lifestyle

Creepy TV Series for the Spooky Season

/ Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 9 Comments

Van Helsing

A woman wakes out of a coma and slowly realises she isn’t exactly human and hoards of vampires have taken over the country. This starts slow (inside an abandoned hospital) but give it a chance to open up into an absolutely epic adventure.

Graphic violence and gore.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Less of a remake of the 90’s show Sabrina The Teenage Witch and more faithful adaptation of the original 50’s comic by Archie Comics.

Drama with jump scares, a little gore and the odd murder.

Supernatural

Two brothers follow in their father’s footsteps as hunters of the supernatural. They fight ghosts, monsters, demons and gods that roam the earth.

Some episodes are atmospheric, some scary and some are more tongue-in-cheek or emotional.

A Discovery of Witches

What happens when a young witch and an older vampire fall in love, when it is forbidden by both of their kind?

This is so dramatic and emotional you’ll be on the edge of your seat, rather than hiding behind a cushion.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

A teen discovers that she’s a vampire slayer and has a Watcher to guide her. She also realises some vamps are seriously hot.

Dry humour, so many quotable lines, satire on US society/pop culture and a lot of fun!

Stranger Things

A pre-teen escapes from a facility and is saved by a cop and a group of kids. This is the least strange occurrence in the show as much creepier and stranger things are yet to come.

Great drama about a small town under threat, with a lot of atmosphere and some fun scary parts.

The Strain

A virus outbreak which unleashes a very old sort of evil, one which can’t be contained. Eventually, an unlikely bunch of people come together to fight back but first they need to understand what exactly is hunting them.

This is creepy as hell and also gory and graphic in places. Monster based, rather than psychological scares.

Light as a Feather

A group of teenage friends play Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board for a laugh but don’t realise just how much the new girl has invested in it…until they start dying in turn.

A creepier version of Pretty Little Liars, this is perfect to binge watch over a weekend.

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Instagram Quiz Answers

I’m asking my followers on Insta if they can guess which series is which, just from the below images, even if they haven’t watched some of the them.

1, Supernatural; 2, The Strain; 3, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina; 4, A Discovery of Witches; 5, Van Helsing; 6, Light as a Feather; 7, Stranger Things; 8, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

The Allotment Vegan Eatery – First Impressions

/ Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 4 Comments

The Allotment Vegan Eatery, located on Lloyd Street, makes fine dinning simple and relatable (and gluten free too). As soon as you walk in it feels welcoming and cozy, even though it’s quite spacious.

We visited early on a rainy Monday to take advantage of the Eat Out To Help Out scheme, which they are continuing through September. I really liked the simple and natural feel to decor and layout. There is an extensive drinks menu offering juices, bottled soft drinks, beer, teas, cocktails and wine.

Small Plates

My bloke’s tiny dish was too tiny to eat out of properly but he found the Edamame Salad, with kale, chilli, spring onions, soy and tamarind dressing was really refreshing.

I found the little boats made from Chicory leaves to be the perfect way to eat tenderstem broccoli with black olive tapenade, toasted hazelnuts and pumpkin and pomegranate seeds. A unique combination which worked really well.

Large Plates

My bloke likes a good risotto but he’d never tried a beetroot risotto with ricotta before. This dish had a lovely flavour but both the maple glazed beetroot and the ricotta were similarly sweet, so it needed another salty or sharp flavour to break them up and help define them both.

I ordered the ‘fish’ and chips. Wow, we’re those chips big and crispy! The minted peas had a subtle flavour which was just right and the homemade tarter sauce was a perfect accompaniment. The ‘fish’ was made from banana blossom which had a texture similar to shredded duck and tasted strongly of lemon. The batter had a nice crunch but the fish was crying out for some kind of salt but there was no salt and pepper on the table, a trend which is becoming more common I’ve noticed.

Dessert

There were only two desserts so we ordered one each to share. Blueberry Cheesecake and a Hazelnut Slice.

The hazelnut slice base was made of crushed hazelnuts, with a thick layer of salted caramel praline, topped with solid Belgian chocolate ganache. The portion of this delicious desert was so big I was glad I was sharing it.

The base of the blueberry cheesecake was made of crushed pea cans and almonds, topped with a vanilla and blended cashew filling, topped with blueberry and chai seed compot. Such skill must have gone into making this as it was wonderful!

The inclusion of fresh fruit and ice cream with both deserts was a nice touch and lifted their flavour, rather than just being sweet deserts.

One thing I have to mention is how uncomfortable the wooden chairs are if you don’t have any back fat. The next day a part of my spine actually felt bruised! There is a settee (which was taken) and I noticed other metal chairs when we were leaving.

Service was timely and friendly although we did arrive early and it got a lot busier later. We wouldn’t eat there again unless it was for a treat like a birthday as we found it to be too pricey for our budget but I can understand why, as it’s evident a lot of thought, skill and care goes into the food.

🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

My Surprisingly Green Lifestyle 1970’s – 2000’s

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70’s

My Grandparents were quite poor so they ‘up-cycled’ or made things to reduce buying cheap crap which wouldn’t last.

🧷🔩🧺

80’s

My parents supported nature by planting insect and bee friendly plants (their parents had organic allotments/gardens all their lives) growing tomatoes and hanging up bird feeders.

🌷👩🏼‍🌾🦆

I was in Junior school in the 80’s where we got taught about the hole in the O-zone layer, global warming and recycling (you had to take it to certain supermarkets).

🏭🌍♻️

In the 80’s we lived a 20 min bus ride away from The Body Shops so I saved up my spends and bought cruelty-free skincare and perfume.

🧴🐰💄

90’s

We never ate much read meat, only in Potato Hash and corned beef butties. Any fresh meat we bought from the local butchers, who had local suppliers.

So for a kid from a low income family, in the middle of a city, I was lucky to grow up with a fairly sustainable and considerate lifestyle, without actually considering it!

🏙🏘🏗

___________________

2000’s

I’ve cut right back on fast-fashion. Overall, I only buy things which I know I will wear for years or even decades to come. If I like something I will take a photo of it, wait for five days and then if I’m still sure I want it (and it earns a place in my wardrobe) I’ll buy it.

👟👗🤗

When I come back from the shops I empty my spare change into a money box and when it’s full I spend the money at an independent business and/or charity shop.

💰💸💳

💚 What do you aim to start or stop doing? 💚

🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

Monthly Roundup – August

/ Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 2 Comments

I’ve taken screen shots from my Instagram to remind me, and show you what I’ve been up to this month.

Skincare and Haircare

I cut my curly hair using tips from Brad Mondo and tips from various natural hair vloggers to style my 2C curls.

I changed my contraception so got quite a few hormonal spots and this Body Shop Tea Tree, Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner was invaluable; as was The Ordinary, Lactic Acid which very gently and naturally exfoliates.

Now it’s the end of August and my skin has settled so I’m using Neal’s Yard Remedies Orange Flower Toner and Orange Flower Moisturiser everyday to keep my skin all glowy and nourished (along with the The Ordinary Lactic Acid twice a week).

Food, glorious food!

Me and my bloke spent our Tesco vouchers on Pizza Express (who will be going into liquidation next month apparently) and order two ‘new’ veggie pizzas and all of the salad.

To take advantage of the governments ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme we went to Ruyi Vegetarian Restaurant. Amazing!

I’ve gotten back into the fake meat brand Vivera and have been making simple stir-fries. Like these Vivera Shwarma Kebab strips with rice and pea and sweet corn and Jamaican Jerk BBQ sauce.

The hot weather made really reduced my appetite so these mezze/tapas style bowls were great to nibble on.

Style

I’ve had purchasing a Nirvana tee at the back of my mind for decades and this month I found an official pale pink one. Cute and grungy!

I got sick of buying summer shoes that were either too flat and bad for my shitty joints or too heavy or that flew off my feet going down stairs. I bit the bullet and bought Crocs. I actually think these look pretty bad-ass as they remind me of late 80’s/early 90’s street style. Here’s my full review of Crocs.

I still think the simplest thing to wear is a maxi dress. Hides a ton of sins and all you have to choose are shoes and then a jacket/cardigan for evening.

Lifestyle

In the crazy hot weather I’ve been wearing these sandals from Newlook, drinking Rockstar blueberry energy drink, using this light and fruity perfume from Eden and ( even with my limited concentration span) flew through My Sister The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.

The households charity shop donations for the second quarter of the year: A crazy wide pair of linen trousers, a face scrub you have to mix from powder (I managed to spill the first pot everywhere), vest I’m now too big for, too small jeans, a teeny-tiny dress from Japan, shoes which I’ve had over a decade and worn out.

Tips on How Not To Be Constantly Late and a fun checklist to see How Basic Are You?

Listened to

80’s pop and bluesy rock.

Watched

Snowfall about the start of the crack epidemic in early 80’s LA, like a mixture of Breaking Bad, The Getdown and The Wire.

Canada’s Drag Race, love Priyanka!

Galdem (on BBC iPlayer) about women making it in the UK grime scene.

Read

My Sister The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.

Don’t forget to like, comment or subscribe! Xxx

🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

First Impressions of Ruyi Vegetarian Restaurant

/ Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 1 Comment

Finally visited Ruyi Vegetarian House (Withington) who do delicious vegetarian and vegan food, specialising in mock-meats.

They are doing the #eatouttohelpoutscheme during the week.

The general standard of cooking was fantastic and the staff (even though they were so busy) were so attentive. Really relaxed, friendly atmosphere too.

I ordered: Peking Ribs (lovely), Salt and Pepper Tofu (quality), Mixed Veg (subtle seaweed flavour).

My Bloke ordered: Peking Ribs, Satay Chicken (amazing) and Stir Fried Mushroom (lovely).

They’re moving to Chorlton very soon, which is a very trendy and unique place to be. I do think it will be such a shame for this part of Withington that another veggie/vegan place has gone, along with the closure of Boho Utopia cafe recently.

🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

Can Crocs Be Comfy and Stylish?

/ Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 10 Comments

Over the years I’ve bought gladiator sandals which are practical and stylish but tough on my hypermobile ankle and knee joints as the soles are so uncushioned and as such, they don’t have any arch support, which I really need. I’ve tried Birkenstock type sandals but the soles are so heavy (not great for chronic-fatigue) and they fly off as soon as I pick up any speed. Then there’s mules and sliders, which stay on but seem to be designed for people with really flat, tiny feet and I struggle to actually slide my feet in all the way.

So Crocs it is!

Crocs have galaxy prints, iridescent, graphic 90’s prints and animal print which are pretty alternative but my brain would melt-down trying to team those with, well anything else in my wardrobe really.

So what’s an urban-goth girl to do? I bought a black pair to go out in and a cheap(er) bright pair for around the house as slippers.

The classic style came with six free Jibbitz so I chose that offer for my main one’s. I was surprised to see silver punky studs, a gold bee charm, pretty jewel charms, sparkly rainbow Pride charms and a collaboration with Liberty X London.

Surprisingly bad-ass for a pair of plastic sandals!

The Good

  • Really comfy even when my feet are have loads of water retention (pictured)
  • They stay on my feet, when walking at full speed (thanks to the bar at the back)
  • The bar can swing over to the front so they slip on easily and they still don’t feel loose
  • Great arch support
  • The insole is textured so that it grips
  • Seven vents around the front for air flow
  • They are so light I actually forgot I was wearing them

  • The Bad

    The website is so busy, it’s easy to miss styles that you might have liked.

    Crocs have moved on from just selling expensive, brightly coloured shoes with plastic cartoon badges on, although that is incredibly kawaii! 😊

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    How Basic Are You? Just for fun :o)

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 1 Comment
    • You own a Hydroflask or Waterbottle #
    • You buy pretty stationary #
    • You never use it #
    • You wear scrunchies #
    • You have an avatar of yourself and change it’s outfits regularly #
    • You have had a yoga/fitness instructor/physio “change your life” #
    • You buy so many scented candles #
    • But rarely light them #
    • You have a favourite nut milk #
    • You LOVE Riverdale #
    • You plan events by making Pinterest/mood boards
    • You have lots of retro and vintage ‘inspired’ things but they are all new #
    • You have an astrology/arrow/love heart/infinity tattoo
    • You ‘do’ brunch #
    • You take group photos and put retro filters on them #
    • You love Taylor Swift
    • You own a Nutri Bulit/blender/juicer #
    • You’ve said “I seriously need to detox!” #
    • You’ve gone to Glasto/Coachella
    • You explain that you’re “weird and so ditzy”
    • You watch Love Actually/Bridget Jones/The Holiday every Christmas
    • You love oversized jumpers with tiny shorts/leggings #
    • Your favourite season is Autumn/fall
    • You put Christmas/Halloween decorations up asap #
    • You’ve posted throw back photos of holidays saying “Take me back…” #
    • You’ve bought a book because a celeb recommended it #
    • You watch Love Island
    • You use the words ‘literally’ and ‘basically’ way too much #
    • You love iced lattes or mochas #
    • You live in Ugg’s, Tivas, Crocs or ‘Berkies’ #
    • You’ve been a ‘sexy’ version of something for Halloween #
    • You’ve watched Keeping Up With The Kardashians deliberately #
    • You’ve made your own denim shorts/halter top #
    • You love the (younger) royal family #
    • You love “a cheeky Nando’s”/Visit to Chipotle
    • You’ve made a TikTok/Insta story in baggy joggers but full makeup
    • You feel so much better when you’ve had your nails ‘done’
    • Your ‘reasonable’ amount of plushies/teddies is taking over your space #
    • You call everyone hon/chick/babes/sweetie whether they like it or not #
    • You do quizes like this #

    This is inspired by a quiz from Buzzfeed. I’ve changed it to incorporate a more UK based audience and added and removed a few things. Here are Freddie and Kelsey, two US influencers, taking it themselves for As/Is channel.

    What did you score? I got 29/40, which doesn’t really surprise me!

     

    Monthly Round Up – July

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 3 Comments

    Style

    I’ve mostly been wearing this combo or these pants with the-dye tops. I’m all about clashing prints this summer.

    I bought these adorable and very unique Freda Kahlo earrings by Wilderness from Sour Cherry, who are located in Afflecks and they also have an online shop.

    I’ve been wearing this outfit (shrug, maxi dress, black gladiator sandals) the few times we’ve been out and about.

    I posted about Items of Clothing That Seem Ideal in Theory but…

    Hated my heavy, long fringe in the heat so gave myself a short choppy one instead.

    Food

    After reading that Pizza Express will be slowly closing branches permanently from September my Bloke used up his Tesco points and treated us to a meal. We thought it crap that the rocket didn’t come with the mozzarella and tomato so we ordered that as well. We also ordered three 14″ pizzas which were amazing. A spicy, smokey one with aubergine, peppers and humus (added after cooking); a slightly sweet one with sultanas, black olives and red onion and a cheesy one with garlic.

    I tried Aldi’s No Steak Bake which had the loveliest flakey pastry and a mince sauce that was so rich it would have suited a Spag Bol better!

    Did a comprehensive Cupboard and Fridge Shop at Ocado (didn’t realise they have Follow Your Heart Cheese unfortunately). It’s all gluten and dairy free apart from the pepperoni which has milk in the flavouring.

    We visited V Revolution. I had this cheese burger with bacon, slaw and onion rings. My bloke had the burger between two doughnuts which he said was very tasty and not as weird as you’d think. Okay…!?

    I’ve started putting chilli (fresh, or oil, or sauce), spring onion and crushed roasted peanuts on everything. So refreshing for summer!

    Skincare and Makeup

    If I Could Only Use One Skincare Product this is what I chose and explained why.

    I blogged about my Lifestyle Tips for Maintaining Healthy Skin.

    Unpopular Opinions – Makeup Tag was surprisingly fun to join in with. Spotted on Just Geeking By.

    Lifestyle

    I posted 20 Tips for Living a Greener, More Sustainable Lifestyle

    Another tag which I find by the lovely Heather over at Just Geeking By was The 90’s Tag I was a teen in the 90’s so this was so much fun!

    The last tag I joined in with was The Daily Gratitude Tag – Home Sweet Home

    TV

    Limitless – a spin off from the film staring Bradley Cooper. A guy who’s on pills which expand his mind consults for the FBI. Light and entertaining.

    Preacher – About a preacher, a con-woman and a vampire ft. God and a murderous Saint. Totally nuts!

    Films

    The Avengers films – Never get bored of these.

    Captain America – Kinda boring.

    Mortal Engines – Film Set in the future most cities will have morphed into huge machines which move around and swallow smaller cities to survive but not all cities are as ruthless as this. Two young people fight to find justice and fairness. Based on the Mortal Engines Quartet books by Philip Reeve.

    Super 8 – A film incredibly similar to Stranger Things before that series was created.

    Youtube

    Brad Mondo – Very honest, funny, sweet hairdresser who reacts to people doing their own hair and also does tutorials.

    Music

    Kate Bush album Hounds of Love; Fun Loving Criminals album Scooby Snacks; Lady Ice (fellow Mancunian) single No Silence; Nadia Rose single Skwod.

    If there’s anything you want to ask me or to tell me, please leave a comment, I love reading them and replying to you!

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    How I Created My Blog – Name, Header, Theme & Signature

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 2 Comments

    Name

    I chose Vamp It Up Manchester as a pun on the expression Camp it up. I’ve always been quite alternative and a bit vampish over the years with my style, hair, films, TV and music and my attitude in general. Why be boring when you can Vamp It Up!

    My social media is Vamp It Up Mcr which got confused with an abbreviation for My Chemical Romance a few times initially. That was cool because their fans were my type of people anyway.

    Header, Theme & Signature

    I found it really difficult to decide on a image for my blog header that reflected everything my blog was about and my blogs branding in general. As I run a lifestyle blog based in Manchester, covering street style, street photography and local events I choose one of my photographs of Manchester.

    Three years later my blog had evolved to feature many international brands and it had many more international followers. I also wasn’t going out and about around Manchester as much anymore, even though I was still featuring local eateries, so I wanted something more generic but stylish.

    I chose an image of rain on a window at night, which my camera had snapped by mistake. It was a quirky little accident but the rain looked pretty glittering gold in the street light. I love anything black and alternative but I also love gold, which is what I’d chosen for my blogs theme so it was perfect! It also inspired me to use this 🖤✨ as my signature.

    Tone

    For a few years I struggled with the tone of my writing. Trying to hard at being a writer I suppose. It came across as professional but cold. I realised the solution was to include more, well…me! I started including more personal posts, writing more in my own voice and being proper honest and having a laugh.

    I think it really helps to bring your personality to your blog, after all it’s YOUR blog. Every blog needs decent editing and styling of course but people want to read blogs by people they can relate to on some level.

    🖤✨Chrissie✨🖤

    20 Tips for Living a Greener, More Sustainable Lifestyle

    / Vamp It Up Mcr (Chrissie) / 1 Comment

    TIPS ON LIVING A GREEN LIFESTYLE

    1. Recycle/Upcycle
    2. Reuse/Repair
    3. Buy organic
    4. Reduce plastic consumption (use wooden/fabric/glass/metal alternatives)
    5. Avoid single use plastic
    6. Support independent companies
    7. Buy local produce
    8. Campaign/fund raise for wildlife and nature
    9. Drive an electric car or cycle or use public transport
    10. Use cruelty free and natural skincare, selfcare and household products
    11. Buy from and donate to charity shops
    12. Sell quality items on Depop and donate the money to smaller charities
    13. Use fabric tote bags for shopping
    14. Grow your own veg (growing a little tomato or chilli plant or regrowing veg ends like lettuce on your windowsill counts)
    15. Avoid fast fashion as much as possible
    16. Get clothes altered and learn how to hem and use darts to alter size/shape (fairly easy but makes a huge difference).
    17. Buy your electricity and gas from Good Energy/Ecotricity
    18. Use the phone provider Eco Talk
    19. Turn off the light when you leave the room
    20. Wear another layer, rather than turning up the heating

    Just do your best and don’t stress!

    💚✨Chrissie✨💚