January 19, 2020

Perks of being a Google Local Guide 2022

There's no doubt that you've come across an orange starred Local Guide badge before on Google reviews. I was curious when I saw "Local Guide" - what does a local guide actually do and how do I get a badge next to my name too? Not going to lie, at first I wanted the badge purely for vanity purposes since I write Instagram reviews around Birmingham but now I'm semi addicted to writing reviews again!

The Local Guide programme gives recognition for those that share their reviews, photos and knowledge on Google Maps. You only unlock the badge once you've reached level 4. Local Guides do not get paid by Google itself. However, there are some brands that pay people to write reviews for their Google Business page in an attempt to boost their search rankings.

Guides can get unlock perks for their contribution - perks included early access to Google features and Google partners. When I was searching for what perks do Local Guides get - apparently, a lot of the perks have dropped over the last few years since it was costing Google so much. Not surprising when there are now over 50 million local guides, so I thought it would be helpful to create an updated perk list for 2020.

In this post, I'll update it whenever I unlock a new perk or benefit (sadly, it's not a holiday to Lantau Island in Hong Kong. I just needed a travel guided looking pic for this post okay).

► Level 4 - Free Custom Postcard

The postcard perk lasts for 1 month, mine expired by the time I decided who I would like to send one to haha. Who even sends postcards nowadays?

I think this one could possibly be a random perk since I got it in December and it expired on the 31st. Google probably thought it would be a cool perk for the holiday season. If it's not a randomly perk, please correct me in the comments.

► Level 5 - Socks

HOW CUTE ARE THESE??? I hope there's going to be more merch like this. 😍

I'm still waiting for the socks to arrive - it'll take roughly 6-8 weeks. But when they finally do arrive, I'm going to spam cute photos of them and wear them to restaurants to them know what's up! I'm kidding, I won't wear them out but they are much appreciated to keep my feet warm through this horrible winter.

Update: The long-awaited socks in the flesh.

► Level 6 - Local Guide Special Edition Pin Badge

I don't think you need to reach a specific level to receive the pin; it's more of a thank you for contributing to Maps over time.

Oops, haven't reached the next level/perk yet...

But be sure to check back as I updated as I level up and receive more perks 😅.

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If you're thinking of becoming a Local Guide purely for the perks, from what I've read on the internet it's not worth it. It requires a lot of time and you won't receive anything high in value. It's purely for helping others, enjoy sharing your experiences/stories and photography.

Until then the next update, you can follow my adventures on Instagram @michellecheungg.

May 20, 2019

Satin Dream | Hidden Fashion Bodysuit

Velvet is so last season - ushered from evening wear into the cool light of day, it’s satin’s turn to shine.

With fluidity and shine, satin brings a relaxed elegance to spring fashion. Satin has transcended beyond a seasonal trend and become a wardrobe staple. Satin is showing up in everyday wear and it's anything but subtle this season. You’ll find the most bright and beautiful colours meant to dazzle when you walk into the room.

Recently, I've been loving this sky blue satin and mesh bodysuit from Hidden Fashion. It's the perfect going out top for drinks with the girls. I've paired it with black tailored trousers from ASOS to glam up my work attire. This outfit looks even more stunning with a blazer on top, my goldfish brain just forgot to take photos with the blazer on.

*Disclaimer: Bodysuit gifted by Hidden Fashion.

April 24, 2019

Instagram Hair on a Budget! With Duck and Dry Express & the WORLD'S BIGGEST PRIMARK!

Instagram worthy hair on a budget? You heard that right! With the opening of the world's biggest Primark in Birmingham, UK; I was super lucky and got invited to the store preview before the doors were opened to the public. The store is literally the size of a shopping mall, there are 5 floors of endless shopping, 3 cafes to recharge (1 of them is Disney themed!) and even a beauty studio to pamper yourself.

Primark has launched a sister brand Duck and Dry to provide an in-store pampering service to take care of your hair, nails and brows all in one destination. Duck and Dry beauty studios are set to be launched in 40 stores across the UK. Keeping reading as I show you the branch in Birmingham.

The beauty studio is split into 3 different stations.

► Duck and Dry Xpress:

Xpress is where you can get your blow dries and updos. I like how they display all the different styles on the wall so you can get inspired to try something new.

► Duck and Dry File:

File is where you can get your nails done from a simple file and polish to a gel manicure. The interior of the nail bar is so aesthetic and spacious.

► Duck and Dry Pluck:

Pluck is where you can get your brows and eyelashes services. My eyebrows are microbladed, so sadly I won't be stopping at the Pluck station anytime soon.

► Braid-a-licious Updo:

I decided to get my hair braided since my hair has been previously bleached, I'm trying to reduce my heat usage to prevent further damage. There are 3 braid styles you can choose from and all they cost £13 each. You can add on extras like glitter for an additional £5.

I went for the style Braid-a-licious, which is a whimsical half updo. Such a stunning updo! I'm so happy with the results and I wish could braid my hair like this every day, it's definitely inspired me to experiment more with my hairstyles. BUT don't get confused like me, the updo options will only braid your hair, it doesn't include hair curling. I thought the ends of my hair would have been curled like the model's photo. I think you will need to ask for curling as an extra.

I curled it with some straighteners the next day anyway to live that full Instagram Coachella hair fantasy.

Have you checked out the new Primark yet? It's such a Birmingham thing to own the biggest Primark; we already have a super extra train station, what's next? I heard they're planning on renovating the House of Fraser building into a 9 story complex!

*Disclaimer: Updo was complimentary by Duck and Dry Express

April 15, 2019

The Best Pizza In Birmingham! | @Pizza Grand Central Restaurant Review

New kid on the block spotted in Grand Central, Birmingham! I'm always on the hunt for new food places and thank god Birmingham the foodie city is never short of places with restaurants constantly coming and going. At Pizza recently opened a few weeks ago and I'm buzzing there is a brand new pizza dedicated restaurant with a fresh twist on it. Me and Sian Victoria checked it out as they were having an offer for the Bulling Shopping Affair event, keep reading to see all the goodness!

► Service:

The interior is right up my alley, the dark walls and bright neon lights are perfect for taking Instagram worthy photos and they give off a modern chic atmosphere. I absolutely loved the service there, the staff were all super friendly and hilarious. Personally, I love it when the staff have conversations with me as it makes the experience more welcoming and memorable. The layout of the counter reminds me of Subway, the ingredients are all laid out in the open so you can easily select your toppings.

► Drinks:

I forgot to take photos of the drinks individually, so you're going to have to deal with me posing cheesily with one. They have a soda machine with 6 carefully crafted unique flavours. In my hand, I'm holding my personal favourite one which is Mango and Blood Orange. Lightly fizzed, refreshing and not too sweet. The Peach and Honey Ice Tea is also to die for! The iced tea is a still drink but the other 5 flavours are fizzy sodas.

► Pizza!

Time for the star of this post, THE PIZZAAA! You can design your own pizza at the fixed price of £9.95 with as many or little toppings as you like. It's so much fun and perfect for indecisive eaters that want to devour everything like me! If you don't want to design your own pizza, they also have 7 set ones on the menu.

For my custom pizza I started off with a sourdough base, the superior pizza base, change my mind. I dare you! For the sauce you can pick one or two of your choice, I went for half roquito pepper sauce and half garlic and ricotta. The ricotta was so creamy, my mouth is literally watering thinking about it right now. As for cheese, I opted for the veganarella which surprisingly had a slightly stringy texture just like mozzarella! I love that they have an option for vegans. Whilst I'm not vegan, I'm lactose intolerant so its amazing @Pizza accommodates for people with all sorts of different dietary requirements. It was so hard choosing the toppings because I just wanted a bit of everything. In the end, my indecisive mind went for some pepperoni, fresh jalapeno, grilled red peppers, grilled red onion and kalamata olives. The ingredients were top-notch quality, fresh and flavourful. For the finishing touches, I added some sriracha sauce and garlic mayonnaise. You could be super healthy and finish it off with some salad or some more cheeky cheese, there are so many options for you to come up with some quirky combinations.

► Dessert:

It was a challenge tackling that pizza but there's always room for dessert. We had a Tropococo sundae to share as the portion is quite big. It's made of mango and coconut menodiciotto gelato, pineapple, coconut, mango coulis, icing sugar, mascarpone, crushed Bischoff. This is perfect if you want something light and tropical, it reminded of Raffaello chocolates. They also have dessert pizzas, if you fancy having some more carbs. ^.<

► Overall:

It's safe to say @Pizza has the best pizza I've tried so far in Birmingham and I am definitely going back for more! It's such a nice restaurant to chill out at after shopping, the atmosphere is great and it does not feel like a fast food restaurant whatsoever. Making the custom pizza so was such a fun and personal experience. The food is top notch quality, I and Sian were saying how we felt healthy eating a pizza haha. I would go back for the Tropococo sundae alone.

► Restaurant Info:

If you would like to check out @Pizza for yourself, you can find them at:

Location: UNIT 33 GRAND CENTRAL BIRMINGHAM, B2 4BF

Site: https://www.atpizza.com/birmingham

Instagram: @at.pizza
Menu: Link

What are your favourite pizza toppings?

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*Disclaimer: Meal was complimentary however it does not affect my opinions and I was under no obligation to review it (but I genuinely love the restaurant so I wanted to share and recommend them).

March 11, 2019

PEACHY KEEN | FEMME LUXE FINERY

The bright coloured outfits continue! I thought I'd try a completely different style and colour out of my comfort zone with this peachy apricot jumper dress from Femme Luxe. I think the colour is fresh and fits well with the neon trend going on at the moment. My mum saw me wearing this outfit this morning and was like "WTF are you wearing?! 😂", while my mum doesn't approval of this look, I guess you could say it's quite the statement or attention-grabbing jumper. Perfect for keeping you warm in spring and give you that pop of colour. I would have loved to style the dress with a Gucci GG belt, so it would accentuate the waist and pull the outfit together. But my broke student ass doesn't have that kind of Gucci money nor do I really wear belts lol.

What colour are you repping for March?