Glasgow Reviewed; Dinner at the Tempus Restaurant

I had not been feeling particularly festive just yet but thanks to the lovely Laura from A Life with Frills that is all changed now! She organises the funnest events and this year a group of my favourite Scottish Bloggers were treated to a slap up meal at the Tempus restaurant in Glasgow's Grand Central Hotel.

There couldn't be a more central spot to stay in whilst in the city, and the hotel looks so incredible on the inside. We were shown to the private dining area that the team at the Tempus had set up so we could enjoy a fun evening to get in the Christmas spirit. We were spoiled from start to finish and they had paid so much attention to detail in terms of telling us about the food and keeping on top of any special requirements we had, which is always so welcome.

Typical blogger scene when it comes to food- photos and PURE JOY

We were met with fizz and an amazing array of canapes that were gone in seconds, I was mad for the butternut squash bon bons, and most of the room were desperate for more smoked paprika popcorn. I was determined to keep space for the full 3 courses though and I am so glad I did. We had such a nice menu to choose from and as a first time visitor to the restaurant, I found it pretty hard to pick ( no seriously, it took like 3 attempts to actually pick a pudding.) I opted for the goats cheese starter which was a delish combo of little crackers, cheese, walnuts and caramelized onion and was in all just utterly divine. I am always disappointed when a starter is tiny but this was perfect for my hungry appetite. Next time I would totally go for the foragers salad though which a couple of the others had, as the staff actually come to you with a small table and all the ingredients and make it right in front of you, to exactly your taste! Now that is a service I have never experienced before and was such a nice touch.

I was all set for Duck for the main as its something I never normally have, and I swear the more I watch Masterchef programmes, the more I want it!!! It certainly did not disappoint at all, what a massive delicious portion and the meat was cooked to perfection. The berry sauce and was utterly divine and I was so delighted with it.

Now pudding was giving me far too much to mull over as the choice was fab but I settled on the Salted Caramel and chocolate tarte. It was far too heavy considering how much else I had put away but my word look at the shine on it! I polished it off with a gorgeous virgin strawberry daiquiri and it was the icing on the cake.

The staff and set up in Tempus was amazing, and it feels so nice to be in such beautiful surroundings bang in the city centre. I can't thank them enough for showing us such a wonderful time! Thanks to all my partners in crime ( Lynsay, Ayden, Amanda, Lis and Lori) and especially Laura for organizing the nicest night ( and even beautiful goody bags to boot!) 

Christmas has officially begun!

Hilton Glasgow competition winner

DRUM ROLL PLEASE......

The winner of the amazing Hilton Glasgow competition is......

Gill from A little Thing called Beauty!

Well done Gill! I will be in touch shortly to sort out your prize. 

Thanks so much to everyone for entering, don't forget you can take advantage of the hotels spa break gift voucher this Christmas- I would be absolutely thrilled with a present like that!

Edinburgh Reviewed; the Aveda Spa at the Scotsman Hotel

 I have always wanted to go into the Scotsman Hotel, something about its grand size and location in such an iconic city has always appealed to me. So of course I was thrilled to be offered the chance to go and have a look around and it did not disappoint! Since opening in 2001, this 5 star boutique hotel has been a unique residence for those visiting the capital, steeped in history and heritage (it was formerly home to the Scotsman newspaper) the hotel really is as breathtaking on the inside as it is outside and now their Spa has teamed up with Aveda to create the perfect den of tranquillity just off the bustling royal mile.

Aveda were chosen for their holistic approach to spa treatments, offering a superb line up of products backed by their ethical stance makes them the perfect partners for the spa. With treatments now rooted in Ayurveda, the  Indian healing tradition based on the knowledge of life and the interconnectedness of all things, clients really are in for a treat. Not only do you leave feeling relaxed and pampered but the treatments are designed to work on the mind and emotions too. On top of this stunning new treatment menu and relaxing treatment rooms, clients can also make use of the absolutely gorgeous stainless steel swimming pool and sauna and steam room facilities too- the full package for those looking for serious pampering. 

I tried out the 45 minute Stress-Fix massage (£45) while I was there and was thoroughly impressed. Collected from my pool side spot, my therapist led me to my treatment room where she explained the massage in detail and found out about any trouble spots I would like her to focus on. The massage and oils used were heavenly, I loved that she would place her hand near my nose  so I could start and end the massage taking deep breaths and inhaling the relaxing aromas of lavender and clary sage, little touches such as this really forced me to relax ( something I often struggle with). Combining Swedish and Deep tissue massage and incorporating foot reflexology and acupressure points, the treatment was a perfect blend of calm and relaxation while still leaving me feel fresh and rejuvenated.

Something that was so different from anywhere I have been before was the attentional to detail in their relaxation room you are taken to after treatment. When you walk in your therapist pops you under a huge, soft duvet which was such a beautiful touch. I drifted right off ( with other people in the room all doing the same!) and thoroughly enjoyed that post treatment feeling to the max. On top of that I was poured a cup of the most stunning herbal tea I have ever had, I loved it so much I was straight on the email to the Spa's lovely manager Caroline the next day to find out what it was. It was actually Aveda's own specially mixed Comforting Tea which is a beautiful blend of peppermint, liquorice and basil- that might not sound right, but really it has to be tasted to be believed!

With Spa packages starting from only £60, the Aveda Spa is excellent value for money. They have worked hard to make sure every element of your visit is perfect- and is well worth checking out on your next trip to Edinburgh.

Glasgow Reviewed; The Park Inn by Radisson

I have said it once and I will say it again- I LOVE HOTELS!

 There is nothing more exciting to me to feeling the carpet under foot as I run around a new hotel room exploring what is inside. Ally is now completely used to the squeal coming from the bathroom as I investigate the toiletries, dropping crumbs from the biscuits I am already wolfing down from the tea and coffee area. We can't go  and stay anywhere without allowing suitable time for me to explore not only our room but essentially the entire hotel, from the restaurant or bar to the gym. 

This love of hotels was put to good use when I worked freelance in TV as one of my jobs was actually sorting out accommodation for hundreds of contestants and staff at one time so I was often visiting city centre hotels and deciding which ones were of the best quality for the price-so I definately know what I like and don't like when it comes to overnight stays! When I was invited down to the newly opened Park Inn by Radisson on Glasgow's bustling West George street I was super excited. Boasting a truly superb city centre location this stylish and sleek hotel has 91 excellent guest rooms on offer,a gym, restaurant and bar and some seriously chic style.

We were greeted by a stylish and modern reception area, and spacious restaurant and bar. I was instantly impressed with the decor, friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. Considering it is located on some of the busiest nightlife streets in Glasgow, the minute you walk up the steps and inside you are instantly soothed and relaxed which is just what you need before heading out into the madness. Before our stay I already had good impressions of the place, when I called to ask a couple of questions about my booking the week previous  the receptionist was absolutely lovely and incredibly helpful. This was totally matched with the service we experienced during our stay, absolutely everyone we spoke to were amazing and for such a new hotel there was a real feeling of a smooth running, well oiled machine.

Ally was first to check in and he was absolutely over the moon with what he found in our room, not only was it HUGE (seriously the biggest hotel I have ever seen, never mind in a city centre hotel) but the lovely staff had left the greatest welcome gift known to man kind- a tray of Scottish goodies from teacakes to tablet and even a dram of whisky. It was such a nice touch and when my phone started going while I was in the hairdresser it was a stream of messages and photos from ally along the lines of "OUR ROOM IS HUGE" to " CAN I EAT THIS ALL NOW??" he was one seriously happy camper. When i got there i was really blown away with the room from its sheer size, the massive floor to ceilings windows offering a view down on to the amazing Glasgow nightlife ( while letting no sound in at all) to the big flat screen TV and the huge and very modern bathroom. As a beauty blogger I was particularly thrilled with an area that was perfect for doing my makeup with a comfy little stool and lamp for extra light. It really is the attention to detail that can make a hotel stand out from the rest.

As part of our stay we were trying out the sharing platter with prosecco and the staff were more than happy to oblige when I rang down and asked if there was anyway we could come and collect and enjoy in our room alongside some xfactor on the big tv. We felt seriously fancy lying in the bed in huge soft robes stuffing our face with an array of cold meats and bread while sipping on our bubbles. It really was heaven and set us up nicely for heading out for a few drinks later on in the plethora of surrounding bars and clubs.

After a few too many shandies and an exceptionally comfy sleep we arose bright and early to head down to the restaurant for breakfast which was as we had come to expect at this point, superb. Offering a huge array of pastries, cakes, yogurts, cereals, cold meats, and hot goodies including all the usual favourites AND haggis and black pudding- we were completely spoiled for choice. I thought the addition of Scottish goodies here was just another nice touch that sets the Park inn by Radisson apart, they even provided a Bloody Mary bar to help yourself too which was so unique and going down a storm with the merry band of hungover guests.

I literally had to be torn away from this hotel,  I was completely wowed by the whole experience, I am not ashamed to say previously the Park Inn name was just another hotel chain in my mind but not now. I will actively be checking out their hotels in other locations and seeing if they are as good as this Glasgow city branch.There is no better endorsement from me other than that I would absolutely put my own family up here, My parents regularly come to Glasgow to visit myself and my brother and I can't wait to get them set up with a room here for their next trip as I know it is perfect for their stays. With prices starting from only £68 if booking in advance, the service and quality offered here is amazing, it is the perfect choice for your next visit to Glasgow.

Thanks so much to all of the lovely staff at the Park Inn Glasgow, we can't wait to find an excuse to come back! You can book on line here or ring the friendly staff on 0141 221 1211.

The Guerlain Spa at The Caledonian Hotel

I was incredibly lucky to be invited to spend a day with Guerlain at the Caledonian Hotel the other week to celebrate the launch of the first Guerlain Spa in the UK which is set to provide a new standard in skin care excellence and absolute pampering right here in Scotland. This is one of those posts that I have had to rewrite so many times as there is just so much to cover, the spa and the whole 'experience' was just so absolutely incredible I have been struggling to do it justice with words! I kind of just want you to all come and actually feel my skin (even after two weeks) and just see what the treatment has done to its texture- it feels so plump and nourished even now, I still don't want to have make up on top of it!

Choosing my scent for my treatment

My experience began with a fragrance journey using scent cones, Michelle the lovely spa manager talked me through the scents and helped me choose the one that suited my needs most that day, my therapist for the day Alison ( known as a beauty coach in Guerlain land), who was listening in on my fragance selection then quietly headed off to prepare my treatment room, tailoring it to my chosen scent the gorgeous Aqua Allegoria Manderin Basilic.  I thought was an such a gorgeous little touch that instantly made me feel special and I knew I was in for something completely different than to anything I have ever experienced before. 

We were shown to our treatment room which was beautifully set up, from the lighting and music to the little details like the robe with my chosen scent ( seriously, I know you might think a robe is a robe but this was just something else- the softest, cosiest thing in the world!) Once I was all kitted up, I was then led to the gorgeous relaxation room to enjoy a herbal tea and a magazine as Alison got the rest of the room ready for the main show, the Orchidee Imperiale Treatment. 

Each treatment begins with a footbath ( again tailored to your scent) which is exactly what I needed to unwind before the treatment began. This instantly put me in the zone and it gave Alison a chance to ask me a couple of questions and for me to ask her any I had. After a delicious half leg exfoliation and leg massage, I got into place and extremely comfortable thanks to a duvet made from whatever cloud the robe is made from and an electronic bed that allowed me to be in the optimum position, I have never had something like that in a spa before! Alison then walked me through what all was involved in the treatment, I loved that it was all explained before hand- being two and a half hours long it is nice to know what you can expect. I often find treatments so relaxing that if you do go off in your own world, any movements your therapists can make can actually be alarming and take you out of that haze, but Alison was so good at explaining  what she would be doing and any movements she would need me to make to assist her that I felt completely at ease as we began.

My beauty coach Alison preparing a nice peppermint tea before the treatment

 I was given the option of receiving a brow shape or lash tint whilst in the treatment which was just such a fab extra bit of detail that really added to the pampering element of the package. She also gave me an expert and detailed skin analysis, sensitively touching upon my problem areas and ensuring she explained to me what this particular treatment could do for each of these. This analysis and diagnosis is where I really got a feel for the extensive knowledge the Guerlain coaches have and how much training they have undertaken to ensure they are providing an outstanding experience for every client. The level of detail she could provide on not only the products she would be using but on the reasons behind some of my skin troubles was fantastic and really made me feel in the most capable hands.

a very ambient relaxation room

The Orchidee Imperiale is the company's signature treatment and is a firming and anti ageing routine that is based around the benefits of the orchid, which Guerlain grow themselves and have continued to develop their products utilising them over the last 12 years. They combine their products stacked full of beneficial nutrients with their gymnastiques massage techniques that are quite something. Unlike other facials that can often feel quite formulaic this really felt like a work out ( albeit a relaxing one) of precision movements for the skin and I could feel every layer being stimulated. Applying different masks according to my skin needs using kabuki brushes, the Orchidee Imperiale treatment really lavishes you with attention, feeding the skin what it has been crying out for while giving the whole body a true sensory experience.

 In the whole two and half hours Alison did not leave the room or take her hands away for more than a couple of seconds which I think is something really special. While products are working some serious magic on your cells, your beauty coach is using different pressures and working on your neck, shoulders, upper back and decollete at any given time. For me this is what made it the ultimate luxury experience, having someone focus on your relaxation as a whole was utter bliss and it is all performed so seamlessly too. Alison was incredibly professional and respondent to my needs, working muscles she felt needed extra attention and moving so lightly and efficiently my relaxation was never broken. The effects of the facial aside It is worth pointing out that I felt pampered from head to toe with the Imperiale treatment  from the paraffin wax hand treatment that worked wonders on my dry hands to the expertly applied lash tint- I felt truly incredible as I walked out of the Spa,something I had to force myself to do, I had big plans to move in!

So relaxation and glorious all round experience aside we need  to talk about the results...and oh my...
After the treatment was complete Alison handed me a mirror to take a look at my skin and I can honestly say I have never been more shocked! I genuinely did not think a facial could actually give you those results that were really truly apparent- but I actually looked 10 years younger! Seriously, I sat bolt up right to inspect my skin further I was so shocked. I may not be firmly in the anti ageing concern category but what this did for my skin was a revelation, my skin was bright, smooth, plump and just vibrant all over. Whats more you could really see the results in my main ageing bug bear, my two very deep frown lines between my eyebrows caused by years of refusing to wear my glasses! When I looked in the mirror they were genuinely pretty much completely gone, Alison remarked I looked as though they had been botoxed and I had to agree, it was completely unbelievable.  Fast forward two weeks and those lines are still far more plumped and less visible than before- in fact my whole skin still has a softness and healthiness and tone  to it that it has not had in,well pretty much forever. I can only imagine the results of a treatment like this could have on a more mature skin.



The experience still wasn't done there, you are then treated to a touch of colour so that you can head straight on out to dinner or shopping looking absolutely flawless. Alison applied some of their Lingerie de Peau foundation ( now firmly on my to buy list) and a beautiful blush in shade pink punk and I have to say I was blown away with how it looked on top of my newly plumped face. I looked radiant and glowing but with a beautiful even natural base with just a hint of colour to the cheeks. It was the perfect end to the treatment and is a lovely touch, it made me practically skip along Princes street to the train. I ended up missing the first train because I actually stopped to about three times to look at my face in mirrors- seriously. Usually I avoid them like the plague but I was just SO excited to see my face looking that bright that I couldn't resist!

Me after the treatment, tiny amount of base and blush on but mostly just smooth skin

Absolutely DELIGHTED

I was sceptical at first at how I would be with a two and a half hour treatment, being of short attention span and prone to wandering off, this was a revelation. In treatments I have often found it hard to 'commit' to the relaxation element but here at the Guerlain Spa it was impossible not too. The time flew in thanks to the many different stages, and I could have easily stayed  in that room for three times as long. A visit to the Guerlain Spa would make the most incredible present I think you could get a man or a woman, with a fantastic menu of treatments  with an express mani for £20 through to the full Bridal Glow package for £564, there is something for everyone. Their signature Orchidee imperiale treatment is £250 which may be a little out of my price range for now but without a doubt if I could afford a repeat visit soon I absolutely would. When I look at what some spas can charge for a day in the spa including only one hour treatment , this makes this seem all the more 'reasonable', for the level of pampering, products, skill and the longevity of the results you are getting, this makes the treatment worth every penny.

To find out more about the Spa and the treatments on offer you can find them HERE or you can reach them on  Tel: 0131 222 8836

A Guerlain masterclass at the Caledonian Waldorf Astoria Hotel

My fascination with Guerlain began after watching the first episode of a BBC Documentary called Perfume, in which they followed the prestigious House of Guerlain as they looked outside the family for its next perfumer-in-chief, the esteemed Thierry Wasser. The sheer decadence that surrounds every element of Guerlain was captivating, it was impossible not to get swept away with the story of one of the oldest perfume houses in the world.

Fast forward to now and you can imagine my utter delight and honour at being invited along to a masterclass led by brand ambassador Richard Hawkins (one of only a handful of highly specialised fragrance experts in the world) at a venue as elegant and luxurious as the brand itself, The Caledonian, Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

the absolutely stunning Pompadour at the Caledonian.

From the moment I walked into the reception to the minute I left (after the most spell binding facial I will ever have- review to follow) I felt like a movie star. The hotel located on Edinburgh's historic Princes Street is absolutely beautiful, we were greeted in the Pompadour which is one of the most spectacular rooms I have ever been in! The duck egg blue hand painted wall decor was out of this world and is so fresh, bright and inviting- the absolutely perfect location to learn all about the iconic Guerlain brand. After some delicious brunch nibbles we took our seats as Richard took us on a captivating journey through Guerlains history and the stories and secrets behind their fragrances. Introducing us to the different natural ingredients, inspirations and design ideas behind each scent, he expertly led us from the initial conception right through to the final bottles for each one and it was absolutely enchanting- I could have listened to him talk for hours!

Guerlain is so steeped in history that there is so much to learn, my perfume knowledge was not up to scratch but after this masterclass I am so keen to find out more and actually take on board what I wear and what it says about me. Am I as mysterious and distinctive as Mitsouko ( favoured by greats such as Marilyn Monroe and Jean Harlowe)? or am I more exotic and sensual like Bridget Bardot or Rita Hayworth and their scent of choice, the iconic Shalimar? From bergamot to black pepper and every note in between there is story to tell and it was an absolutely pleasure to get to hear just a few of them from someone as passionate and as experienced as Richard.

The masterclass then shifted to make up and we were walked through some of Guerlains most famous  pieces, I was most familiar with their famous terracotta bronzer that I have seen countless people bring out of their make up bag over the years, but I was less familiar with some of their other products. However now the lipsticks, with their innovative designs and stunning shades, are now firmly on my lust list along with countless of their other products! I can safely say Guerlain is so very much on my radar after my experience, a brand as aspirational and synonomous with elegance and luxury, is one I can absolutely see myself saving for and splurging on. There is something about having a product or scent that feels really special that I love, one that can make you feel like a different person just by having it in your handbag to take out and use is really magical and it is these little pieces that are really worth their price tag.

After such a magical morning we were then whisked away to the beautiful surroundings of the Galvin Brasserie De Luxe within the hotel and were treated to an outstanding 3 course lunch. From the impeccable service of the staff to the well thought out and executed menu the experience was heavenly and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Whether you are looking for an afternoon tea, some fine dining or just a cocktail with a an elegant backdrop then you must give the Caledonian a look in. I was really pleasantly surprised with their offer of a set menu for only £15.50 for 2 courses or £18.50 for 3, this is a complete bargain if you ask me- the food was incredible and the surroundings gorgeous,so it is not to be missed if you are in the city!

The hotel has just launched the UK's first ever Guerlain Spa and it is absolutely beautiful- luxurious does not even cover it! Keep your eyes on the blog for my upcoming review of the most sensational treatment I have ever had, the Orchidee Imperiale.

Many thanks to both Guerlain and The Caledonian for such a wonderful day.