#bblogger, #beauty, #bloggingevent, #bristol, #catwalk, #lifestyle, #makeup, #review, #skincare, #summer

Dior Backstage Collection

August 11, 2018 melissaeddollss

You may have seen me post a lot lately about the new Dior Backstage collection. I recently had the chance to attend their product launch evening which was amazing. We were able to preview the products, along with watching a live demo of the products being used.

After falling in love with this range, I was excited to be able to have the look demonstrated on myself. The Dior counter in Boots, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, invited me down to have a one to one make-up masterclass using the Backstage Collection and of course I jumped at the chance.

The Backstage Collection is a range designed for the catwalk. All of the products are long lasting and work beautifully with flash photography. There is definitely none of that horrible flash back when wearing these products.

Prep Time

When I sat down for my make-up lesson, we discussed what type of look I usually go for. I explained that I like a full coverage foundation, with a dewy glow. We decided that we would also go for a smokey eye look, but one that you could get away with wearing in the day.

Before any of the make-up products were applied, my face was prepped with Dream Skin. This product is multi-functional as it can be used a moisturiser, anti-ageing cream and even a primer. By using this product underneath my makeup, I was able to get the desired look to last all day long.

The Makeup

The foundation used on me was the Backstage Foundation in 2.5 Neutral. This foundation is amazing as it is sweat proof and waterproof. It is a buildable foundation leaving it up to you to create the texture and shade you desire.

The bronzer used to contour my face was the Dior Backstage Contour Palette. This was beautifully paired with the Dior Bronzer in 03. The glow on this look was incredible and it was created by using a range of the highlighters in the Backstage Glow Palette.

For the eyes we used the Backstage Warm Neutrals Palette, blended in with a fluffy brush to create the desired effect. The Backstage Brows Pallette was also used on my brows in the shade light.

For the lips which are my absolute favourite, we use the Backstage Lip Palette as a base, with the Lip Maximer in 002 on top. I love the Lip Maximer as it can be worn as a gloss on it’s own, or over the top of another shade. You definitely see a difference when the product is on as you get a natural fuller look.

Finished Look

I was really pleased with my finished look. All of the products work really well together and you can get such an amazing outcome when experimenting with them.

The girls at the Dior Counter in Boots, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol are all extremely helpful and friendly. If you’re looking to try out the products then I would definitely book yourself in or head down to the counter for a chat.

#bblogger, #bristol, #food, #lifestyle, #summer, #vegetarian

Dangun – Modern Casual Asian Dining in Bristol

August 1, 2018July 31, 2018 melissaeddollss

If you’re somebody who loves going out for tasty food, then Bristol is definitely the place for you. Last week I visited Dangun, a small asian restaurant based on St Nicholas Street, Bristol.

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On arrival I was given the chance to watch a Kimchi workshop. Kieran, Dangun’s head chef demonstrated how to make Kimchi from scratch. Kimchi is homemade spicy fermented cabbage which can be made with either fish sauce or vegetable sauce. Kieran used the vegetable sauce in order to accommodate vegetarians like myself. He also explained to us that you can get your desired taste from Kimchi by fermenting it for as long as you wish.

I had the chance to taste three versions of Kimchi which had been fermented for five days, ten days and also fifteen days. I found that the Kimchi which had been fermented for fifteen days taken the best. It was less sour than the others and had a much more savoury taste to it.

After digging in to some tasty Edamame Beans, Asian Coleslaw and Pickles, it was time to have our starter. The starter I chose was the Toppoki. This dish consists of Korean Rice Cakes in a Spicy Gochujang Sauce. There is a lot of heat in this dish which works perfectly with the flavours and textures. The portions in Dangun are huge and I this starter alone could have filled me up. I would happily have this as a lunch dish.

The main dish I chose from the menu was the colourful Deopbap Tofu and Mushroom Rice Bowl. This dish was as delicious as it looks. The ingredients were incredibly fresh and filling. I really loved this dish and I am looking forward to trying it again.

I was so impressed with my meal and I was really surprised at how reasonably priced the menu is. The atmosphere in the restaurant is very relaxed and welcoming which is always a great feature to have.

If you’re looking for a small restaurant away from the big chains in Bristol then I would definitely recommend you give this place a try. The staff were really friendly and the food was absolutely delicious.

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

HarSPA Bristol Launch: Relaxation at its finest.

July 29, 2018July 29, 2018 melissaeddollss

After spending the past few weeks moaning that I was in desperate need of a Spa Day, my prayers were answered as I received an invite to Bristol Harbour Hotel to celebrate the launch of their HarSPA Products.

As much as I hate to admit it, before attending a Blogging Event I usually spend hours picking the perfect outfit and ensuring my hair and makeup looks good. With this is mind, I was feeling extremely nervous about baring all and wearing a swimsuit in front of everyone.

The most daunting thing for me was the fact that I would spending the day with no makeup on and my hair all messy. It wasn’t until the morning of the event until I realised how silly this was. I woke up excited for the day, with no makeup on and embraced the natural look. I ended up feeling really empowered and super confident.

Bristol HarSPA

I had previously been to the Bristol Harbour Hotel before, but I had never ventured down in to their spa facilities. The decor of the place is incredible and the scent throughout oozes relaxation. The Spa is based under the hotel and truly is a unique experience.

On arrival we were greeted with some fluffy robes and slippers, which are always a must for a spa day. After this we had a chance to have a wander around the Spa and take in how beautiful the place was. We then headed down to the Vaults to have our HarSPA Product talk and tester experience.

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HarSPA Products

We had a chance to test out some of the facial products in the HarSPA range and I loved with them all. HarSPA products use naturally sourced botanicals and marine elements. All of the HarSPA treatments, along with the products are aimed at immersing the mind, body and skin in purity and calm.

After giving ourselves a mini facial with the HarSPA range of facial products, we were then given the chance to relax in the Swimming Pool, Sauna and Steam Room before having our chosen HarSPA Treatment.

Please excuse the post sauna glow on my face.

HarSPA Treatment

We were each given the chance to try out one of the luxury HarSPA Treatments. After much consideration I decided to pick the HarSPA Invigorating Back Pamper which was a 55 minute treatment.

This treatment was absolutely magical. It started off with an invigorating sea salt scrub which is used to increase circulation and remove dead skin cells. This step alone left me feeling like a new woman.

The treatment then allows you to enjoy a bespoke back massage, tailor made to focus on areas of concern, working to loosen and tighten muscles. This part was my favourite. It really helped release any tension I had and left me feeling as light as a feather.

The treatment then concluded with a detoxifying back mask, used to unclog any nasty impurities, along with a soothing scalp massage which really does send you to sleep.

Lunching in the Vaults Room.

After we were all finished with our treatments, it was time for lunch. It lovely for us all to get together and discuss how well our treatments went. It was great to see how happy everybody was.

We were served the tastiest spread and I definitely stuffed my face with plenty of avocado and tomato on toast. Our lunch was served with a glass of prosecco and we were then treated to some fruity desserts to finish.

I was really impressed with the food served at this event and I would definitely recommend you check the catering out if you have an event coming up soon.

I had such a fantastic time at this event and I left feeling completely relaxed and stress free. If you are looking for somewhere to spend your next Spa Day then I would definitely recommend Bristol HarSPA.

The building itself is stunning, the location is perfect and the staff were lovely. Thank you to Bristol Harbour Hotel for having me.
I will definitely be returning soon!

Uncategorized

Thirty Nine Desserts Cardiff

July 22, 2018July 22, 2018 melissaeddollss

I recently had the chance to attend the opening of Thirty Nine Desserts Cafe in Cardiff. I absolutely love desserts, but with so many dessert cafes opening I wanted to find out if this one would be any different.

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As soon as I walked in to this cafe I was impressed. The decor of this place is so glamorous and fresh, it felt like I was walking into a trendy cocktail bar.

This feel was captured throughout and even the menus were beautifully presented.

The size of the menu really impressed me as they do almost every dessert you can imagine. I was impressed to see that there were many Gluten Free options, and even a few Vegan options too.

The main Vegan option was this Fruity Sorbet Sundae which was incredible. It is the perfect treat for a hot day as it is incredibly refreshing.

They also do a Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream which I sampled and it tasted delicious!

I also had the chance to try out Mango Fruit Kick Mocktail. My mouth is watering just thinking back to it. It one of the tastiest drinks I have ever had.

The staff at the cafe were incredibly friendly and helpful. When ordering your food you can even choose to make your own dessert. I decided to go for the Strawberry & Belgian Milk Choc Waffle. The portions at Thirty Nine Desserts are huge and I couldn’t believe my eyes when this dessert arrived.

The fresh hot waffle was served with warm Belgian milk chocolate sauce, fresh cut strawberries and chocolate sprinkles. In other words, it was my idea of heaven.

Everything that is served from this cafe is beautifully presented and made to perfection. If you’re looking for a unique and classy dessert experience, than I suggest you head down to Thirty Nine Desserts on Queen Street in Cardiff and try this place out.

Just writing this post has made me incredibly hungry and I will definitely be returning here!

@39desserts

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

A night with Jewel Street – The Florist Bristol

July 1, 2018July 3, 2018 melissaeddollss

This week I was lucky enough to be invited to a fabulous event in connection with Jewel Street. The event was in order to celebrate the brand and introduce their SS18 Look Book.

Jewel Street is a brand that supports independent jewellery designers by giving them an online platform to promote their hand crafted and quality pieces. Jewellery from Jewel Street has been spotted on several celebs, with the likes of Cardi B, Khloe Kardashian and Rihanna to name a few.

The event was hosted by the fabulous Karina Marriott who made us all feel incredibly welcome. She did a fantastic job at introducing us to the brand and the different designers they work with.

It was great to hear about a brand who create unique pieces of jewellery that can be personalised and created to your choice.

I really love seeing somebody be passionate about a brand, as it allows you to put your trust and faith in them. Karina did a brilliant job with this and I couldn’t have imagined a better host for the evening.

The venue for the event was The Florist Bristol. This worked well as the beautiful jewellery matched perfectly with the decor. Throughout the evening we were also given the chance to try out the delicious cocktails supplied by The Florist.

I love being able to watch their cocktails be created. The taste and presentation of the drinks at The Florist is always very fitting with the floral theme.

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I had such a lovely evening finding out about the brand whilst mingling with like minded bloggers and jewellery lovers.

If you’re looking to find yourself that special piece, then I would definitely recommend you check out their site which can be found here.

You can also use my unique discount code MELISSA15 to get yourself 15% off!

xox

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

Thatchers Tasting Event – Pasture Bristol

June 13, 2018 melissaeddollss

I was recently invited along to a Thatchers Tasting Event which was held at Pasture Bristol. The weather on the day was beautiful, which was the perfect match for tasting some ice cold ciders.

On arrival we were given a glass of the Family Reserve to taste. At first this could have easily been mistaken for champagne or prosecco. The bottle itself is one usually linked with a sparkling wine.

I absolutely loved the taste of this cider as it was incredibly refreshing and looked almost too classy to be a cider.

After meeting everyone, we were seated and handed out our menus. Pasture were kind enough to prepare separate menus for those who had special dietary requirements.

All of the dishes were paired with a carefully selected Thatchers Cider. I was extremely happy to receive my vegetarian menu as all of the dishes sounded incredible.

The first dish was the Tempura Jalapeno, served with lime and cream cheese. The heat of the Jalapeno was perfect for me. The cider paired with this dish was Thatchers Katy. The combination of the two worked really well together.

The second dish was Forgotton Onions En Croute with Summer Squash, paired with Thatchers Haze. Thatchers Haze is a drink I absolutely adore. It isn’t the conventional cider and it is one you could drink any time of day.

We then went on to try the Smoked Beetroot Tartare and the Truffle Mac & Cheese, both of which were incredible. I could eat whole bowl of the Truffle Mac & Cheese as it was so beautiful and cheesy!

These dishes were paired with ciders that I had not tried before. The Thatchers Vintage was definitely my favourite drink. I can already tell that I will be buying a few more bottles for the summer. It is such a light cider to drink it goes down very well.

I also had the chance to try out Thatchers Red Streak and Thatchers Old Rascal. Both of these are ciders that I wouldn’t usually pick, but I am so glad I had the chance to try them. Although they are darker coloured ciders, they are both so refreshing and I couldn’t believe what I had been missing.

We ended the evening with a Hazlenut Eclair paired with Thatchers Summer Vintage. Thatchers Summer Vintage is a new range out and I would recommend that you try to get your hands on it.

I had such an incredible evening and I feel as though I have become obsessed with cider ever since.

Who would have thought that Thatchers has so many delicious and different varieties of cider?!

#bristol, #food, #lifestyle, #review, Uncategorized

The Square Kitchen Bristol – Spring Menu

May 16, 2018May 16, 2018 melissaeddollss

Last week my boyfriend and I were lucky enough to try out the new Spring Menu at The Square Kitchen. The Square Kitchen is a restaurant located in Berkeley Square, Bristol which serves the most beautifully presented dishes.

To begin we were presented with a goats cheese appetiser which was absolutely delicious. Not only did it taste great, but it looked incredible too.

To start I picked the Homemade Breadboard, which came with butter and salt, whilst my boyfriend picked the Dressed Crab with avocado and creme fraiche mousse, cucumber and heritage tomato. As a vegetarian I didn’t try this, but he loved it and said it was really tasty.

For the main event, I chose the Lentil & Barley Pudding, which was dressed with Jerusalem artichoke, white bean & garlic. I loved this dish, as it was full of flavour and worked perfectly. As a vegetarian it can be a struggle finding a dish that is vegetarian yet still full of flavour, but The Square Kitchen definitely pulled it off.

My boyfriend decided to try the Grilled Octopus, Confit Chicken Ballotine, Chorizo and Braized Baby Gem dish. He described it as being a fresh, light dish that is perfect for summer.

By this point we were extremely full, but as always, we made room for dessert. We both chose the Aerated Chocolate, Honeycomb, Vanilla Fudge. It was one of the best desserts I have ever tasted. The aerated chocolate melted beautifully on my tongue and the honeycomb and vanilla fudge were to die for. They made the perfect trio.

After dinner we had the chance to go down to the bar and try out some cocktails. As it was a lovely day we ventured out to their secret garden. The have a huge seating area which would be perfect for these upcoming months. The cocktails were delicious and I could have spent all evening there.

Overall we both really enjoyed our evening at The Square Kitchen and we look forward to returning very soon. It’s in a great location and has a wonderful atmosphere. I would definitely recommend you check it out.

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

Garnier Ultimate Blends Silicone-Free Mask

May 14, 2018May 14, 2018 melissaeddollss

After recently dying my hair back to brunette, I have been searching for a product that will help me restore the shine my hair so desperately needs.

I love the idea of loading my hair with luscious oils, but unfortunately it only ends up in a disaster. The greasy look is not a good one.

After hours of searching for treatments, I decided that a hair mask would probably work best for me. The only issue I was facing was that I didn’t want the product to strip my hair of the colour it had taken me so long to get back to.

When I came across this hair mask it almost sounded too good to be true. The Garnier Ultimate Blends Silicone-Free Mask is aimed at very dry, unruly hair, which was definitely what I needed. The packaging states that it’s main ingredients are almond cream and moroccan argan oil, which is the perfect combination.

The mask is also paraben and silicone free, along with being produced in a factory committed to sustainable practices and partnered with TerraCycle which helps to keep beauty products out of landfills.

My favourite thing about this mask it that it smells absolutely delicious! I have been using this hair mask twice a week, leaving it on for three minutes after washing my hair and I am so impressed with the difference it has made.

This mask is priced at £4.99 which just goes to show that you don’t need to break the bank to get your dream locks!

If you’re looking to try out a new hair treatment then it is definitely worth giving this mask a go.

#bristol, #food, #lifestyle, #vegetarian, Uncategorized

Beets N Roots Bristol

April 24, 2018April 24, 2018 melissaeddollss

I recently had the chance to try out the new Beets ‘N Roots Cafe in Bristol and I was so impressed. You may have seen this cafe on Instagram already as everything on their menu looks incredible and it would just be rude not to post about it.

Beets ‘N Roots is based on Cotham Hill Bristol which is a great location, it’s surrounding by the cutest boutiques and charity shops.

The cafe itself serves organic food and the menu only features vegan and vegetarian dishes which is perfect for me. Along with their incredible food, they are also well known for their freshly prepared smoothies and juices.

I was so excited to try out their menu, the only problem was that they had so much to choose from. After much consideration I decided to go with the Buckwheat Pancakes which were topped with banana, chocolate and maple syrup, sprinkled with coconut shavings and pumpkin seeds. I was so happy with my choice as it was absolutely delicious!

Along with this incredible breakfast, I tried out their Red Juice which contains Beetroot, Apple and Lemon. This juice was so refreshing and fruity. I was really surprised with how much I liked this juice as I am not a huge fan of Beetroot, but the ingredients worked so well together.

After stuffing my face with pancakes I had the chance to make my own Smoothie Bowl.

There are many different versions of these bowls on the menu and they all look great. I will definitely be recreating a few of them at home.

One thing I really liked about Beets ‘N Roots is that they have a cute outside area which is perfect for when the sun is out. I picked the perfect day to visit as I enjoyed topping up my tan whilst filling up on their goodies.

If you’re looking for a tasty place in Bristol to go for Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch then you should definitely check this place out. Not only is their menu tasty, but it’s all good for you too which is even better!

#bblogger, #beauty, #makeup, #review, #skincare, Uncategorized

ELF Makeup Review

April 4, 2018 melissaeddollss

Like a lot of us, I have recently been on a mission to find quality make-up products that are not tested on animals. I thought it would be hard, but it’s a lot easier than I imaged. Brands such as Too Faced, Kat Von D and The Body Shop are all animal friendly and don’t test their products on animals. I recently found that ELF don’t test on animals either, so I thought I would purchase some of their products and test them out.

I have previously used a few of ELF’s products before as they used to have a small boutique in Cardiff which was great. All of their products are reasonably priced, but as they don’t sell their products in any stores near me, buying online makes it that little bit harder. After finding out that they had a Spring Sale on, I decided to buy a few of their products and hope for the best.

I must admit that some of the products I ordered were slightly disappointing. Mainly because I had picked the wrong shade in some of the concealing products, but also the lip glosses I purchased were a bit too sticky for me. With that being said, there were some products I absolutely loved.

ELF Blemish Control Face Primer

Out of all the products I purchased, this was definitely my favourite. I have used this product every day since receiving it and I am so impressed. As someone who suffers with problematic skin, I was intrigued to see if this product would live up to its name. Not only is it a great primer that keeps your make up in tact, but it has also left my skin looking much clearer than usual. It’s not a heavy primer which leaves your skin feeling very light and fresh.

ELF Flawless Finish Foundation – Light Ivory

This foundation is a buildable full coverage foundation, which is perfect for an evening look. When used with the Blemish Control Primer it can be very long lasting. One thing to note is that the foundation leaves you with a matte finish. I love a matte texture, but if you have dry skin I’m not sure if it would work as well.

ELF Made for Matte Eye Shadow Palette

I am so pleased I purchased this palette! I think I have used it everyday since purchasing it. It has the perfect nude tones which can be worn for any occasion. The shadows are very pigmented and like the foundation, stays put all day.

ELF Prism Eye Shadow Palette

The second palette I purchased is full with beautiful shimmery shadows. I have used some of the lighter shades as highlighters as they give the perfect glow. Like the previous eye shadow palette, these shades are so pigmented. I can’t get over how amazing these palettes are considering as they cost less than £10 each!

ELF Highlighter – Moonlight Pearls

As always, I couldn’t test out a makeup brand without purchasing one of their highlighters. This champagne toned highlighter was only £5! The pot is quite small, similar to a single eye shadow pot, which can be very handy for travelling. I love the tone to this highlighter and like many of ELF’s products, it feels really light on the skin. I have been using this as my everyday highlighter and it’s definitely worth the money.

I am really pleased that I purchased these products from ELF. Not only are they a great brand for not testing on animals, but their products are reasonably priced. If you’re looking to try out a new brand, then I would definitely recommend you purchase some of ELF’s products.

Have you tried any of ELF’s products before? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the brand x

Prep Time

The Makeup

Finished Look

Bristol HarSPA

HarSPA Products

HarSPA Treatment

Lunching in the Vaults Room.

I had such a fantastic time at this event and I left feeling completely relaxed and stress free. If you are looking for somewhere to spend your next Spa Day then I would definitely recommend Bristol HarSPA.

The building itself is stunning, the location is perfect and the staff were lovely. Thank you to Bristol Harbour Hotel for having me. I will definitely be returning soon!

The building itself is stunning, the location is perfect and the staff were lovely. Thank you to Bristol Harbour Hotel for having me.
I will definitely be returning soon!