Burn baby burn: Liquor and burn review

A little bit of a different kind of post from me today but one that kind of makes sense if you know me. My weekends and free time is generally spent seeing my friends, watching gigs, and enjoying some good food and drinks and quite often all the aforementioned are jam-packed together to make a fantastic day out! The last 2 gigs I’ve been to have been Lana Del Ray at Manchester Apollo and most recently Rihanna on Thursday at the MEN in Manchester. And before both my musical partner in crime and I took a trip to the Northern Quarter to stuff our bellies and enjoy some cocktails before the show.

I love the NQ as the quirky restaurants aren’t your usual chain restaurants, the food is amazing and doesn’t cost the earth and the choice of cocktails always go down a treat. Our restaurant of choice recently has been Lust Luck Liquor and Burn in NQ. A sister chain of amazeballs burger restaurant, Almost Famous, Liquor and Burn is a Mexican restaurant with a fantastic choice of burritos, nacho’s, burgers with a Mexican twist but from Almost Famous and mac n cheese. There is so much choice and with amazing portion sizes its the perfect place to full your belly before ( or whilst!) some serious drinking takes place!

We chose to split the chilli beef nachos to start. They were a massive portion and stuffed with kidney beans, chilli beef, tomato salsa and a ton of cheese- just wow. For my main I opted for the chicken lickin burrito. Two burritos absolutely loaded with chicken, rice, chips, quac and salsa- just amazing. I went all out and opted to try it with chips and salad but it proved to be too much and defeated me after filling up on the nachos to start!

On our second visit we couldn’t say no to the nachos so chose to share again to start and them I mixed it up with the mac and cheese with crab and bacon and they came with a side of nachos. Unfortunately I forgot to take pics as a couple of Rekorderlig ciders and cocktails had been consumed by this point, and we just got stuck in!

  I cant recommend Liquor and Burn enough, the service is quick and easy and the staff are great. We went on a Thursday around 5ish and it was quiet when we first got there but soon started to fill up. With an upstairs seated area for food or downstairs bar, it is worth a trip just for cocktails if your not in the mood for food, however I have no idea why you wouldn’t be- food is amazing!

Festival Fashion: Tie-dye made easy

Well, Glastonbury is a mere 2 weeks away and I am currently obsessed with the weather. The Met Office is currently my most visited website and I am praying each evening to God/Allah and Queen B for sunshine. All the magazines feature what to wear lists and which looks you should rock, however with rain potentially on the horizon, I need a fashion fix that can stand the test of time. And mud. And rain. Enter tie-dye.

With a nod to the 70′s when you look back on Glastonbury pictures from times gone by, fashion took a back seat and it was all about the music. This is still the case, however looking good is still an essential seeing as all the pics from the weekend will be available for all and sundry to see on Facebook/Twitter, probably even here on my blog. That’s why this year I plan on attempting to channel the tie-dye trend. Its effortless, slightly vintage and easy to throw on. If you are planning on DIY tie-dye, men’s oversize tees are the way to go for the cool Kate Moss inspired slouch look. However I’m slightly ceebs on that one so online shopping it is!

 

1.  Asos £65
2.  Asos £36
3.  Rihanna atR iver Island £80
4.  River Island £28

 

 

 

Get your passport, and bikini, need a holiday, come see me

Monday 6th May.The first bank holiday of the month and a free pass for a day off work. And luckily for us, the first real signs of summer we have seen so far this year. I am somewhat of a weather freak. I like to know when the sun is going to shine and when it is going to rain. Looking back of how blessed we were with the weather last year, I have become a little obsessed. BBC Weather is my jam and with it reporting both the highs and lows, I might as well switch careers and become a weather-woman. But what has any of this got to do with today I hear your cry?

Well back to the fact that its Monday. Sunday blues were banished yesterday evening and my bedroom was an alarm-free zone this morning. Turns out BBC wre on the money weather-wise- I write this post whilst sitting in my back garden, chair slightly reclined to offer comfort, yet fully-supporting my laptop resting on my stomach. Sunnies on and I have dared to bare. In shorts I mighten add, lets not get carried away.

Everyone just seems a lot more chilled during bank holidays and the sun is just an added bonus. we spend all year round waiting for our holidays and time off work to roll on round, buying clothes only suitable to be worn when we are minus wind and rain, so it is just lovely to have the option of saying to ones self’what DO I want to weaar today?!’

Today my mumma and I partook in a british past-time, with the weather being so nice and all, and took a trip to Bents garden centre. Bents has been running for many years, but it seems it is no longer just a simple garden centre. With homeware, a falconry/eagle centre, state of the art cafe, kids play area, clothes, including Joules where I picked up this years Glastonbury/V Fest wellies, hot tubs (to buy, not try!). Oh and plants.

With the announcements of Radio 1′s Big Weekend this morning and the weather being just so perfect, I thought it was time to buy my wellies. I wanted a pair with durability and that I hope won’t split. Over the years I havent had much luck with wellies, so decided to try Joules. Cute prints with a sturdy grip and comfy fit- just what I need for all the mud. I remember at Glastonbury 2011, I swear my 2 friends and I were the only people that fell over. Each of us one by one getting stuck in the mud and passer-byers having to pull us out. Trust me that aint the one. So, not quite having the budget for Hunters I’ve gone Joules. Navy blue with a floral print.

Alls I need now is a hat- I’m thinking a straw one with a navy band, circa summer ’10. God, I loved that hat. After getting my wear out of it at Glastonbury and then again on my jollies I left it in our apartment in Zante. Memories.

So, back to today. My bank holiday weekend has been good, and we’ve establlished a little sun makes everything better. Now with a chicken salad beconing for my tea and the June issue of Glamour to be read, I think its time I got back to attempting to get alittle colour in my life and shift the milk-bottle look. Cos, that just aint good for anyone now is it?

Ruth’s Recipes: Cheese and Leek Muffins

Hello, so I’ve touched on food and recipes in the past, but I’ve decided to give food blogging a go- hence the new cheesy post title!

I’ve never really been one for baking but the company I work for does a lot of work for the NSPCC and I am the volunteered Charity Rep for our department, so when a Great British Bake Off-style competition was announced, I decided to give baking a go. With 4 categories to choose from, and not having much of a sweet tooth I opted for category D. Savoury bakes.

After having a read through my mums recipe books, one of my favourite things. I’m not a baker but a massive foodie and love reading recipe books, so digged out Jamie and Delia to see what they had to offer. Everything seemed a little difficult for a firt bake attempt so turned to Google and BBC’s Good Food page.

I settled on this Cheese and Leek Muffins recipe, as quite selfishly, I though they sounded delicious. Yesterday was my trial run and my department at work offered feedback, before the big bake competition on Friday. It was easy to follow and quick to make, so if you don’t wish to spend all evening in the kitchen, this is the recipe for you.

I followed the recipe, minus the oil as one, we don’t have vegetable oil in the house and 2, I kinda hoped they would be ok without it- and they were. When I make them again in the week I will be adding more cheese and they tasted very leeky, and the cheese didn’t really come through. They are perfect to eat with soup and spread with cream cheese to add a little moistness. However, all in all they were a good first bake and I’m looking forwarding to amended the recipe in future!

Broadchurch- Review

Broadchurch. The ITV drama that took us all by storm and became unmisssablee television and the one show I’ve been obsessed with over the past 8 weeks. It’s at this point I must advise if you haven’t watched the series and wouldn’t like to be told who dun it, then stop reading now.

From the casting, to the initial storyline- young boy found dead in small town with tight knit community. Each episode leads on from another, with every member of the community carrying their own secret and clues leading to the murderer.

The series is focused on the Latimer famiy, with youngest child, Danny Latimer found dead. We learn Mark Latimer had been having a brief affair with the local hotelier, Becca Fisher and grieving mum, Beth Latimer is pregnant. Through the first couple of episodes the Latimers are at the heart of Broadchurch.

David Tennant was fantastic casting of DC Hardy. Moody and mysterious with his own secret and the knowledge that he failed his previous murder case. We warm to him as the episodes carry on and despite his stand-offish attitude you are rooting for him to find the killer.

Olivia Coleman deserves every Bafta going for her portrayal of Ellie. Police officer working alongside Tennant, and struggling to make it as top dog whilst supporting her family- including son Tom, Danny’s bests friend.

With so many twists and turns, and the media spoiler-free each episode was a cliffhanger. The show touched on adultery, bullying and sex abuse with elder character, Jack commiting suicide after being accused of Danny’s death by the town. The scenes where he was found dead on the same very beach where Danny’s body was discovered was harrowing and touched on how much effect the media can have on peoples lives.

Another set of characters who carried intruige and mystery where Nige and Susan. Nige- a plumber who lived with him mum and worked as a plumber alongside Mark Latimer. During the opening episode he was wrongly named as Mark’s aliby, and this lead me to believe the two were involved in a gay affiar-however this is where Becca Fisher came on the scene. Nige was later taken into custody and accused of the murder. Alongside Susan.

When Pauline Quirke turns up in a drama you know she’s not just there for ’bit’ part and she certainly made her mark. A down and out woman living in the caravan park in the town with her dog, we learnt in the first episode she had Dannys skateboard and she was linked somehow to Nige. After being arrested alongside Nige, we learnt she witnessed the body being left on the beach and revealed herself as Nige’s long lost mum. Bloody hell.

Casting our mind back to Ellie’s son Tom, we discovered their friendship was strained and he was caught by the local recovering alcoholic Vicar smashing up his computer- containing vital evidence.

So, we are near the end and think either Nige is the killer matching the description of the killer- tall and bald, or Tom, Gaining revenge for his fall-out with Danny and his dad, Joe  (also bald) assisting the fall out. However it turns out the writers where cleverer than that and we were twist-bound.

In the final episode, using music to create atmosphere and tension, we discover Joe was the killer. Blinded by his love for Danny and his wish to protect him, the two had created a friendship guided by hugs which was set to shatter Ellie’s world.

Strangled to death, Joe moved the body to the beach and continued to live in the town until he handed himself in to Tennant.

The shows use of music to evoke emotion and clever twists kept us guessing, week on week. Olivia Coleman deserves all the awards for her portrayal of Ellie and the delicate, heart breaking moment when Tennant broke the news to Ellie, that it was her husband they were hunting was just epic. Believeable and sickening at the same time, I havent seen such a strong scene acted in a British drama for quite some time.

I spent the last 30 minutes of the final episode in tears, crying for these fictional characters I have taken to my heart. The final scenes have been critisced but for me it was perfect. Taking the focus back to the Latimer family and the Broadchurch community- all questions where answered with stories free to develop into the 2nd series. Fantastic television which deserves to clean up at all awards shows this year!

What time is it Mr Wolf?

When it comes to my everyday jewellery I wear a necklace and watch everyday. The necklace I got for my 21st and have added charms to it over the past 4 years- each carrying a special meaning and my watch. I think choosing a watch can be a difficult decision as it is something you wear every day and in my case, when I go out as well. It is a personal accessory and your jewellery feels like your make-up, as I feel lost without it.

My current watch is from Lipsy. Not a brand that I wear at all and never thought it was very me, but it features a gold strap with black and gold clock face. Being more of a gold girl, than silver, however tacky that sounds, I loved it.

But, it has started to scratch and look a little worn so I’ve started to look around for a new favourite. I don’t really want something that every girl on the high street has, but like I said earlier it has to be practical enough for everyday wear- enter the Branded Watch Shop.

But which brand to choose?

Now I love, but I’ve never treated myself to Vivienne Westwood pieces. The Branded Watch Shop has a great range of fashion watches, so I think it would be rude not to add a couple of classic brands to my wishlist!

In the heirarchy of British designers, Viv sits at the top and she has reigned supreme across the catwalk for years with her British themed statement designs. These two are my absolute favourites and so versitile for day and night.

*This post is  in conjunction with the Branded Watch Shop

The Kardashian Effect

Khloe Kardashian Odom. I have been a fan since I first discovered KUWTK during my 3rd year of University. After spending my younger years growing up in a house with with bog standard channels 1-5 until the launch of Freeview, the trials and tribulations of the Kardashian sisters and Jenner family was alien to me. Well until Virgin TV was introduced to my life in my 3rd year student house. Ahh memories.

But, back to the matter in hand. Khloe quickly became my favourite character. Loud, outspoken and a ‘takes no prisoners’ attitude my kinda woman some might say. She told the truth to her sisters and has a quick, witty personality and a loving relationships with the younger Jenner sisters, who are now hot on the heels of the three K’s. Kim, Kourtney and Khloe.

But, like I say Khloe has always been my favourite sister. I have been meaning to write this post for a while, but after a conversation with one of my friends whilst watching an episode of ‘Kim and Kourtney Take New York’. It was missing one thing in my opinion Mrs Odom.

With Kim’s pregnancy and choice of maternity attire dominating the Daily Mail’s side of shame at the moment and Kourtney living a happy life with Scott Disik and their two children, Khloe has slowly become the one to watch. Having always been open about her marriage to Lamar Odom, troubles conceiving and her weight, I’ve always admired her ability to be open whilst living in the public eye. But, lately she seems to have toned up, gone back to her ombre roots and looking amazing in bodycon dresses. Oh and the way she rocks headwear, namely THAT indian headdress during season 7, was just #amaze.

*All images taken from Google Images

Hairspiration

So, I know I have covered my on-going battle to find my dream hair colour on here before, but I haven’t spoken about it for a while. My natural colour is a strawberry blonde (trust me this IS a real colour), however I first started dying my hair red back in 2008 and I got hooked. I just loved having red hair and boy did I try every shade and every box dye going.

After 3 years of having varying shades of red I decided to go dark. And this where it began. After swearing I would always be red and loving it so, all of a suddden, I kind of didnt. I just didnt have a clue what colour I wanted to be- much to my poor mum/DIY hairdresser, who wanted me to go natural, but that wasnt the easiest thing in the world after spending so many hears piling dark dyes on a lighter natural colour.

This is when I started to strip. My hair that is. And this weny on for about a year, every couple of months and using the Chery Cole L’Oreal semi-permanent brown dyes. It’s somewhere around this time I decided I was ready to go back blonde. But how? Enter my first trip to a hairdresses to get some bleach added to my life. Yesterday I had my second bout of full head highlights, and I think I’m hooked. Couple of more appointments and the dark will be gone.

So, why have I told this story. Well, know my thoughts are turing to what colours I go as a blondey. Enter my hairspiration (yes, I aam trying to make that work- just go with this)

Hey Soul Sister

One of my favourite looks that I think is perfect for the weekend is a pair of pumps with skinny jeans or tights and a dress. I was 15 when I got my first pair of pink tartan high top Converse trainers and nearly 10 years later they are still going. Albeit the sole is splitting and the high top is folding over, but I loved them. Recently it seems Converse have made a comeback with every tom dick and harry sporting a pair as well as Keds, Toms and Vans being worn in a town/city centre near you.

That said, I’m after a new pair of pumps but minus the major price tag. I know this probably makes me sound like the elderly lady down the road, but when I bought my first pair of Canvas back in the Summer of ’03, they were a lot cheaper than the current 40 quid price tag I see on the high street at the moment.

However that minor grumble aside, enter Treds. I don’t really want the same pair of pumps I see walking past me in the street and Treds has a great choice of brands to choose from. With Vans, Converse, Keds and Lacoste to choose from, my wish list has just sky-rocketed!

Summer Dreaming

Long time no blog. I seem to be neglecting my blog of late, but I am trying. Honest. So, the Easter bank holiday is upon us. A lovely 5 days of work are underway and I’m off to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Palace in Manchester tomorrow for Good Friday with the girls and our mums, plus an Italian and drinks. How nice right?

I just want the Summer and Mr Sunshine to hurry up. Seeing Jagger dancing on the Pyramid Stage in June is sure to be a highlight of my year!!