6/24/2015

High Ponytail Revisited | Just Add Ginger


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I've never really been one to say "no" to things. Growing up I've been a stubborn old goat and have found it difficult to pass tricky things off as impossible. Granted that some of my choices have been a bit scary (scaling a 200ft gorge in Australia one handed was probably the biggest.) I just refuse to take no for an answer. There's always a way around something that from the outlook might seen unachievable. 

So, when I got to my late twenties and still hadn't gotten round to finding out how to do my hair one-handed, I thought "Right, that's it." It was time to sort it out, sit down, have a big old think, and play around with how I could make this happen. 

And so, my One-Handed Ways series was born. With each new hairstyle I tackle, I share a video showing the technique I use. Being a girlie-girl, finding new ways to do my hair is incredibly empowering. It really sets my feeling of independence aflame, and it is always my hope that my tutorials help inspire others out there who may struggle a bit doing their hair too.


The latest in this series is revisiting the hairstyle that probably took me the longest to figure out. High ponytails are such a hand style to have in your arsenal, and I think I have nailed the one-handed technique for doing them now.

If you watch this video and find it helpful - or know someone who will - please pass it on. It is my dream to help inspire others to claim independence and empower as many people as I can. 

Because, the way I see it, if we just believe, where there's a will there will always be a way.
Psst....To watch all of my other One-Handed Ways videos, click here


6/16/2015

Epic Apart Hotel | Just Add Ginger

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It feels like I haven't posted anything wedding planning related in ages. Don't worry folks, the wedding is still on, but we got so much of the big planning bits out the way early on (being a mega-stresshead clearly helps you become an organised bride,) that it's now really only the details that we are working on. And we want there to be lots of surprises for our guests. 

But one of the most exciting things I did want to share is that we now have a pre & post wedding base. The night before the wedding I wanted to have all my 'maids around me, and to make things easier on The Boy and I we decided having a place close to the venue we could get back to with ease would be the best route to take. 

I reached out on Twitter for help. And Epic Apart Hotel returned the call. 

Based right in the heart of the city and literally I hop, skip and a jump away from our wedding venue, Epic solved both our issues. After a few messages back and forth from me to Georgina - one of the Epic team - Boyfriend and I booked in for both the nigh before and the night of the wedding. 

So naturally, I just had to go down and check it out in the flesh didn't I? 

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Just Add Ginger blog

Just Add Ginger blog

Just Add Ginger blog

Now, I do realise that we haven't actually stayed there yet, but Georgina was so unbelievably lovely and actually took us on a tour around one of the smaller apartments so we could get a general idea of what staying in Epic would be like. The apartment we have booked sleeps 8 people, so will be much bigger, but it was great to get a sense of what our "pad" for the wedding weekend will look like. Having somewhere light, bright, comfy and cosy to stay in that weekend is really important....everything had to be perfect!

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Just Add Ginger blog

Just Add Ginger blog

Just Add Ginger blog

I was blown away by everything in that apartment. If you would have asked me, I think I would have moved in right then and there and never left. It was stunning

The décor throughout the apartment was clean and bright, with little bursts of colour throughout the main living spaces. The wall-mounted TV is actually a Smart TV, so the night before, the girls and I will be able to link up our favourite music playlists and bop around the living room, popping the cork on a bottle of fizz in a sense of pre-wedding glee. There is a cooker, microwave, and cupboards fully stocked with enough glassware and crockery, so if we want to, we have the option to cook our own food, or have a bit of breakfast in the morning.

I just could not get over how much light came through and filled the apartment. It will just be perfect for the morning of the wedding because hair and make up are coming to us. There won't be any worrying about finding enough spots for everyone to sit and be pampered, and there is so much floor space we won't be falling over each other getting ready....and this is what it was like in one of the smaller apartments. I can't even imagine what staying in our actual apartment is going to be like. (I'm not going to lie, it is neck-and-neck between the excitement I have for the wedding and staying at Epic.) 

And don't even get me started on the bathroom! So chic. Just so chic. Beautiful tiles and gorgeous potted plants that contrast with the rich and opulent colouring of the walls. And even little things, like The White Company amenities that sit prettily on the counter-top, just waiting to pamper you....Cab we say #BathroomGoals ?!

I really cannot wait to stay at Epic Apart Hotel, and I'm so glad we found them. It's location on Seel Street could not be more perfect for us, and is a great location for anyone needing a place to stay after a city centre wedding. Epic also have other sites on Campbell Street and Duke Street too. 

If you are in need of a place to stay in Liverpool City Centre, then definitely go and check out the Epic Apart Hotel website. It's an absolute hidden gem. So modest-looking from the outside, but once you step through the door, it packs one hell of a punch, and personally I cannot wait to stay there! 

For more information about Epic Apart Hotel visit: 


6/09/2015

Run or Dye w. Zeo Drinks* | Just Add Ginger

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Just Add Ginger blog
Photo c/oWords by Hannah Rosalie

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At the beginning of last week, I was asked if I would be interested in taking part in Run or Dye at Aintree Racecourse on behalf of Zeo Drinks*. This year, Zeo re-launched last month and have teamed up with Run or Dye to help quench the thirst of participants before the colourful events. Zeo's collaboration with Run or Dye is helping underpin their #BrighterSide campaign, which is designed to help challenge us to change something in our everyday routines to turn our lives from "bright to brighter." 

And what better place for Zeo to promote #BrighterSide than at the most colourful 5K in the UK!

I - of course - jumped at the chance to take part in Run or Dye. Last year, I had to back out of a Run or Dye event last minute due to a stubborn knee that refused to co-operate, and I was really gutted. So even though the opportunity was last minute, I knew it was one I just couldn't turn down. Especially when I found out that my fellow blogger and beautiful friend Hannah would also be taking part. So on Saturday morning, with both our other halves in tow, we all headed on down to Aintree Racecourse to take part. 

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We wasted no time in registering, and donning our Run or Dye t-shirts, race numbers, and the leis that Hannah had bought with her for extra pazzaz. The bag that came when you registered at the desk contained a wristband and one bag of the Run or Dye eco-friendly colourful powder, and we all went a bit giddy trying to get each other covered in as much of it as possible. 

We then headed over to the Zeo sampling tent, where Run or Dye participants could go and pick up a few can of one of four refreshing flavours to try - Blood Orange & Citrus, Zesty Lime, Peach & Grapefruit and Mixed Berry. Between the four of us I think we tried all the flavours, but my unquestionable favourite was definitely the Zesty Lime. It had a really zing to it which immediately helped perk me up and was light enough to not weigh my tummy down just before doing all that walking.... In fact I liked it so much that I was quite cheeky, and made sure I grabbed a second one before the race began! It was reassuring also knowing that all my exercise-efforts would not be in vain by guzzling down loads of sugary soft drinks.

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Photo c/o: Words by Hannah Rosalie

After a quick dash to the loo, we all assembled ready to do the warm up, take a few last minute snaps, and get excited ready for the race. We all decided to chip in and buy a few more bags of the colourful powder to dust on ourselves before we set off. There's nothing like feeling like a My Little Pony to get you race-ready. The Boys thought it would be hilarious to launch some of it as Hannah and I were posing for one last photo, creating one of the best action shots of the day. There was just something about the pre-race atmosphere that was electric, and definitely brought out your inner-child.

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Just Add Ginger blog
Photo c/oWords by Hannah Rosalie

Just Add Ginger blog

Run or Dye was a really cool event to be a part of. It's inspiration is drawn from the Hindu Holi Festival - The Festival Of Colours - and boy does it fill your day with colour. After the event I felt like a walking rainbow. And having Zeo there offering samples to the participants was a lovely refreshing touch. With all the new flavours being so diverse there was something for everybody, and it definitely made a nice change from sipping on water. 

I did try to vlog on the day, but with so much powder in the air it made it tricky to keep my phone safe, but I did capture a few moments pre-Run or Dye to savour the atmosphere, because for such an early start to a Saturday, everybody was definitely in the party mood. So stay tuned for the footage over on my YouTube channel.

If you are taking part in a Run or Dye event this Summer, definitely go and check out the Zeo tent and pick up a drink to try. And if you do, let me know which your favourite was! Zeo will be at the following Run or Dye events:

11th July - Bournemouth, Kings Park
18th July - Perth, Scone Palace
25th July - Ipswich, Chantry Park
26th September - Oxford, Cornbury Park

You can also find out more about Zeo drinks by following them on Twitter (@DrinkZeo) or by going to www.drinkzeo.com


* Zeo Drinks very kindly paid for our participation in Run or Dye at Aintree Racecourse. This in no way affects my opinions. They are 100% honest, my own, and true to my tastebuds.