April HMV Book Haul

Tuesday 26 April 2022

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HMV Book Haul


It may not be a big haul. But I spent a lot of time dwelling over what I wanted to buy in the book section of HMV recently. 


Not only are they predominantly 2 for £6 but also the staff informed me that they get new deliveries all the time, so now I'm going to have to visit more often - as not everything is stocked online with HMV and I just love going and looking through the shelves. I always feel like I pick up books that I might scroll past online and miss!


HMV Book Haul Requiem for a Dream Hubert Selby Jr

Requiem for a Dream by Hubert Selby Jr.

The film may be a cult classic but I'll be honest I didn't even know it was a novel. So when I spotted this on the shelf I had to pick it up. 

The novel follows four New Yorkers as their addictions cause their lives to spiral out of control. Following the descent and impact of the life that happens under the immersion pressure of the American dream and expectations. 



HMV Book Haul Quiet by Susan Cain

Quiet by Susan Cain 

I have had Susan Cain's Quiet on my wishlist for a long time so when I saw it in the deal I had to pick it up. 

The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking brings the focus back to those who are often overlooked. In a world of short attention spans and the loudest getting heard it is about time that we sought out the strengths of introverts and how we can use our naturally quieter selves to our advantage. 

It's time to listen instead of waiting to speak. 

HMV Book Haul Carol by Patricia Highsmith

Carol by Patricia Highsmith

Originally published with the title The Price of Salt - Carol by Patricia Highsmith is noted to be one of her only novels to have a conventional happy ending. 

Carol is known to be an anxious and addictive love story with the backdrop of fifties New York. Defying lesbian stereotypes common in 1950s for widespread notability. 

Following Therese, working in a department store as she meets the alluring Carol  -  both shocked and unprepared for their love and what they could stand to lose. 

HMV Book Haul The Craft by John Dickie

The Craft by John Dickie

John Dickie's The Craft - How the Freemasons Made the Modern World was the second non-fiction book I picked up in HMV. 

I really do not know that much about the Freemasons, so this piqued my interest in coverage of the movement's history, influence and traditions that bring membership the world over. 

HMV Book Haul

Have you checked out HMV's book section recently? Let me know if you find any bangers!

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Brunch at Sienna Kitchen and Bar | Gifted

Saturday 23 April 2022

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Brunch at Sienna Kitchen and Bar, Flannels, Sheffield

This beautiful bank holiday weekend we headed to Sheffield's Meadowhall to the lovely Flannels because nestled at the back of the beauty floor is the remarkable Sienna Kitchen and Bar


Brunch at Sienna Kitchen and Bar, Flannels, Sheffield


Adorned with plants, pink ombre chandeliers and iconic coffee table books, Sienna Kitchen and Bar is a haven from the bustling shopping destination of Meadowhall. 

We were warmly welcomed into Sienna, asked how our days were going and shown to a cosy corner of the restaurant. Warm tiered lighting brought depth and a level of cosiness alongside immaculate furnishings and complimentary prints that could have left me propped up in the corner with a book all day. 


Brunch at Sienna Kitchen and Bar, Flannels, Sheffield


We started with cocktails whilst we perused the menu, enjoying an espresso martini and a Japanese whisky and plum highball. Sienna's menu takes inspiration from the world over from Sri Lankan curries to Taiwanese chicken and sashimi. But we were there with brunch in mind... 


Brunch at Sienna Kitchen and Bar, Flannels, Sheffield


Between us, we ordered the french toast and eggs royale...


Brunch at Sienna Kitchen and Bar, Flannels, Sheffield


The french toast came, soft soaking in macerated strawberries with a cooling vanilla ice cream. The stem ginger, candied lemon and biscoff crumb bringing crunch and texture to the sweet treat. 


Brunch at Sienna Kitchen and Bar, Flannels, Sheffield


Then decadent smoked salmon on English muffins with perfectly poached eggs on top with dill hollandaise sauce and keta caviar for the eggs royale. 


Brunch at Sienna Kitchen and Bar, Flannels, Sheffield



and as if that wasn't enough we were then treated to a chocolate bomb...


Brunch at Sienna Kitchen and Bar, Flannels, Sheffield


As white chocolate sauce melted a chocolate sphere filled with brownies and surrounded by chocolate jelly and passionfruit. The perfect fresh fruit to cut through the chocolate. 


Brunch at Sienna Kitchen and Bar, Flannels, Sheffield


The service at Sienna was impeccable, our glasses were never empty and every member of staff was attentive, friendly and informative. A lovely extra touch was the Sienna postcards, advertising their light plate and cocktail offering whilst also alluding to their global theme. 


Brunch at Sienna Kitchen and Bar, Flannels, Sheffield


We cannot wait to go back and try their mains, or even enjoy a little cocktail for a shopping interlude.

Follow Sienna Kitchen and Bar here or book now - you won't be disappointed! 

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