A PERFECT START TO 2019 | MY HOTEL BREAK

A new year means new beginnings, a fresh start, new ambitions and bigger and better dreams. So, this year I asked, why do we so often spend the entire first day of our ‘new chapter’ hungover on the couch? This year – partially due to working NYE and partially thanks to a blog opportunity - I did something completely new for new year. The boy and I got up at a reasonable hour, packed our bags and headed on the road towards one of Scotland’s most charming towns - St Andrew’s - for an overnight stay at a rather plush hotel. 

When My Hotel Break got in touch a month earlier and asked if I’d like to try out their services to test run one of their featured hotels, I jumped at the chance! There was so much to choose from with hotels right across the UK. We decided to stay local and while searching through their easy-to-use website a stunning DoubleTree by Hilton in South Queensferry and the Lochside House Hotel in New Cumnock quickly became some of our front runners. Not before long though I stumbled across The Fairmont in St Andrew’s and stopped searching instantly. It’s a hotel I’ve always wanted to visit and knew it would have everything The Boy and I love in a hotel.

We arrived in the early afternoon on a cold but bright New Year’s Day. On first impression, the hotel is set on a stunning cliff edge with golfing fields all around. On entering the hotel, a welcoming grand fireplace instantly warmed us up. After a quick check-in, we were directed towards our Fairmont King View room. Our room was elegant and modern with hints of Scottish heritage. We had gorgeous views of the sea front and a HUGE kingsize bed that would fit a family of four. My jaw dropped to the floor when I walked into the bathroom. With floor to ceiling marble it’s every girl’s dream. It featured a grand bath – perfect for a bubble bath for two, a large walk-in shower and a beautiful basin area that made for the perfect make-up station. 

When looking at pictures online, one of the biggest pulls to this hotel was their courtyard area and it was even better in real life. A breath-taking open space that truly is the beating heart of the hotel. It’s where you will find all of their restaurants, bars and lounge areas. Still decorated for Christmas, there was a gigantic real tree crowning the top of their ‘Beauty and the Beast’ stairwell as I liked to call it but even without it, the hotel has a beautiful art piece draped from the ceiling that is there year-round. 

After we got our bearings, we decided to take an hour out and make the most of the spa facilities before getting ready for dinner. We spent a nice hour, swimming in the pool, chatting in the jacuzzi and detoxing in the steam and sauna rooms.  

7pm came around before we knew it and we headed down for dinner. We decided to book into the hotel’s Italian restaurant as it only felt right - 2019 is the year we tie the knot in Italy in case you didn’t catch the reference J. 

I could go on for at least a few paragraphs raving about the restaurant, but I’ll keep it brief. The food and wine was some of the best Italian food we’ve indulged in since visiting Tuscany last July. It tasted very authentic and the staff were incredibly attentive. We were kindly sat on one of their balcony tables which was so beautiful. My heart could’ve burst at how happy I was spending my first day of the year, indulging in delicious Italian food with my hubby-to-be in a beautiful setting. It was perfect. 

Before checking out, we took full advantage of the spacious bath tub, had a peaceful sleep in our big bed and ate a very tasty breakfast in the courtyard area in the morning.

The staff at The Fairmont were some of the best I’ve experienced in a hotel and I can’t wait to return. Before jumping in the car back to Glasgow, we took twenty minutes to stroll down towards the coast line and simply take in the views. Standing on a cliff edge and hearing the waves come in was so relaxing and I was gutted that we had to head off so quickly. On our next visit I’ll definitely be scheduling more time to soak in the views and explore the local town. 

A huge thank you again to My Hotel Break for giving us the most perfect start to 2019. One thing I did want to mention before signing off was that My Hotel Break are actually based in Scotland. Over the years, I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for local businesses and always strive to support them when I can which is why My Hotel Break will be my go-to for booking hotels in the UK from now on. Not only are they easy-to-use but they also offer some fantastic deals. They actually have a deal for the Fairmont currently available for just £74.50 per person for bed and breakfast. From my own experience of this stunning hotel, I can say that is an absolute bargain. 

If you’ve made it to the end of this post – well done JI wanted to share every amazing detail about this experience with you and simply couldn’t stop typing. 

Until next time. 

XoXo 

Falling in and out of love

I 'm gonna make a presumption and say the above heading has you questioning an uncertain love and whether or not I'm going through a rocky pre-marital stage of my relationship. Well folks, I'm happy to report that I'm not. And this blog post actually has nothing to do with the love of my relationship (phew). What I do want to talk about though is my love/hate relationship with Instagram at the moment.

I'm sure you're probably well aware of the sticky topic of Instagram's algorithm. Whether you've experienced its annoyance first hand or have seen other Instagrammers that you follow complain about it on their channel - you know something is going on and the majority rules: Not in Favour! I can now say that I'm joining this group of frustrated Instagrammers.

If you follow me on the photo sharing app you'll know that I have a modest following. For me, Instagram has never been just about the numbers but of course, creating content and getting acknowledgement via kind comments for something you've worked hard on is super rewarding. Nowadays though, you could post one really kick-ass image that's taken time and consideration, vs a lack-lustre 2-minute snap from your phone and get more engagement on the latter. Despite how much I love to capture creative imagery and (what I hope is) interesting content, the exposure you get on your work does have an impact on your motivation, whether I like it or not.

I  don't want to ramble on about what Instagram is or isn't doing but I wanted to put my thoughts down on keyboard and ask, do you still enjoy my content? I guess nowadays it's hard to know what people like and don't like so please, please, please, share your thoughts. I'll always stay true to my own style but it would be great to know what type of things you like seeing and reading.

From my side, I want to share a lot more wedding content - we're on the nine month countdown now...eek! I also always love to show fashion-led posts and despite a near non-existent clothes shopping budget atm, I'll try my best to keep this up. I'd also like to dip my toes into more emotional/real blog posts - it's one category I've typically stayed away from in the past but love to read other peoples. And finally, experiencing life and sharing those happy little moments in the best way I possibly can!

If you've made it to the end of this post - thank you! This post is a little different to what I've written in the past and am happy to step out of my comfort zone.

I hope this is the start of more regular posting here on The Girl with the Big Hair and you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it.

Until next time.

xoxo

It's Bloomin' Spring

Although it might not seem so today, Spring has finally sprung here in Glasgow *exerts an overly-excitable sigh of relief*. I've been ready to bid farewell to the long dark nights, endless evenings in front of the TV and jumpers upon jumpers bursting out of my (very limited) wardrobe space for quite some time now. I've been praying to the weather gods for daylight pre and post work, lighter layers and the occasional hot, sunny day and it's finally in sight so I'm a happy chappie indeed.

I've been excited to debut my first spring wardrobe purchases of 2017 so last weekend I took a jaunt to one of the prettiest spots in Glasgow at this time of the year ... Glasgow Green. Blossom trees line the entrance to the park and it literary makes me smile from ear to ear. I mean, is this not the pretties backdrop ever?! I legit felt like I was in Central Park for a moment.

Now onto my outfit. Say hello to two little Primark purchases that I think look a hell of a lot more expensive than they are. First up, the floral dress. I know flowers are a big trend this season so I've been waiting to find the right piece. When I spied this floaty dress in the Edinburgh store I wasn't sure if it was for me. I don't normally do floaty and I don't normally do knee length but both work so well together. It's also so versatile - I've already rocked it on a few nights out with big bouncy hair, a red lip and some heels but also plan to wear it to work with some flats.

Now let's talk the jacket. Denim just screams 'Spring has arrived' and this slashed ripped effect one is the perfect update. I feel like my 'cool' levels instantly go up a few notches when I put this on - I mean, what more can you ask for in a jacket. In total this outfit cost somewhere in the region of £30. Can you bloody believe it!! Well done Primark.

Dress | Jacket - Primark 

Bag - 3.1 Phillip Lim

Watch - Swatch 

Boots - Public Desire

Glasses - TK Maxx

With a spring finally in my step I'm ready to make a few changes to my routine. I want to start with getting back into the gym, eating a little healthier and taking better care of my self in general. Good job I'm off to the gym now....

Until next time.

XoXo

A very special Monday

Okay, let me start off by apologising for my lack of presence here on my blog. I don't want to hit you with excuses but there just happens to be a few small things that have got in the way of me blogging over the last month. 1. it's Summa time and well, I've pretty much turned into a social butterfly. Every week is jam packed with plans - not like I'm complaining but it certainly leaves less time for blogging. 2. It was my birthday a couple of weeks ago and well, extra work is a no no throughout birthday week. I absolutely love blogging but it definitely feels like a part time job and something I don't like to rush. 3. I've been suffering from a burst of writers block. I honestly have whipped the laptop out on a few occasions but when it came to putting thoughts to keyboard nothing was flowing. So there you have it - three very acceptable excuses for my temporary departure.

Now onto the post. You may be wondering what this 'very special Monday' is all about so lets get started. A few Monday's ago I had a half day from work to see Rihanna at Hampden later that evening. While at home getting ready for the concert I received a phone call from one of my colleagues. Thinking it was a work-related question I un-enthusiastically answered the phone to a conversation I really did not expect. It went something like:

Me: "Hi, is everything okay?"
Colleague: "Have you checked your emails recently?"
Me: "No, what's happened?"
Colleague: "Well, basically, you've won a competition with Sheerluxe..."
Me: "WHAT?!?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!"
Colleague: "Yes - you've won an Hermes bracelet and £500 to spend on a website."
Me: *screams with excitement* "Aghhhhhhhh. OMG ARE YOU  KIDDING ME ON. XPOE&$BDKF*T£$NF%NFWF*@DQY"$"FBSOSCS"
Colleague: *Laughing* "The girl has emailed you. Check your emails."

And off I go with the biggest grin on my face. I couldn't even really remember what the competition was or what the bracelet looked like but I was excited to say the least. After going back and forth with the lovely team at Sheerluxe it was confirmed that I had won one hell of a package! Not only did I win this lovely leather and rose gold bracelet but I also won a years supply of Biscuiteers boxes. These biscuits are to die for and are going to help me out massively with present gifting over the year. See pictures below (sorry they're just iPhone snaps!). I also won £500 worth of GHD products. So for the first time in my life I'm the proud owner of a very lovely white straightening iron. As well as a hair dryer, curling wand and an abundance of hair products to ensure I never have a bad hair day again. I also won a £500 voucher to spend on SpaBreaks.com - so if you have any spa recommendations I'd love to hear them! And finally, £500 to spend on the pre-owned designer website, Vestiaire Collective. I've already spent my voucher on a very exciting purchase that I'll share on the blog shortly. I think it's actually due for delivery tomorrow. EEEK.

I'm honestly still in shock that I won such an amazing prize. I feel like a very lucky girl indeed. Since winning my prize I think every single one of my friends has signed up to Sheerluxe and entered every one of its competitions. LOL. But honestly, if you've haven't signed up to the websites daily newsletter, do it! I've spoken about it here on the blog before because it honestly is my favourite website. If you want inspiration for fashion, beauty, food, and lifestyle then Sheerluxe will provide this daily to your inbox at around 11am everyday. I swear I've not been paid to promote this, I genuinely just LOVE it.

 One Biscuiteers box for myself - and of course I chose the 'Fashion Box'.

One for my little cousin and her future husband. AKA 'The Future Mr & Mrs O'Brien', just in case you can't read that icing. This is the wedding bells box. 

The 'Anniversary box' for my sister and her husband to celebrate two beautiful years of marriage together! 

It feels good to be back and I promise I won't be gone for as long next time.

I hope you all have a lovely Sunday, whatever you're doing. I'm having a relaxing morning before I need to pick up The Boy from a drop off point following an alcohol infused stag weekend in Dublin. I'm guessing it will be a movie and munchies evening for us. No complaints here!

Happy Sunday lovelies.

XoXo

Coachella stylin' in the city

It's here! Festival season is upon us and we're kicking off with a pretty big one this weekend - Coachella, of course. Queue desert sunsets, metallic tattoos and epic hippie/western styling filling up our Instagram feeds. Whether you like it or not there's no escaping the 'what's hot' and 'who's hot' at the celeb hangout over the next two weeks. Despite being hugely jealous that I will once again be spending Coachella weekend in rainy Glasgow as opposed to the Palm Springs desert (come on 2017, please be my year), there's no denying that the festival is the best inspiration for festival styling for the summer ahead. But who's to say your favourite festival garment has to hang in your closet until you're enjoying music in a muddy field? No one, that's who. And well, here I bring you onto today's look.

After being approached by Boohoo to take part in their blogger suede campaign *cheesy grin creeps on to face*  I decided to take this flirty fringe skirt and create a city look with a nod to Coachella. I went for a relaxed evening look with an oversized shirt and heels that would be perfect for date night or a few cocktails with the ladies. I love how sophisticated the look is and to think how different this piece could look at a festival majorly excites me. I don't have any festivals in the calendar (yet!) but I do have two trips to Hampden Park to enjoy the queens of pop themselves - Beyonce and Rihanna - and there's no doubt that this skirt will be making an appearance for one of them. The skirt also comes in a blush colour which I think would look fab against a tan.

 Skirt - Boohoo

Shirt - Forever 21

Belt - Moschino

Bag - H&M (old)

Shoes - (from my mother!)

I hope you all have a lovely weekend! I've actually got a free weekend with no plans and I couldn't be happier. Definitely a weekend of movie marathons, pampering myself and long lies in bed. Sheer bliss. 

XoXo