{#JanuaryJoy - clear out}

It's the last Florence Finds #JanuaryJoy prompt, which is 'clear out'.

Over the last few years I've minimised my clothing & accessories and successfully completed Project 333; I've decluttered the house (including the kids toys and my kitchen) because last year I moved from a sizeable 5 bedroom mid-terrace property into a more reasonable 3 bedroom semi and in the process I've sold a number of pieces of furniture on Gumtree and still have a few more things to clear out. I also gave a number of boxes of 'stuff' to my dad's wife Jo who has taken everything to a car boot sale for me.

I actually don't think there's much more for me to clear! Yay!!

One thing I know I need to work on is my digital hoarding... I have so many photographs it's unreal and I could be done with spending some time to ditch the rubbish ones and organise the good ones. *Adds digital decluttering to the to-do-list.

So, that's it... I hope you've enjoyed reading my #JanuaryJoy posts. I've certainly enjoyed writing them.

Can you believe it's nearly February already!!!??!!

{#JanuaryJoy - refocus on your career}

Today's prompt from Rebecca over at Florence Finds for her #JanuaryJoy series, is to 'refocus on your career'.

Regular readers will know that I have a PhD and I'm a part-time scientist... and my blog is my creative outlet that I write in my spare time.

I've dipped my toes into other careers over the years... retail, hospitality, photography... but science was always my strong subject and it seemed sensible to pursue a job in this field.

I don't know many people who have swapped their career, but one person that sprung to mind was Steve over at Cherry Tree Films.

Steve was the videographer for my wedding, and the wedding films he creates are just amazing (I'd definitely recommend them, and a few of my friends have since used Steve for their weddings). Anyway, Steve has a degree in Biology and worked for 8 years in the pharmaceutical industry before turning his hobby into a business.

I'm not saying I want to completely change my career... I spent 8 years training to do what I do (5 years at uni for my first degree, and then another 3 for my PhD) and so far I've only been working in the 'real world' for 6 years.

My current employer is brilliant and I've been so lucky in that respect. My hours are flexible and at the moment I'm working part-time.

What concerns me are the next 2 years whilst I juggle nursery & school runs with the kids dad. I'm hoping it will become easier once they're both at school, which will be August 2016.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a lottery win (what are the chances??) and then I can pursue one of my dream jobs, like opening a cupcake cafe/gift shop or working on the CBeebies show 'Nina & The Neurons'!

Nina & The Neurons

{#JanuaryJoy - have a social media sort out}

Today's prompt for #JanuaryJoy is to 'have a social media sort out'.

Instead of reducing my social media of late, I've managed to increase it by downloading Spotify to try. You'll find me as Glasgow Mummy, and then you'll have all the evidence that you need to confirm my rubbish taste in music. Here's hoping Spotify helps rectify that!

I'm active on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest... Details over on the right ----->

Cath Tate greetings card!

I also dabbled with Vine, but quickly gave up - it really wasn't for me and I was finding it tough to keep up with them all!

I've gone through phases of reducing the number of people I follow but I don't think this is as important as having a social media strategy. First up, I'm going to try a Daily Social Media Checklist... like this one:

{image source - punchbugmarketing}

How do  you keep on top of your social media platforms?

{#JanuaryJoy - treat yourself}

This weekend I treated myself to a new sofa from Marks and Spencer. It was the last weekend of their sale, and I didn't want to miss out so I headed into town to make my purchase.

I was in dire need of a sofa bed for my living room as I don't have a spare bedroom in the new house as it's much smaller. I was perhaps being a bit fussy though as I didn't want any old sofa bed... I wanted one that was going to match in with my current soft furnishings (I can't afford to change the curtains, which are a brown flock design) & furniture (I have a pink/purple feature armchair in the room) and I also needed one that was going to be comfortable to sleep on for my guests.

I chose the Fenton Medium Sofa Bed in Plum, reduced to £909 from £1299.

It's not the grey chesterfield sofa bed that I had originally dreamed of, but this sofa bed is practical (colour is dark enough to mask any stains from grubby kiddie handprints!) and I think it was reasonable in terms of cost versus comfort. It's so nice to sit on in comparison to the Ikea one I'm currently borrowing from my sister. And it will tone nicely with the armchair that I have from made.com.

Next on my list for the living room is to paint the walls a slate blue colour (my sister gave me B&Q vouchers for my birthday this month) and the next big purchases will hopefully be a carpet and a log fire!

{#JanuaryJoy - tidy up}

Today's #JanuaryJoy prompt is to 'tidy up'.

I'm taking this to mean a few things...tidy up the house & get organised...tidy up my mind & get motivated for the year ahead...and tidy up my appearance.

Here are my thoughts on each:

1. Continue to declutter the house - in particular tackling the main areas prone to getting messy...my desk, my walk-in cupboard, the shed/out-house and on top of my microwave (dumping ground for mail etc!). I bought two pieces if furniture from Gumtree last week & as such I've now got a few extra drawers to store my bits & pieces.

My £15 mahogany chest of drawers

My £10 mahogany tall boy!

The mess that has collected on top of the microwave!

2. This month I ended my relationship with my counsellor. After 7 months, I feel ready to go it alone.

Lots for me to think about & one thing I am going to take on board is writing stuff down in a book rather than e-lists. Hopefully it'll let me keep a clear head!

Susan's parting words to me were 'Enjoy Life' and I intend on doing just that.

3. I'm currently sat at my desk feeling like a plucked chicken! I hate getting waxed - it hurts like hell, but as awful as this may be, I do feel more confident when I'm waxed, nails polished & hair done. I've been a bit rubbish at keeping my nails done, which I'm annoyed about because for a while I was really good and kept my nails looking lovely for ages (as part of my 35 at 35 list).

My recommendation would be Stephanie at Beauty in the Basement, Kano. I occasionally get gelish nails done and Stephanie is brilliant. She's the only beautician I have used who's gelish nails last for over a week, sometimes 10 days. Other places I've been to, at least one of the nails starts to peel off after a couple of days. Stephanie's spray tans are also brilliant. She also does 'Tuesday Treats' and runs some really good deals. Definitely one for Glasgow Southsiders to check out :)

I'm also linking up with Kate on Thin Ice's #groovymums blog linky... making small steps to improve my life.

{#JanuaryJoy - try making pasta}

'Try making pasta' is another #JanuaryJoy prompt I'm not able to do, just like the baking bread, because of the paleo-inspired diet I'm trying. Basically, for just now I'm not eating bread or pasta in an attempt to improve my Crohn's symptoms and help with weight loss. I should also be cutting down on dairy, but I'm yet to manage that too!

Instead, the kids and I will get creative with dried pasta and I'm going to make some sticky pasta pictures and try making some jewellery with macaroni and penne!

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{#JanuaryJoy - plan your savings}

It just so happens that yesterday I created a spreadsheet with my income and all my outgoings, which is perfect for today's #JanuaryJoy prompt, 'plan your savings'.

Unfortunately, what my spreadsheet has shown me is that I don't really have any spare cash to start a savings plan... Every penny is pretty much accounted for.

I love a good spreadsheet!

However, in August, my son turns 5 and he also starts school. This will reduce my monthly outgoings on childcare by approximately £350.

So my plan for just now is to just get through the next 6 months as best as I can, but then in August I will re-think my savings and come up with an actual plan for the future as I should hopefully have a bit more disposable income.

I've cut my costs as far as practicable... but I know there is more that can be done. Selling my car was a start... my road tax has dropped from £490 a year to £30! I need to look at my mobile phone contract. I don't think I'm on the best package for my requirements. I also need to make more of an effort to do meal planning. This will hopefully cut my food expenditure as there will be less waste. There are also things I can sell... my old iPhone for one. It's been sat in a drawer for nearly a year, whereas I reckon I could probably get £100 for it if I was to sell it. I also have some clothes I no longer wear that I could eBay...

There are so many things I'd love to do in the new house (paint, carpet, new light fittings...), and I'd also love to go on holiday abroad (my last trip abroad was nearly 4 years ago). But of course this all costs money... so the savings plan is really important.

Watch this space to see how I get on.

{#JanuaryJoy - plan a trip}

We were very kindly invited to have a day out in Falkirk & finally the day came around for our trip.

It's not somewhere I've been before, either with or without the kids, and we'll definitely be going back.

I had in my head that Falkirk would take ages to get to, but it's actually not that far.

We started at The Falkirk Wheel and the kids were excited about the 'giant robot'. The weather was a bit miserable but we were well prepared in our hats, gloves & wellies.

Refusing to pose nicely for a photograph!

Captured on the sly in between silly faces!

Going through the tunnel!

After our boat tour, which lasted about an hour, we had lunch in the cafe.

The choice of food was good and everything was reasonably priced.

The kids had a lunch box each with 5 items (£3.95) and R & I had a baked potato each with cajun chicken (£4.95). R also had the soup, which was really good (£3.95). We also tried the chocolate muffins & they were yum! 

Baked potato with cajun chicken and side salad

We then jumped back in the car & headed to Muiravonside Country Park (The Loan, Whitecross, EH49 6LW), which took about 30 minutes.

It wasn't signposted very well and we drove past the entrance when we arrived, having to reverse back along the road, but I've been told the signage will be improved over the coming weeks.

The park is massive (170 acres) and unfortunately we didn't have enough time to explore it properly. We did have a walk round the animals at Newparks Farm...plenty of chickens, ducks, geese, four large pigs, a horse, llamas, cows (which were hiding!), a bull, sheep, and a few donkeys. As well as the park, the farm is free to access. The forest walk reminded me of my own childhood & I'll definitely go back when the weather is warmer. The park also has a cafe.

I've been told that the River Avon Heritage Trail around the park past the historic Avon Aqueduct is a must-see.

{Avon Aqueduct}

Littlest enjoying the outdoors!

The llamas

Our final stop was Callendar House, which was a 20 minute drive from Muiravonside. Admission to the house is free.

{Callendar House}

The house is a short walk from the car park through the park (the kids play park, Callendar Castle, looks good fun) and upon arrival we headed straight to the tea rooms. We sat in the window and had a lovely view over the park. I had an earl grey tea and a scone, R had a coffee (Java, very strong) and a scone, the kids had a pot of hot chocolate and a chocolate biscuit. The tea was lovely, as was the scone but my portion of jam was a little measly and it would have been amazing with some clotted cream. We then explored the house, although it was near closing and so we didn't get to see all the exhibits.

Chocolate biscuit was demolished quickly - thumbs up from the eldest :)

Alex Frost exhibition at The Park Gallery. These dog beds have been digitally printed to look like nappies and baby wipes... meant to represent that to some owners, their dogs are like children.

We had a great day out in Falkirk and definitely recommend the places we visited. 

If, like me, you've not really investigated Falkirk before, then you'll also be excited to hear about The Helix which is newly opened. 

The Splash Playzone will be reopening in the Spring... it features 15 jets and 6 mist sprays!

{Splash Playzone}

There's also the Helix Park with pathways round the lagoon, shingle beach and the Great Lawn. And in the summer the visitor centre will open.

All in all, there's lots to see & do.

So, what do you reckon? Worth a visit? We think so!

We received a complimentary day trip to Falkirk including our tour on the Falkirk Wheel, lunch in the cafe and afternoon tea at Callendar House. Opinions, as always, are my own and are honest.

{Burns Night, Jan 25th}

It's Burn's Night on Saturday this weekend and there are plenty of events going on around the country.

"The Scottish Government are funding five events as part of the Scottish Winter Festival programme:

Big Burns Supper, 24-26 Jan - Dumfries

Live from Dumfries, the home of the World’s Biggest Burns Night Celebration – presenting a light inspired carnival parade, featuring a cast of over 2,000 as they reignite the spirit of Homecoming in the Southern Capital on Burns Night through a massive creative performance project including an original soundtrack, giant puppetry and a host of colourful characters who are all looking to get home in time for the parade. The World’s Biggest Burns Supper will be a region-wide public engagement project that will draw on communities throughout Dumfries & Galloway to create a platform for increased visitor growth and celebration, leading to the Biggest Burns Night Celebration in the World.

Two signature events will help create a celebration that will put Dumfries firmly on the map, as the first destination for Burns Night in the World – providing the region with a legacy that will continue after the event cycle.

Scottish Storytelling Centre, variety of events until 25 Jan - Edinburgh

This will be a fun, family friendly series of events that will promote Scotland’s rich history in a modern and unique manner.

Explore Robert Burns' master narrative and learn how to recite Tam O’ Shanter, join Linten Adie and friends from the Scots Music Group for an afternoon of songs and music to celebrate Robert Burns, be inspired and entertained in a fun, interactive afternoon of storytelling or enjoy a Burns Supper in the beautiful setting of the Storytelling Café, hosted by storytellers David Campbell and Linda Bandelier, with clarsach player Katie Harrigan. There are a wide range of events taking place throughout the weekend for Scots and Scots at heart to enjoy.

Robert Burns Humanitarian Award, 25 Jan - Burns Museum, Alloway

This prestigious international Award is presented annually to an individual or group who has saved, improved or enriched the lives of others or society as a whole, through personal self-sacrifice, selfless service, 'hands on' charitable/volunteer work, or other acts. Winners receive the equivalent of 1759 guineas – a sum which signifies the year of the Bard’s birth and the coinage then in circulation – as well as a specially commissioned hand-crafted award.

Burns Life of the Poet, 25 Jan - Eden Court, Inverness

Join us on the 25 January 2014 as we kick the evening off in the city centre with our hilarious Haggis Highland Games and then accompany us on our procession through the streets of the city centre, across the river and over to Eden Court.  As soon as we arrive there will be an eye-catching outdoor projection display, plus all around the building bite-sized drama performances based around key moments in the Bard’s life will take place. The icing on the cake will be a traditional Ceilidh in the OneTouch Theatre (we’ll even teach you a few standard dances like Strip the Willow and The Dashing White Sergeant).

Burns Unbound, 25-26 Jan, NMS Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride

Join us at the National Museum of Rural Life for a celebration of the works of Robert Burns and the Scottish traditions associated with this time of year.  Enjoy a packed programme featuring family craft activities, costumed characters, gallery trails, music, storytelling, theatre, and food and drink themed around some of the national bard’s most famous works. You can also explore our 1950s working farm, Georgian farmhouse and award-winning museum, open all day. Burns Unbound! We are proud to be part of the celebrations for Homecoming Scotland 2014. Spread the word and join our celebrations!"

If you can't make it to one of the events, then there is a range of fun and interative information available over at www.scotland.org/burns.

For those of you looking for ideas of things to do with your little ones, have a look at the post I did last year for Play Talk Read... 30 braw things to do before you're three.

I also spotted a flyer on my travels for the Guy's Restaurant & Bar Charity Burns Night 2014 and it looks to be a good night out. Would appear that tickets are still available too.

Have you got your haggis ready?

A burns night supper over at happythought

{#JanuaryJoy - read something new}

I have no excuses for today's #JanuaryJoy prompt, 'read something new', because R bought me a Kindle Fire for my birthday. I've never owned a laptop or tablet device before aside from my iPhone, so it's going to take a bit of getting used to. I'm already loving it, but I'm keeping it a secret from the kids as I know they would quickly become obsessed with it.

So far I've watched a few episodes of Breaking Bad on the Netflix app, but I'm yet to actually read a book on it!

Last year for #JanuaryJoy 'read a new book' I talked about some of the self help books I had purchased, and I have to admit I've still not read them all. I particularly should read the one titled 'Just Get On With It'!

Although I was recommended a book by my good friend Ailsa, 'the five people you meet in Heaven' which I finished... and my friend Kath sent me a book called 'Ursula, Under' which is still on my bedside cabinet. This is next on my list to read, and then after I've finished that... I'll start investigating the Kindle books. I bet Bex at Olive Dragonfly will have some recommendations!

This weekend I've scheduled a duvet day... the kids will be with their dad and I've literally zero in my diary. I can't wait! Perhaps I might do a bit of reading as I relax with a cuppa in bed!

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{#JanuaryJoy - plan to revamp your garden}

I should have read ahead at the #JanuaryJoy prompts, because I wrote about my garden plans for 'plan a room' on January 10th! Whoops!

My friend Louisa sent me a card for my birthday last week and it had the following Chinese proverb on it...

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I'm guessing that this may have something to do with being out in the fresh air and perhaps having time to think? The weather is freezing but like Kate over at Kate on Thin Ice, I believe it's so important to get outside. It's great for the body & mind.

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This weekend, we went on a superb day trip to Falkirk. The weather started off a bit miserable and wet, but we were well prepared with our waterproofs, wellies, hats & gloves etc. It was a busy day, with lots to see and do, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, as did the kids. Full post on this will be on the blog later this week.

Glasgow Mummy on Facebook

And this evening I'm heading out for a run with R. This is it - I'm getting back into good habits and I'm determined to get back into shape. I've already lost 3 lbs after cutting out bread & pasta. Just another 8 lbs to go to reach my target. 

{#JanuaryJoy - bake some bread}

Today's prompt from Florence Finds #JanuaryJoy ('bake some bread') didn't make me a happy bunny... I'm trying to stay clear of bread and pasta and if I was to bake bread I'd be sure to eat it!

Instead, I'm thinking I'll attempt some yummy* paleo pancakes, like these cinnamon and coconut pancakes by nom nom paleo.

Or maybe these lemon raspberry pancakes by paleOMG. I have to say - these look amazing!

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Watch this space to see how I get on!

* I'm not convinced, but we shall see!!

{#JanuaryJoy - try a new trend}

Florence Finds #JanuaryJoy prompt for today is 'try a new trend'.

I'm not really one for trends, preferring to stick to classic pieces or looks.

However, in the hamper I received for winning the People Loves Glasgow Instagram competition, I found an orangey-red lipstick.

It might not be a new trend, as I'm sure neon orange lips have been on the fashion scene for a while now, but I thought I'd give it a whirl.

Neon! {image source}

Here's the lipstick I got, from Cargo Cosmetics in the colour Sedona:

Sedona is a bright coral colour, but unfortunately I'm not sure this photo represents the colour all that well!

And here I am wearing it, again it looks more red in the photo when in actual fact it's more orange. 

I have to say I'm not convinced... but that's possibly because I never wear bright lipstick. I would either have neutral lips or possibly at a push a plum colour.

I think my pout is sizeable enough without drawing attention to it with a bright orange colour!

I'm not ruling it out completely, but I'm just not sure of it... yet.

What are your thoughts, orange lips - yay or nay?