Frankly Vlogs - A Day Of Drinking In Edinburgh

Hello!

Every now and again, you need a day of letting your hair down. With work, hospital trips and generally attempting to keep a social life together, I found I just wasn't having enough time for myself. 

I was feeling stressed and a little down in the dumps, so, when Sam suggested we have a little Saturday of day drinking, I was pretty darn keen. It is not often we get a weekend together these days either. 

Of course like any normal 25 year old blogger, I had to document my day. It didn't happen if you don't document it right? 

OOTD: Fire Hair and Leopard Print

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I've said it once and I will say it again - having my hair done always cheers me up. I've been in a bit of a slump the last few months. Scratch that, the last year has been one big slump. Of course it hasn't all been so bad but alas the negative aspects have played a big part of my year.

After a stressful and ill couple of weeks, it was time to get that mop on my head sorted. Gain some control in my life again via my delightfully messy hair. 

A Trip To Gullane & The Golf Inn

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It’s not often that I ever get away from central Edinburgh. I don’t drive, my passport has expired and what can I say, I just love the city life.

However, sometimes getting away for some peace and quiet is a good thing especially when it is not something you get to do often.

So, when I was offered the opportunity to visit The Golf Inn* to review their restaurant and stay over night, I jumped at the chance. A little night away is just wanted I needed!

OOTD: Everyday Is Halloween with Dr. Martens

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Halloween is over for one more year and the Christmas chat is already starting. However, I refuse to move on from my favourite time of the year. 

Letting your spooky self out doesn't need to be restricted to one month a year. Let's be creepy all year round.

What better way to keep the Halloween spirit alive but with a skeleton themed outfit!

Review: Boozy Snoozy at The Bonham

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Sometimes you just need a good lazy lunch. I don’t mean lazy as in a cheap old sandwich but lazy in the way of just kicking back, relaxing and letting life just pass you by.

Now of course you could do that at home but how much better would that lazy lunch be if you added in a 3 course meal (that you don’t have to make yourself) and two bottles of wine. Chuck in 3 of your best friends and you are sorted.

So where can you enjoy this perfect lunch? The Bonham, of course.

OOTD: Witch, Please

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My favourite time of the year has arrived again and guess what? I didn't get to enjoy it. Why you ask? Well, if you follow me on the world of social media you will know a little about my recent hospital trip. 

I alas ended up getting not one but two surgeries during the space of one week. Luckily both of them were not serious but it still wiped me out big time. I've spent the last two weeks stuck in bed, doping up on painkillers and binging on Netflix. 

You also may realise that the exact same thing happened to me last year. My luck in October is grim but that won't stop me from attempting to get into the spirit and that is exactly what I did today. 

Date Night at Checkpoint

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Friday night tends to be ‘date night’ for many couples. It is not something I have really bought into much in the past for some reason but I decided to give it a go.

Edinburgh in general is full of great date spots and Checkpoint is one of them, so I was excited to be invited along to try out their dinner menu.

Review: Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask

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When it comes to pampering myself I tend to fall on the lazy side. Even though I have tons of amazing products in my flat, I never find myself taking the time out to use them and relax. 

However, one product always has a place in my heart/schedule - face masks. As well as being amazing for my skin, they take no time at all to use. Most of the time I will shove one on after dinner when I am having a lazy Netflix binge session. 

In the past I have always stuck with those single use face mask you tend to find in Boots but I got the chance to try something a little different thanks to The Body Shop at Fort Kinnaird. 

Body Confidence & Boudoir Photography

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I've talked about body confidence before and my general struggles with it. As much as I am all about everyone loving themselves, it really can be easier said than done. 

Over the last few years I've found my attitude towards my own self yo-yoing all over the place. One minute I am putting out a blog post talking about loving my 'touching thighs', the next minute I am looking at myself in the mirror and hating everything I see. 

In a world where social media is king and everyone wants to show the best version of themselves, that mindset of comparing yourself can creep in. 

To try tackle my body confidence woes, I participated in a boudoir photo shoot with the incredibly talented Yemi King. Yes you read that right.... boudoir. 

OOTD: Life Update

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So you may have noticed that I have't been the most active blogger recently. August basically turned into a write off. There are many reasons for this, some bad and some good. 

I still loving blogging, I really do but sometimes I have to take some time away from it all. Luckily my blog is just a hobby for me and I can easily do that. That doesn't stop me from feeling guilty or useless though...

Fighting My Fears At GoApe

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So first things first, I am terrified of heights. I can't even walk up Arthur's Seat without having a slight moment of complete panic. 

In a way I am more afraid of falling than of heights. I can pin point the moment that this fear kicked in for me. During a school camping trip, we got to do rock climbing and abseiling. I loved the rock climbing so much but when it came to the abseiling, well things went wrong.

I managed to slip slightly, swung back and smashed myself off the side of the big rock I was going down from. Fear and panic kicked in immediately and I needed to be pulled back up again. Since then I have just avoided doing anything that involves heights.

So when I was asked to visit GoApe*, I was in conflicted...

Frankly Vlogs: A Walk Along The Water Of Leith

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So I decided to give something new a try. This was something I always fancied doing but quite honestly didn't have the guts to do. In fact I am still not sure how confident I feel about it but I have finally entered the world of YouTube. 

After seeing so many of my lovely friends taking up vlogging, I thought it was about time that I joined them!

An Afternoon At Badger & Co.

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When it comes to lunch time I tend to be on the lazy side. I'll either miss it completely, which is bad, or just grab a quick and easy sandwich. It's one of the meals that I think we all just ignore a little.

So when I was invited to try out Badger & Co. for lunch*, I was pretty excited. Imagine having something different instead of my usual boring bagel!

Frankly Fears: What Not To Do In A Horror Film

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Have you decided to spend a weekend in cabin out in the woods? Maybe you have watched a scary tape and got a strange phone call after? Did you play with a Ouija board in a haunted house with your drunk friends? 

If so, you may have found yourself in a horror film. Of course you want to survive said scary experience, so without sounding too much like Randy in Scream, I bring to you a guide of what not to do if you somehow find yourself living a horror film....

OOTD: Sporty Monochrome & Colour Elements

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Let's talk about sports luxe shall we? I put my hands up in the air and say I used to hate this trend. Maybe hate is too strong a word but I just didn't understand it.

My idea of sports luxe was firmly based around jogging bottoms. An item of clothing I have always disliked, even when I needed to get some for the gym. 

I was wrong in my understanding of sports luxe. It doesn't mean you always have to put on trainers and try dress up joggers. There are so many ways to do the trend and I decided for the Colour Elements event at Kakao by K, I would give it a go! 

Frankly Fashion: Stressful Lingerie Shopping and Longline Bras

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Bras, bras, bras. I have such a love/hate relationship with them. I think most of us bra wearers can agree that as much as they can give us support throughout the day, the feeling of taking those damn things off in the evening is a glorious feeling.

I made the crucial mistake of wearing a strapless bra to Pride Edinburgh. From 11am till 7pm, I had that demon bra on me. The moment it came off, I was filled with joy. My boobs were finally free.

Naturally I took to Twitter to whinge about said strapless bra pain and was introduced to the concept of longline bras by the lovely Malie Watson.

Frankly Fashion: Skinny Dip

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When it comes to my fashion choices, I am the self dubbed queen of monochrome. Well maybe not the queen but I just love wearing black, grey and white. When you have hair that resembles a bottle of Irn Bru on fire, your fashion choices become a little limited. 

Even though I keep my clothes fairly simple, I can't resist letting my accessorises do the talking. One brand in particular has managed to win over my cold heart - Skinny Dip. 

#DuvetDining with TK Maxx

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I love eating in bed. Like I love it way more than I actually should. Some days you just feel lazy and the thought of sitting at table seems like way too much effort. Even if you don't admit to enjoying it, you can't beat the feeling of sitting in bed with a bowl of food and Netflix playing in the background. 

When you go out dinner you alas have to sit at a table. How boring right? Imagine getting to eat an amazing unique seven course meal in a massive blanket fort? Sounds incredible right? 

Glasses Love With Specsavers

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I am a glasses wearer. You may not realise this since I actually very rarely wear them but trust me, I need them. 

Around 15 years old I found my eyes were starting to fail me. I couldn't see people's faces or read the chalk board at School. Though I did not feel dread about this but rather excitement. I wanted glasses so badly. 

Somehow in the last 10 years, my love for wearing specs started to wane. I just didn't feel my best in them. I looked at other glasses wearers with envy, how do they look so cool but yet I look like a massive dork? 

Seeing as I hadn't bought a new pair in almost 5 years, I needed a refresh and Specsavers* were on hand to help me out!

OOTD: Cape Love

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I have a confession to make. It is going to be a big announcement so prepare yourself. Maybe sit down with a cup of tea for this news... 

I love capes. Like seriously. 

Though I adore them ever so much, I have actually never owned one before... until now. 

Blood Drip Nails at Zara-Leoni's Vintage Salon

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I think by now you are all probably aware that I am a lover of all things creepy. Why? I don't really know but I've always felt myself drawn to the more macabre things in life. From horror films to creepy stories to visiting 'haunted' locations, I love it all. 

So why not incorporate my love of all things horror with my nails? Well thanks to the lovely Zara Leoni, I did just that!

Milkshakes That Make You Feel Canny

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Time to tell you a little story. Once upon a time there was girl called Emily who had firey/messy hair. One day Emily popped to her local shop on her lunch break. Looking for something tasty she came across cartons of milkshake. It spoke to her. Telling her it was a banana milkshake but it just wanted to talk about her instead. 

It was love at first sight. Never had Emily found a milkshake that just got her like that. Off she skipped back to her office with her new best friend. 

Yes I am talking about the time I fell in love with a milkshake, okay?! 

Auld Reekie Roller Girls Take On Finland!

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This Saturday, The Auld Reekie Roller Girls will do battle with Finland’s Kallio Roller Derby at Edinburgh’s Meadowbank Stadium.

Fresh from a successful Big O tournament in the US last month and they will be fighting hard for a win on their home track.

You know what is better than one live game or roller derby? Two games for the price of one of course!

Flamingosaurus Rex Launch Night

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If you follow me on social media, you will probably be aware of Flamingosaurus Rex by now. As well as being the shop of one of best friends, I also recently did a phootshoot for one of their designers. 

On Friday 13th May, Flamingosaurus Rex had its launch party and what a night it was!

OOTD: Batman Crop Top

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How many times have you heard that unless you have a toned and flat stomach then you shouldn't even look at a crop top? All these rules on what you should wear for your 'body type' bore me ever so.

Fashion doesn't need rules. It should be your chance to express yourself and wear whatever you damn well please.

I will have no one tell me what I can't wear a crop. I will wear it with pride and that is exactly what I did with this Batman bad boy.

#SummerOfMatcha: Matcha Coconut Latte Recipe

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Summer is almost upon as, can you believe?! This year is flying by and I can't quite keep up with it. With the sun staring to rear it's beautiful head, it was the perfect time to get my my head into summer mind frame.

EatCleanTea are currently running a really fun competition for bloggers surrounding matcha tea. If you aren't aware of what matcha is then you really must jump on this trend asap. As well as being incredibly versatile, this traditional Chinese and Japanese powder is pretty darn healthy too.

Frankly Fears: Favourite Scary Stories

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I would never describe myself as a thrill seeker. I've never been a ran of roller-coasters, the thought of bungy jumping gives me the fear and don't even get me started on heights in general. The thought of anything that could potentially cause me harm does not appeal to me.

Weirdly though, I do enjoy the rush of being scared. Not when it comes to heights or bugs, but reading creepy stories. I've spent many a time hunting through stories on NoSleep and CreepyPasta. All in the hunt for that one story which will scare the living daylights out of me. I've found a few that I've loved so much, so why not share them with you?

Warning: I am talking about scary stories. If you don't like horror, click away. You have been warned. 

Frankly Favourites: May

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Guess who forgot to do her Frankly Favourites in April? This gal did!

Do I have any excuses for you? No, I am just a very forgetful or lazy bloggers sometimes. With saying that I am really happy that I have been keeping up with my blog a lot more. When I started my new job as a food & drink writer I did wonder if I would have time or effort to keep up with this. 

It actually did the opposite. Writing all day for work has made me want to write even more!

So here we go, my Frankly Favourites for May:

The Rise Of Rainbow Food

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Remember those days when our bagels looked normal and the sponge in our cakes was just one simple colour? Those days are long gone as we enter the age of the Rainbow Food.

The rise of rainbow style food has taken over, Instagram is quite frankly full of brightly coloured cakes, bagels and ice creams. It seems like no one is safe from multi-coloured treats.

Frankly Fashion: Harness Love

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If you follow me on Twitter and Instagram, and if not sort it out, you will noticed that I am currently having a bit of a love affair. A special kind of moment with a wonderful accessory. 

Yes I have fallen in love with a harness. Not the kind you put on a horse but the kind you put on human body so you can look beyond fierce. 

A Journey Of Edinburgh's Best Gin Bars

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Once upon a time gin was dubbed the name of 'Mother's Ruin', seen as drink for the undesirables in Victorian-era films.

Now of course, gin is now one of the most stylish and fashionable drinks around. Edinburgh is quickly becoming the unofficial home of gin and the city plays host to some of the best gin bars.

Are you looking to hop on the gin train? Well, let me help you along the way on your gin journey.

OOTD: Vintage Florals

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I recently participated in a fashion show for The Grassmarket Vintage Festival. The dress I got to wear for said show basically stole my heart so of course it is now in my possession. 

Finally we got to see just a hint of summer over the last week which give me the perfect chance to wear my glorious vintage floral maxi dress!

Flamingosaurus Rex X I Dream Of Shapes

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In my last post I talked about putting my *cough* modelling skills to work with Ultimo. A week later I was somehow back in front of the camera again. This time it was all for a fantastic new shop, Flamingosaurus Rex, which is having it's big launch night on Friday the 13th. 

To help kick off the launch a few of us bloggers got together to model some amazing clothes which have been designed by I Dream Of Shapes which will be sold in the new art & design studio. 

Underwear As Outerwear with Ultimo

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About 5 or 6 years ago I purchased two slip style dresses. At the time the underwear as outerwear trend was really big and I instantly fell in love with the look. Mainly because I wanted to live my grungey Courtney Love fantasy.

As time went on and my body changed size, my love affair with the underwear trend waned... until now!

Enter Ultimo. They hosted two amazing events in Glasgow and Edinburgh where they invited bloggers to come along for a fun little style challenge.

OOTD: Bank Holiday Monochrome

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For the last 10 years I have roughly worked mainly in retail; from a coffee shop to River Island to a bookies. So when it comes to bank holidays, I have alas never got to enjoy them until now. Realising you are off work on a Monday is a pretty awesome feeling.

The weather has been pretty odd the last few days and bank holiday Monday was no different. One minute it was crazy windy, then pouring it down then bright sunshine. So of course as soon as this sun reared its head again, I had to make sure I got some OOTD photos taken.

Fire Hair By Mathew Watt

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In my most recent OOTD post you will have noticed that I've had a little change on the hair front. I've always been a fan of bright red/orange hair and I have been dying my hair this shade for two years now. I say I've been dying... my lovely mother does it for me..

However the dye I have been using for those last two years went through a change and left me with the most lacklustre hair ever. Thankfully Mathew Watt was on the case! 

Frankly Ms Shankly's 100th Post

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Well, I can hardly believe this is my 100th blog post on Frankly Ms Shankly. It is kind of crazy to think that I've managed or at least attempted to write 100 posts. From someone who just stuck back and read other people's blogs this is an amazing feeling.

After starting my blog over 2 years ago I have been on quite a journey. In many ways my whole life has changed since my first ever post. Some of the changes haven't been great but overall, I have been able to experience amazing things and meet incredible people and a lot of that is down to starting this blog.

A Night At The Basement

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Mexican food is something I have only started to get into over the last couple of years. I've spent many a lunch break with a tasty chicken burrito. We have a wonderful relationship together.. 

When I found out I was getting to head to The Basement to try out their brand new menu, I was pretty excited. One, because I of my new love for Mexican cuisine and two, I've enjoyed several drinks in The Basement in the past but had never tried out their food. 

OOTD: Sunday Style with GANT

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It may be Spring but by god it doesn't feel like it. After such a mild Winter I expected a nice Spring to come out away but alas Mother Nature was just playing a big old prank on us all. 

I am still wearing my winter coat, still carrying an umbrella and making sure I always have a scarf on hand. All the shops are full of beautiful flowery dresses and generally summer style clothes but it feels like it wont be a while till we get to wear them. 

For two weeks I have been waiting for a clear day to finally get these photos done but the constant rain was getting in the way. Then finally on a lazy Sunday, the sun decided to kind of come out!

Mental Health Is Not A Fashion Statement

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So this is going to be quite a rant of a post. Fighting the stigma of mental health is something that is very important to me and close to my heart. 

I have previously spoke about this subject in a post from 2014 and I really thought by now companies would stop using mental health illnesses as a fashion statement. Alas even though it is 2016, we are still seeing companies act like illnesses like anxiety or depression are something to poke fun at or make 'quirky'.

This post may come across a little ranty/scatter brain. Apologies in advance.

Foodies Festival Unveil Tasty Line Up

  

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Get your taste buds ready as Foodies Festival have announced a lip-smacking line up ahead of August.

The festival is entering it's 2nd decade as the UK's biggest celebration of food and drink. Situated once again in Inverleith Park in Edinburgh, Foodies Festival are whetting your appetite with an amazing line up which includes top chefs from across the UK.

The Irn Bru Necklace

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As I mentioned in my one of my previous posts, even though I am all about the monochrome outfits but when it comes to jewellery I love something a little more fun. The minute I saw Pink Poodle Boutique post this adorable Irn Bru necklace on their Twitter/Instagram I knew it was fate. 

Having basically taken inspiration from Scotland's favourite fizzy drink when it comes to my hair, how better else to show my love by having a mini bottle of Bru around my neck. 

OOTD: Rocky Horror Night

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With a jump to the left and a step to right, I was off to see the Rocky Horror Show at the Playhouse in Edinburgh. I have been a long time lover of this particular musical mainly due to my mother who is basically a mega fan. After seeing it once before at the Playhouse and another time in Glasgow, I was so excited to head along with my mum and my lovely friend and fellow blogger, Lucie from Tetris & (Cheese)Cakes.

Frankly Fashion: Brands I Am Loving

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As mentioned in previous posts I have been trying to get back into the world of fashion again. As much as I love writing about food and drink, which I will be continuing to do, I now do it for my full time job so I want to mix it up on Frankly Ms Shankly.

I've recently found myself lusting over certain brands and I want to share my favourites with you all!

Frankly Favourites: March

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Who can believe that we are almost seeing the end of March? I probably say this every year but it has felt like this one has flown by so far. We are saying goodbye to winter and hello to spring, however my body clearly still thinks it is winter. 

Since we are edging ever so closer to April I felt it was time to recap on my Frankly Favourites for March!

OOTD: Flu Fashion

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This week has not been my favourite one little bit. I started off feeling a little under the weather at the start of the week and as it went on I found myself stuck in bed with the full blown flu. After spending several days in bed by Saturday I was going a little stir crazy. 

Since Spring has well sprung and the sun decided to come out to play, I got myself together, put on some clothes and slapped on my 'face'. No more sitting in bed for at least a couple of hours. I wasn't exactly going anywhere special or amazing, just out to get stuff for dinner actually, but I decided to use the chance to cheer myself up a little and take a couple of OOTD pictures. 

OOTD: It's Vintage Darling

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Its felt like a while since I have done an OOTD post. When I first started this blog the plan was to be all fashion based but obviously that has changed in the two years FranklyMsShankly has been around. Mainly because I can never really be that bothered to get pictures of any outfits I wear. Don't get me wrong, I love a selfie, but when it comes to someone taking my photo for me, I just freeze up big time.

However when the sun is shining and you have a lovely vintage dress on, it would be wrong to not do a few OOTD style pictures!

Return To The Magnum

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This was not my first visit to The Magnum and it certainly will not be my last. I raved to everyone I knew after my first meal and when I found out they had launched a new menu, I couldn't wait to head back. You can read all about my first trip to The Magnum here: My First Visit To The Magnum

Seeing as it was almost Mother’s Day, I thought I would be a little good daughter and bring along my own wee mother.

Bloggers Afternoon Tea at The Printing Press

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I was recently invited to The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen to try out their newly launched Afternoon Tea. Instead of being set in the usual lunch time spot, us bloggers and foodies were treated to what they called, Twilight Tea, which really is afternoon tea but set in the evening time!

Being a massive cake lover and a fan of this beautiful new restaurant, I was pretty excited to see what they had in store for us!

Let's Talk About: Body Confidence

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You may have already read my first 'Let's Talk About' post which was all about antidepressants, if you haven't then get on it now. So for this post, I am going to be talking about body confidence and my experience with it. 

Just like my first post in this series, everything I write is just my own personal opinions or talking about my own experiences. I want to use this series as an opportunity to start a conversation and to really get things off my chest sometimes. The more people talk about how they feel, the easier some situations can get.