Pampering Mum with L'Occitane

If there is one person I don’t mind pushing the boat out for it is my mum. She does an incredible amount for me regardless of my age and I am excited to be heading away next week for a wee holiday with her and the whole family to celebrate her turning the big 60 ( and me turning 30!) I usually like to go with the pampering element for a gift for her as it is not something she would splurge on for herself and this year it is L’Occitanethat  has caught my eye for providing me with a gift that is doesn’t break the bank. A little something that looks incredibly pretty as well as smelling divine is just what I am after!

I have used a variety of their products over the years and usually always have a miniature of their hand cream in my bag at all times which always feels like a little piece of luxury, so my first thought is to treat mum to a set of these as she suffers really badly from sore and tight hands. I actually first received these as a gift myself and I found it such a lovely pressie that I know she would love them.

Mum loves to have scents around the house and in recent years she has dabbled with diffusersinstead of candles but a lot of the cheaper ones don’t have the lasting aroma that you look for. Having popped in store and given this verbena set a sniff; I can say I think it is gorgeous and could be a winner (although I now just want it for myself….)

The mothership loves lavender and relaxing notes so the Lavender gift set feels like the ideal gift for her. I like that it contains a little of everything from soap to shower gel and hand cream. The packaging is relaxing just looking at it!

Talking of packaging, I kind of want this pamplemousse and rhubarb set just for the beautiful box!! A combination I can’t say I have ever seen before, I am dying to give this fruity set a go.

 

So many top choices for treating my mum where I know she will be over the moon with her gift and I know she is getting some luxurious quality. Definitely just what she deserves!

*Written by me in collaboration with L'Occitane*

My sleep secret...

I have such a long standing history with sleep troubles that it is hard to know where to begin. Since I was very young I have struggled to get to  sleep and actually stay asleep, I have such horrible memories of feeling trapped at sleepovers while everyone else slept like logs, or spending lots of the nights up and about having weird hallucinogenic dreams that left me shattered  the next day. Fast forward 20 years and I still suffer and when I am stressed or worried it gets much worse, throw in a bad stomach that can keep me up and my quality of sleep dwindles dramatically, except now it was no longer just me it affected but poor ally having to sleep next to me. He is so used to it now and knows how to drag me back to bed or soothe my confused half-asleep self, but it is a tiring job!

 One of the aspects of bedtime that I found so annoying was watching Ally who can literally fall into a deep sleep within seconds ( seriously, it amazes me) and I would lie awake for really long periods of time just getting more and more annoyed. In the past I have tried a few things, meds ( not something I wanted for every day life) nice smelling sprays and candles, switching off tvs etc and even resorting to shoving crystals under my pillows! None of these were particularly effective and I had pretty much given up hope on bedtime gadgetry until a product caught my eye and I thought it was worth a stab. A bed of nails might sound a daunting prospect but this little beauty has not spent a night away from my side in those two years and I look forward to getting myself settled on it every night. Lovingly referred to as my ‘prickles’ by Ally, this is a thin comfortable mat with lots of sharp points that hit pressure areas on your body much like acupuncture would. I have used a cheap version of these mats for the past two years and got on fine but when the chance to try a more robust version through Pranamat came up I just had to compare how the experience might be.

Instantly you might think I am mad ( I didn't believe it could help until I tried it), but I can honestly say this little beauty has been such a fantastic addition to my night time routine and when this one arrived it meant my colleagues could finally try out what I had been harping on about! There is something fun about seeing everyone suddenly want to lie on the floor!!  Instantly I could tell the Pranamat version was something special, coming in a super handy travel friendly box ( and with some gorgeous colour combinations) this baby is built to last. It is much thicker and more pressure point heavy than my old one and makes for even more relaxing experience.

You can use the bed of nails in various ways ( even for performing yoga moves on!) their are lots of handy how to videos on their website but I basically use mine every single night for 20 mins or so when lying in bed and it just completely calms me, you feel a bit of heat when in contact with the pressure points but it is not actually painful. I quite often will take the mat to the floor and places my legs up the wall when I really need a de-stress, and Ally is always stealing it to seek some pressure relief on his sore muscles. 

I love that this version is made from such durable eco-friendly material, and the extra thickness means this one is far more comfortable for lying on the floor with as their is extra padding in comparison to my cheap version. This padding actually comes in the form of coconut fibers inside which I thought was super cool and is cleverly used as it doesn't hold dust like usual foam rubber.  Pranamat also do small pillow versions which i am now desperate to try in one of their other pretty colour ways and offer a fab 5 year guarantee and worldwide shipping.

I could instantly tell the difference with this version of a bed of nails, and turns out it really is superior not just from looks but to the user experience too. I am absolutely thrilled with my Pranamat and think it is well worth checking our their products if you are looking for something to help with sleeping or just a way to help relax. 

Gifts with Gant

Gant has ended up on my radar numerous times since the end of last year. Going from always seeking it out when charity shopping as I know their pieces are superb quality, to actively perusing the site and lusting after their vast range of goodies from work wear to boots to scents.

Their sale has some amazing bits that I am dying to nab for me, especially in the footwear department. I know gifts for other people should really come first, but it is important to treat yo'self!

Just look at those practical yet stylish Ashley boots? the full knee length classic shape of the Avery aint too shabby either mind you. For the day to day black boots never see me wrong so the Chelsea style of the Lisa would be ideal, although I love the flash of gold hardware on the Laura too. I am  a a flat shoe gal so the comfort mixed with the smart style of the Kathryn shoe is also on my lust list.

Although with Love day lurking around the corner and numerous male birthdays in the first part of the year, I have to get it into my head that now is not the time to be shopping for me. I was sent their male fragrance* to try and I am besotted with it. Yes Ally will get to use it…. But I am a longstanding fan of masculine scents for women and this is a total beauty. With inspiration from the sea salt with woody notes of ships mixed with fresh elements of coriander and  lavender, and a bottle designed to be like wicker baskets from old sailing ships, this is a stunning aftershave that I cannot get enough of and would make a beautiful gift. Ally is pretty particular when it comes to aftershave and what he likes to wear ( he has mega sensitive skin so it has to be worth it!)  He was incredibly impressed with this, “ it smells very expensive” was his first impression which I thought was really bang on. coming in at £35 for 50ml this has a really air of quality with it that makes it such a nice gift.

The menswear sale also has a boat load of strong gift ideas for the man in your life. Dads, boyfriends, brothers or pals there is definitely a quality choice for them in there.

I am a big fan of the Forrest green lambswool scarf ( definitely one to pinch for myself), Ally has been in the market for a Khaki jacket for ages and this 'The Mist' jacket could be the one. I am head over heels for the Donegal textured jumper and the Melange tie with its wool and silk blend is properly dreamy.

Glasgow Reviewed; Botox at La Belle Forme

day before botox and one week after

When the offer to give botox a whirl came into my inbox my immediate reaction was No. Way. Then when I actually thought about it that night I realised my reaction was only no because I ‘thought’ it should be no, not because I had taken the time to really see what I thought about it. With so many opinions about women and ageing and treatments such as this I think it is easy to make a swift judgement or take a stance just because you believe it is the right side of the argument but in reality It doesn’t mean you truly feel that way.

I have always said I have no problems with cosmetic procedures for people as long as it makes them feel good and is something that they personally really want and don’t just feel a pressure to give into. Why I then didn’t apply that thinking to myself I don’t really know, but I can say now that I am so glad I did. Since I was young I absolutely hated wearing my glasses but I really needed them, only now can I appreciate just how much I needed them in fact. And the result of all that too cool for school attitude and nonsense? Deep frown lines from where I clearly spent those years burrowing my brow to actually be able to read things, a disaster when I spent a lot of time trying to read tiny musical notes in an orchestra……

 It would turn out that even now that I am a proud glasses wearer that my default resting face without even noticing is a slightly furrowed frown which is doing nothing but deepening said lines and they are the thing I always look in the mirror and allow to bother me. I can have my makeup looking beautiful and not long later all I can see in the mirror is where the foundation has gathered in these lines and boom- my confidence is knocked!

So when I really sat and thought about trying botox I realised, I don’t care what people think- I want to try it and see what kind of difference it really makes. And so I did and guess what, I love the results. Before making my final decision I spoke to Laura from La Belle Forme( you can read about a consultation at the clinic here) and she explained that a botox treatment doesn’t have to mean 'frozen face' at all, but when used correctly and appropriately it can be used to gain a whole variety of results. In my case this would mean stopping those muscles from moving automatically (as they do into a frown) which would prevent the situation worsening in the long run. This was music to my ears and was the moment I realised just how much I wanted to give it a go.

day before botox and 6 weeks after

Laura was amazing at answering all my questions and explaining the reasons why people can be nervous about using Botox, it was good to hear complete honesty and advice on the pros and also cons of the procedure. It didn’t change my mind at all, if anything it made me realise giving it a go was for me and it was obvious from her years of experience why she is an award winning practitioner of the treatment!

The procedure itself was over insanely quickly, it really is a no fuss, no real pain treatment, that you can easily have done in among a busy day. You of course do feel sharp pricks from the needles but honestly it is so surprisingly painless. I was left with tiny little prick marks straight after but it was all gone in no time and there is absolutely no down time needed. You don’t see the results till around a week after ( it can take a little longer)  but boy, when you do….

I LOVE IT. Yup, colour me a fan guys- I am absolutely madly into the results. It might seem like such a little thing to others but having something on your face that genuinely bothers you, so quickly  resolved can just provide this massive confidence boost that if I am honest, I truly wasn’t expecting. When I looked in the mirror and realised the treatment had kicked in (around 10 days later), and was working it I was properly blown away by the difference it actually had made. I can completely understand how it is not for everyone and going forward  I wouldn’t necessarily have it in any area bar my frown lines between my eyes ( as the other lines just do not bother me as much- for now!) but it has totally changed how I feel about the procedure. My face just feels a lot younger looking and much fresher, and without a doubt my makeup sits far nicer on my forehead and in fact I barely put any kind of bb cream or foundation up on that area now as I think it looks totally fine by itself.

old selfie/new selfie

For the £150 it would cost to have my one problem area done again in the future, I would absolutely 100% do it, knowing that I am stopping my already prematurely deep lines getting worse by not allowing them to fall into that default position is really comforting to me- sad as that may sound. I know that after 8 or so months when I see the area change again, I will want to have it repeated. When I think of how much I might spend on other things that don’t bring me anywhere near as much an emotion as this did, £150 doesn’t seem at all un acheivable ( of course it is all relative as to others that might seem a high cost).

Laura is a total master at her approach to the use of botox, with the lightest of touch and application she can really give you the kind of results you are after, from a softer look to the little more ‘frozen’ if that appeals. You book in for a check-up a couple of weeks after your treatment and it is fab as there is the option then to have slightly more applied if you require it ( facial muscles can be strong!). Laura really sees it as an art form when she is helping someone make changes and the follow up appointment for any tweaks is just another example of the level of professionalism and care they take at La Belle Forme. It was great to chat away again to her about the kind of way botox and fillers can be used, she showed me some incredible before and after photos of people she had worked on and it is astounding the kind of difference people can have made to their lives when they consider treatments. For example she uses fillers to really help with deep scarring on people ( caused from dog bites to birth defects) and I was gobsmacked at how she uses techniques to completely alter their look. My lines were, I realise now,very superficial in the grand scheme of things, so taking how I felt with having them softened means I can only imagine the relief and confidence felt by those far more effected.

very little foundation needed for a wedding recently thanks to my super smooth lines

So is botox a treatment worth considering at La Belle Forme? Oh yes, Yes it is. From naysayer to mega fan- I am really glad I got over my initial negativity and experienced it. It has definitely made me less quick to judge others on the kinds of things people spend their money on, you just never know the level of enjoyment, comfort or confidence they derive from it.  One thing worth remembering however is had I decided to have botox even without the invite, it would always have been with the team here at the clinic as you just cannot leave your face in the hands of a lesser qualified and experienced person. Botox now seems to be something you can have in different types of places from dentists to hairdressers and I would never consider it. You absolutely do get what you pay for and for the level of skill and years experience the team at La Belle Forme bring to the table is worth every penny.

To speak to one of the lovely staff at the clinic you can call 0141 552 0828.

Edinburgh Reviewed; The Indulgence Package the Guerlain Spa

The Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh just knows how to do Christmas. From stunning meal and party options for the office, to Christmas Day meals and festive afternoon teas, there really is some amazing offerings on their Waldorf Winter brochure. Of course the Hotel is home to just more than gorgeous rooms and restaurants, it also boasts the beautiful Guerlain Spa that  I am always so eager to find out what they have planned. The work the staff have put in here to build bespoke packages for each season is really impressive and always of an incredibly high standard. The treatments themselves are built to incorporate innovative moves that combine the ultimate in relaxation and pampering, and the really friendly team provide that extra element of luxury that makes the Guerlain Spa such an ideal place to visit.

I have been a couple of times but never actually had the time to really try out the whole health facilities on offer at the spa so this time I was sure to keep a few hours free and pack a swimming costume to try out a whole shebang. The Indulgence package is one of 5 on offer for the whole of December in the spa which include a gorgeous couples massage package and a full body exfoliation option which is perfect for the party season. From the moment you walk in you are treated like a VIP and you can feel your self instantly start to de-stress and unwind with the unmistakable aromas of the various Guerlain fragrances sitting in reception surrounding you. I was shown to the locker area for the pool to get myself set up in my robe ( you might remember before I pointed out that this is not just any robe, it is literally the greatest duvet style robe you will ever experience) and I got settled into the treatment waiting room ready to experience the Caledonian Chic massage. With little nibbles and fruit and water laid out alongside a host of high end magazines to peruse in comfort, I was definitely read to shrug off the stresses of the week and unwind.

You start a treatment with a fragrance journey which allows you to match your experience to how you feel that day, you might want to leave feeling sexy and party ready and opt for Idylle or want to feel invigorated and full of energy with a light floral number like La Petite Robe Noire. On this occasion I wanted to fully relax so was most drawn to Insolence which was the perfect background to my treatment. The experience then leads to a lovely foot bath which is such a fantastically grounding start to the massage as it really gives you a moment to take in where you are and just let go of the outside world before the treatment begins. My therapist was fantastic at explaining the Caledonian Chic and the history of the hotel and the area that was used to inspire many of the moves used within. I think that  level of thought creates such a wonderful connection between guest and the spa and really feels on another level from many massages I have had in the past. I also had the opportunity to talk through any problem areas I was struggling with which was ideal as I was struggling with my shoulders and lower back.

The Caledonian Chic is an exquisite performance of moves that are executed with such skill from the therapists who clearly know their stuff. Particular attention was paid to my problem areas while still ensuring the massage encompassed the whole body. Quite literally this treatment is luxury from head to toe- each individual toe was worked on right up to the most wonderful head massage! I left the room completely walking on a cloud and the pains I has been struggling with felt absolutely amazing. It was such a pleasure to then be able to enjoy a glass of bubbles in the relaxation room and really just let the whole experience soak in before hitting the pool. The facilities here are really lovely and offer such a good overall package. I got to relax poolside between enjoying a few lengths and sitting enjoying the warmth of the Jacuzzi- all with being able to look at the stunning Edinburgh Castle through the windows.  There is a small but perfectly formed sauna to enjoy, right next to the steam room that no matter how hard I try, I still only lasted a few minutes in :) all together though it made for such a wonderful series of relaxations that left me feeling completely invigorated and incredibly keen to stay put for a few more hours! Lucky for me there is a host of beautiful Guerlain makeup and cloud nine straighteners on offer for guests to use to help get themselves real world ready- a wonderfully luxurious end to a luxurious few hours.

Ally giving his best hotel catalog pose

As always this visit to Guerlain was nothing short of magical, it is no wonder it is the Scottish Hotel  Awards Spa of the Year!

A trip here would make an ideal Christmas experience for you or loved ones.
You can contact the spa on 0131 222 8836.

Time to get cosy

photo c/o Thinkbox

I love reading articles that are all about learning how people in other countries and cultures live and how it might differ from the life I experience here in Scotland. One of my favourite recent ones I read was all about the concept of Hygge and I haven’t been able to get it out my head since. A Danish word actually pronounced “hoo-ga” that pretty much translates to Cosiness and originates from a Norwegian word meaning wellbeing, it is a way of life to many Danish people. Due to their long cold winters, the people there really focus on the cosiness aspect of the word and really celebrate entertaining at home by getting family and friends together for a nice candle lit meal or just snuggling up on the couch with a good book and really enjoying it. The main idea is about relaxing and feeling as at home as possible- isn’t that just gorgeous??

the gang getting our Christmas Hygge on last year

I have thought about the idea of it a lot lately as Autumn is my favourite season and I actually think this idea of snuggling in for winter is part of the reason. As soon as the nights grow shorter my pals and I usually congregate on a Saturday night in my flat with a heap of junk food, some candles lit and a bit of wine and rubbish tv to scorn and it is pretty perfect. Of course it could always be made better by a fancy 4K TV and some better contestants on the X Factor but even without, it still is the perfect way to save some pennies and enjoy each others company while riding out the rubbish weather.  Usually I am hard on myself and sometimes think we shouldn’t be in hibernating like this or spending wet Sundays curled up in bed binge watching Netflix but seeing how much other cultures might celebrate this practice has made me want to do the same. I shall unashamedly be spending some of my winter weekends ‘in’ and totally loving it.

What do you do to make your surroundings cosy come the darker months?

*Written in association with Share it Quick