New Ellington Hotel Leeds Review

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New Ellington Hotel's lounge bar

If you are ever in Leeds and need somewhere to stay then you have to visit the New Ellington Hotel, a boutique hotel in the centre of Leeds.

The entrance to the hotel, a red brick building, doesn't look like much, but once you enter the hotel there is striking art decor furnishings. The name New Ellington is actually a tribute to Duke Ellington who played Leed's 1958 music festival and would explain the photos of jazz artists displayed in the lounge bar.

I was really impressed with the food at the hotel including the breakfast too...

Dinner - burger, onion rings and fries

Dessert - apple tart with ice cream

Breakfast - brioche with bacon and maple syrup

I would highly recommend it! To book a room at New Ellington visit their website here.

Outfit of the day - Primark work dress

Dress - Primark

My outfit of the day is another work wear favourite, but this time from Primark. It's an oldie but a goodie, bought a few seasons ago, but will remain forever in my wardrobe as I adore it so. 

 Workwear

I was pleased to hear Primark's recent announcement - that limited items will be sold on the ASOS website from June for a trial period in order for Primark company to gain "insight" into online retailing. The first week was such a success that Primark and ASOS are extending the trial for at least a few months and I'm not surprised.

The biggest appeal of Primark is that the products are affordable and stylish - making it so appealing to its young customers.  I can't wait to see what items they will choose to sell on the ASOS website. Let me know if anything catches your eye!

Bridesmaids Dresses for a Winter Wedding

Bridesmaid dresses - Monsoon

Bridesmaid fur jackets - Dorothy Perkins

I was going through my wedding photos and came across one of my favourite images, actually taken by my florist (a woman of many talents!).

I always knew having a wedding in February would be cold but it wasn't until the day of the wedding I knew exactly how cold it was going to be..freezing! Despite the cold weather (about one degrees) and the light snow, my sisters who also happened to be my bridesmaids still looked fabulous!

I wanted them in bright colours and as soon as I saw the yellow dresses in Monsoon I knew they were the perfect dresses. I loved the fact they were cocktail dresses as opposed to the usual long gowns you see bridesmaids wear. Teamed with the gold shoes and brown fur capelets from Dorothy Perkins it was the perfect bridesmaids outfit for a winter wedding. 

The flowergirl, my niece, wore a wedding jacket and ballet pumps bought from a bridal store in America and her flower girl dress from Tesco. Her flower basket was from BHS.

What are you favourite bridesmaid and flower girl looks?

For more pictures visit Brides Magazine website here

Outfit of the day - polka dot crazy!

 Dress - Florence & Fred @ Tesco Clothing

Bag - Missguided

My outfit of the day is a polka dot dress from Tesco Clothing who do lovely work dresses.

I love polka dots and this sleeveless dress is great for warm days in the office as I can just add a cardigan if gets chilly in the evening.

Ballet shoes - New Look 

 

I teamed the dress with my polka dot ballet pumps from New Look and my camel bag I use for work from Missguided.

Bag -Missguided

My top picks: Matalan Homeware

 Canisters from Matalan

Matalan have a great range of homeware products and I particularly love their kitchenshop items! I bought these set of three metal storage canisters with removable lids and sugar, tea and coffee embossed on each canister (also available in lime green too).

Here are a few of my favourite items from their store, all available to buy online:

Standing Mirror

Damask Print Cushion

Antique brass table lamp

Matalan do home deliveries and a "click and collect" option to place orders online and then collect from your choice of store. Let me know what you have recently purchased from Matalan, love to see your buys!

Outfit of the Day - Chime for Change Concert

Jacket - New Look

Blouse - New Look

Jeans - New Look 

On Saturday I travelled to Twickenham Stadium to watch the incredible Beyonce perform at the Chime for Change concert.

The fundraising concert was organised to raise money to support projects on areas of education, health and justice for women.  

And what an amazing show it was! With a star studded line up of artists performing such as Beyonce, J-Lo, Rita Ora, Jessie J and more, I planned to wear something comfortable as I knew I would be dancing all night!

 

 Shoes - New Look

My outfit of the day is entirely from New Look completely by coincidence. I particularly love their tall range and my skinny jeans and jacket are both from the tall collection, perfect for girls over 5'7! 

Chime for Change was such an unforgettable night. I'm so glad I was there to experience this event full of such inspiring women! In the word's of Jada Pinkett-Smith who introduced one of the acts, equality for women is a world issue, not just a woman's issue.  I'm so glad this concert raised not only £2.8million but also awareness of such an important issue.  

To find out more about the campaign visit chimeforchange.

Southbank's Real Food Market Review

The Real Food Market at Southbank

As you know, I love food markets and every weekend the "Real Food Market" takes place at the Southbank. I went last weekend which, as always, was packed full of people ready to sample the delicious street food on offer.

Crowds at the Real Food Market at the Southbank

The food is sustainably and ethically produced by over 40 real food producers so you know you are buying fresh, high quality, affordable food and drink.

I love the choice of delicious street food and having such a sweet tooth, i'm always tempted by the sweet treats like crepes, brownies and churros too! Here were just a few of my favourite stands:

Of course I had to get myself a nutella and banana crepe!  I also picked up some brownies too! ;-)

The Real Food Market is open every weekend, visit the website for more details.  

Where is your favourite food market? Let me know, I'd love to visit it!

My first attempt at upcycling furniture!

My first attempt at upcycling!

I've always been fascinated by upholstery and upcycling but have always been put off by the hard work!  Who has time to prep, sand, seal, clean, prime add solvents and more?!

I have absolutely zero experience decorating but love parisian inspired furniture. Unfortunately it seems like everyone else does too and is very expensive. But after stumbling across this post about upcycling it gave me the confidence to try renovating some old furniture myself using a paint called Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, Soft Wax and Annie Sloan Brushes

Unlike usual paint where you would need to prep, sand, seal, clean, prime and everything else that requires painting furniture. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint requires none of the above. I couldn't believe it so was keen to get started with my new project, this five draw dresser:

Before

I realised that painting a five draw dresser would be too much of a challenge so decided to paint a three draw dresser instead!

First coat

I chose "French Linen" Annie Sloan Paint, cleaned the wood and then removed the cabinet knobs and applied a first coat of paint. The next day, I applied a second coat, leaving the cabinet to dry again. 

After a few hours, I applied the soft wax to seal the paint.  Then I added crystal knobs I bought from Laura Ashley in the sale. You can pick up similar ones,  a lot cheaper, from Homebase or B&Q.

                              My first attempt at upcycling 

Although initially daunting, my first attempt at upcycling old furniture was not as bad as I imagined, so perhaps I'll upcycle something else. I would love to see more examples of upcycled furniture, share them below if you have any!