Cafe | Ziferblat Edge St. Northern Quarter (Manchester)

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Sarah

The Bloggers’ Market MCR 2015 will be hosted by the awesome Ziferblat Edge St. Northern Quarter on the 11th of April, Saturday 11am – 2pm. This gave me an opportunity to visit Ziferblat a few times for bloggers’ meetup. (You can check out this post for more info about the Bloggers’ Market MCR 2015)

There are plenty of buzz going around the opening of Ziferblat since February up until now. I remember reading lots of articles about it on my Facebook feed and pretty much straight away, included this cafe on my list of places to visit. So what is it exactly? Their Facebook page stated, “Ziferblat is the name for a new kind of social space; where everything is free except the time you spend there. We charge 5 pence per minute and that’s all”.

Simplest form of explanation: You pay 5p per minute per stay.
1. Buzz at the door and they will let you in.
2. Go up to first floor and clock in at the reception so that you know and they know what time you have arrived. (see below for the photo of the reception)
3. Chill and sit down on their comfy sofas and use their 100mb awesome wifi.
4. Eat cake, drink tea or have a freshly brewed coffee. (all DIY of course and make sure you wash your dishes)
5. Play piano or play boardgames with your friends – there are so many things to do in this cool space!
6. Clock out and be so amused by the fact that you did all that, and you only need to pay 5p per minute. Totally worth it!

What more could you ask for?

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©camerashake Reception area

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©camerashake Cake, cake, and cake

©camerashake Breakfast anyone?

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©camerashake Comfy and spacious space for everyone!

©camerashake Freshly brewed coffee – good quality!

Have you visited Ziferblat? What are your thoughts about it?
Or do you know a similar place like this?

***Disclaimer: All views are my own honest opinion of the cafe. This review is not sponsored.***

Fashion | Part 1: Bloggers’ Market MCR 2015 at Ziferblat Edge St. Northern Quarter – SHOP, EAT CAKE, AND JOIN US!

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Sarah

Do you like bargain shopping? Yes? Then this event is for you!

Founded by me and in collaboration with Ziferblat Edge St. Northern Quarter – Bloggers’ Market MCR is the first-ever bloggers’ bazaar in Manchester

A wide range of Manchester bloggers / creatives will be selling their preloved items, vintage clothing, high street brands, DIY/homemade items as well as their own accessories line from as low as £1!

This is an exciting FREE event you won’t want to miss!

And even better, whilst you shop, you can relax and wander around in this cool, creative cafe Ziferblat. You can drink a wide variety of tea, have a freshly brewed coffee, eat their yummy baked goodies, and use their 100mb wi-fi – ALL for just 5P per minute per stay!

There is no better way to spend your Saturday afternoon! Come and join us this Saturday, April 11 from 11am – 2pm. Spread the word!

RSVP and get updates here! Tag us #bmarketmcr15

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©camerashake Flyers are everywhere! Shop, eat cake, and join us!

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©camerashake DIY fashion envelopes made by me especially for the event!

©camerashake Amazing vintage blouses all for only £7 each – BARGAIN!

We can’t wait to meet and see everyone! Shop, eat cake, and join us!

©camerashake

Food | Dragonfly tea – A review of their luxury loose leaf teas!

Posted on November 9, 2014 by Sarah

Dragonfly tea is a family owned British company who source, grow and make the very finest of teas. You can read their history, values and philosophy on their amazing website. I came across their page on Facebook and saw that one of my friends actually tried their tea. She recommended Lapsang Souchong – for something very different. I am very intrigued and excited as this will be my first time trying a smoked loose leaf tea.

I am very grateful that the lovely Rosanna from Dragonfly tea sent me 2 of their luxury loose leaf teas to sample and review. I chose the smoky Lapsang Souchong and my favourite flavour, Darjeeling. Communication was astounding and the delivery was quite quick.

I was so excited to receive all of these yesterday!

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The packaging was well-presented and I loved how the booklet and cards were minimalist and beautifully designed. The tins were sturdy and high quality.

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Okay so now what do I think of the Lapsang Souchong? Once I’ve opened the tin, the smoky smell was so strong. Initial reaction? Sort of like a smoked fish. I was taken aback by the intense smell and actually had second thoughts of trying it. But I did. We did. My fiancé and I tried it. And. We regretted it.

Well, I’d say it wasn’t that bad. The taste was actually better than the smell. I find that there’s a minty aftertaste. And yes, a smoky taste – not too strong though. Will I drink it again? Hmmm, maybe. Next time, I might adjust the amount of tea and tweak the water a bit. Maybe add a slice of lemon? Apparently, some tea-drinkers like adding lemon into it. My fiancé however, will never ever taste it again. Scarred him for life. (LOL) I think the taste of Lapsang Souchong – it’s either you love it or absolutely hate it! Also, I kinda wished I chose their Bai Mudan (white china tea) instead.

I adjusted the amount of loose leaf tea – mainly because it might be too strong for us.

LAPSANG SOUCHONG

For two people

Brewing:  4 mins
Tea    :  2 heaped teaspoons
Water  :  4 small teacups

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Onto the next one, my favourite, Darjeeling. What can I say? Light, clean and a hint of sweetness! Just the way I like it. I loved this tea! I could drink it all day! There was a honey-smell after brewing the tea. It was definitely delicious. What a treat!

DARJEELING

For two people

Brewing:  4 mins
Tea    :  2 heaped teaspoons
Water  :  4 small teacups

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| Exact details at the back of the tin:

Infusion Instructions

Allow freshly boiled water to cool for 1-2 minutes. preheat the teapot and add 2-3 grams of tea per person. infuse for 3-5 minutes. the longer the infusion, the more flavoursome the tea becomes. |

I would highly recommend Dragonfly tea to anyone! We are a massive fan of high-quality loose leaf teas. I’m not an expert but I have tried a wide variety of loose leaf teas over the years – from different independent companies, teas from different parts of the world to the most common and commercially-made ones. I must say, loose leaf teas from Dragonfly was definitely a LUXURY without the expensive price tag. For only £6 per tin – very affordable and worth every penny! The whole tin will lasts you for a long time.

Thank you Dragonfly tea for letting me review your luxury loose leaf teas. I hope I can review more of your well-crafted and flavorful products someday!

Are you a tea-drinker? Do you like loose leaf teas? What’s your favourite? I would love to hear your comments!

***Disclaimer: I asked the lovely Rosanna from Dragonfly tea to sample and review their loose leaf teas. The teas were sent to me for free. All views are my own honest opinion of the experience.***

Fashion | Winning the Laundry Boutique Styling Competition

Posted on July 13, 2014 by Sarah

Apologies for the lack of updates on my blog. Last time, I did admit I’m terrible at updating, this is such a late post.

My last post was the Laundry Boutique Blogger Event – where I joined a styling competition. I’m so grateful for all the people who helped me win the competition. Thank you to all my lovely friends in Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I really appreciate everything. Thank you. ♡♡♡

I emailed Mariela (Laundry Boutique) and asked her if I could pop in the store to get all the items. Weekend came and my fiancé and I droppped by their cute store to get everything. There’s a little bit of a mixed-up when I came but it got sorted at the end. I must say, Lauren (Online Director of Laundry Boutique) was amazing. She’s been emailing me and making sure that I received everything. What a gem! Such excellent service.

Thank you to Laundry Boutique for this fab outfit!

Here are all the lovely items that I won – you can also check all of these items (hopefully not sold-out) in their website.

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My fiancé and I decided to go out yesterday to enjoy the bright and sunny weather! Here’s my OOTD taken from my iPhone. It was so hot yesterday so paired the top with a grey skirt from H&M. I love my black platforms! It’s my go-to this summer. It’s not too high and so comfortable!

What’s your favourite this summer?

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top and necklace – Laundry Boutique / skirt – H&M / bag – DKNY / watch – Michael Kors / bangles – Cartier / platforms – No Doubt

Fashion | Laundry Boutique Blogger Event 2014

Gallery

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Sarah

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This gallery contains 19 photos.

Last Thursday, I received a special Blogger Event invite from the lovely people of Laundry Boutique. I am very grateful to have been included in this awesome event – it was held on their chic Manchester store. Upon arrival, bloggers were … Continue reading →

Art + Design| [UN]KNOWN Exhibition at Atrium Cardiff – Graduate Showcase 2014

Gallery

Posted on June 7, 2014 by Sarah

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This gallery contains 20 photos.

“Surround yourself with positive people and you’ll be a positive person”. Ibby is one of the most positive people I know. He’s talented, creative and always full of ideas. We were lucky enough to get an invite for his Graphic … Continue reading →

Food | PART 2: Food Festival 2014 at the Lowry Outlet, Manchester – You’re not too late, you can still go tomorrow!

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Sarah

I’ve decided to split my Lowry Food Festival 2014 entry into two.

Same day, different grub. Enjoy!

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©camerashake – James Martin live cooking demo tomorrow!

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©camerashake – Fundi – Wood Fired Pizza

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©camerashake – Spicy Salami – fresh, super tasty and reasonably priced, just £6 good for two people

©camerashake – Want some?

©camerashake – Not sorry – super close-up food porn!

©camerashake – Coffee break!

©camerashake – Caffine?

©camerashake – The chai latte was amazing!

©camerashake – The Split Screen Bakery

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©camerashake – “I never met a cupcake I didn’t like.”

©camerashake – Gourmet popcorn from Whiteys

©camerashake – Someone’s happy 🙂

©camerashake – Fresh churros from Churtopia

©camerashake – Just look at how happy she is cooking that crispy, hot and not too-doughy-just-perfect churros!

©camerashake – “R”

©camerashake – The winning food porn shot!

©camerashake – Errr…

©camerashake – I’m happy! Who wouldn’t be?

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I can’t wait to go back next year! Have you been to one of these food festivals in your city? If yes, I would love to hear your comment below.

Missed Part 1? Click here!

LINKS:

Fundi Wood Fired Pizza

The Split Screen Bakery

Lowry Food Festival 2014

Quinteassential UK

The Manchester Coffee Company

Churtopia

Whiteys Gourmet Popcorn

Food | PART 1: Food Festival 2014 at the Lowry Outlet, Manchester – You’re not too late, you can still go tomorrow!

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Sarah

So you might be thinking, what to do in Manchester tomorrow? Well, how about you come and visit the Food Festival 2014 at the Lowry Outlet Mall? It was such an amazing event! The event has over 120 stalls and lots of food-to-go. There are so much fresh and tasty food to try such as rump steak burgers, gourmet popcorn, fresh breads, wood fire pizza and many many more. I promise you, you won’t regret it!I

Now, for the fun part! Here are all the photos my fiancé and I took all day. We had such a blast! We’ve eaten quite a lot of super mouthwatering food and tried the best chai latte! We’ll definitely go again next year. What a fun experience!

* I’ll try my best to link all the stalls / food that we’ve tried down below. Just a head start, this entry has LOTS of photos! Enjoy!