The Weekend Post: Fairy Lights & Diamond Rings

Last weekend I met up with a couple of my besties and we headed to Manchester. We had lunch at a restaurant called Rosso, which is owned by Rio Ferdinand (who plays for Manchester United for those who are not familiar with the football world!). We’d never been before, but I knew it advertises a fine dining experience of the Italian variety and that it’s often a celebrity haunt (the walls are plastered in photos of celebs who have visited). Unfortunately we didn’t bump into anyone famous, but it was definitely an experience!




It’s situated in a slightly posh area of the city centre, with lavish old buildings and a Vivienne Westwood right next door, and plenty of super nice cars. There is a doorman that greets you and a swarm of employees dressed all in black that offer to take your coat and seat you. We didn’t book a table and although it was quite full we managed to get seated straight away. The interior is b.e.a.utiful, high ceilings, lots and lots of fairy lights and garlands of ivy and baubles for the festive season. Our waiters were Italian and posh and I felt so out of place haha!I ordered a mocktail called Inhibition which was passion fruity and yummy, and I went for the safe option of a 4 cheese pizza, although it was a laced with patches of a greenish grey substance (Soz if you are eating whilst reading this), I can only assume it was blue cheese. It started out okay, but half way through I was starting to regret my choice and was feeling sick, clearly my stomach isn’t accustomed to anything other than cheddar, mozzarella or halloumi. On the upside the portions were big and the prices were not as bad as I thought they were going to be.




Although I think I'm definitely more comfortable in a Nandos, it was a nice restaurant, with a lovely atmosphere and I probably would go back, although next time I’d choose something else off the menu!



After lunch, we made our way through the busy city centre and had a look in a few shops, including Selfridges and of course Tiffany’s. My friend and I were just drooling over all the beautiful diamond encrusted rings, not literally of course…that’d be embarrassing!





The city was lit up in lots of pretty fairy lights (in case you haven’t picked up on it yet…I'm a sucker for twinkly lights!) and the German Christmas markets filled the streets! I love Christmas time in the UK and visiting all the markets in different cities, I go every year and each year I buy pancakes with Nutella..they are just SO good!








Who else loves Christmas Markets?

‘I heart…’ Book Series

I love reading…whether it’s an autobiography, a classic novel or an easy-going book aimed at teens. The ‘I heart…’ series by Lindsey Kelk is one of my all time favourites. The first book (I heart New York) in the series actually came free with Glamour magazine, I think it was, a few years ago and I read it on holiday not expecting much from it, but Boy do I loves it! The minute I came home I scoured the bookshops for the rest and bought the next 3 (Hollywood, Paris and Vegas).

The story follows the whirlwind life of Angela Clark, who after catching  her fiancé cheating on her, ups and leaves her life in England and flies out to New York. Angela’s new crazy life filled with new friendships, men and opportunities (as well as the odd unfortunate event) is documented in this easy and fun read. Sure it isn’t the hard –hitting, factual book with a complex story line but it is a great chick lit and the characters and settings make it awesome! Plus sometimes I feel like I can relate to Angela…if only I had the funds to jump on a plane and head to the big apple…*sigh*.

I recently ordered the latest two books in the series (London and Christmas) and cannot wait to find out what happens next. Another thing I love about these books (as you may know I love travelling) is that at the end of each one there is a proposed itinerary which features some of ‘Angela’s’ favourite hotels, shops and attractions in each of the cities the story is featured in.

Has anyone else read these books? If so, Do you love them as much as I do?

November Photo Diary

1-4. Short weekend visit to the city I went to Uni with my best friends (minus one =[), stayed the night in a hotel, had such a fun time and experienced loads of hilarious moments.



1&4. Went bowling and got a strike! Even got presented with a sticker haha! 2. It’s been a long tradition to go to Nandos with my friends…mainly because we are an indecisive bunch and always end up there! 3. Watched Gravity and really enjoyed it…space looks beautiful and scary at the same time.



1. A festive Trinity Leeds Shopping centre 2. Cute primark gloves/mittens…I am panda obsessed! 3&4. First time I have been in a Victoria’s Secret store…so girly and pretty.



1. Winter is slowly making it’s way…I love this time of year because England looks so pretty. 2. Fitting room selfie…like my tee? I love it! 3. Getting my Movember on! haha I have an addiction to Snapchat. 4. Sitting by the fire with hot chocolate and a book is the best!



1. New Caffe Nero lattes 2-4. Festive Costa Coffee drinks…so yummy and look how cute the baby gingerbread man is! I know, I know, I have a coffee addiction I think…I probably spend about the same amount of time the cast of Friends did in coffee houses =/



1-4. Went to my friend’s masquerade ball themed bachelorette party. It was SO much fun and saw some friends I haven’t seen in years…it was nice to dress up and do something different!

Meet Frank.

Frank is my new best friend! Frank is a body scrub, a coffee body scrub to be precise. I came across him on instagram (@frank_bod) and was presented with pictures of gorgeous women with enviable figures and the promise of smooth skin and a revived complexion…SOLD! What can I say, the cheeky captions loaded with innuendos won me over.

About

So, Frank is a dry scrub that is full of minerals, essential oils and oxidants and obviously a high caffeine content. To use this scrub to its full potential you massage onto damp skin in circular motions, concentrating on your problem areas and leave the scrub to dry for 5-10 minutes to let the caffeine get to work, then rinse off the scrub! You only need about two small handfuls of scrub for your whole body or you can choose to scrub problem areas only (about one handful) as this scrub aims to target cellulite. You can also use this on your face too although its not advised if you have sensitive skin as it is quite course.



Ingredients

Roasted and Ground Arabica coffee beans - Target cellulite and stretch marks

Brown Sugar and sea salt - Smooth lumps and bumps

Cold pressed sweet almond oil - Moisturise and improve skintone

Orange essence - Smells nice

Thoughts

I have used this product several times, about 1-2 times a week, and it leaves my skin silky soft and just generally improves the appearance of my skin, I have Keratosis pilaris on my upper arms and although it has improved over the years, I feel this scrub has helped with the stubborn rough areas. The website’s FAQ mentions that they have had positive feedback regarding Frank helping with other skin problems such as eczema and acne, although it will take a good few weeks to see results…patience my friends..patience! On the plus side, soft skin is noticed after your very first scrub!

A word of warning though, as Frank is primarily made of coffee the smell is somewhat overpowering (duh) and if you hate the smell of coffee well then this isn’t for you.

Extra Deets

The company is based in Australia but they ship worldwide (shipping time and costs varies depending on where you are in the world). My Frank got to me about 10 days after I ordered him and cost $21.40 (£12.07) for 200g, which is pretty decent for such a great product. A new Frank is now available for the warmer months (as it is summer in the land of Oz) and is packed with coconut and grapeseed oil. For more info and to buy your very own Frank go to frankbody.com.