SUITE LIFE AT THE BONHAM HOTEL

I'm back, once again with another hotel review. I feel like travel has been a huge focus this year in Scotland's blogging industry and I ain't complaining.

This time, I was headed to the Capital to stay at a charming 4 star hotel situated in the West End. The Bonham Hotel has recently undergone a huge refurb which has seen the bedroom interiors given a modern update which still reflects its original design. The hotel feels traditional Edinburgh but with wood panelled walls and original fire places but with a young, fresh twist mixed with plush turquoise velvet sofas and glitzy chandeliers.

Myself and some of my favourite Glasgow bloggers were kindly invited to the hotel to indulge in,what sounded like, the most festive night ever. After checking-in, Suzy and I headed to our room - a newly refurbed twin room that was going to be the perfect spot to rest of our heads. Eager to see the Executive Suite, we quickly hurried along to where Victoria was sleeping as this was where the main activities would take place. A large spacious room complete with not one, but two, bay windows, a fire place, two sofas, a tv cabinet, lovely white bathroom with both shower and tub, a big kingsize bed and a dinner table and Christmas tree set-up for later. I was so excited for the night ahead...

Not before long, we were sipping on champagne before the first activity commenced - cookie decorating. If there was ever a therapeutic Christmas activity to indulge in, this was it. We laughed at realising our serious concentration levels and successful and failing icing designs.  I went for a wreath, holly and (slightly dodgy) looking fairy light design.

Next up: cocktail making in their intimate bar area. We shaked up espresso martinis by the fire place and took the opportunity to capture a few pictures.

Two activities ticked off the list, we headed back to our suite to find gifts left for each of us at the table. This was one of the sweetest things ever and I was kindly gifted a hair set by Ouai - perfect! The rest of the evening saw us enjoy a deliscious three course meal in the suite while listening to Christmas music, followed by silly games, lots more prosecco and girly chat until 3am.

After a leisurely morning we enjoyed breakfast in the restaurant together before checking out. Myself, Rachel and Victoria took a quick jaunt to the Christmas markets before catching the train back home - both of which were handily in walking distance from the hotel. Heading back West, I couldn't help but feel incredibly lucky to experience things like this. A huge thank you to The Bonham Hotel and Beattie Communications!

The Bonham Hotel is still undergoing a phased refurb and early 2019 will see exciting new looks for the bar, restaurant, lounge and reception. I can't wait to see what the do with the place! It's already gorgeous and can only get better.

If you have an upcoming trip to Edinburgh and looking for a convenient hotel in the city centre definitely check out The Bonham Hotel.

XoXo

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED WHEN I COLLECTED MY WEDDING GOWN

Two weeks ago, an email I’ve been eagerly awaiting popped into my inbox. Filled with excitement and nerves, I read the words ‘your wedding gown has arrived in store, please call to make an appointment to collect your gown’.

I couldn’t believe it – six months had passed, and I was finally able to see my dress once again.

DREAM DRESS NERVES

In the hours leading up to the appointment I felt all kinds of excited nerves. I could barely remember what the dress looked like from my original appointment, so it felt as though I was about to see it for the first time.

With my mum, sister and bride squad in tow, we made the venture into the city centre to Eleganza Sposa.

After a short five-minute wait, I was whisked into the fitting room to try on my dress. Seeing it hanging up on the hanger for what felt like the first time, I couldn’t help but feel underwhelmed.

PERFECTION PRESSURE

‘Is this the gown that’s going to make me to look the best I’ve ever looked?’, ‘Is it ‘wow’ enough?’, ‘Will it make everyone think positively about my choice as opposed to critically like we often so harshly do?’.

So many things were running through my head that I honestly didn’t know what to think. Before I knew it, the curtain had opened, the big reveal was happening and, before I could stop it, tears came flooding down my face.

Unsure what was wrong, my loved ones questioned if I hated it. I absolutely didn’t hate it, but I honestly didn’t know what I thought.

The built-up nerves, pressure and lack of memory was overwhelming and it had to come out in some way.

THE RIGHT FIT FOR ME

Thankfully the tears only lasted a quick 20 seconds before I walked over to the mirror to analyse the dress.

After a few additions were added and when it’s eventually sized to perfection, I know it will be the perfect dress for me.

It took a while for me to warm up to the dress, but I now remember why I choose it the first time around. I want a dress that’s effortless, romantic and fits my Tuscany destination wedding and this gown ticks all the boxes!

RE-BALANCING

Looking back, I think the pressures that come with buying a wedding gown had taken over. The desire to find something that everyone will love as opposed to something that I want was imbalanced.

And, most likely, spending thousands on a gown will undoubtedly make your question your choice. I actually have a history of doubting big purchases – it’s something I’m working on!

Now that the gown is firmly in my possession (well, my mum’s), and I have pictures I can look back on to remind me of what it looks like, I feel so much happier. I know I’ve chosen the right dress for me and can’t wait to wear it down the aisle to marry my love.

THE HONEST TRUTH

I wanted to share my honesty in this experience for anyone who’s like me and puts unnecessary pressure on themselves.

I think there’s a picture painted within weddings that picking up your gown will be the most magical moment that will make you feel more beautiful than ever before.

This might be the case for some people, but if it’s not for you – don’t worry! I love my gown and I know Liam will too and that’s all that matters.

FESTIVE THINGS TO DO IN GLASGOW

Christmas is less than two weeks away; can you believe it? I always try to embrace all things festive in December and like to mix old traditions with new activities. A few things that I never fail to miss include:

• Visiting the Christmas markets to indulge in some of the delicious food and mulled wine      Making an occasion of putting up the Christmas tree (mulled wine and Christmas music are essential elements)
• Writing out Christmas cards – it’s such an old-fashioned tradition but I love it. If I have time, I usually like to make my own.
• Snuggling under a blanket to watch some of my favourite Christmas movies with festive chocolate by my side (current obsession: After Eights)
• And of course, spending quality time with my loved ones

This year, budgets are tight with saving for our wedding but that won’t stop me from indulging in a little festive fun. Last week, I kick-started the most magical month of the year with a festive day out with Glasgow Loves Christmas. We got to tick off one of my must-dos and also tried some new things, so I thought I’d share our day with you as a little inspiration for festive activities to fill your December.

Wander the markets

Yes – I’ve already made it to the markets. Glasgow is great for Christmas markets as we have two to visit. For this trip, we visited the George Square markets. I love to just wander the markets, check out the hand-made gifts, try some of the German cuisine and drink a mulled wine or three. We also got a superb view of the square from the top of the big wheel and even took a spin on the carousel. I seriously love carousels and their vintage beauty! 

You can view the opening times for the markets here. 

Shop the Style Mile

Christmas and shopping go hand in hand and it wouldn’t be the December without a little (chaotic) trip to the shops. House of Fraser is by far the most festive shop in the city with rows and rows of fairy lights draped from every corner.  It is a must-visit to get me in the Christmas mood every year. Something I discovered this year is the store actually run a Meet Santa event within the cutest little grotto I’ve ever seen on the first floor. They still have a few dates upcoming on the 15^th and 22^nd – check out their website for more info.

We also took a little pit-stop to John Lewis. We were treated to a personal styling session and I honestly couldn’t believe the stylish pieces that could be found within their store. John Lewis is the store I tend to visit for beauty, trusty electronic purchases and homeware gifts but they have so many great fashion retailers that I didn’t realise.

If you’re looking for a little gift inspiration for a girl in your family or are not sure what to put on your wish list, take a trip to the beauty hall in John Lewis and give the new Dyson curler a try. I got the chance to test the new styling tool and couldn’t believe how polished my hair. It transformed my slightly frizzy hair to salon sleek in just ten minutes!

Festive Film

Glasgow has a hot new cinema in town and I’m legit obsessed! The Everyman Cinema is a cinema-goers dream. It has Insta-worthy interiors, a delicious food menu and cocktails that you can take into the screen with you. There are only three screens, but each has comfy sofas for a unique cinema experience and they play a mix of new and classic movies. They have a selection of Christmas movies running too including It’s a Wonderful Life in the lead up to the 25th. Definitely one to include in your December activities for a chilled but fun day out.  

The cinema is based on the bottom floor within Princes Square. 

I hope the above gives you a little inspiration for the festive season! Thanks again to Glasgow Loves Christmas for the perfect start to this year’s festivities!

XoXo

STYLE CHALLENGE: FESTIVE FEELS AT BUCHANAN GALLERIES

It feels like it's been a while since I wrote a straight up fashion post so I'm super excited to be sharing today's style challenge with you all.

A few week's back, the lovely lot at Buchanan Galleries challenged me to find an outfit that would take me from day to night. It's December. fairy lights are almost always in sight and the social calendar is packed full of fun activities. I have no doubt that at some point this month, you'll be dashing from the office to the bar with your favourites or getting in some last minute shopping before heading to the panto. Whatever the occasion, picking an outfit that will work for both with minimal changes and (most importantly) little to no bags required, can be a challenge. So, here I give you a little inspo of how you can easily switch up your outfit from day to night. 

DAY TO NIGHT 

By simply switching out casual day boots for heeled sock boots. Taking off my cosy cardi and replacing it with a fur shawl. And ditching my day-time hat for a red lip, I think I've achieved two very different looks that are both comfy, cosy and chic! 

Teddy coat - Mango 

Skirt - River Island 

Cami - River Island 

Cardi - Next 

All available at Buchanan Galleries

I absolutely love how these looks turned out and can definitely see myself switching out the pieces to create even more looks that will see me through the festive season. Using the skirt as the basis of an outfit with some black tights, black boots and a black polo neck would be perfect for a lunch date. Or even closing the cardi as a top, wrapped with a statement belt and mini skirt would work well for an effortless evening look for winter. 

SHOPPING DESTINATION 

Shopping for this look in the centre was so enjoyable and it made me remember just how stress-free shopping can be when you stick to the one location. I think we're all guilty of running the length and breadth of Glasgow to find just what we want but there's real merit in sticking to the one spot. 

Buchanan Galleries has some great shops right now too .... including an unexpected jewellery shop that screams Christmas and NYE accessories like nowhere else I've seen on the high street. It's called Lovisa in case you're interested!

Thanks again to Buchanan Galleries for the fun challenge! 

Until next time. 

xoxo