December Update!

December has been a stress filled month. Counting down the days until I get off for holidays and get some quality family and friend time.

Not that I actually get much time off - I've assignments stacked high to work on as the majority of work is due in January. Yay! Not so much...I've definitely learned a lesson in the sense that you have to work continually (even over holidays) when you're a degree student.

I haven't had the best health recently either, which hasn't helped things. Had a continual flu/chest infection for over a month now at least that I can't seem to shake. It's had a knock-on effect on everything else such as work and my general mood.

Christmas shopping is mostly done. Belfast is manic with shoppers. Christmas Shoppers are something I really can't deal with - they're slow, indecisive and rude. My patience wears thin fast. Although I do have to say a pleasant highlight is the Continental Market (whether it is quiet or busy). Filled with delicious food and goodies it is a spot that you have to go to this time of year.

Have a great festive holiday whatever your doing and stay tuned for a re-vamped blog!

Mittens November Update!

I've found November to be one of the most stressful months that I've had in a long while. I do not know if I'm coming or going most days and seem to be getting  stuck in a real bad routine. I feel as if I need a  big change, or a holiday at the very least. My skin and hair has went to pot; it hasn't been in such bad condition in years.

I've taken a small step back from blogging as I haven't been to many fashion events and have been feeling somewhat uninspired. There's loads to come in December though, with the holidays just around the corner.

I've become beyond scatty too. In the past month I've lost my i.d. card, my student card and a set of keys. I really don't know what it is. Thankfully, have the day off tomorrow so hope to catch up on some work and move the remainder of my stuff into my new place. Have to do it tomorrow as it's probably the only time I'll get to do it and it really needs done before the holidays. Queue a mountain in the to wash and iron pile...

In general I am usually very disorganised, yet it's an organised chaos - if that makes sense. However, when I do tidy up things I  have next to obsessive tendencies. The wardrobes I bought are an actual  amazing investment and I can now properly organise my clothes, something which I have never properly been able to do.

I'm hoping December will be a better month...

Mittens October Update!

I absolutely love this time of year; minus the rain. October is one of my favourite months due to Halloween (probably my favourite holiday).

I've moved (again) and still am finding my feet. Detest moving, if I thought last time was bad this time is going to be worse. I have so much more bigger items that are going to be a pain moving. I'm looking forward to being all properly moved though. This time, my room is completely unfurnished so I'm beyond giddily excited to Ikea the life out of my room.

The biggest drawback is that I've no internet until November 9th at least (actual nightmare). So don't worry, haven't died or anything. Until then I'm just drafting what I'm writing and trying not to go mad. I miss blogging; it's quite therapeutic.

Other than that things are relatively quiet. Quite a few events happening coming into November which I'm really excited for. Starting to plan my 21st too, which is proving to be somewhat difficult as I haven't a clue what to do...

What did you do for your 21st birthday?

Ava Vintage Fair @ Park Avenue Hotel

On a very wet and dreary Saturday in September, Smidge and myself ventured out to the Ava Vintage Fair event in the Park Avenue Hotel (Official). After chatting to the organisers, we had a nosy around all the exhibitors and what they had to offer.

Since the venue was smaller compared to other fairs (held in the Stormont Hotel and the Slieve Donard for example) there was less exhibitors; with a more intimate setting. There was a range of exhibitors, with a price range to suit everybody. There was a number of familiar faces alongside some new ones, which was great to see.

There were exhibitors including The Old Hen House (Facebook) which sells a wide range of everything, Emily Loves Vintage (Facebook) which sells gorgeous Handmade Vintage Jewellery, Upcycled Furniture and Vintage China Gift Baskets. Other exhibitors include Strictly Vintage (Facebook) that sells American Vintage Costume Jewellery and Retro Glass and Ceramics, Vintage USA (Facebook) that sells Costume Jewellery from America, along with Edna's Front Room (Facebook) and Its Vintage Darling (Facebook) which sell an array of items.

Background music was provided by Monkey See Monkey Do Records (Facebook), a new exhibitor to the Ava Fairs. The music added a bubbly atmosphere to the event and all records could be purchased then and there. We had fun at the fair, it was great to rummage and find some real quirky items.

Got speaking to Shelia again and tried on some lovely charm bracelets but did not find any that seemed personal enough for myself. Got to try some rings on too and even a 1930's engagement ring which was simple, but really nice.

Keep up to date with Ava Vintage Fairs by following them on Twitter (click on the link).

SS Nomadic Final Wedding OENI Event 2013

An extremely exciting wedding show venue and event happened this past weekend (Sunday the 29th of September) in Belfast. Hosted by Our Events NI (Official), it promised to be a fun evening with fabulous exhibitors.

The event was held on the ship SS Nomadic (also known as the 'Mini Titanic' and 'Titanic's Little Sister' and is a quarter of the size of the Titanic). This ship has undergone a massive restoration project and has been restored to it's former glory. The SS Nomadic is the last remaining Star Line Ship in the entire world and has over a 100 years history.

The SS Nomadic now residues in the Hamilton Dock in the growing Titanic Quarter just outside of the city centre. For more information click on the Nomadic's Official Webpage Nomadic Belfast for opening times, prices and much more.

This was the final wedding event of the year for Our Events NI - hope you didn't miss out!

 What did you think of the event?

Mittens September Update!

Back to the norm again this month!

After having such a long time off from university, it sure didn't feel that way. Just finished my first week back. Not that I mind; if anything it will give me better structure to my everyday life. My timetable is pretty great this year too (off fridays and early finishes) so I get to keep my job going as it fits in around my timetable.

The student loan is officially in! And surprisingly it remains untouched (for now) and only will be used this week for rent, travel-card and uni supplies. As a fashion student your hit with pretty heavy costs for supplies/materials. I'm still mildly horrified at what illustration pens and markers can cost...there are sometimes good freebies during freshers and they're usually good to go to for a nosy at least. The Met Fresher's Fayre is good for vouchers and some free nibbles.

Another positive point is that shops have pretty good discounts and student nights on. They're a prime time to nab those pair of butt-enhancing jeans or cosy coat that you've had your eye on. Most student nights begin over here in about two weeks time. Keeping my beady eyes peeled for some bargains!

Less than a month until my braces come off and I can't wait. The change in my teeth in less than a year has been nothing but amazing (separate post to follow). I've had my last change of wires and next appointment I get them off and my retainer. After they come off I have to get some dental work done and am looking into cosmetic teeth whitening.. Anybody any recommendations for reputable places in Belfast to go? I haven't a clue where to start and what to look for regarding that.

A few month's until I'm 21 and I'm wondering where the hell the time has went. Now searching for that 'perfect' dress. What did you wear for your 21st?


Mittens

xxx

No. 36 on Belmont Road

After having a lovely afternoon at Ava Vintage Fair (Twitter) in the Park Avenue Hotel Belfast, we ventured out for lunch. Partially drenched due to the lovely downpour, we quickly decided on somewhere we haven't tried before. First impressions were great - the premise was beautifully presented in neutral colours with accents of a pastel and fresh green.

No.36 is on the Belmont Road in East Belfast and is an eaterie/coffee shop which prides itself upon home cooking and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. All meat, sweet treats, chutneys and fruit preserves are cooked and made on the premise itself using recipes developed by No. 36 itself. A wide range of homemade muffins, gourmet scones and tarts are also available. The soups are inspired from the Belmont Road to Bombay and beyond, served with gourmet sandwiches, wraps and ciabattas.

We were both quite hungry and the day itself was one of those days that soup seemed like the best option. The menu was great - such a range available! No. 36 offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner...Table service, bookings and walk-ins are all welcome along with a catering and a take-away service also available.

We ordered the soup of the day 'Roast Red Pepper and Lentil' which came with a choice of gourmet sandwiches. 'Chicken Caesar with Hot Crispy Bacon, Parmesan and Cos Lettuce' was picked as the accompaniment. We also ordered their signature Toasted Club Sandwich 'a Triple Decker of Toasted Bread filled with Crispy Streaky Bacon, Pesto, Sun Blush Tomato, Red Onion, Rocket and Applewood Smoked Cheddar'. I added chicken to this sandwich as an extra filling as I thought it would have lacked something.

The sandwiches were amazing; with a crisp granary taste, they literally had 'bite'. The Chicken Ceasar Sandwich was creamy with a contrast of crispness from the bread and bacon. I'd really recommend the No. 36 Toasted Club Sandwich to any Club Sandwich lover out there. Not the typical, it certainly was a great alternative to the 'standard', lack-lustre Club Sandwich you are likely to be served in many restaurants these days.

Surprised at how much I liked the Roast Red Pepper and Lentil Soup. Smooth to the taste, with a pleasant kick to it. The bowl is massive, so great value for money.

Afterwards we ordered two No. 36 Signature Caramel Hot Chocolates (infused with Caramel Syrup, topped with Cream) with traybakes. AMAZING way to end the meal. The hot chocolate blew away all of the Hot Chocolates I've had out of any Cafe Nero's. Much nicer and sweeter, not that chocolatey as such. I liked how they offered the cream and marshmallows separately - they're not always for everybody. However, if your a sugar nut like myself then build a small marshmallow tower!

The traybakes are great; chunky and chocolatey. Only slight criticism would be that that they are refrigerated at a lower temperature than they should be, which can make for difficult eating. Didn't help when I have braces and have to be careful what I eat.

Overall, delicious locally sourced food at an alright price (would go there to treat myself when in the area). Service could do with some improvement as it sometimes felt like forced friendliness. A wide range to choose from and good for dietary requirements such as gluten-free. Perfect for sandwich lovers out there and sugar snackers.