June 14, 2024

The WORST Hair Colour Remover - Provoke Review

Since summer is around the corner, I wanted to refresh my hair colour for that main character vibe. ✨ I've been dying my hair a level 5 brunette for the past year (over bleach blonde hair) so I needed to remove the dye build-up for a clean canvas. This was the start of my questionable life choices.

My Experience

I decided to get Provoke's remover mainly due to its low price - it retails for £3.49 at Savers and £7.99 on Amazon. Need to save that money during a cost-of-living crisis! I've used plenty of high-street colour removers, including JoBaz, Colourless Max Effect, and Superdrug, but this one seriously takes the cake. The second I applied it to my hair, I started regretting it. The stench of rotten eggs and thick chemical fumes was so unbearable, that I was coughing non-stop even with two windows open. I've used removers before, so I knew how terribly they smelt, but nothing prepared me for this one. The other drugstore removers attempt to mask the smell with an apple fragrance. I applied the rest in my garden to escape the overpowering fumes.

Pros:

Affordable
Ammonia-free & Bleach-Free Formulation
Removes small amounts of permanent hair dyes
Super gentle, hair didn't feel like straw after.

Cons:

Smells like rotten eggs that have been rotten for centuries,
The smell lingers around, even after shampooing it 3 times.
It removed some dye pigments to a brassy brown but it's not as effective as other brands. You need to do the process 2/3 for it to reach back blonde.
Does not work on semi-permanent, metallic and henna dyes

Rating: 3/10

Would I repurchase?

Absolutely not! As much as I love saving money, it's worth getting the other high-street brands for a more pleasant experience. Or even better, get a professional one such as the Schwarzkopf Colour Remover. I've seen stylists on TikTok use Schwarzkopf and the results were impressive.

If you’ve had a similar experience or found a hair colour remover that works, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

December 02, 2023

Love in the Air: Anne Edwards from Co-Creative Jewellers Shares Exclusive Insights for Memorable Engagement Season Proposals

Insights from a Professional Jeweller: Key Considerations for Choosing the Engagement Ring of Your Dreams

As the leaves change colours and temperatures drop, engagement season is upon us, and with it comes the promise of love and commitment. As couples cosy up and contemplate taking their relationships to the next level, the quest for the perfect engagement ring begins. To guide couples through this exciting journey, Anne Edwards, Founder of Birmingham-based bespoke jewellery brand Co-Creative Jewellers, shares her expert advice on choosing the perfect engagement ring. With her wealth of knowledge and years of jewellery industry experience, Anne offers valuable insights for couples looking to make their engagement truly special.

"Engagement season is a magical time, and choosing the right ring is crucial to capturing the essence of your relationship," says Anne Edwards. "At Co-Creative Jewellers, we believe in creating unique and personalised pieces that reflect the love and essence of each couple. During the cuffing season, emotions run high, and we are here to help you find that one-of-a-kind ring that will forever symbolise your commitment."

Anne Edwards suggests the following tips for couples venturing on the journey of choosing an engagement ring during cuffing season:

Understand Your Partner's Style

Take note of your partner's preferences when it comes to jewellery. Consider their taste in metal, gemstones, and overall design aesthetic. It is also a good idea to keep in mind their personal style and fashion preferences.

Anne shares: “Your partner's style speaks volumes about their personality and preferences. Paying attention to the jewellery they wear can guide you in selecting the perfect engagement ring. Whether they prefer classic elegance, modern minimalism, or intricate designs, their chosen style becomes a valuable clue, guiding you to choose a ring that echoes their individuality and captures the spirit of your relationship.

Set a Budget

With a keen focus on optimising costs without compromising on quality, Co-Creative Jewellers offers the flexibility to fit various budgets. By carefully sourcing the materials and utilising efficient craftsmanship techniques, Co-Creative Jewellers create a bespoke proposal for a dream engagement ring based on the client’s vision and determined budget.

“Setting a budget is not just about financial planning; it's a compass that guides your search for the ideal engagement ring. By defining your budget, you narrow down your options, making the selection process more focused and enjoyable,” - continues Anne.

Consider Customisation

Personalised engagement rings add a distinctive touch to your proposal, allowing couples to create a ring that perfectly reflects their love story.

Anne adds: “In today's romantic landscape, couples are embracing the beauty of customisation, seeking unique engagement rings that convey their individual love stories. At Co-Creative Jewellers, we understand this desire for personalisation, which is why we offer a bespoke experience tailored to your preferences. Our innovative Interchangeable Rings Design concept allows you to explore various styles, letting you visualise and try different designs before making the final decision. This ensures your engagement ring is not just a symbol of your commitment, but a true reflection of your unique love story, crafted with care and creativity.”

August 21, 2023

The Rolling Mill, Pub Restaurant Review

Either I am going down memory lane or I operate on a different human timeline. 🤪 The Rolling Mill, located in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, is worthy of a review even 8 months later. All of their Festive Menu items are still available on their À La Carte Menu.

Their menu features a flavourful selection of pub classics and East-meets-West dishes that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

We ordered the following:

🍽 Marinated Grilled Lamb Cutlets
🥩 Aubrey Allen 8oz Rump
🧀 Truffle Mac & Cheese
🍖 Pork Belly Bites

To start, we enjoyed the Pork Belly Bites and Truffle Mac & Cheese. I am a sucker for decadent pasta, and the Truffle Mac & Cheese did not disappoint. Serious earthy truffle aroma, topped with herb crumbs, a beautiful masterpiece with plenty of textures.

The Marinated Grilled Lamb Cutlets were a true highlight (our fave!), boasting a succulent tenderness that perfectly encapsulated the flavour of the marinate.

There's a reason why The Rolling Mill consistently ranks in the top restaurant hot spots on Trip Advisor. British and European comfort food done well and served in the most cosy, accessible, unpretentious atmosphere. What’s not to love?

June 22, 2023

Sunday Brunch at Aria, Hyatt Regency Hotel Birmingham Review

Luxury hotel Hyatt Regency Birmingham has recently relaunched its highly anticipated Sunday Brunch extravaganza at the renowned Aria restaurant. The brunch takes place every Sunday from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. This culinary feast is priced at £45 per person for food only and for those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, £65 per person with unlimited house beverages.

The revamped Sunday Brunch offers an extensive and delectable culinary menu that leaves no craving unfulfilled. From freshly cooked roasts to live cooking stations, a lavish buffet spread, a tempting selection of cheese, a delightful dessert station, and much more, the options are endless.

You’re definitely spoilt for choice, however, it's worth noting that the wide variety compromised the quality of the food. Some of the dishes were overcooked or lacked seasoning, specifically the salmon. Hopefully, they’ll improve on that.

On a brighter note, their espresso martini stole the show, earning its place as the crème de la crème. This praise is coming from a self-proclaimed espresso martini enthusiast who indulges on a weekly basis.

Overall, the relaunched Sunday Brunch at Hyatt Regency Birmingham promises an opulent dining experience with a plethora of options to satisfy every palate. While there may be room for improvement in certain aspects of the food quality, the exceptional cocktails alone make this indulgence worthwhile.

June 16, 2023

Diamonds in the Modern Era: Evolving Trends and Styles

Diamonds have long held a position as one of the most coveted gemstones worldwide, thanks to their timeless beauty, rarity, and exceptional durability. However, the ways in which diamonds are worn and styled have undergone several changes over time. In this blog post, we will delve into the shifting landscape of diamonds and the evolving styles that have emerged in recent years.

Traditional Diamond vs Modern Diamond Rings

We've all heard the iconic tagline ‘A Diamond Is Forever" which essentially paved the modern concept of a diamond engagement ring. These days, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone whose engagement ring doesn’t involve a diamond of sorts.

The eternity of traditional diamonds has been seen as the ultimate symbol of everlasting love and commitment. In recent times, there has been a shift towards colored diamonds and modern, unconventional designs. Contemporary diamond rings often feature unique cuts and settings, as well as non-traditional materials such as rose gold and black rhodium.

Modern brides are embracing colored diamonds as they reflect unique hues from canary yellows to soft pinks that symbolize various meanings and subtly showcase their personality traits.

Concerns about the environment and working practices in the mining industry have led to the sparkling rise of lab diamond rings as an alternative, ethical and cost-effective option.

Lab Diamond Vs Moissanite

If you find mined diamonds to be prohibitively expensive, there are excellent alternatives available. Lab diamonds possess the same physical and chemical properties as their mined counterparts. They're indistinguishable in every way, except they are grown in a controlled laboratory environment. On average, they cost 30-50% less. Lab grown diamonds are also certified the same way as natural diamonds, with a Laboratory Diamond Report carried out by a third-party lab and specialist jeweller. The report references the GIA color, clarity and cut scales.

On the other hand, moissanite, the second hardest substances after mined and lab-grown diamonds, boast remarkable durability due to its composition of silicon and carbon elements. The increased availability of lab diamond rings, coupled with a growing desire for dazzling statement pieces, has positioned them as trendsetters. Moissanite rings are renowned for their captivating rainbow-colored sparkle, adding to their allure.

Marquise vs. Round

The classic round diamond has always been a popular choice for engagement rings. Lately, the marquise cut has been making a comeback. The elongated shape of the marquise cut creates the illusion of a larger diamond, exuding a unique and elegant aesthetic. Though round diamonds remain timeless and versatile, the marquise cut offers a touch of sophistication and individuality. Both cuts possess their own advantages, leaving the final decision to personal preference and style. Whether you opted for a traditional round or a modern marquise shape, the diamond is sure to radiate sparkle and shine for years to come.

Cushion vs. Emerald

When it comes to diamond shapes, cushion and emerald cuts have experienced a recent resurgence. The cushion cut, characterized by rounded corners and a square or rectangular shape, provides a classic yet contemporary appeal. Conversely, the emerald cut, with its step-cut facets and elongated rectangular shape, exudes an air of elegance and sophistication. Both cuts offer unique styles that can cater to a variety of tastes.

Ultimately, the choice between the type of diamond, shape and cut comes down to personal preference and the desire to complement the wearer's taste and personality. Regardless of the chosen cut, a diamond's timeless beauty will always symbolize enduring love and commitment.