Go!Southampton: Seaside in the square

Yesterday the Southampton Bloggers and I headed down to Go Southampton’s Seaside in the square for a cocktail masterclass at the Orange Rooms stand.

I had heard the buzz about the event for a little while now but didn’t really know what to expect. I was so surprised, rocking up to Guildhall square to see a full on beach! In my mind I had something quite small, maybe a few stalls and a bit of sand but what they had done was so impressive!!

It was like stepping out of Southampton and into a fabulous beach club in Spain! Lucky for us the sun was shining and this made it even more amazing. The whole floor was sand, with deck chairs, blow ups and a massive stage playing some great tunes and a saxophone player! The event team welcomed us and told us to have a little look and play around to explore the great scene they had set up. The amount of effort that had gone into this event could been seen everywhere, ever tiny detail they had thought of.

After having a nose around and getting some pictures we were invited over to the Orange Rooms stand to have a go at making some cocktails! We made some Round The World Mojito’s which is an Orange Rooms special, with a passion fruit twist (which is my absolute favorite). We had one staff member invite us up two at a time to have a go at making these tasty treats, and I must say they turned out pretty damn good!

We got a chance to do the whole cocktail ourselves, obviously with supervision and they were so yummy! We all had a go, until we had a chance to chill to the music, each some nibbles provided by the wonderful Mettircks and get some more pictures.

The seaside in the square is staying around until the 25th August with loads of FREE events! They have things like beach volleyball and beach yoga! They have so many things coming up so make sure to get yourself down there, you won’t regret it!

Grace xx

Astonishing- P&O Cruises

I had the opportunity to preview the new P&O Cruise show Astonishing, produced by Stephen Mulhern and Jonathan Wilkes.

I went along with the fabulous Southampton bloggers to spend the morning, experiencing the vibe of the ship and watching the show!

Firstly, I have never been on a cruise ship in my life! The closet thing I’ve ever been on is the ferry to the Isle of Wight! I was so excited to just step foot on the boat and see what all the fuss was about with these kind of holidays, like what could a ship really offer?!

We arrived outside the terminal to a read carpet with photographers and camera crews all about. We saw Stephen outside having photos and interviews and I’m not going to lie, I was star struck, I love that guy! When receiving the invite I wasn’t sure how much involvement he would have, or if he would even be there but I was so excited to see him! We continued to walk through and go through customs to enter the ship. It may sound silly, but I didn’t realise they even had customs, but it was just like in an airport. It makes sense now I think about it, you are still travelling just like on a plane so all the same precautions are in place.

We stepped onto the boat and my first reaction was ‘wow!’ It was incredible! The ship was stunning and everything was beautiful, it was like being in a massive grand hotel, you would never even know you were on a boat.

We were led through to a waiting/ holding room where we were treated to nibbles and champagne. The staff were so attentive, constantly walking around offering the bites and ensuring we always had a full glass, I could not fault them. We were then led through to the theatre room, and my jaw dropped. The size of the theatre was just amazing, it was like any London theatre I had been in and at this point I was getting really excited about seeing the show. We were all sat down and some famous faces walked through, showing their support, like Dec! Dec from Ant and Dec entered the room!! I lost my head, I was so excited I just waved over as if I knew him….Just saying I got a wave back 😉

Watching the show as 100% my highlight. It was so slick and well put together, I absolutely loved it. The show not only contained magic and illusion but it was a whole ensemble of dance numbers and singing, it flowed so well. I love a bit of cheese, but this is the perfect family show which is perfect for a cruise holiday.

After the show, Stephen and Johnathan came onto stage and chatted about the support and the process to create the show. There was a lot of thanks and a lot of information, which was brilliant as you could really see the passion and hard work that was put into this show.

Following the performance we were led to another part of the ship (if we weren’t shown around, I would have got lost the ship is so big!) for afternoon tea and cakes.

The spread was lovey, loads of cakes and the staff were walking around with sandwiches, pies and other savory treats. I could not fault the staff on the cruise line, they have such pride in their work to ensure the passengers have an amazing time and are constantly catered for. The entire morning was just so lovely, smooth and brillaintly organised I didn’t want to leave, I wanted it to set off and do a mini cruise!

I had never considered this kind of holiday as I thought cruise ships just weren’t for me, but this even has completely changed my view! The whole experience, on top of the excellent show has go me excited to look into the trips P&K offer. I could not recommend it more, if my morning was this fab just think of a holiday with them!

Grace xx

Titanic: The Musical

“In the final hour of 14th April 1912, the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg and ‘the unsinkable ship’ slowly sank. It was one of the most tragic and infamous disasters of the 20th Century. 1517 men, women and children lost their lives.” https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/titanic-the-musical-2018/

On Tuesday 17th April I went along to one of my favorite places in Southampton, The Mayflower theater with the Southampton Bloggers to see Titanic The Musical.

Obviously, most people have heard the story of the Titanic or seen the movie, so to hear it is now a musical might be a bit of a surprise. When I initially heard it was, I was a little confused as to how they could convey something like that on stage, let alone as a musical performance. I went in with a very open mind and was excited to see how this would be done and what story they would be focusing on, on first thought I assumed the Jack and Rose story line.

I was actually pleasantly surprised to find out the story was not the movie adaptation, which meant for me it was something new to experience. They focused on three stories of passengers, one from each class: 1st, 2nd and 3rd and honed in on the owner, captain and builder as to where the blame lied.

One of the most powerful parts for me, was after they represented the fatal collision with the iceberg was the aftermath of panic and blame between 3 of the most powerful characters. Throughout the first half, they really focused on the fact the owner wanted to go faster and the builder and captain going along with it- in order to impress. The focus was ensuring they were making history and that the 1st class passengers were having the experience of a lifetime, of course this ultimately neglecting everyone’s safety.

They were able to show all the characters as individuals and how it effected them on a wider scale. For me, this allowed me to connect as an audience member and see them as real life people, certainly cranked up the emotion.

Throughout, you really connected with each of these peoples stories so when the inevitable happen it was quite hard to sit and watch. They approached the crash and loss of lives in a very sensitive but powerful way- especially the end.

It reminded you that this was real and it there was real people involved. The surviving characters delivered some hard hitting lines a the end with a memorial board on stage.

I cannot recommend this show enough, it is a new way to see such a famous story and it makes your see it in a completely new light.

“A triumph. The day after seeing it I went back. It’s That Good.” The Times

 

 

Southampton Grosvenor Casino

I got to go along to the Grosvenor Casino in Southampton with the Southampton Bloggers, to try out their new restaurant menu, and even tried my hand at some gambling!

They invited us along to try out their great new menu, and I must admit I was unsure of what to expect. When I think of casino’s my mind doesn’t go straight to food, but I was presently surprised.  I have always known about the Grosvenor, growing up in Southampton and it was always somewhere to end your night, so the though of going there for food was really intriguing.

When we got there we were greeted and treated to cocktail from the bar (which were flowing all evening but unfortunately I was driving so had to stick to Coke) and then were led through to the restaurant.

The food was honestly amazing and not only that but the staff was very accommodating. What I opted for:

Starter- BBQ chicken wings

Main- Ribeye stake

Dessert- Hot chocolate waffles

Firstly the menu was so big I couldn’t make my mind up, but eventually I decided on what I had. Everything was so tasty and well cooked, I could not have expected how good it was! My favorite thing from the evening had to be the waffles as they were incredible! I am a sucker for anything chocolate and these were right up my street, I would go back just for them alone!

After all the food and being close to bursting, we were taken through to our own roulette table with a lovely gentleman called Paul. He set us up with a practice table and chips, so we got the chance to learn about the game and an opportunity to play a few rounds. I had so much fun and was surprisingly lucky (I guarantee if it was real cash, it would not have gone so much in my favor!) 

After Roulette we moved onto Black Jack! I thought I knew a little about the two games but having someone there to teach and go through it made me realize how little I did! Paul was so helpful and made the evening really entertaining, going through all the rules and even letting us have a go with the wheel and shuffling the cards (not quite so well as him)

The whole evening was really well thought through and gave us not only a feel of the great food, but the whole casino experience. I loved having the opportunity to be taught some of the gambling as I am heading to America in July and Vegas is a stop- I now feel confident going in and not like a total novice! They really took the time to give us a really fun and interesting evening.

I really enjoyed myself and I would 100% recommend an evening here. If you are looking for a bit of fun, gambling and fabulous food this is definitely the place for you to head too!

Grace x

Lakaz Maman’s

I went to the new Lakaz Maman restaurant in Southampton Bedford Place with the wonderful Southampton Bloggers. The food is all Mauritian street food with a modern twist, and opened by the lovely Shelina Permalloo won BBC’s Master Chef in 2012.

We went in and had the opportunity to try out there brunch menu, which is full of different and unique dishes.

On the left is cinnamon toast with coconut & tropical fruits and the right is the Breakfast Torpedo (what I had and tried some of the toast) The breakfast torpedo included: Turkey bacon, chicken sausages, Mauritian salsa,
breakfast muffin and a fried egg

The food is nothing like I have ever tried before and the staff were amazing with serving and answering any of our questions. Shelina, spoke to us all about her vision for the restaurant and a bit of background heritage of Mauritius.

“Lakaz Maman is a Mauritian Creole word for ‘Mum’s House’ and the food you’ll find here is relaxed, informal street food you can get messy with.”

I really enjoyed going to this new restaurant and really experiencing not only the amazing food but getting a real feel for what it was all about and the culture itself.

Shelina, also spoke with us about the other work and cooking she does. We had a look over her incredible recipes and cook books she currently has out.

The whole morning was great and I am really looking forward to going back to try some more of the menu in a stylish and relaxed environment! If you get a chance, make sure to head down there and give it a try! You won’t regret it!

Lakaz Maman, 22 Bedford Place, Southampton SO15 2DB

https://www.lakazmaman.com/

Grace xx

Vosper’s Brunch

BRUNCH! I love a good brunch, and a few weeks ago I joined the Southampton Blogger’s at Vosper’s in Woolston to try out there new menu.

From muffins to pancakes and coffees to mimosa’s we had a lovely morning at Vospers and definitely filled up our tummies!

I have been down there before and tried out there fab burgers and when they said they were introducing a brunch menu it was an offer I could not turn down. I had the breakfast muffin, which had two sausage patties, bacon, egg and black pudding (I had mine without that)

All I can say is that it was delicious! Honestly one of the best breakfast muffins and let me tell you, I’ve tried my fair few!

I few of the girls went for the pancakes and they looked incredible!

If you are looking for a tasty brunch then I would really recommend getting down to Century Quay in Woolston for Vospers great new menu. It has a real range of things, especially just for a mid morning bite, so there really is someone for everyone. They use Mettricks blend of coffee which is just an added bonus as it is my favourite coffee! If you still haven’t tried it, then where have you been?!

It was a great morning spent with some great people! The service was fab as normal, so if you are after a new brunch spot then 100% give it a go!

 

Grace xx

Supermarine

A few weeks ago I went along to Supermarine in Woolston with the Southampton bloggers. We had an evening of pizza making, wine and laughter and it was a really great evening!

They were fabulous hosts for us and we go to try so much of the menu, which I was so excited about as there was so much I hadn’t had before.

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We all had a great start to the evening sitting around, chatting and experiencing the great atmosphere that is created in this restaurant.

Not only were they nice enough to let us taste all this incredible food but they let us have a go at making our own pizzas in their massive pizza oven!

The kitchen is all open in the restaurant so you can see your food being prepared and made and they let us have a close up look and try our hand at making a traditional pizza from their menu

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I have to say I was not the best at making pizza but I gave it a real go and you cannot fault how helpful and fun the chef’s were. They were nice enough to help all the girls who wanted to have a go, made a different pizza for each of us and were so patient with those us who weren’t that natural! (me!)

I had such a fabulous evening and I cannot wait to go back and try that menu all over again! I have already been talking to all my friends and I cannot recommend this place enough.

Get down there!

x Grace x

Tanstic Tesco!

I always forget what little hidden gems that Tesco comes up with in their clothing range! I popped in the other night and decided to have a look upstairs at their autumn range at F&F.

Well I can safely say they did not disappoint…

I basically fell in love with these three jackets!

They are so on trend, lush colors, and so affordable! I really think that Tesco is an underdog when it come to fashion, it has got so modern in the last few years and I can’t wait to go back and get some of their autumn pieces.

I am especially a fan of the denim jacket, it is right up my street and I feel the fur collar makes  it a more unique piece while still being up to date.

This was just a little post, but I would highly recommend having a look in your local Tesco as I think its a great place for a cheeky bargain!

Grace

xx

Festival Fashion Picks

I headed off to Vfestival a couple of weekends ago for the 6th year! I love this festival and it has become a tradition for me and my friends.

I thought this year I would do a little post on my outfits from the weekend at the Chelmsford festival. I really do love festival fashion, as its a real chance to experiment and flourish with colour! Even if the weather wasn’t the best, the one thing to reply on with British people at festivals is that we power through with the summer look come rain or shine!

I always try and plan outfits from the Friday, as even though you start the day travelling you want to show off your look from the get go for the evening!

Day 1:

Top- Topshop

Shorts- New Look

Jacket- River island

I wanted to make sure I was festival ready but still comfy for the car journey as I knew it was going to be a long one! The jacket I am obsessed with but never get the opportunity to wear.  It is light, cream and has fringing on the back and sides, which was so on point for a festival. The denim shorts are always a safe bet and I would have pack them either way. they go with pretty much anything at a festival and our a comfy, effortless look. I really like these distressed hot pant shorts that I grabbed last summer from New Look. I added the chocker that I actually borrowed off my mum, to just give the rather simple outfit a but more of a glam look. I think accessorising is a key element of festival wear to easily upgrade any outfit.

Day 2:

Top- Topshop

Denim Jacket- Topshop

Skirt- Urban Outfitters

Hoop earrings- Primark

Sunglasses- Primark

Shoes- Converse

Saturday is always my favourite day at a festival! It is where the fun really begins and the fashion comes out. This was my favourite outfit of the weekend, with the colour, dressed to impress nature but so easy and comfy to wear! I love this top from Topshop but the colour and shape means I can’t wear it all the time, but the sun was shining and what doesn’t go at a festival! I really like the bright yellow against the navy of the skirt. One thing I find really flattering is the wrap of the skirt and allows it to be dressed up or down. Now, denim jackets…you just can’t go wrong and they are definitely a statement piece for any girls wardrobe. They are the perfect look for s light jacket that you can put with the majority of outfits. (I’m even partial to a double denim look when done right). I honestly loved this look and was so comfy for the day, which is so key at festival considering all the walking and drinking!

Day 3:

Dress- Zara

Shirt- Topshop

Shoes- Converse

This was on the Sunday and the weather wasn’t quite so nice, warm but the sun was hiding from us. I really liked this look due to its pure simplicity but came together really well. Again for me it was making sure I felt comfortable and would last a whole day. This dress is so versatile, I wear it to work but dressed it down for the festival. It has a silk front and cotton back, so it just gives it a little extra. I really liked the shirt with the dress as I think it gave the look at little extra and made it more of an outfit, rather than just wearing the dress. Sometimes I think the most simple outfits at festivals look the best, that effortless with effort look! the converse I wore both days as I think they are the perfect add to festivals (as long as its dry!) that create that casual look and you’ll last from day to night in. As this outfit was more simple I went for more gems and a quirkier hairstyle, as thats what festivals are all about right!

I had such a good weekend and for once liked my outfits for the whole weekend! If anyone is thinking about a festival I would 100% recommend. You come back with the most amazing memories and see so many acts for your money! in terms of outfits I think less effort is more! Remember you are camping and spending the weekend on your feet, so dress comfortably and experiment! It’s what festivals are for!

 

Grace

Sudio Sweden Headphones

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I was lucky enough to be sent some of the fabulous Sudio Sweden headphones in the style ‘Regent’

I have always struggled with headphones, and getting a style I really like, but these were literally ideal. I have wanted some over the head headphones for ages but always found they were too big, or the quality wasn’t worth the price!

I was so excited to try out the Sudio Sweden headphones to see what they were like!

Firstly the style of these headphones is something I love! They are so stylish and sleek, and you can even change the design on the sides. you can get different panels that attach on the side to change your look for any mood or occasion. The great thing, and one of my favourite things about these headphones is the fact they are wireless, which means I can connect them to my phone and use them without being tangled or attached!

The company is based in Stockholm and is transforming peoples perception of earphones as a wearable accessory.  I especially love the way that these headphones are an accessory and can compliment ANY outfit! I love fashion and feel that these can add to any look.

The sound of these headphone is great and I was really pleasantly surprised with this excellent quality! The retail price of these are £119 for the over the head in black or white, whereas the ones that go in your ears are priced at £89. I would say that these prices are very reasonably priced due to the quality and sound they produce. If you are interested in these, they have a great deal at the moment to use beautybrownblog15 for 15% off!!

I am so happy with these and have literally been using them non stop! I can’t recommend these more, they would be a great investment!

Let me know what you thought about this post in the comments, and let me know if you have tried these headphones!

Grace x