Central Oven: Pizza Overload and Interior Spying

Since it was National Pizza Day on Thursday, I thought it only right I share some pizza porn. And seriously who doesn't love to look at pizza?! I mean, the only thing better than that, is actually eating it. So back at the end of last year Central Oven & Shaker opened and there was a buzz in the air on opening night - (prepare yourself for a photo heavy post.) I had a day of meetings so I was well and truly ready to let my hair down.

 

 

 

On approaching the venue, it was unmistakable this was where we needed to be. Fun pink neon wins me over almost every time. Located opposite Central Station, this neon really does set it apart from its city grey surroundings. And by 5:30pm the place was already mad busy. Myself and Zoe found our bearings, grabbed a seat (which was difficult) and got to our first drinks of the night. Prosecco. Obviously. We waited for fellow blogger, Ruth to arrive and more drinks circulated whilst patiently waiting for our table. I'm not sure which drinks were which but they sure looked pretty against the carrara marble bar tops.   

 

 

 

 

It was a bit hectic trying to get seated for a table (everyone wanting to get in on the pizza goodness, and who can blame them?!) We were lead to our table on the upstairs level, which overlooks the downstairs bar and kitchen. Basically the best spot for people watching.

 

 

 

 

Once the food started arriving to our table, I was quickly distracted from the people watching to swooning over food! The first dishes to hit the table were salads (the prettiest I've seen up close to date), and antipasti boards. Fresh crunchy leaves, sprinkled with flashes of purple in the form of edible flowers and feta, the olives, meats and cheeses. Spending a lot of my childhood visiting a Mediterranean country, these starters made for a happy blogger!

 

 

 

 

 

Next to hit the table was the much anticipated Central pizza. Stone baked, freshly made in their kitchen. With no previous other chains or association, we really didn't know what to expect. However, this pizza did not let us down! Thin crust (my fave) covered in delicious, stringy cheese and a selection of flavoursome toppings.

 

 

 

 

 

There are so many new places opening recently and with a plethora of chains and pizza shops its hard to know where really gets pizza right. Stone baking makes all the difference and you can really taste the authenticity in these pizzas. Hand thrown dough right in their kitchen, fresh produce and stone baked in fire heated ovens. That makes good pizza.

 

 

 

Pizza kept on coming and we kept on eating. A selection of toppings including veggie options, and with very attentive serving staff keeping our drinks topped up I felt very content in the teams hands. Food, drinks, service. Restaurant success 101. 

 

 



Caio, Reggie Cocktail

 

 

 

With full stomachs after our Neapolitan feast... we headed down stairs to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. (And of course, observe the interiors because I'm a little obsessed with that kinda thing with my creative brain.) The art deco details are unmistakable fused with industrial features like the lighting & exposed ceiling.

 

 

 

 

 

Just when we thought we were done with the indulging, more drinks circulated the room. Gingerbread cocktails (among other flavours), cotton candy prosecco... Safe to say the Central team aint' afraid to think outside the box in regards to menu choices. And with pizza ranging from £7 - £12, you can hardly complain about extortionate prices for passionate food. I'm pretty sure the menu has been expanded since the launch now offering breakfast pizzas among other unusual unique options. I have called in for lunch recently too. Same service, same good food. Need to head back to test out the carbonara pizza - I'm a total sap for creamy based pasta dishes but yet to try it on pizza! Central also offer a range of Italian themed desserts from tiramisu to gelato. Although we didn't get a chance to try on their launch I'd be interested to hear if the live up to the starters and mains.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whether you're looking for somewhere to head for a quick but quality lunch, after work drinks or a meal for 2 then Central Oven is your hook up. Love to eat pizza? You can also become a Central patriot with a Playdough card and get rewarded for repeat visits. In a prime location on Neville Street, easy to find and a fun but chilled vibe, you've got to give this place a try!

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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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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Healthy Eats at a Mystery Newcastle Location

After December is over and the over indulgence loses its novelty, most are left feeling bloated, guilty and a few pounds heavier. So when I was invited along to a healthy eating blogging event by Ruth at Pretty Little Gym Addict I was excited to see what Intu Eldon Square had in store for us. Our meeting point was Giraffe World Kitchen, but as to which restaurant in the new quarter we would be dining in.

 

But first, to set off our healthy celebrations the lovely staff at Giraffe hosted a smoothie making class and also knocked up a few cocktails in aid of Dry January.

 

 

 

 

We were asked to choose a favourite looking smoothie from their menu and then we were brought up and talked through the process allowing us to make our own. I chose the Mango Lasse which was delish. Consisting of fruits and flavours, these smoothies were the perfect January drinks.

 

 

 

 

From here, the grand unveil of where we would dine was revealed. Each twosome went to a different restaurant and our goal was to choose the healthiest options on the menu. Ruth and I were assigned to Crepe Affaire. This was previously the infamous Eldon Square Fish & Chip Shop. We both hadn't visited since it had changed hands and became Crepe Affaire so this was a new experience for us.

 

 

 

 

On arrival, from the décor there's a very distinct French bistro vibe. he décor is a combination of white hexagon micro tiles, woods and marble surfaces. We were greeted by friendly staff who spoke us through the menus and the calories etc of the savoury crepe options. They were very helpful and got our order taken swiftly. I went for the Chicken Supreme minus the sauce it normally is cooked in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also chose a smoothie from their list and I went for the Kale Kick. Considering the unappetising green shade of this, it was surprisingly yummy. Our crepes arrived and admittedly I was excited to dig in. I myself hadn't tried savoury crepes (sweet ones and been tasted on a dreamy trip to Paris.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stuffed with succulent chicken, mushrooms, tomato & spinach this was really tasty. The chicken tasted extremely fresh and cooked to perfection. The crepes are filled very filling and the ingredients are not sparingly used. Nothing worse than a stingy meal!

 

 

 

I was apprehensive of my crepe being bland but the freshness of the ingredients really did give it natural flavour. If I'd just finished a heavy session at the gym and needed a meal to help me recover and repair then this would be a great alternative to the usual healthy eats. The kale kick smoothie washed this down and was the perfect boost to accompany the crepe.

 

 

 

 

Crepe Affaire also offer a range of sweet crepes and treat too (which look amazing) and would be the perfect little treat for your cheat day. And if you're looking for a coffee, breakfast options or even naughty Belgian, these guys have you covered!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Price wise, I wasn't sure what to expect but they are very reasonable given the quality, portions and service. To eat in, the Chicken Supreme Crepe is £6.90 and my Kale Kick is £3.25.

 

 

 

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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Best Tweezers I've ever used?!

In November, I entered a competition to win a pair of Browtician tweezers. I've seriously been in the market for a new pair for quite some time so crossed my fingers for these. Didn't think I'd actually win though! The competition required a comment on their Facebook post to tell the company how you groom your brows. I shared my secrets and explained that I love threading but usually do pluck mine to get rid of any strays. I would love to tint, but as a fashion/beauty model, clients like to have the variety of having them super blonde (giving a younger/fresher look) or filling them in with a colour matching my natural colour or even a complete opposite colour, like bright colours!

 

Anyway, before I bore you too much, I just wanted to do a little post to show you these Slant Tweezers and tell you how good they are.

 

 

 

 

 

They arrived packaged in this cute emoji style cardboard box and in their own little case to store them. The Slant tweezer live up to their obvious name with slanted tips which really allows you to get a good angle & precision when shape your brows. (How gorgeous is the high gloss black finish?!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love the little case that it comes in, I think it's great for travelling. Nothing worse that a pair of sharp tweezers floating around in the depths of your handbag waiting to stab you when you innocently dig your hand in to find your keys.

 

 

 

The tip of these tweezers are metal and they have a really tight closed grip which allows you to get a good firm grip on the hair whilst pulling it. Personally, these are the best tweezers I've used for this reason! Really helps to pull the hair out, even the tiny ones which we girls know can be tricky. These are from the Minimalist Collection which have a range of different shaped ends including Pointed & Squared. They even have a Stylist Collection for the brow obsessed who love to groom their brows! So if you're in the market for a pair, go check out Browitican.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

X

 

 

Hub of History: Grainger Market Festive Evening

If you've ever been to Newcastle or have friends in Newcastle you'll have most likely heard them talk about the infamous Grainger Market. Located on Grainger Street (duh), spitting distance from Grey's Monument. As a child, this is the market where I went every other Friday with my Grandparents. Like clockwork. I have fond memories of the hustle and bustle of the place, friendly familiar faces, smells, the fresh meats and pheasants hanging in the butchers, the calls of the greengrocers echoing through the alleys. I heard this year they were hosting a festive evening, I thought this would be a lovely way to relive my childhood memories. (Although, I do frequent the market regularly it's never enough for the nostalgia it holds.)

 

 

 

 

On entering, the place was buzzing. Myself, Zoe & Ruth headed to Pumphrey's Coffee for a hot drink before exploring. For those of you who haven't been to Pumphrye's Coffee, (where have you been?!) they stock a whole range of different flavoured coffee beans fresh to buy or you can stop by and grab a special blend coffee or even a  hot chocolate. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So many coffee flavours and types! And if you're not into coffee, Pumphrey's also have Curious Leaves in the Grainger Market too which is their tearoom.

 

 

 

We then headed to the centre of the market which was buzzing. The centre had live singers, rock and roll dancers later on - which I loved watching, the florists stand with beautiful wreaths on display, and offers on in the surrounding shops. Matthew's Cheese Shop & The French Oven were 2 which seemed to have considerable queue's most of the night. Matthew's has a wide selection of cheese and do great cheese boards for Christmas. The French Oven is a quaint little independent bakery which supplies bread to many local businesses surrounding and also regular customers.

 

 

 

 

 

I was (obviously) feeling hungry and was craving pizza, so heading to Slice was the only thing for it. Slice are what you think... They serve delicious pizza by the slice and this also had a decent queue too (rightly so!) They had a selection of flavours on sale and honestly this one was delicious! For £3 per slice you really can't complain, they're fairly filling!

 

 

 

 

 

The Grainger Market were also granting access to one of the balconies. We were escorted up and told a little about the history of the market. The market was built in 1835 and there was a grand banquet to mark the opening. The Grainger Market was opened as a butcher's market (now houses greengrocers among other businesses now) and was a place for the elite gentry of Newcastle to show off their money and best clothing. The alley's are quite wide, and it is said that the reason for this was the lad's wide Victorian skirts & the men's walking sticks. The balconies (which aren't open to the public now) were a spot for the ladies to wait whilst men did their socialising (and eating at the banquet.) Don't know about you girls, but I'd be fuming if my fella made me watch him eat!

 

 

 

 

Also on offer, was a chance to go down the wartime bunker. I myself, having spent so much time in the market didn't even know that there was a bunker in the place! So interesting. I didn't manage to get down myself but I'm so intrigued that there was a bunker built under the market!

 

 

 

 

For those of you living in Newcastle, and haven't visited this lovely place, then seriously get yourself there. Even if it's just to take in the surroundings, sights and smells. But even more so, go buy food, visit the local businesses and support a thriving epicentre of loveliness which has lasted for centuries!

 

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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