Stephanie Mulholland 26th September 2018 Manchester

What to do for a weekend in Manchester via National Express ?

What to do for a weekend in Manchester

Manchester is a thriving city, brimming with things to do and places to see. However, getting around the UK can be a bit of a nightmare at the best of times, trains may be slightly quicker but prices are extortionate. So, I opted for a cheaper – and in my opinion – far more comfortable alternative. If you are wondering what to do for a weekend in Manchester, read on…

Departing Oxford just after 8am, I boarded my National Express coach to Manchester. I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised, all National Express coaches come with leather seats, air conditioning, power sockets and toilets as standard. They offer a downloadable entertainment system VUER for free, which offers films, TV programmes and magazines.

If you have ever been on a long coach journey before without a charger and toilet – and I have – it is not a fun time. The coaches are modern and comfortable, with adjustable leg rests, spacious seats and supported headrests – just perfect for a little mid-journey snooze. With a brief stopover to switch coaches in Birmingham, we were off again and before you know it, we were in Manchester, ready to explore the sights.

We arrived in Manchester city centre at around 1pm and were ready to kick start our weekend of cafes, culture and cocktails galore. Here are my top 10 things to do for a weekend in Manchester:

Top 10 things to do for a weekend in Manchester

Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester

We needed an infusion of culture so headed to the Manchester Art Gallery. The gallery is spectacular, housing an assortment of classic and contemporary pieces. A particularly interesting exhibition space was dedicated to the relationship between art and mindfulness. And Breathe… allowed guests to stop and pause for a moment, appreciating the connection between the two.

Afflecks, Manchester

You could spend an entire day in and around the Northern Quarter, soaking up the area before strolling through Afflecks indoor market and many a quirky shop. There are lots of retro, nostalgic and vintage treasures to be found and bought in Afflecks. It’s a lot of fun to rummage around the many shops and I have to admit, it reminded me of Camden Market on a much smaller scale.

John Rylands Library, Manchester

The John Rylands Library was founded by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband and is housed in an impressive Neo-Gothic building. Step inside, and you will discover its grand history and architecture, alongside its vast collection of treasured books and manuscripts. We were lucky to stop by as the Women Who Shaped Manchester exhibition was on. It detailed the journeys of incredible women, past and present. Women who used their wits and determination to overcome many societal challenges.

National Football Museum, Manchester

I am not a fan of the great game but the National Football Museum is impressive. My other half was delighted, heading around the various exhibitions and it was a highlight of his trip. Inside, discover a diverse range of worldwide memorabilia and interactive skills-based challenges. The penalty shoot game ever featured the old Wembley goal!

eXchange Food and Drink Lounge, Manchester

The eXchange Food and Drink Lounge is a rustic restaurant that does not fail to impress. Within, discover a restaurant area, bar, sports screens and even a kid’s area. Perfect for all the family, the eXchange Food and Drink Lounge offers incredible dining, spectacular cocktails and an evening of chatter and memories. Read my review of my experience here.

The Liars Club, Manchester

While in Manchester, we proved to be frequent patrons of The Liars Club. It is a tropical tiki bar with an enviable selection of global rum and a vibrant and funky interior. The cocktails were incredible and good-value for money. You could lose hours sipping away listening to Reggae tunes aplenty. They even offer a two drinks for £10 happy hour on weekdays!

Sunset by Australasia, Manchester

Sunset by Australasia is an Instagram dream. It offers a stunning pastel pink and gold interior, alongside an outside terrace embellished with vibrant flower walls and plush seating and cushions. Sunset by Australasia is gorgeous – but the cocktails are even better. So, grab a frozen Prosecco sorbet blend and let the world go by for a few hours.

Sugar Junction, Manchester

Sugar Junction is a coffee, cake and cocktail lovers’ dream. This vintage venue in the Northern Quarter offers lots of wholesome and homemade produce. I had a cake (gluten-free, which was a nice touch) alongside pink lemonade – which was beautifully decorated. My other half opted for a rather filling and well-presented sandwich, which was accompanied by chips. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch throughout the day and afternoon tea – or a cocktail or two, if you feel inclined.

Home Sweet Home, Manchester

Looking for the best pancakes in town? Home Sweet Home offers an American breakfast and brunch in a cosy and quirky location. The pancake stacks are huge, doused with fresh fruit, cream and sauces – there are some savoury options too, so don’t fret. Do be wary though, if you get there at the weekend and are looking to quash your comfort food cravings, there may be a bit of a wait.

Manchester Cathedral, Manchester

We spent some time in Manchester Cathedral, appreciating the many Bee in the City bee’s dotted around its interior. Although Manchester Cathedral is rather small, it was as expected, beautiful. It is the perfect place to take a few moments away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city centre.

So, if you are looking for a fabulous UK city break, look no further! There are plenty of things to do for a weekend in Manchester.

You can book your next journey to Manchester (or the rest of the UK) with National Express here or give them a call on 0871 7818181.

National Express travels to over 900 destinations nationwide and offers thousands of tickets for £5 or less (plus a booking fee). The best bit? Travelling by coach proves to be the most environmentally friendly form of public transport!

Where would be your first stop in Manchester? Have you travelled via National Express before?

Stephanie xox

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This post is in collaboration with National Express

Stephanie Mulholland 25th July 2018

Boobie Bears travel the world to raise breast cancer awarenesss ?

Scarlet’s ‘Little Orphans’ raise breast cancer awareness

Boobie Bears are from the creative genius of Scarlet of Scarlet’s ‘Little Orphans’. What started out as a fun pasttime to connect with friends exchanging ‘Boy Bears’, has turned into a micro movement.

In essence, the concept is simple. Scarlet sends out her travelling Boobie Bears from her home in Winterton, North Lincolnshire in the UK, with a very special mission.

After developing cancer herself in 2018, Scarlet decided her bears could help to raise awareness of breast cancer. Boobie Bears are sent out to travel the world, bringing a smile to all who come across them and their heartfelt message.

In February 2018, Scarlet was told she had Paget’s disease, a form of breast cancer that affected her nipple. When asked about her diagnosis, Scarlet said:

“I had a tiny flake of skin on my nipple that wouldn’t heal. Paget’s disease doesn’t show on a mammogram or ultra sound.”

After an operation in March 2018, Scarlet lost a nipple, lots of breast tissue and had to undergo a reconstruction. After three weeks of daily radiotherapy, the cancer was gone!

“I wanted to turn a negative into a positive and send the girl bears out for breast cancer awareness.”

Boobie bears are not looking to raise money, they’re simply on their adventure to raise awareness. Scarlet said: “We are asked all the time to donate money to what seems a million charities and I just wanted to raise awareness.”

So, where do Boobie Bears come from?

Scarlet sources her bears from her own pocket, picking them up from charity shops and car boot sales. In addition, she asks her Facebook followers for teddy bear donations where possible.

“People in my village have been amazing and I often get up in the morning to teddy bears being posted through my letterbox.”

As the bears leave Scarlet and travel on, their adopted finders post on Scarlet’s dedicated Facebook page, Scarlet’s ‘Little Orphans’.

These prompted Facebook posts help spread the message. As well as creating an oh so cute travel diary. So, when it’s time for a Boobie Bear to move on, it’s carefully left in its next destination. Afterward, it’s ready to be adopted once more and continue its journey.

“I’m very proud of my Boobie Bears and their feedback. A few ladies have had their boobs checked after seeing one of my bears, which I think is amazing.”

Tracking Boobie Bears worldwide

Over 300 bears have been sent out so far. Unfortunately, they do not always turn up online. However, Scarlet keeps a track of the ones that do. She adds people’s photos to dedicated albums, illustrating their journeys.

“The bears are everywhere from Skegness to Australia, to the Caribbean and Europe – and lots of places in between.”

Scarlet will continue to send out Boobie Bears for as long as she can. With this in mind, she hopes her grandchildren will carry on her Boobie Bear mission when she is gone.

“It really is amazing to see where they go and what they get up to.”

She gives bears out to friends, family and colleagues to take on adventures, as well as leaving them wherever she goes. She’s been posting them to people all over the UK too, so that they can join in on the fun!

You can keep an eye on Scarlet’s ‘Little Orphans’ page for all of the Boobie Bears adventures. You never know, you may even find one of your own some day!

What do you think of the Boobie Bear concept? Where would you take your Boobie Bear?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 22nd July 2018 York, England

Top 10 things to do in York, England on a budget ?

York Pass: top 10 things to do in York, England

A city famed for its culinary delights such as chocolate, Yorkshire puddings and even their tea, some may say that York has it all. Here are our top 10 things to do in York, England.

Step into the beautiful city of York and be prepared to stand in awe. This Medieval walled city is brimming with attractions and bursting with a quaint charm that is hard to find elsewhere in the UK.

Surprisingly, York is rather small city considering its fascinating and lengthy history. Bordered by just two miles of Roman walls, the city centre is easy to navigate on foot and it lends itself to being a perfect destination for a long city break.

So, when exploring York, what must you do and see? Here’s my recommendations on the top 10 things to do in York on a budget, including the best sights to see and the best local hotel to unwind in.

The best thing? Pretty much all of these top 10 things to do in York attractions are free to visit with the York Pass – there’s over 30 included!

Top 10 things to do in York – visit York, England on a budget

York Minister:

The York Minister is a grand Gothic cathedral, highlighting pretty much all of the Gothic architectural styles over its development. It is famed for its ornate Medieval stained glass and is one of the largest churches of its kind in Northern Europe. Within, discover its artefacts, wander through the undercroft museum and take a trip up the tower. Did you know, no building in York can be higher that the York Minister?

York Minister is free with a York Pass – the tower is charged additionally

York Dungeon:

You really cannot prepare yourself for what you will discover in York Dungeon. Pre-warned by the staff of its gruesome interior on entrance, its safe to say you are put on high alert. A few posed pictures are thrown into the mix before you and the group await your guided tour to start. As you wait in this darkened room – be sure to not mistake people for statues – a door creeks and you are beckoned in. The 75 minute tour takes you through York’s dark and dreary 2,000 year history via 10 live shows from Vikings to the plague and Guy Fawkes to Dick Turpin. Consequently, you will learn about bandits, witches and heretics and leave with an elevated heart rate.

York Dungeon is free with a York Pass

City Cruises York:

On a summers day, what better way to explore a city than on its waterways? An hour long cruise on the River Ouse is a charming affair with City Cruises York. Your captain will navigate you, enhancing your local knowledge with a myriad of interesting facts. Basically, expect folk, wartime and downright peculiar tales, as you watch life in York slowly go on by.

A daytime City Cruises York cruise is free with a York Pass

JORVIK Viking Centre:

Entering the JORVIK Viking Centre, I was not quite sure what to expect. As you make your way downstairs, you discover an excavation site beneath a glass floor, making for interesting viewing as you are informed of its origin and purpose. Follow the room round, and you are greeted with a hanging ride cart, select your language, secure your seat and you’re off! You gently weave through Viking Jorvik (York) and are greeted with a host of realistic animatronics, their at times woeful tales narrated within your cart. On exiting, discover Viking artefacts found within this archaeological site – and a few skeletons to boot!

JORVIK Viking Centre is free with a York Pass

York’s Chocolate Story:

Ever wondered how chocolate was made? Now’s the time to find out within the UK’s most famed chocolate city. York founded many an esteemed chocolate making company. This includes the famed Terry’s and Rowntree, responsible for the chocolate orange and Kit Kat respectively. Who’d have thought that all these family favourites were founded in the same place! On York’s Chocolate Story’s guided tour, you’ll delve into chocolate’s dark history. You’ll discover the chocolate making process via interactive workshops and will devour a few sweet treats along the way – as well as get to have a go at creating your own!

York’s Cocoa Works is free with a York Pass

York City Walls:

Across York you will quickly discover the city walls, it is a sight to marvel in a UK city. These Medieval walls encircle the city in parts with around two miles to peacefully stroll along. They offer some incredible views from their ramparts and make for some cute photo opportunities!

The York city walls are free for all

York Castle Museum:

York Castle Museum offers a multitude of fascinating and varied exhibitions detailing over 400 years of York history. These include a walk through Victorian York down a recreated street, a history of toys, the best of the 60s, a focus on the body and health, powerful women, fashion history and even a throwback to WW1. Lastly, you will get to explore York Castle Prison beneath which allows for reflection on York’s sinister justice system over 1,000 years – the infamous highwayman, Dick Turpin, even had a spell in these harrowing cells. You will leave with many an interesting fact and lets face it, a superb local knowledge of York’s history.

York Castle Museum is free with a York Pass

Clifford’s Tower:

Clifford’s Tower is the only real structure that remains of the former York Castle, originally built by William the Conqueror. In its long history, the castle has served as a tax office, treasury, an administrative headquarters, a court, military base, royal mint and the city’s former prison! Once you ascend its gruelling steps, the rather dilapidated Clifford’s Tower offers a wonderful panoramic cityscape view.

Clifford’s Tower is free with a York Pass

The Shambles:

The Shambles is a quaint cobbled street in York, close to The Shambles market and many of York’s attractions. Here you will find cafe’s, restaurants, bakery’s and a host of themed shops. It is said that The Shambles inspired J.K. Rowling’s Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. Therefore, any self-confessed ‘Potterheads’ will find three stores dedicated to the franchise within The Shambles. So, it is certainly a must see for fans.

The Shambles is a public street and free for all

Yorkshire Museum:

The Yorkshire Museum offers history buffs a treasure trove of delights. Inside, take a stroll on a genuine Roman mosaic floor, see the Middleham Jewel and gaze at a four and a half billion year old meteorite. The best part? The new Yorkshire’s Jurassic World exhibition where you will have the chance to learn more about and actually feed an actual dinosaur – it’s a lot of fun! Most noteworthy, The Yorkshire Museum is simply brimming with archaeological, historical and geological finds.

Yorkshire Museum is free with a York Pass

Where to stay in York

We stayed at the Middletons Hotel in York, around a five minute walk into the town centre. The hotel is situated amongst beautiful landscaped lawns and gardens. There’s plenty of places to sit out in the sunshine, with picnic tables and a decked area, there is even a pond.

Almost every corner of the Middletons Hotel is embellished with flowers and the buildings are a mixture of complimentary architectural styles. Furthermore, the rooms are clean, spacious and bright and there’s a bar, restaurant and gym available to use onsite. What more could you want?

So, how much can you save with a York Pass?

So, how much did we save with the York Pass? With all these attractions in mind, they totalled £83.10. We took our time and did these over two days but all of these attractions could be easily visited in a single day. A one day York pass is £42 and a two-day is only £60! If you get it done in a day, that is a saving of £41.40 each!

Lastly, for more inspiration on where to go in York with your York Pass, take a look at the Visit York website.

Have you ever been to York? What did you think of our top 10 things to do in York?

Stephanie xox

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This post is in collaboration with York Pass and the Middletons Hotel

Stephanie Mulholland 15th October 2017

Is Tutti Rouge the best UK lingerie brand for fuller-busted curvy girls?

Tutti Rouge lingerie review

If you are female with a chest bigger than a DD, this post is for you. Growing up with a bust that was somewhat larger than this was quite frankly, a nightmare.

If you did manage to find pretty lingerie, it would cost a small fortune and be a harrowing investment at best. If you found a bargain, there was a 90 per cent chance it was pretty hideous.

So, you can imagine my delight when I discovered Tuttie Rouge on an Instagram spree. Tutti Rouge are a UK-based company that specialise in curvy girl lingerie, catering for sizes from a D to J cup – it is a pretty exciting find to say the least.

So, what did I think of the Alexa lingerie set by Tutti Rouge?

I was delighted when the Alexa bra and briefs arrived, forming a truly beautiful and complimentary set to say the least.

The Alexa bra features molded cups, an adjustable harness design and patterned mesh panel detail, the heart decal to adjust its straps was a pretty cute addition, I must admit.

The Alexa brief completes the set, these high waisted brief feature sheer panels complimented by black patterned lace detail and a two-tone patterned mesh panel centrepiece.

Overall, I am very satisfied with this set, it is hard to find pretty and practical lingerie as a fuller-busted woman and the selection of underwear at Tutti Rouge offer just that.

I have to admit, the harness and heart detail on the bra and the high-waisted briefs were an absolute winner for me.

Tutti Rouge also offer a selection of supportive and decorative bralettes for those who prefer a soft lace cup style.

What is your favourite item from the Tutti Rouge collection? Do you struggle to find pretty lingerie in your size?

Stephanie xox

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This lingerie set was exchanged for an honest review

Stephanie Mulholland 20th September 2017

Bubblegum Cake, Desserts Delivered Bakery

Bubblegum Cake Review

Okay, so I am kind of obsessed with aesthetically pleasing cakes. Not only do they have to be pretty, but lets face it, they also have to be delicious. When I spotted this Bubblegum Cake online, its safe to say I fell head over heels for it.

You will find that fabulous combination of prettiness and deliciousness with the selection of cakes available at the Desserts Delivered Bakery, an online bakery that offers homemade cakes conveniently delivered to your door within 24 hours – just in time for your special occasion or the ultimate cheat day.

What amazed me about Desserts Delivered Bakery was the fast turnaround of the cake, it was at my door the next day, loving packed with brackets, cooling bags and placed in a robust box with logo inside an even bigger styrofoam casing. It is safe to say, it arrived in perfect condition.

Desserts Delivered Bakery offers an array of pretty and delicious homemade cakes, including Deluxe Cookies and Cream, Peanut Butter, Rainbow Icing, Jammy Biscuit and Chocolate Orange, to name a few – all garnished with beautiful decoration.

So, what did I think of this beautiful cake?

The Bubblegum Cake grasped my attention immediately (and there is a lot of pretty cakes to choose from, trust me). It was truly beautiful with some serious unicorn and mermaid-esque vibes. It features bubblegum flavour soft icing, a flavoured sponge and is decorated with pink chocolate, bon bon sweets and an array of sprinkles.

We have ticked the looks box well and truly – but how did it taste? Well, amazing. You’d think the bubblegum would be overpowering and it wasn’t. It was very subtle, the cake was light and fluffy.

You can tell a lot of love went into its making and the homemade nature of the product completely drew me.

Dessert Delivered Bakery says: ‘This is a real favourite with our younger fans and tastes amazing!’

Well, I’m 24 and it spoke to my inner child and vibrant dessert loving soul.

Desserts Delivered Bakery started trading in 2013 in the North East. It was one of the first regional (and now nationwide) dessert delivery services. It allows people to enjoy their beautifully decorated creations from the comfort of their own home. Delicious, gorgeous, unique and affordable – what more could you want?

What do you think of this bubblegum cake? Do you prefer homemade cakes?

Stephanie xox

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This cake was exchanged for an honest review