Exploring Bath Day 2

January 8, 2026 - Vicki Leave a comment

First stop on day 2 was Nook, a lovely Australian vibe healthy breakfast / brunch spot. I had found them on Instagram and their food looked so good, but I didn’t know what to expect. The menu was incredible, full of healthy options and so many vegan and gluten-free choices. We opted for the loaded banana bread and the salted caramel bowl.

The café is quite small, they have a few seats in the window downstairs (where we sat) but they do also have an upstairs with a few more tables. It is a lovely, bright and friendly space and the menu is incredible, they make everything fresh to order. I could have happily ordered every single item on the menu, we shared the loaded banana bread and a smoothie bowl, both were delicious and very filling. I can’t wait to go back and was sad to hear they closed their Bristol location.

After breakfast, we had a walk around, the weather was dry and warm but not as sunny as the previous day. We made the most of it being a weekday and more quiet, the streets were empty, and we headed over the Pulteney Bridge, which is very famous in Bath. We walked towards The Holburne Museum although did not go in, it is a beautiful building at the end of Great Pulteney Street which is a lovely wide street, lined with impressive houses. I hear that the museum building was used quite a lot in Bridgerton, so it was fun to see it.

Every street is picture-perfect and as we were lucky with the weather again, we made the most of being outside and explored as much as we could, going up as many backstreets and soaking in all the history and incredible architecture. Bath has so many independent / small shops with lovely facades and painted windows, they really make the city look quirky and interesting.

There is history everywhere in Bath, and it is a city that encourages you to look up and just take it all in, we spotted so many murals and painted shopfronts. As I said in my Day 1 post we are suckers for a classic car and always take photos of them, Bath did not disappoint there were so many and we spotted a lovely red Beetle.

We did not go inside the Cathedral (we will on our next visit) but even from outside it was very impressive. It is very grand and ornate, we walked around the entire outside and loved that you could sit in the square at the back and just admire all its gothic details and huge windows. I can only imagine how special it looks on the inside.

For our second coffee stop we went into The Watchouse on Old Bond Street, it is part of a chain but their coffee / matcha is fantastic (if not on the pricey side). We sat in the window and watched the world go by. It was a very friendly, bright and modern space, they have an upstairs with more seating, and it was popular for lunch. I would recommend it, and I am looking forward to trying some of their locations in London, they always seem to renovate interesting and cool buildings for their cafés.

I took so many photos of this house, which was covered in Ivy & also up for sale. If I had won the lottery, I would 100% have bought it. The photo doesn’t do it justice, the building was huge, and the ivy went right up to the roof and all the way around the outside and including the basement it was 5 stories with an impressive garden, what a magical and romantic place to call home.

I know that many British cities are full of history, original features and historical details, but I think Bath has to be one of the most preserved and maintained. It reminded me of Edinburgh and York. I just loved all the iron railings, the beautiful stone houses, wide streets and green spaces.

It becomes even more romantic at night when you can see through the windows into the impressive houses and also the Cathedral and bridge are all lit up and so much more quiet than during the day. Fewer crowds and traffic, so it’s a nice time to explore and take photos.

Let me know if you have any recommendations for Bath, I can’t wait to visit again and would love to hear of any places to eat, drink & things that I shouldn’t miss.

Shark Glam Sleek Straight Waves & Curls Pink Exclusive

November 9, 2025November 10, 2025 - Vicki Leave a comment

It’s fair to say that hair tools have truly evolved in recent years. Gone are the days of relying on a basic hairdryer that leaves your hair frizzy, blasts out excessive heat, and limits your styling options to a simple blow-dry while claiming to work on all hair types. We can now be kinder to our hair and achieve salon-quality results at home, thanks to innovative all-in-one multi stylers like the Shark Glam Sleek Straight Waves & Curls, which is a game changer if, like me, you’ve accumulated one too many hair tools over the years. The Shark all-in-one styler replaces your hairdryer, straightener, curling tong, and glossing brush. It is designed to smooth, curl, volumise, and dry without excessive heat damage & this all in one tool combines professional performance with everyday convenience.

I’ve been putting the Shark it to the test over the past month and honestly, I’m loving the results. The first thing I noticed was how sleek the hairdryer is, it’s slim, easy to use, and actually looks pretty on my dresser. I’d been using an ancient travel hairdryer before (which I have had for years!) and didn’t realise just how much better a hairdryer could be. My hair after drying now looks glossy, smooth, and super sleek, and I like that the settings let me choose exactly how hot or forceful I want the airflow to be.

I have been just roughly drying my hair with the hair dryer, then adding the Styling Concentrator accessory to make it look more sleek and glossy. This accessory makes it much easier to be precise, directing the airflow exactly where you need it, which helps smooth the hair cuticle and gives a sleek, glossy finish. It’s great for taming flyaways and making your hair look polished without extra effort

Now one of the best tools in this kit is the Silki Straightener which can be used on wet / damp hair, which is a great for saving time, and you will be shocked by how effective (and fast) it is at drying and straightening your hair. I’ve mostly been the Silki Straighteners for refreshing second or third-day hair. They’re such an innovative tool, using smart heat control, so it is gentler on your hair than most straighteners. The combination of heated ceramic plates and airflow smooths the hair cuticle, tames frizz, and adds shine without relying on extreme heat. I also love that they’re easy to use, gentle on my hair and leave my hair looking sleek, glossy and refreshed. If, like me, you are used to your straighteners drying out your hair, you will be surprised by how effective and gentle the Shark Silki Straightener is. Say goodbye to dry, heat‑frazzled hair and hello to sleek, glossy, perfectly smooth locks.

When I’m just at home, I usually give my hair a quick blow-dry and leave it, but when I’m heading out, I like it to look polished without spending ages on it. For me, that usually means adding a soft wave or a loose curl to give it that effortless, styled look, and the Auto-Wrap Curlers are 10/10 for this look. Even with my short hair, they worked brilliantly and made styling so quick and easy.

The Coanda air‑flow technology gently pulls the hair toward the barrel while blowing warm air, creating a wrapping motion so it automatically wraps, sets, and curls your hair in minutes. The barrel is the ideal size to create soft, defined curls or waves and the heat‑controlled surfaces reduce exposure to extreme heat, so your hair is never damaged, and you get that glossy shine and minimal frizz.

The Glossi Brush is the attachment I think I will get more use from as my hair grows, it will be great for taming my fringe or adding a nice flick to the bottom of my bob. I’m excited to use it more and see what new hairstyles I can create.

It has been so nice incorporating the Shark Multi Styler into my haircare routine (especially in this exclusive pink colour), it has become part of my daily routine and my hair has never felt so healthy and looked so glossy. It makes styling my hair so effortless, and the tool is so versatile that you are able to create so many looks with ease. I am impressed with the quality and the way it makes me want to experiment with my hair. Doing my hair has become part of my self-care routine, I no longer dread it or rush it and as a result of using this multi tool my hair looks healthier which makes me feel more confident.

*Sponsored post with gifted product, but the review is 100% my own.

Summer Beauty Empties 2025

September 21, 2025 - Vicki Leave a comment

Now that we are in Autumn, I am sharing the beauty products I used up over the past few months. I discovered new products that have become firm favourites and that I will be repurchasing, and also a few items that were good but that I won’t rush to use again.

Garnier Intensive 7 Days Hydrating Lotion

I’ve gone through a few bottles of this over the years and while I think it’s a good, affordable body lotion, it is not my favourite. The texture is lightweight and hydrating, with a fresh, clean scent, and it does absorb quickly without feeling greasy, but sometimes, mostly in the colder months I just need a cream that is more rich and nourishing, so I still prefer the Dove Pro Age Body Lotion for the colder months. I will repurchase the Garnier on when it’s on offer (too good a deal not too) but I will be using the Dove one until the Spring comes round again.

Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Setting Spray

I have fallen hard for the Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Setting Spray, I can honestly say this is a product I’ll always repurchase. It not only keeps my makeup in place all day, but it also gives my skin a gorgeous, healthy glow. Unlike other setting sprays that can feel heavy, sticky, or drying, this one is hydrating and weightless on the skin. I get the travel-size bottle so I can keep it in my bag for top-ups (though I rarely need them). For me, it’s 100% worth the hype and an absolute must-have.

Batiste Volume Dry Shampoo

This can of Batiste lasted me ages, which I love because you only need to spray a little product, and it does the job. I go through phases of using dry shampoo all the time & then I forget about it for a while. I always keep a can of Batiste on hand as such a reliable product, I usually just grab whichever version is on offer, but the dark one is a favourite as it blends in with my hair so well. Definitely one of those everyday staples I’ll keep repurchasing. I just don’t think you need to spend a fortune on a dry shampoo.

*Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Day SPF 30

This was such a lovely cream to use, I mainly saved it for makeup days because my foundation sat beautifully on top of it and looked really fresh all day. I also loved how plumping it felt on the skin, giving me that fresh, hydrated look. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid to help with fine lines, plus arctiin for elasticity, and the added SPF 30 is such a bonus for everyday protection. It also contains Thiamidol, which is a patented Eucerin ingredient, that’s clinically proven to reduce dark spots, prevent their return, and promote brighter, even-toned skin. A great day cream that I’d highly recommend, I’m looking forward to exploring more products from this range, which includes an eye cream, a serum, and even a refill pot for this moisturiser. The refill option is a great idea, as it allows you to top up your pot rather than discarding it entirely, making it a more eco-friendly choice.

Elemis Pro Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm

I’ve just finished my 4th pot of the Elemis Pro-Collagen Green Fig Cleansing Balm, and I can’t get enough of it because fig is one of my absolute favourite scents. It’s easy to see why the Elemis cleansing balms are such a cult favourite, I love the balm-to-oil texture it melts away even the most stubborn makeup, but it’s gentle on the skin. Using it is like having a little spa moment at home, it’s soothing, and it leaves my skin feeling soft, nourished, and completely clean and the fig scent is heavenly. Honestly, it’s a solid 10/10.

Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Moisturiser

I really liked this moisturiser, it’s lightweight, hydrating and absorbs quickly without leaving any greasiness. It’s an effective day cream that I’d happily repurchase. If you are looking for an affordable moisturiser, this is a great option.

Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Day Serum

I adore this serum and have used up many a bottle. It’s designed to boost radiance, and even-out, the 3.5% vitamin C concentration helps leave my skin looking fresh and glowing. It also has Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid, which gently exfoliate to smooth texture and reduce blemishes, plus Lemon Extract to brighten the skin. It’s such a great, product to have in your routine.

Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Night Serum 10%

Like the day serum, I love the night one too (this might just be my fave out of the two), It has 10% vitamin C which works overnight to brighten, even out skin tone, and give that fresh morning glow. I love that it also has Niacinamide to smooth and calm, Salicylic Acid to gently exfoliate and tackle blemishes, and Lemon Extract to boost brightness. My skin always looks well rested, nourished, and glowing by morning. Such a popular product in my house, as my husband also uses it.

L’Oréal Revitalift Plumping Toner

This toner is a constant in my skincare routine, I use it at least once a day, it is refreshing and hydrating and find it helps prep my face for the rest of my skincare routine. It contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump and hydrate my skin, making it feel soft and smooth, I like using it on days when my skin needs a little extra hydration boost. It’s such an effective, and affordable toner, and I always have a new bottle waiting and I buy it for my mum as well.

Sunday Riley 5 Stars Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum

This eye serum was included in my Sunday Riley set and I can’t tell how much I enjoyed using all the products. I had never tried this brand before and thought a set was the perfect way to try a few of their key products. This eye serum is designed to target fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles and I felt it worked really well. It contains, 6% retinoid complex and centella asiatica to boost collagen and improve elasticity, plus niacinamide to brighten and calm. Ceramides, olive oil, red poppy seed extract and shea butter hydrate and soothe delicate skin. It is a fantastic for radiance, soothing and smoothing the under eye.

Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum

I honestly loved this serum, I used it at night, and the incredible ingredients that are packed into this product worked their magic. It’s got a 6.5% blend of retinoids which gets to work on fine lines, uneven texture, and sun damage, it’s also packed with CoQ10, ginger, honey, cactus extract, and shea butter which keeps your skin feeling calm, hydrated, and balanced. The texture is lovely, even though it is a retinoid based product I found it was gentle and didn’t irritate. I am buying this again, and think it’s made such a difference to how fresh and radiant my skin looks.

This post contains affiliate links, If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Products marked with an * were gifted PR.

Exploring Bath Photo Diary Day 1

September 7, 2025 - Vicki Leave a comment

We drove up from Cornwall to Bristol to see a gig and thought, whist we were in the area, that visiting Bath was a great idea. I have always, always wanted to go to Bath, as I have heard only good things about this city, so many people told me it was charming and beautiful, so I had to see for myself. We booked a cheap & cheerful Premier Inn, right in the centre of Bath, I wouldn’t stay again (terrible night’s sleep) but it was very conveniently located. We parked out of Bath at the park & ride, we left our car there for 2 days, and it worked out to be such an affordable option, the bus only took 10 minutes and they run frequently. It was easier than trying to navigate Bath and find parking, the park and ride was less stressful, easy and cheap.

We arrived in Bath after a short drive from Bristol and wanted to waste no time, so we used early check in to drop off our bags and got straight out to explore. We landed lucky with the weather and had glorious sunshine, blue skies and temperatures of 20+ degrees in May, which made taking our time and meandering up and the streets so enjoyable. First, we explored the streets around the hotel, which were full of cafés and independent shops and restaurants, a little early for lunch, but we did stop in Colonna coffee, which is on Chapel Row in quite a quiet part of the city. If you like your coffee this is the spot for you, it is a speciality coffee shop, they roast their own beans and have won numerous awards. The staff are really friendly, and they were helpful in recommending which coffee to go for based on what you enjoy, the cakes were delicious too. We ended visiting here twice, it was that good.

After a coffee to set us up for lots of walking, we slowly made our way up the hill (I had no idea that Bath was so hilly), we just pottered about going up all the small side streets, soaking in all the history and architecture, we love to explore a new place with no agenda, just going where the day takes us. At the top of the hill, we found The Circus, which is a circle of incredible Grade I listed Georgian town houses around a central small park with 5 trees dating back to 1820. The Circus is one of the most charming streets I have ever seen, the houses are perfectly identical & you feel like you have stepped back in time.

I also loved Saville Row, which is a mews like street with independent shops and restaurants with pretty facades. This street is so well-kept and reminded me of a mini Diagon alley, In fact the whole of Bath was like a movie set and I hear that a lot of Bridgerton was filmed in this city.

There is so much history in this city and so much to appreciate, every building and street had something interesting, pretty or of historical interest. It is like a living museum, and I took so many photos, it was so visually interesting, everything from the coloured front doors, classic cars and perfectly preserved Georgian buildings and even a few cats that wanted to say hello.

We had a quick to go lunch from The Whole Bagel on Upper Borough Walls, delicious food (rude staff) but great for a quick pit stop. We did also try a cookie from Bakervee cookies, OMG these were incredible and the perfect afternoon sweet treat. They have a huge selection of Vegan and gluten-free options.

We did manage to see the famous Royal Crescent as the sun was setting we walked along the entire street on our way to dinner, and it was stunning, so majestic and all the photos I have seen over the years just do not do it justice, The scale of the street, the curve and the houses all in a row is just something you need to see in person. The Royal Crescent is a row of 30 town houses built in the 1760s, and they are said to be among the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the UK. We also walked along this street on both days, as it is just too pretty to only see once.

Bath has so many independent shops, restaurants and galleries that have kept their old school charm and look, I photographed so many of them. I loved how colourful and unique they looked, they felt like a snapshot of a bygone time. Also, all the small side streets had an abundance of character, higgledy-piggledy cottages, vast town houses and shops that had long since gone and been turned into residence. We didn’t get a Sally Lunn Bun, but we did have a quick look in, and it smelt so good, and this area is quaint and a very historical part of the city, the streets are narrow and full of places to recharge & to have a drink and a sweet treat.

I love to photograph cars, especially colourful and unusual spec cars, Bath was full of nice cars and I have a camera roll full of Lamborghini’s, Ferrari’s, Porsche’s and so many cute bright Fiat 500s. What do you like to take pictures of? My favourite is always cars, but I am also partial to a colourful front door.

It seems that there is no shortage of great places to eat in Bath, we settled on a local Italian called Colosseo, and have to say it was incredible. The atmosphere was lively and friendly, and the food was authentic and delicious. After walking almost 25,000 steps I had earned a pudding and a few glasses of wine, 10/10, highly recommend booking here if you like Italian food.

We walked a little after dinner and ended up in a great little pub called The Raven, serving cask ales and its own beer. It was busy even on a Sunday night, we stayed for a couple of drinks and headed back to the hotel. Make sure to check back for day 2 exploring Bath where we head over to the Cathedral and the famous Pulteney Bridge.

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