Running in Heels thanks to Sticky Heelz

As a model, I find myself in and out of many different clothes, accessories and not least shoes. Being a size 5 shoe with a petite frame makes it difficult to find shoes that really fit my feet with a snug and comfortable fit. Ever since I was a child, my Mam & Grandmother have spent hours altering clothes and elasticating waistbands - however changing shoes to stop rubbing is pretty impossible. The problem I have, my feet are very slim, so where most shops stock a wider fitting range, not all have a slim fit size or half sizes.

 

 

Growing from teenager to a twenty something, I have made the transition in to heels, with the same issue. So, when I was sent the Sticky Heelz Anti-Slip Heel Pads, I was eager to see if they live up to their name and actually help. The pack includes:

4 x heel pads
2 x shoe pads

 

 The heel and shoe strips are both labelled so is near impossible to get them mixed up. The heel pads have a micropore tape kind of texture and are breathable on the skin. The shoe pads are cushioned and foamy for maximum comfort once your foot is inside the shoe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To show you guys the difference, I wanted to show you all a pair of heels of mine which I love but they're a tad too big. And, we all know, if your heels don't fit right, it affects the way you walk and in turn how confident (and sassy) you feel! As you can see there's enough of a gap to create rubbing, blisters and a dodgy walk!



 

 

Excited to give them a whirl, I peeled off the paper from the shoe pads and popped them in my heels firstly. This process is super easy which is good news. I don't have time for fussing and faffing when I'm in a rush heading out the door. Once the paper is peeled off you fold almost in half and line up with the inside of the shoe and press into place.

 

 

 

 

 

So far, simple. Then the heel pads follow the same instructions  and from the diagram the cut out section goes on the bottom of the heel which allows more flexibility in the shoe and doesn't feel restricting. I stuck to my heel lining it up with where the top of my shoe would sit (so it wasn't visible once on.) Still simple. Then I put my foot in to the shoe (like a modern day Cinders wearing my Zara denim) and added pressure to the heel to bond both sets of pads together. Hey presto! It feels like a Velcro type of grip once they are together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So like the good blogger I am, I just had to show you the difference once using the Sticky Heelz pads. Where there was previously a gap in the heel area, the gap no longer exists.  So yes, they look cool and make your shoes look like you've finally managed to stop wearing your imaginary big sisters hand - me - downs. But do they feel any different?? This was my main concern, but rest assured, the bond between the heel pad and the shoe pad is enough to keep them attached and also really makes your foot feel secure in the shoe. This means I walk waaay better ion these heels now and feel much more confident in the knowledge that my shoes actually fit me thanks to 2 clever adhesive pads!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once you take your heels off the 2 strips will most likely be stuck together because of the strong grip between the two. Now, don't forget, the heel strip you throw out but the shoe pads are multiple use (bonus!)  

 

 

 

 

These heel pads seriously do make me feel more confident and secure about ill fitting shoes. If you, like myself have struggled with the same thing (or have the odd pair the wrong size you cant bear to throw away) then give Sticky Heelz a try!

 

 

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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Statement Jewellery: Dare to Wear

I think by now, we all know I'm a totally jewellery & accessories lover. Jewellery can totally transform and outfit and the way you feel. Certain jewellery pieces of mine somehow allow me to feel more confident or sophisticated or fun (you get the idea, depending on the design.) Over December I was in Primark picking up some wardrobe staples and had to have a mosey around the accessories section.

 

I am a complete sucker for rose gold, whether its jewellery, home accessories, nail polish. I can't get enough. I got my eye on the full finger ring which was reduced to £1. What a steal! The ring is 1 coil of metal (rose gold coloured obv) and dusted in diamantes, gently nestled in claw settings.

 

 

 

 

 

When the light catches this, the diamantes really twinkle. The full finger effect creates a statement head turning piece which has made for lovely compliments when I've worn this.

 

 

 

 

I am seriously loving either fine pieces or slightly ambiguous statement pieces at the moment! And this fits the latter. The coiled metal is sturdy so the coil doesn't nip the skin which is a plus.

 

 

 

 

So if you're looking for minimal effort of upgrading your outfit, the dare to wear a full finger ring - or even better... a two ringer ring!  

 

 

 

 

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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Spritzin: JKB ARGENT Millionaire Hair Mist

Everyone knows me as the girl with the ginger locks. I can be spotted in crowds with my gingery flame mane. So in these harsh, winter months (especially being a model) I really do have to keep my hair in good condition. So when JKB Argent sent me their sparkly new Millionaire Hair Mist I was itching to put it to the test - with plenty of hair at the ready!

 

On opening the parcel (blogger mail is always exciting), the first thing I noticed was the attention to detail in the packaging. The beautiful gold against the sodailte blue box is gorgeous. A weighty glass bottle topped off with a gold lid was nestled inside. I love when packaging is really thought out, surely you'd think its the product and what it can achieve is what matters. But I really do think that beautiful packaging shows that a brand has really thought about everything from shelf appeal to customer service to product development if they have took the time and care to get their branding right.  

 

 

So looking at the bottle, the product inside the bottle looks milky but when spritzing this, it has a gorgeous mist consistency which wraps around your hair and nourishes it. So what does the Millionaire Hair Mist do? The mist helps to give you a glossy mane, weather you're in a rush or just styling it. I have used this just after straightening and curling meanwhile also just spraying through my hair and brushing just to give a healthy sheen and both work well. This retails at £35.00 via their website, and considering the natural ingredients, packaging and the actual product itself seems reasonable (not to mention this has lasted me a good while and I have pretty long hair!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Millionaire Mist doesn't have a potent fragrance (like with many hair products which can be strongly scented and smell of chemicals) and also has organic aloe vera and blackcurrant extract. This mist also boasts to be paraben and sulphate free too. The ingredients have been carefully sourced and blended to create this product. As if the packaging and the product results didn't make me love this enough, the organic touch really does appeal to me. Natural scents and natural, organic products make me think of us thousands of years ago kinda like avatars using the rainforests as our free for all fresh beauty salons, with berries,charcoal and fruits.

 

 

 

I'm really excited to see what JKB Argent come up with next as this is their first ever product out on the market. Impressive, huh?

 

 

 

Until next time

The Original Redhead

 

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Sparkling Jewellery: Celeb Faves & Charlie Hedge's Festival Fun

Those who know me, will know I truly am a jewellery addict. I am not in jewellery addicts anonymous however, so when Sparkling Jewellery approached me about sending me some pieces how could I refuse?! So with music culture and festivals increasingly growing in popularity, we're always on the search for new outfits and accessories. Weather you're just heading for a vacation, camping with friends or going to Bestival, Charlie Hedges Festival Collection is totally for you! You will most likely know Sparkling Jewellery for their Double Coin Necklaces & the brand has been spotted on celebs from Michelle Keegan to Katie Piper.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 One of the original celebs to be adorned with the SJ necklace was Holly Willoughby (if you watch This Morning close enough I guarantee you'll spot it!) and appropriately this design is named Holly. There is a range of coin and sovereign variations over on the website but this is the Classic Two Coin Holly Necklace which retails at £29.00 & free next day delivery on all UK orders over £10.

 

 

 

 

 

I love the detail of the name stamped onto a gorgeous dainty tag near the clasp. The little details make all the difference!

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have honestly worn this necklace so many times with numerous outfits which I can now see why they are so popular. In a rush? Throw on a Sparkling Jewellery necklace (weather its the Double Coin, Sixpence or the Karma) it will transform your look effortlessly. I would recommend carrying in your handbag to upgrade your look from work wear to evening in a flash.

 

 

 

 

 When Sparkling Jewellery gifted me with these items I was excited to see what the Charlie Hedges range had to offer. This is the Love Bracelet in black. It is a great size for me and I really love the hook clasp which is a nice unique detail instead of a standard lobster clasp! This also comes in red and blue and is down to £1.00 online!

 

 

 

 

 

For the gypsy souls out there, this one is really for you! The Charming Brow Band really is the festival lovers wardrobe staple. I always think these kinds of headbands give a real 70's feel to an outfit. The alternating rose & diamante charms really do add a touch of glamour without being too much. With an elasticated section, this headband stays in place perfectly (which is a must if you're dancing out to your fave band!) And, this is also available in silver if gold isn't your thing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Gypsy vibe not your thing? Then perhaps the Gold Earrings are for you. These really are the perfect addition to your festival back pack. Pop these on and turn your outfit from festival acceptable to rock chic in no time.  Such an effortless piece to switch up your look weather your working loose waves and wellies or a polished up do on holiday.

 

 

 

 

 The flower headdress really is the original festival piece and the Charlie range doesn't disappoint with the Festival Hair Garland! These have been worn for years and really never fail to go out of fashion in the festival scene. Which is why I think this would be a great investment piece if you're a regular festival go-er.

 

 

 

 

 Besides the Double Coin Necklace... this Ear Cuff Stud Cuff Stud really is my favourite piece. With a gold stud which connects to a cuff via 3 gold chains this is the ultimate edgy chic piece. For the fierce look.... This wouldn't look out of place paired with a fringed suede jacket, embellished dress or leather mini skirt! This little gem vamps your outfit from a 5 to a strong 10 on the fierce scale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Don't forget to follow Sparkling Jewellery!

 

 

 

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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Restaurant Hoppin'

So with Sunderland's Restaurant Week quickly approaching, I was lucky enough to be invited to a Safari Supper to have a taste of what is on offer.

We started at Café Purple and seated in a booth, which if you're heading out with a group, this is a lovely little intimate section. We were served us up with a big range of their cocktails. If you're a cocktail kinda gal, this place is for you! The staff were really lovely and talked us through each drink as we all tasted. They had really got experimental with the drinks menu and they range from your iconic cosmopolitan to a Sour Cherry Cola Bottle which is new to the menu & the Eden Gardens (hints of elderflower, gin & cucumber.)
 

 

 



Raspberry Love Heart

 

 

 

I have to hold my hands up and say that my favourite was the Frozen Passion Fruit Daiquiri. Basically an adult slushy (if you close your eyes, you could almost be on a beach somewhere with this one.)

 

 

 

 

 

Still taking in the array of drinks, we were then surprised with what I can only describe as one of the best cheese boards I've ever seen. I mean, just take a moment.

 

 

 

 

With a selection of dipping cheeses, crackers, olives, sliced vegetables and grapes besides the usual range of cheeses what more could you want. These are more so available for corporate events and meetings but I'm sure if you wanted to order one they wouldn't hesitate to oblige. We really were spoilt for choice...

 

 

 

 Then we headed to the next venue for our selection of starters at Port Of Call. Port Of Call is right next door which was great if you wanted to check out the cocktails and then head for food! They served us up with a selection of bitesize treats including salmon, pastrami and cream cheese pieces and ever a mini cheeseburger, in amongst 2 clusters of mussels. They are known for their seafood, meat based dishes & rum drinks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The mussels were 2 different flavours which were a tomato based one and a creamy based one. I loved the creamy flavour and think these would be lovely to share as a starter.

 

 

These guys also brought a selection of cocktails and this one was hands down my ultimate favourite and who couldn't love this in that pretty glass?! This is the Gingerbread Martini and I would totally order this just for pure Instagram photogenic bragging rights but it was seriously delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

Espresso Martini Hazelnut

 

 

On for more starters at Scavi & Ray // The Funky Indian. This venue was a little walk from Port Of Call but really not too far! Scavi & Ray is a Prosecco Bar so if you're heading out with your girls, this could be the perfect venue. The upstairs of this place is the bar and the downstairs is The Funky Indian. Such a clever idea to merge 2 experiences into one venue. We were greeted with a glass of prosecco and then talked through the menu.

 

 

 

 

The Funky Indian is a tapas style Indian kitchen so there is a big selection of dishes on offer and some are available to order as a full dish (look for the plate icon on the menu.) Prawns, lean meats, beef all feature on the menu as they are inspired by cooking from all regions of India. This is a great way to get a taste of many dishes without having to order a full meal. Each dish is £4.20 or £16 for 4.

 

 

 

 



Masala Fries - they certainly hold a kick for your spice lovers

 

 

I think their deep fried cauliflower was greatly loved by all of us. I am a veg lover so this really spoke to me, but for those not keen on cauliflower even gave this the thumbs up! I'm not a huge fan of Indian food but they do serve up some lovely food. If you're looking for a fusion of flavours, I think The Funky Indian are playful with their dishes not afraid to offer something unique.

 

 

 

 

On for the main! Angleos serves up delicious Italian food so I was excited for this one. It's been a while since I've had Italian food so I had high expectations and they didn't disappoint. Traditional Italian food is what was on offer and I was excited.

 

 

 

 

The first thing we were served with was a sausage and broccoli based pasta. The sausage is homemade in their kitchen and the broccoli is shipped in specifically as it only grows in Naples. A true testament to passionate cooking, when only the original ingredients will do!

 

 

 

 

That dish was nice but I really fell in love with this truffle and mushroom dish. The pasta was cooked al dente which I really don't mind and the truffle sauce was to die for. I could have ate a lot more of this! For lovers of creamy based dishes, you really would enjoy this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next dish to taste was this steak on a bed of salad with parmesan. I really don't eat steak unless its slow cooked but I did enjoy this. It was cooked perfectly and drizzled in balsamic. Just enough to spike your taste buds combined with the parmesean, tomatoes, meat and salad.

 

 



Margherita pizza - moreish but I would normally order a more adventurous topping

 

 

Last but totally not least.... Sweet Tooth Delivery. I heard cake and I was very happy. The perfect end to the evening. This place is seriously cool. They serve up a host of cakes, ice creams, lemonades, milkshakes (the list really goes on...)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After drooling over the cabinets longer than I should have, I settled for a slice of red velvet to go and a watermelon and lemon frozen lemonade. Firstly, the frozen lemonade tasted exactly like watermelon. So yummy! Secondly, the red velvet was moist, a generous portion (so much so I shared this with someone) and the cream frosting had me savouring every bite. Totally recommend this place if you live in Sunderland.... Now which way is the gym?? (They also have a branch in Durham if that's closer to anyone reading.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Now, time to do some excersize as this really was a food filled evening! So if you're looking to head out for Sunderland Resturant Week, check out what deals are on offer as I feel like we discovered some hidden gems in this city.

 

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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