Glasgow Reviewed; The Ideal Home Show

Last weekend I was invited along to experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland with the focus of the bloggers event being the reuse of older furniture and how upcycling can transform a home. Now it will come as no surprise that this aspect of it was right up my street, so much so that I will cover that in a post of its own, but for now I just wanted to fill you in on my time at the show generally. This was my first time going along but have been at similar from big crafting expos, to Girls Days out, but the Ideal Home Show was by far the absolute best. There were three huge halls absolutely stacked full with 400 exhibitors selling things like food and drink to beauty to the obvious homewares to gardening too, without a doubt there something for everyone and it was such a good laugh to go and explore.

Ally and I headed into the show not knowing exactly what to expect and were really impressed with the line-up of stalls and products to take a look at, the good offers that were being extended and the all round fun element it brought to a day out. We had a fantastic time racing between the big garden pods, to trying samples of gins to watching cookery demonstrations and learning about products and brands we had never heard of before. We got to chat to the owners and creators of lots of Scottish made products which was lovely, and it was great to store away some ideas for when we have a bigger home of our own. I was really impressed with the whole day and totally recommend heading along next time- my top tips would be to go early before it gets too rammed, take some cash out before you head in to beat some of the queues and be sure to check out the timetable for demonstrations and talks on the main stage so you don’t miss any!

We had such a good time we sent my mum and dad along on the Sunday to enjoy it too and they couldn’t get enough either! They were there most of the day and left with a lot of the same stuff we did ( Heck sausages, the gorgeously packaged Rock and Rose Gin and a print from Urban Rebel Designs ) I think all four of us will definitely be heading along next time around, I am already excited!

Glasgow Reviewed; Ishga facial and seaweed bath at the Blythswood Spa

If there is one place in Glasgow guaranteed to put a smile on my face it is the spa at Blythswood Square Hotel. I have long said that of all the spas I have tried there is something magical about this place- the dark lighting, relaxed vibe and excellent staff that just works together to do its job of chilling me out. This is no mean feat as I have mentioned before, unwinding is not my thang but somehow a trip here always sorts me out. It could be my obsession with their thermal experience which for me is a just a big step above your standard spa with pool and sauna, or their well thought out changing areas or maybe just because it is in the depths of such a beautiful hotel that makes me think about it often and get so excited when I have a chance to go along. They have recently introduced a new brand to the spa and I was intrigued to learn more about it and the treatments they are offering utilising them.

The Ishga range (derived from the Gaelic word for Water), has been created on the Isle of Lewis by a team of people with a passion for creating high quality cosmetics by harnessing the natural antioxidant, healing and anti-aging properties that are provided by the purest Scottish seaweed.  The seaweed itself comes from the pure unpolluted coastal waters of the Hebridean Islands and is known for its healing and therapeutic properties thanks to its balance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants which are essential to healthy and youthful skin. It is said to tighten and tone the skin, stimulate blood and lymph circulation and provide a deep cleanse while still increasing the skin's moisture levels and elasticity. Alongside its ability to repair and revitalize it is often used to help with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. This Scottish aspect really piqued my interest, I am so passionate about supporting and helping promote Scottish brands and products that the range sounded right up my street.

With seaweed sounding like a bit of a wonder ingredient, I was of course thrilled to be climbing into a big hot bath of the stuff down in the spas bathhouse. The room is beautifully relaxing, you can lower the lights to suit, climb into the huge tub and just enjoy a solid half an hour of relaxing by candlelight and letting the seaweed do its magic. You pretty much had to drag me out of the massive warm bath tub when the time was up, it was so soothing and the perfect start to the coming facial. If my face was going to be feeling even half as smooth as my body after this bath then I would have been happy!

My therapist Joanne talked me through the brand and the facial while giving me a super enjoyable foot exfoliation.I then got settled on the bed and enjoyed a wonderful combination of products and massage which was in no way limited to the face. Throughout the treatments my arms and shoulder, neck, face and head were all massaged beautifully which added a really lovely layer to the experience and just added to the relaxation element. The products smelt divine and refreshing no doubt thanks to the other ingredients used such as jojoba, thistle and apricot kernel oils and cucumber and comfrey extract. I loved the second mask which is applied near the end, it is a thick peel off consistency that I have never had used in a facial before. When we were done I was super impressed with how plump, smooth and moisturised my skin felt while still feeling exceptionally clean and refreshed. I went home feeling beautifully peaceful, refreshed and with some seriously ' alive' looking skin. I was all round thrilled with my evening at the spa- they just never disappoint!

Having a Scottish sourced facial or seaweed bath at one of Glasgow's leading hotels would be such a gorgeous gift for anyone and seeing as Mother's Day is just around the corner, I can't think of a mum who would not ADORE this!

The Ishga facial is £80 and seaweed bath £25, to book in you can call the spa on 0141 240 1622 or email spa@blythswoodsquare.com

The Scottish Ballet present Hansel and Gretel

I am not actually seeing the Scottish Ballet's latest offering until the weekend, but I can tell you in advance it will be amazing. Nope, I have not gone all psychic, I just know from every single past experience that this company could just NEVER disappoint. I just wanted to spread the word for those planning their festive calenders now as it has been 6 years since their last brand new Christmas production, a total must-see! A trip to see Scottish Ballet is just the thing to get you and the family in the Christmas spirit. Full to the brim with festive magic,you are guaranteed to be taken on the most enchanting journey that is just not to be missed. From the choreography to the costumes, music to makeup, every tiny detail is perfected to ensure you have an experience you will never forget.

What I love about this years Christmas performance is that is was created not just by the wonderful Scottish Ballet but with help from people across Scotland. Using creative writing, art dance competitions, participants of all ages were able to not only develop their own skills but contribute to this revolutionary production.

 Not only that but the company have added a specially adapted hour long performance, Wee Hansel and Gretel, especially for the young family audiences. An idea so popular they have already had to add a new Glasgow date for it! (for details and dates see here)

Hansel and Gretel is touring from now until February;

GLASGOW

10 - 28 December 2013

Theatre Royal

Box Office 0844 871 7673

BOOK ONLINE

EDINBURGH

8 - 11 January 2014

Festival Theatre

Box Office 0131 529 6000

BOOK ONLINE

ABERDEEN

15 - 18 January 2014

His Majesty's Theatre

Box Office 01224 641122

BOOK ONLINE

INVERNESS

22 - 25 January 2014

Eden Court

Box Office 01463 234 234

BOOK ONLINE

NEWCASTLE

29 January - 1 February 2014

Theatre Royal

Box Office 08448 11 21 21

BOOK ONLINE

BELFAST

5 - 8 February 2014

Grand Opera House

Box Office 028 9024 1919

BOOK ONLINE

Don't forget if you are under 26, a full time student or currently not working you can take advantage of the fantastic £10 ticket offer- find out more here.

Destination Dining: The Tullie Inn

A couple of Saturdays ago I had one of those days that just sticks out in my mind as being perfect, knowing the sun would be shining me and the man decided to pack up our troubles and head for a relaxing day out in Balloch.  Situated on the  banks of Loch Lomond there are so many fun things to do here and it is a relaxing spot that makes you feel a million miles from the bustling city centre. I am always kicking myself for not coming here more often as it is only 50 mins away from Glasgow and about £6 on the train.

We spent the day sunbathing,  walking around the all the gorgeous boats and investigating Loch Lomond shores which is a fab shopping complex with lots to see. The main event though was always going to be dinner and we were so excited about it as the minute we got off the train we could see where we were going, and it looked GORGEOUS.

Sitting right next to the train station, The Tullie Inn has just re opened following a major £700 000 refurbishment  and it is now the absolutely perfect destination spot for dining  after a long day exploring the loch. I was amazed when I walked in the door and  was greeted with the truly gorgeous and fresh, nautical cape cod theme. Bright ,airy and perfectly thought out, I was a huge fan of the look and would pretty much LOVE a house that had a similar feel. The little touches tied in beautifully with the outside surroundings and the whole place was buzzing with groups from families to parties enjoying big meals and relaxed drinks. I loved the different areas on offer, there are big comfy booths, a gorgeous separate bar with a fire place, outside seating to enjoy a summer drink  and their new amazing glasshouse built on to the front of the building. Ally and I were lucky to be seated here for dinner and it was just so nice and made us feel really special and like we were on a proper holiday!

We were served by Danielle who was the loveliest waitress I have ever had, more than happy to fill us in on the Tullie Inn and surrounding places to see while providing tip top service.  We enjoyed delicious breads and flatbreads with oils while we poured over the stunning menu. What I loved about here was the variety in on offer, without being overwhelming or too diverse they have just pinpointed  good foods from a variety of cuisines. From morrocan stew, to risotto or pasta to steaks from the grill, they cater for everyone and I was honestly so pushed for what I wanted to have.

I opted for the chicken tempura to start, crispy on the outside, incredibly tender on the inside and with a dip with just the right amount of kick, it was heavenly and one of the best starters I have had in a very long time. Ally went for Cullen skink which although not up my street- he was in his element and uhhhmed and ahhhd throughout. For main I plumped for a beautiful terayki chicken, perfectly cooked and coming with rice and wilted greens and sauce on the side the flavours were excellent and it felt filling but not too heavy.  Lamb Stew was the winner for Ally and he adored it, stunning mix of flavours and served with flat bread and cous cous it was something totally different that he wasn't expecting to be on the menu.

After trying to persuade ourselves we couldn't possibly have pudding- we of course ended up ordering two anyway and man am I glad we did! On the recommendation of Danielle it was the sticky toffee pudding and chocolate brownie that won the fight and they were outstanding. I would go back just for dessert in a heartbeat. The sticky toffee was my winner, moist and juicy and a healthy serving it was just sensational and a fab end to such a gorgeous meal.

I loved the portion sizes and found it to be good value for money for quality food in such a lovely place. We moved through ( more like rolled given how much we had eaten) to the bar area which was buzzing for a Saturday night. With a  live DJ providing excellent motown and soul it was really hard to leave for the last train, I just wanted to stay and try out their pretty darn good looking breakfast menu too!

 I am so impressed that they offer a two courses for £10 during the week, which I really hope to get to one day as I think that it is fabulous value for what is being offered. I cannot recommend a day trip to here enough, there is so much to do in the local area that you can make a real mini holiday of a trip and finish it off with some mouthwatering food and drinks.

Thanks so much to The Tullie Inn for having us- everyone was so nice I cannot wait for my next visit.

Highland Fling reminder!

Just a quick post to remind all my lovely Scottish based readers to get along to Michael Bourne and the Scottish Ballet’s Highland Flingif at all possible. I went along last night and it was a truly mesmerising and  fun filled evening. I have never really ‘ laughed’ as such at a ballet before but this one was so lively, witty and genuinely funny you could really feel the warmth from the packed out audience. It was so nice to see people at the end really buzzing about the experience!

It is such an infectious performance, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it today- there were so many well observed and communicated moments, that it made for a magical experience. It is so ‘Scottish’  without being just stereotypical or twee ( even with all the tartan!). It was a piece that made me really wish I could get pretty much everyone I know along , as I just know how much they would all enjoy it, male and female, through all the generations.

A massive well done to everyone involved in creating this production,it really was a ‘romantic wee ballet’  and I felt honoured to get to see it. 

For ticket info head on over to the Ballet's website