Easy Like A Sunday Morning

Bernie's Cafe Deli

Heya guys, how has your Monday been? I hope it wasn't too much of a crappy start to your week! I just had a short shift today, so I decided to get some new work uniform. Best to just get it done as soon as so it's sorted, also means when it starts to get busier again I can just get straight home when I finish. I have a bit of distance to travel to & from work you see, hence why I prefer to just get to the car as quick as I can! So today's post is the start of, a sort of new series on the blog... It's a nice fun one and there's no pressure of me having to keep up with a schedule. Once in a while, I want Chris & I to go for some brunch/lunch at some new place or a cute little place hidden down some random street we stumble across.  Or even somewhere that I've managed to find online. This is to sort of help with pushing me to try and discover new places. There's also so many great local places that I've been too, there has to be more. I feel everywhere has some hidden gems.

Now, I know I started this post by saying I was going to be trying new places and pushing myself, blah, blah, blah... Well, I'm actually going to be kicking this off with a place I've already been too many many times. One of the reasons I want to to do this and share it on the blog is because I really feel supporting local business is important and plus, I want to show off the local Scottish talent. So if you ever get the chance to visit you can maybe go. I would also love to hear suggestions from you about where you live, so If I ever get the chance to go I can! If you are a follower of my Instagram, if you aren't then why don't you hope over quickly and click the follow button? Then you will have probably of glimpsed at some pretty spectacular looking sandwiches. BLTs' (without the T), more specifically. And the odd occasional bowl of soup. What can I say? I'm a creature of habit.

Bernies is the local Deli Cafe and is a little gem just about 10 minutes drives from our flat. Yes, I'm sure we could walk, but we live in Rain All The Time Scotland. Hidden away in Bridge of Weir on their main road. The place has a relaxed, warm & comforting feel to it. Whatever you are feeling, there are many options for seating. From the cute little snug spots in the corner against the window to the big soft cuddling sofas and even the 6ft runner table in the middle if you have a lot of company. It's a big open space with high ceilings, the aesthetic, it's kinda quirky and cool. With also keeping to the "supporting local", they too, support locally. They use local food sources for their menu, as close as a few metres down the road at the village butchers. All the cakes that are on display are made in house by their own baker, and for years I've sworn that their victoria sponge cake is my FAVOURITE victoria sponge cake ever.

 Choice of Daily Homemade Soup

They also have different menus depending on the time of day. As well as specialised menus like their Valentines Menu, which is being held on the 11th of February. For £19.99 a three-course meal, as well as, a glass of something fizzy is included. Whether you are wanting to share this with a special someone, or even close family & friends, Im sure whoever you chose to share it with would be a great evening. They also have Slouch & Bistro evenings. Of course, both of these evenings are completely different from each other and have their own type of menu. The slouch evenings have more of a relaxed and chilled feel to them. You are more likely to come with a decent book & blanket. While you maybe enjoy a glass or two of wine, with a side of locally curated meats. Whereas their Bistro nights have a more uptown feel to them. A slightly more put together menu, again sticking to the keeping it local theme, using well-sourced ingredients to create something new. If you do fancy going to one of these evenings, I'd be quick! Spaces don't last long... Chris & I have still to check these out. So when we do Ill let you know all about it.

Choice of Ice Cream & Cakes

  Macaroni & Garlic Bread

BLT, coleslaw & wedges

(Without the T)

As well as the special evenings and menus that they do, they are also available for hire. Which is great because it has an amazing open space.  So whether you need it for a birthday or a private event for a club you are a part of, its perfect. But again, be quick! I tried to book here a few birthdays ago, but due to leaving it late someone else snapped it up! They also like to hold fun nights for the community (or anyone willing to travel). Something a little bit different than a local karaoke session...They have had drama sessions, poetry reading and even a barbershop singing group, The B Naturals. Its great to have somewhere that also believes in the local community and actively tries to get involved as much as they can. I have to say, there is a very big fanbase for this amazing local hotspot. People all the way from Port Glasgow come for a quick bite, as well as many cyclists due to being just off a cycle track. So if you are ever in the area, I highly suggest you have a little visit.

Bernies Cafe Deli

Bridge of Weir, Scotland

What's your favourite local hotspot? Do you have any Sunday/weekend traditions? Do you even like to leave the house on a Sunday? Any brunch/lunch recommendations welcome below! I look forward to reading & replying to your comments.

Mom Always Says Wrap Up Warm

How are you today? Glad to have arrived at the weekend? I've been quite unwell. I had so many plans to get blog work done yesterday & today, as well as household chores... But I guess it was not meant to be! I've been pretty much bedridden for the past 24 hours, except for the last few maybe, I've been on the sofa! At least I'm feeling better now though as I have work tomorrow and I really can't be calling in sick! If I still felt like I did yesterday, then I would of had no choice... This look is from a few weeks ago when I went to see my Gran and Grandad for a few hours. So something comfortable was definitely on the cards. Plus, I was dying to show off my new coat & boots I had gotten in the sale. 

Im trying to set myself little blogging tasks everyday, as well as using my time wisely. For example, on the way to work yesterday, I had to get the bus due to my start time being much later than Chris'. Because I knew I'd have about half an hour to play with, I pre-edited some blog photos. So if I've maybe not posted in a few days I've got some content for you guys! Plus, I've also started batch taking outfit photos as the weather is a bit unpredictable in Scotland! It also has a habit of getting pretty dark quite early. Although, the evenings seemed to already be getting lighter. Which is great, because it just gives you a bit more time to play around with. Especially if you are having to run out in between light rain showers! 

Although, exciting news! Come this time next year, well I'm hoping at least by August, I'm going to have a perfectly awesome space in the flat to take photos and film videos agains! We have a two bedroom flat and recently decided to move in to the bigger room, thus leaving a spare room which already has my built in wardrobe with all my clothes... So Chris generously suggested that I could have it as a potential walk in wardrobe! Hurrah! It makes sense really, I already have my clothes in there as well as 6ft clothing rail and I don't think we want to stay here for our first baby... Even if we did decided to do that, that's all in the future we can decide those details then. For now, I'm just excited to have some space to blog and create.

Jumper- Primark

Jeans- Liquor & Poker at Asos buy here

Jacket- Next clearance here

Boots- Next

Necklace- Market Abroad

Bag- Skinny Dip laptop bag in same print

Outfit Details

As I said I was just visiting my Gran and Grandad for a few hours so I knew I wanted/needed something casual & comfy. But also chic. We've been getting the odd really cold day here and there so I thought this burgundy polo jumper would be great, the colours would match my new fluffy cream shearling jacket from Next as well as my new cream suede ankle boots, also from Next. The jeans are also really fun and quirky, totally up my street! So I couldn't help but pair everything with these. I was lucky enough to get these for my birthday from Chris. They were actually in my birthday wishlist post. Since discovering the brand at asos, its really made me want to check out other stuff! They have some pretty funky designs! Plus, they also have a petite section which is music to my ears!

What do you like to wear when It's cold? What are your go to winter staples? I look forward to seeing in the comments, speak soon!

Restaurant Review- Dakota Deluxe Glasgow

Source- here

About
Dakota Hotels are jointly owned by McCulloch Unique Hotels & Evans Property Group. They are lifestyle hotels specialising in that boutique & luxurious aesthetic. All three (there are big plans for more openings!) have a restaurant attached to them, plus, all three reside in Scotland with two being in Glasgow. The newest addition to the club is more in the heart of Glasgow rather than the outskirts. Its also slightly different to the other two, it is a Dakota Deluxe. They are supposed to have a more polished feel to them, which I have to say, I did feel this as we were walking through the entrance. The Deluxe versions are also meant to have bigger bedrooms, to suit the needs of city travellers. So on this occasion, we were only sampling the restaurant! Which is great even if you aren't looking to stay for the night.

Experience
So being the last minute, unprepared people that we are, we booked a table the night before New Year's Day... We still managed to get a table during the day for lunch, but we didn't really mind the time (I'm not even going to tell you what we had for dinner that night after this beautiful meal). As we arrived the main entrance seemed to be closed, so we entered through the hotels' instead. Being the nervous & hungry nelly I am, we arrived a little bit earlier just in case the traffic was bad. It was not. So we were told by the restaurant receptionist that we may have to wait in the waiting area for a few minutes, but being the fuss-free people we are it wasn't an issue. She quickly came back to let us know there was, in fact, a table free for us. The restaurant is beneath the hotel itself and it isn't huge. It has a nice quaint feel to it, with their signature dark and moody vibe. I probably should mention that I have eaten at a Dakota restaurant before (twice actually), the only difference is that this time it was Deluxe. Fancy eh?

 Our waiter really was great, he was smiley, chatty and very attentive to what we needed. Plus, there was just enough small chat. To be honest, I was probably doing most of the chatting. As my husband, Chris, always like to point out that I chat too much! It was welcoming without being too overbearing at the same time. I was especially impressed since it was New Years Day! I always feel slightly guilty on days like this, I'm a fellow boxing day worker myself... Personally, if the waiter looks miserable or like they couldn't give two f**ks it puts me off. It affects the whole experience and meal. A pretend smile isn't too much to ask for, is it? There was enough time left between each meal as well. Sometimes this can be an issue in restaurants, but I didn't feel as if we were being rushed out the door. We were still only there for around an hour and a half, but I feel this always the case when there's just two of you. Or you aren't having as many courses.

Food
Oh, my, the food. Where to start? Chris & I had been eyeing up the deluxe hotel ever since we heard there was one arriving or had arrived. And boy, oh boy we were not let down! When trying new restaurants it's always tricky to not go for something you are used too. I like to try something different that I've maybe not seen before elsewhere, or something that I have tried so I can compare. First, we were served a complimentary appetiser. They seem to do this at all Dakota restaurants. It was heavenly goats cheese in a tomato sauce, with a side of small heated crusted loaf. As you can imagine, It went down a treat and an empty board was carried away... Then, onto the appetisers. As I said earlier, I either go for something completely new or something I enjoy with a different spin. Sometimes, I just go for a favourite so I can compare... Scallops always have and always will be a firm favourite of mine to start with. The way they are presented and how they are accompanied can be different, though. I loved the way they were served, they tasted amazing & not rubbery at all plus I enjoyed mostly what they were served with (I can't stand onions).

For those of you wondering, I did actually take them out of the shell. I'm too clumsy of a human being to eat like that... So as you can imagine I was really enjoying my meal. So for my main, oh my god my main. It was seriously really good! I have never tasted food like it I've had things similar but not with these ingredients. So I had roast loin of venison with a blackberry jus, butternut squash & herb gnocchi. It was absolutely delicious. The gnocchi & butternut squash had a slight sweetness to them, but it wasn't over the top. Along with slightly bitter blackberries & venison, the tastes were all evened out lovely. I do have to say, I could have taken my venison slightly pinker though, I can pretty much eat meat walking out the field... Apart from that, I really can not fault it at all. Because it was a special occasion (trying out this restaurant and 2017s' first day) we decided to push ourselves and have a pudding as well. I probably shouldn't have as I really struggled, it was super tasty as well. The ice cream wasn't too powerful, and because the chocolate part was a mousse it was quite light as well.

Goats cheese, tomato sauce & warm crusted loaf

Prices
Market Menu
here

A La Carte Menu
here

Dessert Menu
here

Wine Menu
here

Seared Scallops, Alsace bacon, porcini mushrooms & spring onion

Personal Thoughts

I really did enjoy it, its probably one of my favourite meals to date. I'm not going to lie though, I do have s soft spot for the Dakota franchise... As I said I thoroughly enjoyed everything a part from the meat not being quite to my peronal taste. I'm hoping to go back and try more of the menu sometime. Maybe I could do a revisit review? Or just a general post? I would definitely recommend this to anyone who asked, I think its a great restaurant with some great food, plus I'm a huge advocate for supporting local! I think if you have a special occasion or just want to celebrate in general, then its the perfect place to do that as you won't be disappointed. There's a great choice of things to choose from on the menu, some of it is quite different though! So you just have to be brave & trust the chefs!

Roast Loin of Venison, blackberry jus, butternut squash & herb gnocchi 

Caramelia Chocolate Mousse, toffee popcorn, praline & creme fraiche

Rating
8/10

So what do you think, would you eat here? Where would you recommend to eat? Let me know in the comments below, I always enjoye reading them and replying! Plus, I'm a huge foodie.

Why Is It Always So Cold?

So this is my first official outfit post of 2017! Yay! It feels so so so good to be posting something like this again. I know in my birthday post I talked about sharing different topics here, but outfit posts are where I started! Fashion, is, has been and always will be a staple topic on here! Its something that really is a huge and important part of who I am as a person... I love creating looks, especially ones to match my different moods. Just the way beauty gurus have more than one look, I'm the same with my outfits. Sometimes, I love the cute girly look with a lovely dress and some cute heels. Then other days i'm feeling nothing but rock n grungy vibes. I do feel I'll always channel that inner rock child though, its where i've always felt my most comfortable. Plus, I just love really edgy and cool clothes. Especially those with the grungy 90s vibe.

I think wherever I am in my life, no matter what I'm doing, I think I will always express myself through clothes and dressing up. I enjoy being able to make myself different everyday and I enjoy too many styles and items of clothing to limit myself to just one strict box! In the next year I'm really looking forward to pushing myself style-wise as well as artistically. I'm also looking forward to what type of content I'm able to create for youtube this year. I think youtube really helps you to express or share yourself in ways that blogging can't. For one, straight off the bat I feel it's more personal. Just because its a live image of yourself.

I was saying earlier tonight to my husband Chris, no matter where the whole online industry goes, I will always blog. I know many are saying that instagram & snapchat are where its going, but many of the online generation came from blogging. I doubt that it will be brushed aside that easily. Plus, they also say this about new forms of entertainment. When the t.v first came out that was to be the end of the radio generation. Yet we still turn it on every single day. Its the same for traditional tv, many are now flocking to online forms of video entertainment. Whether its youtube, twitch of even vevo. There is always going to be the next big new thing, but it doesn't always mean the end of something! Anyways, more outfit posts following soon! Already so much planned for this year.

Jacket- Unif at Nasty Gal

Cardigan- H&M buy here

T-shirt- Was my Mums

Skirt- Primark

Shoes- Missguided

Bag- Skinny Dip same print in a Laptop Bag

Choker- Ebay similar here

Lipstick- Rimmel in 500- Take the Stage

Outfit Details

I wore this yesterday and wanted to keep it quit casual & comfy. As well as significantly warm and full of layers. We were off for our first weekly shop of the year, so I didn't need a huge jacket. When doing indoor things, I like to keep my jacket quite light with an extra layer like a cardigan on underneath. I didn't want to keep going for the slightly oversized black tee, so opted for this fun red one instead. I kept the colour of my lipstick within the same family. I thought the tight pencil skirt was a cute add to the oversized/casual look, plus I enjoyed pairing it with a more dressed down look. Since I'm always wearing this little black bag, I thought it would be rude not to use it again. Plus its great everyday bag fits the essentials!

Happy Birthday 5ft Life

So today marks the day that I officially created this blog & started over. For any of you who has been here since the beginning, then you will know how I first started out. As a gawky 17-year-old, I created Addictions to Shopping, a fashion blog. The name was more about tongue & cheek, rather than a serious problem. My mum, who was still here at the time, used to always moan about how much I bought & how I had a problem. When in reality, I bought no more than the average girl at that age, with her first part-time job with her own money. All I wanted to do was take photos of my outfits, with the hopes of inspiring others. Hopefully give someone the confidence to wear what they wanted.

As I got older, the blogging world changed, as did my hobbies & interests. I also decided to start creating videos and posting those online also. As I grew as a person I began to feel I had more than just style to share, not that there's anything wrong with that. Plus I wanted to influence people in other ways, share my views and continue to inspire people. Now I know I still haven't posted or shared as much as I've wanted too, but I'm not letting that phase me anymore. I blog when and where I can. Sometimes when it's busy at work, I'm pretty much working full time as well as having adult life to catch up with on the weekend. So this year, my focus will be more on planning and using my time more efficiently. I think it's great to have a schedule, but I don't want to fill up so much that I become overwhelmed and hide in a dark, dingy hole somewhere...

Something else I want to focus on this year is the variety of content I am putting out there. I've mentioned many times how I'm a foodie, I enjoy trying new restaurants just as much as I enjoy throwing something together myself. So I want to share that with you guys, try to change it up just a little bit more than I am right now. I have to say, I am very excited about where this year is going to take me blogging/social media wise.  I've already seen my Instagram & youtube community growing more and attracting interest, so it just goes to show what a little bit of hard work can do! That's the great thing about all of this though, when I am creating & working on my blog pieces, it doesn't feel like work... I love all of this so much.

Something else I want to focus on this year is the variety of content I am putting out there. I've mentioned many times how I'm a foodie, I enjoy trying new restaurants just as much as I enjoy throwing something together myself. So I want to share that with you guys, try to change it up just a little bit more than I am right now. I have to say, I am very excited about where this year is going to take me blogging/social media wise.  I've already seen my Instagram & youtube community growing more and attracting interest, so it just goes to show what a little bit of hard work can do! That's the great thing about all of this though, when I am creating & working on my blog pieces, it doesn't feel like work... I love all of this so much.

It's just a short & sweet post today. I just wanted to highlight the day and re-introduce myself back into posting again. It's only been a few months but its nice to say Hi again! Some of these photos are favourite shots, favourite posts and some memorable memories. So heres to creating more, seeing new places, trying new restaurants/food & hotels as well as watching new films! Speak soon.

Original Posts

Grunge Revolution

A Casual Halloween In Autumn

Hotel Review

Overnight for Wedding Anniversary

London, July 2014

Losing Myself in Argyll Scotland