The Garage Spa - Treatwell 

THE GARAGE SPA

2018 is going to bring you lots more spa's than last year and what a better way to start with a review of The Garage Spa. Its located near Barnard Castle & it doesn't look like a spa from the outside, which makes it even cuter.
It's 100% somewhere to come with your mam or girlfriends because its so cute and cosy and such a fun idea. It has some super unique features such as the baths indoors to the sauna outside in a shed. They have steam rooms, jacuzzi's outside, and relaxation areas. They have treatment rooms upstairs so we got booked in for a massage which was so amazing and tailored to my needs. I always have a sore back so the lady focused on that and tried her best to release all my knots.

We then had lunch booked which is actually located in the hotel next door (where you can also stay if you want to make a weekend of it) and it was so unexpectedly good! It just looks like a pub but with proper restaurant style food.

I cant wait to come back here with all my girlfriends for a good girly day with lots of treatments and giggles.

Fancy visiting here? Book through treatwell here

Laura x

So in recent events within the blogging community, I thought I'd share my opinion. After all this is my space within the internet where I can say my views on certain subjects and this is what I am going to try to do more of in 2018 because it makes me feel like we get a little bit closer every time. I just wish you could answer back with your views (which you can really through comments so please do).

Anyway, so let me just fill you in. It has all kicked off on social media because this hotel in Dublin has 'outed' a blogging for pitching to them in an email to see if they wanted to collaborate. The man who owns the business (I think) has publicly put a screen shot of this bloggers email for the whole world to see with some god awful words to go with it. He's basically calling her a 'free loader' and basically banning all bloggers from the hotel (god help the business cause theres an awful lot of us).
He blanked her name out but everyone worked out who she was and sent her abuse on all social media ( which is bullying).

First off I do want to say that don't comment unless you're aware of everything. People don't understand the blogging world so don't comment. I'm going to stereotype here but it seems the older generation cant get their heads around what a blog even is, how you can make money out of doing it and how people go about it.

I think its a very normal thing to do - pitch an idea to a brand to collaborate because its a big old world out there and they might not find you otherwise. I'm guilty of emailing brands to work together and I wouldn't have had some of the amazing opportunities that I've had if I didn't.
Blogging is the new advertising of todays world so think of it like an advertising company pitching to a brand to see if they want to be featured in their magazine/website.
Its nothing different. Its works out for both parties as the blogger receives something in return for a social media presence on their channels and a review which drives customers to the brand which leads to the company making money off the back of that bloggers review.

Don't be put off by this incident or ashamed of offering your services to brands. You've got something amazing to offer!

Hope you liked this personal post.

Laura xox

 

 

Christmas isn't Christmas without a visit to Manchester to visit the Christmas markets..

So I've put together some ideas to do whilst you're down Manchester.. First up is to head to Selfridges  with a woman you want to spend some quality time with. I took my bf mam because she needs spoiling plus its such a good thing to do together.
We booked into Nars in Selfridges for a makeover which was so fun! Every Saturday they have a parade around Selfridges with Santa and his team with music so loud you have a little dance. It puts you right in the Christmas spirit!

As I was going on a night out after she done this very dark smokey eye ( a bit too dark for my liking) but its good to try different looks out. To be honest the experience was the best bit because me and my bf mam had a really good time talking makeup and being all christmassy.

We then headed to the Christmas markets drinking mulled wine, eating Sunday dinner wraps!! Plus all the Nutella pancakes and chocolate covered strawberries I could get my hands on.

VICTOR'S

WOW, just wow. I was recommended this restaurant and it didn't disappoint. Its based in Cheshire which is just the most beautiful little county. They have the biggest and beautiful houses plus such good shops and cafes!

As you can see from the images, its the most instagrammable restaurant! Its so beautiful. We visited for breakfast/brunch and it was lush! It would be amazing on a night time too as it turns into a bar. I would highly recommend visiting here!

Have you been to the Manchester Christmas markets yet?

Laura xox

KINGSTREET TOWNHOUSE MANCHESTER

I love how walking through Manchester you wouldn't know all the hidden gems. If it wasn't for instagram then theres no way I would have stumbled across this beauty of a hotel. Inside Kingstreet Townhouse I don't think you would still realise how beautiful it turns out to be because its not until you get to the rooms and I love that. Its all about the rooms for this hotel (and the pool) but you rarely get that, its normally the hotel grounds that are spectacular and the rooms are just okay.

But the rooms are just something else. We were staying in a suite which is one of the best rooms in there ( lucky us!). So you walk in and the first thing you're greeted with is the views! Its all about the views for this hotel and with two massive floor to ceiling windows you cant miss it. With a suite you get a living room and a bedroom with a gorgeous bathroom with the best shower and his and hers sinks. The sitting room is something thats good but you don't really use unless it has a good sofa (which this doesn't - its more just for show). Then the bedroom you have a massive super comfy bed, with the best bit..the bath. The bath faces the window which is a bit rude but so good to sit having a bath (once you've got in with the curtains closed then get someone to open them once you're in to save any nudity) looking out at Manchester.

THE FOOD

We had afternoon tea in the tavern which its got its own little section for afternoon tea because its so popular for them! They had a festive afternoon tea with champagne cocktails which is lovely to book if you're out Christmas shopping and head here after the madness.
The setting is very vintage looking and you almost feel like you're on the setting of Friends. The tables and chairs are so low it makes my bf look like a giant haha!

The best bit about this was defo the macaroon and I NEVER like them. I always feel like they're tasteless. But this one..oh my days! It was chocolate orange flavour with real chocolate in. The best!

On the evening we got room service because I was actually ill so we didn't want to go out plus it makes us make the most of the room. We both got steak and chips which was lush to eat it in our room plus it was cooked amazingly.

THE SPA

Well you can see for yourself, its just bloody amazing. The 'spa' is on the top floor of the hotel which means the views are just so good! Especially since the pool is actually outside ( its just like an open window). I love the fact that they're making the most of the thing that attracts people to the hotel  - the views. They have the pool, a steam room and a lounge room with more large windows - this bit is great for relaxing after your treatments sipping on some fruit infused water just taking in the views. (or napping)

Waking up to these views were the best. Its such a shame you've got to check out at 11am - anyone else think you should get 24 hours in the hotel??? If you check in at 3pm you shouldn't have to check out until 3pm.

Anyway, have you visited Kingstreet Townhouse??

visit them here

Laura xox