Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
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!
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 was lucky enough to get a hamper from the lovely team at Antidotestreet.com which included this gorgeous face serum from Yours Truly Organics, and I instantly fell in love!
I'm really fussy about the products I use on my skin, particularly my face as this can be quite sensitive. I basically judge when my hair needs washing on whether I'm having a mini break out! So when I was sent this product that was natural and organic, I wasn't scared to try it out.
I love the phrase 'true beauty starts with being yourself; I really think that it's important to look after your skin and hair, because what happens if one day there's a zombie apocalypse and we can't get any makeup products? Yeah so I'm basically preparing!
This product is the Fix me! Repairing Serum. It's a little steep at £28, so I must admit, I use it sparingly. When my skin needs some TLC or I am feeling extra oily, I use this particularly on my T-Zone and it works wonders.
Yours Truly Organics says it smooths, repairs and tightens your skin with this oat kernel enriched serum, so it does exactly what it says on the tin!
I apply this with a cotton wool pad before my face moisturiser, it smells super fresh and like I've really made the extra effort!
I was lucky enough to get a hamper from the lovely team at Antidotestreet.com which included this gorgeous face serum from Yours Truly Organics, and I instantly fell in love!
I'm really fussy about the products I use on my skin, particularly my face as this can be quite sensitive. I basically judge when my hair needs washing on whether I'm having a mini break out! So when I was sent this product that was natural and organic, I wasn't scared to try it out.
I love the phrase 'true beauty starts with being yourself; I really think that it's important to look after your skin and hair, because what happens if one day there's a zombie apocalypse and we can't get any makeup products? Yeah so I'm basically preparing!
This product is the Fix me! Repairing Serum. It's a little steep at £28, so I must admit, I use it sparingly. When my skin needs some TLC or I am feeling extra oily, I use this particularly on my T-Zone and it works wonders.
Yours Truly Organics says it smooths, repairs and tightens your skin with this oat kernel enriched serum, so it does exactly what it says on the tin!
I apply this with a cotton wool pad before my face moisturiser, it smells super fresh and like I've really made the extra effort!
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.
What did you love in February?
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.
What did you love in February?
It is affordable and is widely available on the high street
The packaging is cute and the tub can definitely be re-used
It is very moisturising and has a nice texture. I would say it is better as a moisturiser than a curl definer as it isn't sticky and it prevented my hair from drying out after being in the cold and wind!
My ends did stay curled!
It is affordable and is widely available on the high street
The packaging is cute and the tub can definitely be re-used
It is very moisturising and has a nice texture. I would say it is better as a moisturiser than a curl definer as it isn't sticky and it prevented my hair from drying out after being in the cold and wind!
My ends did stay curled!
Conditioning is more crucial than ever during Winter, it is more likely that the crisp weather will dry out your hair which will lead to breakage and no-one wants that! My hair goal for this year is growth, so here are just two of the products I will be using to ensure that I reach that goal and get through these Winter months.
Cantu Shea Butter - Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream.
As you can see from the image, the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner is well used in our house. It's a product that me and my mum just cannot get enough of! In fact you could go as far as to say that it is my favourite Leave In Conditioner of all time. First of all it smells great. This is a real essential for me at the moment as I am trying to refrain from using heat on my hair, and having nice smelling hair is one of the bonuses of giving the straighteners a break.
Secondly it is a really vital product at this time of the year, as it locks in moisture to prevent breakage. At this time of the year with the cold weather it is more likely that you lose hair due to the frosty weather that can dry it out. It's all about conditioning and moisturising.
Thirdly it is affordable at around £3.99 and it does contain quite a lot of product in the tub. I like the fact that you just put your hand in and scoop it out rather than having a pump that you have to press hundreds of times to get enough product, especially if you have thick hair like me.
Cantu Shea Butter - Daily Oil Moisturiser.
It smells amazing and is ideal for untangling hair after a long day of it being open to the elements. I would say that this product can be used everyday if you use a small amount, but a little goes a long way and I guess that depends on how well your hair soaks in the product. It isn't too heavy so that it ruins your style and it is also very affordable at around the £4 mark.
I have seen a lot of controversy around the use of mineral oil in this product, but personally for me it works great!
What are your favourite hair moisturisers for Winter?
Conditioning is more crucial than ever during Winter, it is more likely that the crisp weather will dry out your hair which will lead to breakage and no-one wants that! My hair goal for this year is growth, so here are just two of the products I will be using to ensure that I reach that goal and get through these Winter months.
Cantu Shea Butter - Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream.
As you can see from the image, the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner is well used in our house. It's a product that me and my mum just cannot get enough of! In fact you could go as far as to say that it is my favourite Leave In Conditioner of all time. First of all it smells great. This is a real essential for me at the moment as I am trying to refrain from using heat on my hair, and having nice smelling hair is one of the bonuses of giving the straighteners a break.
Secondly it is a really vital product at this time of the year, as it locks in moisture to prevent breakage. At this time of the year with the cold weather it is more likely that you lose hair due to the frosty weather that can dry it out. It's all about conditioning and moisturising.
Thirdly it is affordable at around £3.99 and it does contain quite a lot of product in the tub. I like the fact that you just put your hand in and scoop it out rather than having a pump that you have to press hundreds of times to get enough product, especially if you have thick hair like me.
Cantu Shea Butter - Daily Oil Moisturiser.
It smells amazing and is ideal for untangling hair after a long day of it being open to the elements. I would say that this product can be used everyday if you use a small amount, but a little goes a long way and I guess that depends on how well your hair soaks in the product. It isn't too heavy so that it ruins your style and it is also very affordable at around the £4 mark.
I have seen a lot of controversy around the use of mineral oil in this product, but personally for me it works great!
What are your favourite hair moisturisers for Winter?
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.
 |
| Image Courtesy of malmaison.com |
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.
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.
|
| Image Courtesy of malmaison.com |
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.
Primark Manchester is one of the first UK stores to launch their new beauty bar, 'Love Beauty' and I have to say, I'm impressed. When it comes to my eyebrows it always seems to be a bit hit and miss to me, but I decided to get my eyebrows neatened up at this shiny new salon!
Dressed in Clinique style uniform, it is obvious that Primark aren't taking their branding lightly and the look and feel of the pop up salons doesn't reflect the price. (Check out the price list above!) I had my eyebrows shaped rather intensely, first threaded, then plucked and then followed by some trimming, I didn't think so much could be done with such little hair.
And voila, the result.
I went to Primark, Market Street, Manchester
http://www.lovebeautybymonikamohindra.com
I suggest you get pampered primark soon!
Primark Manchester is one of the first UK stores to launch their new beauty bar, 'Love Beauty' and I have to say, I'm impressed. When it comes to my eyebrows it always seems to be a bit hit and miss to me, but I decided to get my eyebrows neatened up at this shiny new salon!
Dressed in Clinique style uniform, it is obvious that Primark aren't taking their branding lightly and the look and feel of the pop up salons doesn't reflect the price. (Check out the price list above!) I had my eyebrows shaped rather intensely, first threaded, then plucked and then followed by some trimming, I didn't think so much could be done with such little hair.
And voila, the result.
I went to Primark, Market Street, Manchester
http://www.lovebeautybymonikamohindra.com
I suggest you get pampered primark soon!
Here's a roundup of my everyday beauty faves and things I reach for most!
I like these posts when other people do them, so I thought I may aswell start now and then maybe I can start doing monthly favourites throughout 2014.
Sleek Shimmer Blush in Sunrise 924. £4.49 Sleek recommend this for darker skin tones and I love how pigmented the colour is, although it is hard to capture without natural sunlight! (swatch to the right) It works really well as a bronze as it comes out as a dark blush. Also works well with the Sleek Contour kit for a glamorous look and I use it to make sure I have a healthy glow! click here to purchase.
Sleek Face Contour Kit in Dark 886 £6.49
This Contour Kit probably comes up on a lot of beauty guru's favourites!
A lot of people have this palette and at first I was sceptical but I have been converted. The pigment is perfect and I mainly use the Dark Contour powder as opposed to using the highlighter. I am still looking for a plain highlighter that doesn't have glitter, so if you have any suggestions please comment below! I think this kit will last me a long time, and it around £6 its great value as you only need one swift swipe to add some element to your face. click hereMAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural in Dark Deep. £22
This is 100% my Holy Grail face product. I Swear by it. Apply a small amount of top of foundation to set it and add a healthy glow, or use instead of foundation altogether and it is just as good! I use this as an everyday face product and I have repurchased it since I bought it the first time. it is a nice chocolately brown that gives you a healthy look!
MAC Matte Powder Blush in Raizin £18
Although it is quite expensive for a blush, you can really see the quality of it when applied , as the pigment is great and it applies nearly as condensed as a cream, but it is a powder! Meaning it will last a long time. It is a really nice undertone deep reddish brown, and compliments dark skin amazingly. available hereRemington Sleek and Smooth Wide Hair Straightener. £36.99
Best buy of the year! and at least 3 people I know have bought them since. The wide plate is especially good for my thick hair and they heat up super fast, they also come with a heat mat and can go up to over 200 degrees. The ceramic plates really make a difference as they slide through my hair without me feeling like its being singed! also the plates are kind of 'floating' so they move with your movements. I also curl with these and love how silky it makes my hair feel, especially after using a tiny bit of caster oil.
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer £5.99I love to use this if I don't want to wear a full coverage foundation, it is quite heavy coverage so don't use it if you're prone to break out, but its great to use under the eyes and is a nice warm natural tone. What I like in particular is the doe foot applicator it comes with, so you can use it on the go. find your shade here
MUA Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette £4
This palette is perfect because it has the right mix of matte shadows and shimmery ones. It also has a great range of colours you can actually use together! it sounds obvious but its not always easy to find a palette where you can take just that with you if you're going away for a night out and you know you don't need anything else. Id describe it as a cheaper version of the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette, it just costs 10 times less, (literally). click here
Real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set £21.99
I had been wanting these brushes for so long but couldn't justify spending so much just on brushes! However it certainly works out better to buy the set, and you get the travel case that you can stand up as I've shown in the picture above. I'm so glad I went and got these as you can feel the quality every time! My favourite brush is the big buffing one, I use this for my foundation and the mineralise powder. and then the smaller round brush I use for my dark contour powder. The tiny thin brush I use to conceal my eyebrows, and the flat brush is just multipurpose for me, what I love about this set also, is that they are all different sizes so that you can use them for specific purposes. You can buy the set at boots as a lot of retailers sell the core collection brushes seperately .
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Restoring Shampoo and Conditioner £4.99 each
Keratin as you may know is for smoothing and straightening hair, I love to use this because it smells SO NICE! and you leaves my hair without tangles and so soft to the touch, I often think I haven't washed the conditioner out properly as it feels so soft. What I like most about these products is that they do what they say on the bottle and control frizz. Obviously when I wash my hair it is a huge afro bush but it is a controlled bush thanks to these shampoos!
Last but not least…..
Jergens Daily Moisturiser (around £2.99 depending on where you buy it)
I use so many different creams and body butters and could possibly moisturise a small country. However I prefer creams that I can use all over, and as I don't use scented creams on my face and I have dry spots in this area, I prefer to have one particularly for dry skin. This one feels really silky when you apply it so at first I didn't think it would work but it proved me wrong and leaves me nice and silky!
So thats all of my everyday favourites and the things I reach for most of the time. I may do a part two with things I have left out, or a 2013 worst products to review also. Hope this helped! Leave links to your favourites below! See you soon! xx
Here's a roundup of my everyday beauty faves and things I reach for most!
I like these posts when other people do them, so I thought I may aswell start now and then maybe I can start doing monthly favourites throughout 2014.
Sleek Shimmer Blush in Sunrise 924. £4.49 Sleek recommend this for darker skin tones and I love how pigmented the colour is, although it is hard to capture without natural sunlight! (swatch to the right) It works really well as a bronze as it comes out as a dark blush. Also works well with the Sleek Contour kit for a glamorous look and I use it to make sure I have a healthy glow! click here to purchase.
Sleek Face Contour Kit in Dark 886 £6.49
This Contour Kit probably comes up on a lot of beauty guru's favourites!
A lot of people have this palette and at first I was sceptical but I have been converted. The pigment is perfect and I mainly use the Dark Contour powder as opposed to using the highlighter. I am still looking for a plain highlighter that doesn't have glitter, so if you have any suggestions please comment below! I think this kit will last me a long time, and it around £6 its great value as you only need one swift swipe to add some element to your face. click hereMAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural in Dark Deep. £22
This is 100% my Holy Grail face product. I Swear by it. Apply a small amount of top of foundation to set it and add a healthy glow, or use instead of foundation altogether and it is just as good! I use this as an everyday face product and I have repurchased it since I bought it the first time. it is a nice chocolately brown that gives you a healthy look!
MAC Matte Powder Blush in Raizin £18
Although it is quite expensive for a blush, you can really see the quality of it when applied , as the pigment is great and it applies nearly as condensed as a cream, but it is a powder! Meaning it will last a long time. It is a really nice undertone deep reddish brown, and compliments dark skin amazingly. available hereRemington Sleek and Smooth Wide Hair Straightener. £36.99
Best buy of the year! and at least 3 people I know have bought them since. The wide plate is especially good for my thick hair and they heat up super fast, they also come with a heat mat and can go up to over 200 degrees. The ceramic plates really make a difference as they slide through my hair without me feeling like its being singed! also the plates are kind of 'floating' so they move with your movements. I also curl with these and love how silky it makes my hair feel, especially after using a tiny bit of caster oil.
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer £5.99I love to use this if I don't want to wear a full coverage foundation, it is quite heavy coverage so don't use it if you're prone to break out, but its great to use under the eyes and is a nice warm natural tone. What I like in particular is the doe foot applicator it comes with, so you can use it on the go. find your shade here
MUA Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette £4
This palette is perfect because it has the right mix of matte shadows and shimmery ones. It also has a great range of colours you can actually use together! it sounds obvious but its not always easy to find a palette where you can take just that with you if you're going away for a night out and you know you don't need anything else. Id describe it as a cheaper version of the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette, it just costs 10 times less, (literally). click here
Real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set £21.99
I had been wanting these brushes for so long but couldn't justify spending so much just on brushes! However it certainly works out better to buy the set, and you get the travel case that you can stand up as I've shown in the picture above. I'm so glad I went and got these as you can feel the quality every time! My favourite brush is the big buffing one, I use this for my foundation and the mineralise powder. and then the smaller round brush I use for my dark contour powder. The tiny thin brush I use to conceal my eyebrows, and the flat brush is just multipurpose for me, what I love about this set also, is that they are all different sizes so that you can use them for specific purposes. You can buy the set at boots as a lot of retailers sell the core collection brushes seperately .
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Restoring Shampoo and Conditioner £4.99 each
Keratin as you may know is for smoothing and straightening hair, I love to use this because it smells SO NICE! and you leaves my hair without tangles and so soft to the touch, I often think I haven't washed the conditioner out properly as it feels so soft. What I like most about these products is that they do what they say on the bottle and control frizz. Obviously when I wash my hair it is a huge afro bush but it is a controlled bush thanks to these shampoos!
Last but not least…..
Jergens Daily Moisturiser (around £2.99 depending on where you buy it)
I use so many different creams and body butters and could possibly moisturise a small country. However I prefer creams that I can use all over, and as I don't use scented creams on my face and I have dry spots in this area, I prefer to have one particularly for dry skin. This one feels really silky when you apply it so at first I didn't think it would work but it proved me wrong and leaves me nice and silky!
So thats all of my everyday favourites and the things I reach for most of the time. I may do a part two with things I have left out, or a 2013 worst products to review also. Hope this helped! Leave links to your favourites below! See you soon! xx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons