TWINKLE STYLE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE

Stylish Stay: Merchant City, Glasgow

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:05:00 +0000

Merchant City is Glasgow's most stylish area; with high-end boutiques such as Mulberry and Ralph Lauren. Last week we stayed here at luxury serviced apartments, the Fraser Suites; which have recently relaunched after a refurbishment.

We stayed in a one-bedroom apartment which comprised of a small entrance hall, a bathroom, bedroom with king size bed, and a living room with built-in kitchen area.

Photography of Glasgow street signs and landmarks filled the apartment and our floor's corridors. The design was modern and stylish; with lots of luxurious touches in the fabrics and decor.

The bed was spacious and extremely comfortable, and the portable fan provided was very handy as we like to be quite cool at night. Despite the bedroom window being right above one of Glasgow's busiest traffic areas- the Trongate- we heard nothing with the window closed.

The bathroom's power shower was an excellent way to wake up, and had a wide spray and easy temperature adjustments.

We found having a kitchen area very handy too. The fridge was perfect to keep wine and other treats cool.

Our room came with continental breakfast, and as it was a serviced apartment, we expected breakfast to be delivered to us by being left on a tray or in breakfast bags outside the door during the night. We didn't expect to have to leave our apartment for breakfast; but we did. Breakfast was served buffet style in a tiny basic room two floors down on the first floor, and sadly this was not at all what was expected. I'd recommend just bringing your own breakfast with you and using the kitchen in the apartment. This is the only downside to this otherwise stylish and luxurious establishment.

The next day we had lunch across the road at the fabulous Cafe Gandolfi on Albion Street. We cannot rave enough about this restaurant. It is as passionate about quality food and Scottish produce as you can get, and the service is fantastic.

For starters we had their famous Stornoway Black Pudding served with mushrooms and a pancake (£7.50). It was a combination to die for. The pancake was perfectly cooked- thick, light and fluffy; and the spice of the Stornoway Black Pudding worked well with the sweetness of the mushrooms. We could have eaten it all day.

The owner Seumas MacInnes has also written The Stornoway Black Pudding Bible, which has other amazing recipe ideas for this now protected delicacy, and is available from Amazon.

After the starter, which was quite filling and could easily be a lunch on it's own, we had Peat Smoked Salmon (£) and the scallops special. There is a scallops special on the menu almost every day, and they were exquisitely cooked and amazingly fresh.

The Peat Smoked Salmon is served with brown bread and a slice of lemon. It's perfect simplicity puts all the focus on the quality of the fish, and was an excellent choice to follow the heavier black pudding starter.

The atmosphere of Cafe Gandolfi is so relaxed and laid-back, and its rustic wooden decor highlights its ethos of getting back to the basics of good local ingredients. It is a must-visit place for lunch or dinner in Glasgow.

S/S13 Top Sunglasses Trends

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:55:00 +0000

Sponsored Article

No S/S outfit would be complete without a pair of glamorous sunglasses, but in a fast-moving industry it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of ever-changing trends. If you read fashion magazines or follow big eyewear brands like Luxottica or Ray-Ban on Facebook you might have a pretty good idea what's hot this season. If you instead are struggling to identify the latest sunglasses trends, have a look at the guide below; with so many different styles to choose from, you are bound to find the perfect on-trend pair to compliment your S/S wardrobe.

1. Rounded frames

Acne

Retro-style round frames have set both the corrective eyewear and sunglasses markets on fire this year, becoming a common feature of designer collections across the world. Designers such as Acne, Jil Sander and Holly Fulton have been creating round frames designs in a variety of colors and sizes. Though very much on-trend, round frames are not the easiest look to pull off, so ensure you select a model that flatters your face shape and skin tone.

2. Unusual shapes

Though round and cat eye frames have been very popular on the S/S 2013 runways, there has also been a move towards more modern and innovative styles from designers like Fendi, Marni and Versace. Their striking multi-sided, angular frames in bold, electric colors are very unusual and will add an instant style accent to any outfit.

3. Cat eye frames

Ray-Ban

Cat eye frames have been another hugely popular retro trend for S/S 2013 that appears to be here to stay. With a distinctively feminine feel, these frames can add a touch of retro glamour and sophistication to any S/S outfit. With the likes of Jason Wu, Anna Sui and Erdem leading this retro rediscovery, the cat eye frame is fast proving to be one of the hottest trends of 2013.

4. Decorated frames

Want to make a fashion statement but not sure about choosing a new frame shape? In that case, the decorated frames featured at Prada, Anna Sui, Roberto Cavalli and Stella McCartney should do the trick. From feminine flowers and metallic embellishments to animal print, a decorated frame will certainly spice up any outfit this Spring/Summer.

5. Protective eyewear

Michael Kors

Probably one of the boldest trends of 2013, the protective eyewear movement has been led by designers such as Michael Kors and Tracey Reese. These oversized, wraparound frames, often in a variety of electric colors, give S/S outfits a casual yet sporty feel. For those feeling brave, this is an excellent way of injecting a touch of excitement into your S/S wardrobe.

From round and cat eye frames to multi-sided and decorated frames, the hottest sunglasses trends for S/S 2013 are both exciting and pioneering. With bolder and subtler trends available, choosing the perfect pair of summer sunglasses to accent and glamourize your S/S wardrobe should not be too difficult!

Coronation Street Wins In The Style Stakes At BAFTA Television Awards 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:12:00 +0000

The BAFTA Television Awards took place last night' and whilst Eastenders took the award for the best soap; it was the Coronation Street cast who were miles ahead in the style stakes. By far the best dressed on the red carpet, here's our top 3...

In the top spot it is Catherine Tyldesley who looked stunning in a long lace gown by Azagury. The coral shade was bang on trend this season, and the tight cut of the dress really flattered her figure. Her hair was styled by Sean Nolan from London's Sean Nolan Hair salon.

Number 2 is Michelle Collins; whose bright yellow Gorgeous Couture dress and perfectly complimenting clutch bag really brought a touch of Summer to the event. Her simple sleek ponytail, styled by Jack Thirlway of London's Neville Salon, went perfectly with her simple elegant gown.

Number 3 is Paula Lane, who was the epitome of elegance in a classic black Sve Couture dress. She really suits the halterneck style, and her up-do (by Richard Phillipart from Cheshire's Boutique Salon & Spa) made sure to show it off. We love the glamourous embellishments, and that touch of a classic red lip from Art Deco make-up artist Scott Beswick.

Photo Credits: BAFTA

Summer Sandals

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Sun, 12 May 2013 13:59:00 +0000

It looks like our extended Winter is over, so it's time to look after your feet and get scrubbing, moisturising and nail painting to look your best in these fabulous Summer sandals...

Glasgow Feels The Beat Of Hairspray

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:13:00 +0000

The Hairspray UK tour danced into Glasgow this week, and are making the city feel 'the motion of the ocean' until 18th May.

The line-up of this comedy musical with heart includes Waterloo Road's Mark Benton in role of Edna, Eastenders' Lucy Benjamin as Velma von Tussle, XFactor's Marcus Collins as Seaweed and amazing newcomer Freya Sutton as the figurehead Tracy Turnblad.

The show is spectacular with excellent vocals from all of the cast (especially Sandra Marvin as Motormouth Maybelle, whose voice really touches the heart); and slick choreographed dance moves. Plus, the brightness of the set and the costumes adds a real party atmosphere.

It tells the story of Baltimore schoolgirl Tracy Turnblad whose dream it is to dance on local TV's The Corny Collins Show. When the chance to audition comes up, her short and plump frame makes her the figure of fun. With help however, from her dancer star crush Link Larkin, she gets her chance, and becomes an overnight sensation. It's the beginning of the 60s' so it's time for change! Not only has Tracy got herself, a regular non-traditional beauty, on TV, she now sets her sights on stamping out the white and black segregation at the TV network, so that everyone can dance together. See the show to see how she gets on, and whether she can get super-cool and popular Link Larkin to fall in love with her.

This is such a feelgood musical, and Mark Benton really steals the show with his comedic timing. Catch it at the King's Theatre (tickets range from £23.50 to £53.40) before it moves on to the Birmingham Hippodrome.

If you are seeing the show in Glasgow, and want to make a night of it, we recommend dining at nearby restaurant Red Onion; which is owned by ex-private chef to Bryan Adams and Tina Turner, John Quigley. The restaurant serves modern interpretations of classic Scottish cookery, and they have an excellent pre-theatre menu with a special treat just for Hairspray ticket holders- a complimentary glass of Prosecco with the £16.95pp 3-course menu.

Red Onion has a bright and welcoming atmosphere, styled with pine and red flowers.

We reviewed the food on the menu last week. There is such a great variety of options to choose from. As starters we had the Chicken liver parfait with oatcakes and red onion marmalade, and the Crispy goats cheese salad with plum tomato chutney. The portions were plentiful; but just right. The chicken liver parfait has a lovely sweetness to it, and the goat's cheese had a delicious crispy coating and soft centre.

The main courses were cooked to a high standard, although were slightly different from what the menu described in the case of the Penne with chicken and chorizo (which is now off the constantly evolving menu). The sauce and combination was delicious; but there were so many large pieces of red and spring onion that it was the most prominent ingredient. Not an onion lover, I would have preferred this main ingredient to be listed on the menu next to the chicken and chorizo, so that I could have asked for it without it. So if there is something you really don't like, check if it's in there.
The other main course we tried was the Steak frites with peppercorn sauce. This is the first time I have ever seen a restaurant serve the peppercorn sauce on top of the actual dish as opposed to in a jug on the side. The steak frites dish is great; but if you are getting this, make sure you ask for the peppercorn sauce seperately, otherwise you'll end up with very soggy fries.

For dessert, we enjoyed the Hot chocolate brownie with vanilla ice-cream; which was very moreish and delicious. We particularly loved the thick creamy high standard ice-cream that came with it. We also tried the Arran smoked cheddar with fruit chutney and crackers; which is an excellent dessert course for those with not that much of a sweet tooth.

All in all, it is great value for £16.95; especially for Hairspray ticket holders who get the complimentary glass of prosecco. To book Red Onion, or view the menus, visit www.red-onion.co.uk.

Beauty Buys Of The Month

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Mon, 06 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

The hottest beauty products to spend your money on this month...

1. Oriflame Lip Impact Crayon, £8.95, Oriflame
These super-smooth lip crayons are highly pigmented, and give excellent long-lasting coverage. It's high impact colour with just the right amount of shine.

2. Shavata Brow Perfector, £19.50, Shavata
This contains three different shades of brown eyebrow cream, so you can mix the perfect one for you to shape and fill. We love making our brows darker and more dramatic at night with it too. It's made the list this month as it's versatile, and is the perfect companion for perfectly groomed brows.

3. Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette, £20, Debenhams
This handy mirrored palette contains a fantastic bronzer, highligher and blusher. Use them seperately, or sweep a mix over your face for a healthy Summer glow.

4. Borealis Rose & Lavender Moisturising Body Tonic, £18.50, Borealis Natural Skincare
We adore this cooling, refreshing and relaxing body lotion. It has great soothing skin benefits,and is great at moisturising dry skin with its natural Vitamin E and almond ingredients.The perfect luxury treat before bed.

5. Shu Uemura OB UV Under Base Mousse (Pink), £29.00, Shu Uemura
Part of a limited editon collection, this pink shade is perfect for fairer skin, and is a great make-up base to minimise pores, reduce redness, and even out the skin tone. It works so well, and it's a great light mousse texture.

Get Freebies From Virgin Holidays and King Mojo!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:49:00 +0000

Virgin Holidays have sent King Mojo out across the UK to give away freebies and spread some 'mojo', as Virgin Holidays describe as "that feeling when you're living life in full-spanking technicolour". Who doesn't want some mojo in their lives, and some free treats?!

Tomorrow (Wednesday 1st May), King Mojo is in Glasgow spreading the love...

Get down to the Avenue G coffee shop on Byres Road at 8am. King Mojo will be giving the first 100 people that come through the doors, free teas/coffees and breakfast rolls. To get your free breakfast you need to follow @virginholidays on Twitter to see a special #mojo photo that you will need to show on your phone.

Then, at 7.30pm, he'll be at The Grosvenor Cinema on Ashton Lane giving the first 100 people in the queue a free ticket (and bag of yummy popcorn) for the 8.15pm screening of Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper's new film A Place Beyond The Pines.

However, if you're not in Glasgow tomorrow, there are still plenty of ways to get involved and win some fantastic prizes. Every tweet you send which includes the hashtag #mojo and tells Virgin what boosts your mojo, will unlock prizes via the online Mojovator and entire you into a prize draw to win some amazing VIP prizes courtesy of Virgin Holidays.

For full terms and conditions, visit http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/mojo/terms/.

The Luxury List

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:21:00 +0000

Decorative Victorian Walnut Antique Cheval Mirror, £1450, Driscolls Antiques
This gorgeous decorative carved mirror from around 1880 is the perfect glamorous way to check your outfit is just right. It has pretty leaf detailing, and is made of light walnut that's been carefully wax cleaned by antique experts and dealers Driscoll Antiques.

Alice & Olivia Giulia Embroidered Silk Organza Jacket, £680, Harvey Nichols
This stunning delicate jacket is perfect as a Spring/Summer cover-up. It features an on-trend floral print, and will look equally as beautiful teamed with a pair of jeans as it would with a little black dress.

Gerard Darel Saint-Germain Leather 24 Hour Bag, £310, Ma Boutique
This year Gerard Darel celebrates the 10th anniversary of its 24 Hour Bag. It has long been a celebrity favourite, and a must have design for every handbag-lover's collection.

Sunglasses With A Twist

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 09:00:00 +0000

The sun is starting to show its head now, and that means it's sunglasses season. We can all wear the classic tortoiseshells; but if you really want to make a statement this Summer, we've picked out our favourite quirkier shades...

Personalised Champagne Flutes From GiftsOnline4U

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:42:00 +0000

GiftsOnline4U have a wide choice of champagne flutes for personalised engraving that will suit all tastes, budgets and occasions. There are over 60 choices in the online store. Personalised champagne flutes are a great gift for just about anyone to receive. Most of GiftOnline4U's champagne flutes come in beautiful satin-lined presentation boxes too; so they can be a gift to treasure for a lifetime. Some people like to use their glasses, and others like to keep them as a memento. With GiftOnline4U's engraving service, there is also the ability to change the text colour, text size and text font also; making it truly a unique item to receive.

Purple Champagne Glass In A Gift Box, £20.99

This is the perfect stylish choice for the fashionista in your life. She does not need two glasses, as champagne is always her drink of choice. She drinks it on her own quite happily, and it's a great add-on to a relaxing bath or pampering session.

Engraved Champagne Flutes With White Butterflies, £33.99

This pair is perfect for a couple with a stylish home. Those with a French Chic theme will adore these glasses which will perfectly complement their decor. Buying them a couple of sets as a house-warming present would allow them to entertain in style.

Personalised Bride and Groom Champagne Flutes In A Gift Box, £29.99

These are the perfect wedding gift. On the first glass is a sketch of a groom, and on the second is a sketch of a bride. All you need to do is add their names and their wedding date (as these glasses can be personalised in two places).

Personalised 18th Champagne Glass With Pink Star, £19.99

What better way than for a girl to enjoy her first drink that with a) champagne, and b) in her own personalised glass. The pink stars make this a truly girly affair.

Personalised Happy 40th Champagne Flute In A Gift Box, £19.99

An ideal way to show someone you care about that life really does begin at 40. Get them a bottle of champagne too, and get the party started!

Personalised Champagne Flutes With Silver Plated Heart Stems, £39.99

This unique design is perfect for a young couple who have just got engaged, had a bady or moved house. The stems are modern and sturdy. They are champagne glasses with a twist.

There are many choices you can make of what to engrave on the glasses- a date or names for a wedding gift, a short message for Valentine's Day, or a quirky phrase such as 'There Can Never Be Too Much Champagne' for your best friend's birthday. The choices are endless, and they all make a gift that is thoughtful and personal.

GiftsOnline4U is the place to go for personalised champagne flutes!

Hot Buy: Anna Smith Floral Print Handbag From Missrage.co.uk

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:00:00 +0000

This is the perfect bag to update your Spring and Summer wardrobe as it adopts both the current floral and pastel trends. It would look great during the day with jeans, and at night with a little black dress. It's available for £42 from Miss Rage London.

Missrage.co.uk also stocks a whole range of fabulous catwalk-inspired women's clothing, so hop over and snap up this bag and other goodies.

Birds Of A Feather Tour- The Birds Are Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 22:00:00 +0000

With scrunchies back in fashion, and the ladies of hit sitcom Birds of a Feather back on tour, the 90s are coming back with a vengeance.

Pauline Quirke (Sharon), Linda Robson (Tracey) and Lesley Joesph (Dorien) are in Glasgow at the Theatre Royal until this Saturday 20th April, with their unmistakable humour that set the TV show alight two decades ago.

The three of them recreate their famous characters so we can see how they are fairing now. To be honest, it's so comfortable and the humour is so natural that it's hard to believe they have been away for so long.

In addition to the stalwarts, there are younger additions to the cast, including Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson's real-life sons; who alternate with another young actor in the role of Tracey's son Travis.

The sisters are still sharing a flat, their other halves are still in jail, and sexual innuendo still sticks to Dorien like glue. If you loved the BBC sitcom, you'll adore this chance to re-live it. Catch it before it disappears!

Theatre Royal Glasgow

Tue 16 – Sat 20 Apr

Tue - Sat eves @ 7.30

Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm

Tickets: £15-£27

Box Office: 0844 871 7647 (Bkg fee)

www.atgtickets.com/glasgow (Bkg fee)

For more tour dates and locations, visit www.birdsontour.com.

Scottish Style Sensation Tallia Storm In LA

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:09:00 +0000

www.talliastorm.com

Scottish singing and style sensation Tallia Storm hit the US last week and rocked Los Angeles.

www.talliastorm.com

Styled by the incredibly talented 16-year old stylist Tessie Hartmann, Tallia appeared in a series of show-stopping outfits during her performances for the likes of AXS Live, ClevverMusic and Sweetyhigh.com; where she performed her own songs 'Vampire Night' and 'Our Love Should Last Forever'.

She also showed her status as an upcoming fashion icon in an exclusive photo shoot with Unleash'd Magazine; which will be out in May.

Neon Jewellery

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:18:00 +0000

If you're not brave enough to go full out with the neon trend this SS/13, a piece of neon jewellery is an elegant way to still make that statement...

Mood Statement Crystal Cuff, £15,
Pink Embellished Bib Necklace, £14.99, www.newlook.com
Glam Stone Earrings, £16.50, www.topshop.com
Asos Multi Jewel Drop Earrings, £12 www.asos.com
Fisherman Friendship Bracelet, £18, www.bonniebling.co.uk
Stone & Spike Ring, £8.50, www.topshop.com

The Luxury List

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:45:00 +0000

Marc Jacobs Too Hot To Handle Tote, £375, www.harveynichols.com
Astley Clarke Duck Egg Star Shower Bangle, £225, www.astleyclarke.com
Karen Millen Metallic Collection Sandals, £125, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Beauty Buys of the Month: Make-Up & Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:45:00 +0000

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream (SPF 30), £28.00, www.johnlewis.com
This CC cream from Clinique has the most spectacular colour-correcting benefits, and will even out and perfect your skin tone, whilst also hydrating it and protecting it from the sun (which greatly helps with anti-aging). You can wear it alone or under foundation; but with its fabulous colour-correcting abilities, we haven't needed any foundation on top!

Superdry Kabuki Brush, £14.00, www.superdry.com
Cool clothing brand Superdry not long ago launched a beauty line, and their Kabuki brush is amazing. It's such high quality and super-soft, and gives even and full coverage with all types of powders.

Maybelline Dream Smooth Primer, £8.99, www.superdrug.com
This refreshing gel formula primer feels so good and light on the skin. It smooths the skin's texture and blurs imperfections to create the perfect base for foundation.

New CID i-shimmer, £18.50, www.newcidcosmetics.com
This fabulous and handy double-ended highlighter has a brush on one end, and a highlighter on the other. Apply it to your cheekbones and browbones, then blend with the brush, to instantly lift and add light.

Davines Sea Salt Spray, £13.85, www.salonskincare.co.uk
Ever wondered how to create that effortless tousled beach hair? This is the answer. You can spray it on wet or dry hair then work and twist your hair with your hands to create the waves and texture you want.

Beauty Buys Of The Month: Skincare

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 08:33:00 +0000

1. La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water, £7.50, www.boots.com
Instantly cooling and soothing, this thermal spring water spray has anti-irritating properties. It's perfect for soothing and softening skin after being in the sun, and guards against skin aging too.

2. Eve Lom Dynaspot, £22, www.evelom.com
This wonder product targets those annoying spots that crop up without warning. Dynaspot contains naturally soothing antiseptic ingredients along with Salicylic Acid to get rid of spots quickly without drying out the skin. What's great is that it has a universal skin tone tint, so you can use it under or over your make-up as soon as you see that blemish appearing!

3. Bioderma Sensibio H2O, £9.99 (250ml), www.escentual.com
This gentle cleansing solution is hot topic at the moment, and it definitely lives up to the hype. It's formulated for sensitive skin, and will wipe make-up and impurities clean off without taking away any of the skin's natural moisture, or affecting the pH balance. It's quick and easy too!

4. Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil, £39, www.aromatherapyassociates.com
First of all, 10% of the proceeds from the sale of this goes to Foundation Defence Against Cancer. This bath oil was designed by Aromatherapy Associate's Co-Founder during her treatment for cancer- a time when she most needed inner strength. It contains Clary Sage, Frankincense, Cardamom, Vetivert and Geranium to focus the mind, relax and balance emotions. It is simply divine.

5. Seascape Unwind Bath Foam, £16, www.seascapeuk.com
This soothing bath foam is 100% natural and so gentle on the skin. It contains Jersey Lavender and Ylang Ylang to relax and ease tension. It smells amazing, and is pregnancy safe too.

Fat Face Opens At Glasgow's Buchanan Quarter

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Fat Face

Fat Face have just opened a brand-spanking new store in Glasgow's latest shopping centre, the Buchanan Quarter. The store has a real rustic wooden feel that emphasises the quality and sturdiness of the clothing.

Fat Face

Fat Face's offerings for women are casual, comfortable and beautiful clothing that suit all weathers and terrains. We particularly adore their ditsy floral and nature prints; and have picked our favourite Fat Face SS/13 offerings that you just have to have for the hopefully forthcoming sunny weather...

For information on the Buchanan Quarter, visit www.buchananquarter.co.uk.

Afternoon Tea Review: No.11 Cadogan Gardens, London Chelsea

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:23:00 +0000

Luxury boutique hotel No.11 Cadogan Gardens is tucked away just behind Sloane Square, in the opulent residential streets of Chelsea. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, No.11 Cadogan Gardens is a decadent and eccentrically designed property that more than lives up to its 5-star status.

When we entered the hotel, we were amazed at it's dark atmosphere and busy Victoriana-style furnishings. There are hidden corners, obscured staircases and narrow corridors filled with photographs and antique treasures just waiting to be discovered. It has all the looks of a very exclusive establishment; but has very friendly and welcoming staff; especially the doorman.

We settled down for Afternoon Tea (£22 per person) in the Drawing Room just off of the reception. It's opulent cream decor was a marked contrast to the deep reds and blacks of the foyer rooms and corridors.

After choosing our teas (we opted for the non-adventurous; but delicious English Breakfast Tea), our cake and sandwich stand arrived.

The top layer had cupcakes, miniature chocolate cakes, and the highlight of the whole event- miniature creme brulees. Underneath were the most amazing freshly baked scones in both fruit and plain. It is so good to see this option being given; as so often it is just fruit scones (the curse of a sultana-hater). Along with the scones came a nice selections of jams and clotted cream.

The bottom layer of the stand contained a large selection of delicious sandwiches; including smoked salmon and cream cheese, mature cheddar, and ham with mustard. The sandwich selection varied quite considerably from what was advertised on the menu, and were presented without warning of this, so be aware if you are hoping to experience a particular variety.

We were suitably stuffed and could not finish everything. The baking is of excellent quality, and we would most definitely return- even just for the creme brulees alone. Afternoon Tea is served in the hotel from 3pm-5pm, and more information can be found on the hotel's website www.no11cadogangardens.com.

Restaurant Review: Naga, London Kensington

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:35:00 +0000

Down a side street off of High Street Kensington is a little piece of culinary heaven. Naga is a Pan-Asian restaurant serving fresh authentic food and signature cocktails.

The restaurant is popular with everyone from families with children, to the Made In Chelsea cast; and is smart and relaxed at the same time. The dark lighting, and well-separated tables make it a great place for a quiet and private meal. The staff are attentive; but not overly so, and the prices are excellent given the quality of (and amount of) food provided, and its central London location.

When we were there, there was a family of 6 with young children, a couple on a romantic date, and a group of friends in their sixties all enjoying dinner and the surroundings; showing the versatility of Naga.

The manager is very friendly and hands-on, and keen to recommend dishes that he thinks his customers would enjoy. We were recommended the Garlic French Beans side-dish (£7.50) as a must-try, and they were delicious and plentiful.

For our starters we tried the Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce (£7.50) and the Chilli Salt Prawn (£7.90). Both were full of flavour and fresh herbs and spices.

For our main courses, we went with the classic Vietnamese curries. The Thit Bo Kho (Vietnamese Mild Beef Curry) (£12.00) and the Vietnamese Chicken Curry (£8.90) were taste explosions. They were packed with so many flavours and spices that went perfectly together in the rich sauces, and the meats were tender and juicy. We could have eaten them all night.

Naga also has a fabulous cocktail menu with asian-inspired twists on classic cocktails. We tried the Watermelon Martini which was so refreshing, and was great at cleansing the palette from the richness of the flavours in the food.

Overall, Naga has a great environment, and serves fresh quality food at very reasonable prices. We will definitely be returning.

Naga, 2 Abingdon Road, Kensington, London, W8 6AF Tel: 02077956060

In Cinemas Now: Oz The Great and Powerful

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:04:00 +0000

Disney's hotly anticipated movie Oz The Great and Powerful hit cinemas today. This visually-spectacular, gripping and humourous film is a prequel to the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz; and is a must-see for all fans of the Emerald City and Munchkin Land.

Disney’s fantastical adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful,” directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved character, the Wizard of Oz. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.
When small-time magician Oscar Diggs (James Franco) pulls one flimflam too many, he finds himself hurled into the fantastical Land of Oz where he must somehow transform himself into the great and powerful Wizard—and just maybe into a better man as well.

Last week we attended a press conference with the cast and director Sam Raimi; where they discussed the difficulty of 17 hour days doing wire work, and the importance that stepping into the costume made in developing their characters.

Sam Raimi also talked about having to learn how to film in 3D, and how this movie is very much made out of a love of and appreciation for the original Wizard of Oz.

Have a look at this behind-the-scenes movie about the creation of Oz and its inhabitants; then get down to your nearest cinema to catch this masterpiece in 3D.

The Best Products For A Perfect Flawless Base

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:43:00 +0000

We have chosen our favourite products at the moment for creating that perfectly flawless and natural-looking base...

Primer

Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector, £26.00, www.clarins.co.uk
If you have any skin discolorations, or a dull lifeless complextion, this is your perfect product. It boosts skin radiance and evens out your skin tone to create a great even base to apply your make-up.

Liquid Foundation

Shu Uemura Face Architect Mousse, £34.00, www.shuuemura.co.uk
This light frothy mousse provides excellent coverage, and is so easy to apply with a foundation brush. It's mousse texture makes it easy to blend, so you aren't left with any of those dreadful foundation lines. The mousse also spreads quickly; making it one of the fastest foundations to apply that we have ever seen.

Pressed Mineral Foundation

CoverFX Pressed Mineral Foundation, £31.00, www.houseoffraser.co.uk
This gives you great natural-looking coverage, and is easy and mess-free to apply when using a complexion brush. You can build up the level of coverage you require by just applying more and buffing well.

Powder Mineral Foundation

Inika Mineral Foundation Powder, £27.50, www.inikacosmetics.co.uk
This loose powder is great for light coverage, and looks completely natural. Use a kabuki brush to apply, and lightly buff across the face.

Concealer

2True 3-in-1 Concealer, £1.99, www.superdrug.com
This is one of the best concealers we have ever come across; and at a great bargain price too! It conceals dark circles and blemishes well, and acts as a skin brightener with it's light reflecting properties; which makes it a dream for tackling tired bags under eyes!

Foundation Brush

Eco Tools Foundation Brush, £7.99, www.boots.com
This bamboo brush is great quality, long-lasting and easy to clean. It feels great on the skin, and blends foundations easily.

Finishing Powder

e.l.f. High Definition Translucent Powder, £6.00, www.eyeslipsface.co.uk
This is a fabulous powder for setting your finished make-up without your face looking like it has powder on it. It leaves a lovely sheen, and just makes your skin look ten times better.

Oscars: Best Dressed

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:36:00 +0000

No.1: Naomi Watts- Nominee for Best Actress for The Impossible
The cut of this Silver Armani Prive dress is so flattering, and different. It really stood out for us on the red carpet, and suited Naomi Watts perfectly. Her Jimmy Choo Vibe Platform Sandals were a great match
too, and her textured up-do hair style by Gianna Andrea, and delicate make-up by Pati Dubroff was beautifully elegant.

No.2: Charlize Theron- Award Presenter
This white strapless Dior Haute Couture gown with peplum waist shows off her gorgeous curves. The simple colour and bare neck suits her new pixie-cut hairstyle, coloured by Tracey Cunningham, well; and extra glamour was added with gleaming Harry Winston diamond bracelets. Her stylist Leslie Fremar did a perfect job.

No.3: Adele- Winner of Best Original Song for Skyfall
Adele's classic and elegant Jenny Packham black lace and embellished dress (which weighed 15 kilos) suits her figure so well, and we love seeing sleeves on the red carpet. The focus was very much on her hair and make-up, and the dark eyes that her make-up artist Michael Ashton created using Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill #6 eyeshadow, Maybelline Gel Liner in Black and Lancome Hypnose Mascara were captivating. The fact that her hair was down for a change was a huge plus point also.

Photo Copyright: WENN, WENN, Getty

Nail Art Favourites

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:25:00 +0000

Nail art was all over the catwalks of New York, London and Milan fashion weeks. From pastels, to neons and quirky patterns; nails are big this S/S13. We're making March all about our nails, so we've picked our favourite nail design products of the moment...

Beautycycle Nail Wraps, £27.85 (for all 3), www.amway.co.uk
We love these nail wraps as they are easy to apply, give great results and last well. Our favourites are the black and white design Wind.

Topshop Nail Art Pen, £6.50, www.topshop.com
These nail art pens feature a super-thin pointed brush to draw patterns on your nails, and some gems to embellish them with. We love the white, and it looks great on top of the current trend of neon nail varnish.

Rococo Nail Apparel in Satin, £12.00, www.lookfantastic.com
These nail varnishes come packaged in the most gorgeous boxes, and provide great long-lasting coverage. Our favourite is this bright candy pink shade; which is one of the top colours this season.

China Glaze Razzle Me Dazzle Me, £11.95, www.nelly.com
This amazing black and gold glitter top coat transforms any nail varnish. We fell in love with it the moment we applied it.

O.P.I Oz The Great & Powerful Collection, £11.50, Available Mid-March at www.opiuk.com
O.P.I's collection inspired by Disney's Oz The Great and Powerful contains some amazing glitter top goats, and textured polishes. It's just a shame there wasn't an emerald green. Our favourites are the sand-textured 'What Wizardry Is This?', the light delicate 'I Theodora You, and the glitter-tastic 'When Monkeys Fly'.

Oz The Great and Powerful at London Fashion Week

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Pearson-Smith) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:53:00 +0000

This past weekend, the fashion from the most anticipated film of the year, Disney's Oz The Great and Powerful, were shown at London Fashion Week; showing that in 2013, the Emerald City is the place to get your style inspiration from.

The event with the British Fashion Council featured the stunning costumes worn by the likes of Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz in the film; alongside an exclusive Oz The Great and Powerful shoe collection (on sale from early March) designed by Nicholas Kirkwood for Selfridges.

Oz The Great and Powerful is released in UK cinemas on 8th March; but we will be attending the press junket in London at the start of the month, and will bring you all the news from that.

For more information on Disney's Oz The Great and Powerful, visit the film's Official Website.