Restaurant review: The Plough Inn Eynsford, Kent

Well hello to you my reader chums! It's safe to say, I'm a massive foodie and love nothing more than going out for a bite to eat, either casually or on occasion. Trying new foods is always so exciting, that when The Plough Inn invited me along in celebration for their new restaurant makeover, I couldn't wait to see what it was like.

Restaurant review: The Plough Inn Eynsford, Kent

Restaurant review: The Plough Inn Eynsford, Kent

Interior


Restaurant review: The Plough Inn Eynsford, Kent

Restaurant review: The Plough Inn Eynsford, Kent

As the restaurant had just been decorated, the decor was completely new - and looked beautiful. I can only describe it as 'Pinterest worthy'. There were dimmed lights (the kind that is really hard to photograph), plush but modern leather chairs and an array of dark brown washed tables in the main restaurant area. The restaurant also had sections with 'fancier' looking tables which I imagine are in aid of celebrations as they were tucked away from the main hub. These tables have velvet-like fabric chairs and lengthy tables for guests to dine. I honestly fell in love with the interior.

Restaurant review: The Plough Inn Eynsford, Kent

Restaurant review: The Plough Inn Eynsford, Kent

Restaurant review: The Plough Inn Eynsford, Kent

The bar area was on the same level - and even more cozy. It has a rustic looking fireplace with two comfortable sofas right next to it - the perfect away from home setting to enjoy a drink. There were also plenty of tables surrounding the bar area. The setting overall, felt very intimate and luxurious considering the new revamp.

Menu 


Restaurant review: The Plough Inn Eynsford, Kent

When it comes to a restaurant, I can't help judge it by its menu choice - and The Plough Inn had a fabulous selection. The menu is very 'typically English' with the range of meat dishes, such as steaks, roast joints etc, and the desserts were on another level. There are the chocolate choices for those with a sweet tooth or classic desserts including sticky toffee and vanilla cheesecake. A bit of something for everyone!

Food 


Restaurant review: The Plough Inn Eynsford, Kent

Restaurant review: The Plough Inn Eynsford, Kent

For food, I ordered a classic Sunday roast and a brownie for dessert. The dinner was presented very nicely and the serving sizes were quite hefty - which I loved. Their roast had the most delicious marinated vegetables and made for a great end to a Sunday. Our brownies were moist, warm and melted in the mouth. And the wine, well you can never go wrong with a bottle of Rose right?

Service

The service at the Plough Inn was really friendly. All the staff were attentive and asked frequently if we needed anything and our thoughts on the food. I couldn't have wished for more polite staff.

Restaurant review: The Plough Inn Eynsford, Kent

Overall, The Plough Inn is a lovely restaurant suitable for date night, family meals and more. There's a wide selection of food, the interior is lush and the atmosphere is stunning. If you're from Dartford, I'd highly recommend it.

I hope you enjoyed this restaurant review. Have you visited The Plough Inn?

Thank you for reading <3

Eco-friendly guide to packing

Well hello to you my reader chums! It's no secret that society's daily life is having a harmful impact on the environment - and we need to begin doing something about it. I'm no eco-saint, however, I've started making little changes in my lifestyle that'll have a more positive impact on the environment. As I travel a lot, I'm aware of the environmental impacts and have therefore come up with some tips to share with you.

Here's my eco-friendly guide to packing...

Eco-friendly guide to packing

Whether it's visiting a city for a long weekend or backpacking a rural country for a month, there are things you can do, to ensure you're packing in an eco-friendly way.

Purchase a reusable water bottle

Probably the most obvious point, buying a reusable water bottle. Wherever in the world you are, you need to stay hydrated and water is the best thing for that. Having a water bottle on the go always will allow you to fill it up at any cafe or restaurant you pass - and prevent the necessity of purchasing small disposable bottles over and over again. 

You can buy water bottles of all shapes and sizes, which allows you to find one that'll fit your bag perfectly. There are also filtered bottles available, and bottles such as the Chillys brand that'll keep water cold all day long.

Pack a few tote bags

Similar to buying a lot of disposable water bottles, we do the same with plastic bags. Most supermarkets now charge for plastic bags to essentially prevent people from getting more. However, to be one step ahead of the game, bring your own. When you pack your suitcase or backpack, bring a few tote bags along - so if you want a shopping spree or need to go for a food shop on your trip, you'll already have bags to hand.

Consider swapping to a bamboo toothbrush 

Plastic toothbrushes are the norm for everyday living, however, they have a worse impact on the environment than you may think. Many toothbrushes are not biodegradable and can sit in a landfill for years, instead of decomposing. With that in mind, by swapping to a bamboo toothbrush, when you change it on your travels, it can be recycled and you'll be doing that bit for the planet.

Bring travel size reusable cutlery and straws

When travelling, I'm pretty guilty of buying a milkshake or take-out food in a local cafe, who most-of-the-time hand out disposable plastic cutlery and straws. To prevent the usage of disposable plastic, pack yourself a set of travel size reusable cutlery and steel straws. There's plenty of places to buy them online and they will come in handy more than you think.


Eco-friendly guide to packing


Use organic or reusable sanitary products

When I started researching into ways to make my lifestyle more eco-friendly I also came across sanitary products. It's no secret girls get periods, but what many people don't know is that majority of sanitary waste cannot be recycled and sits in a landfill. To make that change as you're travelling, consider reusable options such as moon cups, or cotton sanitary pads, or those made of biodegradable materials.

Get yourself a collapsible coffee cup

You may have seen many shops and cafes stocking reusable coffee cups, and they're definitely the way forward. If you're a big coffee fan or love a hot drink, invest in a reusable cup to take on your travels. You can either buy a standard glass one - or choose a collapsible cup. These cups mean after you've finished your drink, you can collapse them into a disk and store them in your backpack - a convenient and easy way to buy coffee.

Try shampoo bars

The first time I heard about shampoo bars was in Lush. I always go past them as I pick up every bath bomb in sight, but never had the chance to buy one. However, after I read about them, I realised how eco-friendly they were and how easy they are to bring travelling. Shampoo bars will take up less space in your baggage, can be reused many times and have no excess packaging. That means when you're finished, you won't be throwing away several plastic bottles. The whole product will be used on your hair and that's all.

Purchase a microfiber towel

If you're travelling for a long period of time in a hot country, a microfiber towel will come in handy, and it's beneficial to the environment too. Microfiber towels are much more absorbent than a regular towel and are smaller in size! They're also quick drying, and as they're slightly smaller, reduce water usage when you wash them.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other eco-friendly ways can you pack?

Thank you for reading <3

8 things you need to know before visiting Venice

Well hello to you my reader chums! Oh, Venice, Italy's famous canal city and one of my favourite places I've ever visited. There's something about Venice that's ever so breathtaking; the gorgeous architecture, never-ending canals, and enough pizza to eat for years and years. As a bucket list destination, many flock to the canal city every day - and before my visit, I wanted to know all the hints and tips about Venice.

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links.

Here are 8 things you need to know before visiting Venice...

8 things you need to know before visiting Venice

There are two areas of Venice

When you book your trip to Venice, it's important to be aware of the two different areas. The first is mainland Venice and the second is the actual island of Venice. They're both of course Venice, just split into two by a road and railway track. The airport is on the mainland and you can either get a taxi or train to the 'island'. 

Consider different accommodation options

Venice accommodation without a doubt is expensive, especially near the main hub of St Marks Square. For cheaper options, shop around a bit. Consider staying in an Airbnb instead of a hotel, or renting out a room on your visit. Another consideration is staying on the mainland. Although this means getting a train into the island every day, it could bring costs down.

On my trip, I stayed in an Airbnb around the San Polo area which wasn't too far from the main hub of Venice. It was pretty hard to find something within budget and near the attractions, however, it took a little research and our quaint apartment was perfect.

Google maps do not work

Something to note on your trip to Venice is Google Maps don't work properly. Your best way to get around is by using an actual map or asking for directions. The main part of Venice has signed to tourist attractions, and once you get your bearings, it's a bit easier to navigate around.

Piazzale Roma is the transport hub 

On the island, the main form of transport is boats, gondolas, and water taxis. To make your way off the island to the mainland, you'll need to head over to Piazzale Roma. This is where you can get transportation to the airport and the only location where cars/buses will go out of Venice. The Santa Lucia station is the train station out of Venice onto the mainland.

8 things you need to know before visiting Venice

Book your gondola ride there

One of the things I'm thrilled I did on my trip, was book my gondola ride when we arrived in Venice. That way, we got to have a walk around and choose which route we'd like the gondola to take. If you pre-book your gondola ride, it takes away that personal touch of choosing what you'd like to see.

Take advantage of the free things to do

The beauty of Venice is a lot of the sights are free. You can simply take a stroll down the canals, walk through St Marks Square, or over the Rialto Bridge; there's so much to see. Take advantage of all the free activities and sights on offer - it makes budget travel in Venice so much easier. For instance, San Marco Basilica has free admission and there are plenty of other cathedrals in store.

Avoid dining in tourist spots

I say this in many popular tourist destinations, but typically dining near attraction tends to cost more, and the food isn't as authentic. When I'm in Italy especially, I love trying the authentic pizza and pasta, and finding the hidden eateries is the best thing to do. I made the mistake of dining in St Marks Square to get the full experience, but it was a very costly dinner. I would advise getting that experience, to have a drink in St Marks and listen to live music (it'll save you a bit of money).

The quaint backroads have plenty to see

One of my favourite parts of Venice was the quiet hidden roads where the locals lived - and that's where my apartment was. It made the walk to and from the apartment every day a lovely experience, as we could explore the hidden side of Venice. I took a lot of random walks around the 'quieter areas' and we found some beautiful canals, restaurants and saw a lot of locals - I loved it.

8 things you need to know before visiting Venice

I hope you enjoyed this post about Venice. Have you got a trip planned?

Thank you for reading <3

Kathleen 'Sensual Rose' roll on perfume oil review

Well hello to you my reader chums! I've never tried perfume oils before so when Kathleen got in touch to let me try some of theirs, I couldn't wait. I chose the 'Sensual Rose' because I love roses and wanted to see what it would be like. The oil is designed as a subtle way to wear a scent, and top it up as you go.

After using the oil a few times, I loved it and wanted to share my thoughts. Here's my review of Kathleen's 'Sensual Rose' roll on perfume oil...

Kathleen 'Sensual Rose' roll on perfume oil review

Packaging

I particularly love the packaging of this product. It's only a 10ml glass bottle with a screw-able top, and is the perfect size for travel. As I travel a lot, it comes in handy to pop in my suitcase, or liquids bag on the plane and handbag on the go. The rollerball is made of silver metal, and means when applied to the skin, it has that extra cooling factor. 

Scent

The 'Sensual Rose' scent is what the name says, rose. The perfume is a subtle musky rose scent with an added freshness to it. As the scent doesn't linger as such, it makes for more of an everyday wear, that's easy to top up whenever you please considering the small bottle.

Texture

I think my favourite thing about the oil is the texture on the skin. As you apply it, especially on wet skin, it's incredibly soft and soothing, that you can even give yourself a little arm massage. Although it does dry pretty quickly, once it's set into the skin, it feels really smooth like you've rubbed in an intense moisturiser.

Kathleen 'Sensual Rose' roll on perfume oil review

Range

Kathleen has a whole range of natural products including perfume oils, massage oils, cleansers, shower gels, serums, mists and much more. I love how the entire range is made from natural and organic ingredients, as I know I'm not putting anything artificial on the skin. The whole story and concept behind the range is inspiring, and exactly the kind of thing I personally like to hear about skincare, as you have the comfort of knowing it comes from a good source.

Overall opinions

Considering this was my first time trying perfume oils, I was intrigued by the whole concept. I really liked this product - it provides a perfect subtle scent, is easy to travel with and has a lovely soothing effect. I think it also can help you freshen up throughout the day if you just pop it in your handbag and apply as you go. If you're looking for a subtle perfume on the go, this is for you.

For more information about their perfume oils range and if you'd like to buy your own, check out their website.

Kathleen 'Sensual Rose' roll on perfume oil review

I hope you enjoyed this review. Have you tried perfume oils?

Thank you for reading <3


The berry lipsticks to wear this winter

Well hello to you my reader chums! Tis' the season for fairy lights, film nights in, tartan scarves and every blogger's favourite: berry lipsticks. I'm a huge berry lipstick fan and when it comes to buying a new lipstick, I always draw towards those shades. As someone whose gathered a lot of berry lipsticks, I wanted to share my favourites with you.

Here are the berry lipsticks to wear this winter...

The berry lipsticks to wear this winter

Kiko's matte lipstick in 'Velvet Passion'

I mentioned this lipstick in my October favourites, as it's become my go to berry lipstick lately. Unlike your typical bright berry, it's quite toned down and can be worn for a variety of looks. That's what I love the most - its versatility. The lipstick can be worn on everyday wear and to jazz an outfit up. The shade is a mix between berry and mauve, and is slightly darker than expected. It's not the longest wearing lipstick, however it's the creamiest texture on the lips and sits very comfortably.

Charlotte Tilbury's 'Glastonberry'

Charlotte Tilbury's lipsticks are the most beautifully packaged around; you really can't beat the rose gold tube. 'Glastonberry' has been raved about for years, and I can see why. It's a typical, dark berry lipstick that will match with every autumnal look. The lipstick is creamy, comfortable and feels luxurious to wear.

Pixi by Petra liquid lipstick in 'Berry Boost'

For those who prefer a pink toned berry, this one is for you. The liquid lipsticks are as it says by the name, very liquid based. Even though it is rather watery as you apply it, considering the texture it doesn't take too long to set on the lips. The lasting power is really strong, and it works as more of a lip stain.

The berry lipsticks to wear this winter

Sleek's sheen lipstick in 'Cherry'

I love matte lipsticks as they tend to last longer on the lips, however not everyone is a fan of matte and prefer creamier consistencies. This sheen lipstick is the one to go for. It has a similar opaqueness of a dark berry/red lipstick with a soft texture on the lips.

Kiko's Enigma lipstick in 03

This lipstick is very similar to 'velvet passion' just a little lighter in shade. It's quite mauve toned and has a super soft texture. I love wearing this as an everyday lipstick because it's rather toned down with a little colour pop. The packaging is also really unique - to close the lipstick, there's a magnet which makes it very handy to travel with.

Nyx's matte liquid lipstick in 'Rome'

A berry lipstick with my favourite city's name? It's a yes from me. Like all Nyx's matte lipsticks, it has the whole package: long lasting power, an opaque colour and soft texture. 'Rome' is more of a  brown toned lipstick and has berry colour running though it. It's a great everyday lipstick and I couldn't recommend it more.

The berry lipsticks to wear this winter

I hope you liked this berry lipstick post. What's your favourite berry lipstick?

Thank you for reading <3

6 ways to save money in Copenhagen

Well hello to you my reader chums! Copehangen is one of those cities that has a completely different appeal to it, compared to many other European capitals I've visited. It has a calm atmosphere like no other and doesn't feel touristy at all - I loved it. Prior to my trip, I heard many people say how expensive Copenhagen was, and the ways to avoid it. As I was on a budget during my short break, I picked up a few ways to save the pennies and thought I'd share that wisdom to stay in budget. 

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links.

Here are 6 ways to save money in Copenhagen...

6 ways to save money in Copenhagen

Stay out of the city centre

Undoubtedly, like all cities, staying in the centre can typically cost more than accommodation further out. Nørrebro, a residential neighborhood, proved a lot cheaper to stay than near the main sights. The neighbourhood was only a 15-minute walk from the tube station and a couple of stops from all the tourist areas. It also had a lovely, homely and safe appeal about it!

I also opted for an Airbnb instead of a hotel, as again it worked out a lot cheaper, and was located in the heart of Nørrebro.


Buy a tube pass

If you are staying slightly away from the city centre, the tube system is your best pal. Although Copenhagen doesn't have a very large tube system at all (there are only 2 lines), each stop is in walking reach to the popular tourist attractions. With that in mind, I'd recommend buying a tube pass as you're able to hop on and off whenever you please over the course of a few days. They offer either a day pass, 2, 3 or more at different prices. I bought the 3 day one for £25 and for the amount of time I used it, I really got my money's worth. Alterntaively, there are buses or you can hire a bike to get around (but it can work out pretty pricey)

Walk everywhere

With any city, you can get a proper feel of it when you take a walk. You'll discover hidden streets and restaurants off the beaten path which you wouldn't see otherwise if you didn't take a walk. It doesn't necessarily have to be throughout the whole trip, but if the weather is nice, you could take a 15 minute walk instead of getting the tube or bus.

6 ways to save money in Copenhagen

Eat away from tourist traps

Copenhagen is very expensive to eat, especially in the centre near all the tourist attractions and that's why I'd recommend finding eateries further out. I found Nørrebro to have some beautiful independent restaurants and brunch places for very reasonable prices - so we mainly dined there to save on the pennies.
Take advantage of free things to do

Not all tourist attractions cost money, and in Copenhagen there are plenty of free things to do. Take a stroll down the famous Nyvhan Harbour, see the Little Mermaid statue, visit the many parks, check out some of the free museums or even witness the change of guards - there's more than you think on offer.

Have a everyday budget  

The key when it comes to saving money on a trip is having a budget for each day. I like to have a rough set amount for each day but also take into consideration what I'll be doing each day. For instance, if I'm going to go to visit the castle, palace and head out for dinner that day, I'll need to have a slightly larger budget than the day I'm heading for a stroll round the harbour and to see the Little Mermaid. It's all about keeping in your means, and setting a certain amount for activity.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What are your money saving tips in Copenhagen?

Thank you for reading <3

October favourites

Well hello to you my reader chums! Like every single month this year, October has gone by very fast and that's left me with a bitter sweet feeling. I love October; it's the month where autumn really kicks off. The days become shorter, evenings get cozier and my favourite fashion items come out. I've gathered a few favourites over this past month and can't wait to share them.

Here are my October favourites...

October favourites

Urban Decay's Naked original palette

After the news that Urban Decay are discontinuing the Naked 1 palette, I wanted to give mine some love again. I used to obsess over the Naked 1 palette, however forgot about it for a while. However, this month I've rekindled my obsession and every time I wore eye shadow, this palette would be my go to. My favourtie shade is 'Half baked'. It's been raved for years and years and I will always speak about it. The gold shade works for a variety of looks and compliments blue eyes especially well.

Primark's mustard cardigan 

It's no news that autumn clothes are my favourite ever to wear, and Primark's range this year is heavenly. Picture all things mustard, brown, red and burnt orange - with plenty of tartan scarves thrown in. My favourite clothing item the past few weeks is their gorgeous mustard cardigan. I originally saw on Twitter and thought 'I need this' and headed to my local Primark and found it! The cardigan is super soft, warm and pairs beautifully with striped tops (aka my favourite fashion statement).

Pixi by Petra liquid lipstick in Au Naturelle

I was lucky enough to receive a couple of the Pixi by Petra liquid lipsticks from my friend Charlottle from CharlottePicks. I've seen them all over my Twitter feed and couldn't wait to see what the hype was about. Although I didn't fall for the red shade, the nude colour really took my fancy. 'Au Naturelle', is a pink toned nude and adds that hint of colour to the lips. Although it is quite liquidy and takes a while to set, it lasts forever on the lips.

October favourites

Kiko's matte lipstick in 'Velvet Passion'

I'm a big fan of berry lipsticks, and autumn is the season for all the collection to come out. A lipstick I've recently bought is Kiko's in 'Velvet Passion'. It's one of those underrated lipsticks that I always forgot about. However, over the past month I've been keeping it in my handbag to rock on autumnal days, and fell in love with it a bit. The lipstick is a toned down berry shade so doesn't look too over the top but is enough to make a statement if that makes sense. The consistency is incredibly creamy and sits comfortably on the lips. Although the lasting power isn't the greatest, I love how easy and versatile is to wear.

'Selfie' makeup bag

I love a good makeup bag. As someone who travels quite a lot, good makeup storage in the suitcase is vital. I received this lovely makeup bag from a good friend and have become obsessed with it. Unlike other bags I've had, it fits all my makeup and isn't too big that it doesn't take up a huge amount of room. I also love the super cute phrase on the front!

Maybelline's 24hr eye shadow tattoo in 'Creme De Nude'

I've been a fan of Maybelline's eye shadow tattoos for the longest time and the past few weeks have been obsessing over the 'Creme De Nude' shade. Unlike other paint pots, as it's a nude, it neutralises any colours on the lid to give you an even base rather than enhancing colour. The cream helps the shadows last longer - and they're really affordable.

Pumpkin Moon

October favourites

In the spirit of autumn and Halloween, my boyfriend and I took a trip down to a local pumpkin patch, Pumpkin Moon. I've never been to one before and picked out my own pumpkins - but the experience was lovely. We got to pick out a variety including some super cute small ones you couldn't find at the supermarkets.

I hope you enjoyed my October favourites. What have you been loving this month?

Thank you for reading <3