I cannot believe it is 2015 tomorrow! This year has flown by and has seen me start this blog along the way, I know - what would you do without this blog aye? As a newbie to the blogging community I have really found it rewarding seeing my views go up and being active on social media to chat with all of you! We pretty much all use Google Analytics to stay caught up on what is popular on our blogs and what the readers are enjoying, as well as the controversial blogger stats, and so it is here that I love reviewing what has been popular this year. I thought I would put together a Best of Ellie Kathleen list to see just exactly what you have been reading and maybe what you will want to see more of in 2015.
Number 5... Annie's Burger Shack, Nottingham A mixed review of a popular American style burger shack that has recently opened in Nottingham due to the popularity of the owner, Annie. The menu is huge and there should be something for everyone but I wasn't very convinced.
Number 4... What I'm Loving ... Gin-Gins! These sweet and slightly spicy ginger sweets were a big hit on my blog earlier this year when I reviewed them. Read this post and I am sure you will be heading out or searching the internet to get some yourself.
Number 3... Christmas Wish List / Gift Guide 2014 Everyone loves a good wish list or gift guide at this time of year and you all seemed to enjoy what was on mine! Christmas might be over but the sales are here so why not treat yourself to something of here.
Number 2... Dinner, Drinks and a Movie - Yamas, Nottingham A bit of Greek cuisine in the form of Meze and Tapas. This is one of my favourite restaurants in Nottingham and is an independent family owned house of amazing food that should be at the top of everyone's list if they are in or visiting Nottingham. It almost made number 1 but not quite!
Number 1... * wait for it* My First Time At Bill's, Nottingham Here we are the number one post of 2014! A lot of you know Bill's and this was my post of the first time I visited the newly opened restaurant in Nottingham. It is a chain but I couldn't help myself from going in and tasting the amazing food. I will definitely be returning.
Let me know what your favourite post has been from Ellie Kathleen this year or any recommendations for 2015! I hope you have been loving my blog so far and thank you for all the support I am receiving. I am planning more reviews and also a couple of interviews so it all looks exciting, hope you enjoy!
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(All images from Amazon)
Well, it is Christmas Eve and I always enjoy reading a romantic festive book at this time of year, so I thought I would share with you some of my favourites. They can all be bought online from Amazon at reasonable prices - why not treat yourself and get lost in a book this Christmas? Here are my Top 8 for you to take a pick from and enjoy on your Kindle's next to a twinkling Christmas tree and with a glass of Mulled Wine.
1 - Not Quite Dating by Catherine Bybee
2 - The Undomesticated Goddess by Sophie Kinsella
3 - The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
4 - Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
5 - P.s. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
6 - The Other Woman by Jane Green
7 - Cupcakes at Carrington's by Alexandra Brown
8 - A Little Love by Amanda Prowse
I hope you all have a lovely Christmas Day, what ever you are doing! Let me know what you will be reading this Christmas and if you have any recommendations! xx
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It has been just over a week since I visited Clothes Show Live in Birmingham and I thought I would share with you the pictures of the Alcatel Fashion Show for those of you who may not have gone.
If you don't already know what the Clothes Show Live is, it is almost like a trade fair but for the public. It is held at the NEC in Birmingham and is an exhibition for fashion, beauty and hair brands to showcase their products and for people to buy them. There are usually goody bags and a few celebrities dotted about too. This year bloggers/vloggers were given a 'celebrity' status as well known YouTubers were listed as attending. I'm sure you all know Jim Chapman, Alfie Deyes and Fleur De Force!?
All attendees are given a seat for one of the 45 minute shows that are held throughout the day and this showcases high street, couture and also items by university fashion students. It is a high speed almost dance version of a fashion show and is always fun to watch and see the clothes at the same time. I did my best to get clear images with all the dancing but hopefully you enjoy!
Let me know if you went to the Clothes Show Live or if you are thinking of going in the future! xx
(All images from Amazon)
1. Elf - The classic Christmas movie. I think this is the number 1 on everyones list and is probably the funniest film ever made. If you only watch one Christmas film this December it has to be this one.
2. Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas - A lot of people only know the original Beauty and the Beast (Number 11) however, there is a Christmas version that is even more magical and was a childhood favourite of mine.
3. Home Alone 2 - I am not a big fan of Home Alone when it comes to Christmas movies but I definitely enjoy watching the sequel in the series which leaves me wanting to go to NYC even more!
4. A Christmas Story - This film is a popular American Christmas movie and I have come to realise over the years that my family may be the only people in England that have seen it (this may be an exaggeration however, no one we have asked has seen it). It is a black comedy about a boy who wants a BB gun for Christmas but everyone keeps saying he 'will shoot his eye out'. If you haven't seen it then watch it and you will love it.
5. How The Grinch Stole Christmas - Jim Carrey as The Grinch is a Christmas must in December. His character and acting is 100% perfect and I love watching this film every year.
6. The Holiday - A rom com that is necessary at Christmas. Who else wants to swap their house for a festive romance after this film?
7. Santa Clause 2 - Again, like Home Alone, I am not a big fan of the original Santa Clause but number 2 is a big favourite of mine and the love story behind it is really heartwarming this time of year and even features The Tooth Fairy and Mother Nature!
8. Santa Clause 3 - If you like number 2 then play number 3 after. A film all about trying to save Christmas (the usual theme of Santa Clause movies) with the evil Jack Frost trying to take over the North Pole.
9. The Family Stone - A family classic for Christmas all about the different personalities and festive cheer that all families experience when we all get together for a family meal. It has some ups and downs but as always, it ends well and you will enjoy it time and time again.
10. While You Were Sleeping - Another rom com (you can never get too many this time of year) starring Sandra Bullock who tries to pretend she is the fiancé of an unconscious man. It sounds vague but trust me you will love it.
11. Beauty and the Beast - The classic Christmas Disney film that children and adults love to watch. You may see this as a romantic film of a girl falling for a beast as she see's the true him inside or a woman falling in love with her kidnapper - either way its romantic and should be on your TV, Computer or Tablet this Christmas.
12. Batman Returns - An unlikely film featuring on my list but this has to be my favourite Batman film (and I am a big Batman fan) with an amazing cast and set at Christmas this is a film all girls can get away with watching with their partners.
It is that time of year again, Christmas Market time! Nottingham's Christmas Market has been open for over a week now and so I thought it was about time I took a trip into the city centre and had a look at what is there. Nottingham hold their market in the Market Square part of the city centre, which is located outside of the Council House. It was recently modified and upgraded a few years ago and is now the perfect place for the Christmas Market. For the past couple of years there has also been an outdoor ice rink for families, couples and friends to skate around whilst listening to Christmas music and having a really good evening. The theme for the Christmas Market is always 'Old English' and has lots of little wooden cabins with snow covered rooftops and men and women in traditional coats and top hats selling gifts and food items.
A little like the Goose Fair in Nottingham, there is always yummy treats to purchase and take home as a souvenir. Treats on offer this year include; traditional pancakes, chocolate covered fruit, fudge and chewy cables. As you can see there is also a large selection of flavours of the fudge for everyones inner child to get sugar crazy about, such as Mince Pie flavour and also Vodka Red Bull flavour! As I write this I am also nibbling on some Watermelon flavour cables...for breakfast *tut tut*.
It's not a Christmas Market without German sausages and burgers! There are Traditional Sausages, German Sausages, Beef Burgers and Pigs in Blankets .... to name a few. Lots of lovely smells and tastes for everyone to experience and enjoy. Jensen chose the Hot and Spicy hotdog whilst I went for the Wild Boar burger. Yum Yum Yum.
Who can resist hot mulled wine or hot apple cider?? No one! That is why every year there are two individual bars for the public to relax and have a drink at. There is the traditional wooden house bar next to the outdoor ice rink and also, the bar situated under a Helter-Skelter! Each one houses the same selection of cold and hot drinks and there are benches and blankets to sit down and keep warm. As you can see I couldn't stop myself from indulging in a Mulled Wine - a little expensive for the size of the cup but that is what the market is all about, Christmas music and festive spirit.
Let me know if you have been to any Christmas Markets this year or if you have been to Nottingham's! xx
I have been loving all of the blog posts and YouTube video's lately of gift guides and wish lists so I thought I would put one together of the things I have on my list that I think any blogger or YouTuber would want on theirs too!
1. Riva Digital Compact Case - I have been using the white sleeve that came with my camera as my case *slap on the hand* so I think it is time to get a proper case to keep my camera safe when I am out blogging. My camera is the Canon IXUS 265 HS; if anyone was wondering.
2. Michael Kors Mini-Bradshaw Watch - Who doesn't want a Michael Kors watch? I have a leather strap one with a brown face and it was a present to myself when I started Uni but I have been getting slightly bored with it and want a link one now. I know this won't be under my tree on Christmas morning but isn't it so pretty?
3. Grey Cosy Robin Pyjamas - Christmas pyjamas or PJ's are a must for the month of December and really put me in the mood to chill out and watch Christmas movies all day. These grey ones are from Next and they have super soft bottoms with lots of Robins on wearing Santa hats and the top has the same Robins on but underneath some Mistletoe, one of the cutest things I have seen this year.
4. Fairy Dust Candle Jar - I recently have been wondering around John Lewis looking at their new Christmas range and this candle caught my eye. They have a lovely display of Lily-Flame candles and this smells so soft and perfectly warming for a cold December.
5. Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook - This is a book by Gary Vaynerchuk about using social media correctly, basically. I love getting new books at Christmas and after choosing social media as part of my research topic at Uni this book has made it to my list. If you don't know who Gary Vaynerchuk is then check him out on YouTube and you too will be hooked by his videos and his knowledge.
6. No7 Mini Eye Palette - No7 makeup brand by Boots has got to be one of my favourite brands this year. I have been using an eyeshadow palette by them for the past year and I am definitely in need of a new one! This one is perfect in a plastic case, with eight shades and has a handy mirror and double ended brush - what more could you ask for?
7. Party Time Candle Jar - This is another Lily-Flame candle from John Lewis that I have fallen in love with. I have never smelt anything like it but it smells like your bedroom after you have spent an hour getting ready to go out and you can smell that perfume you have on and the room smells sensual, soft and kind of musky. I am terrible at describing things but if you are near a John Lewis go in and smell this candle!!
8. After Dinner Drinks Selection - Who else loves a little after dinner drink at Christmas or throughout the New Year? This can be bought at Boots and features 4 small bottles and 4 mint chocolates. All bottles are 50ml and there is; 1x Cognac, 1x Port, 1x Irish Cream and 1x Amaretto. This is definitely something I would enjoy whilst watching Christmas movies or reading a Christmas book.
I have been hinting for a few things to Jensen and my sister and mum so hopefully they might see this and know exactly what is on my list!
Let me know if you have anything similar on your list too! xx
Annie's Burger Shack, 5 Broadway, NG1 1PR Reservations: bookingatannies@gmail.com
Annie's Burger Shack is a new restaurant for an already popular owner. Annie first opened the Burger Shack in 2009 as the kitchen in a city centre pub of Nottingham after moving from Rhode Island to the city in 1994. The demand then got so high and with hourly waits on food Annie needed a place of her own to serve her customers. Enter the opening of Annie's Burger Shack in the Lace Market area of town and you have a popular and usually full burger joint.
They currently do not have a booking system or telephone line so all bookings are made either in person or via email. I suppose this is because they are so busy however, it can make it a little stressful to try and book a table. After emailing but knowing it can take up to 10 days to get a response I went by to book a table in person as it was for Jensen's (the boyfriend) sisters birthday.
Arriving at 7pm for our table we were greeted by a friendly host who informed us our table was being relaid and offered us a seat at the bar whilst we wait. We reluctantly took a seat and waited for the rest of our party to get there; 35 minutes later we were still waiting for our table to be relaid, however by this point it was quite obvious this was not the reason we were waiting. It turned out the people on the table had paid their bill and they were waiting for them to leave, I was a little considerate after my own experiences being a waitress in the past but it left me slightly annoyed. Again, the staff were all very kind and offered us free sides and desserts for the whole table, once we were seated.
A few moments later we were all seated and 2 plates of onion rings arrived to occupy us whilst we looked over our menus. If you like burgers and relaxed American style bars then this is your place. With a menu of 30 burgers and adequate sides (although the portion size is more than enough to not order sides) you will be in heaven trying to choose which dish to have. The Burger Shack houses choices such as 'The Elvis' - Half pound burger with peanut butter and raspberry jam or 'The Sunday Dinner' - A burger topped with a roast chicken breast, homemade Yorkshire pudding, a stuffing ball, mini roast potatoes and mini vegetables all covered in gravy. Oh and all burgers come with skinny fries, curly fries or wedges - now do you see why sides aren't necessary?
My green looking burger above is 'The Lemmy' - a burger topped with American style cheddar, lots of Jalapeños and their own 'Jack Daniels' style mustard. As I am not a fan of huge meaty burgers (I know you're all wondering why I am at a burger restaurant if I don't like burgers) I chose the vegetarian option of a patty made from kidney beans and beetroot and a portion of curly fries.
An interesting combination of flavours that left me a little disappointed. The burger was slightly dry and the taste overpowered the other flavours of the burger meaning I felt like I was just eating the burger and jalapeños with no taste of cheese or mustard. Slightly disheartening but I enjoyed it non the less.
Taking advantage of the free desserts I chose their Apple and Pumpkin pie with Vanilla Ice Cream. Very seasonal and had a lovely smell of cinnamon, I think the pumpkin was a puree and mixed with the spices turned this pie into a warming apple pie minus the taste of pumpkin. Still a very enjoyable dessert and after the huge main course I was well and truly stuffed.
After my experience I would give some benefit of the doubt to the staff being new and the restaurant still new. Thus making me believe that with more experience, a more enjoyable dining experience the customers will receive. The overall atmosphere is relaxed but somewhat lacking as by the end of the night I got the feeling we were overstaying our welcome and that the staff wanted us to leave so they could go home. I would not recommend this as an establishment for couples, more for groups of friends or colleagues or family.
I may return but possibly in a year or so to see if things have changed and to see if my perception can be altered. Understandably the staff do try their hardest to accommodate for the mishaps and hopefully they can take these into the future and help turn around any other situations that may arise. I would also be interested to see what new items will be on the menu and if I can be brave enough to try them!
Let me know if you have been to Annie's Burger Shack or if you're planning to in the future xx
Le Bistrot Pierre, 13-17 Milton Street, NG1 3EN (0115) 941 2850
I have been away from blogging lately because of the workload from Uni (final year!) but it has slowed down a little now so I thought I would share my recent visit to Le Bistrot Pierre with you all.
Twice a month (except for December) they hold a Dine with Wine evening where you can have a three course meal each paired with wine for £27.95 or £22.95 for two courses. I went along with the boyfriend to see if it was any good as we have eaten here a few times but never with this menu. They put the menus online for the whole year so I would advise having a look before you choose which evening to go to as the menu is different each time. I have also noticed there is little choice for Vegetarians so I would ring ahead to see if an alternative option could be provided, they have their normal a la carte menu running along side this one so I can't see why there would be a problem.
The company is a chain (sigh) but it is actually really nice and the restaurant they have in Nottingham has recently had a refurbishment. This means they have a completely new interior and they have expanded up one storey so it is now quite large too. The overall ambience is quiet relaxed but still intimate meaning there are couples, families and ladies who lunch here all the time. For dinner I would recommend booking a table as they are usually always full and at lunch they do not take bookings so there is usually a large queue outside waiting for it to open everyday!
First course: I chose the Mushroom, Roast Butternut Squash and Sage risotto. This came paired with a small glass of Samur Blanc, a very nice light white wine with a slight citrus taste. The risotto was the perfect portion in a creamy sauce and the mushrooms were amazing.
Main Course: Slow Cooked Shoulder of Lamb with lemon, green herb and garlic butter and a chorizo, plum tomato, bacon and flageolet bean cassoulet. This dish came paired with a Pinot Noir. Unfortunately, I very much enjoy red wine and this one was not good. I returned the original glasses and asked for a fresh bottle but it was pretty much the same and had a slight acidic taste and off smell. Not enjoyable.
But the food was delicious. A huge portion that I could not finish; the meat was slightly dry but pulled a part fabulously and the dressing was delightful
With all of their main courses you can choose which sides you would like to accompany your dish. We choose vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes which were deliciously cooked, not too soft however, I have had better potatoes their before. All in all as I said I could not finish this course as it was just too much but I managed to save a little room for dessert!
I chose the Cheeseboard served with Quinta Do Crasto Port as I hadn't ever tried Port and was feeling adventurous. After the main there was also no way I could have eaten the gooey Chocolate Torte, however my boyfriend ordered this and I couldn't help but snap a picture as it looked amazing served with Pouring Chocolate and Blackcurrant Ice Cream. His also came with a glass of French Dessert Wine which, after a little taste by moi, I agreed it paired perfectly with the chocolate and wasn't too sweet.
I can't speak for experiences in other restaurants of this brand as I have only been to the Nottingham one, but I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting a rich, French dish and a relaxed environment. After dining here multiple times I would advise to book on a quiet night as there is definitely a lower quality of food on the busy evenings. We both enjoyed the Dine with Wine menu but will probably not choose it again.
Let me know if you have ever been to Le Bistrot Pierre and what you thought! xx
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