Blogger Meagan Fiddes Chats With Me About Moving To London, 'Stylish Bites', and Her Top Fashion and Beauty Secrets

I caught up with Meagan Fiddes of Cup of Cloth for afternoon tea and brunch. We had a good catch-up and chat about our mutual love of blogging, tea and London. I was eager to get her take on moving over the pond and what she thinks of the city I call home. A smashed avocado and smoothie later we decided to do an interview collab, and here we are! Hope you enjoy!
1. How have you found the move so far? Are there any major cultural differences between Toronto and London? The move has been good, I'm almost fully adjusted. Major cultural differences? Both Toronto and London are super multicultural so you do get the same variety but I think overall people have a more "live life" attitude here whereas Toronto the "live to work" mindset is the norm. 2. Why did you initially choose to move across the pond? I wanted to move to Europe and London was best for my industry- plus I figured it was be less of a culture shock then say moving to Berlin or France. 3. Where about's are you working in London? Have you found any restaurants or pop-ups that you love to visit on your lunch breaks? Currently, I'm in Southwark- I love walking over to Borough market, you're bound to find something you want every time you go there. 4. What's the best meal out in London you've had so far? That's really hard but I'm going to have to say the tacos from DF Mexico have my heart. 5. Have you got anything exciting planned in the next few weeks? With it being October I'm just looking forward to relishing in all the autumn vibes throughout the city - and Halloween is coming up. 6. Tell us one beauty secret or product that you can't live without. My beauty blender - it is my all in one tool, my holy grail. 7. What is your AW16 must-have wardrobe essential? It's a split between my leather moto jacket and my blanket scarves/wraps. 8. I love your series 'Smoothie Sunday', what's the recipe you're loving right now? Smoothie Sunday has been on a bit of a hold - but if I could have any smoothie right now it would be a banana peanut butter smoothie with honey, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds. 9. How would you sum yourself up in one sentence? "The world is a book and to stay in one place is to read only one chapter" - I can't stay in one place for too long before I get the jitters to travel somewhere else. 10. Is there anything we should be looking out for coming up on your blog? Besides our interview swap? haha I'm currently working on a "Stylish Bites" series focusing on foods that are well photographed, stay tuned! 11. Is there anything that you can't buy over here in England that you really miss? omg what a question - Starbucks Pumpkin scones, All my Sephora goodies, Cinnabun treats, all you can eat sushi #Struggling. 12. Do you prefer AW fashion or SS? Definitely, AW - cozy vibes are my jam, or as you guys would say, "my cuppa tea". 13. What's your favourite thing to do when you want to relax? Funnily enough, blog. when I'm in my zone I'm at my most relaxed (even if I'm a little stressed when the graphics give me trouble) - That or read. 14. What's your go-to meal of the moment? Soup - anything in soup form, tis the season.

You can catch our interview swap on Meagan's blog now. Check it out at Cup of Cloth 

A Night Out On The Town At Buster Mantis

I was lucky enough to attend the press launch of the amazing bar, club, art space-come restaurant Buster Mantis on Wednesday Evening. Hidden in the depths of the Deptford railway arches, it's definitely a gem worth seeking out. 

Firstly, let's talk about the name: Buster Mantis. The name of the restaurant has taken inspiration from its roots, Jamaica, and has been named after Jamaica's first Prime Minister Alexander Busatmante. We only found this out after having a nice chat with the owner and asking for ourselves, but for those of you who are looking at going here, you'll soon be able to see a dollar note with his face on framed within its confines. I like it when a unique restaurant that grasps the delicious drinks and food from a culture, has thought, meaning and love behind it, rather than just being a businessman's concept and marketing. 

Second, the cocktails. This one is a key highlight of the evening, and I myself sampled three different cocktails. But as well as these tasty drinks, they also stock local bears such as Peckham Pils. For any who are looking for a cultural experience, you'll want the Rum Punch, and it's not called punch for no reason! It's definitely got a kick to it, with a great fusion of fruity essences and gorgeous blood orange. A gin lover? No worries! Try out their Pear & Ginger Gin Sour, this wasn't my cup of tea, but my boyfriend who is a big gin fan absolutely loved it. The Harmoniser was also delicious, East London Vodka, Coconut Rum, Pineapple, Cranberry, Lime and Sugar, this was my favourite as I love fruity cocktails. 

Third, the food. Well, we tried just about everything, and let me say it's far better than any other Caribbean/Jamaican chain I've tried. The jerk chicken was great, I even asked for extra sauce and tipped all the other dishes in it because it was so tasty! It was pretty spicy though, so be careful if you aren't a fan of chili. The fish patties were great, and I'm not massive of fish, in fact, their swordfish dumplings were great too! They managed to balance the fresh fish taste with herbs and spices, along with a sweet tasty pastry. Next was the prawn skewers with mango salsa... one word amazing. So there you go, the food was perfect, not one fault, delicious, crisp and a great fusion of flavours that shows all the great aspects of Jamaican cooking. 

So there you have it! A great night with cocktails, food, and most evenings they also have live DJs, entertainment, art exhibitions and talks. It's definitely my type of place, I just wish it was closer to home! If they opened one around Wimbledon way I'd be there every weekend! 

Love,

K.

Beauty On a Budget: Rimmel vs Soap & Glory

I haven't done a beauty on a budget post for a while, but since my uni-work life transition, I've realised that I definitely still need to be saving-savvy with all my beauty products If I want to be able to have good makeup, nice clothes, and go out with my friends! I've decided to compare two of my favourite concealers, both under £10, and that I believe are an absolute bargain. 

1. Rimmel London's Wake Me Up Concealer

In the past, I have mentioned how this is one of the best concealers for the price you pay (a mere £5.49!). It's perfect to brighten your eyes in the morning and hide those horrible bags. I simply apply this product under my eyes, on my forehead, and on my chin, all in the shape of an upside down triangle, then blend with a concealer brush. It's as good as any benefit product that I've purchased and has been a clear favourite of mine for the past year. The only downside is that due to its liquid nature it tends to sweat off quite easily, which means re-applying it a number of times throughout the day. 

2. Soap and Glory's Kick Ass Blur and Brighten Crayon

I bought this product a little over 3 weeks ago, to try out a new concealer and see whether there is anything else about that is better quality and better value for money. I've been using it every morning since! This product is amazing. I apply it in the same way I previously stated (triangles under my eyes, the centre of my forehead, and on my chin), and it lasts all day long. I wake up for work and put on my makeup at around 7.30 each day and I don't need to re-apply this until I leave work at 5! It's slightly thicker in texture to the Wake Me Up concealer and seems to cover up blemishes a lot faster and easier. The best part? This Kick Ass product is only £6! 

Although I love both of these products to bits in this beauty on a budget battle there is one clear winner... Soap and Glory's Kick Ass Blue and Brighten Crayon!

I hope this helps you if you're looking for beauty on a budget!

K. x 

Brand Of The Week

I'm back with my next instalment of brand of the week, and this week I've chosen a company that has recently made a big impression on myself...

Grow Gorgeous Hair Care

I only heard of the brand a few weeks ago whilst I was at work. They create hair products that aim to strengthen, grow and condition your hair, helping it look, feel, and be in the best condition possible. As you may have seen on my Instagram, I attended their press launch at the Cheeky salon in Shoreditch, had a glass of Prosecco and had my nails done, it was a great event full of bloggers, media and press.  

Since receiving their goodie bag I have only managed to try out one product, their 10-in-1 Cleansing Conditioner. This product is said to be a shampoo replacement, so no need to continue your standard shampoo and conditioner routine, it's all in one! I had looked up reviews saying that it made your hair feel instantly smoother and easier to style, they weren't lying! I could see the results after just one wash, not only was it smooth and easy to style, but it also made my hair look lighter, which is always a plus in my books!  

This is a brand and product that I would definitely recommend.

Love,

K. 

Burberry SS17 At Makers House

Burberry SS17 has been a show like no other. Not only was the opening night accompanied by a beautiful classical orchestra, some truly talented models, and gorgeous garments (Burberry always deliver), but this year they have decided to keep Makers House open to the public to display some of Britain's finest craft makers work alongside their collection. This exquisite display was truly unique and showcased original artwork, the processes of their creation, and had a daily changing schedule of programmed activities!
 

You entered through what initially seemed like an old abandoned archway, or a space from a previous garage, which then turned into a beautiful courtyard filled with figures, fairy lights and shrubbery. 

They even put cute little tables and chairs out so you could enjoy a slice of cake or a cup of tea from their cafe. 

Here are some of the craftsmanship examples...

I then went on to look at their mood walls full of vision, historical influences and beautiful patterns. 

Finally, I ventured upstairs to see their current collection, full of beautiful detail, and a true fusion of new and old. As you arrived you read a sign stating that Burberry SS17's aim was to deliver a collection that reveled in the traditional and true craftsmanship, a show that blurred the lines between masculine and feminine, and in particular drew from Virginia Woolf's 'Orlando'.

There were some beautiful pieces displayed with intricate detail, more nightwear as daywear, cloaks, layers, and lots of beautiful silk. The only thing that I wish there was more of was written explanation of the processes in addition to their graphic and beautiful mood boards. 

Brand Of The Week

This week I've chosen an old favourite as my brand of the week...

Bleach London

I don't think that I have ever heard of anybody being let down by one of their products, they are absolutely superb! I used their Silver Shampoo around last Christmas to give my blonde hair that extra oomph (it tends to get dark and dull in the winter months). It was a product that I'd completely forgotten about and is now back on my radar as I'm looking to brighten my hair, but only through the use of shampoos (I never dye). I remember that this shampoo was amazing, I used it twice a week and could see great results after just two weeks. If you're looking for an affordable brightener this is the one for you. They also have some crazy colours such as rose, tangerine, peach, sea punk, violet and loads more!