Weekend Scribbles: My Bierkeller Entertainment Complex experience!

A typical Bavarian girl. 

I have always been a strong believer that spending quality time with my better half is incredibly important, and thus I am always on the lookout for something new, fun and memorable to occupy the two of us during the weekends. I am incredibly lucky to have a job that comes armed with a set of wonderful perks, not least of which is being invited to lovely restaurants and bars for an evening packed with delicious food and satisfying treats, in return for a review of said place. So, when I was invited to review the Bierkeller Entertainment Complex, I was beyond delighted. 

Stepping through the doors of the Bierkeller, it immediately struck me that it was a nightlife destination unlike any other. Instantly greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere (and a venue packed with obviously elated customers) my partner and I couldn't wait to be seated and check out the menu. We were shown to our table, which was marked as reserved for us by a beautifully scented candle and a jar filled with rose petals. It was such a unique, lovely touch and really stood out to us; it was clear that the management and staff were incredibly passionate about making their guests feel warmly welcomed and thoroughly relaxed during their Bierkeller experience. We were both touched and impressed by such a thoughtful gesture. 

The downstairs area of the entertainment complex is dedicated entirely to Around the World in 80 Beers, a concept boasting a fantastic selection of the finest beers and ales from various destinations across the globe. Customers are provided with a miniature passport, allowing them to collect stamps which, in turn, award them free beers after a set amount of visits. Again, we were struck by how exclusive this was to the venue. There are many venues across the city specialising in beers from around the globe, but none of these provide such a unique novelty making the experience that little more special and memorable. 

The menu, also showcasing the best cuisine from around the globe, was packed with the most delicious-sounding options, making it a very difficult to decide which to pick! We both acknowledged that the menu was fully considerate of everybody's culinary needs. There were many vegetarian options available, and surprisingly, they sounded just as delicious as the non-vegetarian options. Eventually, we decided that we would share a couple of dishes between us (we were far too spoiled for choice to select just one each), along with a side order of onion rings and the Bierkeller's special potato wedges. The food was cooked to perfection, alive with the most distinct and delightful flavours, and was beautifully presented. We thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful, and would certainly recommend the Bierkeller as somewhere for everybody to pay a visit. Whilst we were enjoying our meals, we couldn't help but peek at the choices of other diners. My partner pointed out that every dish looked as inviting as the next, and those consuming them seemed more than satisfied with their meal of choice! It seems that the chef at Bierkeller is very passionate about each and every dish, and it showed in the faces of the customers. 

The drinks menu was simply to die for. Given my tendency to have quite a sweet tooth, it was nothing short of obligatory for me to order a Bubblegum Shake. It reminded me of Pulp Fiction's "pretty damn good $5 shake". And it was absolutely heavenly! It certainly stood out as a special drink, with its pale turquoise appearance and whipped cream and popping candy finish. I would definitely recommend it as a drink of choice to all the ladies who like a sweet treat to end the working week. My partner is a great lover of a good beer, so decided to sample a couple of the different beers from around the world. He commented that he enjoyed them all very much, and that they each had a zing of flavour that stood them aside from one another as unique and incredibly satisfying. He also earned himself a couple of Bierkeller passport stamps, and insisted that we would be returning. 

I was impressed to discover that, upstairs, there is a rather hip gaming area within the Bierkeller Shooter's Sports Bar. Complete with an Xbox and comfy chairs, pool tables and gaming machines and of course, the big screen for sports, it was the ideal Friday night spot for all those men's men who love nothing more than unleashing their inner child and watching their team do their thing. It was clear that the customers were thoroughly enjoying the experience, and although we did not take advantage of the home comfort within a fabulous nightlife venue, we vowed that we would return. Once again, we both commented that the Bierkeller complex certainly was the heart of entertainment in the city; providing that special something (a very unique something) for everybody. 

A friend had told me that the Bierkeller's main room was the perfect spot for a Friday night date. As we walked through the doors, I completely understood. Bursting with jovial customers stood on long bench seating, Stein in hand singing along to The Amazing Bavarian Stompers, the venue was well and truly alive with excitement and clear happiness. My partner and I immediately took to the bar to order Fruli (the most divine strawberry beer there is) and were delighted when it was served to each of us in a huge, ice cold Stein. We couldn't help but let our hair down and join the many other content customers on the tabletops, singing along to the DJ's favourite tunes and the anthems of the Oompah band. Before we knew it, the Bierkeller was closing for the night. We were absolutely exhausted from dancing and carrying around Steins, but thoroughly satisfied that our Friday night had been very well spent in a truly fascinating and wonderful venue. 

The Bierkeller Entertainment Complex truly is a fantastic place. The heart of the city's music, food, drink and entertainment, the venue caters for every need whether it be a staff night out or a romantic date. Both my partner and I would recommend that anybody looking for a fantastic night out pays the Bierkeller a visit. 

Cranio Artes and his Blue Brazilian Indians appearing all over the world.

It is undoubtedly a popular conviction that art is amongst the most captivating forms of self-expression. For Fabio Oliveira, known to the world of art as Cranio Artes, his distinctive works are about more than just creativity. His idiosyncratic murals – exuberant with a somewhat enchanting character – hope to provoke spectators to ponder the issues of our contemporary world; from consumerism and identity to corruption and our vulnerable environment.

Cranio’s Indians, which have almost established themselves as a second identity to the notable artist, are the product of his imaginative journey to divulging a valiant figure which would truthfully portray the aboriginal people of Brazil, in Cranio’s characteristically curious and often comical situations. “My art is a mixture of a surreal environment with my blue indigenous character. The whole idea of my work is to show what is going on, and the real things that happen in our society, sometimes with humour, sometimes with an unreal dreaming scene. My character is blue ‘cause he’s got the huge metropolis disease of massification and consumerism.”

Cranio’s passion for adventure and travelling overseas, encountering people from a whole host of cultures and circumstances led him to explore our sprightly city that is Liverpool, where he etched onto the heart of our city’s walls some of the most intriguing of his masterpieces, which would later inevitably be admired by the wonderstruck masses. “I love to travel overseas, meet people and new cultures and cities around the world. I love to paint in the UK. I try to paint different things here than I do in Brazil, but I also need to show what happens in our country, the homeless people sleeping on the streets, people showing off their new sneakers or mobiles…it’s a different place, but the idea is always to discuss the little things that nobody cares about.”

Whilst many aspire to change the world, Cranio believes that he is already doing it. Passionate about his teachings, Cranio teaches young students the unique graffiti and painting techniques he uses in order to develop them into better artists for the future. “I also donate canvases at social auctions to raise money for those people that really need support. This year, I’ve donated again to raise money to build soccer fields in the poor suburbs in a few cities in Brazil that have a huge lack of entertainment.”

What originally inspired your artwork Cranio? It is certainly very unique.

Things and facts that are happening every day, in our day-by-day lives. Small things that we don’t always acknowledge such as traffic, police abuse, lack of water, misuse of our hydric system, lack of investments in public education, corruption, environment and the many, many other issues we have.

How did you go about making such a successful career as an artist happen?

I don’t think too much about it. I just did what I loved most; art! I guess if you work hard and with passion, you will succeed.

Of course! I was always taught that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it! How would you describe your artwork?

My art is a mixture of a surreal environment with my blue indigenous character. The whole idea of my work is to show what is going on with the real things that happen in our society, sometimes with humour, sometimes with an unreal dreaming scene. My character is blue ‘cause he got the huge metropolis disease of massification and consumerism.

What can we expect from Cranio for the duration of 2014 and beyond?

Every day I am trying to create new works, new ideas. I have several projects, but I am doing one at a time. In the last three years I have improved a lot of my techniques and the quality of my work, canvas and all art materials I’m using. I’m sure I can still improve a lot more. I’m already preparing a cool installation and a series of 30 sculptures for next March here in Sao Paulo, Brazil. But I can’t show anything yet. Surprise!

What made you bring your artwork here to Liverpool? What does the artwork in Liverpool mean to you, and how do you hope that it will be perceived by others?

I guess I loved to travel overseas, meet new people and explore new cultures and cities around the world. The UK was a destiny. Not only Liverpool, but other cities as well because I had thousands of people following me, pestering me to know when I would visit the UK. So, in the last three years I have been three times! I am also planning to visit next year! I love to paint there, I try to paint different things than I do in Brazil but I also need to show what happens in our country such as homeless people sleeping on the streets, people showing off their new sneakers or mobiles…it’s a different place, but the idea is always to discuss the little things that nobody cares about.

How would you describe your profile in Brazil during the World Cup?

I’ve done many graffitis in the last three or four years telling people about the corruption of the event and also that the Brazilian people only care about soccer and about being a patriot when it comes to this huge event. Because everyone here loves soccer, I want to show what is really going on. I usually show both sides of the coin, I mean, I want to criticise the event but also show the Brazilians that are serious about going to the games and spend all of their money to watch a game, and also the poor people that listen to the games through old battered radios in bars.

What is your favourite piece of artwork and why?

I love everything I do, but it’s quite important for me to be talking about the environment and what could happen in the future. I really love this piece:

Which of your fellow artists most inspire you? Who is your favourite and why?

I love Salvador Dali, he really inspired me in the surreal pieces I do. I am also a great fan of comics and animations. I guess my style is a mixture of both worlds.

So, you’re coming back to the UK next year…will you be returning to Liverpool any time soon?

Sure! In the last three years I’ve been there three times already. And every 8-10 months I’m releasing a new print in London, so there’s always a great opportunity to come back.

If you could do one thing to change the world, what would it be?

I think I’m already doing it. I do two things I really appreciate. The first is to teach for young students the graffiti and painting techniques I use, so they can become better artists and decide to work with art in the future. The second that I have done three times already is to donate canvas for social auction projects to raise money for people that really need support. This year I’ve done it again to raise money to build soccer fields in the poor suburbs in a few cities in Brazil that have a huge lack of entertainment.

To browse the fantastic works by Cranio Artes, visit http://cranioartes.com/

The Onset of Winter.

This morning, for the very first time this year, I felt the icy cold of the creeping winter. As I write this blog, I am surrounded by free standing gas fires, colleagues still wrapped up tightly in their favourite winter coats and cups of tea aplenty (about which I cannot complain). For the very first time this year, the freezing cold of my steering wheel forced me back into the house to root frantically through my drawers and cupboards until (much to my joy) I located my snuggliest winter mittens. With the onset of winter, for me at least, comes an altogether new source of delicious inspiration. 

During the summer months, which exist now as nothing more than a sweet, distant memory, I am quite content to lounge on a towel in my back garden, inhaling the beautiful fragrance of the flowers of summer with my head buried deep into the pages of a book. During the winter months, however, I am ready for adventure. I love nothing more than to wrap up in my cosy knitwear, throw on my hat and scarf and wellington boots and rush off to a distant forest or national park. The truth is, winter excites me. There is something about the frosty bite in the air that leaves me longing to explore. 

As a result of this desire, I have made a pact with myself. I have decided that between now and the most wonderful time of the year (why, Christmas, of course!) I am going to try my hardest to discover and explore as many exciting, wonderful new places as I possibly can. 

Do you have a favourite spot for a winter adventure? 

Lou x 

I chatted to a medium about sex demons right in time for Halloween.

The Paranormal world is a terrifying concept, but for many, the mere sighting of a spirit is simply not enough to satisfy their curiosity, and there exists a number of people who are turning to ‘ghost sex’ to fulfil their supernatural (and sexual) fantasies. Spectrophilia, a festish classified as the paraphilia in which a person experiences a physical attraction to ghosts or spirits is an actual thing, and increasing numbers of so called ‘spectrophiliacs’ are reportedly visualising sexual experiences with saucy spirits.

When she made the controversial claim that she had sex with ghosts on multiple occasions, swearing that the experiences were ‘really, really pleasurable’, actress Natasha Blasick caused quite the stir amongst professionals. But the star was not alone in her claims, as singer, songwriter and rapper Ke$ha soon followed suit with some contentious claims of her own. She reported that her naughty-nookies were in fact the sole inspiration for her 2012 track Supernatural. Ke$ha regarded her experience as an opportunity to engage with the supernatural world in a ‘sexy way’ and assured her concerned fans that she was very open to such an experience.

However, despite these celebrities’ self-assurance that they take ‘comfort’ from such experiences, such claims have sparked quite an alarming rate of concern and scepticism from experts in the metaphysical and paranormal. Patricia Mahi, a Hawaiian medium, believes that ghost sex should be avoided in the same way that you would avoid sex with a total stranger.

So, Patricia, how would you summarise the concept of Spectrophilia, and what are the dangers?

Simply put, it is the desire to have sex with an apparition, a ghost. There has been much literature in ancient times of humans having sex with ghosts. There are stories of such occurrences in Arabic, Greek, Hindu and Celtic cultures to name a few. To my mind, these stories are simply fairytales.

We live on a totally different vibratory level than spirits, and the idea of being able to have sex with those who have passed seems to be breaking not only laws that I have experienced as a psychic, but also defies what I perceive as the law of physics.

I still adhere to the belief that ghost shagging is a combination of sleep paralysis and one’s own libido at work. I can recall, living here in Hawaii, stories of creatures mounting both men and women in an attempt at coitus. But I still maintain that these are dreams and folklore. One’s own libido is often in high gear in sleep. This explains wet dreams that young men often have. And, there are cases where young women have reached climax in their sleep. If you mix in the mind’s desire to make sense of it all, we have to put a sexy person at the other end of this dream.

What advice would you offer to anybody who claims to have had sexual contact with a ghost?

My advice is RUN! But seriously, my advice to anyone who has encountered a succubus, incubus or experienced ‘ghost sex’ should do his or her best to avoid any further contact. It can be a very dangerous world out there, and I would seriously recommend that they seek the immediate help of a strong spiritual individual to rid them of this potentially harmful entity, and I recommend that they contact a sensitive that specialises in ‘cleansing’ unwanted spirits.

If anybody claims to have had intercourse with a ghost, I would suggest that they spend some time with a psychologist who has a good understanding of psychic phenomena. This way, they would be speaking to somebody who would have empathy, understanding and the ability to get to the bottom of what actually happened.

What do you consider to be the ‘scariest’ thing about the paranormal world?

The scariest thing about the paranormal world is that the expression “as above, so below” is very true and is amplified in the afterlife. If there is evil here, it is evil times 1000 without limitation. So, every day I prepare myself, my husband and even my dog for the day knowing that good exists and also knowing that bad exists. Staying away from evil people, evil thoughts, evil spells and everything that you know in your heart to be wrong is your best protection. You lock up your car, doors and do everything to remain safe every day. Lock yourself up against evil in the same way.

As a professionally practicing medium, what is the most haunting experience you have had?

I haven’t had scary experiences as a medium. Since I learned how to control what I do and pray for protection, I don’t have a problem. Earlier in my life, I did have some scary things happen, but that was before I was schooled in the proper way to prepare and protect myself. For example, I had a psycho-kinetic experience in my teens which shattered some Christmas balls which I had just said I did not like. That was a scary experience for me and my family. I was called a Witch, but really I had no conscious desire to break anything. Nevertheless, I was castigated by my family for something I had no power over. Which brings me to an important point; teenagers are so filled with mixed emotions and misdirected powers that if they have psychic gifts, they need to learn how to control these powers.

Do you believe in demonic possession? Do you believe at this time of year (Halloween) the spirits are more active?

I believe in mental illness more than I believe in demonic possession. However, I have encountered two entities that attached themselves to clients of mine. The first entity latched into the client with what appeared to be large, sharp teeth. I called upon my most powerful angels, and they took out the entities teeth and showed them to me to prove that the entity was no longer dangerous. All that remained was an angry but powerless entity that left my client and disappeared.

The second case was a man who had committed suicide and was earthbound. He remained on this planet because he wanted to help his son, but as a disembodied entity he could do nothing for his son – and his continued presence in this world was causing him to dissolve. He was accompanied by a female drug addict who had passed on and who had latched onto him because he was the only entity she could see. Before he could move into the light, he had to part company with this other spirit. Only then, with the help of the angels, could he move on into the light.

You asked about why spirits are more active around Halloween. I think the reason that they appear to be more active is because we – on a conscious level – invite them in by watching scary movies and all the other trimmings associated with Halloween. We just bring it to the fore by thinking about it. Which means that during Halloween, one has to be more aware of a phenomenon that’s possible 365 days a year.

What is the most frightening aspect of your job?

The only frightening thing about my job is coming up with dead air. Sometimes people have reincarnated and they aren’t available for a conversation. At other times, there are pieces of information missing that lead to a misunderstanding, such as in the following incident.

I had one real scare during a reading for a very nice bride-to-be. No matter how hard I tried to envision her groom, nothing came into my mind. I couldn’t even envision the little plastic groom on their wedding cake. I thought I’d failed her. During the reading with this client, I confessed that I couldn’t get anything about her groom. She laughed and said “That’s because I’m marrying a woman!”

Lindsey Stirling; a dubstep violinist.

Admiring her petite frame, beautifully structured doe-eyed face and noting her commendable devotion to her violin (which never seems to be far from her side) Lindsey Stirling is a picture of delightfully childlike splendor. Dedicate just thirty seconds to her YouTube channel, and it soon becomes clear that there's a great truth behind the old platitude looks can be deceiving. I first discovered Lindsey's unique talent during one of my famous five-hour-YouTube-binges, and I fell in love. One of the fastest-flourishing breakthrough artists of the moment, Lindsey's determination and distinction has led her from strength to strength.

In a world where the appearance of a person is all too often adjudged ahead of their impeccable talents or abilities, Lindsey is no stranger to the limitations of a distinctive essence of beauty. Told from the start that she had too sui-generis a look and too exclusive a sound, Lindsey was (for a very long time) told that she would simply never make it as a musician in such a cut-throat industry. However, it was precisely that unique edge that led Lindsey to the success she thrives on today. Talking the image of woman, making it over life's hurdles and her upcoming tour, I caught up with Lindsey over lunch, and she was a delight.  

You struggled to find your place in music because you are so different. How does it feel to be on the other side of that struggle? To know you've finally made it?

Honestly, completely surreal! I was told so many times that because I was so different I would never find my identity and I would never make it. What I do is very unique and fortunately, my unique identity is the exact reason why I have made it, and I am just so incredibly grateful to have achieved so much. I like to think I have defied the stereotype of coming from  a YouTube background, because YouTubers are typically known for covers, but I'm different and I like to think I've done us all a service by making it this far! I like to think I haven't peaked yet, and that I will continue to grow as an artist. I like the idea that anything could be waiting for me around the corner! 

The concept of the unknown is certainly exciting, and scary! It must keep you on your toes! I also believe that you not only struggled with your identity as an artist, but with body image too? Would you mind telling me a little bit more about that? 

All women are shaped differently and very, very few women are shaped like a Barbie Doll. The expectation that women should look that way attaches value to sexuality. People should always be aware that there are many different types of beauty, there are many different types of style and personality and no one particular way is right. It's important to be healthy and it's important to be the best self that you can be and I like to try to exercise the importance of difference through my music, to prove that no one particular way is right. When I first started out I was told so many times that I was just too different, too unmarketable and too unique and that I would never make it. And it's funny because that's the very reason that I have succeeded, because what I do is unique and it gave me a place to stand rather than trying to fit and squeeze into an over-saturated world where everybody wanted me to be the same. The same way that I was respected for being different, people should all be respected for being different! That's kinda what makes the world a beautiful place, is that we all have different things to share and offer. We are like a big pot of potpourri rather than everybody being the exact same scent.

(I tell Lindsey that I completely agree, and that is it SO refreshing to finally hear such wise words of wisdom from somebody who has not only experienced feeling like her body is unacceptable somehow, but somebody whose voice will undoubtedly be heard by girls torturing themselves for having a little extra meat on their bones). 

I too have felt like I don't fit in because I don't look like a Barbie Doll so I can fully relate to the experiences you had. The world is beautiful because everybody is so different and so vibrant in their own unique ways. Should we be defined by our looks or by the fantastic talents we all possess? 

Exactly and what makes me feel so sad is that no matter what you look like, that isn't where your happiness is sourced. It just doesn't create happiness! I learned that the hard way. I mean I do have a pretty thin, petite frame and yet I remember looking in the mirror and feeling like I was so fat and so ugly. I pretty much look the same now as I did then except, you know I'm actually 15 pounds heavier now than I used to be and I look in the mirror and I am able to think to myself that I look beautiful and that I look nice and that was an impossible thing for me to see when I was struggling with anorexia. The whole experience taught me that the sustaining happiness we think we have when we're unhealthily skinny is so false, it's so fickle and it actually doesn't give you any true happiness! It actually sucks the happiness away from you, because all you're focusing on is looking a particular way and, really, even you don't want to look like that. 

Based on your experiences with battling anorexia, is there a particular message that you would send out to those girls who are battling the same thing, or are constantly feeling that their bodies are not adequate?

If you look for happiness in the way you look or the shape of your body, that happiness will never be real. True happiness simply has to come from other things, it has to come from relationships or learning to love yourself for who you really are. The time when I was the skinniest and possibly perceived as my most 'perfect' or my 'most beautiful' was also the time in my life when I was the most unhappy. When the world tries to convince you of what will make you happy, you have to know in your heart that it never will. 

Your unique, individual style sets you aside as totally different from any other artist on the planet right now, which is amazing! You have your own unique identity! But, have you ever been likened to anybody?

I guess you could say I'm like a modern day Vanessa-Mae. She was a hugely successful, fantastic violinist in the 90's, and she was also a great source of inspiration for me. She's great! 

You have quite a record of exciting collaborations with world famous artists from Jessie J to John Legend...but I'm dying to know, who has been your favourite?

Ummm (laughs) I wouldn't say I had an actual favourite because it has been such a wonderful honour to be able to collaborate with everybody that I have. If I had to pick the most fun collaboration though, it would definitely be my experience with The Piano Guys. They are so fun, super talented and we got along just great! Our sounds worked so well together. 

You've been nominated at both the Teen Choice Awards and the Billboard Awards. How does that feel? You have achieved so much!

Oh wow, I don't even know. I was actually so surprised to be nominated, but I am so touched that I was! It seems totally crazy to be walking along a red carpet with the likes of Jason Derulo. It's weird because I feel so out of place, and then I suddenly think OH MAN, I ACTUALLY BELONG HERE! (Yes, Lindsey actually got a little excited and started shouting, and rightfully so!) It's crazy, but wonderful crazy. 

You're from Arizona, right? Well, I have never been to Arizona, so could you tell me what the most exciting thing about Arizona is?

Well it is VERY hot for most of the year so we do a lot of swimming! I grew up in Arizona, and I loved growing up there because I grew up in a very rural area, and I remember loving the fact that I had chickens in my back yard! Me and my best friend Johnny would always go and collect the eggs and we would build huge hay forts and play house in them and run and play in the cornfields and I just loved growing up in that environment. It was super friendly to the imagination to be able to just explore. The adventures that could be had were wonderful. 

Arizona sounds like such a lovely place. Where we are in Liverpool isn't always so sunny, so we tend to do maybe a little less swimming than you! Am I right in thinking that you're actually coming to Liverpool very soon for a tour?

Yes! You are, we're actually wrapping the tour up there! 

Are you excited to visit us for the very first time?

Yes! I am very excited! It's so cool to be able to take our tour to places we've never been to before! We have only ever played in London in the UK so it will be pretty cool to venture out a little bit and head over to you guys in Liverpool! 

We're certainly excited to have you here, too! My final question is a bit of a cheeky one! Are there any exciting projects in the pipeline that you can give me a sneak preview of?

Oh, yes. I've just finished a Dragon Age cover. I haven't done a video game song for a while but I've got to do one for my favourite fans so I know they'll all be very excited about that. I don't actually have any cool, crazy collaborations coming up but I always have stuff in mind that I'm thinking about and I'm starting to write for a film! I'm very excited about that, although I can't say what it is yet! Watch this space!

Zoella and Co. Come to Liverpool!

Picture courtesy of Company Magazine, with many thanks! 

For the most beauty conscious and fashion savvy of us, Zoella has quickly established herself as a much loved household name. As a result of her flourishing Vlogging success (with more than six million doting subscribers to show for it) she has not only launched her very own bespoke (and truly adorable) beauty range, become an ambassador of the mental health charity Mind and won two Teen Choice awards, the beautiful star has recently signed her very own Penguin book deal. Pretty astonishing for somebody who is only 24 years old.

Zoella teamed up with Mind to launch their innovative #DontPanicButton, an initiative propelled with ambitions to raise awareness of anxiety and panic attacks in young people. Amongst the many respectable qualities of Zoella is her openness and honesty about her daily struggles with anxiety. Whilst many with the condition combat it by operating under an everything is fine façade, Zoella utilises her YouTube channel to share with her subscribers her honest accounts of anxiety battles and panic attacks.  As brand-new digital ambassador of the charity, Zoella will be operating the #DontPanicButton in a way that generates positivity and exists as a symbol of support for anybody suffering with anxiety.           

Tonight, Zoella (real name Zoe Elizabeth Sugg) is coming to Liverpool as part of Amity Fest. Liverpool’s O2 Academy will see Zoella alongside the rising stars behind her fellow Vlogs who are slowly but surely going viral, not least of whom is her love interest Alfie, the fabulous mind behind Pointless Blog. Louise (Sprinkle of Glitter), Tanya Burr, Niomi Smart, Joe (Thatcher Joe), Caspar Lee, Marcus Butler and Jim Chapman will take to the stage alongside Zoella to perform for their adoring fans.  

The Vloggers of the moment are presenting Amity Fest to just three (extremely lucky) locations experimentally to see if their much anticipated tour could successfully span the whole of the United Kingdom. Liverpool’s O2 Academy is amongst the lucky chosen few, with Birmingham’s The Institute and Brighton’s Dome as the two other selected venues.

A handful of tickets to the Liverpool show are still available at just £22.50 for both under-14’s and accompanying adults. All under-14’s must be accompanied by an adult, who may bring a total of four under-14’s. For the more devoted fans, a VIP ticket option was available at £75, allowing fans to meet their favourite Vloggers. But, at just £75, the tickets sold out almost instantly. To purchase a ticket to the biggest Vlog fest Liverpool has ever seen, click here. 

Highlights Of The Last Week (or so) Via Instagram.

This week, I was a lucky little lady to be invited to the Objects of Desire fashion and beauty launch in Liverpool City Centre. There, I was lucky enough to preview the magnificent Armani Exchange, Michael Kors and the (gorgeous) Miss Francesca Couture pieces to name but a few ahead of their Christmas release...as well as take a sneaky peek at the new ranges from Pandora, Mococo and Illamasqua. I would like to extend a big thank you to the lovely people at Mococo, Thomas Sabo and Armani Exchange for my gorgeous goodies! They are absolutely beautiful. Also, thank you to the artsy folk at Carluccio's and Patisserie Valerie for the delicious cake and canapes. And the Prosecco, of course!

It makes me feel so thoroughly blessed when I recall the multiple messages I have received over the course of the past month. So many more individuals and businesses have discovered my websites, and they have taken the time out of their hectic schedules to contact me to praise my writing. I recently bonded with the wonderful team at Tatty Devine, and we have joined forces to create the perfect Christmas gift guide for girls. As a result of this partnership, I also found some new friends at Casio Sheen. Their lovely team decided to send me a little gift, and I have fallen head over heels in deep, deep love with this beautiful watch. When I opened the box, I was greeted by exactly what I hoped for. Clearly made with passion, this super stylish watch is simply stunning. Perfect for the chicest ladies of the fashion world, and rather practical with its multiple dials!

My absolute favourite jeans in the entire world finally made a re-appearance this week. This came as a result of me raiding the mysterious depths of my wardrobe in a desperate search for my chunky winter knits (winter is certainly beginning to dig its icy heels in). I absolutely love Topshop, particularly their trousers. I can shop here and rest assured that my money is being well spent on high quality products, and that they will look fabulous forever. Worn with my favourite stripy knits, these jeans are my favourite autumnal wardrobe staple. 

I spend many a Saturday morn drooling over those just-a-little-too-expensive items of clothing in my local Topshop store. This week was no exception to this tendency. I fell in love instantly with this gorgeous floral tee. Just a couple of years back, i'd have purchased this piece in a heartbeat. But, with my engagement and my growing up comes the expectation of responsibility and the need to spend my money wisely. I even tried it on with my favourite trousers (pictured above) and they looked so good together. Such a beautiful, short lived love affair. If i'm a reaaaaaaal good girl, perhaps Father Christmas will bring me one?

As I mentioned above, at the fashion and beauty launch I was lucky enough to preview the gorgeous Armani Exchange products ahead of their Christmas release. I have started working on my (rather excessive) Christmas list a month or two early this year. This dogtooth jacket is absolutely gorgeous. Why oh whyyyyyy have I still not won millions on the lottery?

Yet another lovely addition to my ever-flourishing Christmas list is this beautifully detailed tweed blazer with statement shoulders handmade by the fabulous Miss Francesca Couture. Am I the only woman who spends a frightening amount of her time dreamily hunting for clothes she cannot afford to buy?

For the first time in two years, my hair was reunited with the curlers. And I was so impressed with the results. I wish there was another way of achieving this look besides using harsh heat appliances!

It is not very often that I post a #tbt, but I couldn't resist this week. Whilst summer exists now only in our fondest memories, this beautiful image captured in my grandma's garden will live on forever. 

Last week, my fiance and I headed to the #1 Scare Attraction that is Farmaggedon. But it wasn't all doom and gloom! I got up close and personal with my favourite animals in the entire world! 

What have been the highlights of your October so far?

Follow me @_Loulocket. 

Lou x