Where to Eat in London: Fabrique Swedish Bakery

Fabrique | Swedish Bakery Cafe | Hoxton | Website
– reservations not available –

Who would have thought that one of the best Swedish bakeries in London would be located in the railway arches underneath of Hoxton station? The setting is contemporary, and might seem a little odd, but ultimately adds character to the store. It’s also pretty easy to find – just exit Hoxton station and turn right, within less than a minute you will be gazing at Fabrique’s big red doors, ready for some Fika.

The artisanal bakery is the first outside of Stockholm, making Londoners very lucky indeed. Offering Swedish coffee by Johan & Nyström, and a large selection of buns, flapjacks, brownies, rolls and more you won’t be left lonely for choice. There are only a few tables to sit at, but most customers are on the go, so there’s usually the odd table to hijack with a friend or two. My friend and I visited on a Sunday afternoon around 3pm and whereas there were a few people sat at tables, we found a seat out front and enjoyed a Cardamon Bun and an Earl Grey tea with ease. It might seem odd that I choose a Cardamon Bun rather than Fabrique’s famous Cinnamon Bun, but actually I’d tried the latter before and wanted to try something new instead. Whereas their Cinnamon Buns have earned rave reviews, and I did enjoy mine, I loved the Cardamon Bun even more. I also now go back weekly for their sourdough rye rolls – honestly the best sourdough I’ve ever had. The staff are lovely, very helpful and always up for a chat.

Fika is open Tuesday-Sunday until 6pm.
You can find out more on their website, here.

 

Escentual Micellar Water Trial

The Escentual Micellar Water Trial*

On Saturday I found out that I had been lucky enough to be chosen for the Escentual Micellar Water Trial.
I was chosen amongst 99 other beauty addicts (i.e. bloggers, vloggers etc.) to try out 7 secret samples. These 7 samples, labelled A-G are all well-known/high-end brand Micellar Water’s, but whilst we know which brands will be taking part, we don’t know which sample belongs to which brand. It’s a beauty addict’s dream come true.

The waters on trial are:
I’m a Micellar Water convert and have been using it as a part of my daily skincare routine for over a year now.
I stick to Avène’s Cleanser & Make-up Remover, which is actually one of the samples on trial. However, even though I have stock of it, I’ve been curious about other brands, so I’m excited to give all of these a try and give my opinion on each. We have only 14 days to trial all 7 samples, which logically allocates 2 days per sample. I will be keeping track of each sample and writing up a review for the blog in 2 weeks time, when the trial has ended. I may even have a guess at which sample belongs to which brand – although I’ll probably fail miserably, but it will be fun to see if I can get any right.

Review: MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighter

MUA Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter

After I posted my MUA Mini Haul post some of your requested a review for the highlighter.
Actually I was pretty happy to oblige as it was the one product from the bunch that I’d really wanted to try.
I’ve been using it for a week or so now so I figured now was as good a time as ever to review it.

Pros:
+ Sits easily on the skin
+ Doesn’t feel caked on
+ Very pigmented

Cons:
– Slightly too ‘shimmer-y’ for me
– Doesn’t stay on for the whole day

Notes:
As far as highlighters go, this one isn’t too bad.
It didn’t win me over though, and honestly I probably won’t buy it again.
My main problem was that the shimmer was so prominent that it was almost glittery.
For me I personally prefer something a little more subtle, because it suits my skin tone better.
That said, it is very pigmented, which is great for a cheaper product, and it didn’t feel too heavy on my skin.
I did also like how it looked on my brow bones and when I used it to highlight around my eyes.
Even so, it didn’t stand the test of time and I found that it disappeared by the end of the day.
It’s a shame because I had high hopes for this – never mind though, it only cost £2!
You can purchase Undress Your Skin in Superdrug stores, and online here.

Where to Eat in London: Dishoom

Dishoom | Bombay Cuisine | All-day Menu | Shoreditch | Website
– reservations available –
 
If I told you there was a Bombay Cafe in East London, you’d probably think I was crazy.
Well I may be a little weird, but I’m definitely not crazy, because right in the heart of Shoreditch is Dishoom.
Drawing inspiration from the elegance of the old cafes in Bombay, Dishoom is as beautiful inside as the food is delicious.
We stopped for brunch on a Saturday morning, around 10:30am.
It wasn’t busy but there were a few couples and groups dotted about.
Breakfast is served until 11:30am on weekdays, and 1pm on weekends (possible hangover cure?).
The inside of the restaurant is spacious and gorgeously decorated in a rustic Bombay-inspired manner.
We were sat by a very chilled matradee and served by a friendly waitress, both whom matched the atmosphere.
I was enticed by the variety of food on the breakfast menu, especially when I saw the Indian inspiration.
I’d heard that the ‘Spicy Chai’ was amazing, so I ordered one for myself, whilst the fiance had the ‘Breakfast Lassi’.
He went for the ‘Full Bombay’ and I filled up on the ‘House Porridge’ & ‘Fire Toast – we were both impressed.
Whereas I was intimidated by the spicy scrambled egg, the fiancé said it was “the best [he’d] ever had.”
We both enjoy our food (probably more than the next person), so after we both said we’d be back I knew it was a hit! Next time I definitely plan to have the ‘Chocolate Spicy Chai’ and the ‘Sausage Naan Roll’ (an interesting sounding take on an English staple), or the ‘Bombay Omelette’ – if I’m feeling brave (I can’t handle spice). The prices were reasonable and the food amazing. I’ll be trying out the lunch (I may have already arranged a date with a friend) and the dinner menu soon.
Check out Dishoom’s website here.

Review: Avène D-Pigment Light Dark Spot Lightener

Avène D-Pigment Light Dark Spot Lightener*

Avène is my favourite beauty brand by far! It might seem a bit odd to start with such an exclamation but I trust the brand. It’s products are specifically for people with sensitive skin, but that doesn’t mean that it only sells a few products. However the brand actually has over 20 ranges, all suited for various purposes. The Avène D-Pigment Light Dark Spot Lightener is part of the D-Pigment range. This range is specifically for targeting brown spots and evening out skin tone.

Notes:
First off I would just like to say that there won’t be any pros/cons on this review. I was confused to start with and thought this might help me with the marks left behind by spots and my uneven skin tone. Now I realise that this product was not suited to me or my skin problems – I don’t have any brown spots, I do have an uneven skin tone but that is due to redness however. I don’t want to say that this product was terrible and didn’t work because I believe it purely just wasn’t suited to me. I did see a slight lightening of marks left by spots, and the product was very lightweight and gentle, so it was worth trying. I just think it would be better suited to someone with brown spots who is looking to even out their complexion. If this isn’t you and you’re more like me, then it might be worth trying a product from their Antirougeurs range.

You can purchase Avène products in Boots stores, and online here.

Review: Manuka Doctor Foaming Cleanser

Manuka Doctor Foaming Cleanser for Troubled Skin*

Manuka Doctor has become a well-known beauty brand in recent years.
I have several of their products already, and appreciate that they use natural ingredients.
Their new foaming cleanser for troubled skin was a welcome addition to my collection.
Pros:
+ Foamed well
+ Natural ingredients
+ Felt gentle when applied
Cons:
– Dried out my skin
– Product was difficult to remove from the container

Notes:
I’m still not quite sure what Manuka Doctor means by ‘troubled skin’ but I can make a guess.
I have combination skin so I was a bit unsure of whether to use this when I first received it, however I went ahead and tried it anyway. As expected this dried out my skin, especially on my cheek area, which is always the worst for me. It wasn’t terribly dry, but enough that it was uncomfortable without a moisturiser. I do use a moisturiser and it seemed that the combination of the two didn’t agree with me as I broke out quite badly. However I liked the feel of the product when applied and that it uses natural ingredients. I think I would use this again but not daily, as it doesn’t agree with my skin. 
You can purchase this from Holland and Barratt for £16.99, here.

Review: Flash.ON Nails

Flash.ON Nails with Frida Kahlo Print*

Flash.ON Nails is a new, exciting brand on the block.
What’s it all about? It’s an innovative new way to style your nails!
Images or designs are printed onto false or natural nails using machines.
This original concept is a great way to express yourself through your nails.
When I was contacted by them I knew exactly who I wanted on my nails.
It was shortly after my ‘Celebrating Women’ post, so of course I went for for my idol; Frida Kahlo.
I knew that I wanted the picture I sent to be bright and colourful, and prominently feature Frida.
I just can’t get over how well they came out. The image transferred brilliantly and was exactly what I wanted.
To be honest I’m a little scared to wear them as I haven’t worn false (glue-on) nails for a long time.
That said, I really really want to wear them and show off the fabulous image.
It can be pretty tough being so indecisive sometimes.
When ordering you receive nail glue and a top coat along with your nails, so the design lasts longer.
You can choose a design from the range or have a custom image put on your nails for a little bit extra.

I was also impressed that you receive 20 nails, which is great for those who lose or break nails easily.
You can order your Flash.ON Nails online here.
Prices start at £7.95 a set.