Introducing; the Trtl Napscarf

Everyone at my work is used to me having all sorts delivered to the office, not a week goes by there isn't something unusual looking arriving at my desk that invites lots of questions from my colleagues. Nothing has ever piqued as much interest however as my latest purchase, the TRTL ( pronounced Turtle) travel pillow. The team at TRTL have actually been on my radar for some time as they have appeared on a BBC documentary on the amazing entrepreneurship centre Espark located right here in Glasgow and not only that but they have appeared on one of my fave programmes- Dragon's Den!

napping in extreme comfort

Why all this attention you are wondering?? well the clever cookies have only gone and completely redesigned the travel pillow and my god have they done a good job. I have so many memories of sharing around the silly little blow up pillow with my brothers when we were going on long distance journeys when we were younger, and even when I did get a shot it never failed to be super uncomfortable anyway or just slowly start to deflate!!

As a grown up I never even thought to try and use one- the idea of actually blowing one up
 seemed too embarrassing and the filled cushion style ones just took up too much space to cart about. Without one the next obvious option was....Ally, and essentially using the poor boy as a travel pillow who gets the pleasure of me clambering all over him to try and get comfy in the hope of catching a few zzzz's when we are going adventuring. With so many cheaper airlines now charging to even get to sit next to each other I had been once again scuppered however as utilising a stranger for a pillow just seemed a  step too far. Funnily enough the night before my TRTL actually arrived, Ally returned from a short flight for work and he laughed as he got in the door as not just one but both of the strangers he was sat between had promptly fallen asleep on his shoulder. NIGHTMARE.

You can imagine his excitement then when I produced the ultimate in travel luxury, the Trtl nap scarf. Designed with a love of travelling and a sense of adventure in mind, the scarf has been designed by a duo of mechanical engineers who wanted to make a more comfortable experience and boy have they got that right. This little beauty just wraps around your neck and provides a perfect little napping 'ledge' for you to rest your head on. The strengthened ribs provide the head and neck support while the super soft fleece provide serious comfort. Being able  to have the scarf element over your mouth while napping is handy addition and the perfect for any droolers ( sorry!) or wide mouth snoozers out there! What a joy for all the poor strangers that have had to witness my sleeping face in the past....

 Ally ripped it out my hands and promptly fell asleep which was a massive thumbs up from him. My colleagues all gave it the once over too and it was a resounding success for them with 4 orders going in right away for Christmas presents for people. It has been pure TRTL madness since it arrived!
I coincidentally booked flights to NY for my birthday next year just a couple of days after finding the  pillow ( I blame this spontaneous expense on them!) and I can tragically admit I am looking forward to such a long flight just so I can put this little beauty to good use.

only £20?? WHAT A BARGAIN!

You can order the pillow direct from the website ( with free delivery) or they are also available on Amazon priced a super reasonable £19.95. Join the TRTL revolution today and travel in comfort for evermore. It is available in black, grey, red and a super cute coral version too.

Sleep well and Dream Big indeed.

Glasgow Reviewed; A consultation with La Belle Forme

Heading back to the La Belle Forme clinic is like being reunited with a good friend, they are just the friendliest bunch and the atmosphere in there is always so positive and welcoming. Even though there are people coming in and out who are having treatments of a varying scale there isn't any nervousness surrounding you which I think it really important when you are making decisions on your appearance. I absolutely love settling in with a cup of tea and just taking time to peruse all the leaflets they have sitting out explaining the variety of treatments on offer and there is always a happy staff member ready to share what amazing results they have seen with clients recently or share their own personal experiences. For this consultation I was meeting with Laura who is a hoot to deal with, with years spent as a nurse in one of Glasgow's busiest hospitals she has a fantastic bedside manner for reassuring you over even the smallest procedure, her warmth and knowledge is such an asset. She also just happens to be this years Scottish Hair and Beauty  Awards winner of the best cosmetic practitioner award which is an amazing achievement and so well deserved as she is incredible at what she does.

Best Cosmetic Practioner- Laura Miller

We had a chat through where my skin was at and where I would like it to be and Laura gave me the run down on the kinds of treatments I could be considering to help me achieve those goals. I hopped on to the treatment bed and she cleansed my face and took a good look at my skin while asking me about any concerns I might be having at this stage in my life and was really good at understanding my fears about certain procedures. A consultation here is just so useful in getting someone in the know to give you an honest perspective on what is achievable and what other tips you can bearing in mind to help such as skincare.

With a lot of  my pigmentation gone it is the early signs of ageing that I am starting to notice. I am turning 30 next year ( GULP) and I am well aware that is by no means old but I have certainly noticed changes in my skin in the last year or so that I would like to make sure I am keeping on top of. Thanks to a recent bout of adult acne twinned with a frustrating skin infection I have had, there are two areas really plaguing me currently, acne scarring and some dreaded wrinkles! The deep lines I have between my eyebrows from years and years spent refusing to wear my glasses which I now could not be more annoyed at myself for, are a constant course of irritation for me. Although I am well aware are not the end of the world they consistently bug me, my make up gathers in them and I just felt they age me generally. Laura was amazing at taking a good look at these areas and suggesting a plan for helping take care of the issues and I am so excited to get started and compare some before and afters.

You can contact La Belle Forme on 0141 552 0828 or make an enquiry on the website

Mirelle Activewear Leggings

If you missed my post all about the wonder woman that has created an amazing active wear line ( and lives right here in Glasgow) then you can catch up here. Since then I have been putting two of the Mirelle Activewear pieces through their paces in the last couple of weeks and can happily report that these beauties perform as well as they look. On first glance I was super impressed with the sheer quality of the fabrics used and the cut of the design, when I got them in I could not believe the  difference between these and the ones I had worn that very morning to the gym. Although I spend a lot of my time in gym gear for various activities, I have never really spent much on that wardrobe and honestly did not realise what paying a little more  might get me in terms of comfort, durability and actually confidence and motivation too!

We managed to at least get one serious pic....

First up was the Acqua legging and I was quick to give it the old DOES IT GO SEE THROUGH IF I SQUAT test, and that is when I knew we were on to a winner- there will be no bum showing through these bad boys. They are thick and tough to the touch but still feeling incredibly supported and light on, these leggings are not mucking about. Serious sports performance but with beautiful style, the Acqua leggings are made from incredibly breathable spandex that along with its hydrophilic finish that absorbs and disperses moisture means there are perfect  for workouts. This design incorporates a compression fabric that provides amazing support  and they are not cut super low on the body so give a solid amount of support to the torso and handily don’t give that dreaded camel toe effect either! The mint coloured panels give you a wonderfully sleek silhouette and the fabric really sculpts the body and  adds to a super shapely fit that genuinely makes me feel much better than my previous ill-fitting ones. Looking in the mirror and seeing your clothes really giving you that strong shape is a real motivator for me to push myself more which is a definite plus when you are strength training like I have been in recent months. 

The action shot!

It has been pretty hard to pry me out of the Acqua since they arrived but I handily also sent a different pair to test out too which have been the perfect complement. Much as I am fully addicted to the shape the first pair give me- I don’t always require full compression bottoms when I am out and about such as my yin yoga class, or just a spot of Urban Adventuring with Ally. The light fabric of the ethnic print legging is absolutely perfect for this as they provide a spot of thermal comfort  while still being breathable, flexible and really soft to the touch. These have been my total go-to bottoms as they unbelievably comfortable never mind flattering with their high waist design and best of all- fun to look at. Who says sports wear should be boring?? Built with that same attention to detail, these leggings are just dreamy to wear and have been my perfect yoga bottoms, and as with the Acqua print they are easy care, easy wash and easy drying too which is ideal. These ones are only £34 in the sale right now so I would grab them while you can!

I am so glad Mirelle has shown me the light when it comes to finding decent gear that will actually last as it withstands multiple washes and lots of different types of activity. I have built up quite the wish list from her collection and my next top picks are definately the Penna Light Leggings in the most amazing feather print and the super stylish Mesh Top. Working out will never be frumpy again!

A/W 2015 with Debenhams

The Principles jacket of my dreams

Autumn is finally here- I know I should really be still clinging on to the hope of some actual summer showing its face around Scotland but I have always been an Autumn gal, so I for one am happy when it is time to get proper layering on the go again. I adore the autumn colour scheme, the crispness in the air and getting to hide under big cosy jumpers while indulging in hot chocolates at any given opportunity. As always I know I can look to Debenhams mix of brands to help me pick out key pieces I am going to want in my winter wardrobe, and this years Autumn/ Winter showcase was no exception. Held in the gorgeous BlythswoodHotel, the brands on show had just the right mix of print and sequins in among really versatile pieces to keep your look fresh. It is too easy to fall into a style rut at this time of year, but the dark and gloomy mornings are no excuse to not stand out. Some absolute top picks for me this year were the Preen/Edition offering which featured some stunning textures ( and a stunning horse print dress), and the jaw droppingly gorgeous No 1. by Jenny Packham evening gowns that I am now dying to find occasion for. 

The Nine by Savannah Millercollection was a newcomer to my radar that left a really lasting impression- featuring seriously wearable designs with some stunning sequin pieces that felt far more high end than their price points.

The beauty department were not one to fall behind either with new additions to the line up in the Argyle Street store from the likes of the much loved theBalm products, really catching my eye. Another stand out piece had to be the amazingly names ‘ Ross and Rachel’ blusher from Too Faced, and oh my lordy the new Miu Miu scent is needed just for the bottle! I also finally got my hands on the Urban Decay smoky palette which was just as I expected- Stunning.

Lori/ Ayden /Lynsay

We were treated to some stunning Lorraine Woods flowers on the way out of the event that were perfect for getting me right in that Autumn spirit and have lasted an insanely long time in my living room. Never mind to top it all off I got to spend some time with these mega babes, as always Debenhams puts on quite the show.

Glasgow Reviewed; Cut and Colour with Anderson's

Getting my hair cut is not usually a relaxing experience for me thanks to a few disasters along the way. I usually see it akin to having to book a dentist or doctor appointment, necessary but entirely put off-able and ultimately given into just from necessity. I understand that is not how most people I know treat a haircut however, and quite rightly so! The opportunity to head into a salon, enjoy a bit of pampering and switch off while someone gives you a new look and a mega confidence boost in the progress, is something that should be enjoyed and definitely not seen as a chore. This all changed for me last week when I headed along to the stunning city centre Anderson's to meet the owner Keith and have him work his magic on me and show me what a truly amazing salon experience should be like. From the moment you walk into the salon, this place feels like home and I could literally feel my shoulders relax as the super lovely receptionist took my coat...

Looking like an up-cycled haven, you can instantly get an idea of the Anderson's ethos as you look around. From crates on the wall to act as planters, to old church floorboards acting as the actual cutting stations- this place has some serious eco style and it is no wonder they have already bagged a Salon Design of the year award! There is not an air of pretentiousness about the place or that really clinical vibe I often I feel when I walk in salon that instantly makes me feel completely un-relaxed. With a stunning leather couch to chill out on while you wait, sitting right next to the most glam refreshment station I have ever actually seen in a hairdressers ( and most cafes for that matter!) this place is ridiculously cool without being intimidating. Situated handily just off of George Square on South Frederick Street, Anderson's has only been open for under a year but already racked up some seriously impressive accolades, the most recent of these being the prestigious Best New Salon at the Creative Heads Most Wanted awards in September.

I was lucky enough to get to bend the ear of owner Keith who is the most down to earth, passionate and seriously talented guy whose creativity and style shines through in the salon. With a fascinating history of his own (from footballer to club nights to hair dressing) he has an amazing vision for Anderson's and alongside his partner Caroline, they have put together something incredibly impressive and most importantly, unique to the Glasgow salon scene. In the future there will be a second floor offering more cutting stations, a bespoke barbering area, a bar and an event space that will allow the team to offer even more and I am super excited to see what they come up with.

So aside from the fact I want to move in ( and possibly want Keith and Caroline to adopt me) was the actual cut any good?? Yes, yes it was.

Keith took time to listen to what it was I was looking for, what kind of time I put into my hair, and generally the lifestyle I needed a cut to fit into. He was fantastic at talking me through his vision of how to bring it all to life to suit my face shape and using semi permanent colour to bring warmth into my skin tone and really make the cut pop. Over his years in the industry, Keith has really been taken by the work of Davines, finding their high-end products and techniques to be ahead of the game in the industry, so he set out to be the first salon in Scotland to be representing the brand. Davines products are guided by the principle of sustainable beauty and it ties in so beautifully with the Anderson's ethos along with their shared passion for creativity and quality. Keith talked me through a Davines technique he would be using to allow for really natural application of the lighter colour to be worked into an over all warmer dark shade on my hair which would really give it good movement and depth. Using what I can only describe as strips of sticky fly-paper alike pieces, the Flamboyage technique means he could attach my hair to them and get a light handed and not too ‘organised’ distribution of colour through my lower lengths of hair. It handily also makes the colouring process is incredibly quick and pain free without having to use all the foil in the world and really hand pick every colour strand which was perfect for the undone look I prefer.

With the dye on, I sat back and enjoyed a magazine and some seriously impressive refreshments. I know I shouldn’t award points to somewhere because they can bring me the greatest hot beverage of all time, but it is my blog and I am going to. One minute you ask for a hot chocolate and the next thing you know there is the most amazing marshmallow filled creation sitting in front of you in a mason jar complete with biscuits and a dusting of extra chocolate- I mean come on. If I don’t normally relax in a salon, here I was endanger of getting a little toooo comfortable! It was this level of attention to detail that just makes the experience feel so special. From guzzling delicious drinks, to being able to put my feet up on the reclining hair washing station to the complimentary head AND hand massages the lovely team provide- you just could not fail to walk out feeling on top of the world.

With the colour off, and feeling insanely good about myself already, Keith got under way with the cut as I interrogated him all about the plans in the works for the new basement addition to the salon. This place already has a pretty magical feel in it that goes far past ‘just a hair cut’ that I can totally imagine how amazing a space they are creating. Before I knew it, we were done- and it sounds ridiculous but I was having such a good time in the chair that I actually completely didn’t notice my hair actually changing! But what a change it was, I was completely bowled over with my new look- it might sound silly but it just felt so me. It was effortless to recreate, the colour just made me look much more polished with still retaining that undone feel and the cut was just perfect for my face shape and gave me the volume I always crave. I was over the moon and really could not believe just how good the finished effect was- I never thought I would leave a hair salon feeling so happy!!

I was pretty sad my time for now had come to an end but without a doubt I will be back to see what the team have come up  in the future, with such a wonderful hand picked team of stylists to choose from and such  an exciting direction from their passionate lead, Anderson's is sure to be winning more awards soon.

You can check out the salons website to book online or call the team on 0141 237 6250.

 I have a couple of 20% off first time visit vouchers for anyone booking ( just get in touch on Twitter) and it is worth pointing out students can get 25% off prices every Tuesday and Wednesday too. 

Thanks to team Anderson's for such a marvellous time

Glasgow Reviewed; Iolla Eyewear

Affordable glasses when I was younger meant the old NHS prescription bad boys that looking back, were utterly heinous. Big, wiry, and ill fitting springs to mind and I absolutely HATED wearing them.  I can still remember getting my first ever pair that my folks were willing to pay for when I was about 17, and finally I would actually wear them when I needed to and could stop giving me deep frown lines from screwing my face up to see!

Since then I have developed a serious passion for glasses and have actually learned to enjoy picking out my next pair of frames and working out what works on my face shape. The problem of cost was still an issue however and it felt like such a big investment of cash going into my frames that I would only do it every few years which mean't I would quickly become bored with what I had. In the past couple of years I have dabbled with trying out budget options ( with frames coming from China) and I have had success with a few pairs but the quality has just never felt up to scratch for daily wear and every attempt has always come with a high amount of risk in terms of finding a pair that actually suit me without trying them on.

This is where my glasses journey meets a new brand and showroom based right here in Glasgow that is truly set to change everything for specs fans. For only £65 which includes your lenses with anti reflective coating, you can get yourself a simply stunning frame which the young entrepreneur who has started the company has designed himself through this exact frustration at finding well made, affordable glasses.  Meaning 'To See' in Gaelic, Stefan alongside his colleague Brian, have launched Iolla- an online eye wear company that also provides that offline experience in their stunning Finnieston showroom. I was bowled over when I walked into their bright space which is perfect for finding a new pair and if you are anything like me- trying on every single frame in the place. Leave no stone un-turned I say! Named after famous Scots ( a lovely touch) the entrepreneurs have designed each frame specially and sourced the best quality acetate in a range of stunning colours, to be able to offer some seriously stylish eye wear. Knowing ahead of schedule the £65 price point, I definitely had my reservations about how the quality would be in the flesh but it was completely unnecessary. These are completely gorgeous and feel very much akin to any high-end frames I have tried in the past.

I took along the pickiest person I know when it comes to my glasses; Ally might be indecisive when it comes to many things but knowing what eyewear suits is his undoubted super power. We have been to known to stand in a high street opticians and have him veto literally 95% of the shop and mange to whittle it down to only a couple of frames that truly work. This was a completely different experience however as my 'shortlist' ended up being 6 strong- a massive compliment from him! Luckily Iolla are also as good at picking staff as they are at designing frames and showrooms, as they had incredible  patience and were so lovely and encouraging at helping me whittle it right down based on what I wanted them for, and what worked best. It was without a doubt the most fun I have ever had selecting new frames, I didn't want to leave the shop! You need to make sure you have your prescription for ordering, which you can have done elsewhere and receive a print out to take with you or handily you can update to your order online just by taking a picture of it. You will pay more if you are after super thin lenses or you have a very strong prescription which is completely normal for ordering glasses, the included anti reflective coating in the £65 price however is added fantastic value.

In the end I settled on the Walnut Tortoise colour in the Patterson frame and it is truly love. I am already planning my next pair from the ranges and without a doubt I am finally going to treat myself to prescription sunglasses too. Clearly I don't need much or a reason to get back into that gorgeous showroom ( complete with lovely honesty bar with profits going to Glasgow City Mission) Check out the ranges online here or get yourself along to the shop pronto- if you find me there it is cause I have officially moved in, it is the coolest spot in Finnieston!