Charmander Hair?!

Charmander!! Image: http://oyster.ignimgs.com/

Don't sigh and roll your eyes just yet!

I am a child of the 90's and a self confessed nerd to boot, so when I bleach the underside of my hair to create an ombré effect, I refer to it as my Charmander hair!

To get this effect in my hair, I used the Bleach London Dip-Dye Kit. I picked this up in Boots in the Jervis Shopping Centre for €9.49 and the Reincarnation Mask for €7.99, and when I went home I mixed up the bleach powder with the developer cream, applied the blending lotion and then the bleach.

The blending lotion is a protective barrier which allows the bleach to create a gradient effect in your hair by blocking the bleaches ability to strip the pigment from your hair as quickly as the unprotected hair length. This allows for a more professional looking result.

For my "Charmander" look, I separated the top layers and bleached the layers underneath, nearest to my neck. It allows my ombre to look longer with the ginger remaining strongly present and then fading beautifully to a very light blonde. I think it looks brilliant.

The kit seemed quite daunting at forst but it turned out to be very easy to use so don't be worried. The Dip Dye kit also comes with a tube of the Reincarnation Mask for immediate application after rising and shampooing, but I invested in a big one because I really try to look after my lightened hair.

I would totally recommend this kit for anyone looking to try an ombre/dip-dyed look, it's easy, affordable and you do end up looking like the picture on the box!

Are you likely to try this dip-dye kit? 

If you have tried it what did you think?

Amy

xxx

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The English Market, Cork

Seafood, and eat it! 

It's referred to as "Irelands True Capital", "The Rebel County" and a host of other nicknames, but Cork truly has to be one of the most beautiful places I have been in Ireland to date. While I have been to Cork before, visiting for an Archery competition is wholly different than being a tourist in your own country.

Now while I admit that County Cork has beautiful rolling hills, and Cork City has some amazing architecture, it's The English Market that stuck out to me the most.

I adore food, food is what I'm choosing as a career, I cook when I'm sad or just for fun, so I have a great relationship with food nowadays. The English Market is a heavenly experience if you enjoy food, fresh fruit and veg, oriental supplies, kiosks of sandwiches and fish mongers, cakes, pies, chocolates, artisan produce or even just want an enjoyable walk around a colorful place filled with lively banter and friendly people.

The first stall I visited was Frank Hederman. Frank Hedermans stand is revered by the likes of Heston Blumenthal, so I knew trying it was a must. I got some smoked salmon pate and a big smile. At €3.20 per 100g, this pate was a total bargain, and it was DIVINE! I mean, I ate it with a spoon and no crackers. Yum, yum!

The Chocolate Shop... Swoon!

We wandered around huge fishmonger stands of crushed ice packed with beautiful fish that smelled beautifully of the sea. There was whole Salmon, Plaice, Rays and loads of beautiful shellfish too, including lobsters.

Next stop was The Chocolate Shop, a smorgasbord of amazing hand made chocolates and other confectioneries. I knew I had to try some so I bought a small box for €6 and they let me pick my 6 chocolates. It was a very grown up "kid in a candy shop" sensation, and the two men behind the counter were absolutely wonderful.

Next stop was upstairs to the balcony where we had a lovely glass of Elder-flower and Raspberry, overlooking the beautiful butcheries. And no, it didn't smell butchery, it was wonderful.

I was even more delighted to visit the English Market, because there was stands and stands of beautiful breads, pies, cakes, and items marketed towards specific dietary requirements. It didn't hurt that we found An Bróg while we were wandering out.

So there you have it, a little insight into The English Market, Cork City. It's amazing, great value, filled with wonderful produce and hilarious people.

Find the English Market HERE

Amy

xxx

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