KISS Couture Lashes Launch

Tucked on the corner of the Grey Street, at the intersection is Grey Street Hotel in Newcastle. The venue for the KISS VIP Event to launch their Couture lashes range. With a promise of a fun girly night filled with canapes & prosecco, I was looking forward to it. 

We arrived at the uber chic location, complete with lime green seating and neon signage to boot. Yes, I'm an interiors geek with no shame! We waited in the lobby and were taken down to the spa were the KISS event was being hosted. On entrance, we were greeted with a glass of bubbles (priorities), and were taken through to the lovely spa area. Not a large spa but cosy and a getaway from the hustle of the city view from the level above.

There was a nail bar set up and also lash stations in the side rooms. We headed for the lashes first, and got to choose a pair from their huge range to wear on the night. I was totally spoilt for choice and I'm not sure if any other high street lash brands offer that many shapes and variations of lashes. 

I opted for the Peony lashes which are a natural looking lash but with a little fullness and a fluffy finish. My regualar faves are the Whispie lashes from Ardell so these look like my style too... 

The lashes they were launching on the night is the Lash Couture Faux Mink Collection. A set of 6 in total, different lashes which claim to have weightless volume and non-mink which is a plus with many mink lash brands popping up. It really isn't necessary when there's so many decent non mink lashes out there. The contour range is bold so if you're wanting to make a statement look with some killer lashes these are the babies for the job! The lashes range from apx £4.99 - £7.99 in Superdrug if you're wanting to grab a set yourself.

Once the lashes had been applied, prosecco in hand, I went to explore their nail range. Emerging from the lash room... the even had filled up extremely quickly and obviously everyone wanted to get in on the action too. 

Canapes circulated the room but they surpassed me many times as I was waiting to get a look at the nail selection - also an impressively large selection for a high street range! The designs go from matte, pearlised, sparkly, matte, glossy, squared, talon shaped and the list goes on. The nails come in either press on manicure (which last some time from trying a set for myself) and traditional glue on sets. I've always been weary of the sticky back pre - adhesive type as they seem to ping of fairly quick but these have some staying power! 

In Superdrug, the nails retail from arounf £6.99 - £7.99 a set. Personally having tried these and knowing how long they last and the quality if the finish on the surface I think that is a very reasonable price. 

To top the night off, we were gifted with an amazing goody bag packed of their different products to test at home. thanks so much KISS for the generous goodies!

Until next time... 

The Original Redhead 

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Newcastle In The Sky: Bucket List Experience

So, most people have a bucket list, right?! A list of things they wanna tick off before they 'kick the bucket shall we say. So when I heard Newcastle In The Sky was heading to Gateshead again, I had to oblige when they invited me along. For those unaware of Newcastle In The Sky's concept... it's basically a dining experience suspended 100ft up in the air. The sun was just setting as we were arriving, making out for a beautiful evening!

Okay so here's how it went down. Myself & Ruth (Pretty Little Gym Addict) arrived at the hospitality tent and were greeted with a glass of champagne. Good for those with a fear of heights... take the edge off. We were both really excited and not frightened of the height aspect which was fun. There was already a flight taking place so we watched from the tent. As you can see, we opted for the evening flight. Each flight is hosted by a different North East Restaurateur or Cocktail Bar and ours was hosted by Livello with 2 cocktails served in the sky. 

When it was our turn, our group was gathered together and talked through the safety instructions. No bags, hold on tight to all possessions for obvious reasons etc. By this point I was itching to get in my seat. Seating is a very organised affair as there is a certain way you need to be harnessed into you seat for safety - always good news! Once we were fastened in, another safety check by another member of staff happened which was very reassuring. We were one of the first to be seated so it seemed to take a while and the anticipation was building... 

Once all safely secured in our seats, the platform slowly began to move off the ground and we felt weightless. As we floated above the ground, our compare talked us through the staff serving the cocktails and that we would rotate after the first drink so we would all get both views of Gateshead & Newcastle. Not going to lie, some people were clinging on and I overheard someone say "dont look down" and I stupidly though pfft why not?! Heart in my mouth moment. Turns out 100ft is higher off the ground that you think. And from the ground doesn't look far at all. I took a few gulps and prayed my cocktail would be in my hands soon. After a swift talking to myself (in my head of course) I soon adjusted.

I was sat right in front of the bartender making our cocktails, which was fun to watch with the view of the river tyne over her shoulder. 

Once drink number 1 has been finished, this is the half way point so they rotate the platform. I managed to get some shots of the Millennium Bridge lit up and there is something magical about the quayside at night time. Twinkling lights in the velvet black sky...

Pinched this gorgeous shot from Ruth! A moment we'll not forget... 

The first drink went down a treat and do it was on to the 2nd which was aptly named the Blushing Geisha. Blush pink, flowered with berries and topped with crushed ice. 

Once the 30 minute slot was over, we were lowered back down to ground level. Which surprisingly seems to be quicker than going up! We were allowed to finish our drinks in the refreshment tent and the staff were very welcoming.  This truly is the experience of a lifetime but not for the faint hearted. The cocktail night time flight lasted half an hour and costs £75.00 pp which is fairly reasonable given the uniqueness of the experience, friendly staff, drinks on entrance etc. If you're after an unbeatable dining experience, Newcastle In The Sky have got you covered. 

Until next time... 

The Original Redhead 

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A Taste Of Sunderland: Restaraunt Week Preview

So if you read my last post about Sunderland Restaurant Week you'll be familiar with what is to follow. If you missed it (you can read about it here), let me fill you in. Last year, Sunderland hosted their first ever Sunderland Restaurant Week which celebrated what the city has to offer in eateries. sprinkled with offers and deals giving people the opportunity to try lots of different dishes. So it's up again for year number to, and to show you all what they're offering I got to test out a few of the establishments involved. Just like last time, we started off at Café Purple - which is a 2 minute walk from the metro station for people travelling by public transport. We started off with an array of cocktails, if you're looking for insta shots, this is your place!

 

 

 

After the delicious cocktails, we were presented with an antipasti sharing board. This had a selection of cheeses, meats, fruit, dipping sauces, carrots & nuts. I didn't know where to start but their last cheese board was amazing so I dove in! I would recommend this if you're looking just to snack with the girls over a few drinks or if you're looking for a lovely sharing starter before a main dish. The blue cheese is so moreish and paired with the fruit and dips this has something for everyone...

 

 

 

 

 

Moving on from Café Purple, we then headed to Royale Thai. A restaurant which we did not visit last time round so this was a new experience. We were brought wine to the table - I love a glass of red when eating. We waited for the food to arrive which were sharing platters with a little of everything including spring rolls, chick satays, fish & golden dumplings.

 

 

 

 

My personal favourites were the spring rolls and the chicken satays!

 

 

 

After scoffing starters we gallivanted to next on the agenda. City Bistro which is ran by Sunderland College's culinary students. On entering, the scene is set with low lighting, tables set beautifully with wine glasses and cutlery and ambient music playing in the background. For me, this was a lovely setting to dine in. It truly felt like a top restaurant and you wouldn't even think this is ran by student. We were presented with a menu and we got to pick from a selection. I went for the cod with cauliflower, fondant potato, herb crumb & parley cream whilst others opted for a chicken breast or vegetarian leek option.

 

 

 

 

The cod was cooked to absolute perfection, a little over seasoned on the skin side for my liking but I that's just preference. The fondant potato and parley cream were the perfect accompaniment for the cod. A dish I would recommend hands down and also would recommend taking a visit if you've never ventured there yourself.

 

 

 

If you're loving the look of this place, it makes for a lovely venue for special occasions as they do taster menus from 5, 7 or 10 courses. 5 courses is £30, 7 comes in at £38 and then a whopping 10 courses for just £45. Considering the quality of the food, paired with the setting and attention to detail I think the prices are superb for an alacarte style menu. I think this seriously is a hidden gem in Sunderland if you're looking for fine dining in a city setting, City Bistro is one to watch.

 

 

 

Moving on from City Bistro, we went to Port of Call. This was visited last time around but not for desserts. I ordered a black coffee after all of the food I needed a little caffeine kick! Then with pancake day on the horizon we ordered pancakes with a selection of toppings. I opted for the traditional lemon & sugar.

 

 

 

 

Whilst waiting for pancakes to arrive, a dessert board arrived - basically a sugar overload! This included cakes, missispi mud pie... I think?? And an oreo jar filled with Oreo goodness. I tried the chocolate cake which reminded me of the cake from fave childhood movie, Matilda. Chocolate cake. Needs no explination, good and chocolatey. I didn't dare try anything else but temptation crossed my mind! I awaited my pancakes but after a long day and then the clock ticking late in the evening with slow service I had to leave before they arrived. Which was a shame considering the dessert board but it had been quite some time...

 

 

 

 Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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