Belfast Artists, Meet Ink Monkey

Ink Monkey is an art supply store with character. Just three minutes walk from the Art College in Belfast, the North Street store is a quirky one stop shop for all your art materials. Owners Jenn & Tommy invited us to pop in on Saturday and meet the giant TRex that resides in their shop window.  

Students get 10% discount all year round, and as well as every art supply you'd need, they also stock handmade gifts such as vintage tea cup candles and vinyl record clocks. So why not pay them a visit, or catch up with them on social media 

Facebook.com/inkmonkeybelfast  Twitter.com/inkmonkeyholla Instagram @inkmonkeybelfast

Jenn & Tommy

Pirate Golf & Blue Cheese Burgers. A Little Life Update Behind the Scenes of The World of Kitsch.

I haven't blogged much since the new year. There has been a lot going on in the background that my Twitter followers might know a little of, but that I haven't really gone into a great deal of detail about anywhere. In November past my son & myself had a big shock of our family being split apart. It wasn't something I wanted, expected, or had a choice or say in. Now I am a single parent, the main carer of my son, and we have even moved house to our own little kitsch home that we love. 

Things have been hard, but we are in a better place than we were, and we are strong together, but mostly thanks to my mum, dad, brother and his wife supporting us every step of the way. 

So thank you to all four of them, and an extra thanks to my brother Michael for taking Smix and I out this evening for some pirate golf and burgers & ice cream. I love you. 

We ate at Wolfe's in Dundonald. I really need to hit them up for a proper review blog post, because the food was outstanding. 

Laser Teeth Whitening: What Does It Involve, Does It Hurt, and Is It Worth It?

One of my insecurities has always been my teeth. My bottom teeth are crooked, and I've never had what you might call a sparkling, white smile. As you know from previous blogs, I am having a tattoo removed at a private salon in Lisburn, Indulgence by Susan.  Susan offers a wide range of treatments and invited me to try the laser teeth whitening while I was with her for my second laser tattoo removal appointment.

As with the tattoo removal, Susan talks you through every step of the process before you commit to the treatment. She pulled no punches, and explained the whitening process can cause some sensitivity during, and for 24 hours after. I really appreciate the honesty which Susan brings to her business. She would rather you were fully informed of the realities of the treatments, than for her to just go ahead and you not to be happy. 

As it was, I had very little sensation from the treatment at all, but Susan checked in on me every ten minutes to make sure I was okay. 

The treatment involves piping a substance along the gum line to protect your mouth, then the lightening mixture is applied. The mouth guard keeps your lips back out of the way and isn't painful, just a little uncomfortable. Susan's home salon has a little relaxation room where you can sit back and watch tv while your treatment develops. The laser light doesn't produce any heat, but you do wear goggles for eye protection. 

After the procedure, I was absolutely delighted with the results. You can see from my before and after there is a lightening of a good few shades. 

Susan also provides a lightening gel to take home for a very reasonable price (you wouldn't find it cheaper even on eBay) plus she helps you mould the trays for your teeth before you leave the salon, which is a godsend if you are terrible at fiddly things like me! 

I'd definitely recommend the treatment, and if you live locally in Northern Ireland you can't go wrong if you go to Susan for the laser teeth whitening. Her website is  http://www.indulgencebysusan.com/ and there are special offers on the site if you come as a pair for the treatment.

Are there any other beauty or spa treatments you are curious about that you'd like me to try out and let you know about before you take the plunge yourself? Let me know on Twitter @rudedoodle

Lidl Are Launching a Fashion Range. Would You Wear It?

This morning Lidl NI launched their very first fashion range, in a stylish event held in Made In Belfast. You know my Lidl love runs deep, but even I was surprised how affordable, wearable and how many of the pieces I loved. 

All those stripes and spots! My favourite! The Venice Collection is tailored for me! 

The accessories and shoes are great, and sure to be snapped up quickly in your local store.  

There wasn't a traditional catwalk show, instead a stylist talked us through some of the pieces as we had a chance to feel the quality and textures of the pieces. We all agreed that we were happily surprised. The fabric quality isn't budget at all. The pieces would look right at home in Mango or Zara, rather than in a supermarket aisle. They haven't snipped corners, some of the vests and singlets are lined! You wouldn't see that in some high street stores. And the price points are cheaper even than other supermarket clothing ranges. 

I think this is the year for a floppy straw hat, and it might as well be an affordable one.

The ranges also extend to men's wear and children's pieces for the summer. 

Ranges will preview on  

http://www.lidl-ni.co.uk/

I have my eye on these purple pumps. Sure they are for kids, but they might go up to a size 4, right?? 

And would you believe, even Lidl lingerie. 

It was also lovely to see some of my blogger pals, as I haven't been working much recently. Now I'm throwing myself back into The World of Kitsch, so hopefully we will see each other again soon! 

Have a Free Day Out in Northern Ireland on Saturday 7th March

National Trust is opening its spectacular houses, gardens and industrial heritage sites across Northern Ireland for free on Saturday 7 March.

With spring on its way, the free day is an opportunity to explore the great outdoors, step back in time at an historic mansion or experience industrial heritage in action.

​Here’s a taster of where to go for your FREE day out:

In County Fermanagh there is something for all the family to enjoy at Florence Court, set against a beautiful backdrop of mountains and forests. You can also savour the stately grandeur of Castle Coole with its Lake Walk carpeted in stunning snowdrops. Or escape to the breathtaking Crom demesne where BBC showBlandings was filmed. (Note - National Trust places in Fermanagh will also be open for free on Sunday 8 March.)  

Described as one of the best gardens in the world, the impressive garden at Mount Stewart in County Down makes the most of the unique microclimate of the ArdsPeninsula – did you know it is the sunniest place in Ireland? Return in April and see the Londonderry family home restored to its former glory after a three year £7 million restoration programme.
Also on the shores of Strangford Lough is Castle Ward, with miles of walking and cycling trails and stunning views. Nearby, Rowallane Garden in Saintfield is a captivating natural garden with a dazzling variety of rare trees and shrubs fromacross the globe.

Along the North Coast follow in the footsteps of giants at the Giant’s Causeway, visit the stunning landscape of Downhill Demesne or stroll along Portstewart Strand and White Park Bay. Note: Carrick-a-Rede is normal admission on 7 March.

In Mid Ulster a tour of The Argory reveals this Neo-classical masterpiece has unchanged since 1900. You can also visit the charming 17th-century Ardress farmhouse or Springhill in Moneymore which has a beguiling spirit that captures the heart of every visitor.  

For a flavour of our Industrial Heritage visit the unique Patterson’s Spade Mill inTemplepatrick or Wellbrook Beetling Mill near Cookstown. Note: Gray’s Printing Press is closed.

For more information on the work of the National Trust, how to become a member and where to visit see www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Marks & Spencer Valentine's £20 Meal is Back and the Best Ever!

The Marks and Spencer Valentine's meal is back. For £20 you get a starter, main course, side, dessert, box of chocolates and your choice of cava, wine or soft drink. The choice is tricky, with lots of amazing tastes to pick from.  Here's what I picked.

Some of the other choices. 

Marks and Spencer can be your one stop Valentine's shop. They have dozens of bouquets available, including a hundred stem bunch that I seriously wanted for myself. 

And what goes with roses better than chocolates?  How about Gummy Worms?

Lots of other gift choices in store. 

Last, but not least, some cards.  Go forth and make someone's Valentine's day!

Free and Funny Ikea Valentine's Cards

Ikea are feeling romantic, and wooed me today by sending me this brilliant spotty duvet cover. It's very me, don't you think? The Stenklöver quilt cover came along with it's own funny, little Ikea themed Valentine's card.  Print your own at www.ikea.co.uk/valentine

There are actually some great present ideas to be found in Ikea. I love these Art Deco perfume bottles

Or you could bake your way into the heart of your significant other. 

Extreme Pancake Tossing at The Giant's Causeway.

The delicious wonder of Pancake Day is only one week away. Whether you toss them, flip them or just slide them it’s nearly time to get out the frying pan and indulge in the centuries-old tradition of pancake making.

To make pancakes all you need is plain flour, salt, milk and eggs and the ideal National Trust location to toss them!