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The Manor Hotel

25 June 2014

Warning this is a picture heavy post. If you follow me on twitter you will know that last week I booked a few days away in The Manor Hotel in Crickhowell as a surprise for my mums birthday.

The Manor is in a gorgeous valley and has the most amazing views. Sitting in the garden with a cold pint or glass of wine (we did both) you can look out across the mountains. The view from our room was just as spectacular as we had 2 big windows so could see across the mountains and look over the pretty garden. 

The Manor Hotel has a swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gym. I found the facilities did let them down a bit as they seemed to be a bit of an after thought and they were a bit small due to limited space. They looked tired which made them look dirty but I don't think they were. 

The hotel itself is gorgeous and has tons of character. The only downside is it is not accessible at all. As it is a listed building they can't put a lift in and there are steps everywhere you look which is a shame.

Their website also has a late availability section where you can get rooms a bit cheaper, however if you want to stay on a weekend you will have to book in advance as they are very popular for weddings

Our room was the first 3 windows from the left. The only downside to this room was that it got really hot so we kinda roasted in the night. 


We had the Good Twin room and it was nice and spacious. The beds were a tad soft for my fussy spine but the rooms were nice and quiet.



As you can see the views from our window were pretty impressive and the garden was lovely to sit and relax in.
















Onto the food. I was quite disappointed in the breakfast. I had a cooked breakfast the first morning and didn't really enjoy. The sausage was mushy and the scrambled egg tasted odd and was also a tad mushy. I had porridge the next morning and it was really gloopy so I had a danish instead which was pretty delicious but overall I think their breakfast needs improvement.



On the first day we had separate sandwiches and scones and these were delicious. The coleslaw was amazing and the scones were still warm and so so good.



On the second day we had a full afternoon tea and it was so good. There was beef and horseradish sandwiches carrot cake, scones, brownie and a chocolate cake I think. All of it was delicious and I was so full after.


We only had one evening meal in The Manor but it was very good. I had a tomato and mozerella salad for starter and it was okay it just needed something with a bit of crunch to go with it.


My mum had asparagus and poached egg and I tried some and oh my god this was delicious although the chef needs a little lesson on poaching eggs as the yolk was solid.


I had steak as I really can't say no to steak. It was cooked so well and tasted amazing. The onion rings were crispy and delicious and I refused to share them. I forgot to take a picture of the chips before I scoffed them but they were chunky, fluffy and heavenly.


My mum went for the pie of the day which was steak which I also tried (had to for the blog obviously) and this was also really good. We were so full after finishing we could barely move.



If you are looking for a relaxing spa break like we were then I'm not sure if this is the hotel for you as the facilities are a bit of a let down.
However if you are looking for a relaxing stay in a gorgeous hotel with picturesque surroundings, good food and a pretty town nearby then this is definitely the hotel for you.

Beth...x


Haul

24 June 2014

 I've recently bought a few new things so thought I'd show you a little haul post. Haven't bought too much though as saving pennies for a holiday.

Barry M Matte Top Coat £2.99
Gelly Hi Shine in Passion Fruit £3.99
Limited Addition in Seaside £3.99 free.

I absolutely love Barry M nail polish and it makes up most of my large collection. They had a free gift if you spent over £6 so obviously I had to. I tried models own matte top coat and wasn't overly impressed so thought I'd try this one to compare. I love the Gelly range and this is a gorgeous bright colour for summer and is currently on my nails. And of course I had to get one of the Limited addition colours and sparkly blue is always fit for a mermaid.



Barry M Angled Eyeliner Brush £2.99

I needed a longer handled angled brush to do my brows and I love the white and pink design of this one and at only 2.99 I couldn't really say no.


VO5 Refresh Me Quick Dry Shampoo £3.59 £1.77
Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturiser £4.99 £3.99
VO5 Plump it up Dry Shampoo £3.59 £1.77

I love Dry shampoo and don't know how I'd cope without it but I want to try different ones from Batiste as they always leave my hair looking a tad grey. So far so good with these and I'll have a full review up once I've given them a proper work out.
I'm really lazy when it comes to moisturiser and I hate the slimy feel so something called spray and go is right up my street. I've only used this briefly but it smells gorgeous. Again full review once I've used it more.


Matalan Black Swing Cami £6

Obviously if you like a vest top you have to buy it in every colour which is exactly what I did in Matalan. This tops sit gorgeously, are flattering and are nice and light to keep cool. I will be living in them this summer.


Matalan Coral Swing Cami £6


Matalan Mint Swing Cami £6



Matalan Pink Swing Cami £6


Matalan White Swing Cami £6


Malibu Print Sweatshirt £16 £8

This jumper was on Sale in the mens section but its so comfy and cosy I just had to have it. Will be great for lounging around in.

 New Look Blue Contrast Aztec Print Tube Skirt £9.99

This skirt featured in my Wishlist post a few weeks ago. The print is even better in person. Its so bright, I love it.


New Look Orange Canvas Espadrille Plimsolls £7.99

I live in espadrilles in the summer and all mine from last year are looking a tad worse for wear. These are a gorgeous colour and will complement a tan which Im hoping to get. 


What have you been buying?

Beth...x

Sunday Summary

22 June 2014

Instead of just doing a post on the things that made me happy I thought I'd do a summary of everything from the week, what Ive been listening to, reading, watching etc.

So 7 things that made me happy.

1. Went on a a little get away with my mum to a gorgeous hotel & spent the day in the jacuzzi or drinking ice cold cider/wine in the sun Working on a post for this which will be up some time next week.



2. I finally have the starts to a pretty decent tan

3. I painted my fence pale pink and white and it looks so pretty


4. I've started a new book and can't put it down. As soon as I've finished it I will write a review.

5. My Lilys finally opened.


6. Cocktails. All the cocktails


7. Spent all day today in the paddling pool with my brother being children again.

Reading: 
Cruel Justice

Films:
Desperately seeking Susan
The Holiday
Nims Island

Listening to:
Disappointed - Chloe Howl
Home - Naughty Boy
Human - Cher Lloyd
We Cant stop 1950's DooWop Cover
Chasing Shadows - Shakira


Blogs:
In Katie's Corner - Food Lifestyle and beauty, what more could you want from a blog. I really want to try the Apple & cinnamon muffins. Another food added to my to bake list

Mapped Out - Love her DIY Jewellery Hanger as well as her OOTDs and a really cool watermelon nail art

The Lovecats Inc - Gorgeous outfit posts that make me jealous of her body and her wardrobe as well as some delicious recipes that I still need to try out.

What have you bee up to this week?

Beth...x

Flower Power

20 June 2014

As this post goes live I will hopefully be heading to chill in the pool, jacuzzi and steam room after a delicious breakfast. I'm going with my mum for a relaxing 2 nights for her birthday but its a surprise and she keeps trying to get where we are going out of me but I wont crack. I'm hoping to get some pictures and write a post on it when I get back.

This is just a really quick post to show you all the gorgeous new flowers I got to go on my new fenced deck. I'm not normally a flowers girl but these are beautiful and make me smile when I see them. Now just have to make sure I don't kill them. 








What are your favourite flowers?

Beth...x

Umberto Giannini Salt Spray

18 June 2014

Effortless hair is definitely my thing. I have been known to forget the last time I washed or brushed my hair (I do still shower I just dont bother washing my hair, Im not a complete minger). In fact I desperately need to wash & brush it today as I'm pretty sure there may be wildlife living up there, maybe a couple of birds or a squirrel. 

I have tried a few salt sprays but they never seemed to give me the effortless beachy waves I dreamed of, just a dry, knotty mess that I normally had to spend more time sorting out then if I'd have just blow dried and straightened it. 

Umberto Giannini Grunge Glamour Tousled Salt Spray gave me the lazy effortless beachy waves of my dreams. I tend to give it a quick blast with a hair dryer first because my hair is so thick it never dries then I just spray  it on my damp hair and wack it in a bun or just go to bed with it still down. Then when my hair finally dries ta-da wavy hair.

I've been using this a lot recently because its just too hot to faff about with hair dryers and straighteners. I have noticed it makes my hair a tad dry but I just run a small blob (technical term obviously) of Tigi Bed Head After Party through it and it looks healthy, silky & shiny again and feels really soft. 





Umberto Giannini Salt spray is £6 but boots currently has a 2 for £8 on selected UG haircare. The backcomb in a bottle is also amazing if you wanted to get something else.



Bed head after party is £9.99 on Fragrance Direct when it should be £15. I may have to get a top up one as I've nearly finished mine but it lasts for ages as you only need to use a pea size amount.


I look so weird without lipstick but this is the morning after bunning my hair with my salt spray for an hour & sleeping with loose slightly damp hair


This is a few days later, can you tell I haven't brushed it? 

What is your favourite Salt Spray?

Beth...x

Sunday Smiles

15 June 2014

I have been loving the gorgeous weather this week and have been helping (supervising & drinking tea) my dad with some DIY at home. Hope everyone has had a good week and here's what made me smile:

1. Got a new blog design done by the awesome Aly from Aleelily. What do you think?

2. Finally have a fence around my deck and a nice table & chairs set so I can sit out there and blog


3. Got the beginnings of a sun tan and got to do a bit of sunbathing on an old travel bed mattress  (plus a very burnt back which still stings)



4. Got 2 free Nail polishes from Models Own because my friend won the facebook competition & had tagged me to win a gift card.

5. Had fish & chips in the sun by the river in Betws y coed

6. Hit 30 followers on Bloglovin which to some of you may not be a lot but to me it means the world

7. Orange is the New Black - enough said

8. I ordered Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip balm from feel unique for £6.33 plus elegant touch nails were 3 for 2 plus a free gift and 15% off site wide

9.Toasted marshmallows over a broken washing machine drum that my dad turned into a fire pit



10. Had the most delicious Roast dinner today

What made you smile this week?

Beth...x
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