Thai Hut

yummy

The other day we decided to try out a new Thai restaurant that we haven't really stumbled across before.
To be honest, I was a little skeptical.
The Thai Hut, as the restaurant is known, is on the side of a seaside town stuck in the middle of a popular takeaway pizza chain as well as an ice cream bar and has a slight pop up shop vibe to it. 
Six tables in rows of three, a kitchen at the top of some stairs, a bar (aka a fridge) and I'm sure there is a toilet somewhere, but all I could see was a curtain - I certainly wasn't going to ask. 
Unfortunately, we definitely chose the wrong day to go. 
Carnival day. 
Amongst the chattering of families and friends sitting down to eat, the seagulls squawking and a persistent bell ringer, the atmosphere wasn't the best, but once a few people left and the carnival died down, we began to chat and have a good time.  
To be honest, the food was worth it - delicious, authentic and really tasty.  

I enjoyed a BBQ pork type dish to start, Moo Yang. Cooked in a honey glaze and served with a smokey yet tangy sauce - it was so good that I didn't even share!
Following this, I had Pad See Ew, similar to Pad Thai, but a little sweeter. I know that this is a popular street food and just fancied giving it ago. It was a safe bet and I love noodles so they couldn't put a foot wrong. Overall, it was a moreish noodle dish, but next time I will be a little more daring and try a spicier dish. 
All in all, I had never eaten out at a Thai restaurant before, but I definitely will again!

"Thai food ain't about simplicity. It's about the juggling of disparate elements to create a harmonious finish. Like a complex musical chord it's got to have a smooth surface but it doesn't matter what's happening underneath. Simplicity isn't the dictum here, at all. Some westerners think it's a jumble of flavours, but to a Thai that's important, it's the complexity they delight in."
David Thompson 

Golden cutlery at the Thai Hut in Felixstowe, Suffolk | Victoria Alice Blogs 
 
Singha Beer at the Thai Hut Felixstowe | Victoria Alice Blogs

Moo Yang Pork Starter at the Thai Hut | Victoria Alice Blogs  

Pad See Ew - Sweeter Pad Thai Dish at the Thai Hut | Victoria Alice Blogs

Do you have any favourite Thai dishes? I'm heading there at the end of September, so I'd love to know if there is anything that I must try!


10 Beauty Confessions

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10 Beauty Confessions | Victoria Alice Blogs

I decided to confess  all of my beauty secrets. Some are gross, some I'm pretty sure you do too - All I ask is that you don't judge me!

  1. I have makeup that is over 2, maybe even 3 years old...
  2. I don't really clean my brushes half as often as I should and then complain that I break out 
  3. I have an obsession with makeup - I don't know how many products I have, but it's a little ridiculous now
  4. I will buy a magazine, purely for the free mascara, nail polish or whatever is in there - even if it is a magazine I never ever read... and probably never will 
  5.  I buy product after product, but only really have a selection of five products I use all the time
  6. I hate mascara - it ALWAYS falls down my face 
  7. I fall asleep in my makeup all the time - after a night out, who seriously remembers to wash their face? And anyway, once you're snuggled up in bed, who can be bothered?
  8. I have been known to use a strand of hair as floss - eww gross... but true
  9. I never ever moisturise. It always makes my face feel gross and oily
  10. Sometimes, I just put on foundation. Nothing else, just a base - I get bored ok?!
So, there is my top 10 beauty confessions and now it is your turn!
Leave a note in the comments.

5 Lists

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I saw this post over on one of my favourite blogs and I loved reading it, so I thought I'd give it a go!
Basically, there are five lists, full of five items, read on to find out a few things that I love.

Foods I Love 
Golden Grahams
I must admit that cinnamon grahams are pretty tasty too.

Loyd Grossman tomato and Basil pasta sauce for one
I used to have this all the time at university and it is so good!

Yorkshire puddings, dipped in sugar
They are basically pancakes, so this isn't weird, ok?

Sweet potato fries
SO GOOD

Roasted onion, caramalised onion, onion chutney...
Yep, onion - as long as it's not raw

Blogs I Love 
Away with the Fairies
A really cute blog by Hannah Vickers - I always take a look at this blog and love every post she writes. Hannah was one of the first blogs that I truly loved and inspired me to write and start my blog.

Sprinkle of Glitter
Louise is forever updating her blog so it's a great one to pop back and visit again and again. She also does a weekly advertisers post so it's a great resource for new blogs and sites you may not have come across before. Plus it's Louise - Sprinkle of Glitter Louise - she's lovely!

Beans Beauty Blog
A great blog full of beauty, life and travel posts. She published one of my favourite blog posts I have ever read and she replied to one of my comments - that was a happy day :) 

Dorkface
Jemma writes on her blog all the time and spends her life on Twitter - because of this I never miss a post and her eclectic mix of life, diy, interviews, beauty and more it's always a surprise guessing what you are going to get next.

Victoria Alice... of course!
I had to put my little blog in here didn't I?! I am starting to really love my blog now, a few little design changes still need to be made, but I'm a lot happier with the content and like to try adding posts that are a little different from the norm. 

Songs I Love
Let it Go - Frozen
Jar of Hearts - Christina Perri
Stay With Me - Sam Smith
Panic -The Smiths
Midnight - from Cats
...To be honest, so long as I can sing to it - I love it!

Albums I Love
+ and x by Ed Sheeran - Everything he does is pretty amazing
Flaws - Bombay Bicycle Club
Lungs - Florence and the Machine
David Gray - Greatest Hits
Laura Marling - Alas, I Cannot Swim

Things I Love
Technology
I cannot live without my laptop, phone, camera... the list goes on. I'm not sure if this is a bad thing. 

My Job
Day to day I am a digital marketer and I absolutely love it. I work with lots of different businesses and get there business seen online - It's a good job I like technology eh?!

Blogging
Of course I love blogging - I wouldn't do it otherwise. I love it as I can write what I want, when I want and I have a little time by myself in a little blogging bubble - bliss!

Makeup
As I run a beauty, lifestyle and fashion blog, it would be a little silly if I didn't love makeup, but luckily I do! I love the way it makes me feel when I create a new look or transform my face from day to night. However, I don't like that some products are pretty crap.

Sleeping 
Ah bliss... sleeping is one of my favourite hobbies I think. I especially like falling asleep after a bubble bath, there is nothing better.

So, there you have it - a long list of things that I love. I hope you enjoyed this post and now it is over to you - what is the thing you love the most? Leave a note in the comments! 


Beauty Blogger Buzzwords

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Smiley Face | Victoria Alice Blogs

 <I know that this photo doesn't really relate, but there is a smiley face in the floor!> 

Every beauty blog I read is unfortunately becoming more and more similar.
I don't know if you guys have noticed, but with everyone and their son owning a blog of some sort, it is difficult standing out from the crowds.
I love researching blogs, (stealing ideas...ooh naughty), looking for inspiration and reading really great work, but a few posts really grind my gears. Especially this one: What's in My Bag? 


Seriously?
You want to know what is in my bag?

WHO CARES?!

If you are really that bothered, mine is full of reciepts, some stuck together with an old piece of chewing gum, a few coins and the essentials - usually a phone and a purse. If you're lucky, there might even be a camera in there.

How is that interesting?!

Anyway, I thought I'd go through a few beauty blogger buzzwords that I see on virtually every blog I peruse through - some I like, most I don't.

Essentials
Must haves, things you need to survive, makeup essentials, essential tips...
Are they truly needed? Will we really fail summer if we don't have Benefit's Hoola Bronzer on our freckled faces? I don't think so.

Dupe
Something that is practically the same as another product, but a ton cheaper. For me, I like dupes, finding a bargain is always satisfying, but if you love the product, buy the one you want. If I compared one of my Mac lipsticks to drug store brands, Mac wins hands down. Just the classic packaging and the way it makes me feel when it glides across my lips is worth the extra money - girl, you're worth it, get the real deal.

Hack
Ugh - 5 Summer hair hacks, hacks to help you put on eyeliner, hacks to stop you procrastinating, hacks so you can live your life. Ok, we get it. I guess that we are so busy that we need to use hacks all day every day in order to save time so we can do even more stuff in our day whilst looking perfect. To be honest, I don't think I need this in my life - If I was really that busy, I'd just wake up an hour or two earlier...

First Impressions
Why can't we just make our own decisions anymore? With something a little more expensive, ok, I get it - What is it going to be like, is it worth the money? But hey, do you know what? Many people get paid to review products - if you were given money to write your opinion would you be 100% honest? Hmm, let's make up our own minds, eh?

Wishlist
Ok, I like this one. I love crafting them, showing them and ogling at others. A wishlist can be used for so many different things, whether that it holidays, parties, outfits, events etc. and I think they are really fun to research and make.

Tag
Boyfriend tag, list of firsts, xyz tags - these just seem a little lazy to me. If y'all sent me a list of generic questions to answer, it wouldn't take me too long to conjure up a list of gibberish - it just lacks a little passion for me.

NOTD, OOTD, FOTD, HOTD...
...nope. These are for your Instagram, not your blog. 'nuff said.

Empties
Don't all your products get used at one point or another? I don't get it. Well done for finishing that shampoo, or wow - you ran out of foundation, something you use everyday - OMG it must be great!

Monthly Box Reviews
To be honest, I just see these posts as the ultimate spoilers. Looking at some of the boxes though, I like what is in them, but I'd quite happily peruse through the countless videos and blogs unboxing these mail box goodies and if something really excites me... simply buy it!

Anyway, this blog isn't meant to be too negative and I hope you see the funny, not so serious side. I must also say, that I, myself, have most of these buzzwords in my blog and I don't think there is anything wrong with that. To be honest, the only posts I really can't stand are those that really have no meaning or pasion behind them.

For now, have a look out for some wishlists coming up and hopefully a few blog posts that are a little bit different to what you are used to!

Feeling Left Behind

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Feeling Left Behind | Victoria Alice Blogs
Do you know, sometimes I just feel really far behind. 
I mean, every one I know is doing well, has a plan and seems to have their life scheduled out. Compared to me - well I'm a panicky mess when I think about the future!

Take friend number one: she has a really lovely boyfriend who lives with her, a steady job which she enjoys, friends to go out with at the weekend and the most loving family you have ever met. 

Take friend number two: she likes learning. Already has a first from university, but decided to do another course to guarantee a job at the end of it. Crazy, but at least there’s plan there AND she’s going away on holiday in a week or so – just booked it the other day and decided to pop on a plane and travel, (my worst nightmare!) 

Friend number three: she has a house, a husband and a baby on the way… ARE YOU EFFING SERIOUS? Who has a baby before they can drive? Anyway, not my cup of tea, but she is happy, and that is all that matters. 

And then there’s me. 

Don’t get me wrong; it’s not all bad - I have a job that I love, a family who love me, friends I can count on and the kindest, sweetest boyfriend that I could have ever asked for. 

However, when it comes to my position now, I just feel a little behind. I don’t have plans to move out just yet and the long distance relationship situation is really hard. I want to do so many things and start a new adventure, which scares me, but I also think it will do me good, even though for now, we will put them on the back burner.

I know I shouldn’t compare my life to others, but when you see people doing well, moving to exciting places like London, decorating their new place, doing simple things like the food shop and visiting somewhere new for the weekend, it makes me realise that I just want to have a bit of a change and start achieving some of the plans I have in place.

Does anyone else feel left behind sometimes? 
Also, what I really want to know is, when is the right time to move out on your own?! I'm 23 and feel like now might be the right sort of time? 
Let me know :) 

My Summer Bucket List

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Summer sun, Bucket list

Summer is here and the school holidays are on there way, but most importantly I will soon be jetting off to Australia to see my Sister who I haven't seen in forever!

I am extremely lucky and will be whale watching, going to the Great Barrier Reef and staying in some of the most beautiful villas I have ever seen, but this post isn't about that.

This post is about making this summer, summer 2015, the best summer ever and here is my summer bucket list to complete sometime before October.

Summer Bucket List 2015
  1. Do a photo challenge - a photo a day
  2. Travel somewhere new (pretty sure I'm going to check this one off!) 
  3. Make a floral crown 
  4. Feel more Be more confident 
  5.  Rejig your summer wardrobe and try different outfits 
  6. Save money!
  7. Stop stressing 
  8. Create a blog plan 
  9. Blog more 
  10. Try new makeup looks
I hope that everyone reading this has a great summer, no matter what you are doing! If you have any items on your bucket list - let me know! I might even steal one or two of your ideas!

Technology I Use on a Daily Basis

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Dacora Camera | Technology I Use Daily | Victoria Alice Blogs

From the very start of the day technology rules my life. 

Beginning with the alarm on my phone waking me up to watching Netflix on my laptop technology surrounds my day to day tasks.

Because of this, I thought I’d outline day to day what is typically involved in my daily routine and the technology that makes it ten times easier. 

The alarm on my phone blasts in my ear startling me awake every morning. I love weekends when it doesn’t have to be set, but I regret waking up late morning (alright midday) as I don’t get much done and end up lounging in my pajamas all day… ok, maybe that ain’t so bad.

I then jump in the shower and scrub clean with Original Source shower gel (it smells so good!). 
Then it’s time to jump out and brush my teeth with an electric toothbrush. 

I’ll get dressed and then sort out my hair and makeup. I’ll dry my hair with a hairdryer, make it sleek and shiny with straighteners, look up a makeup tutorial on YouTube and head downstairs for breakfast. 

I like to have breakfast on the go, so I’ll blend up a smoothie using the aptly named Smoothie2Go blender we have.

On the drive to work, I’ll listen to music on my phone via Bluetooth connection through my car speakers. 

My work revolves around technology too. I’m a digital marketing executive, so a typical day is spent at the computer answering emails, writing blogs, researching keywords and working with clients to improve their online presence. 

At lunch, I’ll check my personal social media networks and catch up on a few of my favourite blogs. I’ll always check Facebook and Twitter, but sometimes I’ll also have time to jot down a few blog ideas that I’ll write up when I get home. 

I’ll then get back to work, do some more research, do some SEO for a client's site and maybe host a webinar using WebEx software. 

On the way home, I’ll again listen to digital radio or an audio book on my phone, once again connected to the car speakers via Bluetooth. 

At home, the technology saga continues. I’ll write up that blog post and take photos using my Sony a5000. Once this has been uploaded or scheduled for an up and coming day, it’s time for dinner. 

Even food is prepared using technology these days, whether that it via a microwave, induction hob, electric oven or a Tefal Actifry. Then the dishes go in the dishwasher and I’ll relax for the evening. 

Pinterest – Watch YouTube – Run with the 5k Coach App – Hire a Film. 

Just before bed, I will always catch up with my boyfriend via Skype or Face Time. Then we will watch Netflix together and just before falling asleep, I’ll set my alarm ready for the next technology fuelled day. 


You're Worth It

beauty
Beautiful You in fancy font
Adverts tell us everyday. 

We’re worth it, we’re beautiful, it’s us on a good day. 

So why do we worry so much? What are people going to say, what are they thinking? 

Maybe they'll judge me. 


WELL DUH! 


We need to dye our hair.
Cover greys.
Blondes have more fun.
Be daring, go red. 

Wear that itsy bitsy bikini so we have tan lines that make us look like a geometric 3D shape. Show off those abs. 

Size 16? 18? 20?
You’re curvaceous, plus size, XXL, fat, ugly. 
Shop at ASOS Curve, New Look Inspire, Evans, Yours, get out of Top Shop... don't even bother. 

Make your tummy happy - eat yoghurt, bifidus regularis, reduced fat cheese, same great taste, skimmed milk, half fat, no fat, 0%, no sugar, sweeteners, no calories, no, no, no. 

As for your face…
Get rid of those circles under your eyes, paint on freckles, wear a foundation, you need flawless skin:

Wash it, 
Scrub it, 
Prime it, 
Blot it, 
Moisturize. 

Day and night, twice a day. 
Look younger, now, results in 14 days, spots get smaller, overnight - instant. 

I'M GOING TO BREAK OUT!

Don’t eat chocolate you’ll get spots. 
Eat chocolate it makes you happy. 
On your period? You deserve a treat. Eat some chocolate. 
Chocolate makes you happy. 

Orange Juice aka OJ – that’s healthy. 
Full of vitamin C, juicy bits, smooth, with stevia, not from concentrate, from concentrate, with raspberry, mango, orange with orange. 

Citric acid, strips the enamel, you can’t drink that. 

So, you wonder why you don’t fancy heading out? 
That skirt is too short on you. Is my cellulite showing?
Skinny jeans, but I'm not skinny. 
That dress is gorgeous, it looks good on her. 
Body con dress - body confident? 

HA.

I look like a stuffed sausage. 

My make up is too heavy – I look like a drag queen.
Over-line your lips, eye lash extensions, jet black mascara, cat eye, eyebrow game, highlighter, bronzer, blusher...

Are you having a bet? Don’t buy me a drink – I know your game. 
I’m not on the guest list – you're not coming in. 

LEAVE ME ALONE.

I make my own rules. 
Yes, I’m wearing double denim, so shoot me – throw back to the 90’s… at least I am happy, care free, beautiful. 
I might even wear red lipstick today. Pair it with blue eyeshadow. 
Wear a brown belt and black shoes.

Do you know what I’m going to do?
Go out, have fun, grab a can of man up and fuck 'em… fuck 'em all. 

We are beautiful,  we’re fabulous!

D’you know what? – there's a can of sass over there. Use it all, spray it everywhere. 

Why?

Because you’re worth it.

You are kind, you are polite, beautiful, cute and you’ve done amazing things.
If anyone ever tells you otherwise...

Fuck 'em… they're not worth it.  


*Post not sponsored by L'Oreal...*

Cheek Stamps: A New Buzz?

beauty

Cheek Stamps | Seventeen

I’m pretty sure that these have been around for a while now, but I thought I’d do a quick review of the Seventeen Cheek Stamp Blush. 

Three words: cute, funky and OTT fun! 

Ok, I know that’s not three words, but hey, call the cops. 
Anyway, in brief, I like them! (Hey, three words!)

I picked up a couple of these a while back, so I’m not 100% sure how much they were. 
Seeing as I got two, they were either on offer, under a fiver or both – so a bargain piece to pick up and try if you haven’t done so.

There were a variety of these on the shelves, but I chose two colours: Stare Struck and Made You Look.

Firstly, Stare Struck:

 Cheek Stamps | Seventeen

This is my favourite of the two colours I picked up. 
It’s a little more natural and a peachy pink shade. It’s great for everyday wear and sophisticated enough for make up on a night out – especially when paired with a shimmery highlight.

As for Made You Look, this is a lot different. 
In colour it is a very Barbie pink shade that really pops on pale skin. It’s pink – I don’t know how else to describe it! 
Anyway, less is definitely more with this one! 
However, it has its uses. I like to wear it out on the beach or for a picnic date, something like that. It’s more of a cutesy colour, perfect for the outdoors.

The real wow factor with these pieces is the ‘stamp’ design. 
The blushers themselves come in little round pots. To open them, you simply twist and the applicator sponge pops up, all ready and topped up with just the right amount of powder. It’s ingenious and great for on the go – especially as it has a little round mirror on the top too.

All in all, I give these little blushers a 4 out of 5 – I love them, I think they are fun and the colours really do pop on your cheeks. 
However, the stamp is a little literal at times and I can apply way to much pink to my cheeks and look like one of those vintage dolls with the perfect circle of  colour in their face… not the best look, unless it’s Halloween.

Cheek Stamps | Seventeen | Victoria Alice Blogs

Let me know what you think! Have you tried these cheek stamps before? 

Trip to London

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London's Calling 

At the weekend, I had the best time in London. Visiting Borough Market and seeing all the delicious foods piled up together, people bustling to get passed one another, having to endure smelly massive rounds of cheese and indulging in the best doughnut in the world (post coming soon!). 

We were tempted to go to the London Tombs Tour, but I think it is a bit too scary for me... 

The Shard - Big Ben - Tower of London - Cutty Sark - Thames

I don't know anyone who doesn't love London and I cannot wait to go back! 




London Borough Market | Victoria Alice Blogs

London Bridge History | Victoria Alice Blogs

The Shard | London | Victoria Alice Blogs

Victoria Alice Blogs

Cutty Sark | London | Victoria Alice Blogs

Triple Cooked Chips | The Vineyard, London

The Vineyard, London | Victoria Alice Blogs

Monthly Favourites: June 2015

Monthly Favourites
June has been a bit of a funny month.

Some days it’s been sunny and warm and then the next minute, dull and rainy.

Do you know that wet, muggy type of weather, the type that brings all the daddy long legs into your house? – They have been the worst days!

However, it is definitely summer and I am really looking forward to the next few months.

As it is the end of the month, I thought I’d jot down a few of my favourite things. I’m also going to do a little jazzy video showcasing them in a little more detail, so keep an eye out for that! 

Anyway, for now, here are my favourite things from the month of June 2015!

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Half and Half Hairstyle

Victoria Pierce | Victoria Alice Blogs 

I LOVE IT! Plus, it’s really simple. I don’t have too much time in the morning and this takes five minutes, seriously. 

Plus, with a tricky fringe this is great as it gets all the hair off my face, but leaves some hair down to soften the look. 

How To:

1.       Straighten your hair (optional).

I like doing this to make the final look a little sleeker. Plus, if you have a lot of hair or long hair, sometimes it is easier to manage when straightened.

2.       Take a large section of hair.

I like to use my ears as a guide. Take the top section of hair from here and tie it on the very top of your head. Include any fringe that you may have and keep as much hair away from your face as possible.

3.       If you wish, add bobby pins to the top section to keep flyaways or your fringe at bay.

Sometimes, it is nice to push your hair forward a little to add a bit of volume.

4.       Ensure your hair looks good at this point.

Ensure the two sections are separate with none of the second half of your hair tangled in the top pony.

5.       Heat a curling wand and curl a few sections of hair in the bottom layer of hair to add a bit of texture.

6.       Do the same to the hair tied on top of your head. Add a few curls, but not too many.

7.       To complete the look.

Add a bow or embellishment if you wish and spray with hairspray to set everything into place.



And there you have it - my favourite hairstyle for the summery month of June.


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Mac’s Huggable Lip Colour



Is huggable even a word?!

I bought this lipstick for my friend's wedding. It was great on the day and I am using it more and more as we creep into the warm summer months.
I chose the colour Flamin' Lips - A deep creamy red that has a slight shimmer and a semi opaque look on the lips. 
I love it and think that it is perfect for summer. Not too heavy, it wears well and the warm undertones will look great with a tan (...I can dream). 

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Kimonos



I'm really hoping that kimonos never, ever go out of style. They are perfect for festivals and as a summer cover up to hide any sunburn and protect your skin. 
Whether they are flower print, lace or full of tassels kimonos are my favourite item of clothing this month. 

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Netflix – My Ever Growing List 

I don't think I am ever going to get fed up of Netflix! 
It is forever updating and there are more and more new episodes every week for great TV series such as PLL and OITNB. Plus I feel 'in the know' and can use acronyms in sentences - ooh fancy. 



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I think that is about it this month. Not too many favourites, but I didn't want to add something for the sake of it. 

Anyhoo, until next month!