Time Together | Mother’s Day Gift

If you ask me about gifting ideas, I’d always recommend experiences over items. I mean if you can afford both, get both, but if it’s one or the other I much prefer the gift of an experience. A dinner event with family or friends, a fun activity like horse riding or quad biking, or, if you’re lucky, travelling to somewhere you’ve never been before. The memories you’ll gain from an experience are far greater than that from any gift in my opinion. 

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to show your mum just how much she really means to you. In the past, my sister and I have showered my mum with flowers, taken her for a nice bubbly brunch and even treated her to afternoon tea. This year though, I had the opportunity to treat my mum a little early with a trip to PURE Spa in Silverburn to enjoy some girly pamper time together. For this month only, the spa is running a ‘Two Gels Together’ package which includes a gel manicure each, a free PURE Skincare gift for mum, chocolates and a glass of Scott bubbly each for just £49. Having a little hour out of our busy weeks to catch-up in the relaxing setting of the spa to then leave feeling primed and pampered was just what we both needed.  

I think the package is great value for money and a brilliant way to squeeze in quality time with mum this Mother’s Day. After we indulged with our treatment, my mum and I had a casual wander around the shops in the centre and managed to stumble across my dream head piece for the wedding, so it was a great day all round! 

The Two Gels Together offer is available to book until the 31^stof March or if you don’t have time to visit before then you can purchase a gift card so mum can choose the date herself. You can purchase the gift card here. 

In my short but sweet visit to the spa I can honestly say the staff went above and beyond to treat us like VIPs and were extremely attentive, friendly and welcoming. Thanks very much to PURE Spa for gifting both my mum and I with a gel polish. 

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

MOXY MERCHANT CITY: A PURSE-FRIENDLY HOTEL THAT'S PERFECT FOR A GIRL'S WEEKEND

Glasgow, in my eyes, is a bloody brilliant city. We have fantastic shopping, a competitive food scene, a diverse range of bars and a solid cultural calendar. So, it comes as no surprise to me that tourism has kicked it up a notch, with new hotels popping up across the city throughout the last year. Last week I had the pleasure of test running one of our newest additions – the swanky new Moxy hotel, located just off High Street.

STYLISH INTERIORS

Part of the Marriot family, Moxy is a laid-back, fun, and quirky hotel that’s the ideal option for those who are after modern bedroom interiors mixed with and a vibrant bar area. On arrival, you’ll find a large lounge area that includes everything from a pool table to a glass fireplace and a large screen – perfect for movie nights. After checking-in at the bar, you’ll be directed to your room where everything feels a lot calmer and sleek, with a comfy bed, TV screen and modern bathroom with shower.

PILLOW FIGHTS 

To mark the opening of the funky new hotel, myself and a few other Glasgow gals were treated to the ultimate girls night in, complete with scavenger hunt, cocktails, pizza, Magic Mike and the best part of all – a pillow fight room covered in feathers and the biggest teddy bear I’ve ever laid eyes on.

PURSE FRIENDLY

Music to my ears, the hotel is also extremely affordable with a double room with breakfast available from around £60 - bargain! So, if you’re visiting Glasgow for an upcoming Christmas shopping trip or simply want to be staying central for your next night out, Moxy is a great option!

Thanks so much to the team at Moxy for a great night.

XoXo