Stephanie Mulholland 28th February 2018 John Lewis Oxford, 101 The Westgate, Queen Street, Oxford, OX1 1PB

Explore Wonderland at John Lewis Oxford ?

John Lewis Oxford review

If you are an Oxford local, the news of a new John Lewis store opening has probably had you excited for many years now. Well, now it is here, along with the shiny new Westgate and it is time to spend galore. I was lucky enough to be invited to the new store to get a feel for what they were offering and to tour the services it provides.

The most incredible thing about the John Lewis store in Oxford is its rather subtle Alice in Wonderland theme, a nod to Oxford’s beloved literary history. All around the beautiful interior of the store are hidden secrets of Alice and her time in Wonderland. The main seating area on the ground floor presents an open book, adorned with towering roses telling the story of Alice within printed petals. Each week, this area acts as a storybook museum for children and as an event space when needed.

As you continue around the store you will find teeny tiny secret doors (great for keeping young minds busy), the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole and even an Alice mannequin with a very Rapunzel-esque blonde wig – encouraging you to leave no corner untouched.

So, what do I think of John Lewis Oxford?

Once you get over the sheer genius of the theme you discover a store that satisfies every whim and sense. Within the store, you will discover a gargantuan beauty, homeware, clothing, famed haberdashery, technology, and leisure department.

A unique feature is the Experience Desk, which enables guests to visit and see the daily events on offer within the store and ask any questions that they may have. The John Lewis Oxford store also offers appointments on home decor, beauty, nursery advice, travel, personal style and lingerie fittings – they even have an onsite optician!

Surprisingly, John Lewis Oxford has more services available than any other John Lewis store in the country and are paving the way when it comes to the success of the stores.

It is music to my ears to discover that the beauty and skincare events are very popular in my hometown, with near-daily events and a first-of-its-kind nail and brow bar, ensuring quick and flawless fixes. Dining is also covered with The Café Bar by Benugo, The Place to Eat restaurant and the highly-recommended KuPP.

It is no surprise that people are so excited to come and shop. Finally, if you do visit, be sure to pop up to the Experience Desk on the first floor for the latest and greatest from John Lewis Oxford!

Have you been to John Lewis in Oxford yet? Do you like the Alice in Wonderland theme?

Stephanie xox

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This review was produced after an exclusive blogger tour

Stephanie Mulholland 23rd February 2018 13 Coventry St, London, W1D 7AB

A 90s throwback at the Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant, London ?

Bubba Gump Shrimp Resturant London review Exterior Shot - The LDN Gal

Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant review

Let’s be honest, Forrest Gump is a classic. If you are yet to see it, you need to jump on the pop-culture train for an overload of 90s fun.

Bubba Gump Shrimp, London offers an American seafood extravaganza in a spectacularly Forrest-Gump-themed setting within central London. You could literally spend a good 15 minutes just wandering around looking at all the décor and there is even a shop onsite for the more die-hard fans.

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant is the first in the UK that is inspired by the 1994 hit.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Resturant London review Wall - The LDN Gal

Bubba Gump Shrimp Resturant London review Jenny Wall - The LDN Gal

So, what did I think of the Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant, London?

The themes throughout the restaurant were pretty incredible, it’s worth a visit just for a gander at the walls alone.

When it comes to the food, I was pleasantly surprised. Me not being a fish fan (the irony), went for what was probably the only chicken dish on the menu. I really didn’t expect much from the food, it was nice, fresh and flavoursome – but nothing to write home about.

However, you don’t visit Bubba Gump Shrimp for the chicken, you visit for the fish. Luckily, my boyfriend, embraces a far more exciting palette and ordered the Forrest’s Seafood Feast.

The dish was embellished with Southern fried shrimp, seafood hush pups and fish, atop a bed of fries and garnished with tartar, cocktail and remoulade sauces, as well as a side of coleslaw.

It was a lovely experience although I wouldn’t say I’d be in a rush to return. Like all themed restaurant, its slightly expensive to eat there, the food isn’t spectacular and it quite often appears as a one trick pony.

At over £50 for two mains, two cokes and a 12.5% service charge (I did not feel like it was warrented in all honesty), it is a little on the expensive side when you are looking at the quality of the meals.

Do remember, “it’s all about shrimp” and if you are a fan of the Forrest Gump film, you will probably have quite the enjoyable evening.

Have you been to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant in London? Which shrimp dish would you devour?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 12th February 2018 Junkyard Golf Club, Westgate Oxford, Castle St, Oxford OX1 1NU

Take a swing at Junkyard Golf Club Oxford ?️‍♀️

Junkyard Golf Club Oxford review

I have to admit, when we discovered Junkyard Golf Club Oxford while exploring the shiny new Westgate one day, I knew I had to go. I’m a sucker for a unique experience.

The whole concept is a little bit fabulous, play crazy golf in central Oxford and have a few quirky cocktails in some American-esque red party cups on route – quite simply, what’s not to love?

Myself and my partner made our way to the venue where we were greeted with a photo oppurtunity pink golf cart, boothed seating and the main Bunker bar. Once checked in, we sauntered over to Bunker with two of my lovely girl friends now in tow and fussed over what to order.

I treated myself to a Hotline Ting – mainly because it had bubblegum flavours and I am a giant child. I must admit, these cocktails kind of remind me of all your favourite childhood flavours, garnished with beloved sweets and dashed with alcohol. It’s almost slightly unethical when I think about it but who cares, it was delicious.

Cocktails aside, Junkyard Golf Club Oxford presents three crazy golf courses to play, each with nine pretty peculiar holes. Expect bright lights, great music and some creative décor. You will either discover Pablo, Gary or Bozo when you go to play – or all three if you are super committed!

Pablo has a pretty consistent jungle theme with animals galore and some oddities thrown into the mix, whereas Gary is a car fanatics junkyard with enough scrap to create a shelter. Finally, Bozo takes you to a circus almost as creepy and downright strange as the one in Silent Hill 2. So, a nice variety is certainly on offer.

So, what do we think?

We decided on the jungle themed Pablo, informed it was the slightly longer of the three courses. Each course operates on a one way system with each group going in turn. Even though it was busy, we never had to wait too long for the next hole, if at all.

Saying this, when you do visit, it is probably far better to go as a slightly larger team, as you will find the game lasts that little bit longer. There’s even a pit stop bar for cocktails if you fancy another sweet and satisfying drink along the way.

All in all, the entire experience is great, it is truly something different and much needed on the often traditional Oxford scene. Junkyard Golf Club Oxford is super fun and well-themed – even if that theme is animals-meets-industrial-meets-circus madness.

I had a great time, even though I lost as per. Although saying this, I was the only one to get a hole-in-one. Better luck next time eh? I think I fancy a go on Bozo when I next visit…

Have you been to Junkyard Golf Club Oxford yet? Which course or cocktail do you fancy the most?

Stephanie xox

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This experience was exchanged for an honest review

Stephanie Mulholland 8th February 2018

Round-the-clock glamour with Forge and Foster ⌚

Forge and Foster review

I’m always excited to discover new accessory brands. Especially when the words ‘luxury’, ‘fashion’ and ‘affordability’ are thrown into the mix.

Forge and Foster emulate just that. A high-end watch company based just outside of London, they work with creatives across Europe to ensure their products are as pretty as they are practical.

Selling directly online, they ensure competitive prices without compromising on quality. Trust me, luxury and affordability come hand-in-hand.

They offer a gorgeous selection of watches for women and men, as well as bracelets. They have a traditional British aesthetic with large watch faces, a variety of leather or coloured stainless steel straps and gorgeous finishing detail.

So, what do I think of Forge and Foster?

The Rose + Mesh watch is just beautiful, with a minimalistic design. It features a rose gold mesh strap, large watch face and secure clasp which fits your wrist perfectly.

Additionally, the watch offers interchangeable straps are even interchangeable. Essentially, allowing for further customisation depending on your preference.

Furthermore, watches with interchangeable straps allow you to compliment your outfits and show off your style a little more easily.

These watches really can be worn with anything and dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Be sure to check out the Forge and Foster website, as well as the beautiful ForgexFoster Instagram page.

Have you heard of Forge and Foster? Which watch would you choose from the collection?

Stephanie xox

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This Forge and Foster watch was exchanged for an honest review

Stephanie Mulholland 2nd February 2018 Rooftop, John Lewis, Westgate Oxford, Oxford, OX1 1PB

Scandinavian dining at KuPP Oxford ?

KuPP Oxford review

KuPP Oxford is a beautiful new Nordic-inspired dining venue atop the top floor of John Lewis, Oxford in the new and shiny (and very much improved) Westgate Shopping centre. You can also access it via a lift just to the left of the John Lewis store entrance.

KuPP Oxford is bright and bold, with an edgy design and a gorgeous rooftop location. It has a quirky nature-meets-industrial feel, with revealed copper pipes, cosy faux fur lined or floral print seating, tree trunk features, potted plants and roped lighting decorating the interior.

The optional outdoor seating presents the perfect summertime dining opportunity. Alas, on the final day of January, we were much better off in the warm interior of this beautiful restaurant.

So, what did I think of KuPP Oxford?

The restaurant offers Scandinavian cuisine morning, noon and night with a healthy and wholesome menu embellished with classic Nordic dishes and incredible cocktails infused with a variety of homemade syrups.

We were lucky enough to sample a variety of different starters, their famed smörgåsbords and indulgent mini deserts – order the cheesecake. I repeat, order the cheesecake!

What I love about KuPP is that it encourages you to share and try new and interesting foods you may not otherwise have thought to. The smörgåsbords are simply so much fun, with a variety of nibbles to drag you in.

As someone who is far too fussy with food, it really made me step out of my comfort zone, as I sampled an array of chicken and vegetarian dishes. The västerbotten cheese and pickled vegetables are simply to die for.

KuPP is perfect at any time of the day, be it breakfast, a simple coffee stop, brunch, evening meals or a quick cocktail. They even have a store onsite where you can purchase their delicious coffee, jams and even some Nordic home decor!

Everything on their menu is fresh and bursting with flavour. It’s truly refreshing and you can see the chefs, bartenders and waiters whizzing about hard at work perfecting the dishes and experience.

I will be returning to KuPP within the next week for brunch with my mother – I am fighting between the smoothie bowl and pancakes currently.

I am sure I will have many more visits in the near future. It is simple, if you are looking for incredible dining in the heart of Oxford, look no further than the oh so welcoming KuPP!

Have you been to KuPP Oxford yet? How about visiting the Westgate Oxford for a spot of shopping?

Stephanie xox

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This dining experience was exchanged for an honest review

Stephanie Mulholland 28th January 2018 59A Portobello Rd, London, W11 3DB

Coloured lattes and healthy eats at Farm Girl, London ??☕

Farm Girl cafe review

I have wanted to go to the Farm Girl for quite some time, drawn in by their colourful lattes, vibrant salads and quirky decor dotting across my Instagram feed – they also have a resident bulldog, just one more reason to go really.

Located on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, it made for a nice brisk walk from the nearby tube station. Visiting on a busy Saturday afternoon, we had to wait some time (in the rain) before managing to secure a seat inside.

Do be warned, if you come at the weekend, you may have to wait for up to an hour to be seated. However, it is worth it!

I was taken aback by the bright decor and wonderfully polite staff amidst the hustle and bustle of the cafe, the music was great and the staff attentive.

So, what did I think of the Farm Girl cafe?

The café offers a large room with plush and cosy furnishings inside, as well as a quaint outside seating area – ideal for those food snaps in natural light when the heavens are not open.

The walls inside feature contrasting green square tiling and plush seating which gives off a fabulous natural and earthy vibe. You could really sit there for hours during the week sipping away.

I chose their rose latte, a beautiful flavoured drink garnished with real rose petals. My partner opted for a vibrant blue butterfly matcha latte, taking us back to Japan as we discussed the possibility of a third trip.

Farm Girl offers a healthy and wholesome menu, with breakfast and lunch covered. Think acai embellished fruit bowls, buckwheat pancakes, salads with all the colours of the rainbow, gargantuan sandwiches, eggs-just-the-way-you-like on toast and a variety of homemade soups to name a few items – oh, and the super colourful lattes.

In regards to dining, I opted for a sweet treat, the raspberry croissant. My partner, a chicken sandwich, brimming with guacamole and spiced yoghurt on sourdough bread. If I was feeling a little more peckish, the Açai Bowl would have has my name on it. Maybe next time eh?

Overall, the Farm Girl cafe experience was lovely – the perfect pit-stop before exploring the delights of Portobello Market nearby. The afternoon date proved a little costlier than your standard chain cafés, a hot drink and cake for two will set you back about £15.

Have you been to the Farm Girl Café? Which coloured latte tempts you?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 21st November 2017

Here’s why DD+ bras should be a UK high street standard ?

Do you struggle to find pretty dd+ bras on the UK high street?

If you have a bust that is bigger than a DD+ cup in the UK, I am pretty sure you feel the same way as I do on this subject. Here is a slight rant at why DD+ bras should be a UK high street standard, as well as a handy guide on the best UK high street shops and online stores to buy pretty DD+ bras.

There is literally nothing more frustrating than browsing the high street, to find that pretty much every store does not cater for you.

Oh, and if by chance they do, you can almost guarantee that you will be offered far less choice and probably far more expensive items.

Looking for a cute balconette bra, a sultry longline piece or a stick-on bra that will actually work with your backless dress? Good luck girls…

Another personal irk? Why on earth is everything overly padded? Lets face it, if you are DD+ cup, the chances are that you do not need gargantuam padding in your bra, and if it is a necessity, perhaps a slight padded lining that enhances your natural curves would simply do.

Where to shop for DD+ BRAS ON THE UK HIGH STREET

With all this in mind, I have made it my mission to find a selection of pretty, affordable and varied DD+ bras you can find on the high street and online, here are the places you will want to shop-till-you-drop:

Figleaves

Figleaves is an excellent place to shop for bras with a host of different brands available and lovely exclusive items too. Expect a variety of colours, styles and girly prints. The best thing about the brand, they offer A-K cup lingerie. So, everyone is included!

Tuttie Rouge

Tuttie Rouge is a wonderful brand that offers DD-G cups, with a fantastic array of styles, colours and cutesy details – I am a little bit in love with their girly prints and all that harness detail. You can check out my review of their Alexa bra and high-waisted briefs here.

Boux Avenue

Although a slighty smaller collection of DD+ bras, Boux Avenue certainly offer some stunning pieces. Expect bright colours and more traditional styles. Boux Avenue also offer free in-store bra fittings, so handy when you want to ensure that perfect fit.

M&S

Marks and Spencer are not the first place you would think to go to for pretty bras. Not only do they offer a gorgeous selection of DD+ cups printed and lace bras but they also offer an incredible array of floral and patterned lace bras, as well as vibrant bralettes – and what girl doesn’t love a cosy bralette?

Curvy Kate

Curvy Kate is a fantastic brand in the sense that it exclusively offers D-K cups bras, what a treat! Again, expect a vaiety of styles and print. The best thing? Everything isn’t padded to oblivion.

Once your underwear is sorted, why not take opt for an adjustable and affordable women’s hot bikini?

Where do you shop for your DD+ cup bras? Do you struggle finding pretty lingerie too?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 14th November 2017

How to make healthy banana pancakes ??

How to make healthy banana pancakes at home

So, you are looking to make healthy banana pancakes at home? Well you are certainly in for a treat with this simple, swift and scrumptious recipe.

Healthy banana pancakes ingredients:

2 eggs
2 ripe bananas
1 teaspoon of oil or a few squirts of Frylight
A drop of vanilla eccense (optional)
Toppings to suit (optional)

Preperation time: 5 mins

Healthy Banana Pancakes recipe

These delicious homemade banana pancakes are a healthy morning alternative to your usual breakfast. These banana pancakes are great for a variety of reasons, they are easy to make, cheap, and only require two ingredients! Bananas and eggs.

To start off, you are going to want to whisk your two eggs up a treat and set them aside. Next, get your two bananas and mash them to oblivion with the back of a fork or masher. Then, pour the whisked egg into the mashed banana and stir it all in – it isn’t going to look too pretty.

Optionally, you can add vanilla essence (opt out if you prefer) or even oats and other fruit into the mix. Heat your oil or Frylight in a pan and pour a small amount of mixture (think medium sized pancake). Allow for a few minutes to golden up on each side before serving.

For toppings, get creative and embellish with seeds, fruit, yogurt or syrup – saying that, they are delicious on their own.

This recipe creates around 4 medium sized banana pancakes. If you would like more, simply double up! You can always save your leftover mixture for tomorrow’s breakfast, line the bowl with cling film and pop it in the fridge.

These gluten-free and dairy-free homemade banana pancakes are just fabulous in the morning, or even as a snack throughout the day. They are low in calories and fat, high in protein and simply delicious. What more could you want?

What do you think of these healthy banana pancakes? Which ingredients would you add into the mix?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 2nd November 2017 THORPE PARK Resort, Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8PN

A Halloween spent at Fright Nights at Thorpe Park ?

Fright Nights at Thorpe Park review

In the South of England, there’s really only one place you want to spend Halloween being thrown about from rollercoaster to rollercoaster, and that is Fright Nights at Thorpe Park.

I love theme parks. Actually, that is an understatement. I ADORE theme parks. There is nothing quite like being hurtled around loops and sheer drops that doesn’t make a great start to the day.

Although lacking elaborate make up or a costume, I knew I was in for a spooky and fun day spending Halloween at Thorpe Park.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK OF THE FRIGHT NIGHTS EXPERIENCE at Thorpe Park?

Walking in, the park had evidently had a Halloween theme revamp, with ghoulish décor, low-lit lighting, smoke machines and live actors creeping in as dusk settled for the night.

In collaboration with AMC The Walking Dead, Thorpe Park also featured two new scary mazes. Say hello to THE WALKING DEAD: Living Nightmare and THE WALKING DEAD: Sanctum.

Sanctum was a real treat, a creepy live action outdoor maze with a deep South twist. With accents haunting each twist and turn, the live actors certainly knew how to put a shiver down your spine.

In addition to the usual thrill ride and attractions, the special evening welcomed four additional mazes and attractions to explore, including Saw Alive, The Big Top, Platform No. 15 and Containment.

It was certainly a worthwhile venture, with later closing times, the addition of new mazes and attractions and the haunted vibe taken into consideration. I would recommend a ticket for 2018 and I will probably return again myself. Do remember though, ‘the island changes after dark’.

Have you been to Fright Nights at Thorpe Park? How did you spend your Halloween this year?

Stephanie xox

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This Fright Nights at Thorpe Park experience was exchanged for an honest review

Stephanie Mulholland 24th October 2017 116 Ebury St, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9QQ

Halloween cupcakes at Peggy Porschen, London ??

Peggy Porschen review

Peggy Porschen has had a rather enchanting Halloween makeover in the lead up to the best holiday of the year – in my opinion anyway, Halloween is fabulous.

Still pretty and perfect in pink, the celebrated cake shop’s décor features some slight adjustments, with pastel pumpkins, cutesy bat bunting and sugar skull cookies aplenty temporarily garnishing its interior.

I paid a visit one morning to their quaint Belgravia bakery to sample some of the exciting new seasonal menu, absolutely delighted by the Halloween and Autumnal overhaul that welcomed me on arrival.

Peggy Porschen’s well-known floral garland door frame was emblazoned with pastel pumpkins, golden skulls and painted broomsticks, nestled amidst the beautiful and vibrant kaleidoscope of coloured flowers woven into the frame.

Each table had its own munchkin pumpkin and the shop had the prettiest (not overly eerie in all honesty) and most welcoming feel as expected – can you even make somewhere so pretty in any way scary?

So, what did I think of the Peggy Porschen Halloween collection?

Sitting inside, I chose a cappuccino which was embellished with cutesy sugar skull shaped topping and a spiced pumpkin cupcake. Although a tad on the expensive side, I must admit this handmade cupcake was delicious, with a fluffy spiced sponge and delicious cinnamon cream cheese frosting – which proved a little too indulgent in the end.

Peggy Porschen are known for their picturesque products and décor, and the Halloween spiced pumpkin cupcake was no exception, with an edible rose gold sugar skull with floral decal.

Teamed with freshly brewed coffee, it is certainly a delicious morning or lunchtime pick-me-up – and is a fabulous date idea if you are looking for something a little different.

It is definitely one of the most Instagramable spots in London. I will certainly be back to revisit their exclusive products this festive season and perhaps even for a little morning time treat again in the meantime…

Have you been to Peggy Porschen yet? What do you think of the Halloween theme?

Stephanie xox

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