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Hey Guys,

I've just signed up to Twitter! Search Shimmerandfade. It will give some more insight into my life and it will be one of the places I share my latest blog entries - it's a good way to stay up to date with me and what I'm upto.

Twitter seems easier than I thought it would be, surprisingly. I can't wait to hashtag the life out of everything!

#Shimmerandfade

On the Move!

Hey Guys!

Sorry no updates as of late, but it has been a busy week. I've moved again!

It is true, moving is one of the most stressful experiences in life (I myself, have moved three time alone in the past year). What I really dislike about moving is that nagging feeling you get that makes you think that you've left something behind.

Moving itself (this time) was relatively painless. When I first moved up for university, my mum helped me move. No offense to my mum, but I wouldn't ask her to help again. It was complete stress. I moved out of my old house by myself - it took less time than I thought it would. It would of taken me forever to move if with someone else; I'd faff around and try to avoid packing for as long as I could.

I'd forgotten how much I have and even more scarily, found out how much I own in clothes...I haven't done a proper clear out in years and buy clothes regularly, so it has built up. I aim to reduce the amount I own - a clear-out will give me more space and a better idea of what I actually need to buy when shopping.

What way do you clear out your wardrobe?

HotShots in Town...

While running some errands in town yesterday, I got a quick bite to eat. I hadn't been to HotShots before, so decided to give it a go. Hotshots is located on 9 Rosemary Street in Belfast (near a Cafe Nero, Ann Summers and the popular shop Fresh Garbage).

The sandwiches and lattes were prepared quickly in front of us and luckily we managed to beat the queue that came in after us. The food was alright, but felt like it was lacking that special something that would make me get it again. It is the average price for two fresh sandwiches in Belfast City Centre - but I'd rather go to Mikey's Deli or Subway in which I'd spend the same amount of money, yet get more for.

However, in saying that I'd definitely go back there again for a coffee, latte or hot chocolate. We both got caramel lattes and really enjoyed them. It's one of the best lattes that I've gotten sofar in Belfast, for a reasonable price. They also do a 'Hot Drink Special' on coffees, teas and hot chocolates from 7 in the morning to 12 noon. So it's the perfect place to go in the city centre early in the morning before work or university, if you can.






















Hotshots do a wide menu range. They offer: breakfast, sandwiches, bagels, wraps and toasties. They also offer a range of different platters (but these have to be ordered at least 16 hours in advance). There's breakfast, meat, vegetarian and fruit platters, for example. Platters range from 6-16 pounds.

HotShots also stock various muffins - I'm quite tempted to try one next time I'm there. Nothing better than a latte and a muffin!

The premise itself is rather small, so you may have to get a takeaway during peek hours as seating is very limited. I'm looking forward to going back to Hotshots for another caramel latte and to try their muffins...

Purchases - Vintage Tapestry Bag

Hey Guys!

I thought it'd be good idea to include purchases in my blog. It'll give you ideas of where to go if you see something that you like which I have included. A recent purchase of mine was a bag from Rusty Zip on 28 Botanic Avenue in Belfast. I LOVE Rusty Zip - it's one of my favourite vintage shops that I regularly drop into.

I was just browsing the shop and spotted a lovely bag. I loved the vintage tapestry design on it and it's size. The bag is of a medium size, which is just what I was looking for. I needed a bag that could hold some things for university on Mondays as I only have only a few classes (and there's no point lugging a huge bag around).
There's also a slit-pocket inside that can hold my phone and keys - this will help prevent the annoying bag rummage to find them.

Have a great Sunday night and stay tuned for more posts!

Bubbacue Bellyfull

When in town at the weekend I was hungry (even more so after walking around Saint George's Market). I decided to go and be even more flumpish after an extremely fat weekend. After some thought I thought Bubbacue; I'd heard it was good from a friend from uni who'd been there before.

This restaurant takes it's inspiration from the South in America - simplistic food, yet food full of flavour. Bubbacue has taken the American tradition of slow cooking food at a low temperature, for optimum taste. It can take as long as 18 hours to cook a dish such as Brisket - but it's worth it! As many as 12 different spices are used to prepare meat, before it being smoked with hickory wood.

There are many different accompanying sauces to choose from, but I recommend the 'Extra Smokey Barbecue Sauce' (I just love barbecue flavours!) The three homemade sauces take inspiration from: Kansas City, Memphis and South Carolina. Have a read at the enclosed menu information below, I found it real interesting to learn about  food and the American culture it comes from - it's nice to have that background information as I think it really adds to the experience.

It was surprisingly busy; Belfast usually dies somewhat on Sundays. After placing our order and paying we were quickly shown a table. This was a plus, as it means we didn't have to wait around for a bill ages afterwards. Spicy Sausage and BBQ Chicken Platters were chose.

It was tasty food and is a literal hands on experience to eat (which I love) so the use of cutlery is optional. Thankfully, there was kitchen roll on standby for a messy eater such as myself. I loved the corn bread; I could literally sit and eat a whole one. The cornbread also is a great way to experiment tasting the variety of sauces.


The food tasted great and it matched with the building and atmosphere. Bubbacue has a rustic, yet homely feel: with the red vinyl chairs and tartan tablecloth,  the brickwork and minimal paintwork and the photographs on the walls depicting different heartfelt scenes.


Bubbacue has been open since November of last year and is hoping to extend their lease to long-term. Bubbacue is on 12 Callender Street in Belfast City Centre (next to Sew 'N Sew). They offer both sit-ins and a takeaway service (and hopefully someday a delivery service too). It's a great place for the people of Belfast to go and is for all of the family. They cater for both walk-ins and parties (but I'd recommend booking in advance for parties or big groups). Please note, Bubbacue only accepts cash for payment so ensure to have pennies on you before going!

Bubbacue is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 12 to 8 at night and is open Sundays from 1 in the afternoon to 7 at night.

I really enjoyed the Bubbacue experience and would recommend that you try it too. I'm really looking forward to going back!

The Perfect Golden Tanning Product

Finding the perfect self tanning product can be a nightmare - especially if your on a budget. Fear not! 'Sun Shimmer' by Rimmel London is a fantastic self-tan that is transfer resistant and gives you an instant sun-kissed look.

If your like myself, you'll hate when your tan seems to fade and the streaks begin to appear. This is why I love Sun Shimmer so much - it's a 24 hour tan; so after a shower you don't have to worry about those future streaks.

Sun Shimmer comes in a range of shades, so there's a shade for everyone. For a slight golden tone to my skin, I use the fair shade (I usually use this shade). When wanting a darker shade I'd use medium. It's easy to apply and dries quickly - I'd recommend waiting at least 30 minutes for the tan to dry.

The product itself lasts me a good amount of time, as I wouldn't be an avid tanner. Usually this tan retails at £5.99 in Boots. However, I purchased mine in Boots James Street, Cookstown for only £2.00. I found this little bargain of the day when browsing and raiding the clearance shelf.

So for that perfect tan for that last minute night out, invest. It's a little bargain that will become your golden staple.

Stereophonics at the Waterfront Hall 2013

As a surprise I got tickets to see the Stereophonics in the Waterfront Hall on the 7th of March. I knew I left it late to get tickets (I only began looking about tickets on the Monday beforehand). I first went to a Ticketmaster Outlet in the City Centre (in DV8 on Castle Place). I enquired, but there was no tickets left as Ticketmaster only get a quota of tickets. Next, I rang the Waterfront directly - they had sold out of tickets as well. Disappointed, but undeterred I then searched on Gumtree. You'd be surprised what bargains you can find on Gumtree and you can pretty much get most things your looking for. I was lucky and found someone selling seated tickets for the asking price. It is hateful when people ask for an extortionate amount of money for something which can reasonable - especially concert tickets. If looking for sold out tickets for concerts, Gumtree is a good place to look (especially if on the day, as people want a fast sale). Yet, it can be risky leaving it to the last minute and you may not get what your looking for.

So on Thursday the 7th of March around 7pm we went to the Waterfront Hall. We just had a lovely dinner in the Morningstar, so we just went to our allocated seats to chill out before the support act came on. The support act was Gareth Dunlop, a local singer from Belfast. He's very famous in the United States of America (in Nashville in particular) and in 2011 was named as 'Young Songwriter of the Year' at the Annual Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival. Songs of his have featured in popular t.v. shows such as 'One Tree Hill' and 'Cougar Town'. Most recently his song 'Wrap your arms around me' was featured in the film 'Safe Haven'.

Gareth sung solo for this concert. I really enjoyed his style of singing and how it was only him with an acoustic guitar on stage. I'd definitely go and see him again...it's music that you can sit and relax to with a drink or even to have it on in the background when in the house...

There was half a hour intermission, then Stereophonics came on. The Stereophonics are a Welsh alternative rock group which formed in 1992. They've featured in some of the United Kingdom's and Ireland's most popular festivals such as: Oxygen, Glastonbury, V festival, Isle of Wight and Reading and Leeds. I've enjoyed their music since I was a teenager to present; and they've been on my list to see for quite awhile. The intimate setting of the Waterfront Hall was great for this concert. We had fantastic seats and were seated close to the stage, on an upper right balcony.

I really enjoyed the concert - they played songs from both the past and their present album 'Graffiti On The Train'. I'd recommend to check out their new album, I have it on for when I do work for university. I loved it when they played my favourites ('Dakota' and 'Indian Summer').  I hope to see them at Oxygen later this year... Stereophonics have recently released their dates and venues for their UK Tour in November of this year.

Friday 8th - GLASGOW, Hydro Arena

Saturday 9th - ABERDEEN, AECC

Monday 11th -BELFAST, Odyssey Arena

Thursday 14th - MANCHESTER Arena

Friday 15th - LEEDS, Arena

Saturday 16th - NEWCASTLE, Metro Radio Arena

Monday 18th - NOTTINGHAM, Capital FM Arena

Tuesday 19th - BIRMINGHAM, LG Arena

Thursday 21st - BRIGHTON, Centre

Friday 22nd - BOURNEMOUTH, International Centre

Sunday 24th - CARDIFF, Motorpoint Arena

Monday 25th - CARDIFF, Motorpoint Arena

Thursday 28th - LONDON, The O2

I'd really recommend to see both Gareth Dunlop and the Stereophonics. Next time I'd get standing tickets (just as I think the atmosphere is better). Roll on Biffy Clyro at the end of March - I just love live music!

The Joys of Socks

Hey guys!

If your anything like myself, there's nothing better than a pair of cosy socks to run about the house in or to wear with a pair of snug boots in the winter. I used to hate socks but now love them and always have a pair in my drawer...

On Thursday I bought a 3-pack pair from Primark on 1-27 Castle Street in Belfast for only £2.00. There's loads of kooky designs, but these were my favourite (I have a slight obsession with owl-based designs). I'm currently rocking the blue pair...

It's a cold and snowy night here in Belfast.
Have a great Saturday night readers - and explore the joys of socks!

March Update 2013

Hey guys!

This month is already turning out to be a very busy one!

I'm pretty busy with university - it's all work with deadlines looming...yet all work does not make a boring student! I'm planning to get some piercings and perhaps a tattoo over the Spring holidays (goodbye student loan)! I've had the 'addiction itch' for awhile now, so I'll get something very soon.

Works going pretty well, yet I want to volunteer somewhere. It's always good to give back...hope to volunteer in a local charity shops. I'll be in my element - I love a good rummage in a big clothes pile! Talking about fashion, the majority of purchases I've made have been vintage. I'm loving what Belfast has to offer regarding vintage! The Fashion Souk was great and I'm so excited for the next one! Keeping reading to see what I'm buying...

As for music gigs, I saw Stereophonics (very good live) on the 7th and am seeing Biffy Clyro at the end of the month...

I've been to quite a few new places to eat (keep posted to hear what I think of them) such as Bubbacue and Molly's Yard...I also was out with some friends, there's nothing better than a catch-up, than a catch-up with a Jameson's!

So keep reading, there's lot's I've still to talk about!

Elizabeth

xxx

Molly's Yard: An Unexpected Find Far From the Madding Crowd

After visiting the Ulster Museum I wanted lunch and decided that somewhere in the University Quarter area would be a change from the City Centre. When I first moved up here, I always walked past Molly's Yard, with giving it the intentions of 'I'll go there soon' but it never happened due to how busy life got. Like most people really...

Molly's Yard is a stunning two-storey restaurant that was converted from Victorian Stables. You can go there for a few drinks, lunch or dinner. Molly's Yard also also has a courtyard - it would be perfect in Summer for a long lunch. There is a smaller seated dining area downstairs and a larger dining area upstairs.

I really liked how Molly's Yard had Irish music playing  - this is were most places fall down on relating to their theme if they have one.



The menu itself is somewhat limited, yet is all locally sourced and in season, prepared and presented well. Not to mention it's delicious!


Even though we only had lunch it felt more like dinner - I was full and was for the remainder of the day. I'd highly recommend what we ordered (smoked chicken linguine with a mushroom and Parmesan cream for myself and a fillet steak with chunky chips and garlic butter for the other dish).


I have to say it was an amazing steak, cooked fantastically 'medium-rare'.

The staff were attentive and helpful; asking how our food was and if we needed anything else. Our waitress also recommended what beer would go well with  the steak.

We were recommended the 'Headless Dog' which is an ale that has a smooth taste. Never having been a fan of beer, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it.

Molly's Yard has a number of tipples that are brewed locally by Hilden Brewery (Ireland's oldest independent brewery). I'm quite intrigued by the Chocolate Stout...

I'd quite happily go there for a quiet drink 'far from the madding crowd' next time I am in the area.

Molly's Yard (1 College Green Mews, Botanic Avenue, Belfast) is open Monday-Thursday 12-9pm, Friday-Saturday 12-9:30pm and is closed Sundays.


Molly's yard is suitable for anyone - bring your family, friends or your partner. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly; with comfortable, cosy surrounds downstairs.


I'm looking forward to going there again and enjoying cooking that reminds me of home...

Mikey's Deli...Making a Mark

Tucked away in Cathedral Quarter in Belfast beside the Northern Whig is Mikey's Deli (6 Bridge Street, Belfast). The building itself was the original City Hall and each of the Four Corners of the building is the measuring point (in miles) to Belfast City Centre.

I was starving and I needed something to cure a hangover from hell. I'd forgotten how bad they are to have, as I don't go out much now. Decided to go there for a change.

Mikey's Deli is an American themed restaurant which also does takeout - this is great if your on your lunch break or are forever 'on the go'. It's a great place to go for real nummy food, which is all fresh and locally sourced. My sandwich was freshly prepared in front of me and was ready in no time. Feeling stuffed and could not manage finishing the Bronx fries (highly recommended) but was able to get them to take home with me to inhale later.

Loved the American theme and the way the walls were decorated. The signing wall is a great idea; it's were customers can sign their names and what they thought of the place. Mittens and Smidge left their mark on the wall, why don't you too when you're there?

The menu is great value for the quality of both the food and customer service. In addition to this, Mikey's Deli is open six days a week!

Mikey's Deli has only been open six months - yet has become very popular. It's now my favourite place to go in Belfast when I crave a freshly made sandwich, accompanied by my Oreo Obsession. 

Fashion Souk:Spring Souk Market

Hey all!

On the 2nd of March 2013 I visited the Fashion Souk. The Fashion Souk was first established in 2010. Their focus is on reusing and upcycling clothes, furniture, shoes and accessories.
I have been looking forward to this event for quite awhile - it screams what I love! I find that some of the best purchases I have made have been pre-owned items. I always find something quirky and and eye-catching at local events such as this - and even better this event is free. This Spring Market was held in Spires Mall, Church House, Fisherwick Place, Belfast. It's easy to get to and is only a few minutes stumbling distance from the Europa, City Hall and Belfast City Centre.

This was the first time I'd been to the Fashion Souk and I can say I will definitely be back! There was a great atmosphere and the stalls were visually well presented - a lot of effort had been made. From my experience, I met some lovely people and got fantastic customer service (free sweeties are always a plus for my sweet tooth)! In addition to this, they offered clothes hangers with purchases. This is great because I find I'm forever short of hangers, never mind how many I buy when out.

I got some great pieces from the stall pictured below and the girls who served me were real friendly.

I'm really looking forward to the next market, so pen in your diaries Saturday the 4th of May at Spires Mall. I know I'll definitely be there...