Blogger Cocktail Masterclass - Warwick Street Social

A couple of weeks ago now I attended a blogger cocktail masterclass at Warwick Street Social in Norwich. Having never been to Warwick Street Social I was curious as to what it would be like, but looked forward to it all the same. The Norwich Bloggers who planned this event offered some spaces on a ticketed basis, I decided to buy a ticket and go along to have a fun night of socialising with likeminded people. 

I arrived at 7pm and met up with other bloggers Courteney, Kate, Amy, Amy, Lindsay, Sammi, Laura, Laura, and Shelley. The aim of the evening was to choose a cocktail that we could have at the Christmas Meal so we got to have a go at making 6 different drinks with the help of Scott. The first drink was a classic Mojito which was probably the simplest cocktail we made. This was ruled out early on as it just didn’t have that festive feel to it, although it did taste lovely. We then made a ‘bramble’ which is something I have never heard of before but it was lovely. The main part of this drink was gin, added with freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar syrup and a fruit cordial, this was really nice. Me and Kate had a go at making this one and we both thought it was lovely, but again this did not have a Christmas feel to it.

Thirdly we made Pina Coladas, I love a creamy Pina Colada but this didn’t go down too well with the rest of the group. I think Pina Coladas are best served on the beach in a hot country, perhaps not alongside your turkey dinner. We then made a Smashing Pumpkin Fizz. This had pumpkin pureé and Prosecco in so I couldn’t wait to try this. This would have been the perfect Halloween/autumn drink I think, it tasted great but just didn’t have that festive feel to it.

The final 2 cocktails were the most festive of the lot. Firstly the spiced gingerbread one, complete with gingerbread man. This just tasted of Christmas, it was delicious and perfectly spiced. The final cocktail was called Candy Cane, this had peppermint syrup, cranberry juice and strawberry vodka. It was so refreshing and will be served with a crushed candy cane sugar rimmed glass!

If you’d like to keep up to date with future Norwich Blogging events, follow the twitter page and keep an eye out for future events.

Blogger Swap!

I recently took part in a blogger swap organised by Angela Angeline from Chocolate & Lipstick. I passed on my details and she paired me up with the lovely Jess from www.glitterbat.net. I checked out her blog straight away trying to find clues as to what I could buy her. We emailed back and forth for a couple of weeks to get to know each other and I was starting to get some ideas of what to buy. I pretty much stalked every blog post and looked on all social networks for ideas, but at the same time I didn’t really have a clue! Wow, I sound creepy... Anyway...

With a budget of £15, I set myself the task of getting as many things as I could for the value for money, but also buying a couple of things that have a higher value that I hoped Jess would like.

When I received my box I was so excited! It was like receiving a glossybox but even better as I knew that someone had actually put effort into choosing things that I would like It felt like Christmas, my favourite time of the year! And how cute is the address label! 

Jess was spot on with her decisions, I couldn't have picked better items if I was buying the box for myself and it was PACKED with goodies! So.. Onto what I received.

The first thing I saw when I opened the box was these tea bags. To anyone else this may seem really random but me and Jess spent a lot of time talking about different teas and to have a selection from her tea cupboard is simply awesome. In fact, I tried one straight away!

I then saw this bar of Dark Lindt Excellence in Caramel flavour with a touch of sea salt. Yes Salted CARAMEL! For those of you that read my previous review on Lindt will know that the salted caramel bar was my absolute favourite. Topped with the fact that this is also dark, I couldn't think of a better chocolate bar. I can't wait to tuck into this!

I then delved further into the box and the items just kept coming. Jess did amazingly well with picking things that I like, and related them to the conversations we had been having, it was so nice and I could see where the thought had come from. I then picked up these Nail accessories which are glittery white and in the shape of snowflakes. I LOVE these - I am a huge Christmas fan and I can't wait to do some festive nails with these. They're super cute!

I then spotted these 3 little Lindt bears which really got me feeling festive. I can't wait to eat these (sorry little bears).

This Barry M nail varnish in Vintage Purple is a lovely colour and I don't own anything like this! This is the perfect shade for the autumn months and I love Barry M nail varnishes as they always seem to last really well before they start chipping.

I then spotted this little bath bomb called "You can't catch me". The best thing about this is that it has a little gingerbread man on top! Jess must have really listened to me as I have definitely mentioned I love gingerbread (latte's/green tea/men!) but never have I tried a gingerbread bath bomb. This is pretty special, I can't wait to use it!

I told you the items in this box go on forever.. I then found the Barry M Showgirl mascara. This is extra lengthening and I couldn't help but try it straight away. it has immediately replaced my current mascara, it's amazing.

One of my favourite items in the box was this Yankee Candle Votive in "Christmas Treats". Again, I LOVE Christmas and I especially love Christmas Yankee Candles! This smells so good! I don't think I'm going to be able to wait until the festive season to burn it.

I then got this beautiful mirror which is going to be perfect for putting into my handbag. I don't actually have a compact mirror. It seems Jess was psychic and knew I needed one! It's really chunky as well which I love as you know it's not going to break easily!

I then saw these at the bottom and was thrilled! Shimmering Snowflake & Snowmen Sprinkles! Me and Jess always talk about cakes in our emails and so she must have known these would be perfect for some Christmas themed cakes and cake pops I've been planning. I can't even believe you can buy these, I'm so happy!

Last but not least, I got this amazing Barry M Super Chic Shadow and Primer Palette which I love! The shadows are so pigmented and such good quality. The warm copper shade is my favourite for this time of the year and I wore it literally the day I opened this box. I can't wait to create some really nice looks with this.

Overall I was super happy with the swap and the items I received from Jess. She really put a lot of thought and effort into everything and I am very thankful that I was paired with such an awesome partner! Thank you Jess, it's been awesome!

To see what I bought for Jess  – click on her post here!

If you would like to get involved in a blogger swap then check out Angela Angeline’s post here for more information. I really recommend taking part in one of these - I have had the chance to try new products and it's been lovely to speak to someone new and I hope we stay in touch! :)