Purchases - Bracelet With Fringing Detail

What do you think of the current fringing trend? To be honest, I'm not totally sold on it. In the majority of cases, I haven't loved what I've seen...until I saw this bracelet. It was different to what I've seen in regards to fringing this season, as I've mainly saw it on bags.

I liked the way the fringing on this bracelet created movement and was a real nice touch to the piece. I bought it in Rusty Zip (28 Botanic Avenue, Belfast) for only £4. It will be a suitable accessory for many different outfits and will be a great investment piece.

Purchases - Classic Pearls

When in Rusty Zip  recently (28 Botanic Avenue, Belfast), I was browsing their jewellery. They have some great pieces that you usually don't see on the high-street. I bought two pearl necklaces of different styles. The single strand chain cost £4 and the three-piece necklace cost £3.50.

Pearls are timeless; whenever I see them I think of Chanel. They'll be really versatile and will accent a lot of different outfits; be it everyday-wear,  for university or when going out.

The three-piece necklace (pictured above) will be great with layering outfits! I think every girl should have a set of pearls, they're a great accessory to have!

 

April Update 2013

Hey guys!

How are things with my lovely readers?

Things are great with me, yet are getting madder as the days pass...in university, things are progressing from 2nd gear all the way up to 5th with a little over a month to go. I'm starting to panic somewhat. There's a lot to do. I think most people have the same mentality when they first get off - all good intentions. I was like 'I've two weeks off, I've loads of time, I'll get so much work done'. Back this Monday past and I realised how little I actually did.

I have not yet got another tattoo or piercing - I'm in indecision about what to get so I'll go get something when I finally decide what I'd like.

As for events, there's been a few in the past month and many events I've yet to attend this month and in May. In March I attended The Spring Fashion Souk in Spires Mall at the beginning of the month, and a Fashion Swap held in Ikea for Belfast FashionWeek. Both enjoyable and it's made me want to attend many more events.

I also saw Biffy Clyro in March and would really recommend to see them. I've yet to blog about the gig as I've so many photos to pick from, but it will be posted soon! I'm excited to hear more of the Tennant's Vital lineup - it will be hard to surpass last years!

I've been to a few new places to eat out in Belfast including: HotShots, Bubbacue, Molly's Yard and Mikey's Deli. However, I'm trying to cut down on places I eat this month and try some home cooking and baking instead. Trying to be a little healthier as well.

As for what I've purchased lately, I need to blog about too. I can't wait to share my buys! To keep up to date with me follow me on Twitter https or like my Facebook page.

Keep reading - there's so much planned for this month!

Elizabeth

xxx

Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair @ Belfast Castle

On Sunday the 7th of April I dragged myself out of bed and to the 'Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair' at Belfast Castle (Belfast Castle, Antrim Road, Belfast) . This vintage fair was established in Ireland in 2008 and has been growing in popularity ever since. This was the first time I had been to this vintage fair and was looking forward to it.

The 'Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair' is organised by Decadence Vintage. Decadence Vintage was created by vintage lover Becky Moore, who was inspired by vintage fairs in London and wanted to bring the experience to Ireland and Northern Ireland. Which is a great thing, as vintage fashion is growing in popularity over here. Decadence Vintage also organises events such as: Totally Bazaar, The Retro Rooms Show and the Decadence Vintage Bridal Fair. The 'Frock Around The Clock' remains the flagship event after many years.Exhibitors from Decadence events are all local - who either source their items from across the world or are local businesses from Ireland and Northern Ireland.

This vintage fair is not a clothes only event - there are many other attractions. Such examples include: recycled, handmade and vintage jewellery, ceramics and ornaments, locally made chocolate, photographic prints, home-ware and much more! In other words, it was my ideal event.

It was a good event, with over 45 exhibitors at the fair. There was a variety of exhibits, but I'll mention my favourite ones below! Due to my notorious sweet tooth, I'll begin with the Chocolatier first!


This exhibitor was a local chocolatier from County Fermanagh. They are manufactured by Sean Altemeyer and he can be contacted at altemeyer@btinternet.com


All his products are gluten-free and taste delicious! He offers: fine chocolate truffles, coconut macaroons, oat and seed cookies, almond biscuits and fine milk, plain and white chocolate.




When we talked to him we found out that he also caters for weddings, so I'd recommend as they were delicious. They are reasonably priced too, for being handmade.

An exhibit which grabbed my interest was 'Strombolitwo' which exclusively creates accessories from upcycled kimono silks. They had quirky designs with a concept I'd never seen before. Some pieces can be made to order. You can contact Helen Perry at strombolitwo@gmail.com  - you can also search Strombolitwo on Facebook.

Another sweet treat exhibitor caught my attention - 'Little Niceties'. This exhibitor is a business which caters for parties (such as childrens parties) where you can make your own sweet tree. Prices start at £8 per person.

It was a shame that I hadn't my student loan in - so I was unable to buy anything at this event unfortunately! The joys of being an adult isn't all it's cracked up to be at times... There was some items I was really interested in. Aren't they lovely! I've always wanted a vintage mirror and hairbrush set...














             


I enjoyed the event and there was some real nice pieces to be had. In particular, the vintage and up-cycled jewellery really caught my eye - they'd make great presents and pieces that could be worn with many different outfits. The woman playing the harp at the entrance was a real nice touch to this vintage fair. Here are some of my favourite snaps from the event and outside Belfast Castle, in the Cat Garden.

The next 'Frock Around The Clock' is only a few short weeks away, at Castle House, Castle Street, Lisburn  on Saturday 27th April from 11 am-5pm. See you there!

Easter Nibbles at Molly's Yard

Over Spring Term Break, which I've had time off, I re-visited Molly's Yard when in the university quarter. We only popped in for a quick lunch, but ended up staying for dessert also.

We both got the signature 'Molly's Burgers' along with the locally brewed ale, 'The Headless Dog'. The burgers were lovely; with Baby Gem Lettuce, Caramalised Onions, Cheese and a Pesto Sauce as the filling.These burgers were gourmet, so it is not a hands on experience - but still delicious. The Chunky Chips were a lovely accompanying side dish to the burgers (you could see that they were hand-made). The Homemade Red Sauce was great for dipping. Overall, a lovely filling lunch which I would definitely get again - this was the first time I've ate red meat in a restaurant in two years after some very bad experiences, and I couldn't have had a better experience at Molly's Yard!

After lunch we were pretty full but decided to browse the dessert menu anyway. I was glad we did - the menu was so tempting!

I got the Pear and Cranberry Crumble with Creme Anglaise and the Molly's famous Belgian Chocolate Brownie with Tickety Moo Chocolate Stout Ice-cream and Chocolate Sauce. I loved the brownie and the chocolate Stout ice-cream. I also really enjoyed the other dessert - the crumble was a sweet way to end the meal. I just love a sweet dessert!

I'd recommend to check out how to Nominate Molly's Yard for the Irish Restaurant Awards 2013 if you enjoy it as much as we do!

I can't wait to go to Molly's Yard again - it's one of our favourite spots to go in university quarter. We'll be back again to get some brownies!

Belfast Fashion Week S/S 2013 at Ikea - Fashion Swap!

As part of the West Coast Cooler FashionWeek in Belfast, Ikea teamed up with Belfast FashionWeek to create a free fashion event. The 'Swop For Your Life' event was on Thursday the 29th of March in Ikea, Holywood (306 Airport Road West, Belfast). The event itself, was held in a separate area near the restaurant in Ikea. Hosting the event was local model and fashion blogger, Laurina Kennedy. Her 'Fashion Fasting' Blog inspired Ikea to join with Belfast Fashion Week to create this event.

The concept of the event was to leave in items you wished to swap, and choose from other items other people had left in to swap.You either left your items in on-the-day at Ikea in the designated area - or at the FashionWeek Headquarters on the 3rd Floor (21 Talbot Street, Belfast). I think the majority of people were like myself, and left them in on-the-day.

I love the idea of a fashion swap - like I've said before, some of the best things I've purchased have already been previously owned and used. I had an idea of what it was going to be like - women tend to go a bit mad when there's sales on (for example); so in a fashion swap there would be even less time for casual browsing if you wanted a real nice piece.

True enough, it was like that. Before the event started girls were on their tip toes trying to sneak a peak at what was on offer and to spot what other girls were bringing to the swap when handing them in. Of course I was doing the same. Ha. I literally parked myself next to the entrance to get a good view of what was going on - and to be at the start of the queue to get in. Much like the Secret Sales Advert on television...

Secret Sales Advert

I got some real good swaps - a few dresses, a jacket and a coat, among other items. They were all in great condition and I am happy with what I got in return for the items which I swapped. It was the quickest I've ever picked up items. A clever title for the event - 'Swop For Your Life'.

There was a good crowd and a real buzz of activity at the event. The wine, juice and nibbles were a lovely complimentary touch to the event!

Another nice touch to the event was the complimentary goodie bags, which Ikea had nicely donated some scented candles which we could bring home in a lovely bag.

I think there could have been some improvements to the event - from my personal experience. There should have been a cut-off time for handing in clothes for the swap. Many girls brought clothes from 6pm onwards, so the staff had more to do while the event had already started and was busy. In addition to this, the 'Traffic Light System' wasn't implemented fully. This system was in place to make the swap fair for all swappers - an item of the same value and quality, to be swapped with a similar. It was a good idea, but it wasn't enforced.

I still really like the concept of a fashion swap - it's a good way to Spring clean your wardrobe and get some lovely pieces in return. It's also a great way to meet new people and have a laugh over a common interest. I'd like if there was menswear included, as menswear is usually overlooked. Which is a shame.

All the ballot proceeds from the event went to Diabetes UK in Northern Ireland. The lucky winner got a £100 Ruedi Maguire Studio Voucher for a bespoke piece with this Northern Irish Designer. Ruedi also was featured in the local designers of Belfast FashionWeek, where he showcased a number of dresses.

A big thanks to all who organised the event and came - and to Ikea!

Hakka Noodle - The Highest Recommendation

Located on 51 Adelaide Street (just outside of the main City Centre of Belfast) is Hakka Noodle; a hidden gem on a side street in Belfast. I ventured in prior to moving all my shizzaary. Hakka Noodle offers a range of delicious Asian Cuisine dishes.

We were seated  after a few minutes of waiting - relatively quick during the mad lunch hour. We were given menus and drinks were ordered and served promptly. We were given ample time to browse the menus before placing our orders - don't you just hate it when you aren't? You can feel like you are being rushed; thankfully this was not the case.

The Hakka Noodle menu has a great range - with dishes such as: Guotie, Noodle Soup, Rice, Stir-fry and Noodle dishes.  Hakka Noodle offers a lunch and dinner menu. along with a 'Daily Specials Menu'  -and even a takeout menu! View the various menus below by following the link.

Hakka Noodle Belfast

For starters we had Guotie (Chicken Dumplings, which are pan fried Shanghai Style) with accompanying Garlic and Coriander Soya Sauce for dipping. The starter took a bit longer to be served as all the Guotie are freshly made. It was worth the wait - they were delicious! Could inhale a large plate full quite easily.

Next, for the main meal I had King Prawn Mushrooms with Chilli Black Bean on Crispy Noodles. and Singapore Vermicelli Noodles were also ordered. We both loved our dishes. I'd highly recommend mine, the crispy noodles were just right and an interesting contrast to the soft prawns.

Afterwards, we indulged in sharing two desserts - then I ate most of them myself. Ha. We had Banana Pancake Wraps and Deep Fried Ice Cream. The Pancake Wraps (with Fresh and Ice Cream) were real nice, although I enjoyed the Deep Fried Ice Cream more...

I've never tried Deep Fried Ice Cream before, and I have to say it was a pleasant surprise at how sweet it was. The Deep Fried Ice Cream was surrounded by a Honey moat - which was a great addition to the dish along with the Diced Pineapple and Fresh Cream. If going to try this dish yourself, note that it tastes like Coconut. So if not a Bounty Bar lover, I'd avoid.

   



Along with dessert, I had a Caramel Latte and some Jasmine Tea (both came with a Biscuit or Pastry). I've been wary of flavored teas after my disastrous Lemon and Chamomile Tea attempt at home a few years back. However, since I want to try new things more I decided to 'give-it-a-go' at least. It was quite nice, with a fragrant aroma and has made me want to try more flavored teas. It'll be a change from Tetley if anything...

                 

 As for the customer service it was very good, we went during the lunch hour and it was all hands on a busy deck. The staff were attentive and happy to help. Since English may not be the majority of the staffs first language, there is a slight barrier in understanding - but all orders are repeated before being placed with the kitchen. As for the price, it really can't be beat as it is so reasonable (great for students!) You get great quality food, for a fraction of the price for eating out in Belfast. Hakka Noddle is suitable for all - catering for the worker on their lunch hour, the hungry family, a catch up with friends or the couple wanting a dinner together. The menu has a simple system which indicates which dishes are: Spicy, Contain Nuts and Vegetarian Alternatives.

Chopsticks are optional for eating. I first looked at them in horror, imagining how I was going to stab at my Dumplings to be able to eat them. Yet, they were a lot easier to use than what my vivid imagination depicted. Even when I tried to use the fork and knife also provided, they felt clunky and difficult to manage compared to the chopsticks.

I liked the way the restaurant was decorated - it felt spacious and airy. Kind of reminded me of a converted loft you sometimes see in city's.

I really can't wait to go back, perhaps some Sunday (they offer a great value Sunday menu).

I can see Hakka Noodle becoming one of my favourite places to go in town - I can't really fault it anywhere.