Gin Festival Bournemouth*

Last weekend, I re-GIN-dled my love for a much-loved spirit.

Terrible puns aside, the Gin Festival at Bournemouth Pavilion was an absolute delight. The Ballroom was packed with a variety of sights and smells, with over 100 delectable premium gins to sample.

Armed with my trusty partner-in-crime Lisa, we ventured to the Festival on the Friday evening and we were not at all prepared for such an experience! We were kindly looked after by some very hospitable staff and we learnt all about the history of gin and some rather interesting flavour pairings. Oh, and we got to take home our beautiful glasses too!

 

The idea being that you purchase drinks tokens to exchange for your gin and then you choose which Fever-Tree mixer to pair it with (the sponsors of the evening). I opted for classic tonic water whereas Lisa preferred lemonade in her drinks.

My first choice was Pinkster, a dry London gin made with fresh raspberries. Garnished with a raspberry and a mint leaf, it had a very smooth sweet taste. Lisa opted for Silent Pool with lemonade and an orange garnish. It was also very fruity and had a floral, citrusy aftertaste.

Next we wandered over to the exhibitors of the night. Local Dorset brand Conker Spirit was very light, it didn’t have the burning aftertaste that some shots do and went down very smoothly. Next we spoke to James from the Locksley Distilling Company. They were serving their Sir Robin of Locksley Gin with elderflower tonic, which had a really nice blend and a taster of pink grapefruit.

 

 

Our absolute favourites of the night however were Brockmans from Langley. Their gin smelt delectable and got its jam-like sweetness from blackberries and blueberries. Mike from Brockmans told me that they are a brand about the ‘darker side’ of gin, hosting raunchy events and creating some questionable content online. In Mike’s gin masterclass, he told us the story of ‘Mr Gin’ and the creative process that inspired them to combine flavours for a gin you could enjoy over ice. I’ll be buying a bottle of Brockmans for my next night in with friends, that’s for sure!

At this point, musicians Holder & Smith took to the stage. Having performed magic tricks amongst the crowd, the duo played some great and fitting jazz and swing covers to liven up the party mood. Having had a delicious pulled pork roll made by the Pavilion’s in-house catering and a bit of a boogie to ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’, we then decided to enjoy some drinks outside overlooking the beautiful Bournemouth pier.

 

We opted for two Edinburgh Gin Liqueurs. Lisa had the Raspberry with lemonade and said it was her favourite as it tasted ‘like fizzy squash’. I had the Rhubarb and Ginger liqueur with tonic which was also really sweet with a great tangy aftertaste. This was my favourite too!

 

 

At the festival, you could also exchange two tokens for a choice cocktail. Lisa chose a ‘Rhubarb Rumble’ which combined Edinburgh Rhubarb and Ginger Gin Liqueur with Advocaat, apple juice and fresh lemon. We also got a rhubarb and custard sweet, which the cocktail tasted just like and Lisa said it reminded her of ‘her childhood in a drink’!

I too had a gin cocktail, a ‘Drunken Tulip’ made with Martin Miller’s Gin, Prosecco, pomegranate juice, elderflower cordial and fresh lemon. This was really refreshing and I joked that all the fresh, fruity flavour made it taste ‘almost healthy’…

We had a quick chat to the ladies from Gin Explorer too. They are a subscription service who send you 4 carefully chosen 50ml vials of different gins each month. We tried new Black Shuck gin there and the ladies very kindly gave me a code for £5 off your first order with them. Visit GinExplorer.com and use ‘PASSPORT‘.

You’re welcome!

 

We had a great time at Gin Festival and I’d recommend that you get tickets to an event near you soon.

Make a night of it!

Have you been to a Gin Festival?
What’s your favourite gin or gin cocktail?

Let me know and leave me links in the comments below.

 

* This post is a collaboration with Gin Festival.

For more information, see my disclaimers.

 

Jenna
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If you liked this post, you should check out:
Jazmin’s 15th Birthday (in pictures) – We went for a meal at Frankie & Bennys to celebrate my little sister turning fifteen!
what I did at Christmas – a selection of posts about mine and my family’s Christmas celebrations…
Scissors Christchurch Ladies’ Night* – My Nan and I were pampered for the evening by the Scissors team
the perfect Pimms – I make the Pimms’ cup recipe with a little help from my mum!

Eloquence Pure Luxury Collection* | 10-day Skincare Trial

I was kindly sent Eloquence’s Pure Luxury Collection to review as part of my new focus on skincare. I am a bit crap at keeping up with skincare regimes but I was really excited to give this one a go and actually commit. I vlogged the routine and the effects over ten days of using the products.

(Scroll to the bottom for the vlog!)

 

 

Who are Eloquence?

Eloquence are one of the UK’s newest natural skincare companies. They combine the hydrating powers of Sacha Inchi Oil and hyaluronic acid to restore your skin to a healthier balance. Their products are cruelty-free and contain no harsh chemicals or perfumes. Using oils like cucumber and coconut to nourish and protect your skin, the Eloquence range was also featured in Cosmopolitan magazine last year as a must-try for all skin types.

 

Inside the Pure Luxury Collection (RRP £75.00) is:

Step 1) Purifying Facial Cleanser

Step 2) Firm & Tone Serum

Step 3) Firming & Moisturising Eye Gel

Step 4) Protect & Repair 24hr Cream

 

and their Nourishing Treatment Oil

 

You are advised to use the four-step routine morning and night for the full benefits.
You can buy any of the products separately too though!

 

 

What did I think?

The Cleanser and Serum used one after the other had a lovely fruity smell and a creamy texture. Instantly my skin felt refreshed and lighter.

Dabbing on the eye gel was a nice little pick-me-up too, as it was cool and easy to apply.

I found the 24hr Cream a bit heavy for daytime use as I usually wear quite light moisturisers. It was nice before bed when I’d had a shower and my pores were open.

I also used the Nourishing Treatment Oil on my hand and rubbed it into my nails, both of which needed some TLC. It was a bit weird at first to use oil on my hands but it definitely cheered my skin up and strengthened my nails.

I would recommend the Pure Luxury Collection to anyone who can afford it (unfortunately, I can’t!) but I’d also say it’s worth trying the products individually for problem areas for a low-cost option.

 

The vlog

 

 

Have you tried or bought any of Eloquence’s range before?
Do you buy cruelty-free, natural skincare?

Let me know and leave me links in the comments below.

 

* This post is a collaboration with Eloquence.

For more information, see my disclaimers.

 

Jenna
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Keep up to date with my latest posts on:
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If you liked this post, you should check out:
foundation-free fridays series – I let my skin breathe with some awesome foundation-free makeup looks
guest post: Mermaid Look – Peter Minkoff of Your Style Forecast talks about the mermaid trend!
FOTD: Smashbox Art, Love, Colour Bestsellers Kit – A makeup look using my prize from Jemma
tag: boyfriend does my makeup – a silly vlog where Josh attempts to paint my face

guest post: Mermaid Look

Today’s guest post comes from the wonderful Peter Minkoff. Peter is a beauty and fashion editor for Your Style Forecast as well as a freelance menswear fashion stylist and he’s from Brisbane, Australia.

When he pitched this article to me, I begged him to write it as I love the whole look and all the pretty colours!

 

By Peter Minkoff

Mermaid look is everything right now! Unless you’ve been living under a rock you sure have noticed all the rainbow colored hairdos (eyebrows and beards, too!), outfits and shoes strolling happily down the streets of your city. In fact, wherever we look, whether it’s real life or a TV/net commercial, we sure are seeing rainbow colors and falling in love with them over and over again.

It’s not really clear when and where everything started but the first time we actually noticed it we were reluctant to accept it – after all, it was weird, it was too colorful for anything business-like, it was simply too unusual. However, just as it happens with all cool fashion trends, this one caught up really soon, especially because it was accepted by little Kylie Jenner. It also didn’t hurt it that it came about sometime during spring/summer so the colors forced by the, what will later become “mermaid look”, were perfectly suitable for the hot summer days, beach parties and all those leisure vibes.

So, what exactly is this mermaid trend?

photo by collage by: fashiongonerogue.com & pinterest.com

 

Coloring your hair unexpected shades of grey, red, pink, blue, hot pink, yellow, turquoise, deep blue and green is a pretty easy way to sum this trend up.

The “granny style” that came before the “mermaid” trend sported grey locks that looked amazing on almost anyone who tried it! Sure, it was advised for younger people to try it out as their skins were still smooth and young-looking so there was no fear of someone actually looking aged due to their new ‘do. It wasn’t long before the “mermaid” trend came about and everyone wanted to replace the grey with some hot color.

Girls, boys – you name it – everyone became obsessed with going colorful on their hair and, apparently, making a statement with it. Like all unusual trends this one too became a synonym for hipster fashion but we didn’t mind. Blue eyed girls with their blue hairs and a huge smile were definitely worth all the head-turning during summer! And the boys, mh! Resembling mythical creatures from the deep, with their fashionable green ‘dos and long pink beards… yum! If only Ariel had known there would ever be a trend like this, she’d definitely think twice before choosing Prince Eric over a hot, turquoise-haired merman.

Is the mermaid trend limited to hair only?

photo by collage by: fashiongonerogue.com & tumblr.com

 

Absolutely not! Many a cosmetic labels launched nail designs, eye shadows, mascaras and lipsticks in mermaid shades (some labels are calling them ‘macaroon colors’) and as it seems, the trend isn’t likely to go away. More and more girls are hopping on the train to mermaid-town and it’s looking fabulous! It may be unusual and it may take some time to get used to, but some shades are simply to die for.

 

How did the fashion world react to the mermaid look?

photo by collage by: elle.co.uk & pinterest.com

 

Let’s just say it has definitely paid tribute to it! From pastels dominating virtually every designer’s collection to gauzy gowns and sequins, the iconic look of the mermaid became the it factor to dress by.

“Sheer and sexy queen-of-the-sea gowns dominated at Atelier Versace’s Fall Couture 2015 show, while Givenchy showed a flared sequined skirt straight out of Ariel’s dreams for its Resort 2016 collection”.

The last info we have is that the summer of 2016 is going to be mermaid-huge! So, make sure you get your trendy one piece swimsuit on a latest swimwear sale before they are all sold out!

Who should go by mermaid look?

photo by collage by: fashiongonerogue.com & tumblr.com

 

Well, we’d love to say anyone but we can’t… unless you are working and living in a super easy-going environment, that is. Anyone who is in a “strict” line of business such as government, medicine, economy, education, marketing or anything that has to do with serious matters isn’t really the good candidate for the look. However, it’s a perfect fit for all the free, restless souls out there, artists, stage performers and all others who simply don’t care!

 

Thanks again to Peter for a great post.

 

Do you consider yourself part of the “mermaid look” club?
Would you want to try the look but can’t at the moment?

Let me know and leave me links in the comments below.

 

Jenna

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Keep up to date with my latest posts on:
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If you liked this post, you should check out:
FOTD: Smashbox Art, Love, Colour Bestsellers Kit – My makeup prizes from the lovely Jemma of Floral Etiquette
how to: coconut oil your hair – I talk through (and clumsily vlog) about using coconut oil to nourish my bleached hair
Makeup Revolution: Unicorns Unite Lipstick Collection – I swatch and try-on the magical colourful lipsticks from MR
tag: boyfriend does my makeup – Josh and I try a very funny tag where he makes me look… interesting

My Prizes from Northern Blood (Joe’s Blog Giveaway)

If you’re not already following Northern Blood then quite frankly, what are you doing?

Joe runs a male lifestyle blog but his content is for anyone of any gender. In amongst gaming, technology grooming and restaurant reviews, Joe writes about albums he likes and has a monthly playlist full of absolute bangers. He also writes some funny relatable posts about what I’d call ‘adulting’, that is, jobs, relationships and other tough stuff. His photos on his blog and on social media give me serious envy and he’s a really friendly person to talk to… so what are you waiting for?

 

To celebrate Northern Blood’s first blog birthday, Joe put together a bundle of absolutely amazing prizes of which I was the lucky winner! I got a bit worried that people would question me winning two giveaways in the same week but I can assure you I was randomly selected from a large number of entries.

 

My box from Joe was lovely, filled with tissue paper and cute sequins.
Inside there was…

 

A notebook and to-do list set (I love writing lists!), as well as 4 cute A6 prints all from That Lame Company.

These may have to be kept safe until I have my own proper workspace or office when we move.

 

A £30 Amazon Voucher which I’m really excited to pick a few bits with.

A £15 ITunes Voucher that I think I will save until Beyoncé drops her new album or Deadpool is released… hopefully I can get both!

Wren Family Favourites Blogger Cookbook packed full of some of my favourite bloggers and some great new recipes to try.

 

The Body Shop  Modern Gents Post Party Rescue Kit – I think this will be perfect for Josh for a hungover day with a nice hot bath.

Thanks again to Joe for such a generous set of great prizes.

I’ve decided that I’ll run a giveaway here later in the year as a thanks to all my lovely readers and the great fellow bloggers I’m happy to have affiliated with. The prizes will be ‘gender neutral’ so that anyone can enter and win something they’d really enjoy using.

Have you run a giveaway on your blog before?
Do you like/own any of the products mentioned above?

Let me know and leave me links in the comments below.

Jenna

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Keep up to date with my latest posts on:
| Bloglovin’ | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Google+ |

If you liked this post, you should check out:
FOTD: Smashbox Art, Love, Colour Bestsellers Kit – My prize from the lovely Jemma and the makeup look I did with it
TLSXmas Blogger Gift Swap – Sophie from Essential Twenty sent me some really thoughtful Christmas gifts
#bloggersecretsanta unwrapping – my complete surprise Christmas presents from a mystery blogger!
Blogger Box Share – check out mine and Lynsey Emily’s box swap

FOTD: Smashbox Art, Love, Colour Bestsellers Kit

So I was lucky enough to win a fabulous giveaway over on Jemma’s beautiful blog, Floral Etiquette. Jemma is a deputy editor, blogger and fellow purple-haired lady and her blog photography is just perfect. She loves pastels (just like me) and has some really aesthetically-pleasing posts about homeware and makeup, as well as some more thoughtful lifestyle content.

Click the image to visit Floral Etiquette!

Jemma’s giveaway prize was this gorgeous Smashbox Art, Love, Colour Bestsellers Kit – how could I not try my chances?

I love Smashbox as a brand. Their makeup is top-quality and the price isn’t too arguable for how far it goes. Josh buys me the Jet Set gel eyeliner every year for Christmas or my birthday and if you buy directly from the site, they throw in a free gift too. Because of this, I’ve got the Photo Finish Primer and the Full Exposure Mascara already but I’m glad to have increased my supply with this kit!

I thought I’d do a basic day-to-day look using the products in the kit to show what they look like together and I’m really pleased with how it turned out.

Here’s my FOTD (face of the day):

The primer goes a really long way and is perfect for long days or nights out as your foundation (and your eyebrows if you draw them on like me!) will not budge. The shades in the little eyeshadow set compliment each other perfectly and I find brown makes blue eyes really pop!

I wasn’t too sure about the colour of the lipgloss on me… Although it says it was the ‘Pink Lady’ shade, I think they’d put the wrong one in the box as this was a creamy beige colour and I found it to be a little orangey on me, even on top of foundation.

Brows: Collection Intense Colour Supersoft Kohl Pencil in Birdy Song // Makeup Revolution I ♡ Makeup Brow Kit Bold is Best
Base: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer  (oil-free) // Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in Light Porcelain 
Little Touches: Collection Cover Up Stick Concealer in Light/Translucent // Collection Pressed Powder in 18 Ivory
Eyes: Smashbox  Photo Op Eyeshadow Trio in Filter // Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black // Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner in Deep Black
Lips: Smashbox Be Legendary Lipgloss (not sure of shade?)

Do you own any Smashbox products?
Are you taking part in or hosting a giveaway?

Let me know and leave me links in the comments below.

Jenna

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Keep up to date with my latest posts on:
| Bloglovin’ | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Google+ |

If you liked this post, you should check out:
how to: coconut oil your hair – I talk through (and clumsily vlog) about using coconut oil to nourish my bleached hair
Makeup Revolution: Unicorns Unite Lipstick Collection – I swatch and try-on the magical colourful lipsticks from MR
tag: boyfriend does my makeup – Josh and I try a very funny tag where he makes me look… interesting
foundation-free fridays series – something I’ll be reviving very soon – looks that let your skin breathe

Posting Schedule

As part of my 2016 Blogging Goals, I promised myself that I would stick to a posting schedule this year, posting three times a week. I also did a couple of Twitter polls about what content you guys want to see more of…

As a result of these, I present to you the new and improved posting schedule!

I’m hoping I can stick to it and that it will mean bigger, bolder content in 2016 with a lot more variety.
It will also hopefully encourage me to schedule posts in advance in order to keep to the posting days/topics.

Do you have a blogging schedule? Do you stick to it?
What do you want to see more of on the blog in 2016?

Let me know and leave me links in the comments below.

Jenna
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Keep up to date with my latest posts on:
| Bloglovin’ | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Google+

If you liked this post, you should check out:
2016 Blogging Goals – I set myself some realistic blog goals for the year ahead…
Why I’ve Been Invisible On Social Media This Christmas – I went offline in an effort to spend more time with loved ones.

Queer Bloggers Network

So the lovely Jess, Zoe and I decided that Twitter needs a space for bloggers and creatives with queer (non-hetero/non-cisgender) identities. A space where we could share and promote content but also offer support and advice to those who may be questioning or having problems with their sexuality or being treated differently because of it.

So we present to you…

Huzzah! This network will primarily be running through a Twitter page that Jess and I will co-manage but we are of course open to others getting involved if they want to. Please get in touch if you would want to help with the admin side of things.

The aim is, once we’re up and running, to have a weekly chat with different topics or themes and a monthly newsletter that compiles lots of great content from within the community or about LGBTQIAP+ issues.

We will have DMs on and have an email should you wish to contact us privately and we will never breach something said in confidence.

If you’d like to sign up to our mailing list to receive our monthly newsletter, please complete the form below!

 

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Jenna

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#bloggersecretsanta unwrapping

So the lovely Char from t*rexes and tiaras set up a Blogger Secret Santa whereby each person sent and received a gift from an unknown person. You could choose to keep your identity completely secret as Char assigned the givers and recipients herself.

This is exactly what my Secret Santa did! It’s so exciting to open an unexpected treat, especially when you don’t know who it’s come from.

My lovely parcel recommended that I listen to Kids In Glass Houses – Secret Santa whilst opening it. It’s one of my favourite songs at the moment… how did they know?

Inside the parcel was a cute little card with a fluffy, beardy Santa on the front and an anonymous message. It’s killing me not knowing who sent it!

They also sent a lovely selection of stationery, perfect for keeping  me organised with my university work next term.

They’re so nice, I don’t know if I can bring myself to use them…

Thankyou ever so much to my Secret Santa for my thoughtful selection – whoever you are!

Have you taken part in a Secret Santa gift swap or similar?
Did you keep yourself anonymous?

Let me know and leave me links in the comments below.

Jenna

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Keep up to date with my latest posts on:
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If you liked this post, you should check out:

#BloggerBoxShare – Ms Mistry and Becky from Blogger and the Geek organised a gift swap… see what I got from Lynsey Emily!

#TLSXmas Swap – See what cute Christmas goodies Sophie sent me as part of Katy’s gift swap…

interview: life rolls on documentary with Poppy Jeffery

So if you didn’t already know, I am a bit of a fan of roller derby.

Josh is training to skate with the Dorset Knobs and his sister Lisa skates for Dorset Roller Girls. Unfortunately I can’t skate for them due to previous physical injury but I love going to watch bouts or popping one on on Youtube – it’s so exciting! I decided to interview DRG a while back for the other bit of the internet that I write on, bournemouthnews.info  and everyone was so kind and helpful. I now get on really well with a few of the skaters.

A friend of mine and fellow journalist Poppy Jeffery recently approached me as she is making a documentary about transformation through roller derby. She said that she wanted my opinions as a self-identified feminist and fellow media type and so I was more than happy to answer her questions!

Please excuse the unflattering angle where I look like I have several chins but here is the interview:

If you want to follow more from Poppy’s Life Rolls On Documentary, you can do so on the blog, the Twitter account or subscribe to the Youtube account. There’s going to be some great stories from amazing skaters, whose lives have changed through this awesome and empowering alternative sport so keep watching!

Do you like roller derby?

Do you skate or do another ‘alternative’ sport?

Let me know and leave me links in the comments below!

Jenna

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Keep up to date with my latest posts on:
| Bloglovin’ | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Google+

If you liked this post, you should check out:

workout fuel from trek protein bars* // satay chicken skewers with florette salad* – yummy recipes that are good for your body before and after exercise!

why selfies are inherently feminist – one woman’s project about online abuse and the self-love found in it

september blogging goals: did I do it?

So I’ve been setting myself blogging goals since August and while the first month was really productive, September has dwindled a bit. I’m not going to be too hard on myself about it though. What with starting back at uni and my birthday party plans, I just haven’t been as active online as I usually am or would have liked to have been.

Nonetheless, let’s have a look at what my goals for last month were and if I was close to meeting them…

#1// Reach 750+ Twitter Followers

Status on 1st October – 705 Followers

This one is down to me not scheduling tweets as frequently and missing out on chatting opportunities, but I wasn’t too far off so I am going to keep setting realistic Twitter goals in the future!

#2// Reach 250+ Bloglovin’ Followers

Status on 1st October – only 120 followers!

This one is proving tough. Despite sharing my Bloglovin link in comments and on social media, it seems that gaining followers through there will be at a much slower pace than any other site.
Do any of you who use Bloglovin have any tips on gaining a wider following?

#3// Hit 500+ Page Views

Status on 1st October – a dismal 278 views

I set this one because in the past few months I’ve been hitting pretty close to 500 views and I thought that September might just be the one to creep up to it. Less frequent posting has meant however that I didn’t get anywhere near there.
At least I’m honest though, right guys?

#4// Contribute to a Blog (again)

Status – ACHIEVED!

 

My post all about pansexual/queer erasure appeared on Zusterschap on 23rd September. I know I do go on about them but I do love their site, the content and all the great contributors on there.

I’m not getting too disheartened about what I didn’t reach because I’m aware that I’ve had a really busy month and have neglected the blog slightly. What I am taking from this is that this month needs a bit more planning with regards to posts and social media presence but hopefully I’m now back into a routine and these numbers will fly back up before you know it.

I am conjuring up some ideas for some pieces but if you would like to work with me, you can email me at jennalouiselloyd27@gmail.com or send me a message via any of the social media sites in the sidebar.

Do you have monthly or yearly blogging goals?

Do you find them useful?

Let me know and leave me your links in the comments below!

Jenna

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