tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12310232615754061022024-03-05T16:35:50.756+00:00Glasgow Mummy: An Honest Lifestyle BlogGlasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.comBlogger865125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-88416954014607559722023-06-22T16:25:00.001+01:002023-06-22T16:25:11.121+01:00Beauty with a Conscious<p>I volunteer most weeks with the Prince and Princess of Wales hospice, located in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, where I deliver a mindfulness meditation for the out-patients at the Living Well Hub. It's one of the highlights of my week.</p><p>The hospice is also where I host my small business networking events for Glasgow-based entrepreneurs; I love that I can give back in this way too as I donate all money from ticket sales to the hospice. (My next event is taking place on Thursday 24th August, 10.30am - 12.30pm if you wanted to join in, tickets are available <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/shop/p/networkingevent24aug23" target="_blank">here</a>).</p><p>The latest venture from the hospice is <a href="https://beautywithaconscience.co.uk/" target="_blank">Beauty with a Conscious</a>, which now has salon space within the hospice itself for offering beauty treatments to the public. (the hospice is a lovely, calm space and members of the public are welcome at the café, the gift shop and now the beauty salon.)</p><p>I've been to their Battlefield salon; the treatments were very well priced and I really enjoyed my massage and facial. You can also <a href="https://beautywithaconscience.co.uk/" target="_blank">book online</a>, which is super handy. I'm actually going back soon for some pre-holiday pampering!</p><p>You can read in <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/rest-is-productive" target="_blank">this blog post</a> some of the other holistic treatments in Glasgow that I enjoy, including Reiki Love Club and White Rabbit Healing.</p><p>And if you'd like to get more time for the things that really matter, I share lots of tips and tricks on my website, <a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog" target="_blank">www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LrvFgMo5iFWLYmMpnWdNr4WfMtLg-y-9O6XxsaEleqDO7gasszDSdH7h7ui8NhSRHu84Z9htZeTmgk-ycL_J1FLZZYNkRgPzPiVr-cuvfosTk3FF4ouQGWf_VgewQNUUVDa5ZMA0Ni7rsQHc8OjhCr6tl-xsAmzf2lGNbmVg_saOs2rrKHGXbWn0XQ/s1584/LinkedIn%20banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sarah stewart time management coach and mindfulness practitioner" border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="1584" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LrvFgMo5iFWLYmMpnWdNr4WfMtLg-y-9O6XxsaEleqDO7gasszDSdH7h7ui8NhSRHu84Z9htZeTmgk-ycL_J1FLZZYNkRgPzPiVr-cuvfosTk3FF4ouQGWf_VgewQNUUVDa5ZMA0Ni7rsQHc8OjhCr6tl-xsAmzf2lGNbmVg_saOs2rrKHGXbWn0XQ/w640-h160/LinkedIn%20banner.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-24691168233271117762023-01-15T18:39:00.001+00:002023-01-16T11:24:06.761+00:00Dizzie: The Online Refill Shop<p>I'm a huge fan of <a href="http://getdizzie.com/j/sarahseqtbm" target="_blank">Dizzie</a> (previously The Good Club), the online refill shop.</p><p>I place an order each month (I pay £3.99 monthly which gets me one delivery (and return) per month... it's £5.99 per delivery if you choose to place orders on an ad hoc basis), and my products get delivered to my door in a big green box (it's UK-wide carbon neutral delivery). </p><p><a href="http://getdizzie.com/j/sarahseqtbm" target="_blank">Dizzie</a> stock a wide range of refillable groceries, as well as other items. For the refillables, when my big green box arrives I take the refillable cartons and empty them out into my own glass jars (Dizzie sell glass containers too, but I also just keep a store of any glass jars at my house that I clean out and keep). The empties then go back in the big green box, which is collected from my door the day after my delivery.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKG5JNoe-Cf8x8hf2fnK1okvH2G_KogOyBiGe_0n5B_MWlH8yba2X8CJ156OvUrlfC6891ivtoTSy__LwMAgzdM7uCTsQyIaUwgqjol_SoJE72Z7DgVnpQpt1EJkXz0dQPv9qgWljkyVh8AcKCTaNlvv9boMXu5R_SulZiyIW2BzP6nQ8hp1HILog/s1080/dizzie%20refill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKG5JNoe-Cf8x8hf2fnK1okvH2G_KogOyBiGe_0n5B_MWlH8yba2X8CJ156OvUrlfC6891ivtoTSy__LwMAgzdM7uCTsQyIaUwgqjol_SoJE72Z7DgVnpQpt1EJkXz0dQPv9qgWljkyVh8AcKCTaNlvv9boMXu5R_SulZiyIW2BzP6nQ8hp1HILog/w241-h241/dizzie%20refill.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>Some of the items that I get from <a href="http://getdizzie.com/j/sarahseqtbm" target="_blank">Dizzie</a> are:</p><p>Bulk items:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>5L shampoo</li><li>5L conditioner</li><li>5L shower gel / bubble bath</li><li>5L laundry liquid</li><li>5L fabric conditioner</li><li>5L all purpose cleaner</li></ul><div>Refillables:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Ground cumin</li><li>Ground turmeric</li><li>Ground cinnamon</li><li>Ground paprika</li><li>Sesame seeds</li><li>Sunflower seeds</li><li>Baking powder</li><li>Pretzels</li><li>Crisps</li><li>Cashew nuts</li><li>Muesli</li><li>Porridge oats</li><li>Pecans</li><li>Bombay mix</li><li>BBQ almonds</li><li>Peanut D&Ds</li><li>Pasta</li><li>Rice</li><li>Flour</li><li>Caster sugar</li><li>Dates</li><li>Prunes</li><li>Dried apple slices</li></ul><div>Other groceries:</div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Tins of chopped tomatoes</li><li>Jars of pasta sauce</li><li>Compostable bin liners</li><li>Recycled kitchen towels</li><li>Oat milk</li><li>Dash water</li><li>Oatcakes</li><li>Olive oil</li></ul><div>There are soooo many refillable products available - definitely worth having a look.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>There is a special offer running right now, where if you enter the code REFILLER at checkout you will get a refill kit containing (2 x 2L jar, 1 x 1L jar, 1 x kilner funnel and 1 x Dizzie jar labels). You need to spend £20 to qualify, and it's whilst stocks last.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also have a referral link, which is <a href="https://getdizzie.com/j/sarahseqtbm" target="_blank">https://getdizzie.com/j/sarahseqtbm</a>, and if you use this I get £10 off my next order and you'll get a free refill kit (as photographed below) and the reusable coffee cup.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGA2B95pCltLH6FYe6QAA2O913N4crRt3RzkOAoD68W3c9hoJ8wFtEaV4fcApfRAXZ9ZtEp6uDI9uyEdiI0tEbFN2vXEak_r9AswzEjOiAiN588etZ6K3h0_AmHZeoI9CJTcR1b_BpMdE2_qXIXT8ac16O1quoAJ3709huCUM3mZiC3I1bTTaDmD0/s4020/https___assets.getdizzie.com_images_referral_referree_kit-e4d9516c0be82b56f5b0d46b940d0151.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3979" data-original-width="4020" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGA2B95pCltLH6FYe6QAA2O913N4crRt3RzkOAoD68W3c9hoJ8wFtEaV4fcApfRAXZ9ZtEp6uDI9uyEdiI0tEbFN2vXEak_r9AswzEjOiAiN588etZ6K3h0_AmHZeoI9CJTcR1b_BpMdE2_qXIXT8ac16O1quoAJ3709huCUM3mZiC3I1bTTaDmD0/s320/https___assets.getdizzie.com_images_referral_referree_kit-e4d9516c0be82b56f5b0d46b940d0151.webp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy refilling!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sarah x</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">P.S. If you want to get my weekly newsletter, you can sign up here to get on my mailing list: <a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/newsletter" target="_blank">www.sarahstewart.co.uk/newsletter</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-49542815497195657772022-11-19T20:07:00.002+00:002022-11-19T20:07:38.359+00:00An Alternative Advent Calendar<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/momentofcalmthischristmas" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="An Alternative Advent Calendar - A Moment of Calm This Christmas" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbGdVrpPFtGlnJmNsI5WZZYOc9ug6qQw3i0pg2V3MWvb_N_x2SLy44oQJyNAjZbhhQaqzTHDoz3lnX3mbILyDw7_8sTLn2oOTwFe_EFb7EHai_Ppg4t8IUm0HpS0wHXm3ZC921SS7OA_uyvjo8rSfrAK3HRQGgaUiqTzRXgiHvN8I7mfIpbKwLos/w320-h320/Copy%20of%20alternative%20advent.png" title="An Alternative Advent Calendar - A Moment of Calm This Christmas" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">An Alternative Advent Calendar - A Moment of Calm This Christmas</h3>This December, join my friend and fellow coach <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beth_wright_coaching/" target="_blank">Beth Wright</a>, for an alternative advent calendar - A Moment of Calm This Christmas.<p></p><p>Each day, Mon thru Friday, we'll be sharing 10 minutes of thoughts and activities on the themes of intentional or mindful living, simplicity and slow living in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/momentofcalmthischristmas" target="_blank">our pop-up Facebook group</a>. (It's free to join in).</p><p>At the weekends we will be sharing a (simple) challenge.</p><p>Christmas is such a magical time, but it can also end up being busy, stressful and the enjoyment taken out of it because we are run ragged and exhausted by Christmas Day! So, we wanted to bring you a Moment of Calm this year so you can fully enjoy and be present with loved ones.</p><p>We're looking forward to creating a peaceful space for you all. </p><p>Sarah x</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-59316071574824834662022-11-10T18:48:00.003+00:002022-11-10T18:48:18.080+00:00Mindfulness and the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giving Back</h3><p>I volunteer at the <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/ppw-hospice" target="_blank">Prince and Princess of Wales hospice</a> each week where I run a mindfulness meditation session for the out-patient visitors. It's actually one of the highlights of my week, and I'm delighted to be able to give back in this way. (I lost my mum to cancer when I was a teenager, and she spent a few weeks in a hospice in Aberdeen before she passed).</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Peaceful Productivity and Intentional Living</h3><p>I'm acutely aware of our limited time (more on my story <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/about" target="_blank">here</a>), and as a result am an advocate of making the best use of the time that's available to us... I'm less about 'busy, busy, busy' (which was definitely my crux if we were to rewind 5, or 10 years), whereas now it's more about peaceful productivity and intentional living. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Rest is Productive</h3><p>The other week I was at the Prince and Princess of Wales hospice salon, <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/ppw-hospice" target="_blank">Beauty with a Conscious</a>, which is in the Battlefield area. It's open to the public, and all profits go to the hospice. Taking time out to rest and recharge is important to me, and it's even better when it involves a massage!! I had a <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">facial, back massage and head massage… and it was bliss, and reasonably priced (I took advantage of their Halloween special offer and had the 3 express treatments, 1.5 hours, for £44... and I believe they're running this offer until the end of November). You’ll find them on Instagram </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beautywithaconscienceglasgow/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: unset; background-origin: initial; background-position: unset; background-repeat: unset; background-size: unset; cursor: pointer; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 16px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-color: currentcolor; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; text-decoration-style: solid; text-decoration-thickness: 1px; text-underline-offset: 0.2em; white-space: initial;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span> </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Mindfulness</h3><p>Circling back to mindfulness, it's been a year that I've been volunteering at the hospice now (albeit with a break due to Covid when we had to stop the out-patient service at Christmas-time last year) and I'm self-taught... what I've decided to do is make it 'official', and I'm now training to become a mindfulness practitioner. I'm not totally sure how long it will take to qualify, perhaps a year, but that's me started on the path... and I'm excited for what's next.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Candle Gazing Mindfulness Meditation</h3><p>I've written a blog post sharing an easy way to get started with mindfulness meditation, it's a candle gazing mindfulness meditation - you can read the full post <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/candle-gazing-mindfulness-meditation" target="_blank">here</a> on my business blog.</p><p>As an aside, I had a brand photoshoot the other month with Bex from <a href="http://www.bexphoto.com" target="_blank">www.bexphoto.com</a>, and here's one of my photos taken in the grounds of the hospice:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81UsgkKvD1ggCTwG7M0d_fD_zng33M0acEC242-Sl5DyVDeS83tZotpxY9XTC37s1CgvU5REeon-D8UbXAk9tHVbKqFX-DMKlZxpIFXagUrKkzLO6LkN3zbYi7bX57pxq0csqrDaiYkeo5YAPvvmaNxOeyxB69TCMQdK6yUtRfQfNK60A1tP6Yvk/s2048/SarahStewart_Bex-Maini-568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81UsgkKvD1ggCTwG7M0d_fD_zng33M0acEC242-Sl5DyVDeS83tZotpxY9XTC37s1CgvU5REeon-D8UbXAk9tHVbKqFX-DMKlZxpIFXagUrKkzLO6LkN3zbYi7bX57pxq0csqrDaiYkeo5YAPvvmaNxOeyxB69TCMQdK6yUtRfQfNK60A1tP6Yvk/w381-h254/SarahStewart_Bex-Maini-568.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-61165463246469198182022-09-03T10:40:00.002+01:002023-09-04T06:15:28.381+01:00Skincare & Make-Up Routine<h4 style="text-align: left;">Living Mindfully</h4><p>I've had a shift with my thoughts around consumerism and material possessions; a combination of Covid-19 and personal development has really opened my eyes to the world that we live in. I'm mindful now when I make a purchase, and typically what I do is I will write the item that I think I need onto a shopping list and if I still feel like it's needed a few weeks or a month down the line, then I will make a purchase. </p><p>I'm trying hard to live with less; I'm by no means perfect, but the intention is there and I am doing my best (I feel I've been saying 'I'm doing my best' to my kids a lot lately, it's hard being a single mum with a pre-teen and a teenager under the one roof!). I do wonder what the planet is going to be like in the future if we continue on our current path, and so I try and do my bit (I don't always get it right mind you, and I know I could do better/more).</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Skincare & Make-Up Routine</h4><p>Historically I had an all singing, all dancing skincare routine with various cleansers, moisturisers and a host of different types of serum. More recently, I have a cleanser and a moisturiser, and I will occasionally use a facemask. That's it. And my skin is still in good, some might even say great, condition. (I was actually complimented on my glowing skin the other week!).</p><p>A few other things that contribute to my skin - I don't drink alcohol and I also use a <a href="https://www.yournextlevelself.com/collagen-supplements" target="_blank">collagen</a> builder supplement daily.</p><p>In terms of make-up, I've really pared things back in this department too. Partly for time reasons; I don't want to spend an hour getting ready in the morning - <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/howtoprioritise" target="_blank">my priorities lie elsewhere</a> and there's also the fact that when I'm travelling in my campervan (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/veritythevw/" target="_blank">@veritythevw</a>), I want to be able to travel light. </p><p>I had also been working with a nutritionist on what I consume (not only in the food, but everything else too) as I was trying to do my best to ensure my Crohn's Disease didn't flare up again. Part of this had been giving thought to the toxins that I allow into my body... this includes the products that I put on my face/body.</p><p>My current go to products are:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Tinted moisturiser (which has an SPF)</li><li>Under-eye concealer</li><li>Lipstick</li><li>Eyebrow cream</li><li>Mascara</li><li>Eyeshadow (which I don't typically always wear) </li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlS5Lpu-owgunl5ZFT8uMPrzGGEzuFKjUU0CnYzG3ZAfj5lApvtIDTerIklfX-QUxeKM1z8LQvDcGPT5i9i4XFWvnZWUcEogdcr2iBqspuga2Jh4EpSIjCKmSaIcgTO6zQmd41q5ZG5z6tnS9Bk1yDUT9zCGmYC7jbq54Mz-x_92UBWELsJBhTXE/s1162/sarah.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1156" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlS5Lpu-owgunl5ZFT8uMPrzGGEzuFKjUU0CnYzG3ZAfj5lApvtIDTerIklfX-QUxeKM1z8LQvDcGPT5i9i4XFWvnZWUcEogdcr2iBqspuga2Jh4EpSIjCKmSaIcgTO6zQmd41q5ZG5z6tnS9Bk1yDUT9zCGmYC7jbq54Mz-x_92UBWELsJBhTXE/s320/sarah.png" width="318" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The products that I do use are vegan and I buy when I can from <a href="https://bcorporation.uk/b-corp-certification/what-is-a-b-corp/" target="_blank">certified B Corporations</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>B Corps are companies, verified by B Lab, to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. There are 800 B Corps in the UK currently, and you can search the directory <a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I get my pet food from a B Corp (<a href="https://www.lilyskitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lily's Kitchen</a>), toilet paper (<a href="https://www.talkable.com/x/DK4gXp" target="_blank">Who Gives a Crap</a>), clothing (<a href="https://baukjen.mention-me.com/m/ol/ly9gz-sarah-stewart">Baukjen</a>) and so on. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br />/// Email Newsletter ///</h3><div><br /></div><div>Sign up for my weekly newsletter here - <a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk">www.sarahstewart.co.uk</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-77904472449621196112022-08-03T07:00:00.001+01:002022-08-03T07:00:00.177+01:00How to Minimise School Run Drama<p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times;">I've been doing some reflecting on school mornings, and the drama that can sometimes ensue in getting everyone organised and out the door on time. </span></span></p><p>I'm certainly enjoying the slower mornings during the summer holidays!</p><p>I thought I'd share my thoughts on how we can minimise school run drama ahead of the schools going back, so that you can think about any changes you'd like to make in advance.</p><p>As a single mum, I've not only to get myself showered, dressed and ready... but I also have two kids to organise (oh, and there's the dog too!). It's gotten easier as they're getting older, and I'm now working from home which also helps massively too, but I can still vividly recall the morning madness as I tried to get two toddlers ready for nursery on my own whilst simultaneously getting myself organised to go into the office!</p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">There are some hacks that you can try however to get your mornings from chaos to calm:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Plan your week on Sunday evening. </b>I like to take an hour to look ahead at the calendar for the week on a Sunday evening. It allows me to address any conflicts before they become issues. This way you can also make sure that you've got time to make any arrangements for the kids if there are particular events at school (last minute World Book Day costume perhaps!).</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlStCxSAR9BqPO6-s_v6qqEX9TKKxpama4s7nyPoz2QbGYiykatItV8E-luY4qPhQalSI3w9agpk2VbrA5bb8XmcSxFT4kmd6yURlVuUq9YMHXk7SqmZu4c572tBaqICR3BvZxc1YNX3lYWib6kZfR6EvFds2lQKNYoUhpe0CASUaKBbczUQqWAo/s1080/Notebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlStCxSAR9BqPO6-s_v6qqEX9TKKxpama4s7nyPoz2QbGYiykatItV8E-luY4qPhQalSI3w9agpk2VbrA5bb8XmcSxFT4kmd6yURlVuUq9YMHXk7SqmZu4c572tBaqICR3BvZxc1YNX3lYWib6kZfR6EvFds2lQKNYoUhpe0CASUaKBbczUQqWAo/w235-h235/Notebook.png" width="235" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/shop?category=Notebooks" target="_blank">My journal for my morning routine</a></div><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Get up before the kids. </b>This is something I've only been doing in the last couple of years. I used to be a prolific snoozer, and would sometimes hit snooze 6 or 7 times before actually getting up and would typically only get out of bed after the kids woke me! Whereas it's so helpful for my mental wellbeing and readiness to get some time just for me to fill my cup. You can <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/morning-ritual" target="_blank">read more about my morning ritual here</a>.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Lay out clothes the night before</b>, including choosing what you're going to wear. If there is ironing to be done, ensure it's done in advance so you don't have to deal with it in the morning... that always used to catch me out!</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Are there ways that you can use automation? </b>I'm not talking robots, but for instance, I get my milk delivered from a local dairy on a subscription... so I know that I'll always have milk for breakfast. I had seen me in the past frantically texting friends to see if they could drop me off milk at night, or even popping to a neighbour to ask them to fill a jug for me in the morning!</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Wake the kids before they actually need to get out of bed. </b>I've found that rousing the kids around 15-20 minutes before they need to wake is helpful. I go into their rooms, open their curtains to let some light in, and let them know what time it is.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Put the clock forward. </b>The wall clock in my kitchen has been set 10 minutes ahead of time. It helps keep us on track! The digital clock on the microwave is at the correct time... just to be sure!!</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Have everything you need by the door. </b>I used to have two dedicated hooks by the door for each of the kids school bags, and we've a bench by the door that stores their shoes. We've also got an apothecary set of drawers in the hallway, and each of us has a drawer for our hats, gloves, scarves etc. In one of the drawers I even have a hairbrush with a few hair bobbles wrapped around the handle. This is for any last minute drama from my daughter if she needs to put her hair up! Thankfully it seems we will no longer need the drawer that houses all of our Covid face masks! I've got a dedicated dish where I keep my car & house keys too, so they're always to hand.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7o5qC2WeTFBDD-a_Ue656JvB2uq7pszvKtVBzu5fvgcTcBPz0Izh9sW6ApllZOvHKNAbJP0FTq3IPkoZRt4ZEd_wcM1dlovZMnDXgyPp4RBlNNHUuLkcmRCciK9t9I_uEHVemdLLMAbgGtKl0ExoCwvww64bAsA_h45FcMWseOJzZa22Eubj0eCA/s1080/Untitled%20design%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7o5qC2WeTFBDD-a_Ue656JvB2uq7pszvKtVBzu5fvgcTcBPz0Izh9sW6ApllZOvHKNAbJP0FTq3IPkoZRt4ZEd_wcM1dlovZMnDXgyPp4RBlNNHUuLkcmRCciK9t9I_uEHVemdLLMAbgGtKl0ExoCwvww64bAsA_h45FcMWseOJzZa22Eubj0eCA/w252-h252/Untitled%20design%20(1).png" width="252" /></a></div><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Think about where items are stored in your kitchen.</b> I've got plastic cups for the kids in a cupboard at their height, as well as plastic bowls and the cereal is in a cupboard they can reach. This way they can be taught to make their own breakfast.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Have a planner/calendar on the wall. </b>For kids that can read, I've found that having a daily planner and/or calendar on the wall that they can consult is helpful. I've got <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/time-blocking" target="_blank">my colour coded time blocked Google calendar</a>, but they obviously don't have access to that. I sometimes forget that unless I put something on the wall they won't know what I've got planned. It's particular useful if there are any changes to the schedule - such as school trips or whatever that might impact the morning routine. My free digital planning templates <a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/getorganisedtemplates" target="_blank">are available here to download</a>. I use a meal planner (included in my templates), and in the morning I'll consult what we're having for dinner that night and take anything out of the freezer if needed.</li></ul><div>Hopefully these ideas will spark some ideas of your own.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did also ask my nearly 13 year old son if he had anything else to add to the list. This was what he came up with...</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>To <b>wake up sleepy pre-teens</b>, you could perhaps suggest that they have a quick shower in the morning. This has been super helpful for my son, and he loves his morning shower with some of his favourite music playing too.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Stick to a routine.</b> If you follow the same routine every morning, everyone will be used to the order of events and this will also help things go smoothly. </li></ul><div>He then followed his suggestions with the comment 'So do I get any revenue out of this?' 🤣</div><p></p><p><br /></p><ul class="body-ul" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-position: inside; margin-left: 47.5938px; margin-right: 0px; outline: 0px; padding-left: 2.3rem;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: outside none; margin-bottom: 0.625rem; outline: 0px;"><br /></li></ul>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-38422182567818211062022-07-24T15:16:00.001+01:002022-10-24T11:54:16.031+01:00Where to Brunch in Glasgow's Southside<p>I love to treat myself to brunch in a wee café. I used to work from home pre-Covid, and would take myself out once a week with my laptop for a nice coffee and a bite to eat. That all stopped obviously during the pandemic, and I'm slowing getting back out there again! It's been a while since I've worked from a coffee shop, but I've been enjoying brunch with the kids every so often. </p><p>This weekend we visited <a href="https://www.thebrunchclub.co/" target="_blank">The Brunch Club</a> in Giffnock for the first time (used to be BRGR), along with Dawn and her daughter. They don't take bookings, and so we did have a little bit of a wait (understandable as we needed a table for 5). I wasn't blown away by my choice of smashed avo (avocado, red onion, garlic, fresh cherry tomatoes, balsamic glaze, poached egg & sourdough toast; £9) although I did enjoy the halloumi that I added (£2.50). My son felt his waffles were a bit dry (waffles with Nutella and fruit; £9.50) but Dawn loved her plate (Alba which was veggie haggis, poached eggs, truffle hollandaise, crispy kale and sourdough toast; £9.50) and the girls enjoyed their pancakes and Nutella. I'll try something else next time... tacos perhaps! Dawn had a virgin Bloody Mary, and it looked ace (I sadly didn't photograph it!). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXU_xUm-eZtpI3T0A7rgnLRnKKlJmfAB6K24AWEhWzJjEsRuKxaE_oJhuULTafweQpxuo2Mxgx9zzX4UsMDVT2iv6U3tR4Yoma0E0Kb9bXUTxwNVEfwg0V6ZlzXS0NPBRk29jc5VD-YAfM2mUu9YmXuqbK2AIzA_NBVM8Qr-uwt7-Z-AYmN3fCAQ/s640/IMG_9327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXU_xUm-eZtpI3T0A7rgnLRnKKlJmfAB6K24AWEhWzJjEsRuKxaE_oJhuULTafweQpxuo2Mxgx9zzX4UsMDVT2iv6U3tR4Yoma0E0Kb9bXUTxwNVEfwg0V6ZlzXS0NPBRk29jc5VD-YAfM2mUu9YmXuqbK2AIzA_NBVM8Qr-uwt7-Z-AYmN3fCAQ/w218-h388/IMG_9327.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>It's been a while since I've written a review of a restaurant or café... when the kids were little they tended to love most things and a lot of the restaurants got 5 stars when they were asked to rate them!! Whereas now, my son at nearly 13 years old and my daughter at 11 have opinions! Their favourite meal is steak & chips (we had a fab dinner in York at the start of the summer holidays at <a href="https://www.thecutandcraft.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cut & Craft</a>, I'd recommend it if you're in the area... as would they!!), and when we're brunching they're all about pancakes and Nutella.</p><p>Anyway, back to brunch...</p><p>Our hands down favourite is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bramble_cafe/?hl=en" target="_blank">Bramble</a>, opposite Queens Park at 924 Pollokshaws Road. Similar to The Brunch Club, they are walk in only. So if we're headed here of a weekend I try and go for them opening (Sat 9am, Sun 9.30am). When Bramble was in Giffnock we queued for an hour once to get a table, and that wasn't fun with two hungry kids in tow! Most items on the menu I love, the vegan flatbread (sweetcorn fritters, salsa, pineapple chutney and mayo on a soft flatbread; £9.50) is a favourite as well as the pulled pork tacos (which isn't on the menu anymore *sad face*). The kids tend to order pancakes with Nutella and strawberries (£9.50, or £6.50 for a small portion).</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dbbIpBVvRe7CsCCNJdgQUkKhyfxOvJAd48RH1qUL7YPcdjAoIMsdpYbVqxUBfj4dOglP4YhSfMfDMpFZP1wehvby2b66a2HXGQXBmfGYv3Q_qYNsq7u0o-BKVK9aKMtZcoga09aFINrbXjnizPiSMazyKsgawyrsv-TiggFeNTTHu05uCbmvfWg/s1280/IMG_9352.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dbbIpBVvRe7CsCCNJdgQUkKhyfxOvJAd48RH1qUL7YPcdjAoIMsdpYbVqxUBfj4dOglP4YhSfMfDMpFZP1wehvby2b66a2HXGQXBmfGYv3Q_qYNsq7u0o-BKVK9aKMtZcoga09aFINrbXjnizPiSMazyKsgawyrsv-TiggFeNTTHu05uCbmvfWg/s320/IMG_9352.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNcVlGaArpNHQ-XDFtMky6kbQzOxMSOpwHh-VXLLfWL0aevqPWxhNrbjjhlsRFH-uM0oMFQpo0AtmF7XABWI4uK1Bqj51mOQ3-BKqx8lbU3c40xjR9kcw_l0GoLbGokwYvPcq95Dk_Y1DVkUQBWnL0XymkjP-S-hIjkLaYxApCQIwRA1uVoaBkSQ/s1280/IMG_9353.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1276" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNcVlGaArpNHQ-XDFtMky6kbQzOxMSOpwHh-VXLLfWL0aevqPWxhNrbjjhlsRFH-uM0oMFQpo0AtmF7XABWI4uK1Bqj51mOQ3-BKqx8lbU3c40xjR9kcw_l0GoLbGokwYvPcq95Dk_Y1DVkUQBWnL0XymkjP-S-hIjkLaYxApCQIwRA1uVoaBkSQ/s320/IMG_9353.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Last on my list, for now, is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cafe_strange_brew/" target="_blank">Café Strange Brew.</a> Again, as with the others, this café is walk in only. I was here with Evie (they're dog friendly) for breakfast a few months ago and didn't have to wait too long for a table. I love the presentation of the dishes here, my yoghurt and granola came with little edible flowers... so pretty! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Yu72WFzFlOeIunSbpV-Yf8rlBaB9AjoPSVHuDAZs8wa9U7gzimZcgrwTQfqv243j0tmcpnQnRD0LvJzmrT7A3J5SMz26lsHdR0v0qkK059J4GE3szP99b9cK2S7adSP_Vos1MlP4PJ-c23ve04g3_IszZA7GrlGBjHJh1vXbm-q5lc7Wy9_5hk4/s2263/cafe%20strange%20brew.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2263" data-original-width="1278" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Yu72WFzFlOeIunSbpV-Yf8rlBaB9AjoPSVHuDAZs8wa9U7gzimZcgrwTQfqv243j0tmcpnQnRD0LvJzmrT7A3J5SMz26lsHdR0v0qkK059J4GE3szP99b9cK2S7adSP_Vos1MlP4PJ-c23ve04g3_IszZA7GrlGBjHJh1vXbm-q5lc7Wy9_5hk4/w234-h414/cafe%20strange%20brew.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><br /><p>If it's just coffee that I'm headed out for, then I do love <a href="https://www.instagram.com/grainandgrindgla/" target="_blank">Grain & Grind</a>. (My son is obsessed with their sausage rolls and brownies!) I love their coffee, and even have a bag in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/veritythevw/" target="_blank">Verity</a> for my Moka Pot.</p><p>What's your favourite spot for brunch?</p>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-44270127979761742882022-07-13T15:18:00.006+01:002022-07-18T08:41:08.404+01:00My Weekly Newsletter<p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>Have you signed up for my weekly newsletter?</i></b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqD3wz9VQoa7dIDHV042VlAZCJc1uMmrTbC_470x5fZ7plxIEfHkWZnwBsw1q2U5Kr_-QBxGIVhVwSo8UkJh4NQObx2J6vKwdZZBMUpRObZB3dfrTJFCtBU2G8QGeYr7PU5vkSjte3AIY96swIdY_uwDCN0oVRU0yAms9_caxZcZoq0tz13Gool8/s1080/Sarah's%20website%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqD3wz9VQoa7dIDHV042VlAZCJc1uMmrTbC_470x5fZ7plxIEfHkWZnwBsw1q2U5Kr_-QBxGIVhVwSo8UkJh4NQObx2J6vKwdZZBMUpRObZB3dfrTJFCtBU2G8QGeYr7PU5vkSjte3AIY96swIdY_uwDCN0oVRU0yAms9_caxZcZoq0tz13Gool8/w250-h250/Sarah's%20website%20(1).png" width="250" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk" target="_blank">You can subscribe at www.sarahstewart.co.uk</a></span></div><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">For those that are long time followers, you will recall that I started my online presence with this very blog, Glasgow Mummy, that I began on the 16th June 2011. Gosh - that seems like a lifetime ago now. To the outside world, I was happily married with two young children, living in our beautiful home in Glasgow (hence the blog name!). However, on the inside, I was struggling. The blog became my therapy and I (over) shared my life for a number of years. I separated from my husband that same year, on the 29th December 2011. The divorce was difficult, and prolonged; and I think on some levels I'm still recovering from this. </span></p><p></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">I moved from Glasgow Mummy to <a href="https://ethelexplores.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Ethel Explores</a>... this was in response to my ex-husband who felt that my son would be bullied for being a 'mummy's boy' if I continued with my original branding. However, it was hard to establish myself under this new name (I gave it a couple of years!), and a lot of my followers didn't make that transition with me. Eventually I reverted back, although the blog faded with time. I felt that I wasn't being authentic and sharing my true self. In the back of my mind, I was always worried about what my ex would think, say or do. I was missing the creativity of having a blog; my own space to share and store memories. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Fast forward a few years and I threw myself into a new creative outlet... painting. Following (another) break-up, this time with my boyfriend of 2 years (Rick), I joined a local acrylic painting night class. Every Tuesday night, the 2 hours flew in as I immersed myself in colour mixing and putting brush to canvas. I loved it. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: times;">The children have now grown into my soon-to-be 13 year old son, and my 11 year old daughter. I am so proud of them, and despite everything we've been through they are (mostly) a delight to be around. (They have their moments, like any kids!)</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Before Covid-19, I was very occupied with work (by day I work in the pharmaceutical industry in program management) and the children... rushing from the office to the school to their extra-curricular classes. I was always on the go, and painting took a back seat. I didn't prioritise myself as a person; I was 'just' a mum.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">The pandemic has been a wake-up call. I am truly devastated for the loss of life, and the suffering that it has caused. However, for me, I've seen some positives. I was in the shielding category, as I take immunosuppressants for Crohn's Disease, and so I was forced to stay at home for a number of months. I got my paintbrushes back out, and set up a make-shift studio at my dining table. I've been revelling in the slower pace. I have been doing lots of inner work, and have taken time out for myself. I'm in a place now where I feel confident to share my work, and have been selling it too.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">If you'd like to have a look at my artwork, you'll find it on my website <a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. I love sharing my story through this medium.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">I just checked the dates, and it was two years ago (the time has flown in!!) I started writing email newsletters for my subscribers list. I feel more comfortable sharing more personally via email now than I do on these pages... so <b>my weekly newsletter is definitely the place to be</b>! </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">I'm also continuing to write on both my blogs; here on Glasgow Mummy and also on my personal website <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog" target="_blank"><b>Sarah Stewart</b></a> where I blog about <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/time-management" target="_blank"><b>time management</b></a>, <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/the-biggest-productivity-hack" target="_blank"><b>productivity</b></a>, <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/decluttering" target="_blank"><b>home organisation</b></a> and <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/how-to-be-more-efficient-with-your-social-media-posting" target="_blank"><b>small business know-how</b></a>.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Let me know in the comments if there's anything in particular you'd like me to write about.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Sarah x</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-36927858351527356932022-07-10T11:36:00.005+01:002022-10-24T11:49:02.229+01:00Let Me Reintroduce Myself<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">There have been a lot of changes here in the last few years, and I thought it might be time to reintroduce myself.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times;">Hi! I'm Sarah...</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media.giphy.com/media/kIGmU6ZJScCSd50vHI/giphy.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="478" height="237" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/kIGmU6ZJScCSd50vHI/giphy.gif" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">I can vividly remember creating my <a href="https://glasgowmummy.blogspot.com/2012/01/35-at-35-list.html" target="_blank">35 at 35 list</a> just prior to my 30th birthday... it was a list of 35 things that I wanted to achieve before I turned, you guessed it, 35! And now I find myself sitting at my laptop aged 40!! Where did the time go?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">So who am I? </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">If you had asked me this question 10 years ago, even 5 years ago... I think you'd have gotten a very different answer to the one I'm going to give you now. A combination of different things - getting older (& hopefully wiser!), the Covid-19 pandemic, navigating some difficult situations with the children and investing in my personal development - have really opened my eyes to what's important in life. Perhaps you can relate?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">I'm a single mum of two pre-teens... gosh, what a tricky age they are both at! My son is nearly 13 years old and my daughter has recently turned 11. The hormones are really kicking in! When I was newly single (just before my 30th birthday!), they were 9 months old and just over 2 years old... and I thought it was difficult then. I had believed it would get easier as they got older... spoiler alert, it hasn't. It's a different type of difficult. When they were little it was physically demanding, whereas now it's emotionally demanding. Perhaps it's compounded by the fact that I'm a single mum.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">A year ago I gave up my employment, and ventured into a new territory... I had been a Senior Director of Global Program Management at a large pharmaceutical company with teams of project managers across America and Europe, but it just wasn't feeling right anymore. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>You can read more about how I left my corporate career <a href="https://yournextlevelself.com/business/how-i-left-my-corporate-career" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><em style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">I had been investing in my personal development, the kids were in a difficult spot and I had this realisation that I was <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/howtoprioritise" target="_blank">prioritising</a> the wrong things. It felt good to step back. I still work in pharma, as a part-time consultant... this means that I can choose the hours I work, and I'm no longer on work calls in the evenings (which came as a result of working with the US and the time difference). With this change in work circumstances, and some other strategies, I've managed to carve out time and space to build my creative businesses.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">I'm a certified transformational life coach (although I acknowledge that this is a phrase that's banded about a lot now and perhaps it's not always so clear what it actually is! I've a post on life coaching on my website which might be of interest - you'll find it <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/life-coaching" target="_blank">here</a>). I've decided to call myself a <b>'productivity coach and small business mentor'</b>. Essentially,<b> </b><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.32px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">I work with small business owners, and help empower them to make sustainable changes in their businesses using project management strategies (drawing on all my corporate experience), plus a mix of mindset work and practical activities so that they <u>get more time</u>. Organisation, systems and processes are my jam!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition to the coaching, I'm also an abstract artist and I sell my art via my </span><a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/" style="letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">website</a><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Everyone is creative in their own way, and what I love most is sharing my story... whether that is through my art, my blogs or my weekly newsletters (you can sign up </span><a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6004959df6bebb57d0abe162" style="letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> if you'd like to receive these).</span></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wholeheartedly believe that it's possible to build a business whilst still being present with your family. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">I also believe that it's possible to do this whilst not burning the candle at both ends, or worse yet - burning out.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am an advocate of living mindfully or more minimally; if you can simplify & streamline your home life then this is one way of creating additional time... giving you freedom to choose what you do with the time you've created. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Freedom and adventure are important to me. One way that I use the additional time I've created is to travel in my campervan, Verity (<a href="http://www.instagram.com/veritythevw" target="_blank">@veritythevw</a>). My future vision involves more travelling and exploring Scotland. I'm building a business that will allow me to do just that.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Generosity or giving is another value, and I now volunteer every week at the local hospice. I run mindfulness and meditation sessions each week for the out patients at our Living Well Hub. Find out more about my volunteering <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/the-gift-of-giving" target="_blank">here</a> on my website.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lastly I'm passionate about nature and the environment. I get a lot of inspiration from nature for my art, and I love to take walks in nearby parks and forests with my dog, Evie. </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: times;">Getting clear on <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/values" target="_blank">my personal values</a> has been an impactful personal development exercise. Being in alignment with my values, in both my personal life and my business, means that my life and work feels good.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7mJdCScQvhkhsHaMhKEpj7IimTXLdK-zz5Bns7wEuTqG0g463KIToipzq0OGMD-BT49McfSwTLL-jxsw8PCYtt291LfvufsFSEbvjrYMrdMoPtdSEsq3mEIt9rK9jAA9LKhagEI69IdH11gUs0aOMM_eTz5E9zdiyxaOUHJ6M0WxGvJS3mtOB2w/s1080/Instagram%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7mJdCScQvhkhsHaMhKEpj7IimTXLdK-zz5Bns7wEuTqG0g463KIToipzq0OGMD-BT49McfSwTLL-jxsw8PCYtt291LfvufsFSEbvjrYMrdMoPtdSEsq3mEIt9rK9jAA9LKhagEI69IdH11gUs0aOMM_eTz5E9zdiyxaOUHJ6M0WxGvJS3mtOB2w/s320/Instagram%20(1).png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hopefully this gives you a flavour of who I am... </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'd love to hear more about you. Let me know in the comments what is important to you (and if you want some help figuring our your values - <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/values" target="_blank">this</a> article that I have written might be helpful).</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sarah x</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">----------------------------------------</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="futura-pt" style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div data-paragraph="true" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: times;">Here are some ways that I can help you - </span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: times;">🤍 <u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Free training</u></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: times;">Slide into my DMs on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/sarahstewart.co.uk" target="_blank">Instagram</a> with the words ‘<b>Get More Time</b>’ and I'll send you the links to a couple of video training sessions I've recorded on how I use my Google calendar to time block, plus my morning routine and evening routines to book end my days.</span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: times;">🤍 <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/projectmanageyourlife" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #a61248; text-decoration-line: none;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Take my 5-day course, ‘Project Manage Your Life’</u></a></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: times;">My popular challenge is now available as a self paced course. Click the link above for more information. In just 5 days, and for £55, I'll have you feeling more organised. </span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: times;">🤍 <a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/about-me" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #a61248; text-decoration-line: none;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Work with me 1-to-1</u></a></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: times;">I currently have space for 1-to-1 life coaching clients. Are you a small business owner feeling burnt out, overwhelmed and stressed? I can help you find more time in your day, get organised using project management strategies and personal development techniques, and have you feeling calm and back in control. Find a spot in my calendar <a href="https://calendly.com/sarahstewartartist/free-discovery-call" target="_blank">here</a> to book in for an introductory call (this isn't a pushy sales call, but rather a genuine desire from me to help you).</span></div></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="futura-pt" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-82538786417201580132022-06-29T20:31:00.001+01:002022-06-29T20:31:40.127+01:00Planning for the School Summer Holidays<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">For those of you in Scotland, the school summer holidays are now upon us!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a single parent, and a business owner, getting organised for the summer holidays is no mean feat. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I put a poll up on my </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sarahstewart.co.uk" style="color: black; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: underline;">Instagram</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and there were a lot of parents in my audience who are yet to get their holiday plans sorted, and were keen to understand how I do my planning.</span></p><p class="" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 24px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">So here goes…</p><ul data-rte-list="default" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 1em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.02em; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a single parent, in the first instance I need to understand what my childcare rota is for the holidays. I had put forward a proposal to my ex a while ago, but it was only agreed now… so it’s delayed my planning somewhat. It’s also meant that some of the clubs locally for over the holiday are already fully booked out, and we also have the added difficulty that the summer club we have previously used isn’t running this year. Out of my control unfortunately, and so I just have to manage around these things.</span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><ul data-rte-list="default" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 1em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.02em; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m a really visual person, and I like to ‘see’ the time that we’re playing with. Have you come across the visuals for a human life in months, or even weeks before? I’ve included a monthly version below for a 90 year old. It’s powerful being able to consider time in this way. Full blog post from Wait But Why </span><a href="https://waitbutwhy.com/2014/05/life-weeks.html" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.02em; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: underline;">here</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.02em; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Anyway, what I’ve done is I’ve created a planner for the summer holidays that breaks the weeks down into days, so that I can have a 1-page snapshot of what we’re doing each day.</span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP5J3FNNX9uxra7L9RSHyTjgSSBQ8sytdD-NzD2dRU4NzMuCRRw7Q8uH5FfkI4--Di8XaxHIdnygCX8PK7hrsxVVEvMXYwktGqu-i1fT8cTasYT73pyaY660-3IiTbA9xh6d41ewbWdUcIrfoB7mm4RiYPB9v0lO5HQ-LCYXujmeOJdrBoR8U5k4/s1400/human+life+in+months.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1400" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP5J3FNNX9uxra7L9RSHyTjgSSBQ8sytdD-NzD2dRU4NzMuCRRw7Q8uH5FfkI4--Di8XaxHIdnygCX8PK7hrsxVVEvMXYwktGqu-i1fT8cTasYT73pyaY660-3IiTbA9xh6d41ewbWdUcIrfoB7mm4RiYPB9v0lO5HQ-LCYXujmeOJdrBoR8U5k4/w430-h353/human+life+in+months.png" width="430" /></a></div><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you want to get your hands on my summer holiday planner, as well as my other planning templates such as meal planner, daily habit tracker and my to-do list then you can head to </span><a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/getorganisedtemplates" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: underline;">this page on my website</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div></blockquote><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIaG2F1LYyiwC2plyn9M4bvlxaDe4KDmLH9iShmQ2FQYggAIoReBoyeyBpVDK3NjV4XSp3CMUBSXpA6JHUgwjIDPurxkqPBsruFLeDVT_JL9CLZdkIkgr2JtpCYgATA-dFHCQ82piN18P2NGYXOM41tLZQucAIgizYhQijA9lzel9TOg29JW_R0k/s1080/Summer+Holiday+Planning+Template.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIaG2F1LYyiwC2plyn9M4bvlxaDe4KDmLH9iShmQ2FQYggAIoReBoyeyBpVDK3NjV4XSp3CMUBSXpA6JHUgwjIDPurxkqPBsruFLeDVT_JL9CLZdkIkgr2JtpCYgATA-dFHCQ82piN18P2NGYXOM41tLZQucAIgizYhQijA9lzel9TOg29JW_R0k/w320-h320/Summer+Holiday+Planning+Template.png" title="Get organised for the school summer holidays" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><ul data-rte-list="default" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 0px 0px 24px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.02em; white-space: pre-wrap;">My kids are older now, 11 and nearly 13 - so we had a family meeting to chat about what we’d like to do over the summer. Gone are the days when I could pick & choose by myself!</span></li></ul><ul data-rte-list="default" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 0px 0px 24px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; text-align: left;"><li><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m going to be taking the kids away on a few trips this summer, and so this is one of the first things that I blocked out in my planner. (I’ve got some campsites booked up now, and the arrangements are in place - can’t wait!).</span></li></ul><ul data-rte-list="default" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 0px 0px 24px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; text-align: left;"><li>I am also going to have to do some work over the summer - I’m not yet in a place with my business where I can step away altogether for the full 7 weeks. So using my planner I’ll determine which of the days, or parts of the days, I’m going to work, and figure out what the plans are going to be for childcare on those dates… this might be summer clubs/activities, or play dates with friends etc. </li></ul><ul data-rte-list="default" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 0px 0px 24px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; text-align: left;"><li>Get creative! Can you offer to take a friend or neighbours kid for a half-day whilst they work, and then see if they’ll offer the same in return?</li></ul><ul data-rte-list="default" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 0px 0px 24px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; text-align: left;"><li><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have a think about what activities you can plan and schedule in advance for your business that will take the pressure off over the summer months…. perhaps you can schedule your email marketing and social media now? Have a look at </span><a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/how-to-be-more-efficient-with-your-social-media-posting" style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.02em; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: underline;">this blog post</span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on being more efficient with your social media.</span></li></ul><ul data-rte-list="default" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 0px 0px 24px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; text-align: left;"><li>Are there tasks that you can blast out in the mornings during the summer holidays before the kids get up, or once they are in bed - maybe get yourself an accountability buddy and get a few Zoom power hours scheduled each week?</li></ul><ul data-rte-list="default" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 0px 0px 24px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; text-align: left;"><li><span style="letter-spacing: 0.32px;">It’s also a great time to mull over what tasks you can delegate to free up your time. I’ve a blog post </span><a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/howtoprioritise" style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.02em; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: underline;">here on prioritisation</span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that should be helpful.</span></li></ul><ul data-rte-list="default" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 0px 0px 24px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; text-align: left;"><li>Lastly - have a think about how you want to feel over the school summer holidays, and make sure that the activities you’ve got scheduled will help you feel that way. I’m craving adventure, and so I’m excited to get away in our campervan, Verity, as much as possible.</li></ul><p class="" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 24px 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>Would love to hear your thoughts - how do you plan for the school summer holidays, and what exciting things will you be doing over the summer months?</i></b></p><p class="" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.7em; margin: 24px 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p></div>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-24435511161540947182022-06-06T09:38:00.004+01:002022-06-06T17:19:44.792+01:00It's been a long minute...<p>Hey! </p><p>It's been a long minute since I last posted here on Glasgow Mummy! How have you been?</p><p>I wanted to provide you with a wee update on the latest in my world...</p><p>Well, wasn't the Covid pandemic an experience to say the least!! It felt so surreal at times, and I also can't get over the devastation that it caused. It's been a wake up call, that's for sure.</p><p>Since I last wrote, I've left my employment in the pharmaceutical industry and am instead following other creative pursuits that truly light me up! I do still work in pharma, but on a part-time basis as a consultant whilst I build and grow my other businesses.</p><p>I qualified as a transformational life coach in 2021, and am working with mums starting out in business as a productivity coach and business mentor. I love that I can bring to the table my 13 years of corporate project management experience into this space. </p><p>I'm also an artist, and sell my unique and colourful abstract art via my website shop.</p><p>You'll find me blogging on all things productivity, personal development, small business, creativity and art over on my new website, <a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk">www.sarahstewart.co.uk</a></p><p>I also write a weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to <a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/links" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>Lastly, if you want to hit me up on Instagram (where I hang out most days!), you'll find me here:</p><p><a href="http://www.instagram.com/sarahstewart.co.uk">@sarahstewart.co.uk</a></p><p><a href="http://www.instagram.com/sarahstewart_art" target="_blank">@sarahstewart_art</a></p><p><a href="http://www.instagram.com/sarahstewart_wellness" target="_blank">@sarahstewart_wellness</a></p><p><a href="http://www.instagram.com/veritythevw" target="_blank">@veritythevw</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_iKfwYvf6cU08cDUraslJPdDWckVl9lUky-YvRnM7U_rEf21w2Jjl0SIY4cfr2P0Jt9TwtvscfOlxshM908OKVMPr6LM2jkeBMoSaW0toa5Qb5O4xYZThDeuaYpK2PId7t8jqaWGV4wBWCeWn5-9IbD3XP10aLABuUyoP9ncQ5EfpcDj3ZPCsLA/s640/IMG_7671.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_iKfwYvf6cU08cDUraslJPdDWckVl9lUky-YvRnM7U_rEf21w2Jjl0SIY4cfr2P0Jt9TwtvscfOlxshM908OKVMPr6LM2jkeBMoSaW0toa5Qb5O4xYZThDeuaYpK2PId7t8jqaWGV4wBWCeWn5-9IbD3XP10aLABuUyoP9ncQ5EfpcDj3ZPCsLA/s320/IMG_7671.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Best,</p><p>Sarah x</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/getorganisedtemplates" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcekAQG2jp0TuGBdbJta1PkSGXusfPi8PxqwJ-DmWotgTQaOP04wBR4aEwSjLnXe-OuwXc3qdI2fydT9TY4Ya4C6PLM_3EM1zzJeF5_Q2fvQi8sRGGoUjt4GbDBqfGOcf7vf-gdRUtsgDZ3uTWK5JLDQt1oQcnLbKXIDpDS_ZQCda9BrxoLcZ1aAs/w640-h334/CTA%20Templates%20(2).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-62152468679900886422020-08-23T18:58:00.004+01:002022-06-06T17:22:47.096+01:00Verity, the VW Campervan<p>Verity has been one of the best purchases I have ever made. She is a VW Transporter, that was lovingly converted into a campervan by <a href="https://www.theweecamperco.uk/" target="_blank">The Wee Camper Co</a>. She is beautiful, and I love her. Very dramatic, but it's true!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2gp0G33qXnPJaPxhv9EXtLbl3Q59g12pNbcH-G2KEsAwD83ag8ZLnFW4gUZNqlIBY1i4SC6dZ-vlBq6eWVtTQg9H8td1MOqRpITiNRhdgQS2xYZnhgExhNvVeD2ZPJDxbu6uldnucPs/s1194/Screenshot+2020-08-23+at+18.46.49.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1194" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2gp0G33qXnPJaPxhv9EXtLbl3Q59g12pNbcH-G2KEsAwD83ag8ZLnFW4gUZNqlIBY1i4SC6dZ-vlBq6eWVtTQg9H8td1MOqRpITiNRhdgQS2xYZnhgExhNvVeD2ZPJDxbu6uldnucPs/w328-h326/Screenshot+2020-08-23+at+18.46.49.png" width="328" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Verity!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I sold my car at the end of last year, making Verity my everyday vehicle... much to the amusement of my colleagues when I rock up to the office in her <i>(pre-COVID 19... I've been fortunate that I can WFH, and have been doing so since we went into lockdown)</i>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The timing of the purchase was perfect given the current circumstances that we find ourselves in. As soon as the campsites opened back up, the kids and I threw our stuff into the van and hit the road! We have been to a few different campsites over the summer, but our favourite so far has been Tantallon, near North Berwick. So much so, that I have two additional trips booked at this site before the year is out... one with the kids, and one on my own <i>(with Evie!)</i>.</div><p></p><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SKp-6FqAoguoSE7AVB_SBvlocODgBQfOvbuA5SV1I0JDUBqkADCCWMu0sOEcwtd5u8QnHknZz4HR7L18X9hrDD0YLlPnfTE9h18oAdt_SNdsRrREk6u9M2JR0UjgUP0RVoi8n1tyWkw/s1192/Screenshot+2020-08-23+at+18.43.50.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The view from our pitch at Tantallon" border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1192" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SKp-6FqAoguoSE7AVB_SBvlocODgBQfOvbuA5SV1I0JDUBqkADCCWMu0sOEcwtd5u8QnHknZz4HR7L18X9hrDD0YLlPnfTE9h18oAdt_SNdsRrREk6u9M2JR0UjgUP0RVoi8n1tyWkw/w320-h318/Screenshot+2020-08-23+at+18.43.50.png" title="The view from our pitch at Tantallon" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: left;">The view from our pitch at Tantallon</span></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div>This weekend I was at Balbirnie for two nights; an ideal spot for exploring Fife. On Saturday I visited St Andrews, and then on Sunday I drove to Elie, Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail. Evie loved all the beaches, and I enjoyed spending lots of time in nature. I find the sound of water very soothing... I'm thinking that a water feature for my garden might be a nice addition!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22Z7CeaOtQGu42EX3RJTIcbb7xbidLvxi7t2TstTdc0mE2CA_w8DUSQUx2Z-c_hyphenhyphenpyOVefbwR3K13Vq1Yh46q-Gj8ZwI7nOekdEa68sQPVjrc7v4vZ3mxb4gN2lPYBanZbjCeKJ9ssKE/s1196/Screenshot+2020-08-23+at+18.49.36.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1196" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22Z7CeaOtQGu42EX3RJTIcbb7xbidLvxi7t2TstTdc0mE2CA_w8DUSQUx2Z-c_hyphenhyphenpyOVefbwR3K13Vq1Yh46q-Gj8ZwI7nOekdEa68sQPVjrc7v4vZ3mxb4gN2lPYBanZbjCeKJ9ssKE/w328-h327/Screenshot+2020-08-23+at+18.49.36.png" width="328" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beach at St Andrews</p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Verity has her own <a href="https://www.instagram.com/veritythevw" target="_blank">Instagram page</a>, so you can have a look there to find out more and I will share some more updates here on the blog with my top tips for #vanlife!</p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />For my fellow campers, which campsites in Scotland should I be adding to my list?</p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/links" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fBjGgHz1GPblUWfKGadKs5mpfE38vPw25gX1TLn-iRckUXNlwrOHMcyW-QT2jm0BjgXogR5PJD1gGyd8obwrkhcrVh1hqtSpfRPa0WXhMoHeLsGRIqLYlKRU-Rg5FvVBeHGDVkTLapR6Yt0DrLBZ3GRwhDSlNT1RVnjm4HgHp2MkzNxqA5k00dU/w640-h335/CTA%20Templates%20(3).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></p><div><br /></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-89581080965493229232020-07-30T09:44:00.002+01:002022-06-06T17:27:59.280+01:00LockdownI wrote in my first newsletter about the COVID-19 pandemic being a wake-up call, as I'm sure it has been for many of us. Being in the high risk category, I was confined to my house for the first few months; something I was actually ok with. I'm grateful that I was still able to work from home, which I had been doing regularly anyway pre-lockdown... plus I had beautiful surroundings and a garden too. As a single parent of young children, I've had plenty practice being restricted to my home. Except, on this occasion a whole myriad of online classes opened up and it felt like I wasn't missing out. I threw myself into trying new things... such as meditation and life drawing. I joined yoga classes virtually, personal training and even a facial massage class. <div><br /></div><div>Life coaching is not new to me. I had a few sessions with a coach when my mum passed away, and then I also hired a coach when my marriage failed. Connecting with Lynette Gray, and more recently Jill Ritchie, has been life changing. That may seem like a bold statement, but it's not an exaggeration. Shortly after we went into lockdown I had a handful of 1-to-1 sessions with Lynette. I know that I work well with coaches; I've had great results with personal trainers but I don't do as well when I'm working on my fitness on my own. I will show up, and more importantly take action, when I am accountable to someone. Lynette's energy is phenomenal and her story is compelling.</div><div><br /></div><div>I committed to Lynette and Jill's 6 month group coaching programme which we started at the beginning of this month, and the 10 members of the group were also granted access to their new 21 day Unearth Your Power online course. Each day on the 21 day course there was new content... meditations, journalling prompts, personal development exercises on money mindset, visualisation and so forth. It's true that the more you put in, the more you get out; and I threw myself into all the activities with gusto. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've recently finished listening to The Miracle Morning on Audible, and I've been rising early and having 1-2 hours to myself before starting my day job. Evie (our Cavachon puppy) has been helping me get up, but irrespective of her, I'd be up... what a difference it makes to your day. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxl6kMLr8ehZpz8zPVXh1jRWDlvA6i7jN03AShb7ymCdjlKYvCahN6ZjQAZ81CMjswymCUbS6q3yLUkQVnTPMulmW4XCQzPGZS8hoxIBUJLoiEWUQat9Jm01B2n94wywCeipKXyX0wf6E/s582/Screenshot+2020-07-30+at+09.35.46.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="582" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxl6kMLr8ehZpz8zPVXh1jRWDlvA6i7jN03AShb7ymCdjlKYvCahN6ZjQAZ81CMjswymCUbS6q3yLUkQVnTPMulmW4XCQzPGZS8hoxIBUJLoiEWUQat9Jm01B2n94wywCeipKXyX0wf6E/w200-h200/Screenshot+2020-07-30+at+09.35.46.png" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My morning routine is now coffee, light bite to eat, affirmations, gratitude, journalling, looking at my future vision board, walk with Evie and then a second breakfast. I squeeze in some reading when I can (this morning it was a few pages of Elizabeth Day, How to Fail), although I typically will save the reading for evening. The only thing I'm missing that I feel I need to weave in is meditation. </div><div><br /></div><div>My future vision board includes more creativity; I've been enjoying painting so much and it feels good to get my emotions out onto the canvas. I opened an <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SarahGlasgowMummy" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> to sell some of my work, and have sold a number of original paintings already which I'm super proud of. My second newsletter, which will be circulated at the start of August, explores some of the inspiration for my art. If you'd like to get on the list to receive a copy then please share your email with me. I promise not to spam you or share your address with anyone else.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'd love to hear from you; do you have a morning routine and what does it include? </div><div><br /></div><div>Check out my video on my morning routine below - </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/1CPbdr0DrOI" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8af7htjjJiFZXE2UWnF1nmr2MBs43guCVJrXm9pfZ0HalQHywvKgBYzmr_4sFVYKqclaI9q8CRTFBwfuvk2IPpimQkSKJ7EbLYyQd40Iyn2F5hzx6KpFwLTafcBa18UPoBxBNvF8GGm3wnhFY9Afxs2U69JEWtuATqHd11UJRJkdj1SLq3gl5loM/w640-h360/Morning%20Ritual%20Training.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Sarah x<br /><div><br /></div>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-2981828322548529472020-07-18T17:29:00.002+01:002022-06-06T17:35:59.675+01:00Back, From Outer Space<div style="text-align: center;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px;">"Oh no, not I, I will survive</span></div><span face="arial, sans-serif" jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive</div></span><span face="arial, sans-serif" jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I've got all my life to live</div></span><span face="arial, sans-serif" jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">And I've got all my love to give and I'll survive"</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><font color="#666666" face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><i><br /></i></span></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font color="#666666" face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><i>I will survive, Gloria Gaynor</i></span></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font color="#666666" face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><i><br /></i></span></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I'm back! </span></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">My blog slowly fizzled out, with my last post on Ethel Explores being published in April 2018. I felt that I wasn't being authentic anymore; fearing what my ex husband would think/say/do in response to my writing. There's also the fact that my children are now nearly 11 years old (my eldest / boy child), and the littlest is now 9 years (she had a lockdown birthday!), and they can readily access the internet / know how to read and write / can google me! </span></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">That said, I miss writing, and I miss my little space on the world wide web. </span></span></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">I've decided to dip my toe back into the water. I'm creating an email newsletter, and the first one is ready to be shared. Please find me on Instagram and let me know what your email address is if you would like to receive my (occasional) emails. I promise not to spam you, or share your address.</span></span></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">I'm excited to re-connect with you all!!</span></span></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Sarah x</span></span></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/links" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="2532" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVYvjQG0zFWx4nud3hkaAHxAZ8uUcSWEMKwaCOmYKth48ww_V3hqubvlkoWDRnhAbtah6PWkmDmHqaYC6CyvYzplziLU33Ux8evjRNYkszJz3YKAW-nbdsi0PExO8NIxQMYEe7TgVns93f86CWMzkHqeuTNZ25oy5zv7jTpa27vmwb5rfpFuFqkk/w640-h362/CTA%20Templates%20(67%20%C3%97%2038cm).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></font></div>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-53739653657586875922015-12-18T20:51:00.003+00:002022-06-06T17:38:55.712+01:00Ethel ExploresI am moving...<br />
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I've decided it's time for a fresh start and as such I have created a new site called <a href="http://www.ethelexplores.wordpress.com/">Ethel Explores</a>. From now on you will find me blogging at www.ethelexplores.wordpress.com.<br />
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I've been writing Glasgow Mummy for 4.5 years now, and it's taken a long time to get the page to where I wanted it <i>(working with a designer to create a logo, establishing readership, improving ratings on Google etc). </i>I'm hoping that the transfer to Ethel Explores won't be as time consuming.<br />
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I won't be closing Glasgow Mummy, so my archive will still be accessible and if Ethel Explores fails, then I guess I can always move back.<br />
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In the meantime, please update your favourites with the new blog address, add me on Twitter @ethel_blog; Instagram @ethelexplores and Pinterest @ethelblog.<br />
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My new email address is ethelexplores [at] outlook.com.<br />
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Wish me luck!!<br />
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Sarah x<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/links" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="2532" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMdRYe60Nnx2wWapkkmY4yoYVl71j5wtxLphrz1I-MQJhrDn6eR1ozauUs1RBqs_6dMS87yFC9bZzzN3ZHaIp3YIsDbVtwdmI2MVF0xT4Se9rV0sfR1YPptSnLj2WeG9BjUIHVLrGVq83A_blh0ePmjhPGl-4cNgb0mfWcd8VHddULh4CktgZeGI/w640-h362/CTA%20Templates%20(67%20%C3%97%2038cm).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br />
<b>Edit: </b>I've now got my very own website, <a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk" target="_blank">Sarah Stewart</a>, and you can reach me via email hello [at] sarahstewart.co.uk<br />
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<br /></div>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-76434843747585555862015-12-08T07:00:00.001+00:002022-06-06T17:40:17.425+01:00Christmas Shopping at Buchanan Galleries, GlasgowThis evening after I had finished work, I popped along to Buchanan Galleries to do a spot of Christmas shopping. I was on the hunt for some 'stocking fillers' or small gifts for children and of course with the huge selection of shops at Buchanan Galleries I knew it wouldn't take me long to get everything I needed! I managed to get parked on the street near the shopping centre, and with it being after 6pm I didn't need to pay for parking - an added bonus! I had also expected the shops to be super busy, but it was quiet and I managed to whizz round in an hour without any hassle.<br />
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I must admit that I've done the majority of my Christmas shopping online, but there is something to be said about going in person and being able to see and touch everything.<br />
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I started off in Lakeland where I bought a few bits and pieces for my children who absolutely love to bake and make sweet treats!<br />
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I chose some <a href="http://www.lakeland.co.uk/15576/144-Colourful-Cake-Cases">rainbow cupcake cases</a> (£5.97 for 144), <a href="http://www.lakeland.co.uk/19011/Smiley-Face-Lolly-Mould">a smiley face chocolate lollipop mould</a> (£4.28) and some lollipop sticks (£1.98 for 50). I also couldn't resist the Doughnut Making Kit (£11.99)...which is perhaps a little large for a stocking but I'm sure it could be squeezed in! We are huge fans of movie nights with 'special hot chocolate' <i>(basically hot chocolate with squirty cream and marshmallows)</i> and so I picked up a pack of three <a href="http://www.lakeland.co.uk/60652/Thomas-%26-Grace%C2%AE-3-Hot-Chocolate-Spoons">hot chocolate spoons</a> (£4.98)... one for each of us!<br />
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<a href="http://www.lakeland.co.uk/70495/Doughnut-Making-Kit">Doughnut Making Kit</a></div>
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Next stop was The Entertainer. One item that I repurchase each Christmas is crayons or colouring pencils, so I picked up some Crayola metallic markers (£4) and a packet of Crayola twistable pencils (£3). We have been enjoying playing board games and cards, so I thought that a pack of Uno (£8) would be a nice gift that we could all use. I loved Uno as a child! Lastly from The Entertainer I chose two packets of Shopkins (£2.50 each) - who can resist the cute little Shopkins faces!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.thetoyshop.com/arts-creative-play/drawing-painting/Crayola-Metallic-Markers---5-Pieces/p/521330">Metallic markers</a></div>
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My daughter is still loving Frozen, so I had to get something along those lines for her Christmas. I found a tin of Frozen characters in Boots... a mini Elsa, Anna and Olaf for £15 in a reusable tin. This is rather pricey for what it is, but with the Boots 3 for 2 offer I decided to make the purchase anyway. Also in Boots I chose a pack of 6 mini lip glosses (£6) and a My Little Pony Rainbow Dash toy (£5).<br />
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<a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Seventeen-Mini-Lip-Gloss-Collection_1688254/">Mini Lip Glosses</a></div>
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My final stop was John Lewis. I love John Lewis - just putting that out there!!<br />
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I picked up two packs sparkly hair bobbles (£4.50 for 3 bobbles), some animal nail art stickers (£3.50), two felt Santa letters filled with chocolate balls (£5 each), a fries and burger rubber and sharpener set (£6), a pack of 24 gel mini pens (£12), a pack of socks each (£6 for girls, £7 for boys) and the most adorable pair of slippers (£12).<br />
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<a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/store/john-lewis-kitten-slippers-grey/p2099610?navAction=jump&_requestid=28048881">John Lewis Kitten Slippers</a></div>
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One of my favourite items from all of the shops is the Customisable Cookie Stamp from John Lewis (£10). You can make your own messages on a biscuit stamper. I think this is such a cute gift for a family or even a friend who loves to bake. My son's reading is improving loads, and I know that he'll be excited to see his name on the biscuits he makes with me!<br />
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<a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/store/suck-uk-customisable-cookie-stamp/p1872743?navAction=jump&_requestid=28026744">Customisable Cookie Stamp</a></div>
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<i>I received a Buchanan Galleries gift card in exchange for this post. As always, opinions are honest and are my own.</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/getorganisedtemplates" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="2532" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYffcrDXrMc2SEHZUMHt6FDy3RPirSbYlfIrGW3FpUvLNIF4p38LuINmhZNb6FZiV464LOQoGnARXnl_SSah73_y6xz1mRULogc92zwWfgYxbGvZIjEMOz1VV7AbZ1BxgszTwUlnZUnKuCYqHwRlBBRyO4W-OUbypENKqjdNz_fMk_rtILMBrQLRU/w640-h362/CTA%20Templates%20(67%20%C3%97%2038cm)%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i>
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</div>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-3745907303644410812015-12-02T07:00:00.001+00:002022-06-06T17:41:34.600+01:00Review & a Recipe - Giraffe's Heid CocktailI popped back along to Giraffe on West Regent Street on Friday after work last week with my colleague to try out the new cocktail launch, Giraffe's Heid.<br />
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I do love cocktails, but to be honest I'm not normally one to try new ones all that often as I tend to stick to what I know and like. There have been too many times that I've been disappointed.<br />
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However I thought I would give it a whirl... who's going to pass up a cocktail review, am I right?<br />
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<b><i>Giraffe's Heid is a Scottish Classic with a Giraffe twist of Bulleit Bourbon mixed with Rose Syrup for essence topped up with Ginger Ale to give it a kick and finished with a stylish Lemon Twist.</i></b><br />
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<b><u>Recipe:</u></b><br />
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1. Add 10 mL of Rose Syrup and a dash of Lemon Juice (5 mL) to your rocks glass.<br />
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2. Add 2 ice cubes and 25 mL of Bourbon and stir for 5 seconds<br />
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3. Add 25 mL of Bourbon and stir for 5 seconds<br />
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4. Fill up with ice<br />
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5. Top up with Ginger Ale leaving a window<br />
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6. Add a long Lemon Twist and serve<br />
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I was pleasantly surprised as the cocktail was easy to drink and didn't taste too alcoholic. I normally prefer a longer cocktail you see! I do love Ginger Ale, so this was right up my street although Bourbon wouldn't be my spirit of choice.<br />
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We also tried Ja'makin' Me Merry <i>(my favourite)</i> and Chocolate Christmas Luxe. Both were tasty... although I'm not a huge coffee fan so I found the coffee chocolatey dessert one a bit overpowering for me.<br />
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I wouldn't immediately think of going to Giraffe for cocktails, but I certainly will go back. We had a bite to eat whilst we were there and the food was delicious. It would make a great location for a work night out or a get together with friends as it's such a large spacious venue.<br />
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Big thumbs up from us!<br />
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<i>We received some free cocktails in exchange for this review. Opinions as always are honest and are my own.</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/links" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="2532" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH3jOxHHWocRZdDdXYw-D86QZTT8a8jrmDQtYJ-Gxr568mv4fK7DzPmWjBgUe5-5oXnduh1x9klhQUqpXUhEfCeWJBT6i8sq2seFei_KmNRdyli-E4BZ5qlKteqa2yE8D2ALj4qlmeD4I-rAIxNwbJ8pNlA4BkT3EKI-ofMBP_lInsh04uXFwQpg/w640-h362/CTA%20Templates%20(67%20%C3%97%2038cm).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i>
<br /></div>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-59662968505337008402015-12-01T21:33:00.002+00:002022-06-06T17:48:12.869+01:00Return of the (i)MacHello... you'll be delighted to hear that I had the hard drive replaced on my iMac and it's now back up and running.<br />
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I was told on Saturday when I handed it into the Apple Store on Buchanan Street that the repair could take 3-5 days, but low and behold I got an email yesterday to say it was ready for collection. I popped along today after work, and one of the guys was super helpful and carried it back to my car for me! Some great customer service :-)<br />
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What's not so great is that I've obviously got to start from scratch...<br />
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Thankfully I had been backing up photos and videos manually, but not anything else. So all my music has disappeared from iTunes it would seem and I also can't find iMovie anywhere which is how I used to edit my movies previously.<br />
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I also don't have Photoshop anymore or the Microsoft Office for Mac software... argh!<br />
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I'll get there, slowly but surely.<br />
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I've had a pretty hellish few weeks... I trapped my hand in a door at work which was super painful; I fell down the stairs at my house bashing my elbow in the process and I then bumped my chin on my iMac on Saturday as I was carrying it into the store for its repair. I seem to be pretty clumsy at the moment... not so good.<br />
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Anyway, lots has been happening that I need to update you on... bear with me as I get back on top of things again!<br />
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Sarah x<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/getorganisedtemplates" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="2532" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmj-_3Q50WyaBTtlMBP-F8TvFBv55J8pK8yzNX2Y6DL42MQlnTlmZXihKB4l7jt09CR64BIjB0NIq7BgQvUFg_nTGUrgBxiMhCICB_MZ-z2sr-FaDUez1gSJkGSZzvbfboG5GI7bwXhs7-WUXc8xDKV9choz9_IwPPEk2WSNBoZKgj6Y97UAiVRU/w640-h362/CTA%20Templates%20(67%20%C3%97%2038cm)%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-70570773977561177232015-11-25T16:01:00.001+00:002022-06-06T17:56:15.102+01:00Gent's Gift GuideI'm still having issues with my iMac which is making blog posts problematic, so please bear with me! I'm currently writing this on my phone which is far from ideal.<div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I thought I would start sharing with you some of my Christmas gift ideas as no doubt you'll be wanting to get presents bought as soon as possible! I'm a little bit disorganised this year and have bought a few things but not everything, which isn't like me!!</div><div><br /></div><div>First up is Dick Winter's boxer shorts. I have previously written about the brand and I think the marketing is so clever, but the product is also fantastic (like Spanx for men) and they are also now made in Scotland. The material feels luxurious, and I'm positive that the man in your life will love these. The range is available at House of Fraser... it's just a case of deciding which dick to choose...Lucky Dick, Clever Dick, or perhaps Old Dick!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeT9JKVds_CG2tjIfJuapx-atmYtZm8_qctpCgEzCithPe8RA_Q3Al_dyAbDPfoBLnmRz3SS7nnWaNReiRaxGbY3w57FQJs6ySY1AXtLbzAZezHtCkiYXYVIsl_Ntm4zt9lUKbpJiB3Q/s640/blogger-image-1361304147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeT9JKVds_CG2tjIfJuapx-atmYtZm8_qctpCgEzCithPe8RA_Q3Al_dyAbDPfoBLnmRz3SS7nnWaNReiRaxGbY3w57FQJs6ySY1AXtLbzAZezHtCkiYXYVIsl_Ntm4zt9lUKbpJiB3Q/s640/blogger-image-1361304147.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next up is some gadgetry...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've actually bought this for the kids to share but I'm sure that boys, big & small, will love this...it's the BB-8 droid from the new Star Wars movie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPfIg6TA95AmZe6Pb64ptljrSwLDfNRzlU76jLj5bISEerpgFuIkwxaBCuwJK3ykWWSnbTjWBzgaXODr0owpRDYn9iK_SYlZJwmjCnF7GHkY75iedJowvBJtw_3vKKmrs2BErqQIK8yc/s640/blogger-image--686925739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPfIg6TA95AmZe6Pb64ptljrSwLDfNRzlU76jLj5bISEerpgFuIkwxaBCuwJK3ykWWSnbTjWBzgaXODr0owpRDYn9iK_SYlZJwmjCnF7GHkY75iedJowvBJtw_3vKKmrs2BErqQIK8yc/s640/blogger-image--686925739.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's expensive at £130 but I'm hoping that my son will love it - he's a huge Star Wars fan. I haven't opened our one up yet to try it, but the YouTube videos I've seen of it in action are really cool!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've spotted a number of gents recently with smart shoes, either for work or the weekend, with brightly coloured laces. This set from Ted Baker would be a cool stocking filler:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpKVxLOjdWpADik5EUNMLaOvhgEIGMhDQqlHaNpztv6gFdMWpq2ToMZAE8TukkN7aFUZ6vXxECTHhLvJy9iU68kbxREXlbdfPMQn9twkwecnqoiso3jHwIY_mkwESbqTzzyJAHJSMoo0/s640/blogger-image--1609868213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpKVxLOjdWpADik5EUNMLaOvhgEIGMhDQqlHaNpztv6gFdMWpq2ToMZAE8TukkN7aFUZ6vXxECTHhLvJy9iU68kbxREXlbdfPMQn9twkwecnqoiso3jHwIY_mkwESbqTzzyJAHJSMoo0/s640/blogger-image--1609868213.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div>Then obviously you can't go wrong with some men's skincare or aftershave. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cufflinks are also another gift I've bought regularly for the men in my life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do let me know what your buying the gents this Christmas!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6004959df6bebb57d0abe162" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="2532" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH3jOxHHWocRZdDdXYw-D86QZTT8a8jrmDQtYJ-Gxr568mv4fK7DzPmWjBgUe5-5oXnduh1x9klhQUqpXUhEfCeWJBT6i8sq2seFei_KmNRdyli-E4BZ5qlKteqa2yE8D2ALj4qlmeD4I-rAIxNwbJ8pNlA4BkT3EKI-ofMBP_lInsh04uXFwQpg/w640-h362/CTA%20Templates%20(67%20%C3%97%2038cm).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /></div>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-28228872037685866632015-11-20T20:37:00.000+00:002022-06-06T17:56:44.342+01:00Review - Bartenders StrippedThe other weekend, I hosted an intimate cocktail party at my house. No special occasion, just an excuse to have a well needed catch up with some of my friends and neighbours.<br />
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You might remember from last year that I had a Social & Cocktail party; well, the guys have started a new enterprise called Bartenders Stripped. <br />
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As the name suggests, the bartenders are <em>(nearly)</em> naked with just a little apron covering the crown jewels!! Oh & he also had a bow tie!! I felt ever so slightly awkward to begin with, but you soon forget... especially the more cocktails you have! My guests found the whole thing really amusing & it was a great laugh. The poor guy had to put up with our chat all evening!! <br />
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Our bartender arrived before the guests to set-up the bar in my living room (wearing his clothes!). Same format as last time... the bar arrives in a box, which then transforms rather spectacularly into a proper little bar. It's really impressive. He then snuck upstairs to strip (!) & he was back for the guests arriving.<br />
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For this party unlike the previous one, we didn't have any input for the cocktails that were to be served. On the list were:<br />
<ul>
<li>Woo Woo</li>
<li>Sex on the Beach</li>
<li>French Martini</li>
<li>Pornstar Martini</li>
<li>Strawberry Margarita</li>
</ul>
Half way through we had a bit of fun with a Blood Shot, which was a strawberry vodka concoction topped with squirty cream. We had to put out hands behind our back, and then take the shot glass in our mouth and down it... harder than it sounds!!<div><br /></div><div>One of my friends got involved & helped make the Sex on the Beach cocktails:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rdscG-gSJX49uKgz2rG37FAhk5eCAA8IYA-v0CtTxavwo76KGruCpBK08aHC05JqPvzqojvrjfW0O05kPxQAlMd9wDsLpZ8IFG-eoY0jRSCUzW0igGLe9SUx1vSsIgyPyJNfEnG1qPs/s640/blogger-image--246257484.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rdscG-gSJX49uKgz2rG37FAhk5eCAA8IYA-v0CtTxavwo76KGruCpBK08aHC05JqPvzqojvrjfW0O05kPxQAlMd9wDsLpZ8IFG-eoY0jRSCUzW0igGLe9SUx1vSsIgyPyJNfEnG1qPs/s640/blogger-image--246257484.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
The cocktails were delicious & really well presented. My only comment would be that perhaps rather than the set cocktail menu of 5, perhaps hosts could pick five from a list of 8 in advance, just to give a little bit of choice. I'm not a huge fan of tequila, and a few of us did end up leaving the margaritas which was a huge shame.</div><div><br /></div><div>I personally think the parties are great value for money as you literally don't need to provide a thing for the drinks...even the ice was sorted along with the garnishes and glasses. All I had to do was provide some music & nibbles (quick trip to M&S!!). </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBHN2Eas1cMQkqDF7GAVPILEwOThl1V_myrehj0OJFzs0O6Gi-SDiq1ad1DPQe3AETMn3Tx-uPQ1_f9Fj__FQ7wb4uUGkcbvBEqajh1uckzWyKEKS7ia1qY7VicnE-hwg2zR81awyhbA/s640/blogger-image--284272763.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBHN2Eas1cMQkqDF7GAVPILEwOThl1V_myrehj0OJFzs0O6Gi-SDiq1ad1DPQe3AETMn3Tx-uPQ1_f9Fj__FQ7wb4uUGkcbvBEqajh1uckzWyKEKS7ia1qY7VicnE-hwg2zR81awyhbA/s640/blogger-image--284272763.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Bartenders Stripped would be fantastic for a hen party or girlie birthday party. Or like me, you don't really have to have a reason!! </div><div><br /></div><div>We received a complimentary party in exchange for a review. As always opinions are honest & my own.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6004959df6bebb57d0abe162" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="2532" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH3jOxHHWocRZdDdXYw-D86QZTT8a8jrmDQtYJ-Gxr568mv4fK7DzPmWjBgUe5-5oXnduh1x9klhQUqpXUhEfCeWJBT6i8sq2seFei_KmNRdyli-E4BZ5qlKteqa2yE8D2ALj4qlmeD4I-rAIxNwbJ8pNlA4BkT3EKI-ofMBP_lInsh04uXFwQpg/w640-h362/CTA%20Templates%20(67%20%C3%97%2038cm).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-22688640266218023742015-11-05T21:27:00.003+00:002022-06-06T17:57:15.952+01:00Health - Starting HumiraThis week I'm starting a new treatment for my Crohn's Disease... HUMIRA.<br />
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HUMIRA is licensed to achieve and maintain remission in patients with moderate to severe Crohn's Disease (it's also licensed for use in other conditions). I've been taking azathioprine now for nearly 10 years and over the last year I have had active inflammation despite my blood levels of azathioprine being in the correct therapeutic range. It's time to get this disease under control... I came back from Portugal and lost 9 lbs in just over a week. Not a good reason to be losing weight!<br />
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HUMIRA is an injection, and I will be trained by the IBD nurses to self-inject. Thankfully, I only have to administer the medication once a fortnight. Although for the first few doses I have to be in the hospital to be monitored. There are a lot of scary side effects, and before starting the treatment I've had to be screened for a variety of infections, viruses and the like. However if we don't get my Crohn's Disease under control, I then run the risk of serious complications.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Life has been very stressful lately which hasn't been helping, but I'm looking forward to having some down time this weekend as the kids are with their dad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been neglecting my blog as I've been so busy with my day job, the kiddies etc and then in the evenings I've just been so tired that I've been in bed most nights from 8 or 9pm! I'm sure once my IBD symptoms improve I'll start to feel a bit more energetic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">P.S. Can you believe we're in November already!! It'll be Christmas before we know it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6004959df6bebb57d0abe162" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="2532" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH3jOxHHWocRZdDdXYw-D86QZTT8a8jrmDQtYJ-Gxr568mv4fK7DzPmWjBgUe5-5oXnduh1x9klhQUqpXUhEfCeWJBT6i8sq2seFei_KmNRdyli-E4BZ5qlKteqa2yE8D2ALj4qlmeD4I-rAIxNwbJ8pNlA4BkT3EKI-ofMBP_lInsh04uXFwQpg/w640-h362/CTA%20Templates%20(67%20%C3%97%2038cm).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<br />Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-12608423294213859232015-11-05T21:16:00.003+00:002022-06-06T17:57:47.879+01:00Review - Merumaya SkincareI've been trying out a couple of new launches from <a href="http://www.merumaya.com/">Merumaya</a>...<br />
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The <a href="http://www.merumaya.com/everything-everywhere-beauty-oil.html">Everything Everywhere Beauty Oil</a> contains Kahai Oil which has even more benefits than Argan Oil. The carefully blended oil can be used for a multitude of purposes, such as on the face or body (either neat or mixed in with your moisturiser), scalp treatment, tame frizzy hair, nourish nail beds, brows or lashes and can be used on hands or feet as an intensive overnight treatment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtKRraIpYjScogUAL1nFPiqcrAJu79CchPOaT8sGzcxKWLzqU7oV2r9rCXjctQkns7RPUbwiGHOJseBkctngus8ninoU4Vr-ip8Rv0s2qrl4e9Fbk78u1bfXzbZBLQsC_kVrcHDPkFrE/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-11-05+at+20.57.51.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtKRraIpYjScogUAL1nFPiqcrAJu79CchPOaT8sGzcxKWLzqU7oV2r9rCXjctQkns7RPUbwiGHOJseBkctngus8ninoU4Vr-ip8Rv0s2qrl4e9Fbk78u1bfXzbZBLQsC_kVrcHDPkFrE/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-11-05+at+20.57.51.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.merumaya.com/everything-everywhere-beauty-oil.html">Everything Everywhere Beauty Oil, £26.50 for 50 mL</a></div>
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The product absorbs really quickly, and despite being an oil it doesn't feel greasy on my skin. The oil isn't scented and if anything smells a little nutty <i>(I've since googled Kahai Oil and discovered that it is an oil sourced from the nuts of the Amazonian Cacay tree!)</i>. I find it rather relaxing to take 5 minutes out of my busy routine to give myself a little hand and nail massage.</div>
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As well as the oil, Merumaya sent me the new Mud Marvels Mask. This mask has activated charcoal, ground volcanic ash and purifying kaolin and bentonite to cleanse and detoxify the skin. </div>
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The mask isn't drying on my skin - sometimes masks like this can really make my skin feel uncomfortable as it dries, whereas this felt lovely afterwards. I've used it a few times now, and it's certainly drawing out impurities as I've got a few cracking spots on my chin right now! Hopefully they clear soon!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVQXexzW9gHzejvv776uBOHp6tZxIHoFZMWRT004ozckYEyfjh3XibfrKjjd9_AXKmRxe7iZ_ft0BEEP9fZJs9fiMYJNUJ-qQkTbmkPANhPnJ4YzsizYwfLxAEW4fmNVCYSrQIxFwsqo/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-11-05+at+21.04.43.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVQXexzW9gHzejvv776uBOHp6tZxIHoFZMWRT004ozckYEyfjh3XibfrKjjd9_AXKmRxe7iZ_ft0BEEP9fZJs9fiMYJNUJ-qQkTbmkPANhPnJ4YzsizYwfLxAEW4fmNVCYSrQIxFwsqo/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-11-05+at+21.04.43.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.merumaya.com/product-range/specialists/mud-marvels-mask.html">Mud Marvels Mask, £19.50 for 50 mL</a></div>
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I'm not sure that these are my favourite products from the brand... I love the Iconic Youth Serum and the Melting Cleansing Balm. I've been using these skincare products for a good while now and have repurchased them both a few times. </div>
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Perhaps with more use, the oil and mud mask will join them in my firm favourites list!</div>
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<i>I received these two Merumaya products for the purpose of this review. Opinions as always are honest and are my own.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6004959df6bebb57d0abe162" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="2532" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH3jOxHHWocRZdDdXYw-D86QZTT8a8jrmDQtYJ-Gxr568mv4fK7DzPmWjBgUe5-5oXnduh1x9klhQUqpXUhEfCeWJBT6i8sq2seFei_KmNRdyli-E4BZ5qlKteqa2yE8D2ALj4qlmeD4I-rAIxNwbJ8pNlA4BkT3EKI-ofMBP_lInsh04uXFwQpg/w640-h362/CTA%20Templates%20(67%20%C3%97%2038cm).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div>
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Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-83596303290014650892015-11-02T22:03:00.001+00:002015-11-16T21:36:09.827+00:0035 at 35 - pay off my student loanI have paid off my student loan!! The payments were actually supposed to stop in May but the message is yet to be received by my employer so I'll be due some money back which will be nice.<div><br></div><div>It's taken me for what seems like forever to pay off the debt. The payments started coming out of my salary about 8 years ago!</div><div><br></div><div>I've not been doing very well with my 35 at 35 list, so at least that's one more thing I can tick off. I turn 34 in January and that leaves me very little time to tick off some fairly substantial items. Oh dear...</div>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-70608089338026898502015-11-02T07:30:00.000+00:002015-11-02T07:30:02.022+00:00Fashion - AW15 Wardrobe UpdatesI recently bought a few things for my autumn/winter wardrobe that I thought I would share with you.<br />
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I'm absolutely loving these boots from <a href="http://www.tedandmuffy.com/">Ted & Muffy</a>. They were £170, but I didn't realise that if you shop online you can get 25% off your first order with the code WEL25. They are super comfy and I wear them to work with dresses or at the weekend with jeans. They're really versatile.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVel8sZb4kfuT9fgGfgkC-3gajQpxyIlpKnWzJIMtkXPEonJjWFX_sHpvZTcu5xcucLcuDjtpr2T29v_tW7lst4khQ-0cTF4LJJGyfd5pF6WQCv621i02xIp4KHxngSqO4NjpANEGrvdg/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-10-29+at+20.51.55.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVel8sZb4kfuT9fgGfgkC-3gajQpxyIlpKnWzJIMtkXPEonJjWFX_sHpvZTcu5xcucLcuDjtpr2T29v_tW7lst4khQ-0cTF4LJJGyfd5pF6WQCv621i02xIp4KHxngSqO4NjpANEGrvdg/s320/Screen+shot+2015-10-29+at+20.51.55.png" width="285" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.tedandmuffy.com/ankle-boots/black-waxed-nubuck/ianthe/TMAB80764.html?dwvar_TMAB80764_color=25">Ianthe, £170</a></div>
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I bought a couple of dresses for work from White Stuff and Sandwich at House of Fraser, including this Shaker Jersey Dress:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXpii3tcST0OF8kg-2fDh4wFFZPU1XpP-CSbJTGAwuOmrlryrKuC9sQeiQHKSbeKFkIYtILl4OQfNVTKMbsUg5rosfnfi0Hndd78A5NWzz0Pv7oPBTjIYZi1UGSpQ0Jkh0p0O2lHj1OE/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-10-29+at+20.57.03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXpii3tcST0OF8kg-2fDh4wFFZPU1XpP-CSbJTGAwuOmrlryrKuC9sQeiQHKSbeKFkIYtILl4OQfNVTKMbsUg5rosfnfi0Hndd78A5NWzz0Pv7oPBTjIYZi1UGSpQ0Jkh0p0O2lHj1OE/s320/Screen+shot+2015-10-29+at+20.57.03.png" width="175" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/White+Stuff+Shaker+Jersey+Dress/222890376,default,pd.html">Jersey Dress from White Stuff, £59.95</a> at House of Fraser</div>
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I loved so many of the Gray & Willow pieces, and ended up buying a few staple t-shirts along with this gorgeous jumper. I do love a sequin!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5ygOU8HzJSfZ90pIZgiS8ziErqZ_xd4IQijXZdoz1CeWzzJ43tiv-NlJ3yT6Fchtd1GpzYwDhLziAatq0d7YhtH6uWD7J8WWcBTrZl3OpFq64XQCK7LKHwTkU2zMKo31sjqYiPpXmfU/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-10-29+at+21.03.07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5ygOU8HzJSfZ90pIZgiS8ziErqZ_xd4IQijXZdoz1CeWzzJ43tiv-NlJ3yT6Fchtd1GpzYwDhLziAatq0d7YhtH6uWD7J8WWcBTrZl3OpFq64XQCK7LKHwTkU2zMKo31sjqYiPpXmfU/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-10-29+at+21.03.07.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Gray+Willow+Disa+Woven+Trim+Knit+Jumper/218867183,default,pd.html">Gray & Willow Disa Woven Trim Knit Jumper, £69</a> at House of Fraser</div>
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I wore this travelling to Portugal in the October holidays and had to go in the full body scanner at the airport due to the sequins which set of the x-ray machine!</div>
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After House of Fraser I went to Princes Square to Cos, a shop that I love, and my favourite piece that I chose is a belted blouse. Again, its a versatile item that can be dressed up or down. It's only downside is that it's dry clean only.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENQSfnhEIL1rirg8C-1Ik3WW5RnuCjaLaeAIWNdBQzGqBkRIKsV3erM4U6ALkcBg10QUPhDchdgfpgIF_lcvcQdhHxQ_b1SaPQ_1N2a-wngzbdh_6Rki_YTAMj5jjj-zAgukwIRnHA8M/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-10-29+at+20.59.07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENQSfnhEIL1rirg8C-1Ik3WW5RnuCjaLaeAIWNdBQzGqBkRIKsV3erM4U6ALkcBg10QUPhDchdgfpgIF_lcvcQdhHxQ_b1SaPQ_1N2a-wngzbdh_6Rki_YTAMj5jjj-zAgukwIRnHA8M/s320/Screen+shot+2015-10-29+at+20.59.07.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cosstores.com/gb/Women/Tops/V-neck_belted_blouse/46885-35331608.1#c-24479">V-neck Belted Blouse, £69</a> from Cos</div>
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Next on my fashion shopping list is an outfit for my work Christmas Party... I can't believe we're in November already!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1231023261575406102%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1777625382713300473%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kpyiMHD0rV8%2FVjKG-b__VoI%2FAAAAAAAALUk%2FWDgECnZ2BB8%2Fs320%2FScreen%252Bshot%252B2015-10-29%252Bat%252B20.51.55.png&xm=h&xv=saundefined&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 210px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 126px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1231023261575406102%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1777625382713300473%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kpyiMHD0rV8%2FVjKG-b__VoI%2FAAAAAAAALUk%2FWDgECnZ2BB8%2Fs320%2FScreen%252Bshot%252B2015-10-29%252Bat%252B20.51.55.png&xm=h&xv=saundefined&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 210px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 126px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Glasgow Mummyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14325080317822942724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231023261575406102.post-61300869771915197282015-11-01T07:30:00.000+00:002015-11-01T07:30:00.065+00:00Memories - My Teenage BedroomThe other day on the radio I heard the DJ asking the listeners about the posters they had on their walls as they were growing up...and it got me thinking of my own bedroom as a teenager and the celebs that I had posters of!<br />
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I was <i>(and still am)</i> a bit crap when it comes to taste in music, as my regular readers will be well aware of! So you will probably have guessed already that the posters I had up were rather embarrassing!<br />
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My parents let me stick up pictures all over my walls, and I ended up with Blu tac marks everywhere. I was a big fan of Hanson and pretty much had a whole wall dedicated to them!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFp79mNQMB9yTCHCUTTRO9fVgrJj_WU1Tt6vRMWwyRMPdWqnEECFRVHU8hIWBvwAsFiSew5fPm7Or5GVYrG2OpQof-TfdGzYSDkIoe4UuVdxK1jPnFbEld5IceR2Chl6tRLLqSEn4wres/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-10-29+at+20.31.32.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFp79mNQMB9yTCHCUTTRO9fVgrJj_WU1Tt6vRMWwyRMPdWqnEECFRVHU8hIWBvwAsFiSew5fPm7Or5GVYrG2OpQof-TfdGzYSDkIoe4UuVdxK1jPnFbEld5IceR2Chl6tRLLqSEn4wres/s320/Screen+shot+2015-10-29+at+20.31.32.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mmmboptastic.com/site/2013/10/22/tulsa-times-26-the-pulse-of-hanson/">{image source}</a></div>
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My other teenage crushes were David Duchovny <i>(I loved The X Files) </i>and Leonardo Dicaprio. I studied Romeo & Juliet at school and I remember going to the cinema to see the adaption with Dicaprio - I think I would have been about 14 years old. Then after that there was Titanic where I bawled my eyes out and fell more in love with Leonardo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez3v1v9oIad0q6rKa_ttAutpvY7X3AQ6ch8dwMHceKvHSKEI9Z7n3JR_A8O6jDGumsTt3GyM5VWCln7tEIEcvnTzPKI4FWOc7h8FpjEX3ofv2Vkh_lLcgkXg6cpoq8JIguuPRyeazJ5I/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-10-29+at+20.33.55.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez3v1v9oIad0q6rKa_ttAutpvY7X3AQ6ch8dwMHceKvHSKEI9Z7n3JR_A8O6jDGumsTt3GyM5VWCln7tEIEcvnTzPKI4FWOc7h8FpjEX3ofv2Vkh_lLcgkXg6cpoq8JIguuPRyeazJ5I/s320/Screen+shot+2015-10-29+at+20.33.55.png" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://dvdbash.com/2013/01/20/the-x-files-gallery-season-5/">{image source}</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgbIVArNBv3HQO7-w9NB1hE0l8vARj4qf6-ydWc6OZyOcj2iqg2_0rUBCL8SjqDgv5BAGE_gAbl-g430_Cz5NXX6KWLQ3m6u2CTP_CK6C34g-mw09CeunmCsoDFpU8noGJmrwKJ0XgfA/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-10-29+at+20.36.52.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgbIVArNBv3HQO7-w9NB1hE0l8vARj4qf6-ydWc6OZyOcj2iqg2_0rUBCL8SjqDgv5BAGE_gAbl-g430_Cz5NXX6KWLQ3m6u2CTP_CK6C34g-mw09CeunmCsoDFpU8noGJmrwKJ0XgfA/s320/Screen+shot+2015-10-29+at+20.36.52.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://meatgrinder.co/wallpaper-titanic-leonardo-dicaprio-73455.html">{image source}</a></div>
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I've tried to find some photographs of my bedroom back then but I can't find them - they must be at my sister's house as she's storing some of my stuff at the moment. I'll see if she can dig them out next time I'm in Aberdeen!<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What posters did you have on your wall growing up?</span></i></b></div>
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