3 Nights in Dublin

So I haven't blogged in a while as I was so busy over November/December moving into our new place then thought my life had become 'boring' now I have bills to pay.

Then recently I've had quite a few messages asking where my blogs gone and people saying they miss reading it, which meant absolutely loads to me as I used to blog for my own enjoyment and for me to look back on but it's nice others enjoy it too.. So I'm going to start with a blog on Dublin last month.

I unfortunately didn't have a phone of my own when we went to Dublin as it was in for repair so I'll try give you my 'top tips' from what I remember :)

Dublin was one of my Christmas Presents from my boyfriend so for the first time he booked everything without me over searching every little detail.. First night the hotel was 8miles out so we stayed their the one night, got the tram into the city centre, explored, drank, ate THE BEST irish beef burger of my entire life, drank, drank, drank, bar crawled and then rebooked the next two nights for a city centre location.

The best location to stay in Dublin, I'd say would be the 'Temple Bar' area, we got a lovely hotel right in the middle of everything with a brilliant Irish pub attached and good traditional food. 

When in Dublin it's a must do that you visit the official temple bar pub, its absolutely heaving and playing live music all day everyday but be warned it isn't cheap.. 19euros for a pint of Guinness and a glass of wine, not somewhere you stay all night unless you've got plenty to spend!

On the second day after settling down into our new hotel we went out for breakfast/brunch as we wanted to find somewhere wholesome that will fill us up for the day. We found a lovely little place a few doors up from the Temple Bar Pub, amazing food and a good price too. I can't remember the name but there's very few cafes round there so you're bound to stumble across it, its only small! I had the american pancakes with bacon and maple syrup.. very Irish! 

After brunch we went out on the trams to find the Guinness factory which I learnt two things from.. 

a) 100% book the tour bus before you go here as it drops you off outside and you get money off the ticket price, rather than trying to find it on trams yourself.

b) Don't have a massive breakfast or go later for dinner as they have a Guinness Restaurant that looks and smells AMAZINGGGG! 

But all in all its brilliant day out, the whole tours good fun. Then at the end you get the chance to pour your own pint with a 360degree glass bar overlooking the entire city (gutted I have no photos!)

That evening we got our glad rags on and headed over to an AMAZING Restaurant called Fire in the presidents Mansion House. Just walking up to the outside of the building blows you away. We got recommend this restaurant before we went as you HAVE to prebook and as it's such a popular restaurant you must leave a deposit before hand too. There's a cocktail bar downstairs, serving the most delicious cocktails before you're taken upstairs into the old traditional part of the building which is now the restaurant. 

We was lucky as we went on a weekday to Dublin we could choose of a special weekday menu which was only 39euros per person for 3 courses.

I honestly urge you to check out this menu if you're booking a trip to Dublin soon, its beautiful!

I had the Fire Duo Fishcakes for starters, Irish Hereford Prime Aged Rib Eye Steak for mains (10euro supplement) and Chocolate Pave for dessert. I wish I'd of taken photos so much, my mouth is drooling again just writing this.

It was safe to say we went straight back to the hotel after this as we couldn't even move never mind have anymore drinks afterwards. Beautiful meal. 

Managed to take a selfie on Elliot's phone haha.. 

- Outfit Details -

Coat - Misguided

Scarf - McQueen

Jeans - River Island

Trainers - Adidas 

Hat - eBay

Glasses - Gucci

- His Outfit - 

 Coat - North Face

 Hoody - Patta

Jeans - Zara

Trainers - Vans

I did have lots of other outfits I promise just no phone for selfies haha! 

Third day was sunnier (but still freezing) so we went on the Open Top Bus around the entire city. Cannot recommend doing this enough.. Although I would definitely do this on the first day as it only costs 10euros shows you where everything is, so you don't waste time looking yourself and gives you discounts off different places and even free pints of Guinness in certain pubs.. bonus!  

Theres 3 companies and we went with the new company which a yellow bus, as they're new they charge less than the other companies but go the exact same route and the bus driver/tour guide is an absolute HOOT he had us laughing the whole way round, good old irish humour! 

On the third night we went to a traditional Celtic Show at the Adlington Hotel. Again I can't recommend doing this enough. What a brilliant night. Think it was about 40euros for a ticket to the show but that includes a 3 course meal. live celtic music all night and traditional Irish dancers!

I think I had to eat the Irish vegetable soup for starters, with the most amazing traditional Guinness Stew with garlic mash for mains and a trio of desserts! If anything is going make you feel like you're in Ireland it's this show. Brilliant night and an absolute bargain! 

Our last day was raining all day so whilst killing time waiting for our flight we ate, drank, ate, drank and did the tour of Dublin castle. I wouldn't put this on my 'must do' whilst in Dublin but if you're looking for a way to keep out of the rain before coming home it's always interesting to learn some history! 

If you're going to Dublin anytime soon, hope this has helped you out a little from what I can remember :) 

Thanks again to the people messaging me asking me to blog again, means a lot!

Heather xx 

Girls Night in Manchester

So I've had a very busy month (exciting news to be announced soon) that I never got round to posting an outfit post for the gorgeous River Island Dress (that everyone now seems to be wearing dammit high street bargains.) 

I used my new GHDs curlers on my hair but cause it's so glossy and sleek now it's brunette they're not holding like they did in my dead blonde hair. 

Has anybody got any tips on how to keeps curls in soft hair? 

I teamed the River Island up with my RI BARELY THERE gold shoes (worst idea ever with the amount of walking we ended up doing.. My toes where crippled for days). 

And my topshop fringed snake print bag I'm just obsessed with! 

The outfit was so simple and classics I loved wearing it and cannot WAIT to wear it in khaki 😁 

You might recognise this lady from some previous posts when we're at festivals. Well my festival friend has now become my real life friend cause we went on our first night out away from a field together 😂😂 it was hard to recognise each other with our hair done and heels on!

I'm sure Michelle won't mind me telling you too.. Her outfit is head to toe River Island too. I especially love these boots too that are £50! 

We really do need to get a life and start shopping elsewhere 😂🙈

From Michelle's SnapChat (bad photo) but you can see our outfits much clearer! 

Who doesn't love a mirror selfie ?! 

Please leave any tips on curling soft hair below or message me 😘😘

Thanks Heather xxxx

New Autumn Hair and Nails

My first ever brunette selfie... I've wanted to go darker for a while. Hence the ombré I started last September to test the water but not one for embracing change I've kinda stuck with ombré for 12 months. 

Anyways bored with the blonde, mid body pump class Tuesday morning I decided to just go for it and walked into the hairdressers can you make me brunette before I change my mind please and they had the time YAYYY!! 

I feel like there's so much more that you can do with it (despite only having it down for a couple of hours and up at work the rest of the time) I just feel I'm going to be able to pull more off with dark sophisticated locks! 

To bring myself into Autumn I've ditched the pastels and brought myself into October with a colour called "Intrigue" by Jessica GELeration. We offer a full manicure, GELeration overlay polish lasting three weeks and a complimentary Starbucks whilst getting them done for only £30. Quote "skinny vanillas" when booking in with myself Heather for 25% off your GEL nails making them only £22.50 !! 

How are you embracing Autumn? 

Heather xxx 

River Island 20% off HAUL!

I've wanted this dress for a while and not had an occasion worth paying £46 for it just sit in my wardrobe. So when logging onto River Island to finally purchase it, I was even happier to find it in the sale for £25. It's so flattering, comes just above the knee so isn't to short and is baggy enough to disguise all the lumps and bumps I've gained from to much eating and drinking this Summer! 

I'm obsessed with lace up anything at the minute at this top makes a perfect day to night look with a pair of skinny jeans. The front is a really flattering lose fit (perfect for meals out) and the back adds a little bit of something extra. £25 but only £20 with the student 20% off.

Again I told you I'm a sucker for anything lace up, this white top is a little more casual but will go well with a number of different things. White blouses are always my favourite wardrobe essential! £28 but only £22.40 with the student 20% off.

 Sucker for a polo neck or anything camel this top is perfecto for another day to evening Autumn/Winter look. Especially loving it paired with white skinny and heels as shown on the website! 

This Jumper was £32 but only £25.60 with the 20% discount! 

After falling in love with the cream version of this dress and the flattering fit I was over the moon to find they do it in my new favourite colour Khaki !!! 

Dress is £46 full price but only £36.80 with the student discount, I can see me wearing this dress a lot this Autumn/Winter. 

FINALLLLLLLLY treated myself to pair of over the knee boots after umming and ahhing over a pair last year and massively regretting never committing to getting any. So was delighted to see they've come back around in fashion this year! 

These River Island boots are usually £75 but only £60 with the 20% student discount, so couldn't believe my luck! Cannot wait to wear them with the Khaki Dress above or basically any of my new purchases as they're so AMAZINGGGG! 

Last but not least have you ever tried River Island perfume?! I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it is and the sample squirt I sprayed on myself actually lasted on my clothes unlike most High Street Shops perfume. Only £12 for 75ml which meant £9.60 with discount. I can spray guilt free at work now that I'm not wasting my expensive stuff! 

Has anybody else been taking advantage of the River Island 3 day student event?! 

Heather xxx

Trafford Centre, Shopping, Food and Films!

So I'm back from Ibiza now with major holiday blues and reality has hit everything I've bought recently is summer/holiday clothes and I have zero Autumn clothes 😔 so a little trip to the Trafford before the Cinema last night was definitely in order 

I've wanted a pair of superstars for months (despite me hating them in Feb when my boyfriend first got a pair, oops) but not found the exact ones to suit me. After stalking Sarah Ashcrofts blog continuesly and seeing how well the white with black stripes go I finally committed to a pair and I'm in love already! 

It's coming Autumn now so all the summer (not that we've had a summer) clothes are being packed away and I'm in desperate need of a new pair of skinny jeans. I love the topshop LEIGH jeans as they're so comfortable and only £34.20 with student discount. 

Whilst in topshop picking up my jeans I spotted this beaut soft camel scarf, I love camel in Autumn/Winter as mainly my wardrobe consists of black and white so a little bit of camel brings some warmth to an outfit, aswell as bringing out my inner Karsashian haha. 

Missguided now have a consession in selfridges which is perfect since I've fallen out with missguided for charging you £3.50 when you return something. I loved my primark pleather skater skirt I purchased about 3years ago and paired it up with so much but unfortunately the zip embarrassingly bust in Amsterdam last March so now its Autumn a new pleather is definitely needed. This skirt for £18 so only £16.20 with discount. BARGAIN! 

River Island have started doing ladies belts YAYYY! (correct me if they've always done them haha) I fell in love with this little number. Real leather, snake print with a gold buckle. Perfect for casual skinny jeans. I thought it was a little expensive at £25 but when you consider it's real leather so will last and how much wear I will get out of it, it's actually a bargain ;) 

After working up an appetite with wondering around the shops all afternoon it was ready for some dinner before the cinema.

We went to one of our favourite restaurants Tampopo serving a wide variety of east asian food.

I had the Japanese Tempura Prawns to start and the Japanese Katsu Curry for mains whilst Elliot had the Malaysian Satay Chicken for starters and Thai Green Curry for his main.  

Both thoroughly enjoyed our meals and can't wait to go back! 

On our full tummies we then went on to the cinema inside the Trafford Centre to watch Legend with my new crush Tom Hardy.

His performance as both the Kray Twins was incredible, it's a little big gruesome with all the violence  in some scenes but I think 99% of women want to marry a gangster after watching that film. I don't want to give to much away as it's an absolute must see!!

 Sorry this post is a week overdue I've been a busy busy bee but I wanted to do an overall of what I've been buying this week :) 

Heather xxx 

Autumn Skin Detox

So after my mammoth summer of 4 festivals, 2 holidays and a million other social occasions revolving around food and alcohol my summer is finally over and I've never felt so massive and ready to detox! 

My skins been really breaking out recently and it's definitely due to all the rich foods I've been eating and the fact I've not been as strict with my facial routines. 

Anytime I have a break out I immediately revert to a face map as I very rarely have spots there's definitely something underlying and the face map will tell me what the problem is. The skins the largest organ on the body so it's really important to look after it and listen to it when it's trying to tell you something! 

Forehead : Liver and Gall bladder

Cause:

Lack of sleep, eating too much fatty foods, drinking too much alcohol will lead to a spotty forehead. This reflects your digestion and you will need to help your body with less processed and fatty foods.

You may also need to stop wearing caps and hats (or make sure they are clean), avoid having a fringe and keep your forehead clear of anything that may irritate it.

Remedies:

Eat as much raw food as you can and drink lots of water to help your liver. Get lots of fresh air, do some brisk walking to get the circulation going and rest more.

Between the Eyebrows : Stomach and Liver

Cause:

Again this could be excessive rich foods or processed foods overloading your system. You could also be lactose intolerant and finding it hard to digest heavier foods such as meat.

Remedies:

Raw foods, lots of water and try to cut out on diary and meat products for a week or two and see there are any improvements.

Temples and Brows : Kidneys

Cause:

Too much toxin, too much stress and too little water – causing too much ‘heat’ inside your body

Remedies:
Drink lots of pure water and eat ‘cooling’ foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, apples to combat the excessive ‘heat’.

Nose : Heart

Cause:

High cholesterol and fatty foods will block arteries and impede blood circulation.Toxins will try to ‘escape’ through the skin as the other organs become overloaded.

Remedies:

Drink herbal teas to reduce cholesterol. The best is Organic Green Tea as it has gone through less fermentation process and is full of anti-oxidants; or you could also try Oolong Tea 2 -3 times a day. Do 30 minutes of light to moderate exercise daily and eat low fat fresh produce and lean protein.

Upper Cheeks : Lungs

Cause: 

Pollution, smoking, asthma, respiratory ailments will all lead to breakouts and broken capillaries in this area. This is also the area where rosacea and acne could also flare up.

Remedies:
Fresh air and exercises that increase oxygen intake will help as well as avoiding fatty and spicy foods. Again avoid all the culprits such as caffeine, alcohol, processed foods and try to avoid too much diary products and meat. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the way to go.

Lower Cheeks : Stomach and Liver

Cause:

Indigestion, overload of toxins and too much rich foods. You will find that this and the mouth area are areas that flare up after a festive season such as Christmas where there are more fatty and sugary foods around.

Remedies:

Go easy on sugary and fatty foods. Tempting as they are, eat a small portion or a small bite instead of eating the whole thing. Drink mint, aniseed or camomille teas after a big meal to aid your digestion. This is the time where a one to three day skin detox juice fast will do wonders to clear your skin.

Mouth and Chin : Stomach

Cause:

You are what you eat and it will show around the mouth. If you eat fast foods and no greens, then you will experience eruptions around the mouth and lower cheek area. Check also for teeth or gum problems and whether a change of toothpaste has had any adverse effects.

Remedies:

Cut out the processed foods, anything fried, spicy or oily and go fresh and green. Add more fiber to your diet and drink lots of water. 

Jawline : Colon and Ovaries

Cause:

Hormonal imbalances due to monthly periods for women, stress and other causes could link your acne and hormones together. Some medication will also cause a reaction in this area. Late nights and a change of climate, living habits (eg: travel), and also anxiety and stress can cause breakouts in this area.

Remedies:

Yoga, plenty of rest, deep breathing, meditation will all help to balance your mind and your body. Eat simply and organic where possible concentrating on leafy greens and fresh produce. Fish oil Omega 3-6-9 and evening primrose oil will also help.

Ears : Kidney

Cause:

Too much salty foods, not enough water, too much caffeine will cause the ear area to flare up.

Remedies:

Cut out on salt and beware of foods that have added salt. Read all food labels carefully. Drink water regularly during the day.

Although face mapping is a good indicator of our inner health, there are other factors also that contribute to acne skin problems. Personal hygiene, clothing, cleaning products, weather, foods, lifestyle all play a role  in our skin’s overall health and appearance.

One of my favourite things to do when on a detox is visit a spa as it's an alternative to going out eating/drinking and it makes you feel so relaxed afterwards aswell as your skin getting the chance to sweat out all of your toxins. 

The photo above is from the woodlands spa (official website photo) that's one of my favourite spas to visit as obviously it isn't much of a treat if you come to your own work for a relaxing spa day. 

I shall be blogging about my detox once I've come up with a meal plan and booked myself into a spa :) hope you've enjoyed the face mapping! Message me any beauty questions you have too, I don't mind answering. 

Heather xxx 

What I'm wearing this September...

1. Bomber Jacket - I bought a Khaki Bomber beginning of August for Kendal Calling and I've absolutely loved it, got loads more wear out of it than I originally thought I would of done and can see myself living in it now we're coming into Autumn. It surprisingly goes with anything and so comfortable.

2. Lace Up Swimsuit - So next weekend I'm off to Ibiza for the first time and I've been crushing over anything lace up for months now! I'm far from bikini/swimsuit ready from all the eating/drinking/festivals/partying over summer so I think I'm going to be opting for an all black attire this holiday!

3. St Tropez Shower Tan - This still baffles my mind now its absolutely amazing. It's a gradual tan that you apply in the shower, leave to soak in for 3minutes, shower off and it develops throughout the day without any smell of tan or stickiness. It's bloody genius! 

4. Dr Marten Boots - I've wanted some of these for a little while but never felt 'cool' enough to pull them off, anyways with a little persuasion from my boyfriend and the profits from my Depop selling, I finally treated myself to a pair for Leeds Festival and gutted I hadn't bought them sooner. They look amazing with a pair of ripped skinnys and a khaki top ;) 100% channelling my inner 90's kid!

5. Lace Up Sandals - Another Ibiza purchase but on the asos site at £35 I was a little unsure whether they'd be worth buying with us going into winter. So I had a quick search into depop and managed to snag myself a pair for £18 including postage. Very pleased with my bargain!

6. Sea Salt Spray - So since leaving my GHDs at a spa last month :-| I'm having hair nightmare and love the look my hair has when its wet and wavy (then it drys and goes puffy and ugly) so I'm hoping this spray will give me an effortless beach babe look.

7. Button Denim Skirt - Recently bought one very similar from The Trafford Centre as my thighs currently look like cellulite sally aren't wanting to debut in hotpants on holiday so this gives them a little more coverage and will go perfectly into winter with a pair of tights!

8. Topshop Hat -  Recently fallen in love with hats, purchasing already a Carhartt beanie, Vans Trucker cap and Adidas baseball cap this summer (I swear its this hair dilemma, I might as well buy a new pair of GHDs) for festivals this summer. I fell in love with this one the minute I tried it on, tried to forget about it as it's priced at £35 but couldn't help myself but go back for it, absolutely perfect for disguising greasy hair whilst dressing up a daytime outfit!

9. Asos Bumbag - Never in my life did I think I would ever contemplate buying a bloody bumbag but it's still sat there under undecided in my asos basket weeks later. I really don't want to go back on everything I've ever said and become a hypocrite bum bag w****r but how else are you meant to party in these Ibiza clubs and carry around your lipgloss, chewing gum, money, ID, phone and room key? I ended up buying a nike backpack for festivals this summer but I don't think it will quite go with my Ibiza dresses *monkey covering eyes emoji* At least if I invest some money into this one its a prettier girlier version. Yes? No? AGHHHH the dilemma! 

10. RayBan Round Sunglasses - Tried these on in the Trafford Centre after gaining a little thing for round sunglasses this summer and I fell absolutely head over heels in love. I literally haven't stopped thinking about them but at £180 I just can't do it. I've to many outgoings already this month to even justify it. So my cheap blue ones I picked up from a stall at V Festival will have to do for now. Just don't let me get drunk at the airport or I'll end up in duty free!

11. Asos Crochet Dress - My first Ibiza purchase (and the only Ibiza purchase I actually like) this has been sat in my asos basket for weeks priced at £45 so I couldn't believe my luck when it came down to £18 in the sale! I've seen a few bloggers wearing this dress this summer and it looks fab! I already can't wait to wear it again with my Dr Martens when I get home.. I literally have no idea who I think I am these days :') where's girly Mils gone?! 

So that is a small summary of what I've been purchasing this month, believe me I don't even want to think about how much I've actually bought.. When my minds out of holiday mode I'll be back to make another post on what I'll be wearing this September. I just cannot seem to focus on A/W fashion when my summer isn't over yet. Whooooops! 

Mils xxx