Christmas at the Bremners

What happens in your house at Christmas? 

Ever since my brother and I were little, my mum and dad used to hang this great big, pillowcase-like, stocking filled to this brim, hung on the outside of our bedroom doors on Christmas eve. As we've got older, for some strange reason, my parents have seemed to think we've out grown them? Weird. So for the past two years I've dropped unsubtle hint, after unsubtle hint at my mum to bring back the traditional stocking...after all, it means more presents, right? 

This year mum got a lady at her work to hand stitch these seriously cute personalised stockings for us as a surprise. In the hope that when we have our own family we can carry on the tradition and get the same style and each child's name sown on. 

Dinner time consists of traditional cracker pulling, wine drinking, jokes and of course our Christmas feast. Mum was cooking all morning, as mothers do while the rest of us enjoyed games, it didn't disappoint as we finished our last mouthful of fluffy roast potatoes, each of us slumped back in our chairs with a sigh of fullness. 

Presents presents presents!!

I've wanted an iPad for a while, it was a toss up between a normal sized iPad and the iPad Mini. For my work and how much I travel between Brighton and London it has become an issue for me to constantly carry my heavy Mac book Pro so this is a perfect gift from my parents. It's light, stylish and also not an awkward size, which means I can hold in one hand and type etc with the other. Personally these were the reasons why I wanted a Mini iPad instead of a normal sized one. I would definitely recommend this to anyone, it's super simple and easy to use, even if your buying it for someone who isn't familiar with Apple products etc. My mum had a go, baring in mind my mother is completely foreign when it comes to technology, it isn't her forte but she was more than capable with working it fine!

My Grandma bought me Alien by Thierry Mugler. This is my all time favourite perfume. I used to wear Paco Robann, Lady Million all the time but one of my friends wore this and it's such a distinct smell, I just had to buy it and ever since I have. If you like the sweeter kinds of perfumes, this is great buy. Also, I seriously hate the ones that you have to keep reapplying all the time. This is the spray once and smell great for the rest of the day type thing! 

My brother obviously knows me too well, as he bought me this Smirnoff Gold along with a bar pourer. Apparently it real gold but I have to say I am a bit sceptical. The whole idea is that the gold flakes in the drink cut your throat and gets the alcohol into your blood stream quicker, resulting in you getting drunk quicker! Great present!  

Here's a snap of a few of my fav bits together...

Perfume | 33.50

Ipad mini 3 | 319.00

Purchase your own here

Vodka | 16.00

Sushi restaurants reviews

Lover of Sushi? Live in Brighton?

Do you love sushi, but not sure where's good to go? Well your in the right place! Here are my top 3 best sushi restaurants in Brighton. So hopefully this helps you make up your mind. 

Pom Poko's - Brighton

Pom Poko's is a really cute, cheap japanese restaurant in the centre of Brighton on Church Street. If you like Edamame, Tempura Prawns, curry dishes, donburi dishes, yakisoba & everything else, then you will love Pom Poko's. There is one more plus about Pom Poko's...you are actually able to bring whatever non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks into the restaurant you want. Which is great - cheaper, easier and you always feel like your bending the rules just a little bit! 
  

Yo Sushi - Brighton

Yo Sushi is great for you first time sushi goers. It was my sushi bar that eased me into the sushi world. Unlike Pom Poko's it is more sushi and less japanese. You have the conveyer belt experience where food just travels around where you sit and you can pick what ever you fancy. I, myself always like to see what I'm ordering in the flesh so it's all great fun! 

http://www.yosushi.com/about

Moshi Moshi - Brighton

If you are an avid sushi fan, you would have already heard of or even been to Moshi. There are very few around the country, with only one in Brighton and one in London on Liverpool Street. The standard conveyer belt system where the food comes around and you pick what you fancy when you see it. The booths are great for group eatings and even 1-on-1's. 

http://www.designmynight.com/brighton/restaurants/the-lanes/moshimo 

If you do go and love it as much as I think you will, then make sure you get a Moshimo card because on Moshi Mondays yep, it's 50% off! The card is only £12 so you basically get that back on your first visit. 

Pub reviews in Sussex

Burgess Hill, Brighton, South Downs, Henfield and Ditchling reviews

This is basically a quick guide to all my favourite pubs in Sussex to have a drink or a bite to eat at. All reviews are my own opinions for the purpose of Pebble Talks articles, from first hand experience. 

Burgess Hill - Railway 

(Station Rd, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9DQ)

Call me bias, as The Railway is my local, but I can honestly say that this is quite possibly my all-time favourite pub. Since the refurbishment in 2012, the pub has just improved a massive amount. The menu changed has been great with really good deals with low priced food and drink - I mean you can't go wrong with a pint of fosters for £3.90. 

Family friendly and dog friendly. The staff there are all so friendly and will greet you with a smile and eventually, if you become a regular, will know you by name which is always a lovely feeling! 

Brighton - King and Queens 

13-17 Marlborough Pl, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1UB

King and Queens on (road name) is the best pub if you are the pool and fuss-ball type of socialite. Great place for a first, second or third date with beautiful, medieval decor throughout with a grand curving stair case as well as a order eating area. Fantastic for watching the world cup, they get the big screen projector out and the rowdiness begins!   

  

South Downs - Devil's Dyke

Dyke Road, Poynings, Brighton BN1 8YJ

Stunning pub, really really lovely view of the whole of west Sussex from above. A brilliant place place to go if your into country walks, the downs are somewhat famous for it's walking routes and then you can finish your day off with a delicious glass of wine or a strong pint at the Devil's Dyke pub.

The Shepard and Dog - Henfield 

The Shepherd & Dog is fairly hard to find it's quite hidden but a really lovely find if you are ever in the area. I am forever on the look out for pubs or bars near rivers and streams, and this is one that I found and loved. Great in the summer, you can enjoy your sunder roast right by a small stream - lovely. 

The Shepherd & Dog Fulking the St, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9LU

I am never not in a mood for a drink and a meal at a local pub. And don't think pub dinners in the countryside are only for summer time, winter is sometimes the best time to be visiting and exploring new pubs in new areas!!  

Top 5 things to do in London at Christmas

Top 5 things to do in London this Christmas

Call me bias but London is probably one of the best cities at Christmas time. London lights up at Christmas - literally. The lights, the people, the festivities, everyone is just excited together for the same reason. So I decided to show you some of my favourite things to see and do over the holidays in this amazing city!

1. Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is a great evening out for the family, friends and even treating the grandparents. You have a wide variety of activities that are on offer here, with 200 fairy-lit Bavarian style wooden stools, have a stroll around the Christmas markets, warm up with a toasting glass of spiced mulled wine, find loads of unique and creative gifts to inspire you this Christmas.

2. Oxford Circus 

Here are a few pictures from Instagram of Oxford Circus, to show you all the lights. They are amazing, the atmosphere is seriously festive on Oxford Street. Shops include; Primark, Mothercare, HMV, Debenhams, M&S, Topshop, Nike, John Lewis & loads, loads more....

3. Selfridges 

Selfridges is a must whether your in London visiting and busy being a tourist or if you are local and want to spend a fair few hours walking around the 4 floor shopping mall. Selfridges has everything from gadgets to groceries, makes-up to menswear, clothes to cooking utensils and more...  

4. Carnaby Street

After work last week I decided to have a leisurely stroll around Carnaby Street. There are an array of shops that are on the more interesting and perhaps slightly more on the edgy side of London than the traditional high street shops on Oxford Street. There are some great restaurants as well as the classics such as Pizza Express, GBK, Prezzo & more...

5. Ripley's Believe It or Not 

No. 5 I wanted to put in something I haven't done yet, but plan to. Ripley's Believe It or Not is apparently so much fun. One of my flat mates went the other week and said it was so much fun. With over 700 astonishing exhibits, galleries and interactive experiences. I personally cannot wait to go to this 6 floor attraction! 

So there we go! Hopefully this will give you some idea with what to do over the Christmas holidays. If non of these take your fancy, why not take the kids to see santa's grotto, Ice skating,  see a show or musical on the west end, or take a trip on the London eye.

What ever you choose to do, enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Roll on, Roll-Necks week!

Roll on, Roll-Neck week! 

It's roll neck week people...as a dedication to how much I love this type of clothing, I've decided to put together a few bits that i've bought recently. As well as a complete outfit - Let me know what you think, and if you are a religious wearer as I am, send me a picture! 

missbremner20@gmail.com 

Coat | Zara | 60.00

Jeans | Topshop | 38.00

(Top: Zara 19.99 | Coat: Zara 60.00 | Jeans: Topshop 46.00)

Purchase your own here

Restaurant reviews in and around Sussex

Haywards Heath, Brighton and Crawley restaurant reviews

Here are some restaurants that I have been out to eat out recently, so I thought that I would write some quick reviews on what I thought and share them with you guys! Let me know if you've been to any, what you thought or if you've had any traumatic restaurant experiences...

1) Lemon Grass - Haywards Heath

Lemon Grass is a beautiful Thai restaurant located along the Broadway in Haywards Heath. Staff are all lovely and attentive, the only place I actually ventured to getting a started AND a main meal. 

Below is everything we ordered...the battered prawns were amazing along with the sauce accompanied. Another bit of loveliness were the vegetables, they were carved and shaped into flowers which was a lovely simple touch.  

45 The Broadway, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3AS

2) Weatherspoon - Brighton Marina

Brighton Marina Village, Brighton BN2 5UT

Everyone has visited a Wetherspoons at some point in their lives. However, the one right on the marina has the views like no other I have been to. Enjoy eating your meal or having a drink while you watch the boats drift in and out of the dock. Another reason to visit is the marina itself, cinema, casino, bowling, superstores or just have a walk around the little village and see what you can find around.

4) Las Iguana's - Brighton Town

8 Jubilee St, Brighton BN1 1GE

To be honest, this was my first time visiting this restaurant. I have always walked past and thought it looked great but today I though I would give it ago. The table was a great location not too busy and noisy for my liking and the staff were pretty prompt, we didn't have to wait to long to be seated and our ordered taken. 

5) TGI - Crawley

Crawley Leisure Park, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 8LR

TGI! TGI! TGI! One of my favourite and most visited restaurants. Some times you can find some good deal or discount codes on the internet, but TGI is always worth the bill! Fajitas, pasta, chicken, steaks...what else could you wish for and to top it off with a refreshingly crisp pint of beer! 

5 tips how to make a small bathroom seem big!

5 tips how to make a small bathroom seem big!

There is nothing worse than visiting a friend or family’s house, taking a trip to the toilet and finding yourself in a dark, claustrophobic cupboard! Avoid being that host by finding out how to freshen up and enhance space with a few quick tips on making the most of a small bathroom…

1) COLOURS:

Colour is possibly one of the most important factors when trying to create the illusion of more space in a room…

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/348817933611981050/

Both neutral and pastel colours are two of the most popular colours this year! So experiment and find your favourite. Baring in mind keeping a narrow colour scheme will help with blending shades together. More neutral colours give a cleaner feel to your bathroom, apposed to bold bright colours that can tend to be not everyone's cup of tea.  

https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-homes-gardens/renovation/g/14717391/bathroom-modern/14717397/

However, for those who are desperate to add a bit of colour, towels, rugs and accessories are a great way to add a splash of colour to your bathroom.

2) MIRRORS:

Mirrors work fantastically with light to create a bigger space for your bathroom, therefore the bigger the mirror the bigger the space you are creating. Flat mirrors will save a lot of space compared to medicine cabinets, however this will result in less storage space.

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/525021269029945348/

When it comes to mirrors you need to take into account what is going to be reflected, if a mirror reflects the darkest part of the room it is not going to create much light for the rest of the room. Therefore a mirror reflecting natural light from a window or a door way will most definitely enhance the sense of space in your bathroom.

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/308567011940859976/

Adding a backlight if possible to your big mirror is a modern and stylish alternative to side lamps and hanging bulbs. 

3) LIGHTING:

Open out the room using light. Get as much natural light as possible. Light can also make your small bathroom look visually spacious. Say no to chandeliers; drum pendants or any large lighting that will take up space. Recessed lighting, especially in the celling, will be your best choice as they are well hidden but still stylish.

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/484207397410692443/

4) FURNITURE:

People often make the mistake of making a beautiful bathroom, with neutral colours and a lot of light but then fail when they decide to insert a square shaped, medicine cabinet sink or choosing to have small tiles floor to celling.    

Vertical lines give the illusion of height and horizontal for width, this is something to consider when choosing furniture, or wallpaper for your bathroom.

When selecting floor tiles, stay away from small tiles as these make your bathroom seem busier and give a smaller feel to a floor, therefore stick to more over sized tiles to create a feel of bigger space.

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/432345632951396852/

To create a spacious open view to you’re small bathroom having a clear glass door or possibly a sliding door, instead of a shower curtain can give that modern touch as well as keeping it an open area.

5) MAKING SPACE

The busier your bathroom looks the smaller it will appear, so do all you can to keep it looking tidy. Try to be as minimalistic as possible when it comes to items being on displayed on a daily basis. Making sure you have enough storage but not too much is tricky but try to be strict with what you need and if possible keep cupboards off the floor space.  

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/339388521893480296/

The next time you are in your bathroom have a look at how much vertical space in your bathroom isn’t being used. Typically, the space above a doorway is vacant. Especially, if you have higher ceilings than the minimum clearance you can install decorative storage shelves to house bathtub salts, scrubs etc. in a decorative basket. If you aren’t concerned about décor, use the shelf for storing extra toilet paper and towels to free up storage area in other places.

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/419397784020109150/

Shower curtains can be used at your bathroom/shower but will separate your bathroom visually. Choosing a glass door creates a subtle divider between your main area and your shower/bathtub. 

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/515451119825245434/

Shelves mounted on walls or in a corner are a great way to create decorative storage spaces, instead of using cabinets or floor shelving, which will take up more room. Avoid over crowding and clutter. 

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/409968372302294276/

Thanks for reading and I hope these tips help you guys! :) 

Feel free to leave comments or any tips that you have found from creating your perfect bathrooms! 

Best things to do in London!

Thinking about going to Camden?

Since me never even visited London before I started working up here, I never realised how many places that needed visiting and day trips I just had to partake in! 

Camden is possibly one of the best places in London. 

There's everything to do there;

• Wine and dine in one of many gorgeous restaurants.

Camden have fantastic restaurants along the dock..where you can sit in the sun and soak up the rays or relax inside with some great interior and friendly staff! 

Tip jar :-)

• Buy a gift or a souvenir from the market. 

Camden is possibly the most individual place I have been yet in London, it has it's own vibe own style like no other place in London. The art and the atmosphere is really cool and edgy.

• Have a pint or a cocktail at one of the bars or pubs along the dock and watch the canal boats float by.

Pimms at Camden Dock

• Have a late one and party at some of the best clubs Camden has to offer! 

If the sun is out and you have nothing to do - get yourself down to camden dock! It's a great place to go, the quirky bars that are along Camden Dock are beautiful as you can see. Feed the swans and ducks or just chill by the water! 

Personally I am a fan of the occasional Weatherspoons! So pimms and a roast was on the cards when I went! 

Camden Dock

Hopefully this has helped you guys! Let me know your favourite places in London and if Camden is one of yours!