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

York Minister, England | The LDN Gal

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 Passthere’s over 30 included!

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

York Minister Stained Glass Window Interior, York - The LDN Gal

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, England | The LDN Gal

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

River Ouse cruise, York City Cruises, York - The LDN Gal

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, York - The LDN Gal

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, York - The LDN Gal

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, York - The LDN Gal

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 - The LDN Gal

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, York - The LDN Gal

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, York - The LDN Gal

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, York - The LDN Gal

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

Middletons Hotel York Double Bedroom, York - The LDN Gal

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

Library Lates: Tolkien exhibition, Oxford ⛰️

Library Lates: Tolkein exhibition, Oxford

Library Lates: Tolkien exhibition

This weekend gone, the Bodleian Libraries held a very special evening, a Library Lates: Tolkien exhibition. As the largest J.R.R Tolkien archive in the world, they certainly know a thing or two about Tolkien.

Curator of Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth, Catherine McIlwaine, held the first talk of the exclusive evening. Detailing her journey, she told the audience how it took 5 years to plan the exhibition, which included travel across to the US on more than one occassion and the approval of the Tolkien estate.

Her expert knowledge was simply astounding, and Catherine wrote two publications to compliment the exhibition itself. It was originally meant to be an exhibition solely on hobbits, to tie in with Peter Jackson’s films.

After visiting Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, she decided that this exhibition needed to be bigger and better. It needed to present more than just hobbits and it must delve deeper into Tolkien’s world – it was to be a never before seen event. 

The Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth exhibition itself, all stems from the creative genius of its curator and the dedicated work of many within Oxford University.

Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth exhibition review

When planning, Catherine sought to borrow Tolkien’s manuscripts and visual items which had been sold to Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the sum of £1,500 in the 1950’s.

Tolkien had been informed by his publishers that Lord of the Rings would not sell well, so he agreed to the selling of his manuscripts after two years of no revenue. The Tolkien archive is highly prized to Marquette and includes plot notes and visual items which are now on loan to the exhibition.

These include interesting things such as character name changes, plot amendments and alternative endings. Catherine said that she “was looking for items that would shed new light on Tolkien’s work” and that each item had to speak strongly for itself. “I chose items that would surprise the visitor,” she added.

Tolkien’s attention to detail was phenomenal. So much so that not only did he map the realistic distance a hobbit could walk but also invented his own Elvish script for the books. As Tolkien said, “mythology is language and language is mythology.”

He agonised over numerous elements of the book, frequently changing his mind back and forth as shown is his rapidly written plot notes within the exhibition. He finished Lord of the Rings in 1949 and it was meant to be one text but proved far too long for the publishers, eventually being split into three.

Discover Tolkien’s family, educational and literary history in a city which proved a massive influence in the creation of Middle-earth, right in the heart of Oxford. You can book tickets here until the 28 October, 2018.

Are you going to attend the Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth exhibition? Who is your favourite Lord of the Rings character?

Stephanie xox

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Top 10 things to do in Budapest ??

A 20 something's guide to Budapest - Hungarian Parliament Building

A 20-something’s guide to Budapest: Top 10 things to do in Budapest

A city of beauty, culture and cheap eats, Budapest is simply on everyone’s European bucket list – and for good reason.

Celebrated as the “Paris of the East”, the winding Danube highlights the city’s beauty, separating Buda from Pest in a sea of twinkling lights by twilight, emulating the grandeur of its buildings and monuments that line its banks.

With a Budapest card in tow, it is time to explore this city and with your new card, all your public transport travel within Budapest is totally free!

The Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

The Hungarian Parliament building:

Renowned as one of the most iconic buildings in Budapest, The Hungarian Parliament building is a truly spectacular sight on the Pest side of the river and one that cannot be missed. You can venture inside and see its stunning interior and the Holy Crown of St. Stephen on an organised tour.

See it from the Fisherman’s Bastion on the Buda side at night for a truly enchanting view – and photograph to boot.

St Stephen's Church, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal St Stephen's Church interior, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal St Stephen's Church view, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

St. Stephen’s Basilica:

St. Stephen’s Basilica is a truly magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral, named in the honour of the first King of Hungary.

Step inside this Neoclassical church and discover its gorgeous and grand interior and the mummified hand of St. Stephen himself (eek). Once done, ascend up to its cupola lookout for some fantastic panoramic views.

You can save 15% off your cupola lookout ticket with the Budapest card.

Szimpla Kert ruin bar exterior, Budapest- A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

Szimpla Kert:

Allow yourself a cheeky evening treat and stop for a drink in one of Budapest’s famed ruin bars. Within seemingly disused buildings and overgrown outdoor spaces, these bars are housed within their remnants.

My favourite? Szimpla Kert. A quirky bar embellished with stolen literature, mismatched furnishings and years of memories, its ceilings littered paper. It has a cool vibe and offers a fantastic selection of drinks, food and even shisha. It can get busy, so head there early or during the week to soak up the interior and just unwind for a few hours.

House of Terror - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

House of Terror Museum:

Discover more about Budapest and its fascist and communist past at the House of Terror Museum. Here, you will learn more about the historical terror the tyrannic occupying forces made locals endure as you immerse yourself in the interactive exhibitions within.

This haunting building served as the former Nazi and Soviet headquarters and commemorates the victims of these regimes. Its basement, the former prison, emulates the horror faced by these victims at the time, who were tortured in its darkness.

Shoes on the Danube - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN GalChain Bridge at Night - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

Explore the Danube:

Regarded as one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, the banks of the Danube are just asking to be explored. Be sure to take a cruise, be it in the day or at night, to soak up the architecture and beauty around you.

Once done, spare a moment by the haunting Shoes on the Danube memorial and pay your respects to the 20,000 lives cut short on the Danube banks under Ferenc Szalasi’s influence.

Be sure to cross the illuminated Chain Bridge at night, it offers a lovely evening stroll from Buda to Pest or vice-versa. With brazen lions standing to welcome you at each side, be sure to use it as a photostop.

Church Cave, Gellert Hill - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal Gellert Hill, Budapest panorama - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal Gellert Hill, Danube view - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

Gellért Hill:

For the best view in the city, take a leisurely stroll-come-hike up Gellért Hill. Once atop, you will see Budapest in all her magnificence with panoramic views. It is the perfect place for a shop-bought picnic beneath the grand statues of the Citadella.

As you make your way down, stop by the Gellért Hill cave church for a unique venture into a church within the hill – not an everyday attraction.

Hospital in the Rock, Castle Hill, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal Hospital in the Rock artifacts, Castle Hill, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal Hospital in the Rock mural, Castle Hill, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

Hospital in the Rock: 

The Hospital in the Rock presents a turbulent and at times tragic wartime past, offering visitors a fantastic history lesson. Step back in time and discover this former hospital located within a cave system underneath Castle Hill.

Tours are given on the hour in numerous languages and offer an informative insight into the hospital and its fascinating WW2 and 1956 Revolution history, as well as touching on the nuclear disasters within Japan – I held back tears on more than one occassion.

You can save 30% off your ticket with the Budapest card.

Fisherman's Bastion - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal Matthias Church, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

Fisherman’s Bastion:

Fisherman’s Bastion is a dreamy structure sitting atop Castle Hill. This fairytale terrace sits in front of Matthias Church and close to Budapest castle.

It is free to wander around but if you desire to go up the ramparts to the upper lookout there is a small fee. From here, discover the picturesque and panoramic views of the Danube and Budapest cityscape.

You can save 10% off your ticket to the upper lookout with the Budapest card.

Holocaust Memorial Centre, Budapest- A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

Holocaust Memorial Center:

Within the Holocaust Memorial Center you will discover that around 1/3rd of the people at Auschwitz-Birkenau were Hungarian. It is a shocking statistic and the interior of this memorial center emulates the shocking reality of the horrors faced by Hungarian citizens, Jews, Roma gypsies and homosexuals during this time. Its a harrowing and humbling experience, and one that simply cannot be missed.

You can save 10% off your ticket with the Budapest card.

Budapest zoo petting zoo - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden:

The Budapest Zoo is one of the oldest in Europe and rather strangely, located within the city centre. It has nearly 1,000 species of animals on display from across the globe and a lovely botanical garden to boot. The best part for most? An interactive petting zoo where you can stroke goats and deer.

You can save 25% off your ticket with the Budapest card.

Have you been to Budapest? Where would be your first stop?

Stephanie xox

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This post is in collaboration with Budapest card

Top 10 TV series to binge watch on Netflix UK in 2018

Top 10 Netflix UK shows in 2018 | The LDN Gal

Discover The Top 10 TV series to binge watch on Netflix UK in 2018

It has to be said, Netflix UK have been doing the country proud of late, with an incredible selection of binge-worthy TV series sourced from across the globe. No matter what you are into, you will certainly find something to spend hours transfixed on. Flicking through can be an arduous task, so here are the top 10 TV series to binge watch on Netflix UK in 2018.

Top 10 Netflix UK shows in 2018 - Black Mirror | The LDN Gal

Black Mirror 

From the critically-acclaimed genius of Charlie Brooker, the anthology series Black Mirror was brought to Netflix exclusively from series 3, with Netflix UK currently hosting all seasons. This fictitious and fascinating TV series looks at the world from an entirely cynical and satirical perspective. Each disturbing episode works as a standalone piece, looking at the evolution of society, our relationships with others and technological advancements. Its futuristic nature cautions us with ongoing depictions of the worst case scenario in each dystopian episode, highlighting the ultimately negative effects that we and our technology have had on the world as we know it. Black Mirror will not fail to suck you in with its plausible tales and will certainly make you think twice about your actual and virtual relationships.

The release date for the fifth season has not yet been announced.

  • Genres: sci-fi / satire/ utopian and dystopian fiction / psychological thriller / anthology series
  • Seasons: 4

Top 10 Netflix UK shows in 2018 - The Sinner | The LDN Gal

The Sinner

The Sinner is a slow burner but for good reason, throwing you in with an unexplained public murder within the first episode and leaving you utterly perplexed until the last. The first season follows the story of a depressed Cora Tannetti (Jessica Biel) who although satisfied with her husband and child, seems unfulfilled and detached in her mundane life. After committing murder on a family day at the beach, she is thrust behind bars with no indication as to why she has committed this heinous act on a total stranger. With psychological analysis and persistence, her haunting past comes back to life piece-by-piece in this oh so clever and thrilling psychological drama.

The release date for the second season has not yet been announced.

  • Genres: psychological thriller / crime drama / mystery
  • Seasons: 1

Top 10 Netflix UK shows in 2018 - Bates Motel | The LDN Gal

Bates Motel

Bates Motel is the contemporary prequel to the infamous story of Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) in Psycho and his downright creepy relationship with his mother, Norma (Vera Farmiga). Looking at Norman’s adolescence, this series shows this almost charming young man’s slow descent into psychosis as we meander through the trials and tribulations of his life – his mother never too far away. His delicate mental state ensures this teenage journey is no ordinary one, thrusting the characters within down a violent and dangerous path.  Who will make it out of the other side?

  • Genres: psychological thriller / drama / mystery
  • Seasons: 5

Top 10 Netflix UK shows in 2018 - 13 Reasons Why | The LDN Gal

13 Reasons Why 

As infamous as it is famed, 13 Reasons Why emulates the horrors of bullying, depression and suicide. Following the aftermath of school girl Hannah Baker’s (Katherine Langford) untimely  death, Hannah leaves tapes depicting the 13 reasons why she chose to commit suicide. These are to be listened to in turn by all the people who had wronged her. Her closest friend, Clay (Dylan Minnette) is handed these tapes last. 13 Reasons Why follows Clay as he listens to each in turn, addressing and coming to terms with each and every person involved in her tragic decision. This gripping drama highlights key issues facing many teenagers across the world and acts as a wake up call to those who choose to bully.

The second season is to be released on the 18th of May, 2018.

  • Genre: teen drama / mystery
  • Seasons: 1

Top 10 Netflix UK shows in 2018 - Gilmore Girls | The LDN Gal

Gilmore Girls 

If you’re looking for some feel-good watching, look no further than Gilmore Girls. Following the life of single mother Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and daughter Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) in the sleepy hamlet of Stars Hollow, you’ll soon become immersed in their lives. Watch an ambitious Rory grow from adolescence into adulthood as her dreams for the future come to fruition with the love, support and downright persistence of her somewhat overbearing-yet-loveable mother, Lorelai. The show is packed with relatable moments and sheer wit. Although it’s an older TV series, this pop-culture US classic will not fail to steal your heart – and hours upon hours of your time.

Be sure to watch the Netflix exclusive Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life Of once your finished binging all seven seasons.

  • Genre: comedy / teen drama
  • Seasons: 7

Top 10 Netflix UK shows in 2018 - American Horror Story | The LDN Gal

American Horror Story 

American Horror Story offers fans a unique adventure into the spooky, strange and mysterious. In this horror anthology series, each season follows a distinct tale, often in a different period of time and with a somewhat refreshed cast. Throughout the series, you will come face-to-face with a host of killers, ghosts, aliens, witches, clowns and vampires to name but a few. You will put yourself in the protagonists-come-victims shoes as each creepy tale develops with a roller-coaster of twists-and-turns before coming to a penultimate conclusion. Interestingly, each season is connected in some way. So keep your eyes peeled as you binge to join together the dots.

The release date for the eighth season has not yet been announced.

  • Genre: horror / drama / supernatural / anthology series
  • Seasons: 7

Top 10 Netflix UK shows in 2018 - Stranger Things | The LDN Gal

Stranger Things 

Stranger Things follows the lives of a group of downright nerdy kids in the 80s. When one of their friends go missing, the group are thrust into a world of supernatural forces, secret government experiments and are to meet a very odd little girl indeed. They must find their friend and in turn come face-to-face with their worst nightmares in an alternate world known as the Upside Down. Can it all work out in the end in this beloved sci-fi hit?

The release date for the third season has not yet been announced.

  • Genre: sci-fi / horror / supernatural / period drama
  • Seasons: 2

Top 10 Netflix UK shows in 2018 - The End of the F***ing World | The LDN Gal

The End of the F***ing World

Become immersed in the dysfunctional world of James (Alex Lawther), a UK school boy who is convinced that he is a psychopath in The End of the F***ing World. Following his inner monologue throughout, he targets new girl Alyssa (Jessica Barden) as his next victim who soon forces him into a romance with her rebellious nature. This quirky dynamic duo run away together, causing far too much trouble along the way as they grow closer on their road trip. However, their criminal spree cannot last forever and the pair have to face up to reality quickly in this coming-of-age drama fest.

The release date for the second season has not yet been announced.

  • Genre: dark comedy / teen drama
  • Seasons: 1

Top 10 Netflix UK shows in 2018 - Orange is the New Black | The LDN Gal

Orange is the New Black

Orange is the New Black follows the story of privileged Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) who ends up in a women’s prison when a crime from her youth catches up with her – and gosh is she out of her depth.  This fascinating show demonstrates the reality of just how difficult and life changing a stint in prison can be. It follows a breadth of characters with a clever series of developmental stories and flashback tales to understand each backstory. In no time, you will be sucked into the inmates world at Litchfield Penitentiary prison. It also tackles modern problems in the current prison system such as overcrowding, funding cuts, corruption, drug smuggling and violence.

The release date for the sixth season has not yet been announced.

  • Genre: comedy / drama
  • Seasons: 5

Top 10 Netflix UK shows in 2018 - 3% | The LDN Gal

3%

Although badly dubbed, 3% is a fascinating tale of elitism in a dystopian world. Hordes of people from the impoverished ‘inland’ face a process of elimination in order to gain access to the fabled ‘offshore’ island – those who succeed, are the lucky and worthy 3%. The story follows protagonist Michele Satana (Biana Comparato) as she makes her way through the process in a hope to kill the head of it whom she believes has murdered her brother. Supported by revolutionary party, ‘the cause’, she aims to destroy this unfair and immoral process from within in vengeance. These lucky candidates who pass the process are promised a life of bliss within this utopia, but is the grass always greener on the other side?

  • Genre: sci-fi / drama / thriller
  • Seasons: 2

It would seem the US is doing us Brits proud when it comes to fantastic TV this year and with this list, you are pretty much sorted for summertime watching on Netflix UK.

Whatever your mood, put one of the top 10 TV series to binge watch on Netflix UK in 2018 and enjoy a long and lazy evening in.

Which of these TV series have you watched? Which would be your first pick on this list? 

Stephanie xox

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Cocktails at Tonight Josephine in Waterloo, London ?

Light wall at Tonight Josephine - The LDN Gal

A Tonight Josephine experience review

If you haven’t been to Tonight Josephine yet, you are in for a treat. Based in Waterloo, this pretty-in-pink hot spot is probably one of the most Instagram-worthy bars in London.

Adorned with a neon light feature wall on entrance and an interior embellished with iridescent streamer lined walls, mirrored ceilings, a floral ‘lady garden’ and mug shot decorated bathroom. This overtly girly bar serves quirky cocktails in an oh so cool environment.

Every corner of the bar proves to be a photo opportunity and most will probably spend just as much time sipping cocktails as they will taking the perfect picture – it is simply a millennial girls dream come true. 

Tonight Josephine is certainly a lot of fun with its bright, bold and brilliant interior. The bar itself is quite small but this offers a degree of intimacy and exclusivity to boot I guess.

Cocktails at Tonight Josephine - The LDN Gal Bathrooms at Tonight Josephine - The LDN Gal

So, what did I think of Tonight Josephine?

Obviously, the décor and atmosphere is fabulous – it is marketed to be just so. Though despite the glamour, its nineties and noughties soundtrack and scented interior (yes, I said scented), you cannot help but feel a little cheated when it comes to drinks – no matter how good they taste.

Unfortunately, my cocktail proved to be more ice than alcohol, free-poured swiftly before being garnished and passed across the bar. It certainly didn’t last long.

Despite this, a few hours at Tonight Josephine makes for a lovely evening and is certainly a fabulous place to stop by for drinks and snaps with the girls – just be sure to take advantage of the 2-4-1 happy hour! 

You can get a free cocktail when you sign up to the Tonight Josephine mailing list.

Have you been to Tonight Josephine yet? Which cocktail would be your go to?

Stephanie xox

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OOTD: Studded Boots with Ego Shoes ?

Ego Shoes Studded Boots in Oxford - River Thames - The LDN Gal

Boohoo Jumper  – Topshop Jeans – Ego Shoes Boots

OOTD: Studded Boots with Ego Shoes

Me and Ego Shoes have a little bit of a love affair. Pretty new on the scene, they offer an incredible selection of affordable, stylish and quirky shoes.

Whether you are looking for pretty flats, enviable boots or sky high heels, Ego Shoes certainly have it and they have it in an array of styles and a variety of designs.

When I first saw the Jack Gold Studded Detail Biker Boot In Black Faux Leather, I instantly fell in love. I have to admit, they are pretty edgy but so much fun to dress up and down.

Ego Shoes Studded Boots - The LDN Gal

sO WHAT DID i THINK OF THESE STUDDED BOOTS?

These gorgeous biker boots feature allover stud detail, faux leather outer, thick soles and an easy slip on fit. The embellishment features a variety of different shaped studs, making for an interesting look.

They are literally so much fun to dress up and down – fabulous in the day with jeans and a cosy knitted jumper or great with a little black dress to evening drinks. Whether for a walk by the river or cocktails into the early hours, these boots have you set.

If you are looking some something a little more subtle, Ego Shoes have an incredible selection of studded boots.

What do you think of these studded boots? Do you like the studded style? 

Stephanie xox

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These Ego Shoes boots were exchanged for an honest review

Revolution Pro launch and 4th birthday ??

Revolution Beauty London party - Marylebone, London

Revolution Pro launch

Last Thursday I had a very exciting evening indeed. I attended the Makeup Revolution 4th birthday and launch of Revolution Beauty London (formerly Makeup Revolution) and their newest range.

It was a fabulous affair, with hundreds of bloggers in attendance, beauty adorning every corner and delicious food and drinks. It was a night embellished with cocktails, chatter and fun.

Plus, I got to meet some absolutely wonderful girls and guys in the process.

Revolution Beauty London party interior - Marylebone, London Revolution Beauty London party - Coloured bao buns - Marylebone, London Revolution Beauty London party - I heart Revolution - Marylebone, London

So, what do I think of Revolution Pro?

Most excitingly, the launch of Revolution Pro was announced with a stunning new collection which includes:

  • Foundation drops (18 shades)
  • Foundation mixers (4 types)
  • Full colour camoflague foundation and concealer (18 shades each)
  • Primers (10 types)
  • Supreme highlighter (3 shades)
  • Eyebrow cushion (8 shades)
  • Supreme eyeshadow palettes (4 types)
  • Regeneration palettes (9 types)
  • Supreme matte lip pigment (30 shades)

I simply cannot wait to make my way through the new collection and have already treated myself to the gorgeous Revolution Pro Regeneration Palette in Trends Celestial.

Expect a mini-haul any day now! You can check out the Revolution Pro video here.

What do you think of Revolution Pro? Which items will you be snapping up? 

Stephanie xox

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OOTD: Boob Crop T-Shirt and a JEMIMASARA interview ?‍♀️

OOTD: Boob crop t-shirt by JEMIMASARA

When I discovered JEMIMASARA, I fell a little bit in love. An online store brimming with fantastic feminist and iconic clothing, tote bags, jewellery, prints and accessories, adorned with wonderful illustrations throughout.

Their unisex collection includes a selection of illustrations inspired by the ‘martini ladies’, and generally they are pretty quirky. The boob crop t-shirt is certainly a fun addition to any wardrobe, with a fantastic feminine print and rough cut finish.

I was very lucky that the wonderfully talented owner of JEMIMASARA, Jemima agreed to answering a few questions about her brand:

A JEMIMASARA interview

How did you go about establishing the brand?

2016 seemed a bad year for us all and for me it was a time when I personally hit rock bottom. I had forgotten all sense of self-love and confidence, due to a number of negative situations happening at the same time, and I had no idea how to bring these key elements back into my life. That’s when I realised I was drawing these naked ladies who “had martinis and loved themselves”. Overtime, I started becoming one of these carefree ladies, thus my alter ego was born. The illustrations helped me find my own confidence and self-love, so I wanted to share this. I want to share this path of recovery for others to use. In the future, I want to break into fashion, testing its conventions by not conforming, just as a ‘Martini Lady’ would do.

Have you always had an interest in illustration and fashion?

The word ‘fashion’ always scared me a little, I think of the film ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ with the main character being this scary lady and a non-accepting environment. So no, I guess I didn’t, but now that I am creating fashion designs and illustrations and selling ready to wear collections; fashion and illustration has changed in my mind. Fashion and illustration is a way of expressing your thoughts, fears and passions for people to wear and have. They can express it in their own unique way too and this is something I have always wanted to do. I have always wanted to influence people and their life – to make them live a happier one and inspire them.

Your tops are fun and some even a little risque – what is your inspiration behind them?

The brand celebrates the female form through the creation of the “Martini Ladies” illustrations. These are positive, fun loving and risqué ladies with few boundaries, ladies who love themselves just the way they are. My clothing and designs is based on these women, just owning their life and doing what they want. My work seeks to find realism within the female form. I take influences from the Renaissance divine, Henri Matisse and the pin-up ladies of the 1920s. These influences have created my vision for ‘The Martini Lifestyle’.

What are ‘martini ladies’, did you coin the phrase? 

The brand celebrates the female form through the creation of the “Martini Ladies” illustrations. These women boast of their uninhibited self-worth for others to take inspiration from. The humorous illustrations I create are of positive, fun loving and risqué ladies with few boundaries, ladies who love themselves just the way they are!

The message of the ‘martini ladies’ is that I want everyone to feel beautiful, elegant and confident in his or her own right and I want to support and celebrate women around the world. So yes, I created the phase of ‘martini ladies’ or ‘the martini lifestyle’ so express this.

You promote self-love and confidence – what makes you feel confident? 

For me, self-love is about acceptance. Acceptance of your beautiful, individual imperfections. The things that make us who we are. That could be a scar, freckle, your little toe, bad habit or a hobby. These individual imperfections are always something we as humans find hard to accept, especially in our day and age where social media plays such a massive role in our life. For me, the most important daily aspect of self-love and confidence, is not to see yourself as a whole but to look at the things you enjoy about yourself and your strengths. It might be your eyes, your elbow or your goofy laugh, I don’t know, but to look at that ‘thing’, whatever it may be, and see it as a unique entity.

As I said before, self-love is about acceptance and for me that’s accepting something I like about myself every day. I usually do this in small ways as the main thing for me is accepting I am an artist and that others may appreciate my works. My designs/illustrations themselves were a road of recovery for me; they are my way of learning more about a different side to me which I am wanting to share and others to be influenced by. When I write the words in those speech bubbles, I feel empowered and actually it’s my way of accepting myself every day, making me feel more confident in my everyday life.

What is the future for JEMIMASARA?

I want JEMIMASARA to break into fashion and lifestyle and I want to break fashion conventions and traditions. JEMIMASARA is all about campaigning to empower women and men too – freeing themselves of boundaries imposed by modern life through illustrations and designs.

Do you have a message for the girls reading this? 

To any girl out there, just know that everyone struggles with themselves, you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t. We all grow at different rates; we are all beautiful unique individuals. Don’t worry if you find it hard to get up in the morning, its normal. I find it hard every day and I preach self-love and confidence. Just know that acceptance is important. Accepting yourself and what you do.

Understanding that you, your hobbies and habits are beautiful and you are constantly moving forward and reaching for the stars.

What do you think of the JEMIMASARA boob crop t-shirt? What questions would you put to JEMIMASARA? 

Stephanie xox

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This boob crop t-shirt was exchanged for an honest review

I, Tonya: A film of fact or fiction? ⛸️

I, Tonya film review - The LDN Gal

I, Tonya film review

As soon as I saw the trailer, I knew I had to see I, Tonya. The biopic, starring Margot Robbie as the lead protagonist tells the tale of famed and shamed 1990s US figure skater, Tonya Harding.

Full of angst and passion, the chronological story details the interviewed accounts of Tonya, her abusive partner Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan), and downright distant mother LaVona Golden (Allison Janney) in her early life as a competitive figure skater.

From start to finish, this controversial journey, and these relationships are raw and full of emotion. The tale is relatable, as we watch Tonya chasing her dreams relentlessly, despite her socio-economic status, unkempt style, and brash attitude constantly hindering her progression in a sport known for its grace and even snobbery.

As an impoverished woman from a broken home, the odds are against her. With fame comes a media storm, tearing her apart at any given opportunity and pitting her against her rivals, particularly fellow US figure skater, Nancy Kerrigan. Surprisingly, Tonya was quite the success and the first ever US figure skater to land a triple axel in competition.

So, what did I think of I, Tonya?

Within the film, a plot is hatched by Tonya’s partner, Jeff, to rid Tonya of her competition, aiming to scare Nancy with death threats so that she will not continue to compete. However, things take a turn for the worst when Nancy is indeed injured quite dramatically in an orchestrated attack.

To this day, Tonya’s prior knowledge of this scheme is still debated and the actual Tonya heavily rebuffed these accusations until recently in the ABC documentary, Truth and Lies: The Tonya Harding Story.

However, the film encourages an alternative viewpoint to the infamous scandal in the early 90s, that makes the audience sympathise with Tonya throughout. The scandal thwarts Tonya’s future and ultimately leaves her disgraced and ousted in the world of competitive figure skating. Fact.

I, Tonya ensures a degree of genuine emotion and leaves the audience bitter as the angsty and passionate Tonya continues to give it her all, despite the world seemingly being out to get her. Throughout, the film leaves us rooting for Tonya, an impoverished, misunderstood and talented woman that perhaps just deserved a little bit more from life. The reality of the real-life events and Tonya’s responsibility is for you to decide.

Have you seen I, Tonya yet? What do you think of Margot Robbie as Tonya?  

Stephanie xox

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High Intensity Hiit trampoline workout at Rebound Revolution Bicester ?

Rebound Revolution Bicester

Rebound Revolution Bicester review

Rebound Revolution Bicester offers a selection of workout classes including a High Intensity Hiit Workout Class. On realising the newly opened trampoline park next door did fitness classes, I was intrigued and decided to take the plunge.

So, let me hit this post off by establishing something. I’m pretty unfit at the moment. You know when you get a little bit busier and a little more indulgent, well the lb fairy has certainly paid me a visit over the past few months.

I guess it’s time to do something about it and I’ve made the executive decision to get my backside into gear and shift a few pounds. Looking around, I was a put off by the local gyms which seemed to all want to wrangle me into a 12 month contract. No thank you.

So, what did I think of the trampoline fitness class?

I was pretty terrified walking across but what could be more fun than bouncing yourself fit eh?  Arriving, I was given a pair of grip socks (included in the price) and ushered over by the peppy and lovely instructor.

At times during this hour-long session, I could have dropped to the floor. However, the feeling afterward was incredibly euphoric. Essentially, workouts are great for your physical and mental health.

After an intense mixture of aerobics moves, circuits, stretches and yoga positions, resistance and core training, I felt sweaty as hell and pretty damn accomplished. I’ll be returning and would highly recommend anyone give trampolining workout classes a try.

Finally, the fantastic class aside, the trampoline park itself is great. It offers 50 trampolines, a climbing wall, giant leap platform and airbag, wipeout area, basketball hoops and foam pit.

Book a Rebound Revolution Bicester workout class.

Would you ever try a trampolining fitness class? How do you stay fit? 

Stephanie xox

Looking for more things to do in Oxford?

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