Feeling Festive at Frankie & Benny's

Hello there!

'Tis the season to be jolly or in my case, stuff my belly full of wonderful food. Yes it's almost Christmas time and honesty hour, it's not my favourite time of the year. I'm a little bit of a grinch but when it comes to eating delicious food and seeing my family, I'm all over it.

The lovely people at Frankie & Benny's invited myself and 3 friends to try out their new Christmas menu. Most of my life, my parents have been the ones to provide Christmas dinner for me and I have obviously loved it. Seeing as I'm not a great chef, I decided they were the ones who deserved to have a big meal cooked for them. Along with my little brother, it was time to see what was in store for us.

Breaking out of my comfort zone With Ted & Muffy

Hello there!

It's that time of the year when we say goodbye to our summer shoes and say hello to winter boots. Over the years my love affair with boots has just grown. From someone who refused to wear anything else other than 'dolly shoes', I am so glad I have found my new love. I also think my poor feet are happy to not be cramped in those little shoes of hell. 

Last year, I was luckily enough to attend a bloggers event at Duo and came away with the most beautiful ankle boots ever. Those bad boys have seen me through many events, weddings, parties and night outs during the year. When I found out that Duo had actually had changed their whole image and name to 'Ted & Muffy', I was quite excited to find out more about their new direction! 

Edinburgh Restaurant Festival

Hello!

After friends and family, food is quite possibly one of the greatest loves of my life. In the last year, I have found myself eating out more and trying new things. I think I can officially call myself a 'foodie' now. So naturally I was pretty excited to hear that This Is Edinburgh are running 'Edinburgh Restaurant Festival'. A perfect chance to find new and amazing places in my wonderful city. Even better the restaurant participating are offering special menus. 3 course meal for £15 (lunch) and £25 (dinner). 

OOTD: Cat Realness with Yoshi

Why hello there.

When it comes to handbags, I have never been a girl who likes it too plain. Don't get me wrong you can't beat a classic slightly oversized leather bag but sometimes you just need to get something a little quirkier. Say hello to Yoshi! 

Zomato Meet Up at The Plumed Horse

Hello all!

As it has became quite apparent to you all by now, I love eating. It's quite possibly one of my favourite things to do really. So I was very excited to head to the Plumed Horse for the Zomato Meet Up. A place which has caught my eye many a time seeing as I am a pretty much a  'Leither' now. After opening their doors in 2006, the Plumed Horse has won many awards and is a must visit place if you are a fan of fine dining! 

OOTD: Monochrome, Pink Lemonade and MFS

Why, fancy meeting you here!

I've been a right busy little bee these last couple of weeks. Starting a new job, attending some events and having drinks with my wonderful friends. I think it's safe to say that I need a holiday soon. By holiday I of course mean a week just being lazy in bed....

Last week, I found out that I was a finalist for Metropolitan Fashion Show's Fashion Blogger of 2015. I couldn't quite believe I had even been nominated, never mind being in the top 3. Especially since I was up against two of my favourite bloggers:  Love From Lou Lou and Wardrobe Conversations! 

So what does one wear for a casual ceremony to announce the winner? 

OOTD: Touching Thighs and Oreo Cake

Hello!

I finally bought myself a new pair of jeans so of course I felt a blog post was needed. This may not seem like a big deal, but as I have mentioned in previous posts, I have been very wary of wearing jeans and trousers but I have been trying to build up my confidence with them. So after a couple of years of only owning really two pairs of jeans that I wear, I "borrowed" a pair from my mother and bought myself another pair!

OOTD: Polka Dots and Hula

Hello!

It's been a while since I've had the chance to do a little OOTD post. I am going to be trying my best to get more done in the next few weeks, fingers crossed we get some better weather. Scottish summer as usual is meaning lots of rain. I've actually ended up with a cold! 

Where is the sun? What happened to the days spent sitting in a beer garden? Hopefully with the festival coming up soon, the weather will pick up and we can finally enjoy summer!

Hair by JFK

Why hello there!

I recently got the chance to visit Hair by JFK in Bruntsfield for a little cut and blow dry*. I had heard so many good things about this salon so I was pretty excited to pop in. After a pretty hectic monthly, I was long overdue a nice relaxing trip and a much needed new do.

Deliveroo has arrived in Edinburgh!

Why hello there!

So as you all probably aware of, I've not been the most active blogger these days. A combination of having no Wifi in my flat and working has left my blog a little bit neglected. I also have a big change coming up in my life right now, one which is making me incredibly excited but also has been taking up a lot of time as well but I am back with a new post all about Deliveroo! 

Competition time with Zomato and Loudons Cafe & Bakery!

Hello!

Time for something a little different on FranklyMsShankly. My first ever giveaway/competition!

The team at Zomato have gave me the chance to let one of you lovely people win a lunch for two at Loudons Cafe & Bakery. I recently popped along there myself and had a wonderful little breakfast. Get ready to get hungry!

Beauty at Boots

Why hello there. 

When it comes to make up and beauty products, I was quite slow getting into it all. I was never a massive fan of wearing a lot of make up when younger and even worse at taking care of my skin. In my late teens/early 20s that all changed. I am a big lover of beauty products and that love seems to grow more everyday. I was given the chance to try out some amazing samples from Boots at Fort Kinnaird!

OOTD: Paisley Print and Blue Mondays

Hello again!

When I woke up this morning I saw the sun shining and I was in a pretty good mood. That was until that glorious sun turned into heavy rain and crazy winds. Where is this heatwave we have been promised? Having four seasons in one day is just causing chaos for my wardrobe. So I decided to play is pretty safe today.

OOTD: Casual Monochrome

Hello again!

It's a rare sight when the sun decides to rear it's wonderful head in Scotland and recently the weather has been truly miserable. It's pretty difficult to dress when it really is so unpredictable out there. So when I woke up to see sunshine, I was wary of what to wear. Do I got bright and summery or play it safe in monochrome... Of course I went for my favourite black and white ensemble.

The Mercat Bar

Hello!

A couple of weeks ago, the team behind 'Edinburgh Bloggers' were invited to try out the new menu at The Mercat Bar, situated on West Maitland Street at Haymarket. Now being a massive lover of eating, I couldn't possibly turn down this offer. So myself and three other Edinburgh based bloggers popped along last Monday to see what was in store for us.

Steak On Stones

Hello there!

Okay, so I did say I was going to be a lot more active with my blog in my last post but as you can see, that didn't exactly go to plan. Sometimes life just likes to get in the way but here I am finally. Better late than never eh?

Last month, I got the chance to visit the opening of a new resteraunt in Edinburgh.

OOTD: New hair and Pineapples

Hello!

So first things first, I've had a slight couple of weeks break from my blog. Sometimes health and work stuff just gets in the way but I'm back with a little OOTD post! 

I've actually got loads of posts coming up soon and I am excited for the next few months ahead. Especially now that the sun has been making more of an appearance.

OOTD: Sun, Springtime and Sunglasses

Hello again!

Unless you were hiding away in bed over Easter, you will know that the sun finally made an appearance. After months of rubbish cold, rainy, windy weather, we finally got a glimpse of summer. I was actually working all weekend but luckily the Monday was still really lovely. These chances don't happen often in Scotland so you really have to make the most of it. 

Running the Kilomathon for SAMH

Why hello there!

I've you have been following me on Twitter, you will have seen how much I have been going on about this. Last Autumn, I decided to do something which I have never ever done before. I signed up to run a 13k at the Kilomathon!

Coffee Shop Etiquette

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I have something a little different for this post. I was recently contacted to do a fun and quirky little collaboration by the lovely Romana from We Are Discovery on behalf of  Discount Coffee, who are actually the UK's only premium online coffee wholesaler. Being a massive coffee lover myself, I of course jumped at the idea.

The idea behind it all was 'How long is too long to sit in a coffee shop?'

Arthur's Seat, Polka Dots and Beers

Hello again!

As you are all probably aware of now, I live in Edinburgh. I'm actually originally from Livingston but I've always been a lover of this city. Since it's only a 20 minute or so train away from my home town, I used to visit here a lot. I always knew I wanted to live here though. Why wouldn't I? It's a truly beautiful city full of history and culture. 

OOTD: Forever Wearing Black

Hello again!

It's time for another little OOTD style post. Spring is pretty much here even if the weather is tricking us into thinking it is still winter. It's time for flowers, baby animals, easter eggs, pastels etc!
So what does one wear for the start of spring? ....All black of course!

The Magnum

Why hello there.

I've said it once and I will say it again, I love food. Sometimes I think eating if my favourite hobby. Recently I've been very lucky with being able to incorporate my love for eating with my blog. A lot of my food reviews have been about 'chain restaurants' which honestly I do love. I'm one of those people that likes to stick to what they know. However, I was recently given a chance* to check out a local gem in town. 

Edinburgh Fashion Week: Day Two

Hello again!

If you read my last post, you will know all about how I attended the opening weekend of Edinburgh Fashion Week. To kick it all off, the Mound was the place to be. All set inside a massive marquee, it was full of pop up shops, bars and fashion shows, showcasing the best of Edinburgh. After an amazing day on the Saturday, I was incredibly excited to go back on the Sunday.

Edinburgh Fashion Week: Day One

Hello! 

Well what a weekend it has been.

Edinburgh Fashion Week has landed and I got the chance to go along for the launch day. I live in such a truly amazing, creative, inspiring and beautiful city and the team behind ThisIsEdinburgh have done a brilliant job at showcasing everything it has to offer.

The Vintage Kilo Sale

Hello again!

I'm a big fan of vintage clothing. There is nothing I love better than finding an old gem of an outfit. Don't get me wrong, I am a sucker for the high street but more often than not you end up with the same dress as everyone else. With vintage clothing you know the chances of anyone owning the same item as you will be very slim. Plus, is it wrong that I kind of like the smell of the clothes?

OOTD: Full skirts and Duster coats

Hello.

Well would you look at that, In the space of a week and a bit I have managed to do not one but four blog posts. I know that's really nothing to boast about, others do that and more but for someone as lazy as I am, It's impressive!

If you saw my previous post, I got to visit Maison De Moggy. Which was just a wonderful experience.
If you are a cat lover then you must check out my post here: 'Falling In Love With All The Cats'

Falling in love with all the cats

Hello again!

What's that you say? Another blog post?

Why yes it bloody well is.

Ever since I found out that a cat cafe was coming to Edinburgh, I was beside myself with excitement. I'm a massive fan of cats. I spent pretty much my whole life growing up with cats in my family. Infact they have four right now. Sadly renting a flat means having a cat for myself is totally out of the question, so the idea of going somewhere to have a wee cup of tea and a cuddle with a fluffy kitten filled me with joy. 

OOTD: The Tailored Goth

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Yes, two blog posts in one week. Who would have thought I could manage that eh?!

I thought I would do a little OOTD style post, especially as I haven't done one in a little while. When I started my day, I didn't really plan on taking any proper outfit photos but after an amusing encounter in town this afternoon, I felt inspired.

Love is in the air with Argento

Hello again!

So it's that time of the year. 

 Yes love is all around us......

Okay, first things first. You know how you get people who can't be arsed with Christmas? Well you can just call me the Grinch of Valentines Day. Yes everyone, I'm not the biggest fan of this day. It's not like I don't like seeing people loved up or being loved up myself, I just think it's the moody teenage goth in me trying to break out.

Frankie & Benny's at Fort Kinnaird

Hello!

I was very excited when the lovely ladies at Hummingbird Communications sent me a £20 voucher to try out Frankie and Benny's at Fort Kinnaird. I'm a girl who just loves to eat all the food, so obviously I was pretty excited to go along. 

New Year, New Camera, New Hair!

Hello again!

At the start of this year I promised myself that I would really work on my blog. Well... that didn't really go to plan did it? But, I am here now.

The reason I've not blogged much in January is well, it's a pretty rubbish month. For me January is all about being skint and working loads. I just had zero motivation when it came to writing up a post.

Until now....

So yes, as the title of this post says, I finally have got myself a new camera.

 Took me long enough eh? No more grainy iPhone photos for me!

So to kick of my new found motivation, I've decided to do a little OOTD post. 

Did I mention I got my hair chopped off too?

 Coat: River Island

Shirt: Primark

Disco Pants: Primark

Boots: New Look

Bag: H&M

Necklace: Primark

Brooch: Kate Rowland at Turpentine via StreetHub

So yeah onto the hair situation. After a good while of debating about getting it cut shorter, I decided to take the plunge and just go for it. I hate the whole 'New Year, New Me' crap but after letting so much get on top of me recently, I felt it was time for a change. It's strange how a new hair cut can just change so much. Especially if you are cutting it short. It's almost liberating. 

If you are debating going a little shorter then I really recommended you just go for it. The worst that could happen is you hate it but it will grow back. Be daring!

I must say a massive thank you to the very talented Mathew Watt for giving me such a fabulous cut. If you are in the Edinburgh area and looking for a new do, then you must check him out at The Temple Salon.

I know I said no more grainy iPhone photos but how I one supposed to take a picture of a new camera...

So this is my new baby. 

I've been wanting a new decent camera for a while now but we all know they aren't the cheapest things to get. After much hunting for a bridge camera, I came across a good deal on the Canon PowerShot SX510 on Argos. I know everyone says to get a DSLR and trust me I really wanted one but alas they are totally out of price range right now.

Over the next couple of weeks, I have a few events and blog ideas going on. I can't wait to take it out and properly use it. 

I actually brought it out with me today and got a few pictures.

I can already see such a difference in the quality of my pictures. I really just need to sit down and work out all the settings but so far I am really happy with it. It also has amazing quality when taking a video, so I am a little tempted to start a youtube channel. What do you think?

So that is all for now. I can't wait to get right back into the blogging game this year.

So many exciting things to share with you all!

Bring it on 2015. I have a new hair cut, new camera and I can't wait to see what this year has in store.

Till the next time!

X

Goodbye 2014.

Hello again!

So this post is a little overdue. Seeing as we are seven days into 2015...

I'm not big on the whole 'new year, new me' rubbish, in general I don't see the big deal about it turning a new year really. Saying that, 2014 was a pretty big year for me in a way. 

In January I started up FranklyMsShankly and I can honestly say it's one of the best things I have ever did. To have my own little space on the internet to talk and ramble about all the things in my life is great. It is a hobby for me but it's opened my eyes to a whole different world out there. From the incredible events I've been, to the truly inspiring people I have met. I just wonder why it took me so long to start this.

I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for my blog, so it's only fitting that I recap some of my highlights from 2014!

 On the 20th of January I uploaded my first ever blog post. I really had no idea what I was doing (I sill don't to be fair), I just knew I wanted somewhere to write down my feelings and experiences in life.

My first post was all about an amazing trip I had taken to Argyle. It was such a lovely weekend, so I thought it was a good way to start off my blog. If you fancy checking it out, I have posted a link below the picture.

My first proper blog post! 

 

 

After that, I did a couple of OOTD posts and one about the Batman collection from Black Milk. It's strange looking back at even photos from last year. Even though it's hardly that long ago, I do see changes in how I dress etc.

2014 seemed to be a year of me trying new things. Starting blogging was obviously the main one but I also dabbled in 'modeling'.

 Well I did it twice....

Photo by Rosie McKenna

 The first time was for my good friend Melissa. It was beautifully set in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. It was bloody freezing and I was ridiculously awkward but it was so much fun! My post about it is here: 'I'm No Derek Zoolander'

The second time I modeled was for the wonderful Wear Eponymous.

Wear Eponymous

It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. To go into a proper studio and meet the team behind Wear Eponymous. I was just blown away. Plus it was one of the first times I got to meet other bloggers which was wonderful.

Speaking about other bloggers, I've just loved how many people I've got to meet this year. I can be a little shy and generally anti social at times but from going to events and meeting other bloggers, I feel like I'm finally coming out of my shell. 

Edinburgh has a really wonderful blogging community. I really never knew there is so many of us. 

This inspired myself, Sultana and Farah to start up 'Edinburgh Bloggers'.

We have had a few events from this and I just can't wait to see what this year holds. 

I can't get over the amazing friends that I've met through blogging. It has to be one of the best things about starting a blog. The community is just lovely.

I'm not saying 2014 was a perfect year. In many ways it's been a very hard year due to stress and health issues but knowing I had this page and the support of friends and family has made it so much better. 

I'm hoping to concentrate much harder on my blog this year. I do have a tendency to be a little lazy and forgetful but I won't let that happen. I have so many ideas for future blog posts and I can't wait to share them all with you.

Lastly a massive thank you is in order to everyone who has been there and supported me throughout 2014. You are all just wonderful in so many ways.

I hope you all have an amazing year. Let's do this!

Till the next time!

X