A Yellow Summers Dress In The Highlands

Hey everyone, how are you all today? Did you have a good weekend? Do anything or nothing... You can catch up with my goings on over on Instagram. I went and seen Grease at the Kings Theatre in Glasgow last Wednesday with Chris. It was soo good! It's one of, if not my most favourite musical! I used to watch it on repeat all the time, as well as maybe knowing all the words off by heart? There are a few photos on my Instagram if you want a little nosy. Also, if you would like proper outfit post/photos then please let me know in the comments here or on Instagram. I know I've been MIA for quite a few months but I'm not going to talk about it too much right now. I just want to talk about my outfit and what I have been to in the last week or so.

A few years ago Chris' parents booked a cabin in Arrach. The first time they went with their parents & we just visited for the day. Along with other members of Chris' family, who can say no to beautiful sites & a try of a hot tub! The first post I did was I'll Meet You At The Bridge all the way back in 2013! So excuse the quality of everything... Then the following year (the year we got married! 2014) they booked another wee break last minute! Luckily for us, we were invited up again for the day. It's such a great opportunity for outfit photos & photography. Plus its nice to be able to go out and explore, if you want to know more in detail about what we got up to, what I wore and to see the beautiful sites take a look at my post Losing Myself In Argyll, Scotland. So that will give you a bit of a back story of where I'm going with this...

As you can see, we have a slight love for the ol'Scottish cabin holiday... We aren't the only ones though, the whole family enjoys them! So last year Chris' Gran decided to treat the whole family and take us back here again. I think it was around this same time last year? I could be right or wrong here, I've no idea! Well, I was super excited! Everyone together, I would get to cuddle the babies, plenty of good food & a bbq on the cards! We can never be too sure about the weather though, I was just excited about the food mostly... So to set the weekend off we ended up going to Amarettos, which I've talked about many times before and shared food photos on my Instagram. Then as we were walking towards the car I started to get these sharp pains in my abdomen, being of the female kind, I just put it down to being that time of the month. So off we head, a convoy of about 4 cars? One after the other.

This cat actually just roamed freely around the village shop. She also belonged to the village postman and was called Jess! Super cute, I couldn't help but get some photos and cuddles! Her bed was on the counter next to the till.

As we continue along the journey my tummy starts to feel even worse & then it hits me. Im going to be sick. With nowhere to stop and going about 50 odd miles, I had to throw my head out the window and get on with it... As you can imagine, it was not a pretty picture and one of my least favourite memories of my life. So unfortunately, for the next 2-4 days I spent them in bed, in agony and running to the toilet every so often. I may have come out near the end, but I was worried about infecting everyone. Especially the wee babies! Still to this day, I've no idea what brought it on. Chris & I ate the same meals the few days before so I can't have food poisoned us, plus it doesn't work that quickly once you've just eaten. So it can't have been the meal. I assumed it was a bug, but no one caught it off me!

So that gets you all caught up on where I'm going with this! We were then invited down for a night when they booked and when it was coming closer to the date. So of course we were up for that, can't say no to a hot tub can we? A few weeks ago I then ended up in hospital for a wee while (detailed post coming soon). So after that happening and not being able to enjoy the last trip, I think they felt that we both needed a wee trip away (& fattening up, especially me!). Which, Chris & I also agreed would be good for the both of us. With some great food once again, the chance of some sun & beautiful views. A relaxed weekend just before I returned to work was just what I needed! So thanks again Cammy & Suzy!

Dress- Next
Shoes- Converse
Glasses- Missguided (sale)
Bag- Skinny Dip (sale)
Lipstick- Topshop in Shoal

Outfit Details

As I knew it was going going to be a casual weekend, with the possibility of walking, I wanted to be pretty comfy and prepared for the sun. On the second day we decided to go exploring because it was a beautiful day, I'm sure you can see from the photography I shot. I didn't even plan for outfit photos, but when I seen this stunning backdrop I couldn't not! Everything matched pretty well so I didn't waste the opportunity. Plus who really knows when I'll be back here? The dress is a very pretty summery yellow, with flowers all over. I thought it would go great with my comfy red cons. Before we went we knew on the last day we would be going out, Sunday/last day tradition! So I made sure to pack my cute little black bag. I used my backpack on the journey down, packed with all my crap. So I kept with in the same family of tones with my sunglasses & lipstick. I also wanted to add to the girlyness & cuteness with the dress, so I added some frilly white socks!

What do you think of the outfit, what would you do differently? Is seeing the scottish countryside on your to do list? Where would you like to visit! Let me know in the comments below, I'd love to chat to you guys.

Papamacs Gourmet Kitchen

So here I am again guys, posting on a Monday! Hope you are proud of me, but to be honest, I hope you are actually enjoying the content I'm putting out there! I still need to kick my bum into gear about planning & scheduling more. But, I have faith I will get there in the end. So as I mentioned last week in this post, I was starting a new series on the blog. Which is great because it means at least twice a month I'll have something to share with you guys and its keeping in with the lifestyle direction I'm really keen to go with. Plus, it means I'll definitely have those posts planned every month, which will really help with having content every month. Anyways, I don't want to dribble on too much so I'll get onto talking about another amazing local spot!

Today I am sharing another amazing little place, which is also about a 15-minute drive from our flat. It's somewhere I have also been to, many, many times already... I still find it crazy where this place is located. But, being the family restaurant that it is, it doesn't surprise me that they have chosen somewhere local and stayed where they are. Papamacs, is a place you would expect up in the west end of Glasgow. Not Johnstone. Not that there's anything wrong with the town, there are no restaurants here except the traditional Scottish cafes, the chippies and the odd takeaway. Plus, the town square is tiny! As you can tell, there are "food places", but not gourmet food. But don't let those fancy words scare you. I actually went for a "test shift" here when I was younger (I didn't get the job, I was quite a nervous teen...), so I know a little history about the place. Such as the name and how truly family born and bred they are. Which again, pays homage to my "keeping it local".

I remember learning that the chef and his partner had named the restaurant after one of their Grandads (can't remember whose exactly), which is so heartwarming and lovely. It's also even more amazing that they now have a son, whose photo hangs on the wall, showing how much family really means to this place. The whole place just feels very personal. There are many portraits of what seems to be, their nearest and dearest hanging on the walls. The interior overall has a rustic feel to it. They have exposed brick walls as well as hardy wooden floorboards. The tables and chairs are also wooden, with a simplicity to them. But it all works together, the overall simple theme works really well because the menu sure makes up in whatever character the decor is missing. Which, to be honest, isn't a lot. It's a really quirky & cool bistro.

Chef Scott Keenan who is the chef & owner, was trained in Paris, as well as working in some great Scottish kitchens. You definitely sense the Parisian training with the techniques and gorgeous presentation of the food. That's one of the things that's great about here, they still manage to make really slightly boring traditional dishes, different and more special! What's also great is, Papamacs uses and sources local produce. I love knowing that the food I am eating, is from where I live. I love the idea of helping other businesses, just by going to that place. It's almost as if everyone is giving back and sharing. As well as preparing and cooking all the meals, the desserts and cakes are also made in their kitchen.

They also have their specialised & themed menus. Obviously, with the month of love fast approaching, they have their valentines menu. As well as their most recent, Annual Burns Night Special which of course,  has that fine dining feel to it! And on every last Thursday of the month, they have a steak night. So whether you just want to go for a catch up with a great friend or that special someone, it would be perfect for both. They also have their Sunday market meal, which to keep fun and interesting they change every week! Chris & I also keep trying to remember to do this, as well as try ALL their other menus and sample something from their all day/brunch selection... Although, from their Instagram, I really do feel we are missing out on those Sunday market menus!

I have been able to witness it grow over the years, which is amazing because its turned into a brilliant place! It always had that extra something anyway, so to see it grow even more is fantastic. I feel so lucky to have it only down the road. So if you happen to be in the area, or you are even sick of the hustle & bustle of the city. I would get yourselves down soon, if I can't tempt you then follow their Instagram, you will not be disappointed!

Papamacs Gourmet Kitchen
Johnstone, Scotland

How To Celebrate A Fantastic Halloween In Glasgow This Year

So here we are in spooky October! And a lot of people are working hard in the blog & youtube world. We have people doing vlogtober & blogtober, as well as make-up & costumes ideas galore. Take your pick you will find what you are looking for somewhere on the internet... I also want to point out, and have a little jokey moan, that Christmas stuff has already been out for a month. A month. We only just got Halloween items at the beginning of this month! Anyway, I promise that's the last time I'm mentioning the "C" word, for now... I think a lot of us are now in love with Halloween & October because it signifies the beginning of Autumn. Time for layers, good smells, great food, and cherished memories with your close friends & loved ones. So since it is the month of Halloween, I thought I could find out what spooky & Halloween inspired events are happening in Glasgow. Sorry to be just sticking to local things near me, I'm sure if you live elsewhere in the world, there will be something going on! So just try searching on google or even facebook. If you are brave enough, set something up yourself for your own community! I live in a sleepy Scotish village & one of the pubs is having a costume themed night.

Photo by Sara Bonisteel

Pumpkin Carving & Craft Beer Tasting

(Alcohol License is pending, you will have two options if they don't get it 1) Full refund, 2) 10% refund with pumpkin carving only)

If you are wanting to test your pumpkin carving skills this October, then head on down to Little Botanica, who were originally just florists (still are) & have now added a bistro cafe to their name. They also created the flowers for our wedding, so I have a slight softspot for this event... You also won't have to go through the mess of traditional pumpkin carving, they will have already done this for you! While you are letting your creative juices flow, you can also let the craft beer juices, from  flow into you. So if you fancy a relaxed, fun & creative evening, then I would book soon before they run out of spaces!

Saturday, 29th October 7-9pm £25

Little Botanica, Glasgow, G5 8JN

Day of the Dead Glesga

Bringing the spirit of Mexicos most famous festival, Dia de los Muertos (day of the dead), held in Saint Luke's Music & Art Venue, celebrate your Halloween with a latin twist. There will be Mexican food, live music from bands as well as DJS, performances, rituals and even sugar skull face painting! More acts are still to be confirmed as well. So if you happen to be too old for trick or treating now and live music's your thing, then why not give this a go?

Saturday, 29th October 7.30pm-1am £10

Saint Luke's, 17 Bain Square, G40 2JZ 

Source- Here

Halloween Dance Party

If you love partying to old school tunes and still want to have fun with dressing up, this is an event you will not want to miss. Make sure you tell your friends and make sure you dress up. You'll also need to be mentally and physically prepared, it will be a 6-hour danceathon... If you think you have the dedication & determination to make it! I'm a bit of a wimp, I don't know if I would make it.

Friday, 28th October 9pm-3am £19.50/£24
O2 Acadamy Glasgow, G5 9NT

Hedkandi Halloween Party

After having three sold out events in Scotland, they are back for a Halloween special one night only. So if you don't want to miss out & with this sort of popularity I would hurry! There's currently only just under 100 tickets left... If you aren't into the stereotypical dressing up but are finding yourself still wanting to party, then this one may be for you. With DJs occupying two rooms, I'm sure you will find something to suit your taste.

Saturday, 29th October 10pm-4am

Kavalii Nightclub, Bell Street, G1 1NX

Tickets Here

Hotel Review- Lodge on Loch Lomond

Image not owned by me. Source here

About

Positioned in Scotland's beautiful countryside, next to Luss, which has been known to be the prettiest village in Scotland. The hotel was open in March 1992 and went on to have further renovations in 1996 & 2005. There're many golf clubs located close by as well as the airport only being about 20 minutes away. You can also go walking & do an outdoor sport, as the hotel has partnered with local activity groups. The hotel has also had two US Presidents stay.

Experience
As soon as we arrived, we went straight to the receptionist to get checked in as we wanted to organise ourselves. There was only one person on, but after waiting a few minutes we were seen too as two other young ladies came out. Whether it was due to a queue building, or finishing their break I do not know! As we had booked ours through a wowcher deal (sign up for some crackers! I'm not sponsored to say this), we needed to give them a reference code but as it was our anniversary gift from Chris' parents I didn't have to hand. So we were told this was fine, just let them know on check out. This saved a lot of embarrassing faffing about! As with most hotels, we had to swipe a card, so just be warned, it does show on your statement that money has been taken out. They were really great and friendly when I called up to enquire about this a few days after the stay. Check in was very quick so we were off to our room in no time.

When we got to the room I unpacked everything and got us organised, but I had an enquiry. So I just used the phone to call the receptionists, which was answered very quickly & politely. Although, unfortunately, later that evening we called at least 5 or 10 minutes before closing time and the phone rang out! So we felt as if we had been ignored. Which actually leads me onto why we needed to call them in the first place. Being the technology, fast wifi hungry gremlins that we are, brought our laptops. Just in case. Even though I never even attempted to go on my laptop, Chris (my husband) couldn't even get a connection. He wasn't even able to detect any internet, nevermind actually getting onto an internet page. So that was a bit of a letdown. If you are hoping for some good internet access, I wouldn't hold my breath for here! Looking back, I should have tried connecting just in case it was his laptop having issues. But I highly doubt it. A lot of these places have a shared internet access for everyone, so it's harder to connect due to the amount of traffic.

So it was just normal t.v for us that night! The bed was super comfy & warm! A proper, sink in and snuggle type of bed. These are my favourites in hotels, you just want that little bit of extra when you're away don't you? The next day, check out went just as smoothly as check in.

Rooms & Prices

All rooms include T.V, radio, Wi-Fi, Tea/Coffee making station, hairdryer, iron & ironing board, telephone, 24-hour room service and a wake-up call (on request).

Classic Grahams £80pp

A traditionally lodged style room, which is located in the original lodge building above Colquhoun's restaurant & bar. There is a shower as well as a bath, either twin or double beds. You also get a double seated sofa which is ideal for watching the tv. 

Executive Munros £90pp

A more modern style room, with just the right amount of Scottish touches (a fellow scot can handle), which is located in the newer leisure/swimming pool building. The room is similar to the Graham rooms in terms of size & facilities. Although, these rooms have an open planned bathroom!

Deluxe Corbetts £100pp
Same comfort as the Grahams room but slightly bigger in size. Located in the main lodged building with balconies that have breathtaking views of the loch. If you choose this room, you also get your own private sauna as well as a larger bath tub. Some come with a sofa bed, so let them know at the booking if you would like this.

Cuillin Suite £120pp
A suite that includes two bedrooms with double beds & decent sized living room. The larger of the two rooms has an en-suite with a toilet, shower and a bath. In these rooms, it's the living room that opens up to the balcony. Although it opens onto a car park, you still get to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the loch.

Carter Suite £120pp
The Carter Suite, which was a favourite of President Jimmy Carter, is pretty much the same as the Cuillin Suite. Some of the differences are; the sauna is slightly bigger as well as the balcony.

Travis Suite £214pp
Just newly opened, it has more of a modern design than the "lodged style" the hotel has previously gone for. There is only one bedroom with this suite, but you do get a much larger living space than the other rooms provide. The bed, however, is a lovely king size four poster bed! The colour scheme for this room is also entirely different from the usual oranges previously used.

Facilities

16m Swimming Pool

Jacuzzi

Steam Room

Sauna/Laconium

Personal Thoughts

The surroundings & views are spectacular! I think for the views alone, a stay here would definitely be recommended, especially if you have never been to Scotland before. It is rated as a 4* hotel, but I personally think the decor maybe needs a little updating. It just seems a little tired which is a shame as there is so much going for the place! As I said, the views alone can sell this place, as well as the location. They have recently just launched their new suite, which from the photos, the decor looks incredible! So whether or not this is on the cards for the rest of the hotel, I've no idea. If they can get the rest of the rooms looking like the new suite, I think the hotel will have a lot more of a luxurious feel to it. Before we went I hadn't really seen any photos, so I was a bit worried about how much tartan and Scottish themes there would be. As a fellow, local Scot, I am proud of our tartan heritage but I don't want it everywhere. But, it was ok there was just enough tartan. We had an "Executive Munros" room which had a fantastic amount of space. But, the way it looks right now & the way the internet was, I'm not sure I would pay the full £90. In our wowcher deal, for £130 we had a 2-course meal for dinner (drinks weren't included), a room & breakfast for two. So with a little tweak here & there, a 4* luxurious hotel you will have!

Location

Luss, Argyll, Scotland

Rating

6/10

Lodge on the Loch Lomond Website

Colquhoun's Restaurant Review

Weekly Vlog- Food, Food & More Food

First Weekly Vlog

Kfc, Tea & Frankie & Benny's... Basically Just Food

Grab A Cuppa (Or Whatever) & Lets Chat

Should Makeup Be Allowed At School?

So I was just browsing on facebook last week, when I seen an article someone had shared. It was about teachers at a school patrolling the corridors with wet wipes, so they could force the girls to take off their makeup. Now, before I even start on this I already know this is going to bring up a lot of viewpoints, so please be kind towards one another in the comments & remember everyone is entitled to their own view.

Firstly, I think I may start with my own opinions on the whole "should we wear makeup", I feel If someone wants to and they love make up because they enjoy playing around with it and creating art with their own faces. Then why shouldn't someone wear it? For the past year or two, I myself, If you know me at all will know I don't wear makeup whatsoever (well, except for lipstick), but I have found myself thoroughly enjoying makeup tutorials on youtube and have seen how much people just enjoy playing around with it. Its their hobby. So why should anyone tell them not to do it, or they should just be comfortable in their own skin. What if they already are?

-Human Traffic, 1999

I know that wearing makeup is a double edged sword for a lot of women, because so many are uncomfortable or less confident when they aren't wearing makeup. But, we need to remember that doesn't mean every female out there is wearing makeup because "society" tells us we aren't beautiful without it, or that they are doing it for someone. There are beauty youtubers who genuinely just sit in front of a camera, with no intentions of going anywhere and create tutorials for people to copy because they enjoy the art & craft of makeup. I do also believe in self-confidence though. Hence the double edged sword. So even though I think its fine to want to wear makeup, I think it's important that you feel you can leave the house without panicking. Teenage/School years are really difficult times for alot of young people. So we can all relate to wanting to use makeup, especially when we feel we look terrible...

I think what a lot of people or rather I should say, the education boards at schools, worry that its distracting and that people are there to learn. Which, I don't disagree with, yes we are there to learn. But this school are pulling students from classrooms during lesson time, just to take makeup off, that's going to be more harmful. Plus, when they come back in they aren't going to feel very motivated are they? But I feel it's also important to teach self-expression & individuality.  As I do more posts like this, you will see that I am quite anti-establishment and I feel schools teach us this from a young age to confirm and stay quiet. When in reality, we should be being taught to speak up more and to think ourselves. With makeup I feel it gives people bit more of an identity as well, because we all like to do our makeup differently and using different shades. Which can help when you are all in the same uniform looking alike...

-Source here

I think what's also important, is schools need to be careful when they are crossing that boundary of whether it actually has anything to do with them. These pupils are leaving the house with makeup already on. With makeup already bought, which let's be honest, is being bought majority of the time by their parents. What teenager has money for a £40 urban decay palette? I don't even have that kind of money... So if parents are buying it for them and watching them leave the house with it already on, it should be ok. You can't really get in the way of what parents allow their own children to do.

I think something else that should be highlighted and talked about is the constant need to tell females what they should and shouldn't be doing. Being told what affects us and that we are distracting for the opposite sex. Doing this from a young age can be damaging. It also teaches young girls early on that they need to think about what society thinks of them and how they should behave. When in all reality, it shouldn't matter. Those thoughts shouldn't even come into their heads, but they do because we teach them to think like that. Why shouldn't they be allowed to pop a bit of makeup on to feel good? It's a tough age, so shouldn't we encourage them to do what makes them happy? Especially if they are outside the school gates crying because of how they are feeling about the way they look. I wear lipstick to make myself feel that extra bit special and fancy, especially if I feel I've put together a nice outfit.

So in conclusion, I really do feel that pupils wearing makeup to school is a non-issue. I think the teachers, not just in this school but everywhere, should be focusing their time & energy into getting the pupils more focused and engaged. Helping them grow their confidence in their educational abilities. Not worrying about being attacked by a wet wipe. Finding new and interesting ways to teach them, getting them interested and expanding their minds. I think a bit of adult face paint is hardly important.

BBC Bias Towards Scottish Independence

Late Summer Evenings

Hiya guys! Sorry for the mild absence once again. I genuinely have had my hands quite full the past few weeks! Firstly, I had a short holiday to London, then the day after we arrived we were off to pick up the kittens! & since then, its been non-stop and I haven't really had the time or energy to do anything... Bad I know. I do have a tonne of stuff to show you from london but its been hard to find the time to sort any of it out. Plus, you know what I'm like, I need to post it all together otherwise it causes unnecessary anxiety...Weirdo. I have outfit posts, photography & a video. So at least a few hours of editing work! Not that I'm complaining, I really love it. But, of course it is time consuming and time is not what I have a lot of right now. Since I have become a cat mother (shhh I know its ridiculous...) I have literally been giving all of my energy & time to them.

Since this time is quite important for your kittens development, I'm doing as much as I can with them to shape them into the cats we would like. I've done a lot of researching online and theres three segments of time to get them used to what you will do with them throughout their adult life. Theres the first 6 weeks of their life, then 6-12 weeks and the final time of development is up to 6 months. Chris and I both think that they weren't really handled much up until we basically took them on, which was at 9 weeks old. So we're having to get them used to A LOT. Plus, since I would like them to be "lap cats" this means that, whenever they need/want to sleep I need to hope that they come find my lap or pick them up when they are tired enough. This will then teach them that when they are tired to seek out one of our laps, which I have to say, they've already caught onto quick! Occasionally, one will still hide behind the sofa as there is a comfy spot there, but the majority of the time they will nap on my lap/legs. 

So I'm then pretty much confined to the sofa in the weirdest, most uncomfortable (at times) of positions... But all of this hard work that is being put in will pay off in the end. As we will have the kitty cats that we want! Which, I guess is one of the positives of getting kittens. As you can shape them into the cat and routine that you would like. Both of them have already come on tremendously in the short time that we have had them, which is a week and a half. Also, the reason we actually went for kittens and didn't rescue any cats was because of the rabbits. As i was saying, that we want to shape them, then we can also get them to socialise with the rabbits and teach them NOT to attack them!  So I think the term "cat mother" really is appropriate! 

Heres a short post on the kittens with some photos.

Also, I just wanted to mention that these photos are old. I just haven't got round to posting them, I've no idea why, but I thought this was the perfect time to post them as all I have is my london stuff right now.

Jacket- Unif at Nasty Gal

Dress- Topshop (sale)

Heels- Asos

Bag- Vintage

Necklace c/o- Persunmall

Headband- Crown and Glory buy here

OUTFIT DETAILS

So a few months ago, we took a spontaneous trip to our favourite italian restaurant. I can't remember if it was a joint meal or if Chris decided to treat me? I think he decided to treat me... So i threw this together, started with the dress and heels as they matched with the green. I then decided to add that "dark edge" that I always crave in an outfit. Which was of course, the leather biker with some lovely black roses added to my head. I always need something to take a little from the "girlyness" of an outfit.