The Alchemist and The Botanist, Leeds

After reviewing Roxy Ball Room with some of my fellow bloggers last week, I decided to make the most of my night in Leeds by visiting some bars I'd heard great things about. Everyone I know from the Leeds area had told me to try both The Alchemist and The Botanist so I simply had to go for some cocktails with friends - the things I do for blogging!

First stop was The Alchemist. I hadn't realised that it was actually in Trinity Leeds, above Urban Outfitters, and I could instantly see why it's so popular. The place has a great atmosphere to it and the theme is incredible; pseudo-scientific instruments are everywhere and the cocktails are so creative and exciting. I decided to try the White Choc Raspberry Bakewell, which, as you'd imagine, was basically an alcoholic dessert - amazing! Although the drinks are fairly expensive for a student like me, I didn't mind because you get more than just a standard drink - every detail is thought out, the flavours are amazing and the whole visit is simply an experience. Check out their drinks menu to see what you'd try - next time I've got my eye on a  Bubblegum Mojito or perhaps The Colour Changing One - intriguing!

White Choc Raspberry Bakewell and Smokey Old Fashioned: The Alchemist

We also decided to try The Botanist. I didn't manage to take photos of the bar itself this time (I was evidently distracted by the thought of more yummy cocktails) but it was buzzing for a Tuesday night. This time I decided to opt for the bar's namesake, The Botanist, and it was delicious. I loved the interesting addition of jasmine syrup to the spirits which gave it a lovely 'floral' yet not overpowering taste. As you'd imagine thanks to its name, the cocktails at The Botanist all have a 'plant' twist and I can't wait to head back, take some more photos, and try a Blackberry and Rosemary Fizz or a Blueberry and Passion Fruit Martini - have a look at the drinks menu to see what you would choose!

The Botanist: The Botanist

Another time I also really want to try the food - it smelt absolutely amazing in there. I love the idea of a mix and match deli board, especially if you were dining with someone with specific dietary requirements who might normally be excluded from half of the options you are served. Personally, I would choose home-dried tomatoes, Somerset Brie, Salami Felino and roasted red and yellow peppers - it's making me hungry just thinking about it!

I'm enjoying exploring Leeds more than I've ever done before this year, especially the quirky and high-quality bars and restaurants on offer. Where else would you recommend I try? 

Jess

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The Body Shop Hair Chalks

I haven't been able to get the McFly song out of my head since buying these hair chalks; I was so excited to have multiple colours in my hair! I've always loved unusual coloured hair, but after a brief spell of dyeing my hair purple, then red, I simply didn't have to commitment to keep up the maintenance required. I've been fascinated by hair chalks since they first became popular as a temporary solution to add something different to your everyday look - with the bonus that they are then easily washed out. Remember those coloured chalks you drew on pavements with as a child? Well, now you can rub them onto your hair!

When I saw that The Body Shop had started selling their own version for just £5 each I knew I had to try them:

As I've mentioned, The Body Shop hair chalks are just £5 and currently available in pink and blue (although I'm hoping that, should the product prove popular, they will release more shades). They have just been released in store this week, but unfortunately aren't available online yet. The colours are bright and striking, and I love the packaging - they resemble a large eyeshadow or blusher and so look really sleek. They are easily transportable, and the packaging also means that your hands don't get covered in chalk as you apply it, which is another bonus!

To apply, you place a strand of hair between a cotton pad and the chalk. Gripping firmly, pull the chalk down your hair - don't be scared to apply a fair amount of pressure. You can see that after just one streak, even on my brunette hair, the colour is clearly visible:

You can build up the layers by repeatedly 'streaking' strands of hair to increase the brightness and quantity of colour. Setting with hair spray also helps the chalk last longer, as well as creating a brighter colour when you go back over the hairsprayed sections. I found them so easy to use, especially thanks to the excellent customer service at the Bradford store where I bought them. Jaz pointed out the new hair chalks to me as I hadn't realised they had been released yet and helpfully allowed me to test them in store. She even showed me exactly how to use them, despite the fact she had an arm in a sling!

One of the reasons I always return to The Body Shop is their friendly and helpful staff who use a selling technique which is genuine and informed. I am often scared off by the 'hard sell' in their rivals' Lush and leave empty-handed, so it was refreshing to leave The Body Shop happy and excited to use my new purchase.

I love the finished result - the colours certainly show up on my brunette hair, which I wasn't expecting, and it really adds another dimension and edge to my daily look, with the bonus of it washing out! I'm looking forward to experimenting even more with them, especially during Summer and festival season, and I really hope The Body Shop release more colours in the future. Here's a gratuitous selfie to demonstrate the overall look:

What do you think about hair chalks? Have you tried The Body Shop's version yet?

Jess

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OOTD: Tee-Rex

Hello! Today I wanted to share with you what I wore to Roxy Ballroom in Leeds. I've been really enjoying posting more OOTDs, it's just a shame the weather is so terrible at the moment!

Dress: Asos. Tshirt: Primark. Shoes: Marks and Spencer. Belt: Primark. Necklace: New Look. Earrings: New Look

I bought this dress in the Asos sales (which is still going on and has reached its final clearance stage, check it out!) I love the paisley detail and flattering skater style, as well as being a total bargain at just £16. I wore it for New Year's Eve and it was lovely, albeit very dressy with a strappy back and rather dangerously low-cut front. As a result, I haven't had an appropriate occasion to wear it since, so today I wanted to give it a twist to wear during daytime. 

I decided to layer it with one of my favourite basic tees. It's from the Men's section of Primark and I adore the print - dinosaurs! It's also one of my all-time favourite colours, burgundy, so goes perfectly with most of my wardrobe. Men's tshirts are so much cheaper than their female counterpart and, since I love my tshirts oversized, they are the perfect style too. Today I cropped and tied it to enhance my waist and added my gold Primark belt, which I always wear. I need to expand my skinny belt collection I think!

I decided to wear my new shoes, which I also purchased in the January sales. These shoes are from Marks and Spencer of all places. I very rarely shop in there but they are constantly upping their style stakes and their current range of midi heels are great. These shoes look adorable, and the golden heel adds a touch of glamour (and height) to the whole outfit. However, I have to admit that they absolutely ripped my feet to shreds and caused me so much pain! I'm so disappointed because, although they look great, I don't think I will be able to wear them again - they were so bad I actually had to go to Primark to buy an alternative pair to wear. It's a shame that it seems to be so hard to find pretty yet practical shoes these days - let me know if you've got any recommendations!

Jess

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