Tag: February

  • Why You Should Do What Makes You Happy

    Why You Should Do What Makes You Happy

    I always say, as long as your intentions are good and you’re not hurting anybody, or yourself, then do what makes you happy. This of course can be easier said than done, as sometimes in order to create or find the happiness we desire, we may have to step out of our comfort zone or take risks. Sometimes we can even find ourselves being discouraged from doing certain things that deep down we know we truly desire. Sometimes the dissuasion can come from others, or other times it can come from oneself. It’s important to not let these ideas of doubt get in the way and you should allow yourself to pursue the things that make you happy.

    Manchester Fashion Blogger Street Style
    Velvet Trousers Outfit and Pinko Love Bag
     

    Your life is yours and not anyone else’s

    Relationships, be it family, friends or a partner can sometimes be a conflicting factor in focusing on ones own happiness. We can often convince ourselves that the happiness of our loved ones is the most important thing, and whilst I am in agreement with this to an extent, I also have the opinion that focusing on someone else’s happiness is lesser justified if means making yourself miserable in the process. There needs to be compromise and balance, and if someone else’s happiness compromises your own, then you have to consider if it’s really worth it. Of course there are times when it’s necessary to put the needs of others before our own but when it comes to your long term happiness, just make sure that when making decisions that affect you, remember that it’s your life and nobody else’s.

    Samio red lipstick topshop borg biker jacket

    Boots – Asos (similar here) | Trousers – TK Maxx (similar here) | Top – Topshop (similar here) | Biker Jacket – Topshop | Bag – Pinko (similar here)

    Black Velvet Trousers
    Topshop Borg Jacket TK Maxx Velvet Trousers and Pinko Love Bag Outfit
     

    You never know what might happen

    Circumstances and situations can change so rapidly that where you are today might be very different to where you are in a day, a month, or a year, and so on. As they say ‘life is short’. It’s an overused phrase and with good reason, because most of the people who say it have had some sort of life experience to help them put things into perspective.

    Whatever stage or place you’re at in life, if you have the opportunity to make choices to do the things that make you happy, then go for it. Who knows what may happen tomorrow. With that in mind, it’s important to seize opportunities whilst you can. Take that road trip with a friend, apply for that new job, end the unhappy relationship, go on that dream adventure, take that dance class, learn that new skill and most importantly just remember to do you, for you!

    Samio Manchester fashion blogger
    Samio happy black and red womens outfit
     

    It’s your responsibility and not anyone else’s

    Lastly it’s important to note that choosing to do what makes you happy is inevitably down to you. We can’t rely on others for our happiness, nor can we expect other’s to take care of things for us. It’s solely down to you to go after what you want, don’t wait around for someone else to make things happen for you. Perusing the things you want in life isn’t always easy but if in the long run it’s what will make you happy, then what are you waiting for?

    Samio x

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  • A Romantic Guide To Manchester

    A Romantic Guide To Manchester

    This post is sponsored by Flybe

    Romantic may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Manchester but you may be surprised to find several spots that are ideal for the perfect date or spot to woo your Valentine.

    I’ve teamed up with Flybe to bring you this post and when they asked me to show you around some of my favourite romantic spots in my hometown, I of course jumped at the chance. If you know me, you’ll know I’m always out exploring my city and discovering new spots. So if you’re thinking about taking a trip here this Valentine’s Day but you’re not sure which places you should visit, then look no further because your girl has got you covered!

    The Best Brunch Date

    Pot Kettle Black has got to be one of my favourite places to go for breakfast or brunch. The coffee here is great and these people know how to do breakfast just right, plus it’s served all day, so there’s no rush. Whilst the food tastes delicious, presentation is their speciality too, so you’re bound to impress your date with a tasty (and also Instagramable) bit of brunch in this spot. Cosy up in one of the window seats which looks out into the Victorian shopping arcade (Barton Arcade) and start your day just right.

    PKB Barton Arcade Manchester Review

    Breakfast at Pot Kettle Black PKB Manchester

    Art Is For Lovers

    Manchester art gallery has always been one of my favourite spots and if you ask me, I think it’s a great place to take a date. It’s free entry and with everything from historical paintings to contemporary pieces, there’s something for every art enthusiast to enjoy. I always think there’s something quite romantic about art galleries and you can easily spend an afternoon wandering around this place and taking it all in. They have a coffee shop and a pretty cool gift shop too.

    Lowry at Manchester Art Gallery

    Manchester Art Gallery Interior
    Manchester Art Gallery Romanticism
     

    Cocktails With A View

    I don’t know why but there’s always something so romantic about having cocktails high up in the sky…that’s if you’re not scared of heights of course. And if you’re not, then I definitely suggest you visit Cloud 23 whilst you’re in Manchester. Situated on the 23rd floor of Manchester’s tallest building (Beetham Tower) you’re able to get the best views of Manchester, and beyond. There may not always be blue skies but I don’t feel this dulls the romance of this lovely spot. You can easily spend a couple of hours here relaxing with a delicious cocktail (or two), watching the world go by.

    View from Cloud 23 Manchester Cocktails

    The Less Obvious Romantic Spot

    I realise not everyone wants romance to be in their face obvious and sometimes it’s actually the more bustling places that can turn out to be the most intimate. If you like a large open setting with a varied selection of great food and drink, then look no further than Mackie Mayor. This recently renovated Grade II listed building is one of my favourite spots in Manchester. It’s a great place to go with your date and I suggest taking a seat on the upper tier where you can sit and take in the views of this fabulous venue from above. My favourite thing about this place, aside from the great atmosphere, has to be the pizzas. I highly recommend the margarita pizza from Honest Crust, it’s seriously good!

    Mackie Mayor Margarita Pizza from Honest Pizza
    Mackie Mayor Manchester
     

    A Romantic Place To Stay

    What could be more perfect than an affordable and romantic hotel situated in my personal favourite part of Manchester, the Northern Quarter. The Cow Hollow Hotel is close to lots of great bars and restaurants but it’s easy to miss it, as it’s tucked away on a corner of Newton Street. I discovered this place after stumbling upon their bar, which I do believe is the cosiest and certainly most romantic spot that I have come across in the Northern Quarter. With great wine, great cocktails, excellent service and beautiful interior throughout, what’s not to love. This intimate little spot hosts a bar (which is open to the public as well as hotel guest) and 16 beautifully furnished hotel rooms perfect for your romantic getaway.

    Cow Hollow Hotel Bar
    Cow Hollow Hotel Manchester Double Room
     

    Cow Hollow Hotel Manchester

    The Refuge by Volta Winter Garden Romantic Manchester
    The Refuge Winter Garden

    A Romantic Garden

    You must visit Refuge when you come to Manchester because this place is just stunning. The huge building holds a number of different areas where you can dine, have drinks and relax. My favourite part of this place has to be the centrepiece, which is the beautiful Winter Garden. I like to call it the most weatherproof garden in Manchester because they have done an excellent job of brining the essence of the outdoors, inside. With it’s atrium ceiling, plush furnishings and large glass windows looking out onto the rest of the venue, you feel as if you’re inside a romantic secret garden. Whether you come here for a coffee during the day or for cocktails in the evening, it certainly makes for a perfect romantic spot.

    So there we have it. Those are a few of my favourite romantic spots in Manchester. I love sharing favourite parts of my city and showing you around. Hopefully this could give you some insight of some of what Manchester has to offer and if you are looking to visit, then don’t forget Flybe flies to Manchester from eight UK airports, including Exeter, Southhampton, Aberdeen and Belfast. So what are you waiting for, why not hop on a flight over. Hope to see you soon!

    Samio x

    Check out my video guide here.