One way I try to experience new restaurants is by going for breakfast or brunch instead of dinner. This is because the brunch menu is often a lot more affordable, and you don't have to decide well in advance as it's less likely you'll need to book a table!

Top Tip - You also don't need to worry about being bloated in your fancy evening outfit, as you can wear just about anything to go for breakfast! 

Last weekend, a few of my friends came to visit me in Manchester for the weekend. Although I moved here in summer 2016, the months fly by so fast, so we don't always get to have a day out as we're now spread across the country. Of course this gives us every excuse to go out to eat. 

I took the opportunity to try some new restaurants and host a movie night at my flat. One of the highlights of the weekend was visiting Menagerie in Salford. If you're looking for an Instagram worthy restaurant - you're in the right place. 

Brunch isn't served until 12, which seems a little late to me, but it was great as we had the choice of the lunch menu too! The brunch menu didn't have a lot of choice, but as it was quiet they were really flexible when it came to tailoring what we wanted to eat and drink. 

I had a mocktail that didn't have a name, I just said I wanted something sweet, and in no time at all the bartender had whipped up something magical. To eat, I had the buttermilk pancakes with a side of eggs. 

I loved the restaurant so much and I can't wait to go back. From the service to the marble top tables and the Photo Booth, it made for a great lunch setting, not to mention the huge portions. 

I'm so excited to go back to Menagerie, as it allows you to feel like it's a really special occasion but without the 'special' price tag.

Just another reason why I love living in Manchester! 

 

I love Valentine's Day! So what if it's a money making scheme, I just love a reason to celebrate. This is the second one me and my boyfriend have spent together, he took me to Mr Cooper's House and Garden in Manchester's Midland Hotel. We went there last year for my birthday, so it was really nice to go back now that we live in the same city! I'll do a full blog post on my visit, but I'd highly recommend this restaurant for somewhere to go for a special occasion. 

You know when you get a new item of clothing and you don't remember what you ever wore before it? Yep that's how I feel about my new (faux) leather skirt. Excuse the mess in the background, I didn't plan this blog post! This skirt goes with everything and I can wear it to work or on a night out! 

I bought this one for just £14.99 from H&M, the only negative thing I would say is that the sizing is ridiculous. I had to go 2 sizes up, so i definitely wouldn't recommend buying a skirt like this online.

I went to see Hidden Figures last week and it was amazing. I'm not usually that excited about dramas, I'm into psychological dramas mostly - but this film was so inspiring! If you haven't seen it I would recommend it, it really explains the hashtag #BlackGirlMagic! 

I went out on three nights out in February (RIP bank account) and this was my favourite outfit! It's a satin playsuit from Boohoo.com. I love this colour and I thought it would be great to style down with tights, boots and a leather jacket or with trainers or sandals when I go on holiday this summer. 

Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

Mini Marshmallows

125g of Unsalted Butter 

300g of Milk Chocolate/White Chocolate

4 Digestive Biscuits 

I am no baker, I love eating cakes but quite frankly I can never get it quite right myself. For a quick sweet treat that is easy and fun to make without even needing to turn the oven on , I would definitely recommend whipping up a homemade Rocky Road! 

All of these ingredients I got from Tesco and altogether I spent around £9 (face palm). Next time I make this I will probably get cooking chocolate and you could even get a cheap non branded chocolate, however this rocky road tasted really creamy and went down a treat! Most people add nuts or raisins to their Rocky Road but I left those out. 

First of all I preheated the pan on a low heat as I was scared to burn it! You will be surprised how easily it melts. I put all of the butter in and melted that down, then added all of the chocolate. When all of that was melted I took out half of the chocolate and put it in a mug and put that aside. 

I then added 3 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup. Next up, I put the biscuits into a bag, a clean plastic bag will do just fine if you don't have any freezer bags, then I just bashed that around until there was a mixture of crumbs and bigger chunks of biscuits. 

I then added the biscuits to the mix. Next I added a large handful of mini marshmallows. If you can't find mini ones, Im pretty sure you could cut up some bigger ones and sprinkle them in, as they all get melted anyway! 

I then mixed it all, but don't let it go to mushy as you still want some biscuit pieces. I then turned off the heat and put it all into a medium size pyrex dish. 

I then poured the rest of the chocolate that was in the mug on top.

To finish, I put it in the fridge for 2 hours. 

The best thing about this recipe is that you can choose whichever chocolate you like and add as many or as few marshmallows and biscuits as you like. 

I'm thinking about making this into more of a food blog, but I don't always have the guts to take my phone out and start snapping shots. (First world problems) 

When someone asks where all my money goes, I can honestly say 60% is eating out. Im close to saying I'd rather spend money on food than clothes. 

Luckily, Thyme out in Didsbury, Manchester had the most beautiful patio outside where we sat and ate breakfast, so I could go wild with the camera... the Samsung did good!

I went for the Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon with a mocha on the side, altogether it was around £10. For delicious organic food and a bustling vibe, it's a great place to head to for a romantic Sunday brunch or something hearty after a night out.

It is 'oh so Didsbury' but don't be put off, there's a down to earth, yet sophisticated atmosphere at this one.

Check out their website for a little more information or just go and find out for yourself! 

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Anyone that knows me, knows that steak is at the centre of all of my favourite meals. I have had many good ones but this one at the Malmaison was great! 

Not for the faint hearted, this steak was 1KG, pretty much a small child.

For a sumptuous steak and delicious sides, I highly recommend the Smoak Bar Grill.

The atmosphere was busy due to the fact it was the restaurant of a hotel and considering it was halloween night in the centre of Manchester, it wasn't all hustle and bustle. The only thing that let it down was that for a classy restaurant and a steak that cost £70, the staff were in fancy dress which slightly ruined the appeal. 

                             

This summer I had a glimpse of what cuisine the Costa Del Sol has to offer... Paella and praline were on the menu during this indulgent weekend.

                               

First up, A buffalo mozzarella salad with cherries, pesto and a basil ice cream. Yep basil ice cream! It was a strange taste at first, a savoury ice cream with cheese.... But it was amazing and had the after taste of pizza... Not the most sophisticated description but I'm sure you're craving pizza now.

The mozzarella was fresh and full of flavour and balanced out well by the basil ice cream that I completely finished. Definitely an original to this amazing restaurant, La Terraza Laurel at La Cala Resort. 

                             

After a very filling traditional Paella, we indulged in a sweet and fluffy Praline. Such a great way to balance out all of the fishy flavours of the paella, the praline tasted like the best quality chocolate you could think of, topped off with a strawberry coulis and washed down with a cold white wine. 

I would definitely recommend light dishes when abroad, but finished off with a satisfying and calorific dessert, because you are on holiday to relax and enjoy!