laughs from end to end, a completely unique piece that I would see over and over again. Having never seen the RHS prior to this, I definitely feel like I was considerably late to that party.
Mexican Rainbow Salads
Donuts, on the other hand, has always been something that I adamantly hate. And, to be honest, I’m not completely on the dark side just yet. For me, I stop at a custard doughnut (or perhaps anything filled to the brim with something sweet (i.e. Nutella, which I’m now drooling at the thought of)) and the idea of a plain glazed doughnut still weirds me out a bit. That deep-fried dough flavour isn’t my jam (pun completely intended) right now but cover it head to toe in sugar and custard, and I’m there!
So, this winter you’ll find me eating colourful salad bowls, followed by a creamy doughnut and a viewing of The Rocky Horror Show (oh, and a Christmas visit to the Tynemouth market). I’m stocked up with new discoveries and excited to see what I’ll be learning about in the next coming months. What did you discover this summer?
Mexican Rainbow Salads
It doesn’t really get more random than this but, you guys know by now, I love my food. And, as summer comes along bringing its salads with it, I decided to try out a Mexican Rainbow salad and now I feel like I never want to go back. It feels so good to be eating a colourful plate and generally makes eating a salad 100x more exciting. Even more, it can be completely customisable and I love that. I will definitely be dragging these into the winter with me and seeing what other colour schemes I can substitute for plain, old green.
Coffee and Donuts
Two wrapped into one, here. Let’s start with coffee. It’s a drink that I feel I’ve always been on the edge of enjoying and knew that, as my tastebuds matured, I’d begin to enjoy the taste. This summer, along with the help of syrups and sugar, I’ve begun enjoying a cafe latte more than ever before. One thing I must say for anyone aiming to widen their drinks palette like me is to avoid sugar-free syrups. They are watery and weird, if you’re going to load yourself with caffeine and milk, you might swell keep the sugar in their too.
Donuts, on the other hand, has always been something that I adamantly hate. And, to be honest, I’m not completely on the dark side just yet. For me, I stop at a custard doughnut (or perhaps anything filled to the brim with something sweet (i.e. Nutella, which I’m now drooling at the thought of)) and the idea of a plain glazed doughnut still weirds me out a bit. That deep-fried dough flavour isn’t my jam (pun completely intended) right now but cover it head to toe in sugar and custard, and I’m there!
So, this winter you’ll find me eating colourful salad bowls, followed by a creamy doughnut and a viewing of The Rocky Horror Show (oh, and a Christmas visit to the Tynemouth market). I’m stocked up with new discoveries and excited to see what I’ll be learning about in the next coming months. What did you discover this summer?
Making Friends is easy but still requires effort
A lot of people will say ‘Oh, you’ll make lots of friends at Uni’ and they’re not wrong, they just missed out a vital part. Making friends doesn’t happen if you stand still - to be brutally honest, you have to put some work into it to get things back. But, don’t worry, I’m not telling you you need to train day-in-day-out on how to greet people properly, I’m saying you need to engage with people and make sure that you come across as an approachable person or even human. This included getting into group chat for, say, your course mates; inviting flatmates over for food; going along to social events, and even having a go at the karaoke night. It might seem painstaking, you might feel completely intimidated by those 3rd years in the society meetings (which, by the way, is how everyone else feels) but in these first few weeks, you have nothing to lose. Get yourself out there, step out of your comfort zone, and be the best version of you that there possibly is.
Revise from Day 1
I said this about college and now I’m here saying it about Uni; this time, though, I mean it. No matter what kind of course you’re studying on, whether it is coursework or exam based, revise from the moment you start. It may seem insignificant now, but when it comes to exams, you will hate yourself for losing that piece of information or having not written down the necessary notes. In general, just be organised and make life so much easier for your future self.
You’re an investor in a business, so get back your worth
When I started working for the Uni a few months into my 1st year, my previous naivety quickly began to wear off and I started realising that Universities are a business; a money-making scheme. I have previously discussed on here how I strongly believe that certain courses should not be worth the £9K that is required in comparison to some more costly courses. In a way, though, I think a lot of people would be able to use this information as they head into Uni (no matter which year you’re entering) as an advantage. Don’t sit and struggle in silence; as for things from your lecturers, attend the extracurricular lectures, use the library computers, their software, etc. do everything you possibly can to gain back your worth as an investor in their business. After all, you are paying for this, so it’s time to get your own back.
If you’re starting University this year, heading back into your next year, or even just thinking about applying for Uni, make sure to remember that it is a unique and excellent experience and, in more ways than one, and excellent learning chapter.
Never in a million years did I think I'd be the kind of girl to enjoy wearing false lashes. I've always had delicate, sensitive and all-round problematic eyes, so some eyeshadow and mascara were often enough. Not until one day I went out on a whim, bought some lashes, and then completely fell in love with them.
Admittedly, I'm still a beginner myself and, if I'm honest, I think everyone attempting to put false lashes on is just winging it. There's no definitive order of how to put them on, no rules on how to wear them, and no rules for when and where. I do, however, believe that there are a few key ingredients for making sure that you are pushing off the right foot when starting your first false lash escapades.
What you'll need:
- Lashes. Of course, you are going to want to find the best lashes suitable for you and, while you can pop into town in the likes of Boots, Superdrug, or even Primark, there are great places such as FalseEyelashes.co.uk which offer an extensive, organised range of lashes as well as free delivery! I ordered a set from here in the sale and will definitely go back because of how easy it was with them.
- Glue. Of course, there are lots of different types of glue because nothing is ever simple. There are dark glues, clear glues, brush-on glues, dab-on glues, quick-set, latex-free, aloe vera, rosewater, waterproof, and sensitive glues. Oh, and that's probably only to name a few. If you're new to the lash world, don't be overwhelmed by it - a lot of it won't matter to you but it is going to pretty important that you carefully check whichever glue you choose to use before going on your big night out, ust to check for sensitivities.
- Scissors. This was one of the main mistakes I made when wearing lashes one of the first times, I didn't cut them enough. Now, it may seem like a shame when you are cutting a chunk, sometimes a full quarter, of your lash strip away, but it's vital to remember that these strips are made to be extra long and designed to be cut to size. Some lashes you may not have to cut because they might just suit your eye shape, but a lot of the fuller styles will need to be chopped in order to sit better above your lashes.
- A steady hand. While I do like to use regular tweezers to get mine right in place, you really only need to stand at a mirror with a steady hand in order to get your lashes on. If you don't feel like you'd be able to stick them in the right place, don't worry, a regular pair flat tweezers will help get that little bit closer. Also, don't forget to lightly press your own lashes and false lashes together for some extra security.
What you WON'T need:
Just like everything else, there are a few things on the market that can be deemed just unnecessary. Some including:
- Eyelash tweezers. Following on from my previous point, you may have seen the funny looking hammer-head tweezers swimming around the lash world and, in my opinion, they just aren't necessary. Of course, if you get them as a gift or they are included in your packet of lashes, go ahead and give them a whirl but, if you're looking to start wearing lashes on a budget, don't fork out the extra money for something that can so easily be replaced by simple flat tweezers.
- Individual Lashes. When just starting out don't attempt the extremely intricate job of individual lashes. As you can imagine, they include a lot of concentration and skill so maybe don't try this on your very first shot.
- Preglued lashes. Another lash type that I would deem unnecessary for beginners would be pre-glued lashes. There really isn't much point in paying for the glue to be on your lashes when A) glueing them is the easiest part and, B) all lashes already have an existing layer of glue in order to stay in the packet. You really aren't going to go wrong on the glueing part so try spending the extra pennies a bit more wisely.
- A lottery win. You don't have to sell your arm and leg to buy lashes. As I mentioned before, FalseEyelashes.co.uk and the likes of beauty outlet stores mean you can find some fantastic offers. My 5 set of Lashes from The Vintage Cosmetic Company on False Eyelashes came to just over £7! That makes each set of strips just over £1 each, AND they're reusable. If you're just starting out and don't want to break the bank before deciding if you even like wearing lashes, make sure to shop around first.
What would your top tips be for false lash beginners?
"Don't wait until you've reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal"
1. Enjoying a night out
I reckon if you met me, it would only take one of my Dad Jokes for you to realise that I'm no cool kid. And when I say I've been recently been enjoying a night out, I still have no shame in telling you that most of the time it doesn't stretch out any longer than 2am, at best. Nevertheless, I'm always up for so many more events now than I was a year ago, whether it's day drinking, nightclubbing, or parties - I'm a lot happier with how these things go now and, to be honest, have my fabulous friends to thank for that.
2. Going to blogger events
As well as my own personal events, I've been extremely lucky enough to be invited to quite a few Blogger/VIP Events lately courtesy of this little site and that Instagram page of mine. Seeing as though it's around a year ago since I went to my first blogger events, I'm delighted at how often I get to attend these events now. I have to agree, living in Newcastle is the key for me. Being from a village at home, I was never able or even considered for such events, but now I have so much more on my doorstep and I'm so grateful for that.
Wow, I didn't think I'd be saying this ever in a million year but I'm officially one of those girls who goes out wearing false lashes. I've always not been very risky with make-up and stayed safe with things but, once I started going wild and trying more adventurous eyeshadow looks (I know, hold me back right now), I decided it was worth jumping on the lash bandwagon too. And. I. Love. Them. I have naturally very straight and stumpy lashes so to be able to leave the house feeling like I have feathers on my eyes is fabulous.
4. Not underselling myself
Speaking of taking risks, when it comes to my content, I've recently been asking for budgets and not being scared to ask for the credit that I deserve. So far, I've experienced a few little knockbacks (expected) but, in some cases, been pleasantly surprised. It is a relief to finally be earning from my passion and, with what I do earn, be able to put more effort and care into my content.
5. Growing
Admittedly, this may be jinxing things but my blog and Instagram has been growing pretty healthily recently and I am so, so proud of that. I surpassed 1.5k on Instagram and it actually didn't fluctuate back down as it usually would. I have managed to post blog and insta posts pretty consistently, and feel good about the content that I'm sharing and I'm just generally having a good time with it all. There's something so fulfilling about putting effort into something and getting the feedback and results that I'm hoping for.
What are you proud of right now?
I had no idea what to expect upon my invite to visit Eden on their launch night. I knew that it was a replacement of the old night club, Tiger Tiger, but was a little bit confused by the way it was also advertising brunch. This only made me more eager to take a look around and, once my friends and I were through the door, it all began to make sense. The new Eden venue is a replacement of Newcastle's notorious Tiger Tiger, now with an elegant botanical theme, up to date vibes, and everything that a night out could ask for, all under one roof. So, here's what you need to know.
What's there?
Starting from the bottom, as soon as you walk in you are enticed by the botanical theme; flower walls, punny neon signs, and botanical wallpaper; the Garden of Eden theme is completely floor to ceiling. There are two entrances, the door on the left brings you into the bar area (which eventually leads through the restaurant at the back) and the door on the right is an entrance to the stairs, leading up to the clubrooms.
Upon entering the bar, they pride themselves on their very luxurious gin bar, fully equipped with efficient staff members and what feels like an endless drinks menu. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy your drinks, from booths hidden away in private corners, to tables centred around very flamboyant trees.
Through the bar and into the restaurant, there is plenty of seating (again with a variety of different dining setups), each table laced with more botany vibes and crystal wine glasses all flickering in the light of the open kitchen and pizza oven.
On the first floor, I was surprised to find out how much I loved karaoke! You can hire out rooms for you and friends for as little as £5 an hour with pretty much any music you could ask for and on-hand drinks service at the push of a button.
Finally, the top floor is home to 3 new clubrooms. The first is my favourite, Genesis, which is the cheesiest, most extravagant mix of light up dancefloors, glitter balls, and 80s hits. With a huge window watching over Newgate Street, it looks fantastic at night. Through another door is the smallest club room, Forbidden, serving the R&B lovers, and finally, the main room is a new, open-plan venue that will host DJs and event, Hedonist.
The Food and Drink
While the place radiates such a luxurious vibe, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find out that the food is excellent value. At £9.50 for a 2-foot-long pizza that is so big, it's ideal for sharing, you really can't go wrong. My friends and I devoured 2 of these huge pizzas, as well as their tasty chunky 'Cheeky Eden Chips' and we have all already vowed to head back asap to get more of that delicious dough.
You will have definitely guessed by now what the theme is for the cocktail menu?! You got it - Floral. But fear not, the classics are all still listed there too, but you have to try their stunningly unique cocktail mixtures, mostly themed around botanicals. I recommend 'Petals & Peaches' and 'Le Bouquet'.
But wait, it might all sound to good to be true, but one of my favourite things is the happy hour between 5-9pm EVERY DAY! That's half-price drinks for 4 sweet hours. Not to mention their fizz Friday's, packages and masterclasses.
Upstairs...
As I previously mentioned, there are fabulously entertaining karaoke rooms on the first level which are available for booking. On the busy launch night, we did manage to get a booth on a walk-in basis, having to only wait around 10 minutes but I reckon the short wait really can't be guaranteed (especially because the sing-a-long is so addictive you will all want to stay in their forever).
Moving onto the rooms, I believe they've all just had a lick of the Eden theme, cleaner spaces, with more up-to-date decor, but still completely remain as a true geordie venue. If you're their on a weekend (or even the launch night) you'll still see the results of someone taking advantage of those happy hours or someone who won't stop singing even outside of the karaoke room. Nevertheless, it's great fun, a stylish nightclub, with the Geordie cherry on top.
I adore finding new, exciting places in Newcastle and I'm delighted that Eden has graced the toon', bringing with it what it has to offer but welcoming our culture with open arms. I already can't wait to visit again soon.
Have you visited Eden yet?
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