Tune In, Switch Off, & Relax with Joy

Joy - a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. That's what the dictionary defines but it also deemed true in actuality, on a crisp Wednesday evening in Leeds city centre a few weeks back. I remember paying numerous visits to the old Joy store in The Light back when I was a teen; the quirky tea dresses and the tongue-in-cheek gifts being right up my street - and with a timely tour of the modern version I discovered nothing has changed since it moved over to their bigger and better Northern flagship store. The brand has kept its signature niche of glamour and edgy clothing tailored to suit playful personalities (think vintage style Cath Kidson meets Urban Outfitters) and quite frankly, with all its glory, it is just a great big bubble of joy.

Jamie's Italian Leeds: Super Lunch Menu

It's no secret that I'm partial to a good Italian dish. In fact, if I had to make an ultimate decision and eat at the same restaurant for the rest of my life it would have to contain a menu filled with Italian cuisine; no ifs, no buts. I shouldn't be thinking about pizza, pasta, bread specialities and fresh cuts of meat after a hefty indulgence on holiday but that can't be avoided when looking back on my complimentary visit to Jamie's Italian on a pleasant, sunny day last month.

Pastille Beauty's 3rd Birthday Celebrations

Up until last week I hadn't attended a blog event in a good couple of months so to become reacquainted with an invite to 3rd birthday celebrations at a popular Leeds' salon surrounded by lashings of prettiness, I've never felt so honoured. I've always heard so much great feedback from Pastille Beauty Bar, a place of pleasure and pampering located in the award winning Granary Wharf development (or as I call it, the posher part of Leeds) yet - to my shock horror - I'd never stepped foot in there for any treatments.

Cielo Blanco Leeds: The New Menu Launch

"Why the hell have I never thought to come here before?" - no word of my lie, that was my first thought a couple of weeks back as I entered the restaurant I so quickly disregard during my regular Trinity shopping trips. Even before the food arrived I knew this was gonna be one of those unforgettable dining experiences as I strolled past the beautiful outdoor terrace and into the vibrant, lively atmosphere where I was shown to the large table at the back set out immaculately ready for the lucky samplers of the evening (VIP style at its best). There's plenty of places in Leeds with the familiar indoor setting but Cielo Blanco is definitely on the higher end of the scale. Their interior is flamboyant retro meets traditional and cultural, with striking designs, printed tiling, exposed brick walls and funky, industrial features - plenty of prettiness to meet the eye, and perfect for someone who loves a backup of Insta photos to grace your feed with a pop of colour  (like me, obvs). Not to mention, having first class access to the view of the outdoor balcony where I was seated; the pride and heart of Leeds in sheer view. Already I felt comfortable, zoned and in the mood for some bladdy good grub!

My Yorkshire Blow Dry Experience

I get to visit some pretty awesome places courtesy of this little online empire of mine but an hour and half of my time spent on leather seating staring back at my illuminated reflection is without a doubt the most elated I've been to get home and write up all the positives that made last Wednesday a cheery day indeed. I was lucky enough to be booked into Yorkshire Blow Dry - a brand new blow dry bar exclusive to Leeds, located slap bang in the heart of the city - readily available to treat you to the ultimate pampering experience for any occasion. As I was already in town for a later food tasting event (which was another exquisite encounter may I add) I decided it'd be the perfect opportunity to have my mane tamed, refreshed and transformed before I head off to eat my own body weight in Mexican food. Pure bliss!

Leeds Lush Spa Event: Tales Of Bath and an introduction to Spring

It's no secret Lush blogger events are my ultimate favourite pastime on a hump day night; with the VIP feel, the welcoming warmth of the staff and uncountable opportunities to worship the array of colourful and irresistibly influencing bath, hair, body and skin collections. SO, when another opportunity arose to attend my second Lush Spa therapy insight for their new treatment 'Tales Of Bath', as well as awing in the #LushSpring range, how could I possibly turn it down? (truthfully, that ain't ever gonna happen).

Leeds Food and Drink: There's A Mr Nobody In Town

And the award for the coolest name in restaurant branding goes to... 

Another new addition to the circle of eatery and cocktail fuelled places in Leeds City Centre, Mr Nobody replaces the popular Rare steak restaurant that located on Lower Briggate, directly next to Lambert's Yard and if the launch night I was so kindly invited to last week is anything to go by; this friendly scene ideal for all ages, families and all, will prove to be just as welcomed. The logic behind the name was pretty straight forward - John Farrar, the chef who has worked for no less than 11 Michelin starred restaurants hated the idea of featuring his own name in the title and replied to a suggestion with the response "Who am I? I'm Mr Nobody!" - and there you have it, problem resolved plain and simple. 

Life: new menu tasting at Black Swan Leeds

The first time I visited Black Swan was for the Leeds Xmas Meet back in December. Before this, I'd heard so much about the delicious food on top of a traditional rustic pub meets industrial city vibe yet I'd never been to try the tantalising tastes. Luckily, I was kindly invited back there to trial their new February winter to spring menu and I wasn't disappointed! Black Swan has such a lovely, warm feel to it; with the cosy dimmed lighting (albeit not great for a non-high quality camera), friendly service and wooden interior. You're instantly welcomed on arrival and in such a handy location, it's the perfect unwinding venture for a classic sit down meal with grade A chef skills. That was my conclusion at the end of a rainy Tuesday evening last week.

Christmas in Leeds City Centre

It's rare I get the chance to explore and appreciate my own city, or maybe it's purely down to choice because I'm so familiarised with its surroundings that I just shake it off as being ordinary. It's easy to forget all the exquisite details of somewhere you've lived all your life but it's also great to get out there and refresh your mind to a more open state of discovery and admiration. I'm always so busy concentrating on a certain aspect of my hometown instead of a whole, so much so that I can often overlook the authenticity and the general northern vibe.

Life: La Redoute Northern Bloggers Christmas Party

If you've been keeping up with my blog (which I'm very thankful for if you have), then you'll know I attended one of two blogger events a couple of weeks back. The first was Leeds Xmas Meet, then a hurried bus ride home, quick spruce up, and a race with manic crowds through Leeds on a Saturday evening, next up was the La Redoute Christmas party exclusively for Northern bloggers. An event dubbed towards the non-central London bloggers? Yipee indeed!

#LeedsXmasMeet - a bloggers' dream day out

Just over a week ago (how time flies!) I attended a huge event I'd been looking forward to for so long now (I feel like it was 'thee' event of the year). If you're a Northern blogger and haven't seen, nor paid any attention to the hashtag #LeedsXmasMeet over on Twitter then I assume you're just as unresponsive as I am most days but we'll talk about that some other time. Organised by the fabulous Rhianna, a local blogger I met a few months back now and continue to see in this formed Leeds blogger circle, Leeds Xmas Meet was basically descriptive by title. A bloggers meet up in the heart of my hometown with 70 people coming from all over the M62 side of the country (and maybe even further, who knows?). Filled with fun, festivity and general chit chat, it was a chance to meet and greet some old and new faces whilst getting into the Christmas spirit and raising some money as we go along.

Life: the Lush Leeds Spa event

Is it normal to squeal when an invite to a Lush event reaches your inbox? Probably. Because let's face it, when is Lush not exciting? Especially at the start of December to kick the festivities off with a bang. They never ever fail to impress and I was thrilled to be attending my first Lush Leeds Spa event (I've visited a Lush store event before but not the central Leeds one which made it even more anticipating). It was the fastest yes I've replied and upon joining lots of other 'VIP' bloggers (some regulars and some newbies) in a formed queue it was clear to see the feeling was mutual!

The Hedonist Project: Liquor & Whisky Parlour

It's hard to keep track of the new bar openings in the centre of Leeds, so much so that it's hard to choose between so many great venues. However, what makes The Hedonist Project different is its flagship, pop up notion - every 3 months it will change direction and focus on one variety in particular - adapting the name, the decor, the menu, and the highlighted alcoholic beverage. Unfortunately I missed the last two; Hogarth's Gin Joint and The Rum Shack beach bar in the summer, but was lucky enough to head to their launch of their freshly furnished Whisky and Parlour bar a couple of weeks back now - AND to make a situation even better, The Hedonist Project now has a permanent premises on Lower Briggate, slap bang in the middle of Leeds City Centre, making it a popular location for people to call in and enjoy a drink (and a snack) on a cold, winters afternoon. Refined and now serving food alongside their spirit collection - there's no excuse not to pay them a visit. 

The launch of Leeds Fashion Initiative

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the launch of LFI (Leeds Fashion Initiative), a programme that marks the beginning of a long awaited, ambitious journey to create opportunities, re-establish Leeds as an international centre of fashion and regenerate the city's fashion, clothing and textiles industry. The stationary Leeds City' Museum was taken over by a passionate fashion frenzy catwalk show filled with delightful, distinctive, independent fashion brands bringing in importance from all areas; from journalists and celebrities, to bloggers, and keen fashion insiders.

Life: moving to Cuba at Revolucion De Cuba, Leeds

Ignoring the pelting rain outside, last week I was fully in holiday mode as I headed down to the brand new Revolucion De Cuba bar restaurant situated on the famous Call Lane in Leeds. Long story short, there used to be a sectioned part of the ordinary Revolution bar based around the Cuban style fiasco and now, they've brought the almighty to a whole different environment (and a brilliant one at that).

Life: the Bar Soba black card Leeds launch night

With the dark, winter nights drawing in, it's becoming a barrier for a blogger who relies on natural lighting (like moi). However, when a venue comes to life with outdoor warmth shining through it becomes even more difficult to capture the essence in its finest hour of glory.

Life: Aquascutum and Issa launch event at Lambert's Yard

After being on a mini blog event hiatus, I jumped back on board this week at the ever so lovely Lambert's Yard to celebrate the launch of two exclusive brands, Aquascutum and Issa which will be available in the shop this season marking Leeds as being the first place to stock anywhere out of London! With the likes of the Duchess of Cambridge herself sporting the marque, it was bound to impress (and that it did).

Life: The Body Shop - Spa of the World event

If I had to pick only one stand out blog event host it'd always be The Body Shop, so I couldn't think of a better place to be on a rainy Friday evening back in August. This time, it was in aid of the super glorious new Spa of the World range which is inspired by traditional spa treatments from all four corners of the globe. The collection focuses on providing you with a luxury spa experience but without the hefty price tag and from your own home comfort!

Life: food menu tasting at Mojo

Being a blogger has its perks, and one of the biggest perks is being exclusively invited to menu tasting events (even if my dodgy sensitive stomach does say otherwise). A good few weeks ago now I headed down to Mojo, a famous Leeds debut that shockingly (due to my lack of drink-sociable lifestyle), I've never visited before. From word of mouth, it's known as the hidden gem you go to dance on tables at 4am so adding food to their seriously cool dive bar vibe can only mean one thing - even more fun!

With the bar solemnly based around music; framed artwork, portraits, vintage tickets and a huge Beatles feature gracing the walls, it was totally up my street (apart from the fact good ol' Paul McCartney's eyes were strangely and creepily pierced out). The small but quaint room also has an American vibe to it, the seating areas being face to face diner booths, the wooden interior and the bar being brightly lit with all drinks on view. I was ashamed I'd never set foot in there before!

Upon arrival, I was taken into the bar with welcoming guidance, an offering of some drinks and some seriously tasty coated popcorn snacks. Although there were some serious funky cocktails on hand, I stuck to my boring roots and settled for just a glass of water (which proved to be the sensible idea for the flavoured food about to make its way forward). After spotting some local (and not to mention my favourite) fellow bloggers, I took my seat at the crowded (and eagerly hungry) table with my camera in hand and a few friendly casual chats later, Mal, the food creator himself introduced the starters. We were handed trays filled with a choice of mac and cheese balls, beer battered pickles, quesadillas, and chipotle mayo and tequila sauce on the side. All three were nothing like I'd had before but I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed them all. The pickles were surprisingly nice and as a non-beer lover, can confirm they weren't too strong. The quesadillas had a mixture of vegetables which were ever so flavoursome BUT the mac & cheese balls were certainly my favourite, the added jalapeno gave them just the right amount of delicious juiciness. 

More or less straight after, the anticipated stand out mains were brought to our stupidly excited selves. The feast included two burgers; The Achiote which was a mexican pork burger, and The Veggie which was made up of a beetroot and bean burger, complete with a ravishing garlic mushroom, three lots of assorted chicken wings, and just to balance out the high amount of unhealthiness (and to somehow make us feel less guilty), some celery sticks with a blue cheese dip. As I'm so fussy with cheese, the dip was a little too sour for me but it didn't stop me from getting stuck in to the rest on offer. 

I'm not a huge burger eater, it's not something I'd choose to have at home but the amount of brilliant burgers I've encountered as Leeds have expanded their range of servings has built up my love for appreciating a good double whopper. These two were definitely that. The only meat I usually eat is chicken, I don't like pork and I did hesitate before I took a bite but it turned out this pork was something else. The jalapenos and squeezed lime sitting in with the soft, tender meat amounted to a great spice tasting - and the bearable, not the 'my mouth is on fire, someone please hose me down' kind. I'm not a vegetarian as such but I am a picky meat eater so the veggie burger was perfect! It wasn't too bland and the succulent layered mushroom completed the warmth. Combining with Mojo's signature hot sauce gave the burgers the WOW factor and really brought the distinctive flavours together. 

For the chicken wings there was the Mojo Louisana No.1; a crispy serving, Mojo Luisana No.2 which were once again coated with the ever so delectable and tangy secret hot sauce and finally, the weirdest, most abstract but so unique it works, PBJ which stands for peanut butter jelly/strawberry jam (yes, you heard right). I'm not the biggest fan of chicken wings as I think they're sparse and not as tasty as a breast of chicken so I was a tad apprehensive but these were amazing and I savoured all three despite their differences. The seasoning of them was obviously cleverly thought through and they didn't fail in meeting my tastebud needs; especially the ones I turned my nose up to begin with. The peanut butter wings were oh so very nutty and oh so very yummy. I'd definitely recommend! 

Whilst we were enjoying our meals, we were also able to sample some drinks. I'm not too keen on classic ale and the Camden Pale confirmed my dislike. However, the pinot wine was lovely and sweet. I just loved how Mojo made it far from ordinary, they mixed things up and made it appropriate for everybody!

Although I was so full I could burst, I did the traditional gesture of raising an eyebrow when the mention of dessert happened. The rum and ginger chocolate brownie and ice cream, and The Barrel Aged Shake - a bourbon with maple syrup, vanilla and ice cream may or may not have stole the show. The brownie was gorgeous - just the right amount of dense and moisture and the zest of ginger made it more devouring. The milkshake was extremely rich but addictive, I'm now all for alcoholic milkshakes! Despite being in a heavy food coma, the finishers of the day - Mojo's own chocolate truffles - made a successful and scrummy ending.

The whole evening was fabulous. The atmosphere was so laid back and friendly; the service was flawless, the staff were seriously passionate about producing the best and were genuinely ensuring we had a great time. The amount of incredible food they cooked up for us was so generous and the setting was so right; from the small details such as the Mojo voodoo dolls on top of the burgers and their signature slogan printed on the hand wipes, they really make it their own scene.

Without aiming to repeat myself, I'm not an extraordinary experimental food lover and always stick to the same options back home but dining at Mojo's changed my mind, allowed me to push myself to challenge and try something I'd normally back away from, and it transformed my opinion. Huge thank you to both Mojo and SLB PR for the invite, for the complimentary hot sauce and voodoo dust (which I can't wait to try out) and compliments to the chefs for boosting my mojo (pun definitely intended). I'll certainly be heading back there sometime soon!

Have you eaten in Mojo before? If you're based in Leeds and are looking for somewhere to go for this last bank holiday of the year, Mojo is part of the Merrion Street Festival. With live music, entertainment and fantastic food and drink, I'd definitely urge you to check it out! 

Bridie x

Life: Paul Mitchell's Ultimate Big Night Out

It seems like years ago since I attended my second Paul Mitchell event when actually it was only the beginning of last month. The evening of tips, tricks, tutorials and tasteful treats took place in the same venue; a cosy little suite in the swanky Quebecs Hotel. As it was two days before my holiday, I was mega stressed, panicky and had a dozen errands but knowing this was another joint Paul Mitchell/New CID Cosmetics event - and with how much I enjoyed myself last time - I just couldn't possibly say no and managed to squeeze in an hour of so of hair and beauty chatter and experimentation before I had to dash off.

Arriving in a cosy lit room (and avoiding the rain by literally a second, yay!), I was greeted with some familiar friendly faces, delicious canapes, a gifted glass of prosecco, and then the lovely Sarah briefed us on what the evening will bring. Unfortunately, the stylist was taken sick at the last minute so there were only one singular pair of hands to create some simple hairdo's but that didn't bother me as 1) I wouldn't be around for long (sad face) and 2) any pampering to the hair with more professional and long lasting equipment is a job well done in my eyes.

I couldn't help but admire how neatly set out the tables were, which makes a blogger's task much more easy (we all know that re-arranging to suit our camera angles problem!). With everything popped into place, the new hair range on show for us to appreciate and some pretty flowers to decorate the room some more, it really set the scene on what was to be a brilliant night. 

As previously mentioned, New CID Cosmetics made an appearance to the ultimate girly night and all kinds of makeup was further displayed on the centre table. I'm only familiar with this brand as I learnt so much about (and fell in love) with the products they had to offer from the last event but this time my warmth increased! There was everything, from the famous light up lipglosses, baked blushes, bronzers, highlighters, their own super gorgeous makeup brushes, and even some new releases. 

This time, there was an extremely talented makeup artist ready to get down to action and trial the products up, close and personal. The fabulous James (who is part of the New CID team) has 10 years experience and with his informative knowledge, helpful advice, and deep passion for his job, the radiance shone through. He knew what he was doing and wasn't afraid to show it! Listening carefully (and being seriously enthralled) to what he had to say taught me some handy insider beauty secrets. Demonstrating his guidance step by step - James spoke about everything from swatching, to skin tones, to skincare routines, and even took the time out to kindly answer any hesitant questions we had. I was particularly fond of his expert advice on colour matching foundation to your chest instead of the usual back of the hand/jawline combination to ensure the pigmentation of colour from face to body are friends and not enemies! He also went into depth about SPF in base products and how to avoid them for occasions where photography is key. With a family wedding coming up this weekend, I've held on to the thought greatly! Nobody wants a white, shiny face; especially not me and my over oily skin.  

After a quickfire round up of his insanely interesting beauty background, James was eager to give an insight into his skills to one volunteer who so happened to be Kariss from Shy Strange Magic. During the process, he explained the benefits to each product as he went along and pointed out certain areas of the face and specific highlight points. He also gave us the chance to pass each product round and have a feel, a smell and a look. By the end of the 'makeover', Kariss looked like a glowy goddess. The i-perfection foundation was flawless and along with the soft toned cheek colours, really boosted her complexion. 

Before I left, I was all ears for Sarah who introduced and talked us through the main concept of the night; the fresh, new hair care range Ultimate Color Repair which has now slowly but surely become my favourite luxurious treatment everrr. We all know how over-colouring your hair can form damage, brittle ends and cause dullness so I have a feeling this is going to be a saviour for many women. Both the shampoo and conditioner contain the power of quinoa which is said to lock in hair colour, restore luster and reverse the signs of damage. You can't argue with the statistics - '8% less breakage, 9 weeks vibrant colour, 59% and 86% less thermal damage' and from first usage I can confirm it's a total miracle worker. 

Upon leaving, I was generously given my very own Paul Mitchell goodie bag packed with a miniature version of the Ultimate Color range containing shampoo, conditioner and a triple rescue spray, topped with a beautiful rose gold hair brush and another mirrored lipgloss to add to my collection. With my holiday being right around the corner, the travel pack was perfect for me and as both Sarah and I concluded, couldn't have arrived at a better time. The harshness of the heat and the sun can wash away colour and cause breakage to those precious strands but this really does bring it alive and make your locks more manageable. On the couple of times I used it whilst I was away, I have never felt my hair that soft and bouncy (almost mermaid representative). It not only looked shiny and naturally refreshed, but it smelt absolutely divine and now I'm pining for the full sized products.

My short but sweet night at Quebecs was packed with so much educated fun and I had the best time. Thank you so much to Sarah for my invite. Despite how busy I was, I'm so glad I didn't miss out!

Have you ever attended a Paul Mitchell event or tried any of their amazing products?

Bridie x