Skylon

By Sarah Redman

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My Skylon coat chip – really wanted to keep this but I did kind of need my jacket back!

I love eating out, personally I would rather save up and go out somewhere nice and maybe even treat friends or family (thats if I’m feeling really nice!)

The other evening I ended up in Skylon at the Southbank Centre.

The restaurant takes its name from the original, iconic structure that was built for the 1951 Festival of Britain and the restaurant’s design echoes the style of the Royal Festival Hall during the same time period.  It is filled with more contemporary accents too – not going to lie their chandeliers caught my eye.

Skylon’s floor to ceiling windows hold an amazing view across the River Thames. When we turned up the blinds were draw as the sun was setting and creating a rather undesired greenhouse effect. I always run cold so I wasn’t complaining – but I think most people appreciated the cooler air that came after the sun had dipped below the buildings. The blinds then opened – working their way slowly up the massive windows – revealing water sparkling in the last of the suns rays and leafy green trees lining the banks. Not the worst view for dinner!

The food is seasonal and modern British, but if you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere the restaurant and grill are divided by a statement circular bar in the centre of the room. It’s known for its cocktails but after a glass of wine over looking the river before we headed to the restaurant I felt I should maybe just stick to the food… and a bottle of wine to go with. Obviously.

I went for a simply mouth watering Haddock Risotto to start – it arrived in a small sauce pan and I got kitchen utensil eveny. I then had the Duck with hands down the best Pea Puree I have ever tasted. I genuinely could have just had a bowl of it!

For me pudding was the best bit (and the only bit I managed to remember to photograph)

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I tried what was simply called ‘Strawberries’ – a strawberry sorbet on a crumb bed and a strawberry salad topped with a lemon curd filled meringue. Cue taste bud heaven.

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My dining companion chose ‘Peanut Butter’ – I was too preoccupied with mine to steal a spoon but from the rate it disappeared this chocolate and peanut butter, I want to say mousey, delight was a good shout too.

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I couldn’t possibly tell you how I still had enough room but in my mind it would have been rude not to have at let tried some of these beauties.

First up: Rose Marshmallow – melt in the mouth heaven.

Second: Chocolate Truffle – when you break through the chocolatey shell you are surprised with a mouthful of salted caramel. Don’t mind if I do.

Finally: Coconut balls – I’m not a coconut person so I didn’t try these, I also didn’t have the room but I’m sure they tasted amazing.

I was too full of all this amazing food for a decent picture of my outfit – so I’ll just describe it instead. I wore a Navy Floral Jacquard Bodycon Dress from River Island, retailing at £28.00, this dress is a classic cut, low scoop back, a short sleeved, simple, statement dress. I teamed this with a simple H&M denim jacket and classic wooden T -bar heals from Clarks.

Did you like what I wore or like the sound of Skylon? Let us know and leave a comment, Tweet us @thesarahsblog or post on our Facebook page.

Hoads fashion event photos

By Sarah Redman

Now this is a post I have been meaning to do for ages, but to be honest uni deadlines have been crazy and somethings have just taken a side step. But two essays done and i’m back and blogging, so I thought I would share my photography for local Sevenoaks shoe store Hoads‘ first fashion evening.

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Hoads is an independent shoe store which is over 110 years old; with shops in Sevenoaks (Adults and Children), a shop in Deal and also one in Wandsworth, London. They pride themselves on excellent customer service – you can count on the assistants going the extra mile to help you with whatever you need, from a heel grip to a stylish boot that still works with orthotics. I have so many pairs of shoes from here, rather recently two pairs of gorgeous boots – posts coming soon!

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Check it out: There is also 20% off selected party shoes instore and online while stocks last!

Their first free fashion evening was a great success, complete with goodie bags, champagne, chocolates, clothes and shoe shopping. What could be better?

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You can also have a look at more of the photo’s from the event on their Facebook page HERE or check out their blog post Our Fashion Event with Devine Clothing for more information on the evening.

You can follow Hoads on Twitter @hoadshoes Like them on Facebook at Hoad Shoes or Instargram HoadShoes for exclusive product updates. Why not join their mailing list HERE

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Have you been to Hoads or do you like the event pictures? Let us know and leave a comment or Tweet us @thesarahsblog

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Cheeky Little Christmas Chocolates

By Sarah Redman

To be perfectly honest i’m not entirely sure where this year has gone. Not only are the Halloween chocolates bombarding you each time you step into a shop, now the supermarkets are stocking up on their Christmas chocolate too. Unfortunately even a little bit of marketing and advertising will entice me in so i better keep up the gym membership!

Each year there is something new and this year is no exception with Galaxy bringing out their ‘Galaxy Gift for You‘ chocolate; this year in white chocolate too. Malteaser have followed suit and bought out their ‘Malteaster‘ bunny re-branded as ‘Merryteaser‘ – basically exactly the same thing but in a reindeer shape not a bunny. Those crafty chocolatiers!

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Needless to say i bought both… in October. Oops!

Are you a sucker for seasonal chocolate or have you started your Christmas wish list? Leave a comment or Tweet us @thesarahsblog to let us know.

Creative cones

By Sarah Redman
To me ice cream is never boring, especially on a hot day! However in a small ice cream parlour in France they have upped their game and created lovely rose designs out of the ice cream of your choice.

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Straciatella (Ice milk with pieces of grated chocolate) rose cone

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Straciatella (Ice milk with pieces of grated chocolate) rose cone

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Fraise et Noisette (Strawberry ice cream and Nut ice cream) rose cone

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Straciatella et Fraise (Ice milk with pieces of grated chocolate and Strawberry ice cream) rose cone
Have you had a fantastic ice cream lately or know anyone who prides themselves on food presentation? Let us know and leave a comment or Tweet us a picture @thesarahsblog

Summer strawberries!

By Sarah Redman

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These lovely cup cakes have been inspired by face masks would you believe. A girly day with my friend Jem Hill with plans of strawberry and white chocolate face masks, from Montagne Jeunesse, turned into cup cake day!
We headed to the supermarket to see what we could find and resulted in white chocolate chip cup cakes with vanilla butter cream icing and strawberry jam, topped with a fresh British strawberry’s, from our very own Kent #LovingLocal
Have you been baking or been inspired by your beauty products (just like Sophia Webster with her fantastic new shoe range ‘Suede by Sophia‘,  inspired by the new Revlon ColourStay Ultimate Suede Lipsick range – what could be better?) let us know and leave a comment or Tweet us @thesarahsblog

The perfect mothers day present

By Sarah Hugill

'A mother is a daughters best friend'

‘A mother is a daughters best friend’

To make this years mothers day that extra bit special (no matter what your budget) there are plenty of hidden treasures on the high street  to ensure you impress…

1) The perfect charm to show how much you care, Links creates gorgeous jewellery for those who have some extra cash to spend

2) Cath Kidson have the perfect floral purse, sure to put a smile on any mum’s face

3) The Body Shop have produced the perfect gift set to accompany a relaxing bubble bath, especially for the chocoholics out there

4) Sweeten your mum up with chocolate cups from Thorntons 

5) Add comfort and style to your mums favourite chair perhaps with this embroidered cushion from Marks and Spencers 

6) Flatter your mum with this cute mug from John Lewis

7) Treat your mum to a subtle floral fragrance perfect for spring time, with Miss Dior Perfume  by Dior 

8) Brighten up your mums day with these beautiful tulips courtesy of Interflora

9)  Vanilla and chocolate cupcakes with a touch of pink for a tasty mothers day treat, from The Little Cake Company

10) Harrods have the perfect heart shaped mirror to ensure your mum can top up her lippy easily, even when on the move!

Whether your mum is a fashionista or has a strong sweet tooth there is a gift suited to all!