Retro Futurism ArtPrint Takeaway in Bangor

One of my favourite, local artists Neal McCullough will be taking part in the art pop up shop at Bangor starting this week. Stuck for a present for an awkward to buy for someone? Come see Neal!

Marks & Spencers Winter Warmers to See You Through to Christmas Party Food Season.

Your local M&S is no doubt bulging with Christmas treats. Serving sizes for more than just your nearest and dearest, but to feed granny, the little cousins & your chatterbox Uncle who will turn up on Boxing Day expecting a feast! That's a situation you can take care of with Marks and Spencer's three for the price of two over the entire party food range.

My Sprucefild visit this month was to pick up some winter warmers, rather than festive themed novelties. Hearty, rich food for the shortening days. 

Yet, I couldn't resist these party foods. Who's child wouldn't be excited about tiny hotdogs for a Tuesday tea time?

M&S also do a range of min burgers. This includes brioche baplets, a tomato salsa, cheese slices and the burgers. We added in our own pepperoni and plum tomatoes.

The third party item I tried this week were these Sticky Lollipops. If you are from Northern Ireland I can tell you these are as delicious as something you'd get from Zen.

These smoked salmon pâté snacks are part of the range that donates a preparation of profit to Shelter.

Finally, I couldn't resist trying out their Turkeh sandwich either.

And Santa's grotto at Sprucefield looks beautiful.

What Advent Calendar Do You Have This Year?

Its a real sign that we are the generation that never really grew up, that we now can buy advent calendars to hang aside our children's calendars. I have a Yankee Candle Tealight one this year, which means I can light one each evening to add extra special festive scent to my living room.

If you visit the Yankee Candle UK webstore, they have daily deals on the countdown until the 25th. Check out what bargains they have today.

Jump Into Christmas Jumper Day for Save the Children, With Sweaters for Everyone at George at Asda.

This year marks the very first, fund-raising event for Save the Children. You wear a snazzy, tacky Christmas sweater to the office and raise money for needy kids. A great one-stop-shop for jumpers for the entire family is George at Asda.

This is my choice to weta for Christmas Jumper Day, very 1970s!

Asda even have a range to choose from includes an extra donation from them to boot.

"Help us raise at least £750,000 for Save the Children. By purchasing this jumper you will help give disadvantaged children living in the UK the chance to fulfil their potential. 6% from the sale of this jumper will be donated to Save the Children. Why not celebrate Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day in style on Friday 12th December."

Prices range from £7 to £18. Here are my top picks.

Meet Build-a-Bear Workshop's Spots of Fun & Help Children In Need

This year Build-A-Bear Workshop partnered with BBC Children in Need for the seventh year to raise funds to positively change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

To celebrate this collaboration, Build-A-Bear Workshop have introduced a new friend of Pudsey in Spots of Fun Pup with £1 from each sale being donated to BBC Children in Need. In addition to this the special Pudsey PJs can be added to any furry friend and provides a £2 donation to BBC Children in Need.

Now whilst BBC Children In Need Appeal night has come and gone, Build-A-Bear Workshop will continue to host Spots of Fun Pup in-store until the end of the year to collect further proceeds to support BBC Children In Need. 

Spots would make a lovely Christmas present with his super soft fur.

20% Off Everything at Bangor's Poundstretcher Next Friday!

A niche blog post for my local readers, but a great opportunity to stock up on Christmas toys, decorations and all sorts!

Grab some Frozen bargains too

Steam Punk On the North Coast

Monday 24November th: 7.00pm, Foyle Theatre, Strand Rd Campus

North West Regional College’s Foyle Hair & Beauty Academy presents STEAM PUNK - a mesh of Victoriana and modern machinery, mixed with a futuristic twist.  For months Level 3 hairdressing students within the Foyle Hair & Beauty Academy have been developing styles for this one off catwalk show, which will be complemented by performances from NWRC’s very own talented drama students.

The retro-futuristic looks will be showcased during a stunning catwalk show, and for the first time, NWRC Barbering students will be styling models for the show.  The event follows hot on the heels of Derry’s first Fashion Fest and tickets for the event cost just £3 per person and always sell out so early booking is advised.   To book your tickets contact Liz January on 028 7127 6311.

The Cloth Ear, Where 'Pub Grub' Meets Fine Dining.

The Cloth Ear is the public bar which is part of Belfast's Landmark luxury hotel, The Merchant.

Photo from The Cloth Ear's Facebook

Being a sibling of The Merchant, The Cloth Ear as you expect is a classy affair, with a comfortable, plush interior design based on 1930-1950s musical theatre. Children are welcome, in fact there is a kids' menu and colouring pens and sheets waiting for them.

Even the bathrooms are luxurious!

So what of the food on offer? Well it isn't the usual pub grub you'd be served in any old bar, it keeps to the high standards of The Merchant Hotel. My son ordered cheesy garlic bread for starter, and literally tore through it.

My husband went for the buffalo wings with blue cheese sauce. I had the meat platter. These were very generous in size, and for someone like me they would probably suffice for a light lunch just by themselves.

Wings

meat platter

Our main courses: I had duck confit on a warm salad. The neat was so well cooked it simply slid off the bone.

My husband chose the Beef & Burger. That's a burger topped with pulled beef, caramelised red onion garnish and monogrammed brioche bun. The photo looks good enough to eat.

Little Michael chose the kids' meal fish & chips option. His meal was a fantastic size, considering it was a children's price, and just look at that batter.

After finishing our main courses, we mourned that our eyes had been bigger than our belly when we had order starters, and our downfall was being too full to get dessert! We couldn't have even fitted in a cup of tea!

It really is a pity as I wanted to try their dessert kebab. Hanging kebabs both sweet & savoury are one of the signature dishes of The Cloth Ear. They look delicious.

Steak and chips. Vertical.

So if you're looking for somewhere to impress you other half with a lunch on a busy Christmas shopping day, The Cloth Ear is for you.