August Adventures

Me and Zoe  had a free day and we really wanted to get out and do something. The weather has been so Jekyll & Hyde recently so it's difficult to choose what to do, where to go and what to wear. We checked the weather forecast today and with sun but strong wind we decided to head to the train station for an adventure!

We decided once we got the the train station our destination and opted for a train ticket to Hexham in Northumberland. The train had already arrived by the time we got to the station.... good timing us! We set off and on the train we discussed where we should hop off the train and opted for Corbridge. 

We really had no plan, and just let the day happen so we headed out of the station and headed for the town centre.... The houses are literally country side goals. Stunning country houses nestled in the Northumberland countryside with the sun breaking through the clouds. We spent alot of time swooning at the houses and the views....

We popped into some of the little shops for a mooch, and discovered a little independent bakery. The produce looked so good, that we couldn't not go in for a peak. The Lemon Curd French Meringues were calling our names, so needless to say we couldn't resist! Shortcake, quiche, beer bread.... Mmm. They are literally the size of my head and can't wait to tuck in to some with my family after lunch with whipped cream.

Tea & Tipple saved us from a little rain shower when we dove in for a coffee and a scone. This was so nice for a little sit down and to chill. The staff were lovely and the jam is delicious!

After the treats, we headed back to the train station and even though we had to wait about 30 minutes for our train, the wait in the sun (and wind) was so enjoyable. I really do think we could all do this more, living in a world where we our tied to our phones and technology - getting the chance to get out in the countryside and breathe in some country air really has been refreshing for me.

Until next time... 

The Original Redhead 

X 

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

 

X

 

 

 

Skincare & Shopping: Sunderland Bridges

So for all of those who have been super organised and have completed your Christmas shopping, well done you. To those of you like myself, who think they're organised and will be calm and under control and still panicking the week before the big day, then this one is for you. 

 

Sunderland Bridges Shopping Centre invited me to experience a little of what their shops had to offer. And as a gal who likes to shop... how could I refuse?! First on my list was Boots, where they firstly explained their new service of custom printed ribbon and laser etching service. This is a lovely little personal touch for anyone really but if you've left it last minute, then this is so convenient! Even for birthdays, anniversaries, new babies, etc.

 

 

 

Lets all take a minute to appreciate my etched make up brush...

 

 

 

 

 

Boots also stock a wide range of contour & strobe creams and eye shadows from £3 each. And even better, you can buy an empty palette and custom select the colours you'd like in there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was then colour matched with the No7 colour matching service. Almost like a Dulux colour reader, the device reads your skin tone. Once you have been matched to your foundation, the colour card of your shade offers a range of blushes, lip and eye shades that would also suit your skin tone. This really would be a lovely experience for anyone who is a little afraid of experimenting and unsure what colours to buy for their make up bag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moving on to The Body Shop. Every Christmas I normally pop in here & buy a few gift sets as they have some lovely scents. But to be honest, it's been a while since I've really explored their product range. And jeez, it's expanded a lot! The product I really fell in love with was their body scrubs. Available in a range of sultry and alluring scents - a little pricey but the tubs look like they'd last months.. This would make the perfect gift for any bath lover!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's not all, they have boxed candles in invigorating scents which remind me of islands and summer air with woody undertones. I'm a sucker for candles so these stood out to me.

 

 

 

As well as the other newbies to the store, their ranges of face oils for different skin types is extensive. All colour coded from green to yellow, white to green. Love the packaging on these mini skin collections.

 

 

 

 

Moving on to Lush after trying everything (pretty much - no regrets) in The Body Shop. My love for Lush is constantly growing. I was never much of a fan of their products but the more I try, the more I love. And as if I wasn't already a converted fan, they then let us make our own bear shaped, bath bomb. Let me repeat that. I MADE MY OWN BATH BOMB. I was far too excited for this and who doesn't love bath products in the shape of a bear. I mean, seriously!

 

 

 

 

These have always had my attention, even though I was big on the bombs themselves I remember seeing these as a teenager and loving. Lip scrubs!! The Sugar Plum Fairy is sooo good and edible too for truly lickable lips. If you're shopping for teens or your girlfriends these are great to keep your lips polished in this winter weather.

 

 

 

Phew, last stop on the list! I rushed to Clarins just before closing to check out what they could offer over this crazy festive time.

 

 

 In the midst of Christmas parties and busy festivities combined with Christmas shopping and working overtime, who doesn't need a helping hand to revamp your skin? My mine was blown by this little skin boosting range. The serums target dull skin, dehydrated & tired skin and also help bring your radiant glow back. Got a friend who loves to party? Or a workaholic? This lovely little Detox, Repair & Energy range is really the perfect little remedy for your handbag to carry you through to January!

 

 

Feels so lovely on the skin...

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you're splurging on yourself with your Christmas bonus, or still looking for gifts, head to Sunderland Bridges Shopping Centre for your retail fix.

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

x