April foodie photo dump 📸 Looking at my camer April foodie photo dump 📸 

Looking at my camera roll, turns out April was not only filled with lots of walking, work stuff and days out, but it involved ALOT of good food. Here’s a breakdown:

🍏 @bitestreet enjoying a @fashion.bake bao bun and @gyroguys1 doner meat and halloumi wrap washed down with @saxbys_cider 

🥯 Lots of Sunday coffees and smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels from @clairescottagekitchen 

🐟 Fish finger sandwich and best coffee chats at @clarke_and_dean 

☕️ Delicious iced coffee in the sunshine from @tenhandscafe 

🧁 Savoury and sweet afternoon tea at @olddairyfarmcrafts 

🍻 Stout and ale hauls from @haveigotbrewsforyou 

🍔 Insane blue cheese Mayo burger from @theflavourtrailer at @towcestermillbrewery 

I love looking back on my camera roll and smiling over the memories I’ve made this month. How has your April been? Let me know what food you enjoyed in Northamptonshire or beyond 👇🏻

#NavigatingNorthants #NorthantsFood #AprilPhotoDump #NorthantsFoodie #NicoleNavigates #NorthamptonshireFood #Bitestreet #Towcester #Northampton #NorthantsBlogger #NorthantsBloggers #NorthantsFoodBlogger #AprilFoodPhotos #ThisGirlEats #IndependentNorthants
If in doubt, always put the dress and heels on 💃🏻

Cocktails and dressing up last night with a friend was just what I needed to boost my confidence and luckily Northampton isn’t shy of places to visit on a Saturday night: @vandb_northampton @turtlebaynorthampton @maulecollective and @johnfranklinsbar to name a few 🍸 

Where are your favourite places to head to on a Saturday night in town? Let’s share recommendations below 👇🏻 

#NicoleNavigates #NavigatingNorthants #Northampton #ThingsToDoNorthampton #SaturdayNightNorthants #NorthamptonTown
BiteStreet NN, I’m back baby! ✌🏼 Incredibl BiteStreet NN, I’m back baby! ✌🏼

Incredible line up from vendors like @brokenbonebbq @fashion.bake and @canoodlestreetfood all washed down with some @saxbys_cider 👌🏼 it felt good to be back and my food cravings were satisfied!

Are you heading down this weekend? @bitestreet is on all day today and tomorrow at @northantsccc (let’s just pray the sunshine stays!)

📌 Save this post for things to do in Northampton 

#NavigatingNorthants #NorthantsFood #NorthantsFoodie #BitestreetNN #IndependentNorthants #NicoleNavigatesNorthants #ThisGirlEats #NorthamptonFood #NorthamptonFoodie #EatLocal #EatLocalNN #NNLovesLocal #StreetFoodNN #NorthantsHour #NorthantsFoodAndDrink
Pints of cider, spring sunshine and baby cuddles 👶🏼 (that’s a sitcom episode title, surely?)

Loved spending last night with @thewishfulluxury and @xangrim and of course, baby Emilia for cuddles with her auntie Nicole as we enjoyed the last of the sunshine ☀️ spring is definitely on its way! 

I hope the weather lasts this weekend. Tell me what your plans are and if you’re navigating Northamptonshire or beyond 😍

📍 Check out @towcestermillbrewery who have a fantastic pub garden for this time of year

#NicoleNavigates #NavigatingNorthants #Northamptonshire #Towcester #IndependentNorthants #NorthantsBlogger #TowcesterMillBrewery
We Will Rock You, Northampton 🤘🏻🎸 This w We Will Rock You, Northampton 🤘🏻🎸

This was the first ever musical I saw in London when I was 11 years old and I remember being absolutely blown away by this show that featured the music of my favourite band: Queen ❤️

17 years later and I saw the 20th tour production at @royalderngate last night and it still blew my socks off - also very emotional and touching seeing s full auditorium waving their hands and singing along to “We Are The Champions” 🥲

It’s in Northampton until Saturday and if you’re lucky like me, you might be able to bag yourself a last minute ticket for £20 - yup, you heard me! 👀 

Have you seen We Will Rock You? Wanna know how you can bag affordable theatre tickets in Northampton? Let me know 👇🏻

#NavigatingNorthants #WeWillRockYouTour #RoyalAndDerngate #NorthantsTheatre #Northampton
So Shy reporting for pantomime duty! 💁🏻‍♀️✨

One of my other passions is fooling around on stage making a tit out of myself - if you’re new here, you might not know that most February half terms, I find myself performing for a village pantomime in Syresham (near Silverstone) and this is the first year we’ve returned since the ol’ C word cancelled last years! 

I’ve loved playing this comedic role and it’s been fabulous doing what I love: singing, acting, making people laugh and again… making a right fool of myself!

If you’re local and providing the storms calm down tonight, we have 3 more shows left of Aladdin so come along if you fancy some half term entertainment (including a Saturday matinee!)

Do you have any weird and wonderful hobbies you do outside your regular 9-5 or Instagram life? 🎭✨🧞‍♂️

📍 Come see us at Syresham Village Hall, NN13 5HE - tickets on sale at the door for 7:30pm start (and 2:30pm tomorrow)
AD - PR Gift 🌮 who fancies a takeaway? This ho AD - PR Gift 🌮 who fancies a takeaway?

This home taco kit from @smokeandbraai hit the spot last weekend as everything was *chefs kiss* 👌🏼 life has felt extremely hectic and full on lately, so having this kit delivered with everything you need for a taco night was just what I needed!

The kit contained the following:

🐷 House Dry Rubbed 18 Hour Oak Wood Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Shoulder (sourced from @westlodgefarmfood)
🌮 Handmade Masa Corn Tortilla
🧅 Homemade Sweet Pink Pickled Red Onions
🌶 Homemade Pickled Red Chillies
🧂 Smoked Sea Salt and Lime Crema

The kit comes with full instructions on how to prepare everything (literally took us 20 mins to get everything together) and it had plenty to keep us satisfied and full - maybe too many tacos consumed for me but hey, my eyes are bigger than my belly 👀

Drop them a DM if you’re feeling a taco night and let them know who sent ya ✌🏼 would you fancy trying this?

📌 Save this post for tasty independent takeaways in Northamptonshire! 

#NavigatingNorthants #IndependentNorthants #NorthantsFoodGuide #NorthantsFood #TacoTakeaway
Have you ever visited the Silverstone Interactive Have you ever visited the Silverstone Interactive Museum? 👀 

Well it’s well worth a trip if you haven’t! I went a couple of Sundays ago with my dad who is a massive F1 fan. Considering I don’t know too much about the in’s and out’s of motorsport, I found the whole day and experience throughly interesting.

The experience dives into the history of Silverstone and there is so much to look at, read, lots of demonstrations and things to tinker with and plenty of photo opportunities (my camera roll is FULL) 📸 

I paid £40 for two adult tickets plus another £5 to get a souvenir book for my dad and I’d say it’s well worth the money. Be prepared for lots of walking! 

Would this be something you’d like to do? Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below! 👇🏻

📍 @silverstoneinteractivemuseum is at @silverstonecircuit NN12 8TN

📌 Save this post for unique days out in Northamptonshire 

#NavigatingNorthants #Northamptonshire #NorthantsDaysOut #ThingsToDoNorthants #Silverstone #SilverstoneCircuit
You can’t stop the beat 🎶 Ad - Press invite You can’t stop the beat 🎶 Ad - Press invite 

Oooh I love a good-feel theatre show! @hairsprayuktour is finally here at @royalderngate and this show has been one I’ve wanted to tick off my theatre-watch list for ages! 😍

It’s a fab show with plenty of singing, dancing, comedy and so many sparkles. It’s only here until Saturday so get yourself down if you can - full review landing on my website today but *spoiler* it’s 5 ⭐️ from me!

Have you seen the show yet or will you be heading down to Royal & Derngate to see it this week? I’m gonna have the songs stuck in my head all day!

#NicoleNavigates #NavigatingNorthants #RoyalAndDerngate #HairsprayUKTour #Northampton #TheatreReview
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Independent Northants, Northamptonshire · 17th December 2020

Feeling relaxed & beautiful with Birch Beauty

AD – This is part of a paid partnership. For more information about how I work with local businesses, head to my disclaimer page.

Has 2020 made you feel stressed out? Could you do with a bit of pampering or are you looking for that extra glow in 2021? 

I don’t know about you, but getting any treatments such as having my nails done, getting a facial or massage is something I used to think was not as important – being so busy, it’s very easy to push self-care and treating ourselves to luxury treatments to one side.

And with the year it’s been, I think it’s time we put ourselves first and look after number 1 as we approach the new year.

That’s why I am thrilled to be working with and introducing a local independent business in Northamptonshire to you which I hope you will be as fond of as I am!

I’d like to introduce Birch Beauty to you – a place where you will feel welcome, rested and well. 

About Birch Beauty 

Birch Beauty is based in Roade, Northamptonshire and is run and founded by Rachel, a dedicated beauty and massage therapist who has over 10 years experience in the spa and beauty industry. 

Rachel is a working mum, who after working as a therapist, manager and trainer in luxury spas across Europe, decided to create her own treatment room and transformed her garage into a peaceful, reviving space that feels like a tranquil escape the moment you step inside. 

As Rachel’s business has grown, so has her services and she’s recently introduced Dr Leone McCarthy, who is an experienced GDC registered dentist with a special interest and advanced training in facial aesthetic treatments which has really helped build another side of the business for Birch Beauty. 

Birch Beauty offers a wide range of beauty treatments (which I will share a bit further down this blog post – so keep reading) and I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing my first proper facial treatment with Rachel and will be sharing more of what Rachel offers over the next 3 months! 

My experience 

My spa and facial experience have been limited – I’ve only ever received minimal facials when I’ve previously visited spas in the county as part of another treatment, so coming to Birch Beauty and having a full facial skin experience was completely new to me. 

That’s why I am excited to work with Birch Beauty as it feels like such an authentic partnership, especially how I have been making my thoughts about my skin very public. 

For the last 3-4 months, my skin has been suffering majorly – it’s almost like my skin is going through a second puberty! 

I’ve been suffering with lots of redness around my T zone, on my cheeks and not to mention all the acne I’ve been experiencing more frequently than normal (I blame mask-acne!) 

It’s left me feeling unconfident over going out with no makeup on and sometimes not having much choice but to do so, because wearing makeup was making my skin feel dirty and dry – not great for my overall confidence! 

After a few consultations with Rachel over my skin-type (turns out I have combination skin after years of thinking I had normal) and speaking to her about my skin concerns and what I wanted to achieve, she suggested I go onto her 6 week Microdermabrasion course. 

Now, if you are a skin newbie like me, you’re probably wondering: “what on earth is Microdermabrasion!?”

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure, which involves a skin specialist, like Rachel, removing the top layer of skin with a small hand-held device that aims to leave your skin feeling exfoliated, whilst making the skin feel more even. 

It can also improve conditions like pigmentation, acne, scarring, congestion, fine lines and wrinkles – so it’s really suitable for whatever age you may be! 

Rachel uses the SkinBase Facial Microdermabrasion treatment, which uses a stream of non-allergenic crystals that removes your skin’s outermost layer of dead cells. It’s chemical free and being only two weeks into the course by the time I write this, I have noticed amazing results already. 

Stepping inside Rachel’s treatment room, it’s all COVID secure. 

You’re first asked prior to appointment to fill out a COVID questionnaire and prior to arriving, you’re given instructions on where to park and Rachel will send you a text once she’s ready to have you step inside. 

As you arrive inside, you are required to wear a mask, wash your hands and put all your belongings in a box to keep everything safe. Rachel then leaves you alone whilst you get yourself ready – for the Microdermabrasion, you are asked to take your top off and get onto the treatment bed and put a blanket on to cover your top half (which FYI – is a heated blanket and is LUSH) leaving your shoulders exposed – you’ll see why! 

The treatment begins with Rachel cleansing your skin prior to using the tool on your face – it’s a very strange sensation but I find it very relaxing as it’s like a suction sensation that leaves your face feeling smooth like a baby! 

After Rachel finishes with the tool, you are then treated to a wonderful face mask and whilst that settles, she gives you a shoulder massage – which really is the ultimate way to relax and I have definitely almost fallen asleep whilst she’s done so! It’s something that really heightens the experience for me and is well worth the visit.

Warning: you will feel sleepy afterwards! 

After the mask treatment, Rachel then moisturises your face and afterwards, I was left with slightly red skin, but don’t worry, this does go down.

But what you are left with is glowing skin – I can’t wait to update you all on what my skin looks like after the 6 week course is finished as I am so impressed with how my skin looks and feels already!

Overall, it’s something I know I will go back to Rachel for again when my skin is in need of some TLC, especially during the winter months when your skin is more likely to get dirty and dry – this truly transforms your overall confidence and I am excited to go into 2021 with the best skin! 

What can Birch Beauty do for you?

What can’t she do for you!

Birch Beauty offers a whole range of treatments that will ensure your personal needs and preferences are catered to and will leave you feeling right as rain again! 

One of Rachel’s services includes Microblading/Machine Brows as in 2018, she started her journey into the permanent makeup sector and trained with the world renowned Deluxe Brows, leaving her brow obsessed and able to offer a full service. 

Both methods are types of permanent makeup (PMU) and Rachel will work with you to provide regular top up’s between every 9-18 months depending on your individual skin and lifestyle factors. 

Other treatments include the SkinBase Microdermabrasion facial, if you want a taster before committing to the full 3 or 6 week course, plus she can also provide Microdermabrasion for the full back too. 

Keep an eye out on my social media in February, as I’ll be sharing my experience of having eyebrows done for the first time! 

She can also do gift vouchers for you too, so very good for last-minute Christmas presents as well as her Christmas Facial Home Kits too.

Are you in need of a 2021 glow-up? Why not support a local business and treat yourself to a pamper! 

PIN THIS FOR LATER:

In: Independent Northants, Northamptonshire

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April foodie photo dump 📸 Looking at my camer April foodie photo dump 📸 

Looking at my camera roll, turns out April was not only filled with lots of walking, work stuff and days out, but it involved ALOT of good food. Here’s a breakdown:

🍏 @bitestreet enjoying a @fashion.bake bao bun and @gyroguys1 doner meat and halloumi wrap washed down with @saxbys_cider 

🥯 Lots of Sunday coffees and smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels from @clairescottagekitchen 

🐟 Fish finger sandwich and best coffee chats at @clarke_and_dean 

☕️ Delicious iced coffee in the sunshine from @tenhandscafe 

🧁 Savoury and sweet afternoon tea at @olddairyfarmcrafts 

🍻 Stout and ale hauls from @haveigotbrewsforyou 

🍔 Insane blue cheese Mayo burger from @theflavourtrailer at @towcestermillbrewery 

I love looking back on my camera roll and smiling over the memories I’ve made this month. How has your April been? Let me know what food you enjoyed in Northamptonshire or beyond 👇🏻

#NavigatingNorthants #NorthantsFood #AprilPhotoDump #NorthantsFoodie #NicoleNavigates #NorthamptonshireFood #Bitestreet #Towcester #Northampton #NorthantsBlogger #NorthantsBloggers #NorthantsFoodBlogger #AprilFoodPhotos #ThisGirlEats #IndependentNorthants
If in doubt, always put the dress and heels on 💃🏻

Cocktails and dressing up last night with a friend was just what I needed to boost my confidence and luckily Northampton isn’t shy of places to visit on a Saturday night: @vandb_northampton @turtlebaynorthampton @maulecollective and @johnfranklinsbar to name a few 🍸 

Where are your favourite places to head to on a Saturday night in town? Let’s share recommendations below 👇🏻 

#NicoleNavigates #NavigatingNorthants #Northampton #ThingsToDoNorthampton #SaturdayNightNorthants #NorthamptonTown
BiteStreet NN, I’m back baby! ✌🏼 Incredibl BiteStreet NN, I’m back baby! ✌🏼

Incredible line up from vendors like @brokenbonebbq @fashion.bake and @canoodlestreetfood all washed down with some @saxbys_cider 👌🏼 it felt good to be back and my food cravings were satisfied!

Are you heading down this weekend? @bitestreet is on all day today and tomorrow at @northantsccc (let’s just pray the sunshine stays!)

📌 Save this post for things to do in Northampton 

#NavigatingNorthants #NorthantsFood #NorthantsFoodie #BitestreetNN #IndependentNorthants #NicoleNavigatesNorthants #ThisGirlEats #NorthamptonFood #NorthamptonFoodie #EatLocal #EatLocalNN #NNLovesLocal #StreetFoodNN #NorthantsHour #NorthantsFoodAndDrink
Pints of cider, spring sunshine and baby cuddles 👶🏼 (that’s a sitcom episode title, surely?)

Loved spending last night with @thewishfulluxury and @xangrim and of course, baby Emilia for cuddles with her auntie Nicole as we enjoyed the last of the sunshine ☀️ spring is definitely on its way! 

I hope the weather lasts this weekend. Tell me what your plans are and if you’re navigating Northamptonshire or beyond 😍

📍 Check out @towcestermillbrewery who have a fantastic pub garden for this time of year

#NicoleNavigates #NavigatingNorthants #Northamptonshire #Towcester #IndependentNorthants #NorthantsBlogger #TowcesterMillBrewery
We Will Rock You, Northampton 🤘🏻🎸 This w We Will Rock You, Northampton 🤘🏻🎸

This was the first ever musical I saw in London when I was 11 years old and I remember being absolutely blown away by this show that featured the music of my favourite band: Queen ❤️

17 years later and I saw the 20th tour production at @royalderngate last night and it still blew my socks off - also very emotional and touching seeing s full auditorium waving their hands and singing along to “We Are The Champions” 🥲

It’s in Northampton until Saturday and if you’re lucky like me, you might be able to bag yourself a last minute ticket for £20 - yup, you heard me! 👀 

Have you seen We Will Rock You? Wanna know how you can bag affordable theatre tickets in Northampton? Let me know 👇🏻

#NavigatingNorthants #WeWillRockYouTour #RoyalAndDerngate #NorthantsTheatre #Northampton
So Shy reporting for pantomime duty! 💁🏻‍♀️✨

One of my other passions is fooling around on stage making a tit out of myself - if you’re new here, you might not know that most February half terms, I find myself performing for a village pantomime in Syresham (near Silverstone) and this is the first year we’ve returned since the ol’ C word cancelled last years! 

I’ve loved playing this comedic role and it’s been fabulous doing what I love: singing, acting, making people laugh and again… making a right fool of myself!

If you’re local and providing the storms calm down tonight, we have 3 more shows left of Aladdin so come along if you fancy some half term entertainment (including a Saturday matinee!)

Do you have any weird and wonderful hobbies you do outside your regular 9-5 or Instagram life? 🎭✨🧞‍♂️

📍 Come see us at Syresham Village Hall, NN13 5HE - tickets on sale at the door for 7:30pm start (and 2:30pm tomorrow)
AD - PR Gift 🌮 who fancies a takeaway? This ho AD - PR Gift 🌮 who fancies a takeaway?

This home taco kit from @smokeandbraai hit the spot last weekend as everything was *chefs kiss* 👌🏼 life has felt extremely hectic and full on lately, so having this kit delivered with everything you need for a taco night was just what I needed!

The kit contained the following:

🐷 House Dry Rubbed 18 Hour Oak Wood Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Shoulder (sourced from @westlodgefarmfood)
🌮 Handmade Masa Corn Tortilla
🧅 Homemade Sweet Pink Pickled Red Onions
🌶 Homemade Pickled Red Chillies
🧂 Smoked Sea Salt and Lime Crema

The kit comes with full instructions on how to prepare everything (literally took us 20 mins to get everything together) and it had plenty to keep us satisfied and full - maybe too many tacos consumed for me but hey, my eyes are bigger than my belly 👀

Drop them a DM if you’re feeling a taco night and let them know who sent ya ✌🏼 would you fancy trying this?

📌 Save this post for tasty independent takeaways in Northamptonshire! 

#NavigatingNorthants #IndependentNorthants #NorthantsFoodGuide #NorthantsFood #TacoTakeaway
Have you ever visited the Silverstone Interactive Have you ever visited the Silverstone Interactive Museum? 👀 

Well it’s well worth a trip if you haven’t! I went a couple of Sundays ago with my dad who is a massive F1 fan. Considering I don’t know too much about the in’s and out’s of motorsport, I found the whole day and experience throughly interesting.

The experience dives into the history of Silverstone and there is so much to look at, read, lots of demonstrations and things to tinker with and plenty of photo opportunities (my camera roll is FULL) 📸 

I paid £40 for two adult tickets plus another £5 to get a souvenir book for my dad and I’d say it’s well worth the money. Be prepared for lots of walking! 

Would this be something you’d like to do? Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below! 👇🏻

📍 @silverstoneinteractivemuseum is at @silverstonecircuit NN12 8TN

📌 Save this post for unique days out in Northamptonshire 

#NavigatingNorthants #Northamptonshire #NorthantsDaysOut #ThingsToDoNorthants #Silverstone #SilverstoneCircuit
You can’t stop the beat 🎶 Ad - Press invite You can’t stop the beat 🎶 Ad - Press invite 

Oooh I love a good-feel theatre show! @hairsprayuktour is finally here at @royalderngate and this show has been one I’ve wanted to tick off my theatre-watch list for ages! 😍

It’s a fab show with plenty of singing, dancing, comedy and so many sparkles. It’s only here until Saturday so get yourself down if you can - full review landing on my website today but *spoiler* it’s 5 ⭐️ from me!

Have you seen the show yet or will you be heading down to Royal & Derngate to see it this week? I’m gonna have the songs stuck in my head all day!

#NicoleNavigates #NavigatingNorthants #RoyalAndDerngate #HairsprayUKTour #Northampton #TheatreReview
Who’s happy it’s the weekend after what’s fe Who’s happy it’s the weekend after what’s felt like the longest week in January? 🤪

I’ve had such a busy week that I’m looking forward to some down time. I’ve got some bottomless brunch plans today (all will be revealed 👀) and then Sunday is scheduled for some pamper time! 

Throwback to last weekend when I finally checked out the new taproom at @haveigotbrewsforyou in Towcester who have opened their taproom where you can shop AND enjoy a nice sit down drink - defo check it out 👌🏼

Tell me what your weekend plans are in the comments below. Don’t forget if you’re in Northants, you can use #NavigatingNorthants to share your pics (or #NavigatingLocal if you’re based afar) 👇🏻 

#NicoleNavigates #LoveTowcester #IndependentNorthants #Northamptonshire #ThingsToDoNorthants

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