Melissa Eddolls

#bristol, #food, #lifestyle, #review, #vegetarian

Turtle Bay Rum Tasting & Vegan Platter

August 22, 2019August 21, 2019 melissaeddollss

With the weather constantly changing, it is hard to know what season we are really in. There may be rain, but Summer is not yet officially over.

Turtle Bay is definitely keeping the Summer vibe alive with their Caribbean style food and cocktails. To celebrate the Summer Sound Clash Festival Tour, I took part in their Rum Tasting at the Bristol Broad Quay restaurant last week.

The event allowed us to sample the fabulous menu, along with trying out the exotic rum that Turtle Bay has to offer on a day to day basis.

The Rum Tasting event used a map of the Caribbean, to pin point exactly where each Rum is from. We then had a chance to sample the rum neat, to get a true feel of the flavour.

It was really interesting to see how the taste of Rum can be altered by mixing your taste buds with things such as Dark Chocolate, Jamaican Ginger Cake and even Oranges.

thumbnail_IMG_20190815_195510_resized_20190821_031444277

thumbnail_IMG_20190815_190217_resized_20190821_031444644

thumbnail_IMG_20190815_193417_resized_20190821_031443196

After sampling a few of the Rums, I was really interested to see what a Rum and Tonic would taste like. I am usually a Gin and Tonic kind of girl, but I must say that I was pleasantly surprised.

I tried the Foursquare Spiced ‘N’ Cranberry & Ginger Tonic. The menu describes the drink by saying “this Bajan rum is spicy & sweet with notes of peppermint, nutmeg and gingerbread.” I really enjoyed this refreshing drink and I would definitely order it again.

After trying out Rum from all over the Caribbean and finding out how it was produced, we were able to sample some food from the new menu. I am not usually sure about Caribbean food as a Vegetarian as there doesn’t usually seem to be an extensive menu on offer.

The new menu at Turtle Bay goes completely against this idea as there are plenty of Vegan and Vegetarian dishes on offer. I really loved the Vegan platter, especially the Sweet Corn Fritters and Trini Doubles.

thumbnail_IMG_20190815_212807_resized_20190821_031443586

Once we had finished our food, we were able to spend the evening sipping on more Rum cocktails and enjoying the music played by the live band.

I had such a great evening at Turtle Bay and I would definitely recommend you try it out.

@turtlebayuk

This event was gifted to me by Turtle Bay, but all opinions are my own.

#bblogger, #beauty, #bristol, #lifestyle, #review, #skincare, #summer

The Belle Beauty Barn Review

June 3, 2019July 10, 2019 melissaeddollss

As I am getting older I have realised the importance of taking time out to treat yourself to a good pamper session. Not only does it make you feel better on the outside, but I really feel like it helps you mentally. There’s nothing I love more than taking time out of my busy schedule to relax and treat myself to luxury beauty treatment.

One treatment that I really love is a facial. My skin has always been an issue for me and although it isn’t as bad as it was when I was younger, I still find it very important to give my skin a good treat with a quality facial. Not only is it great for the skin, but it also gives you a chance to truly relax and take some time out.

I recently found a new place to go to and have the beauty treatments I love. The Belle Beauty Barn is a cute little barn ran by Phoebe Edenborough. The treatments available include facials, massages, waxing, eyelash lifting and tinting, tanning, nail treatments and face mapping services. You can pretty much have the full package here. The prices are really reasonable and the atmosphere is incredible.

I spent my Sunday morning having a Dermalogica ProSkin60 Facial. Before the treatment I discussed my areas for concern and what I wanted to achieve from the facial. I explained how I have oily skin and often suffer from breakouts. Phoebe used this information to tailor the facial to my needs.

The treatment included a face masque which was so refreshing and left my skin feeling squeaky clean. I was really relaxed throughout the treatment, so much so that I nearly fell asleep.

I was very impressed with the outcome of my facial and I left with my skin glowing. It was the perfect treatment to have on a chilled Sunday morning.

After my facial, Phoebe discussed my Skin Fitness Plan with me and gave me some samples which would help me out with my skincare routine. I am really excited to use the products out and keep my skin feeling refreshed.

I had such a lovely time visiting The Belle Beauty Barn and Phoebe made me feel so comfortable and welcome throughout my time there. If you are looking for somewhere where you can give yourself a pamper, then I would definitely recommend you try out The Belle Beauty Barn. You can take a look at the treatments on offer and book yourself in here.

Thank you to Phoebe for such a lovely morning. I am really happy with the results of my facial and I will definitely be returning to have another one soon. I look forward to returning to this lovely little barn.

The treatment I received was kindly gifted to me, but all opinions are my own.

#bristol, #food, #lifestyle, #review, #vegetarian

Aluna Bristol Menu Review

May 4, 2019May 5, 2019 melissaeddollss

This week I was lucky enough to try out the newly launched menu at Aluna in Bristol.
Aluna is a bar based in the Bristol City Centre and is well known for it’s fabulous cocktails. The decor in the bar is so chic and it is definitely the perfect place for a great evening out.

After tasting their incredible cocktails, I was really excited to see how their menu tasted. The theme of the new menu is Asian infused, which is a cuisine I really love.

Whilst deciding on our food, we tried out some of the popular cocktails on the menu. I went for the Bubblegumtini and Lava Lamp, which both tasted delicious and looked amazing.

For starters I decided to go with the Crispy Vegetable Rolls. The deep fried crispy vegetable rolls were served with a delicious plum sauce. These were some of the best spring rolls I have ever tasted.

For my main I was excited to try the Stir Fried Tofu with Cashew Nut. The sauce the Stir Fry was served in was absolutely delicious. I was really pleased to find that the Tofu was cooked to perfection. This is definitely a dish I will be trying again.

Although I was feeling pretty full after eating both of the previous courses, I still managed to fit in a dessert. I mean we all have a separate stomach for dessert right?

I decided to go with the Mango Sorbet. I was really pleased with my choice as it was such a refreshing and fruity dish. The portion size was perfect and it was definitely what I needed to complete a delicious meal.

I had such a lovely evening at Aluna and I was pleasantly surprised with the standard of the food. They are definitely a lot more than just a cocktail bar.
If you’re looking for a great night out in Bristol, then I would recommend you try this place out.

I was gifted this meal by Aluna, but all opinions, pictures and words are my own.

#bblogger, #beauty, #bristol, #lifestyle, #review

Blow Dry Bar at Bloggs Salon Bristol

April 28, 2019 melissaeddollss

This week I was lucky enough to be invited along to try out a Blow Dry at Bloggs Hair Salon in Bristol.

The Bristol based Salon of the Year has now launched their own Blow Dry Bar. The idea itself was introduced by team member Maz Meech, who returned from Australia after working on the launch of a Blow Dry Bar down under. After seeing the salon become such a great success, it was only right that the concept would follow her to Bloggs Salon in Bristol.

The idea of a Blow Dry Bar is one that I absolutely love. The fact that you can just walk in and have a blow dry whenever you feel like it, is such a brilliant idea.

The salon is offering a Blow Dry membership, where clients can pay just £79.99 a month, with a joining fee of £29.99, which then allows them to have as many blow drys as they wish.

To keep things interesting, the salon also has a Blow Dry Menu, featuring ten different blow dry looks, two additional quick fix looks and a Glam in 15 mins Refresh.

The ten main Blow Dry looks are as follows:
The Hollywood Glam: Glossy, glam styled waves, this look is perfect for a night out.
The Sleek & Sassy: Idea for a chic and stylish evening or a groomed look for work. The hair is sleek and smoothed behind the ears.
The Bigger The Better: Say Hello to volume and movement!
The Boho Edge: Stylish effortless waves and a straight edge.
The Soft Touch: Think soft, smooth glossy looking curls.
The Ponytail: A timeless hair up. Choose from a stylish high or low ponytail.
The Beach Locks: Textures sea salty waves.
The Hippie Chick: A messy fishtail braid with soft edges.
The Go Halves: This half up, half down look is so fresh and on trend.
The Shabby Chic: Just the right amount of dishevelled for an effortless, sexy look.

I love how each of these looks can be incorporated to suit different hair styles and lengths. For my blow dry I decided to go for The Bigger The Better.

I am absolutely in love with how my hair looked. The blow dry lasted so well and I didn’t need to restyle or wash my hair for a good few days.

I was also given a relaxing head massage after my hair was washed which was just what I needed after a busy few days. The whole experience was incredible and I definitely left the salon feeling pampered.

It’s fair to say that this is definitely one of the best blow drys I have ever had. I will definitely be booking in again soon!

I was even treated to a goody bag which included the products that were used on my hair. I can’t wait to try them out for myself.

Thank you so much to Bloggs Salon for providing me with such excellent service. The staff at the salon are so welcoming and I loved every minute of my treatment. If you are looking for somewhere to get a glamorous blow dry, then I would definitely recommend Bloggs Salon.

The Blow Dry and products were gifted to me by the company, but all opinions and photographs are my own.

#bath, #bloggingevent, #bristol, #lifestyle

Art Bar at Abbey Hotel Bath

April 26, 2019April 26, 2019 melissaeddollss

Living in Bristol, I often spend my time visiting Bath and exploring the amazing heritage and culture that the city has to offer. With that in mind, I was delighted to hear that there was a newly refurbished addition to the city and I couldn’t wait to find out more.

The Art Bar in the Abbey Hotel has recently been renovated and completely transformed into a venue which showcases some incredible pieces of art, whilst allowing people to mingle and socialise in a great atmosphere.

The decor in the Art Bar is absolutely amazing. The textures and colours work wonderfully together to help create a fresh and contemporary vibe.

It was wonderful to be able to visit the first Redefined exhibit, curated by Bath artist Emma Taylor. The exhibit uses the space within the Art Bar to showcase some fabulous pieces by local artists such as James Nunn, Emma Trussler, Jean Farrell, Rob Highton and Emma Taylor herself.

One thing that I really love about the Art Bar, is the fact that the Art showcased within the bar will be forever rotating. This allows local artists to have a space in which they can show the public some of their amazing work.

The artwork is not just presented on the walls of the Art Bar, there are also sketch books placed throughout the bar, allowing customers to flick through some of the artists work and get a real feel for their inspiration and talent.

Along with the incredible decor and theme, the Art Bar serves some incredible cocktails. My favourite being their signature cocktail, Artistic License. This Gin based cocktail works wonderfully with the quirky and colourful atmosphere.

If you are looking for a great place to spend your evening, then I would definitely recommend you check out the Art Bar. With fabulous artwork and cocktails, this really is a place you won’t want to miss.

I was invited along to this evening as part of a gifted campaign, but all opinions and views are my own.

#bblogger, #bloggingevent, #bristol, #lifestyle, #review, #spring, #summer

The Slug and Lettuce Cocktail Masterclass

March 31, 2019 melissaeddollss

Recently I was lucky enough to be invited along to The Slug and Lettuce at the Harbourside in Bristol. The venue has recently been given a floral refurbishment and it looks absolutely incredible.

As soon as I walked through the door my eyes were drawn to the decor of this place. Being welcomed by a beautiful flower tree and the cutest gin bar was definitely what I needed after a hard days work.

I was greeted by the wonderful staff and an ice cold glass of bubbly. We were then shown to our table in order for us to get ready for our cocktail masterclass. As somebody who loves cocktails, I was really excited to see what the night would bring.

The mixologist in charge of the night was incredibly knowledgeable and very helpful. We started by making a classic Mojito. It was great to see what ingredients we needed and I am confident that after lots of practise, that I have now mastered the technique.

We then went on to make some fruity martinis which were my favourite. I really enjoyed learning how to get the perfect combination of flavours.

After learning how to create my favourite drink, I will definitely be getting the ingredients and making one at home.

After making and drinking several cocktails, it was great to be able to look around and explore the newly refurbished bar. I really loved the neon lighting and flower wall. This place is the perfect place for taking cute photos with your friends.

I couldn’t find a single inch of the venue that was not decorated beautifully. Even the toilets look incredibly detailed. I was really impressed with how different the venue looked. The theme fits perfectly with the upcoming seasons.

I had such a great evening at The Slug and Lettuce and the cocktails were absolutely incredible. If you’re looking for a place to go in Bristol, then I would definitely recommend this place. They also have 2 for 1 cocktails, so it would be rude not to!

This evening was gifted to me by The Slug and Lettuce, but all opinions and photographs are my own.

#bblogger, #bristol, Uncategorized

Kinky Boots at The Bristol Hippodrome

February 28, 2019February 28, 2019 melissaeddollss

Last night I was lucky enough to watch the incredible Kinky Boots at The Bristol Hippodrome. Kinky Boots is an award winning musical, inspired by a true story. The show follows the story of a simple gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton and how it is transformed into a fabulous factory, perfect for making the best boots a Drag Queen could ask for.

Before the show began, we were able to meet some of the cast members and enjoy a backstage tour. It was amazing to see all the costumes up close and personal. I was surprised at how high the heels really were, especially as the cast had to dance in them all night.

Being able to speak to the team behind the production was a great experience. It really helps you understand how hard they work to get everything perfect.

We were also able to find out some inside information about the costumes, including the fact that each cast member has their boots personally made to fit. Each pair of boots costs over £2,000.00, even with a price tag like that, I still want a pair!

The show itself was everything I had imagined and more. Not only is the story line brilliant, but the actors did such a great job and the whole performance was flawless.

The choreography and singing was one of the best I have seen yet. This show is definitely one that will get you moving as the entertainment and sass flows right through the audience.

Kayi Ushe plays the role of Lola, the fabulous drag queen who becomes the designer of the famous red boots. Kayi portrayed the character in such a great way, it would be hard not to love Lola.

The atmosphere in The Bristol Hippodrome was just what you want when you are watching a such a fabulous and funny show. I absolutely loved watching Kinky Boots last night, I wish I could go back and watch it all again.

The show is touring until November and they are in Bristol until Saturday 9th of March. With tickets still on sale, you still have a chance to see it. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Tickets can be purchased on their website here or by visiting the Bristol Box Office.

#ad #gifted

#bblogger, #beauty, #bristol, #fashion, #lifestyle

Jo Malone Hand and Arm Massage

January 28, 2019January 28, 2019 melissaeddollss

Doesn’t everybody need a pamper every once in a while?

Last week a friend and I headed down to our local Jo Malone in Harvey Nichols, to try out their complimentary Hand and Arm Massage.

After a long day at work, we were both ready for a good pamper.

I absolutely love Jo Malone. I don’t think that there is a scent of there’s that I do not like. With that in mind, I was excited to try out this service and see if there were any new scents that I could try.

On arrival we were greeted with some lovely chocolates and fresh lemon water. We then had the chance to go through some of the scents that they thought would best suit us.

My favourite Jo Malone scent is usually Pomegranate Noir, but this time I decided to go with something a little different. The scent I chose was Velvet Rose and Oud. This was a more musky scent than I would usually go for, but I absolutely loved it.

The massage started off with the Velvet Rose and Oud Shower Oil. This Shower Oil felt incredibly light and left my skin feeling silky smooth.

After my skin was all lathered up and clean, the Velvet Rose and Oud Body Creme was massaged into my skin.

I felt really relaxed after this, I nearly fell asleep! After using both of these products, my skin smelt delicious.

The treatment was then topped off with a spritz of the Velvet Rose and Oud Cologne Intense.

After our treatment was over, we were given some samples of the products that were used on this. This was great as we were able to repeat the routine at home.

I had such a lovely time visiting the Jo Malone counter. If you haven’t tried out their complimentary services before, it is something I would definitely recommend.

#bristol, #food, #lifestyle, #review

Quay Street Diner Roast Dinner

January 27, 2019January 27, 2019 melissaeddollss

Last week I was lucky enough to try out the new Roast Dinners at Quay Street Diner in Bristol.

Quay Street Diner is a Californian Diner, offering brunch, lunch, dinner and cocktails. Their unique selling point is the fact that they are all about live fire cooking. Their diverse menu uses local ingredients to create delicious dishes inspired by tastes from across the world.

My boyfriend and I were really excited to try out their menu, especially as we both love to spend our Sundays stuffing our faces with a good Roast Dinner.

Whilst we waiting for our food to arrive, we decided to taste one of their Bellinis. I absolutely loved them. It really is just what you need on a Sunday afternoon.

For our food, I chose the Lenti, Butternut, Cashew and Chestnut Roast. This option was Vegan and was served with some delicious vegetables and gravy.

It’s fair to say that I really enjoyed my dish. The Nut Roast was incredibly tasty and most importantly it didn’t feel too dry.

After enjoying our mains we decided to take a look at the dessert menu. I decided to chose the Chocolate and Coconut Tart, which again was a Vegan option.

Not only did this dish look amazing, but it was really yummy. The Strawberry Coulis worked perfectly with the chocolate and I was really surprised that this dish was actually Vegan.

We really enjoyed our time at Quay Street Diner. Not only was the food spot on, but the atmosphere was also great. We will definitely be returning soon!

This meal was gifted to me in collaboration with Socialight. All opinions and photographs are my own.

#bblogger, #beauty, #lifestyle, #makeup, #review, #skincare

All That Glitters – December Glossybox Review

December 14, 2018December 14, 2018 melissaeddollss

After being pleasantly surprised with last months Glossybox, I decided to try out the Christmas Edition. This months box contains five full size products, along with an extra treat. The products in this box are designed to make you feel prepped and fabulous for the magical Christmas season.

The first thing I love about this edition is how festive the box looks. The red and gold design is everything I love about Christmas.

The first product in the box is a Fantasy Icons Cosmic Unicorn Shower Gel from Imperial Leather RRP £1.99. The shower gel doesn’t have a very strong scent, but it does leave your skin feeling soft and sparkly.

The Cosmic Pink Ruby Glitter Peel Off Mask by Vitamasques RRP £4.99 was the next product to catch my eye. The mask states that it is designed to revitalise and firm the skin. I cannot wait to try this mask out. With it being pink and glittery, I couldn’t think of anything better!

This edition contains three makeup products. One of these being the Doucce Relentless Matte Lip Crayon in Winterberry RRP £16.95. I absolutely love the colour and texture of this crayon. The shade is perfect for the party season and it is really long lasting. This is one of my favourite products by far.

The second makeup product in the box is a Shimmer Roll from Bellapierre Cosmetics RRP £19.99. This product is so pigmented. It is in a Champagne colour and I can’t wait to cover my face in it.

The last makeup product in the box is a Liquid Jelly Blush in the shade Bali by Niko Pro RRP £12.00. I’m not a big fan of using a blush in my usual makeup routine so this isn’t really a product that I will be using.

The extra treat inside this months box is The Incredible Pore Strip by Maybeauty RRP £3.50. I absolutely love pore strips and I cannot wait to get this one on my face. I regularly use pore strips on both my nose and chin as they are the perfect way to get rid of blackheads.

I have really enjoyed opening this months Glossybox. I think that the products inside are definitely worth the price of the subscription box and I cannot wait to try them all out.