Restaurant Launch: Red Dog Saloon Opens in Nottingham

Hello everyone and welcome back to my blog!

Today's blog post is about a recent restaurant launch I went to and my first initial experiences there.
The Red Dog Saloon is an American themed restaurant that is already well established in Hoxton Square and Clapham North, London. But it has now made a home in Nottingham.

The overall theme of the restaurant is smokey food, due to the way a lot of their meals are cooked. Some of their courses are smoked for up to 18 hours, giving it an authentic American taste (apparently). As you can imagine, it's a meat eaters paradise. They serve burgers and wings and other BBQ dishes. Unfortunately there is only one main course that is vegetarian.

I can't review the food too much due to only going to the opening and not receiving much.  However, after looking at the menu what I can say is that it isn't the place for a vegetarian to go, due to there only being one option for them on the menu (this may change after the publishing of my blog- hopefully)!

Prices are very similar to those of the other smoke houses located around Nottingham, so there is no difference there really. From the food that I did try (a bbq wing), it was quite tasty. The other food product I was given was one of their 'original' wings. I'm unsure as to why these are called original, as you get an extremely spicey shock after just tasting some of the sauce. As someone allergic to spicey food, an indicator or the spice should really be indicated in the dish's name, for example, 'super dooper hot wing'. The server may have made a mistake so if you do go, just ask!

(Sample size for tasting at the launch)

The drinks are possibly the highlight for me. There is such a wide variety of drinks on offer. I had a margarita which was nice and also one of their wines. However, if wine, cocktails and spirits isn't to your taste (or legal drinking age), there are also milkshakes in three non-alcoholic flavours (alcoholic ones are also available) and other general soft drinks.

The interior is another highlight for me. It's really well decorated, spacious for its occupancy and the bar area is also of a good size. The toilets are up some stairs so you can work off your burger if needed on the way up, but don't drink too much because there could be a few trips.

I really hope you enjoyed a little insight into the Red Dog Saloon Restaurant that has only just opened in Nottingham!

Follow @Charlottejade77

EcoTools Day to Night Set Brush Review

Hello and welcome back to my blog! This week I am going to be speaking to you about my EcoTools brush set that I bought from Boots.

The brush set, named the 'Six Piece Day to Night Set' contains what I would class as everyday make-up brushes. It includes: an angled face brush, a pointed concealer brush, a highlighting fan brush, an eye shadow brush and a detailed lip/liner brush. All brushes come in their own neat cosmetic case, which they advertise as being multi-functional and able to hold evening basics.

The bag itself has an elastic brush holder inside so that the brushes are nice and secure and will hopefully get less wear and tear from not rubbing against each other, ruining the bamboo wood handles. The base is covered in a really nice, soft cork which gives an extra quirk to it, making it feel very tropical, in conjunction with the tropical green gradient sides. The bag feels sturdy which would make it possible to be used for different purposes as described however it might be a little too small for today's 'essentials' e.g: my phone. 

All brushes are really soft and I love the added detail on the end of each brush which gives each brush their usage name. The three larger brushes are the softest brushes, which allows things like contour, highlight and eye shadow application to be nicer and easier. The other two brushes (liner and pointed concealer) are more rigid, which works for the liner brush, but I personally would prefer if the pointed concealer brush was a bit more flexible. I feel like if this change was made, the concealer brush would be better suited for its use as the structure of the brush makes it less practical for blending. 

The Brushes

The pointed concealer brush is a little odd. I often use a stick concealer, so this brush doesn't work well for its designed use. However, I sometimes use this for inner corner highlight or for general under-eye smoking/blending. 

Pointed Concealer Brush

The contour brush has a great angled top, making it perfect for creating a natural shadow at your cheek bone hollows. This is one of my favourite brushes in this set, as I like to use bronzer. I'm not a heavy contour-applier, so I generally use it all over my face which works well too.

Contour Brush

The thinnest brush is the liner brush. This is best for the lips in my opinion, although it can also be used to apply eye liner under the lower lash line. I often like to use the brush to line my lips or to use it just to make sure I have a neat line of lipstick. 

Lip Liner

Finally is the highlighter brush. I'd say this is great for the cheeks, but probably steer away from using it on the cupids bow and nose. It could be the highlighter I use but I find the brush often makes my product very dusty and so fall out occurs, making me look a little like a disco ball. However, this doesn't mean the brush isn't great! And quite honestly, I'm a beginner at make up.

Fanned Highlighter

Following on from my last point, I am a beginner in make-up. You could say this is my first proper set of brushes so I am finding what they're best used for and experimenting. However I would say my favourite brush is the eye shadow brush because I love a good smokey eye and so this brush is great for blending. It's also good for initially packing on the product. 

Eye shadow

Overall I think this is a set for beginners and the brushes themselves would also fit perfectly in someones bigger collection who uses make-up more often. I bought these from Boots and they cost £16.99, which was a very good price in comparison to other brushes available. They wipe clean really easily and don't shed. 

I hope this post has helped anyone decide on which make-up brushes to buy. If you don't wear make-up I hope you had a laugh at me sharing my opinions anyway. 

Thank you for reading my blog. If you haven't already, go back and check some of my other posts including a Stranger Things review. Please share, follow and comment below and let me know your best brush or make-up buys.

See you again soon

Follow @Charlottejade77

A Trip to Wales

A challenging year at university calls for a holiday!

After finishing what had been an extremely tough year at university for me, it was time for a break. During my break, I was fortunate enough to have a trip away to Wales.

I had never been to Wales before, or at least, never a time that I could remember. The drive down wasn't actually that long from where I live, so I managed to entertain myself for the journey. It was good to have a change of scenery, pester my boyfriend for conversation and sing along to some oldies but goldies with my parents.

I would recommend going for walks if you can. We did two long walks, with the longest being 7.5 miles. A lot of car parks and beach parking is free, so for a few days, we explored nearby areas. The places I enjoyed visiting will be listed below, along with some of the best attractions and restaurants from the trip.

On one of the walks 

We walked all the way to that point. This was also where we saw a seal, which explains the grainy, zoomed photo

A meal with a view

On our first full day we walked along the seafront. We discovered on that journey, a very nice restaurant called Bryan Williams at Porth Eirias, so we decided to make a reservation for the following night. Once we got there, we were welcomed by a really friendly waiter. The service he gave was first class and it made our experience even better. The restaurant was placed on the beach front and so when the sun set, everyone was getting out their cameras. I had the fish fingers, which was simply a posh version of the traditional. The food was cooked to perfection. My boyfriend had the lobster to start and that was one of the meals that stood out for me. Therefore, if you enjoy posh nosh and excellent service I'd go there for a meal out.

The view out of the window of the restaurant

Trams, tourists and taste buds

Llandudno was another nice seaside spot. And when at the seaside, ice cream and chips are a must (not at the same time obviously). I was very happy just scoffing those to be honest. Before this treat however, we went on the Great Orme Tramway, that takes you to the top of the Great Orme summit. Once we were at the top, the wind was immense, the rain hailed down and yet, this seemed to add to the character of the place. It's full of history as its tower has had many uses over the years, including a ww2 radar tower. There is also a small nature reserve and educational cove with lots of interactive things to look at.

That looming grey cloud didn't stay for long. This was the view on the tram from Great Orme

Llangollen Explorations

The aqueduct at Llangollen was a bit scary- if heights aren't for you, then maybe skip the walk along the top. If you aren't phased by heights or the narrow walkway next to the canal, then you'll definitely enjoy the views. However, once over the bridge, there is an interesting information centre and I'd say the experience was worthwhile. Llangollen itself was nice to walk around and we ended up having a tea break at the Cottage Tearooms. The cuisine in Wales allowed me to discover some new dishes that I hadn't had before, such as Welsh cakes and something that resembles a Cornish pastie called an oggie.

The viaduct (the train version of the aqueduct) 

You see why I felt a bit scared? Great views though

Conwy Castle, Knights and Chips

Conwy is the final place I would recommend on my North Wales tour. On the outskirts of Conwy lies Conwy Castle. It's castle walls stretch and encircle the small sea-boarded town. The castle has seen its fair share of fights, captures and seizures and so the history here is also vast. For me, I was more interested in exploring the towers, to gaze on the views of Conwy harbour and beyond. The castle offers student discount which is always a positive for me, however, I felt the pricing was a little steep for what you can see and for how long you spend there; however, it's about the experience isn't it. After this we explored the harbour which allowed us some relaxation time; to look at the boats, the sea and enjoy a mouthful of fish and chips at the same time. There is also fresh fish sold on the front in small cups, which I always enjoy. The town is host to a knight shop, the the smallest house in Great Britain and a selection of lovely cafes.

Conwy Castle

I hope you enjoyed this blog post

Comment and let me know if you've been to Wales or where you'd recommend to visit. 

Follow @Charlottejade77

Woman in Black

Woman In Black

The Woman in Black is a great film for those who like supernatural thrillers, where you're not totally grossed out by gore and other special effects. It also a good horror for those just starting out on the horror genre, or even those who prefer there to be more of a well written plot, as many slashers, that I have experienced, have had no real plot, other than a crazed psycho killing everyone due to jealousy.
 This thriller features the character Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe), a widowed lawyer, who is sent to an old house to file the recently passed occupants affairs. The house, which is only accessible at certain times of the day, due to the tide, allows for the characters to feel trapped and alone on the island. Upon arrival, Kipps finds the village people to be hostile, and did not want him going near the house, making his work very difficult. However, after befriending a rich local, he and Arthur start to investigate the mysterious happenings. Happenings which are being blamed on the ghost of the recently deceased's sister. 

The opening scene of the film still gives me chills. Dead children and eerie children's singing really does scare me and I know it scares many others too. Jumpy films, where you don't know what's coming is why this film is so scary. One specific scene, you get a low angle shot from outside looking up at the whole house , which then zooms to the window where Kipps is standing. Seconds later, when suspense has built, the woman in blacks face appears next to Kipps.

I love this film from the realism, the setting is amazing, the plot; everything just ties so well together to make it as believable as the unknown can be.

Produced by: Richard Jackson, Simon Oakes, Brian Oliver

Directed by: James Watkins

Based on Susan Hill's Novel

'You could have saved him' 

Genre: Supernatural Thriller/Horror

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Roger Allem

Three words to describe the film: Scary, eerie, chilling

Rating: 4/5 

Follow @Charlottejade77

Taken- Action Heaven or Action Hell

Taken is one of my favourite films of all time. Why? Well lets see! 

I don't feel like the trailer really lets you see how incredibly immersive the film is. One thing the trailer does show however, is the high dramatic atmosphere, a feeling of him 'hunting down' the criminals who have taken his daughter. The fact that the movies camera angles, many being point of view shots, enable you to feel that you are also going with Bryan, played by Liam Neeson. This makes you watch on the edge of your seat and because of the obvious hero character role of Bryan, people want him to succeed, I mean, who doesn't love a hero?

THE FILM ITSELF

The film shows the hardship of having a high maintenance job, whilst trying to remain an active member of a family. It shows some relatable events such as teenagers growing up, parents being separated and new adventures and the fun or dangers that come with new responsibility. There's also one vital message in the film, which shows us as humans, that we will fight as hard as we can for two things: survival and love. Bryan Mills is a retired C.I.A agent, and in the opening scenes of the film, we can see that his job took a toll on his relationship with Lenore, played by Famke Jassen and his daughter Kim, played by Maggie Grace.

The casting is just brilliant. Not only do we have iconic, 'foreign' criminals but we have some unknown, 'low key' actresses, such as the mother and daughter. By low key, I mean, aren't regularly spoken about, as I am aware that Famke Jaseen may be recognized by her character, Jean Grey in X-Men. This casting allows us to totally believe the story, as well as the fact that Liam Neeson, well known for action movies, acts as the anchor and motive for you to initially watch this movie as it entices action junkies. Secondary audiences, for example my Mum, who isn't the biggest action fan, enjoyed this movie because of the heartbreak caused through Bryan losing Kim, both physically and mentally to her mother and step-father.

The Taken Franchise

This is not the only film in the Taken series. Taken 2 is directed by Oliver Megaton with the original cast which means that the troubles of family life can continue throughout and with the 3rd movie on the way, I'm excited to see how things have escalated. The second film is very much for the action junkie fan from the first movie, with more action scenes and brutalities than ever. This film also challenges the stereotypes of fragile women as his daughter takes a more active role...This comes as no surprise after the torture she had to endure from the first film!  

'I will look for you, I will find you and I will kill you'
Movie rating: 4/5
Three words to describe the movie: exhilarating, immersing, impacting
Genre: Action
Director: Pierre Morel
Writers: Luc Besson, Robert Mark Kamen
Starring: Liam Nesson

Follow @Charlottejade77