Manchester Photo Diary 2022

November 6, 2022September 4, 2026 - Vicki

Manchester was home for me for over 5 years, and it is where my husband went to University and where we got married. We still have so much love for this city and visit as often as we can (our hairdresser is still based here!). So a couple of times a year we head up from Cornwall for a bit of city life and a decent haircut. I always take so many photos and thought I would start sharing them in a bit of a round up post. Manchester has changed so much over the past 20+ years, with lots of great new places popping up, but also some of that Northern grit and magic is being lost.

It is crazy to see the change in the Manchester skyline, so many new glass tower blocks in between the historical red brick buildings. The old and the new side by side. I also love just how much street art there is, if you look for it. Beautiful murals and graffiti dotted about all over the city. The Manchester Bee has become such a positive symbol, one of hope and community. Manchester is a city that wears its heart on its sleeve, very friendly and full of energy.

Manchester has become a dream destination for foodies, you are spoilt for choice in terms of variety. I am vegan, and you are never short of options, I have always wanted to go to the curry night at The Deaf Institute and OMG it was epic. The entire menu was Vegan friendly, it was very reasonable in price and the food was all cooked fresh to order. What can be better than a curry and a cold pint of beer. If you get the chance to visit, you must eat here!

The Northern Quarter is still a very cool place to eat, drink and shop, although a few places have gone now, there are always new spots popping up (some good some are a little meh). Fred Aldous has always been one of my favourite places to shop for stationery, cards and art supplies, it moved locations a few years ago now, but it is still the same vibe. Oh & it even has a black and white old style photo machine. So much fun and a sweet way to remember your trip.

Now, I am not sure if I should let you all in on my number one place to get food, it is the best kept secret. What, The Pitta in tucked away on the edge of the Northern Quarter, and it serves up the most incredible ALL Vegan Doner Kebabs. They’re HUGE, packed full of salad, doner meat and chips. It will fill you up for days, they have expanded their menu to include a Vegan Chicken Burger, Falafel Wrap and Gyros too. Oh and their soft serve ice cream is hard to resist. I always go here when I am in Manchester, such a treat, and my non-vegan friends always request to go here too! Oh & it is dog friendly too, always a bonus.

We always stay at Whitworth Locke, it is a great central location, right by Canal Street, it is not too far from where we used to live. It is a gorgeous space, each room is like a mini apartment, you get a comfy seating area, dining area a lovely fully equipped kitchen. I have stayed in a variety of their rooms, and they’re all so stylish and comfortable. It has become a home from home for us.

When you’re staying somewhere regularly for quite a few days at a time, it is nice to have space and the facilities in your room to cook and relax.

The lobby, which is a huge glass atrium full of plants, has a really charming bar, coffee shop, restaurant, and lots of space to sit and relax, it is very friendly. The rooms are very reasonably priced, I have found it as little as £85 a night, which for the location and the quality of the hotel is remarkable.

I have also stayed at the Locke hotel in Edinburgh, which was just as cool and stylish, they have them all over Europe now, so if you’re heading away anywhere, check to see if there is one in your destination.

I love exploring Manchester, there is always something new to see, I used to work around Spinningfields and in the years since I left it has become a great area for restaurants. The Ivy has opened up there and there is quite often a pop-up on the green there, and recently they had an outdoor cinema and lawn club bar.

We stumbled upon El Capo in the Northern Quarter, we use to regularly go to Kosmonaut but decided to try somewhere new (very daring), we do love The Whiskey Bar too, but this new Tequila Bar is pretty EPIC. The decor is so cool, the tequila selection is impressive, and they serve delicious Mexican food. It gets very busy, but that adds to the atmosphere.

If you like an independent micro brewery, then I highly recommend Fierce Beer, they’re a brewery based in Aberdeen and have bars in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and one in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. They have a fantastic selection of beers, if you like fruity beer, larger, IPA’s or even stout they have a beer for you. They offer vegan and gluten free options, which is quite unusual but very welcomed. The staff are knowledgable, friendly and the bar has a great atmosphere. Always nice to support a small brewery.

Manchester is also a great place to get good coffee, or in my case Matcha. Fig & Sparrow is always our first port of call when we arrive, it is in The Northern Quarter, they have a delicious selection of cakes, a seasonal lunch and breakfast menu. You can sit inside and out, we love the friendly welcome and the relaxed vibe.

Since we lived in Manchester, Ancoats, Green Quarter has changed so much, so many of the Mills and Warehouses have been developed, and it has become the place to live. I can see why, so many cafés, restaurants, and it has a community vibe. We came across The Flat Baker (tucked up a side street), sadly it was closed on the day we were there. I have since learned that it is owned by a couple who started baking during lockdown and recently opened their first premises. It looks so cute, and their Brazilian inspired pastries and bakes look irresistible. Next time I am in Manchester, I will be sampling a few of their treats!

Takk is also one of our go-to café stops, we used to always go to the one on Tibb Street, but we quite like their University Green one, it is bright, and you always get a seat. We like to sit in the window and watch the world go by, it looks out on to a busy square and its a nice space to take some time out. They serve THE best matcha latte.

So thats my little Manchester Diary for you, it is one of my favourite cities, I have lived there, got married there, my northern husband did his degree and Masters there, and It’s where I set up my own business. It is a place that always makes me feel creative, excited and reenergises my heart. It is a city with lots of memories, and we love popping up every 6 months or so to make new memories and just soak in all the energy. Cornwall, where we live now, is quiet and relaxing, every so often you just need an injection of city life to keep your soul alive. Where is your favourite city in the UK to visit? Let me know where & why.

Erborian Korean Skincare

October 13, 2022September 4, 2026 - Vicki

#Gifted It has been so nice to try a selection of Erborian’s best selling/hero products, a great introduction to a brand I have heard so many wonderful things about. Let’s start with the 3 skincare products, Red Pepper Paste Mask, Ginseng Super Serum and the Ginseng Infusion Total Eye Care, all three are focused on reviving tired, lacklustre skin. Exactly what I look for in skincare, I have quite dull, dehydrated skin and being in in my mid-forties I need smoothing, invigorating and energising products.

Erborian skincare combines the effectiveness of traditional medicinal herbs with sophisticated Korean technology. What is also pretty cool about this brand is that they create hybrid products that combine skincare and make-up, like their iconic BB Cream and award-winning CC Cream. I do enjoy make-up products that also give effective skincare benefits too, the Korean’s seem to be damn good at this!

Erborian Red Pepper Paste Mask

This mask is all about radiance and energising! It’s a powerhouse of skin loving ingredients, and because of this it quickly transforms tired skin,

Red pepper extract – Known for its energizing and antioxidant properties, it boosts the natural radiance of the skin.
Exfoliating enzymes – (fermentation): They smooth and improve the texture of the skin.
Niacinamide – Known for its illuminating properties. It helps to maintain skin’s hydration.
Licorice root extract – Known for its illuminating and antioxidant properties.

This mask has quite a thick consistency, and the red pepper means it is bright red. The mask is a paste, and it applies easily, and smoothly it feels cool and soothing on the skin. After 10 – 15 mins, wash it off to reveal a refreshed, velvety smooth complexion. It is quite astonishing how instantly it transforms your skin. A great addition to your Autumn/Winter skincare routine, to keep your skin looking healthy and radiant during the colder months, it is a great product to help protect skin from external stress that can accelerate signs of ageing.

So all in all, this Red Pepper Paste Mask is good skin health in a bottle! It gets 10/10 from me!

Erborian Ginseng Infusion Total Eye Cream

Fantastic at reviving tired, dark under eyes, gives the skin a soft focus finish whist hydrating and invigorating. This rich, lightweight eye cream wears so well under make-up, concealer glides on and stays put, looking smooth and fresh. It’s not hard to see why this is not only one of Erborian’s best selling products, but also an award winning product and a beauty industry favourite too (oh & a firm favourite of mine).

The name is to be believed, it is a total eye cream, it’s anti-ageing, reduces the appearance of dark circles, fine lines and fatigue whilst nourishing and protecting the delicate skin around the eye area! This is a morning skincare must have, even if you don’t feel awake, your eyes will look fresh and bright.

White Ginseng Complex – known for it’s anti-ageing benefits, is full of antioxidants that help soothe, smooth and protect the skin.
Corn oil – Ginseng Infusion moisturiser helps strengthen skin’s barrier function whilst Sesame oil and Shea Butter which help nourish and soften the skin.
Flecks of Vitamin E – help fight against the signs of ageing and protect the skin against environmental aggressors

‘Composed of white ginseng root, licorice, wild yam, horsetail plant and Kigelia fruit extracts, this unique complex is known for its protecting, smoothing and moisturising effect on skin’.

Erborian Ginseng Super Serum

Right away after applying this serum you will notice how smooth your skin looks, it is that effective. Lightweight and smoothing, this serum is pretty incredible, I am quickly learning that the Ginseng products from Erborian are up there with the best skincare I have tried, especially for my age group.

Great for morning and evening, this serum will keep your skin looking naturally radiant, serum is one of my favourite skincare steps. I love the added hydration this serum gives my skin, how plump and healthy it looks after applying it.

80% Ginseng extracts, 90% natural origin ingredients

White Ginseng Extract – prevents the appearance of the signs of ageing and helps to smooth wrinkles.
Fermented Red Ginseng – helps to preserve the youth of the skin.
Ginseng Aqueous Extracts – obtained through a process of steam maceration of Ginseng, they contain minerals necessary for the balance and the hydration of the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid – plumps up the surface of the skin
Peptides – maintains collagen levels for a firming and smoothing effect
Complex of Tara fruit and Red Algae extracts – smooths and reduces wrinkles

Now on to the make-up products. I’ve testing out 3 of Erborian’s make-up/skincare hybrid products, make-up with the benefits of skincare. I’m sure most of you have heard of, it not used at least one of Erborian’s iconic, BB or CC creams, they’ve won countless awards, and really put Korea at the centre of the beauty industry.

‘With a lighter texture than foundation, not only does it provide full coverage with a flawless matte finish, but it also moisturises the skin all day long and protects it against sun damage. Part skincare, part make-up, this hybrid product is the ideal alternative to foundation’s instant results, with long-term results on top. Erborian BB Cream is one of the best guarantees for year-round beautiful skin!’

Erborian BB Créme in Nude

This is a 5 in one BB Crème (beauty balm), with buildable coverage, it evens out your skin tone and minimises imperfections giving you a healthy, radiant flawless base. This formula is lightweight, hydrating, nourishing and looks very natural. It is a real powerhouse of skin loving ingredients, including a highly concentrated selection of herbs used traditionally in Korean skincare, to promote skin healing.

Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Liquorice Root Extract and Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract: these help to reduce blemishes and make the skin more radiant.
Licorice & Ginger: Act as anti-inflammatories, helping to protect the skin against free radicals
Titanium dioxide: Sun protection SPF 20

I’d say it is a great everyday product, fantastic to help your skin look fresh and radiant with a light (buildable) coverage of make-up. If you feel more confident wearing make-up but do not always want to apply heavy foundations, then a BB cream would be a great option. I wear the shade NUDE, which is the middle swatch below.

Erborian Super BB Crème in Nude

This is the newest addition to Erborian’s make-up products. Think BB Crème but with the ability to cover more imperfections which gives your skin a more flawless, but natural finish. This is the third swatch in the photo above, a slightly lighter shade than the BB Crème but still a good match to my skin tone. If you have redness, dark spots or uneven skin tone, the Super BB Crème is a must-have for your make-up bag. It is still very lightweight but offers a higher coverage, with the added benefit of amazing skincare ingredients too. This also provides SPF20.

Super BB – combines two Korean super-ingredients: White Ginseng and fermented Ginseng flower, in a formula that instantly reveals a smoother and moisturised skin. In order to visibly reduce imperfections (pimples, pores, blackheads, etc.), this BB cream for acne prone skin has been enriched with Niacinamide, a powerful active ingredient for clearer skin.

Erborian CC Crème in Clair

This is a game changer and works like magic. It comes out of the tube almost like a moisturiser, in that it is white, so the magic is that colour controlling pigments self-adjust to your natural luminous beauty. The intelligent, hybrid formula transforms your skin, to give a velvety, ultra-soft spotless finish, I have the shade Clair which is a light beige, very natural and flawless finish. You can wear this as your base, for a luminous, radiant finish, or underneath a BB Créme or foundation for extra coverage and glow. lightweight. It is easy to see why this product is an industry favourite, it is so easy to use and it is so effective! This also provides SPF25.

‘At first glance cream appears white, but upon application, it adapts precisely to match your skin tone, naturally revealing a more even complexion, leaving skin luminous and soft, while reducing the appearance of blemishes.’

Centella Asiatica: Helps increase collagen production and antioxidant activity. Anti-ageing active ingredient.
Adenosine: An anti-ageing active ingredient. Improves skin elasticity and softness.
Vitamin B3: Protects from free radicals. Strengthens skin barrier and reduces skin unevenness.
Tiger Grass – Anti-inflammatory benefits and helps with healing
Honey Extract – Softens and firms the skin
Vitamin E – Has anti-free radical properties and helps protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Trying a selection of their hero products has given me such a lovely introduction to Erborian, who are a brand that I’ve heard so many positive reviews of, and I am now on that band wagon. I am here to say, they’re all true, and they have not only lived up to all the hype, but quite possible surpassed it.

I am converted, addicted, in love with this brand (not an exaggeration). Every single one of the products they sent me to try out, are now in my everyday routine. I am very much looking forward to trying more from them, especially the Ginseng Collection – which targets fine lines and wrinkles.

Let me know what Erborian products you have tried, what you’d recommend or if, like me, you are new to this brand what would you like to try out.

If you want to learn more about Erborian and their product range, visit them at www.erborian.com

Edinburgh Photo Diary 2022

October 4, 2022September 4, 2026 - Vicki

Whilst my husband and I were up in Scotland earlier in the year helping take care of my dad, we took the opportunity to do a quick overnight trip to Edinburgh. It was a chilly couple of days, but we made the most of it, at least being dry and this is a city with so many lovely coffee shops to stop in to warm up!

In fact, our first stop as soon as we got off the train was to visit The Milkman. This is such a popular café in Edinburgh, if you enjoy good coffee, a sweet treat and a cosy atmosphere then I can highly recommend visiting.

We stayed at another one of the hotels in the Locke Group (which we stay at quite often in Manchester). The Edinburgh Eden Locke was in a great location, very central, and it looks understated but charming from the street. Our room was bright and modern, all their hotels are styled to perfection. What I like about this hotel group is that they’re mini apartments, so you have a kitchen and dining area.

Although it was cold (March) we lucked out with the weather staying dry and one of the days we had blue skies all day! We love to just explore and get off the beaten track, discovering new places and stumbling across cafés and pretty streets. Also it is always so much quieter even if you just go one street over from the main tourist locations!

No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to the famous Greyfriars Kirkyard Graveyard to visit the grave of Greyfriars Bobby, Scotland’s most famous dog! The graveyard dates back to 1650, and it is also rumoured to be where J.K Rowling got the inspiration for many of her characters names in her Harry Potter novels, if you search the gravestones you will find graves with names quite similar to those in the books, like McGonagall, think Scrimgeour, Riddell and Moodie. So keep your eyes peeled if you’re a Potterhead.

After a walk around the graveyard, you have to pop into the Greyfriars Bobby Bar for a pint of locally brewed Innis & Gunn!

If you have ever visited a Brewdog, you will know they have an extensive selection of beer to pick from and their Vegan food options are AMAZING too! Best Vegan Burger and chips I have had in a long time. Edinburgh has recently opened one of the Brewdog Hotels, called the Doghouse. We didn’t say here (unfortunately) but the bar attached to the beer themed hotel is open to the public, and it was the perfect place to rest our legs and refuel after a long day of walking. I like that they have good Alcohol Free beer as well as a selection of Vegan and Gluten Free beers too!

We have visited Edinburgh quite a few times over the years, as my family live about an hour North of the city. So we have visited all the main attractions like the castle, Scottish Museum, National Portrait Gallery and done a few of the ghost tours too. On this visit, we decided to just explore the streets, and visit some new areas of the city.

I am a sucker for looking on Instagram for new & fun looking vegan food options and I knew next time I was in Edinburgh that I 100000% would be paying a visit to Considerit. They’re an all vegan bakery and their doughnuts and sweet treats are incredible. I had a tough time picking what to have (never a bad thing) I went for the pistachio and white chocolate and my husband went for the double chocolate, they were HUGE! Well worth the walk, and it was nice to get out of the city centre and explore the area.

If you’re lucky enough to catch a sunset in Edinburgh, you will not be disappointed, it is my favourite time of day in the city. The buildings glow, and look like they’ve been painted a golden colour. The castle looks stunning bathed in the light of the sunset. I do love that Edinburgh has so many of its historical buildings still intact. The cityscape looks almost as it would have hundreds of years ago, and there is something very magical about that! I can see why J.K Rowling took so much inspiration from this beautiful city.

The Milkman Coffee, actually has two locations in Edinburgh – very close together (on Cockburn street), and because we loved the first café so much we decided to stop at the other one before we got the train home. This one at the top of Cockburn street is very bright and airy, it is a calm oasis from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh. They had some fantastic Vegan cakes on offer and the coffee was top notch once again.

Let me know what you love to do in Edinburgh, any must see places, cafés or secret spots you have discovered.

L’Oreal Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte

September 21, 2022September 4, 2026 - Vicki

#gifted. L’Oreal Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipsticks – you might recognise the name of these lippies, but they’ve been repackaged into sleek, slimmer bullets and revamped to be much more than just a matte lipstick. I have been trying out 4 gorgeous shades and I have to say the new slimline packaging is fab and the new formula is pretty special too.

The all new, L’Oréal Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte formula is more comfortable, more long wearing, and the shades are more beautiful. They say you can get up to 16 hour wear, but I drink too many cups of tea for my lipstick to EVER still be on my lips for that length of time. I will say that the colour is rich and long-lasting, more so than many other matte lippies I have used.

What I like most of all is that they’re matte, and they’re not drying, matte lipsticks have come a long way in the past 10 years! Matte used to mean flat and uncomfortable. Not any more, think moisture and velvety soft.

L’Oréal achieves a beautiful creamy matte finish and the formula feels great on the lips and the colours and very rich. I think it is down to the fact that the Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte range is formulated with a caring formula, infused with hyaluronic acid, to keep lips feeling moisturised all day.

Check out my old school lip swatches – circa 2010! The four shades I have are all easy to wear colours, a stunning red, a rosy pink and two everyday nudes. I honestly liked all four of them, although my mum has pinched the rosy pink (Activist 188).

So if you’re looking for a lightweight, matte lipstick which is that perfect mix of comfort and long wearing, this might be a range you want to check out! There are 12 shades in total, all of which are very wearable, no crazy colours. Oh & the slimline, black and gold packaging looks very luxurious and fab for popping in even the smallest of purses.

•this post contains PR samples and affiliate links, If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Author: Vicki