Tuesday 6 December 2016

November Round Up

Sorry, I'm so late with the round-up this month, I was away gallivanting at the end of last week so was away from my computer. We've had so many amazing posts shared on our Facebook this month, it's soo tough narrowing it down to only 10. Go and look through our Facebook to check out the rest of November's posts there's some seriously good stuff there.

Top 10 Posts Of The Month

  1. Our very own Emily from Frankly Ms Shankly with a spooky outfit and convincing all of us that spooky style isn't just for Halloween http://www.franklymsshankly.com/2016/11/ootd-everyday-is-halloween.html
  2. Alice from Twenty Something City shared what she learnt from her no spend October. Sounds like a great challenge - anyone fancy a no spend January https://twentysomethinglifeandstyle.com/2016/11/06/what-the-october-no-buy-challenge-taught-me/
  3. Talor Gilchrist has managed, to sum up 2016 in food the Talor way https://talorgilchrist.wordpress.com/2016/11/09/10-foods-that-have-defined-2016/
  4. Lyndsey from The Quiet Resolution has been chatting about why she loves beauty and that enjoying makeup and skincare doesn't make you vain http://www.thequietresolution.co.uk/2016/11/why-i-love-beauty.html
  5. Kimberley from Wardrobe Conversations has been thinking about the strange world of social media friendships and that awkward moment you meet people in real life (and obviously how much she loves all Edinburgh Bloggers) http://www.wardrobeconversations.com/2016/11/styled-by-kimberley-winter.html
  6. Amy from The Luminous Life has been sharing her top ten tips for getting the most out of your workout http://www.theluminouslife.co.uk/2016/11/my-top-tips-for-getting-most-out-of.html
  7. Ruth from Urbanity Blog shared all the details from the Herald Fashion Awards - which by the way she won http://www.urbanity-blog.com/2016/11/herald-fashion-awards.html
  8. Lucie from Tetris and (Cheese)Cakes shared some great tips for newbie vegans or anyone else interested in a plant based diet https://tetrisandcheesecakes.com/2016/11/18/newbie-vegan-5-handy-tips-for-going-plant-based-cruelty-free/
  9. Sonja from Migrating Miss has pulled together a list of free (and not so free) things to do in Edinburgh if you fancy being a tourist in your own city http://www.migratingmiss.com/ultimate-guide-to-the-top-free-not-so-free-things-to-do-in-edinburgh/
  10. Lauren from The Luxe List has been helping fill our luxury wishlists all month she even convinced us all we need designer shampoo https://luxelist.me/2016/11/22/philip-b/

Blogmas/Vlogmas

It's that time of year again when we all start to think about Christmas and some of you are even taking part in Blogmas/Vlogmas. Blogmas/Vlogmas is when bloggers post or vlog every day in the run-up to Christmas. Trust me this isn't as easy as it sounds. I sit around the house all day and struggle to get 5 posts up a week so have so much respect for anyone who can post daily whilst working a full-time job. 
I've had a look and found a few Edinburgh Bloggers taking part this year.
The team at Edinburgh Bloggers want to know who's doing Blogmas/Vlogmas so we can get behind you and share your posts/vlogs. Please comment below or tweet us (@EdinburghBlogg) to get added to the list

Congratulations

Before I go I wanted to say massive congratulations to Ruth from Urbanity Blog for winning Scottish Blogger of the Year at last month's Herald Fashion Awards. 

And to everyone else remember that awards are nice but blogging is about so much more than that and you all have amazing blogs which you should be proud of (trust me I read through all your posts every month).

Hope everyone has a great December

Jen

Tuesday 1 November 2016

October Round Up

Can you believe it's time for another round-up post again? From the looks of things October has been another busy month for all the Edinburgh bloggers. We had 96 new posts shared on our Facebook group plus much more via Twitter. As you can imagine narrowing them down to only 10 for this post isn't an easy task. If you have time make sure you scroll through all the posts shared on Facebook as there are some real gems on there.

Top 10 Posts of the Month

  1. Sonja from Migrating Miss shared why she thinks off season is the perfect time to travel, especially in Europe. http://www.migratingmiss.com/why-off-season-is-the-best-time-to-travel-in-europe/

  2. Franca from Oranges and Apples wrote a fascinating post on her thoughts on the #WeAreScotland hashtag and what it means to identify as Scottish (or not) http://www.oranges-and-apples.com/2016/10/some-thoughts-sparked-by-wearescotland.html

  3. Talor Gilchrist shared the many reasons why she doesn't like pumpkin spiced lattes, in her usual humorous way (and says what we're all thinking) https://talorgilchrist.wordpress.com/2016/10/11/dear-pumpkin-spice-lattes/

  4. Who doesn't love a good wedding! Jennie Stamp has shared a few of her beautiful wedding pictures this month. Congratulations Jennie! http://jenniestamp.com/our-pinterest-wedding/

  5. Chloe from Glamour Globe has been thinking about ways to become a more conscious consumer and share brands designed to last. http://www.glamourglobe.com/buy-me-once-brands-designed-to-last/

  6. I've been thinking about being a conscious consumer too and asking whether or not ethical fashion is only for the wealthy or can everyone enjoy ethical fashion http://tartanbrunette.co.uk/2016/10/is-ethical-fashion-only-for-the-wealthy.html/

  7. Louise from The Little Things has got me excited about the party season with her party outfit featuring a pretty lace playsuit. http://www.littlethings.org.uk/2016/10/styling-a-lace-playsuit-party-season/

  8. Alice from Twenty Something City has been sharing her tips building great outfits using clothes you already have in your wardrobe. https://twentysomethinglifeandstyle.com/2016/10/22/all-in-the-details-how-to-build-an-outfit-with-impact/

  9. Amy from The Luminous Life has been sharing some great tips on getting a better nights sleep, which I'm sure we can all use. http://www.theluminouslife.co.uk/2016/10/all-you-need-is-sleep-tips-to-help-you.html 

  10. Lucie from Tetris and (cheese)cakes wrote a great post on why it shouldn't matter what you dress up as for Halloween and that the only opinion on your costume which counts is your own. https://tetrisandcheesecakes.com/2016/10/24/blogtober-19-be-your-best-harley/ 

Halloween Fun 

A special mention has to go to the lovely ladies at Wardrobe Conversations for their creative unlikely style/horror icon series giving us plenty of Halloween costume ideas

Monday 10 October 2016

PRESS RELEASE: The Edinburgh International Magic Festival Announce First Festive Show

Edinburgh to Become the World’s Most Magical City this Christmas as The Edinburgh International Magic Festival Announce First Festive Show

Edinburgh is already known as a capital of magic for its connections to Harry Potter, host of the UK’s biggest magic festival, and its enchanting beauty, but this Christmas Edinburgh will become the world’s mostmagical city as The Edinburgh International Magic Festival launch their inaugural festive production – ‘MagicFest Christmas Special: Collection of Wonders’ at George Square Theatre 27th – 30th December

Audiences of all ages can wrap themselves in magic this Christmas and enjoy a spectacular Collections of Wonders - a heart-warming mix of thrilling magic with a sprinkling of comedy, hosted by Kevin Quantum, performer and MagicFest Artistic Director. 

Kevin said… “Christmas is so special for me; spending time with family, eating lots of food and of course going to live shows and pantos, which is why I'm so happy to announce the inaugural Christmas show for people to enjoy with friends and family right before New Year. With MagicFest's Summer Festival reaching over 10,000 people, this seemed the perfect time for us to offer a new magic experience with a festive twist.” 

The show will offer children and adults an alternative festive experience with captivating performances from top magicians (see below) from all over the UK and a special guest from France. From cutting-edge illusions and mind reading to mesmerising sleight-of-hand magic and edge-of-your-seat levitation, this show is not to be missed!

Kevin Quantum - Magician-scientist hybrid trained by Penn and Teller in Las Vegas fuses visual magic with modern technology and unique inventions. His comedy magic shows have twice been nominated at the Scottish Comedy Awards and have received 5 star reviews at the Fringe.

Florian Sainvet – An incredible talent from France and Finalist in the World Magic Championships 2015 and in ‘France has got Talent’, will present his award-winning futuristic act and a brand new “money from thin air” illusion. He is recognised as one of the best sleight of hand magicians in the world.

Drew McAdam (27th and 28th Dec only) – “Scotland’s foremost mind reader” (BBC, STV, Channel 5) has baffled audiences in US, Russia and across Europe to Africa with his mind-boggling demonstrations of spoon-bending and mind-reading. If you think your thoughts are yours, and yours alone... think again!

Matthew J Dowden – Known as the Dean Martin of magic, he has charmed and enchanted audiences in 20 different countries with his unique show “Magic of the Movies” inspired by Hollywood and his infectious love for classic art of magic.

Lewis Barlow (29th and 30th Dec only) - Edinburgh’s sleight of hand master. The magic Lewis performs has been developed and closely guarded by the world’s greatest magicians over the last two hundred years. BBC consultant and past president of the Edinburgh Magic Circle, Lewis is one of Scotland’s finest prestidigitators.

Friday 30 September 2016

September Round Up

Can you believe September is over already? Once again it's been a busy month for everyone here at Edinburgh Bloggers. I migrated by blog from Blogger to Wordpress, signed to an agency and have been working the site full time. And I'm sure we've all been super jealous of Sultana's glamorous honeymoon in Egypt. And from the number of amazing blog posts you've been sharing it's been a busy month for you guys as well. Today I wanted to share some of your posts and news from the month that was September.

Top 10 Posts of the Month

  1. Emily from Frankly Ms Shankly took part in a boudoir photo shoot and shares a few sexy pics from the shoot while discussing body confidence. http://www.franklymsshankly.com/2016/09/body-confidence-boudoir-photography.html

  2. The creative girls from Wardrobe Conversations managed to create outfits around the theme of milk (yes you read that right - milk) earlier this month. Check out Kimberley's milk themed outfit - http://www.wardrobeconversations.com/2016/09/styled-by-kimberley-milk.html

  3. Lucie from Tetris & (Cheese)cakes took part in #Zerowasteweek which got her thinking about how you can be a shopaholic and still be sustainable. Read her shopaholic's guide to ethical fashion -  https://tetrisandcheesecakes.com/2016/09/12/zerowasteweek-weekends-and-the-shopaholics-guide-to-ethical-fashion/

  4. Kimberley in The City made us all very jealous of her experience flying Business Class with BA, even the aeroplane food looked good. https://kimberleyinthecity.com/2016/09/14/british-airways-business-class-champagne-afternoon-tea/

  5. Lyndsey from The Quiet Resolution shared some quick and easy recipes for busy students (and everyone else), so much better than beans on toast. http://www.thequietresolution.co.uk/2016/09/quick-easy-healthy-recipes-for-busy.html

  6. Ruth from Urbanity was lucky enough to be in London during fashion week and shared what she wore with us http://www.urbanity-blog.com/2015/07/ruths-london-outfit-diary.html

  7. I was thinking about sleeping this month and shared my top 5 tips for getting a great night's sleep http://tartanbrunette.co.uk/2016/09/getting-good-nights-sleep.html/

  8. Talor Gilchrist has been rating food Instagrams because 'if you didn't take a picture did you even eat it' https://talorgilchrist.wordpress.com/2016/09/26/outoften-5/

  9. Zoe from IKIWN has been sharing tips on how to layer your clothes and look awesome this autumn http://www.ikiwn.com/fatshion/layering-under-autumn-looks/

  10. Jennie from Jennie Stamp enjoyed a meal at The Table. Check out her review to see if The Table is the perfect date night venue http://jenniestamp.com/fine-dining-at-the-table/

News/Updates

Not only have the Edinburgh Bloggers been sharing great content, there has been lots going on behind the scenes.
  • Not only did Sultana get married and go on honeymoon, she also found time to re-vamp her blog and get a new domain. Check out her shiny new site https://sultanamalik.com/

  • Kimberley in The City celebrated it's 1 year anniversary - Congratulations Kimberley!

  • Urbanity Blog has had a re-vamp and hit 10,000 pageviews for the first time this month. Congratulations Ruth on hitting a great milestone!

  • Amy Newcombe has been working on a new fitness blog called The Luminous Life which launches on Sunday 2nd October - keep your eyes peeled!

  • I migrated Tartan Brunette from Blogger to Wordpress and have a shiny new design. I also signed up with an agency and have been working on the site full-time. 

  • Louise from The Little Things built a shiny new site. She has also been blogging 5 days a week all month whilst working full-time. 

  • Alice from Twenty Something City published her 100th blog post.

  • Agita changed her domain to www.elegancelies.co.uk

  • Xandra from Heroine Training started offering organisational coaching - sign up here http://www.heroinetraining.com/work-with-me/

I'm going to try to do a round-up post every month, so make sure you share all your posts and news on the Edinburgh Bloggers Facebook or Tweet us @EdinburghBlogg


Jen xx

Monday 15 August 2016

Edinburgh Festival Insider Tips and Tricks


With the Edinburgh Festival in full swing, who better to ask for advice than the amazing bloggers of Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Bloggers team have been hunting down posts on everything festival related from top tips, to what to see, to where to eat and pulled them together here in one handy post.

Top Tips

Edinburgh Festival Top Tips by Tartan Brunette




What to See


Fringe Highlights by Kimberley in the City

Girl Power at Edinburgh Fringe by The Meneghin Girl


Where to eat

7 Places to Eat During the Fringe by Kimberley in the City

Where to Eat in Edinburgh by Water Painted Dreams

Finge Nods to Jazz and Juleps by Yankee Doodles


*If you have written a post on the Edinburgh Festival please let us know so we can add it to our list.

Tuesday 2 August 2016

Foodies Festival Returns to Edinburgh This Weekend

Foodies Festival Edinburgh Returns to Inverleith Park with a Feast of Culinary Delights and Foodie Fun 5th to 7th August


  • Scotland's Michelin-star and top chefs cooking live in the Chefs Theatre
  • Focus on Brazilian street food on the Street Food Avenue for the Olympics
  • More award-winning producers than ever before
  • Champagne, wine and whisky masterclasses
  • Burlesque Baker Charlotte White in the Cake & Bake Theatre
  • New Bug-Eating Challenge and the famous Chilli-Eating Competition
  • New 1920s themed VIP Tent with grand piano and Mirror Bar sponsored by Simpson & Marwick
  • Local bands competing to win the Unsigned Music Awards
  • Giant Pimm's Teapot and Mojito Ship return
After a record breaking 10th anniversary festival last year, which welcomed over 38,000 visitors, Foodies Festival enters its second decade as the UK's biggest celebration of food and drink with a tantalising menu of new culinary features, top chefs from across Scotland and a line-up of foodie fun that promises a great day out 5th - 7th August.

Aga Rangemaster Chefs Theatre
Scotland's culinary masters will showcase their skills and share insight into this year's food trends while answering questions from the audience. Chefs confirmed include:
  • Jacqueline O'Donnell - The Sisters and Great British Menu regional champion
  • Marcello Tully - Kinloch Lodge (Michelin-starred)
  • Brian Grigor - Number One at The Balmoral (Michelin-starred)
  • Stuart Muir - DINE
  • Mark Greenaway - Restaurant Mark Greenaway
  • Jamie Scott - The Newport and MasterChef: The Professionals winner
  • Colin Fleming - The Printing Press
  • Gordon Craig - The Field
  • Fraser Smith - Angels with Bagpipes
  • Fraser Allen - The Pompadour 
  • Graeme Pallister - 63 Tay Street
  • Paul Wedgwood - Wedgwood's
  • Neil Forbes - Cafe St Honore  
  • Stuart Ralston - Aizle
  • Edward Murray - Gardiners Cottage
  • Gillian, Nichola & Linsey - Three Sisters Bake 
  • Tony Rodd - MasterChef Finalist 2015
  • Kaori Simpson - Harajuku Kitchen 
  • Kim Kaewkraikhot - Chaophraya
  • Ian Pirrie - Edinburgh School of Food & Wine

Drinks Theatre
Champagne enthusiasts can relax in the Drinks Theatre with 'The Fascinating Story of Champagne Canard-Duchêne and Pinot Noir' masterclasses presented by writer Brian Elliot or learn how to match wine with seasonal ingredients with TV wine expert Charles Metcalfe. 

Tutorials in craft beer are also available with beer critic Melissa Cole, and for those who enjoy Whisky, R&B Distillers host whisky tastings - perfect for both whisky novices and connoisseurs.


Street Food Avenue
A feast of international flavours and delicacies are served on the Street Food Avenue. Japanese, Thai, Malaysian, Argentinian, Turkish, Indian, Korean, Mexican, French and African are just some of the cuisines on offer and can be enjoyed in the every growing Feasting Tent, ensuring hunger is banished and tummies are full. 

There’s a special focus on Brazilian street food this year to celebrate the Olympic host’s cuisine, including traditional Brazilian BBQ and Rio’s favourite dish Feijoada made from black beans, salted pork, trimmings, smoked sausage and jerk beef, which is cooked in a traditional clay pot. Brazil’s national cocktail Caipirinha, a mix of lime, sugar and Cachaça (made from sugarcane juice with an ABV of 48%), and Brazilian coffees will be available.

Artisan Producers Market
This year there are more award-winning producers at Foodies Festival than ever before with a glittering array of Great Taste Award winners available to shop and sample from, each being hailed as a producer of ‘Exquisite, Outstanding and Simply Delicious’ food and drink – a fantastic opportunity for visitors to meet artisan producers from the local area and across the country, learn their story and stock up on award winning produce.

New Vintage Tea Room and Cake, Bake & Tasting Theatre
A beautifully decorated new Vintage Tea Room offers visitors Afternoon Tea with a selection of cakes, scones with clotted cream and jam, and finger sandwiches served on china from a tea trolley by vintage styled tea ladies and gentlemen.

Baking extraordinaire Charlotte White, master chocolatier Fiona Sciolti and top local cake-makers work their baking wizardry on the Cake & Bake stage, inspiring visitors to reach for their whips and spatulas at home and create show-stopping cakes and delicious summer bakes. A neighbouring Chocolate, Cake and Bake Village sells freshly baked breads, sponges, tarts, jellies and trifles to enjoy with a bubble tea or fresh juice. 

Into the Jungle
Festival goers can munch their way into the depths of the jungle this summer with a trip to the Vietnamese Street Food stand, where those with a taste for the exotic can indulge in insects, including grasshoppers, caterpillars, mealworms, beetles, scorpions, locus and ants.

For those brave enough, there’s a daily Bush Tucker Trial on the Challenge Stage, where visitors compete against one another by eating jungle insects, from small ants to large juicy grubs, with the contestant eating the biggest and the most being crowned champion. 

Childrens Cookery School
The Olympic theme continues into the Childrens Cookery School, where little foodies can decorate their very own gold medal with coloured icing, glitter and edible ribbon.  Pizza and cupcake making classes also allow kids to explore their taste buds and learn basic cookery skills to practice at home.

Chilli-Eating Challenge
The famous Chilli-Eating Challenge continues in 2016, inviting fans of spice to beat an eye-watering 16 million scoville record set by Shahina Waseem last year. Participants start at the low end of the chilli spectrum by eating bell peppers, but things quickly get a lot hotter with Habanero, Scotch and Carolina Reaper (world's hottest chilli) chillies being added to the menu. Those still standing are then inflicted to pure chilli extract, increasing in strength, until a winner is crowned.

New Deco Noir VIP Tent
This year's 1920s themed Deco Noir VIP tent offers those looking to relax in style at Foodies Festival a decadently decorated VIP Tent sponsored by Simpson & Marwick Property. VIPs can enjoy a red carpet reception with a welcome glass of bubbly and goody bag, and take advantage of priority entry to food and drink masterclasses between relaxing in the VIP Tent with private Mirror Bar, live jazz music and refreshments throughout the day. 

Live Music and Pop-Up Bars
After a day of feasting and fun, visitors can picnic on the grass with friends and soak in the atmosphere with live music from award-winning local bands at the Unsigned Music Awards Stage and a glass of bubbly or refreshing cocktail from the Giant Pimm's Teapot or Mojito Ship. 


Tickets: 
Tickets are on sale now at www.foodiesfestival.com or by calling 0844 995 1111

Ticket prices:
Friday adult ticket £10.00/£8.00 concession
Saturday/Sunday adult ticket £14.00/£11.00 concession
Three day adult ticket £20.00/£16.00 concession

VIP day ticket £38.00/£35.00 Friday - includes a glass of bubbly with red carpet welcome, use of the decadent Deco Noir VIP Lounge and Mirror Bar, refreshments throughout the day, priority entry to food and drink masterclasses, show guide, and goody bag to take home.

Children aged 12 and under go free to all Foodies Festivals when accompanied by an adult.

Open times:
5th August - 11am - 7pm
6th August - 10am - 8pm
7th August - 10am - 7pm

Tuesday 5 July 2016

@StreetAssistEdi




Street Assist Edinburgh

This afternoon I volunteered my day to make a difference to help promote Street Assist Edinburgh.

Street Assist Edinburgh provides immediate support, advice and first aid to a wide range of people. Many people become vulnerable, lost or disorientated as a result of alcohol misuse, but also people who became separated from their friends, homeless people, dementia sufferers and victims of assault/domestic abuse. The emergency services are able to refer vulnerable individuals to Street Assist for minor incident treatment.



This new initiative has been founded by and delivered by a dedicated group of award winning volunteers. Find out how you can join them!
The Street Assist Edinburgh bus will be parked at King’s Stables Road between 8pm and 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.
I managed to speak to Neil Logan one of the volunteers at Street Assist Edinburgh and the Director of Roadshow Solutions about their services and how they have helped the community.
Interesting facts:
  •  It can cost the NHS around £1000 because of the result of Misuse of alcohol PER PERSON = 3 hours of police officers time, £250 to have an ambulance called out and overnight stay in a hospital which includes servicing from nurses, doctors and the running of the hospital.
  • Street Assist Edinburgh cuts costs as this as a voluntary organisation to help vulnerable adults, help sober them up before they contact a friend or family and ensure they have money to get home safe.
  • Neil even told me a story of an Alzheimer’s patient that came to Edinburgh from Kings Cross by mistake and Street Assist Edinburgh helped them contact their family as they were reported lost.




It was great giving back to the community by learning and helping sign up more volunteers. 

Follow them on social media today!
Twitter @StreetAssistEdi
Instagram @Street_assist_edi

Sultana XOXO






Monday 13 June 2016

Press Release: Grassmarket's Circus Weekend

Roll up, roll up to the Greater Grassmarket’s Circus Weekend


Let’s Circus comes to town on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June

The Greater Grassmarket Business Improvement District (BID) in association with travelling circus school and performance company, Let’s Circus, will bring an acrobatic circus show to the Grassmarket on Saturday 18th and Sunday19th June (11am – 5pm) as part of their free Circus Weekend.

The international line-up includes contemporary circus, Head First Acrobats, who will perform their family-friendly pirate-themed circus show, ‘Arr we there yet?’ on the Greater Grassmarket’s Community Stage at 12.30pm and 3.30pm. The 40-minute show will feature slapstick comedy, extraordinary acrobatics and spine-tingling tricks such as juggling with knives. From 11am until 3.30pm, there will be amateur workshops for anyone interested in learning circus disciplines including trapeze, juggling, tight rope, acrobatics and even hula hooping. Let’s Circus will bring a team of international artists including Francis 'Odo’ Odongo, one of Kenya’s elite circus artists, who will be on hand to show off his skills and get everyone involved. As well as two shows per day, there will be demonstrations from artists in diverse circus disciplines such as hand balancing, trapeze, tight wire, and toothbrush twiddling.
The Greater Grassmarket BID’s Circus Weekend follows on from the success of their Vintage Weekend and is part of their plans to drive greater footfall to the area by offering unique family-friendly events.


Norrie Stewart, Grassmarket BID Project Manager, says: “We’re really excited to be bringing international circus acts, from as far afield as Australia and Kenya, to the Greater Grassmarket for our Circus Weekend. Travelling circuses have wowed audiences around the world for hundreds of years, so where better to host a weekend dedicated to this notable art form than the performance space in the historic Grassmarket?

“The extraordinary acrobatic shows will not only mesmerise kids but impress adults too, making the Circus Weekend the perfect family day out.”

Steve Cousins, artistic director of Let’s Circus, says: “Our mix of high quality touring shows and workshops makes what we do of really broad appeal. As a travelling circus school we cater to all ages and stages - from kids touching a trapeze for the first time, to acrobatic enthusiasts working on their one armed handstand. We’re very excited to bring this activity to the beautiful and historic Grassmarket for the first time. Many of the young people that we meet during these events, and indeed adults, have gone on to become highly skilled circus enthusiasts and indeed professional artists. You no longer need to runs way to join the circus, as we’re running away to join you!”



The Greater Grassmarket’s free Circus Weekend takes place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June from 11am – 5pm, with performances on the Greater Grassmarket’s Community Stage at 12.30pm and 3.30pm each day.

Friday 3 June 2016

Edinburgh International Magic Festival Competition

Press Release

MagicFest Announces 7th Magical Year Programme and Launches a New MagicFair at Summerhall

Seekers of wonder and amazement are invited to ‘lose themselves in magic’ this summer as the Edinburgh International Magic Festival celebrates its 7th magical year as the UK’s biggest festival of innovative and cutting-edge magic, 1st – 8th July.

Edinburgh will sparkle with an enchanting programme of world-class magic events, unforgettable performances, and jaw-dropping stunts from some of the greatest illusionists, mindreaders and accomplished magicians from around the world.

·         Three day MagicFair at Summerhall – a brand new multi-space experience with family events and late night sessions
·         Matinee performance added to MagicFest Gala at the Festival Theatre
·         Magic School, Secret Room and Magic à la Carte Dinner
·         Grand Prix World Magic Champion Hector Mancha joins MagicFest line-up
·         The legendary Juan Tamariz (‘El Maestro’) performs live for the first time in Scotland
·         Show premieres from Kevin Quantum, forensic mindreader Colin Cloud, BBC’s R. Paul Wilson, and debut performances at the Festival from Vincent Gambini and David Gerard
·         Korean magic company from the world’s only magic college, featuring the Asian Champion of Magic
  • City centre Magic Hunt for children and adults, and FREE magic performances at Krispy Kreme stores in the run up to the Festival

Kevin Quantum, Artistic Director of MagicFest, commented… ‘This year we have arguably one of the greatest living legends in magic, Juan Tamariz, and one of the greatest up-and-coming stars, Hector Mancha, both featuring at the Festival. It’s our biggest line-up to date with the launch of MagicFair, free entry for under 7s, and the addition of a matinee performance at the Gala Show, allowing us to share magic and its top stars with more people than ever before. Watch out for surprises around the city too!’



Competition

To celebrate the launch of MagicFair Lates Edinburgh Bloggers is offering you a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Edinburgh International Magic Festival. The tickets will give you entry to Summerhall where you can see as many shows as you want, or just soak up the atmosphere and enjoy food and drinks and a few spontaneous magic performances in the courtyard.

To enter all you need to do is tweet us (@EdinburghBlogg) what magic power you would like and why using #EBMagic Alternatively you can enter via the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions

  1. This competition is run by Edinburgh Bloggers in partnership with Lanyard Media
  2. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition
  3. The Closing date for entry is Friday 17th June at 12am. After this date no further entries will be accepted
  4. Edinburgh Bloggers reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions at any time. 
  5. No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are non transferable
  6. Winners will be chosen at random on Friday 17th June
  7. Edinburgh Bloggers will contact winners by email as soon as possible
  8. Lanyard Media will contact winners separately to arrange prize collection
  9. Competition open to UK entries only
  10. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions



Thursday 19 May 2016

Favourite Posts of the Week

I wanted to try something new to help promote some of the amazing Edinburgh Bloggers by sharing my 5 favourite blog posts from the week. If you want your latest post to be included, make sure you are on our blog roll so we can find you.

In no particular order here are my 5 favourite posts from this week:

Ultimo Styling. Ultimo Fun by Little Kaatie's Little Thoughts.
Katie has been sharing all the details from the recent Ultimo event at Jenners. Now I may be bias since I was also at the event, but this was one of the most creative and exciting events Edinburgh has had in a while. When else to you get free run to try on clothes and have your photos taken in Jenners. Katie looks so beautiful in her pictures (when doesn't she) and has made me want to go check out the Ultimo range in Jenners.

Reflections on Recovery by Urbanity Blog
A vulnerable and honest post from Ruth sharing her own journey to recovery. Ruth reflects on her experience of anorexia and the important factors in her journey to recovery. This must have been a difficult post to write (and put online) and I'm proud of the positive steps Ruth has taken to aid her own recovery - she is one inspiring woman.

I Dream of Shapes x Flaminosaurus Rex by Wardrobe Conversations
Kimberley from Wardrobe Conversations has been sharing all the gossip (and behind the scenes pics) from the recent bloggers photo shoot for local brand I Dream of Shapes, which will be stocked in Flaminosaurus Rex (a new studio/shop in Bruntsfield). You'll fall in love with the clothes and will be queuing up to be part of the next photo shoot after reading this post.

Have you met...Tuk Tuk? by Talor Gilchrist
Talor is talking to Indian restaurant Tuk Tuk in this weeks post. Be warned this post contains food pictures which will make you crave a curry. Talking to the owners is a unique method of working with a restaurant as a blogger. As a reader its interesting to hear the owners thoughts on their own restaurant and the photos make me want a curry right now.

How to Start a Youtube Channel by Layoutlines
A good old fashioned advice post over on Layoutlines this week. This post will be incrediably useful to anyone thinking of venturing in the world of Youtube. Sonia covers all the basics involved in developing a Youtube channel as well as sharing an insight into her own experience.

So there you have it my favourite posts by Edinburgh Bloggers from the week. Let me know your favourites in the comments and let me know if you have a post you'd like included in next week's post.

Jen x




Tuesday 17 May 2016

Press Release: Fashioning a Reign


Exhibition opens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Her Majesty The Queen's 90th birthday The first of three special exhibitions, Fashioning a Reign: 90 Years of Style from The Queen's Wardrobe, is now open at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on the 90th birthday of Her Majesty The Queen.

The group of outfits, which chart Her Majesty's life and reign from childhood to the present day, and represent family, official and ceremonial occasions, is the largest display of The Queen's dress ever shown in Scotland.

For public appearances during childhood, Princess Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret often wore formal dress, such as the pink, princess-line coats and matching bonnets in the exhibition. These outfits were worn by the Princesses, aged nine and five respectively, for a Service of Thanksgiving for the Silver Jubilee of their grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary, at St Paul's Cathedral on 6 May 1935. Princess Elizabeth also wore the coat for an official visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse with their parents King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937.

The British couturier Norman Hartnell, who was knighted for his services to the Royal Household in 1997, first began designing for the then Princess Elizabeth in the 1940s. For a State Banquet at the Royal Palace of Bangkok, during Her Majesty's State Visit to Thailand in February 1972, he created a silk-cotton evening gown for The Queen, encrusted with crystals, sequins, beads and diamantes. The panels of rich golden fabric in the skirt and the coordinating jewelled embroidery are in the colours of the highest order of chivalry in Thailand, the Most Illustrious Order of the Royal House of Chakri.

The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is second only in precedence to the Order of the Garter and represents the highest honour in Scotland. As Sovereign Head of the Order, Her Majesty wears the mantle, hat and insignia of the Order on ceremonial occasions, such as the installation of a Knight of the Order at the Thistle Chapel at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh. The mantle, on display for the first time, is of dark-green velvet, lined with white, and is embroidered with a representation of the Star of the Order. The hat of black velvet has a plume of white ostrich feathers and an embroidered badge of a thistle, surrounded by the motto of the Order 'Nemo me impune lacessit' (No one harms me with impunity).

A ruby, gold and diamond brooch, presented to The Queen by The Duke of Edinburgh in 1966, was designed by Andrew Grima and is an example of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh's patronage of British design. Grima was the only jewellery designer to be awarded The Duke of Edinburgh Prize for Elegant Design, which was established in 1959 and given to a designer of 'a contemporary design in current production distinguished by its elegance'.  Grima, who trained as an engineer, was subsequently awarded The Queen's Award for Industry and the Royal Warrant.

The exhibition at the Palace of Holyroodhouse will be followed by exhibitions at the Summer Opening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace from 23 July 2016 and at Windsor Castle from 17 September 2016. In total, around 150 outfits worn by The Queen will be presented across the three Palaces, many chosen because of their close association with the location.




Friday 22 April 2016

What have the #EdinburghBloggers team been up to?

Hi Edinburgh Bloggers!!

We thought we'd write a quick post on what we've been up too! All four team members have been so busy that we've not had time to catch up! We hope to be back video blogging, attending events and organising blogger events soon ;)

Anyone interested in collaborating please contact us! 

Edinburghbloggers@gmail.com


Emily

Co-founder @franklymsshankly has been working hard on her new role as the food and drinks writer for @letsjoinedi recently celebrated her 100th post on her personal blog!

Check it out! 
http://frankly-ms-shankly.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/frankly-ms-shanklys-100th-post.html?m=1

Sultana

Co-founder @sultana_malik has also been working hard as a freelance social media executive for @oceanichairandbeauty as well as organising her wedding check out her blog #100DaysofaScottishAsianBride 

https://sultanamalik.wordpress.com/

Jen
The official blogger @tartanbrunette has been working a number of different projects! As well as working full time and being a wife, Jen always has time for continuous new blogs! Check them out below! 

http://www.tartanbrunette.co.uk/?m=1

Veronica
Our video blogger @themeneghingirl  Is now a beauty consultant for @benefitcosmetics! Veronica is on a well deserved holiday in Italy! Check out her page for her latest images! 

http://themeneghingirl.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1

Press Release: Deadly Diseases @EdinDungeon

OLDE EDINBURGH’S MOST CURIOUS CURES





With a burgeoning population living in insanitary conditions, the residents of olde Britain faced a multitude of illnesses; and the city of Edinburgh with its cramped living conditions and fetid closes were no exception.Thank goodness then for the doctors able to prescribe remedies for the more common ailments. These antidotes were adopted feverishly by patients, although even these slightly maverick physicians wouldn’t claim to be able to rescue the masses from epidemics of the most deadly diseases…

Here, we take a look at the top ten curious cures recommended to the people of our fair capital in the 17th century – we’ll leave it up to you decide which you would risk giving a try…

To cure asthma: Tar water, sea water, nettle juice and quicksilver are all acceptable cures, but a method that seldom fails is living a fortnight on boiled carrots only.

To cure ‘A Cold in the Head’: Pare very thin the rind of an orange. Roll it up inside out and thrust inside each nostril.

To cure toothache: Try rubbing the cheek every quarter of an hour, or putting a clove of garlic into the ear.

For burns and scalds: Take a live snail and rub its slime against the burn and it will heal.

To cure gout: Take an owl and pluck it clean and open it, clean and salt it. Put it in a new pot and cover it with a stone and put it in an oven and let it stand till it be burnt. And then stamp [pound] it with boar’s grease and anoint the gout therewith.

To cure a cough: Boil a pan of onions, allow it to cool and then drink the lukewarm broth to treat tickly coughs.

To cure bed wetting: A mouse rotted and given to children to eat remedies wetting the bed.

To cure syphilis: One of the more deadly of the curious cures, highly toxic mercury was often used to attempt to cure Syphilis – and could be administered by mouth, by rubbing it on the skin, or by injection.

To cure a migraine: The technique of Trepanning – first used thousands of years ago – had something of a revival in the 16th century. Often used to treat migraine, it involved great holes being bored into brain-bearing skulls to prevent the pain.

And to cure just about anything else: Visit your friendly barber surgeon for a ‘blood-letting’ session. Ask for an incision to be made - usually in the arm - and a tourniquet applied and allow the blood to flow. (The red and white pole that we still see outside barber shops today represents this practice.)


Deadly Diseases began on 18th March 2016 and, due to popular demand, has been extended until 29th May 2016, with shows running from 10am – 5pm daily.  Ticket prices start from £11.75 for adults, and £9.95 for concessions (online saver rate). For more information or to book tickets please visit www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh or follow @EdinDungeon for updates

References:  An Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most Disease, John Wesley, 1747 Dragon’s Blood & Willow Bark: The Mysteries of Medieval Medicine, Toni Mount, 2015The Widow's Treasure (1595).