A/W Trends With British Vogue

I'd say sitting front seat with a glittery chocolate strawberry, fruit on sticks, and a fresh smoothie at a Vogue event in collaboration with John Lewis over at the exquisite side of Leeds that makes me feel more affluent and superior than I actually am, is most definitely a peak of my blogging experience.

A few weeks ago now I was invited down to a group conference with the lead fashion experts discussing the newest, upcoming trends, what's hot and what's not, the key pieces you need in your capsule wardrobe, and the tips and tricks on how to seasonal style like a pro. Ellie, the fashion feature editor of British Vogue was our talker for the evening and was on hand to showcase her favourite autumn/winter transitional garments she'd picked up whilst racing round the second floor of womenswear like she was on supermarket sweep (the ideal dream, tbh.)

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.

Heal Spa Harrogate: The New Place To Be

Healing. It takes time, it takes patience, it takes strength and it takes caring for yourself tentatively. With the newest spot in the tasteful town of Harrogate that process can be made easier to manage as it mixes beauty and relaxation with health, medical and wellness treatments. Heal Spa not only looks as though you've stepped foot into an interior dream but it provides the enriching therapy designed to rejuvenate your body into a dreamlike state!

Emmerdale Studio Experience

If you would've told me my two worlds - the deeply invested in a 7pm soap side of me and the supposed adult who likes to post my thoughts, feelings, and adventures online side of me - would have collided during my blogger journey, I'd have looked at you with nothing but bemusement perched upon my face. But it seems nothing is impossible as a fair few weeks back now my dream event was advertised alongside many other people informing me of my idealisation (which I had to laugh about). Of course I jumped on the opportunity as quickly as possible and was kindly invited along to step in to a tour of the behind the scenes action whilst secretly trying my best to not expose myself to a bunch of people who definitely don't dedicate their evenings and entire life to this programme (says the person who shamelessly kept shouting out the answers to the questions asked, ahem.) 

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).

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.

Going natural with Neal's Yard Remedies

How can you say no to natural beauty, wondrous products filled with therapies meant to heal and soothe, a holistic nature, do good attitude, plenty of friendly welcoming, platters of vegan food, delicious brownies, healthy shakes (or a glass of prosecco in my case), flowers upon flowers, dreamy interiors, bright white warm lighting and the opportunity to gain some well needed knowledge (as well as taking up the already cramped space with my eager photo shooting)? When I was asked along to a small blog event at Neal's Yard Remedies in the Victoria Quarter - a place I often do some luxury window shopping in - I couldn't not pop down for an hour to see the notion behind a store I've never really delved in to before.

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: cocktails, pizza and pool at Slate NQ

The last time I visited Slate NQ it was a rowdy and rather exciting launch night so when I was invited back to have a sample of the real Slate experience of food, drink and entertainment a few weeks back, I was thrilled and just couldn't say no! 

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!