Sophie's Italian: New and Open

Since I have finally finished my first year in University, Smidge took us out for dinner and film last night. I was sleep deprived from the last deadline, yet when food was mentioned I soon perked up. We decided to stay local and went to the cinema to check what time films were on. After that we picked where to eat in Eastpoint in Dundonald. We decided to try Sophie's Italian.

The exterior of the building looked great, very clean and was decorated beautifully. We were immediately shown a seat after we went inside. The restaurant was decorated inside fantastically (but more about that later!)

Overall first impressions were all positive and the menu was appealing. There was a good range of dishes, but not too much that it felt overwhelming. We picked an appetiser that consisted of three freshly baked breads with a spicy dipping sauce.

The bread was delicious and it was served still warm which I loved. Good for a tear-and-share between two people. I'd get the bread again, it was lovely We also ordered two Jameson Whiskey's and Cokes but unfortunately they didn't stock Jamesons or Jack Daniels or Guinness. In the end, Smidge got an Amaretto and Coke and I had a Tia Maria with Orange Juice.

For the main course I had a King Prawn Linguine (succulent king prawns tossed through linguine pasta finished with a piquant extra virgin olive oil, chilli dressing and sun blushed tomatoes). It was a nice dish, very filling and the sun blushed tomatoes were a great accent to the dish.

Smidge had a Chicken Saltimbocca (crumbed chicken breast topped with parma ham, sage leaves, mozzarella and a rich tomato and basil sauce). It was lovely, well executed but lacked any accompanying vegetables or pasta for a main dish. We had a side dish of onions rings to share, which were nicely crisped.




















After the mains we thought we should try a dessert too. Smidge ordered a Banoffee Sundae (made with a delicious luxury Italian Dulche de Leche and vanilla ice-creams, ginger biscuits and a banana Dulche de Leche sauce). It was a lovely dessert, yet more banana pieces would have been nice.

I ordered a Chocolate Brownie (a fudgly dense rich chocolate brownie, served with Italian Vanilla ice-cream). It was just as the menu described; a very rich brownie, yet not sickeningly so. I liked the contrast of the warm brownie to the cold ice-cream (although my sensitive teeth didn't like it)...

Overall, a nice meal and we will be back again; even better is that it is local. The staff were attentive and friendly, yet you could tell they were only newly opened as some didn't project a confidence. One aspect that we both didn't like was how staff were standing in groups talking  - it simply shouldn't be done in front of  a whole room of dining customers.



On a more positive ending, it was a good experience and the place was decorated with a great style. In particular, I liked how the restaurant was airy, with a great deal of natural light. Sophie's Italian had a modern industrial theme; with low single bulb lighting, metal piping, large mirrors and metal fencing.










Great to see a new business opening locally when the hospitality business is struggling these days. A nice place to go with lots of potential! I wish them all the best for the future...

Fashion Souk: Spring Into Summer

I was all geared up for this event, I loved the last Fashion Souk. So on Saturday the 4th of May I kicked Smidge out of bed and down to Spires Mall with me for the Fashion Souk. The Souk was already well underway by the time we got into town, the place was buzzing with fashion-conscious girlies looking for a bargain!

The Souk looked fantastic, a lot of stalls had went to a great deal of effort by getting all their little items in place earlier that morning. There was a range of stalls run by local girls spring cleaning their wardrobes and local businesses.

We first did a quick lap of the Souk and there was so much on offer! I got talking to a girl who was selling some interesting jewellery, Lynsay Raine. All of the jewellery is made by her from everyday objects which have been recycled - a different and contemporary style of handmade jewellery in this market. A great range was available: necklaces, rings, earring, cufflinks and much more! She was lovely to chat to and I can't wait to see her at the next Souk! To have a nosy, check out her website - http://www.lynsayraine.com/index.html

Another local designer 'Goddess and Swift' also caught my interest and I began refiling through the rails. The Belfast designer, Larissa Watson handmakes each item. Every item is a one-off piece and at a reasonable price too! Larissa offers a lot - everyday looks, occasionwear and even couture evening gowns! I got a lovely piece which I will share in a separate post (I will share all my purchases in seperate posts)! The Goddess and Swift website is currently undergoing maintenance, but you can find them on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GODDESSandSWIFT?fref=ts

I also made another purchase, a little treat for Smidge from Strombolitwo. Strombolitwo uses up-cycled kimono silks from Japanese kimonos and transforms them into accessories. I think it was great that they brought a sewing machine and were showing how they worked. They also gave the opportunity to make your own little bow by yourself (with help) for only a few pounds!

I spotted some lovely shoes for sale that had been bought from River Island. They screamed 'BUY ME, BUY ME' and were just my style. Unfortunately, they did not fit *cries*. A very sad moment, yet I hope to source a similar pair.

We also dropped by and had a chat with Melanie at 'Vintage USA'. She sources and sells jewellery from America. Great pieces for fantastic prices; I'd really recommend to have a nosy and grab some bargains! You can find Vintage USA usually at Saint George's market and many local fashion events, keep up to date with their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/vintage-usa/198624256834283?fref=ts

























Overall, a great free event which I really enjoyed. Really good to see some menswear and I hope to see more of it! Only slight downside was that the changing room doors didn't lock.

The next Fashion Souk is on Saturday the 1st of June from 10:30 am - 4 pm. A great place to shop and an event I will be attending again. For more details check out the flyer or click on the following link - https://www.facebook.com/thefashionsouk

Mittens May Update!

How did it get to May? Time is literally flying by!

I have nearly finished my first year of my fashion degree. Just one more deadline and it's all done! I've learnt a few valuable lessons in my first year. One, even when using a ruler I am incapable of drawing the smallest of straight lines. Two, Tesco's 11p noodles go a long way nutritionally. Three, to invest in key equipment for uni - otherwise it will break. Four, you will take heating for granted. Five, you learn who real friends are when you move. Six, printers are a form of witchcraft.

I've had some printing disasters this year and it's shown me how little I actually know about them. There's times were I've screamed mentally in my head
'WHAT?!
WHAT IS THIS?'

The picture sums up my knowledge of printers.

On another subject, I've attended loads of events this past month and have so much to write about! I've attended at least one event every weekend, usually more. The blog has taken a slight backseat due to my deadlines. However, I finish this Thursday and will be able to update a lot more.

I also have some real exciting news - I am now a resident blogger for a local vintage fair which operates in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (Ava Vintage Fair). This is their Facebook link, check it out - https://www.facebook.com/avafairs.antiquesvintageart?fref=ts

Smidge and myself have nearly been together for a year now! So I've some anniversary shopping to finish this week. Lots of ideas, but undecided on what to get yet.

I've also taken a mood to change (perhaps it's the weather). I'm wanting to completely change my hair and style so have a nosy on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mittens-Attic/368472143264409 as I'm selling a lot of my wardrobe. I did get a piercing, eventually. Just took a mad notion when catching up with a good friend last week. Follow me on Instagram to have a sneaky peek at what I'm up to - http://instagram.com/mittensfashion

Watch out for my new posts, I've so much to share!


Mittens

xxx

Spray Way In Lisburn

When recently in Lisburn, Smidge and myself made a random find. We had walked into a small art gallery (R-Space gallery) and saw something interesting happening just outside.

In this little alley there was graffiti everywhere. We talked to the organiser, who informed us that it was an open space for anyone who wanted to try their hand at graffiti. Smidge and myself got to work.

It was beyond fun, going mad with spray paint. Something I've never done before but would love to do again!

Smidge had fun too...

There was some amazing graffiti pieces done by different people.

Amazing work eh?

At last our masterpiece was finished!

Daltons in Lisburn - The Best Sandwich I've Had Yet

Before venturing to the Frock Around The Clock event in Lisburn for a rummage on Saturday the 27th of April, Smidge and I dandered in to the city-centre for a bite to eat. We didn't have to walk far, we came across 'Daltons' - a gourmet sandwich shop.

First impressions were great - it was busy and had a great atmosphere. Daltons is decorated in a crisp white, neon green and an eye-popping purple. An amazing decor, teamed with pine furnishings.





















The menu looked fantastic too, so much variety! 29 different sandwiches, from classics such as the B.L.T.to  Daltons own range of sandwiches such as The Scooby Doo.

After placing our orders (a Scooby Doo for Smidge and a Chicken Cesar Salad for myself) the sandwiches were freshly made in front of us. Doesn't the food display look amazing?

After they were prepared we were able to pay quickly and sit down to enjoy.

I've never seen such a massive sandwich! It looks like something a snake would have to tackle as they can dislocate their jaws (animal documentaries are fascinating for freaky facts)...They were delicious, the nicest sandwich I have had yet. Despite being so big, I inhaled mine in minutes and only left a lonely bit of tomato...

They were great sandwiches and kept us full for the rest of the day! When back in Lisburn we will definitely be back again! As Smidge stated 'If God had a mouth, he'd be eating sandwiches here'. The customer service was good; the staff were friendly and attentive. So important, as when I was last in Subway they kept repeating questions I had answered more than twice and they forgot my cookie! (near lost my rag that day)...It's a great place that's suitable for everyone - I saw a staff member gladly help a family with a toddler to help their child get comfortably seated and interact with the little girl.

There were separate queues for sit-in and takeaways; great if your on a break from work and are on a limited time and need to get lunch quickly. A really spacious layout too. Another nice touch was the napkins that were designed with the Daltons logo and trademark colours; something you don't often see. The sandwiches are all very reasonably priced for being freshly made - they average just a few pennies higher than a pre-packaged sandwich. I'm not keen on pre-packaged sandwiches, they are very lack lustre in taste and don't look appealing either; I don't buy them for those reasons.

I'd highly recommend to go to Daltons, you will not be disappointed!

Mittens Attic

I have to confess, I'd forgotten how much clothes, shoes and accessories I own until I had to move again. It's mad how much I've gathered up over the years - and I'm somewhat of a hoarder too.  My wardrobe is literally exploding items around me when opened. Looks worse than a T-K Maxx rail...

Overall, I have far too much for the space I have at present. Furthermore, my style has changed so much - I probably don't wear half of my wardrobe...what a waste...

It's time to completely spring-clean my wardrobe!

Not an easy task to undertake...but a worthwhile one. I have set up a Facebook page to sell all my pretty things that I no longer wear. All items are in great condition and some have never been worn!

So check out my Facebook page 'Mittens Attic' - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mittens-Attic/368472143264409?ref=hl. If your interested items can be  paid via Paypal and posted!

Lovely Goodie Bag From Business 'So Chic, So Vintage'

When at a recent vintage fair, I was lucky to be given a lovely goodie bag from 'So Chic, So Vintage'.      'So Chic, So Vintage' is a business which is currently based online. They sell gorgeous vintage and pre-loved garments which I'd highly recommend to check out - https://marketplace.asos.com/seller/sochicsovintage/collection and http://www.etsy.com/shop/soChicsoVintage.

All of the garments are handpicked for their tailoring and fantastic fabric and finishes. Here's the goodie bag and it's contents!

The contents came lovingly wrapped and packaged which was a real nice touch! The little heart-shaped cushion (which I will use for pins when sewing) is made with a vintage style floral and stripe fabric. A real pretty gift, practical too which is a bonus!

The other gift was a gorgeous heart-key necklace. It came wrapped in a wallpaper envelope; I thought this was a  real clever way of packaging. Different too, something I've never seen before...My inner magpie loves this little gift, it's all sparkles! It'd be great with a little vintage dress or blouse.

A big thanks to So Chic, So Vintage for the lovely gifts!