{Ideal Home Show Scotland}

Last weekend R & I headed to the SECC for Ideal Home Show Scotland. We didn't have much free time unfortunately so it was a flying visit, but we did get a chance to wander all the aisles and soak up the atmosphere.

It's been a few years since I've been to the Ideal Home Show and this year there seemed to be more women & shopping exhibitors than I remember. I didn't go to the home show to buy hand cream or sleep-in rollers. Anyway, maybe that's just me.  

One of the highlights for me were the houses. Can you believe that there were three houses built inside the SECC!

One of the show homes

View from the top of the show home

I've been lusting after a new bedside lamp, and I spotted these beauties at the Ideal Home Show Scotland, both from Rejects Department Store in Fife (123 St Clair Street, Kirkcaldy)...

Stag lamp stand

Branch lamp stand

I didn't buy either of them (too many other things to budget for this month and next, like a car service, boo!!), but the Home Show certainly gave me plenty of ideas and inspiration.

This hot tub is also on my wish list!! It was absolutely huge!!!!

John Amabile - unfortunately we didn't have time to listen to many of the demonstrations and talks, but the line up was really impressive.

All the food looked amazing too. I especially liked this stand...

The  Naked Sausage... I wish I had tried one of their designer sausages!! ;-) 

Did you make it along for the show, did you buy anything?? Do share your purchases with me!

{A Trip to the Movies at Glasgow Fort}

Last week the kids and I headed to Glasgow Fort to visit the new Vue Cinema. We had tickets organised for 'Postman Pat: The Movie' and the kids were very excited about it. I was less excited about the film... Postman Pat doesn't really do it for me... but this wasn't for me, this was an experience for the kids to enjoy.

I keep forgetting that Glasgow Fort really isn't all that far from Glasgow City Centre (it literally took us 10 minutes to get there!) so we arrived well in advance of the screening start.

We also got parked up right at the door too. There were plenty of spaces which was fab so no issues there. (We visited the cinema on a Friday afternoon however rather than at the weekend, so I'm guessing on a Saturday or Sunday it might be different).

The cinema itself is great. Nice and spacious and the facilities are all lovely and clean with it being so new. We got our tickets and the kids were given a Postman Pat sticker book as well. After a quick trip to the toilets, we headed back to the foyer to have a comfy seat and had a browse through the stickers.




















We then went to buy some snacks. There were two choices of kids snack packs, one with a Slushie or fizzy drink, Twirl and kids popcorn, the second cheaper option was a Fruit Shoot, Oreo cookies and popcorn. My son was keen to have the Twirl but there wasn't an option for a still drink with it so thankfully I managed to persuade him to have the chocolate biscuits instead (I did ask for a Fruit Shoot with the Twirl, and I would have paid the higher price, but was told that it wasn't an option). If I'm honest, I think I preferred the Odeon Kids Mix snack boxes and their pick n'mix system was superior to the two choices at Vue - not sure what the other parents think on this? If you were a group of 4 then the All-Inclusive Family Package might be worthwhile:

Anyway, we got to our seats early which gave us a chance to take some photographs, and there was a family behind us taking some snaps too!

I had never noticed before that booster seats were available for little ones so they could sit in their own seat. The plastic boxes don't look overly comfortable, but it's good to know that the option is there should you want to give it a try. In comparison to some other cinemas we've been to, I thought the seats at the Vue were spacious and I didn't feel cramped or crushed (I'm quite tall at 5' 11").

The lights then dimmed as the movie began!!


There have been some bad reviews of the film in the press, such as The Telegraph's headline "Postman Pat: The Movie, review: 'doesn't get stamp of approval'" and "shiny, slightly scary spin-off" at The Guardian.

But surprisingly enough I actually quite enjoyed it!

I laughed out loud at the various test robots that were trialed.

And then I had a tear in my eye when Pat took to the stage to sing and there were flashbacks to his wedding to Sarah, Julian as a baby etc. (everyone I've told about this has found it highly amusing!)

The littlest was jumping around in her seat at the robot dance scenes and there were a few hairy moments when my son was on the edge of his seat waiting to see what happened next!

The littlest was scared at The Lego Movie, whereas she came out of this one and was really pleased with herself because "I didn't cry". It might have been a little scary for anyone under the age of 3 though!

I sadly enough even wrote down a quote in my phone that Pat said during the film as I knew I'd forget it otherwise... "it's so easy to lose sight of what's important".

Have you seen the movie? What did you think? Yay or nay?

'What did you think of Postman Pat: The Movie?'

'Fine' says my son in response!
(Need to work on his reviews I think, lol!!)

A trip to the cinema has become so expensive these days. The Kids AM ticket offers that are available on Saturday and Sunday mornings (& every day in school holidays) make it more reasonable, but if you want to include the snacks that are available at the cinema (& my littlest is always adamant that she wants popcorn!) then the price soon mounts up!

But you can't beat seeing a movie on the big screen!!!

I'm keen to go and see Godzilla, perhaps on Super Tuesday when there's a 1/3 off adult tickets all day!!

We received complimentary tickets for the film in exchange for an honest review. As always, opinions are my own. 

{Wobbles Wednesday}

I'm not sure if anyone is hosting the Wobbles Wednesday blog hop these days? Anyway, I thought I'd update you on how I'm getting on with my weight loss goal.

I was doing ever so well, until the weekend arrived. Oh, and there was also the massive pile of sweets that R brought back from America. And the amazing Courgette & Lime Cake that I baked... I got distracted from my goal and my weight has started creeping back up.

I went from 12 stone 2 lbs down to 11 stone 10 lbs (yay!), but I'm now back up to 11 stone 13 lbs.

Back on it now though! Must. Keep. Focused.

I've bought a Sainsburys Online Grocery Delivery Pass as that was one of my action points to get to my target... start shopping online again. I've also been utilising my 'What to Eat' meal planning notepad. I'm feeling organised. I can do this!!

If you haven't seen my Instagram feed, then here are some of the pics of what I've been eating these past few weeks (aside the cake!).

I've been doing well avoiding bread and pasta (motivation for this is my Crohn's Disease). Although I did have some toast at the weekend (boy was it amazing!). I'm on my last week of steroids for my Crohn's flare-up so I'm hoping that's me now and I won't flare-up when I stop them altogether.

It's now just 4 weeks to BritMums Live. Can I reach my target??

Lots of fresh berries - normally have this with a handful of muesli and yoghurt for breakfast 

With a cup of tea of course!

Salmon & cous cous salad

Chicken breast with vegetables and salad

Prawn & cous cous salad

Chicken & rice noodle stir fry

Smoked salmon, cous cous & bean salad

{Style Icons & My Inspiration}

I remember we were asked in primary school what we wanted to be when we grew up as part of a class discussion. I wanted to be a model. I was laughed at when I told everyone.

I grew up in awe of Cindy Crawford. I used to draw on a beauty spot using my mum's brown liquid eyeliner. I know I won't have been the only girl that used to do that!! I also loved Kylie Minogue. I still have a lot of the toys from when I was a wee girl, and my littlest now loves to play with the baby doll that I had, and she's called Kylie. The name has stuck!

All the photographs of me are in my loft otherwise I'd have dug out one of me with my beauty spot to show you all!

Cindy Crawford

When we lived in the Middle East, I got told that I looked like a young Bridget Bardot. Although at age nine years, I had zero clue who Bridget Bardot was... I'm guessing that it was maybe the pout that made them think Bridget Bardot.

Bridget Bardot

In my early twenties I would regularly buy fashion magazines and spend ages flipping through the pages whilst scoffing Malteasers. But it's now rare for me to buy a magazine. The only time I would read a mag these days would be at the hairdresser or if I was travelling sans children (which is rare!).

Now I get my style inspiration either online (Pinterest anyone!?) or from watching movies. I tend to find that I gravitate towards more classic looks and not bother so much with the trends. I'm not sure I could even tell you what the fashion trends are right now. Monochrome perhaps? Neon? I think I've always been old before my time! 

I love animal print and sequins, my favourite colour is grey and I hate my upper arms so always end up with them covered unless it's really too hot and I was on holiday or something. 

I've dabbled with trying new things... like the bright orange sleeveless silk top I bought when I was with the Personal Shopper at House of Fraser. But due to the fact I hate my upper arms, I've hardly worn the vest unless I've got a jacket on over the top (which I would definitely not be taking off!). I convinced myself when I bought it that I would wear it, but in the two and a half years that I've owned it, I reckon I've worn it 3 or 4 times.

My wardrobe is in serious need of an overhaul. I know this. I just don't have the money right now to invest in new pieces. My plan is to sell a few things on eBay and then hopefully I can then buy some other items to replace them. First up will be some new clothes for work (just 3 more lbs to lose to reach my target!). Then I'll sort the rest! In the meantime I will enjoy pinning a wish list of clothes I love.

Here are some star styles that I love who will no doubt inspire my new wardrobe:

Katie Holmes

Kate Winslet

Claire Danes

Kate Middleton

Anne Hathaway

Gwyneth Paltrow

Who are your style icons?

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{Three Sisters Bake - Courgette & Lime Cake}

I love it when a recipe is easy to follow and when the results actually look the photograph in the recipe book... So I was delighted when my first attempt at the Three Sisters Bake Courgette & Lime Cake turned out like this...

I think the only thing that could have been improved upon was the cream cheese icing... But that's my own fault as I used a 'light' version rather than 'full fat' like the recipe called for. So mine was a bit runnier than I'd have liked. Also not helped by the fact that the littlest was desperate to ice the cake so it was still a little warm when we smothered it with frosting.

The cake itself was lovely & moist (sunflower oil is used in the recipe rather than butter) and surprisingly light & airy. The lime icing worked beautifully with it. It was extremely easy to put together & I personally thought it looked pretty amazing with the courgette ribbons on the top (made with a peeler...no fancy tools necessary). Knowing me, if the cake had staying at the Glasgow Mummy house I'd have demolished the lot (I ate 80% of the Banana Bread we made myself in the space of 12 hours!), so this time we took half of the cake and delivered it to our new neighbours. Hopefully they like it as much as we did - they certainly were impressed with how it looked when we dropped it off!

You'll find the recipe online here, but I'd highly recommend getting your hands on the Three Sisters Bake cookbook. So far we've made the Banana Bread (also fab, see comment above!) and this cake. I'm looking forward to trying out some more of the recipes - they all sound amazing. The photography in the book is beautiful and I find the sisters story inspiring. Hopefully the kids and I will make it out to their cafe at Quarriers Village soon for a visit.

I was sent a complimentary copy of the Three Sisters Bake cookbook, but as always opinions are my own and are completely honest.

{Father's Day Gift Ideas}

Father's Day is 15th June, and I'd thought I'd share a few gift ideas with you.

I love Its Your Story books and have previously bought them as birthday gifts for friends wee ones. Well, turns out they also have a Father's Day one called 'Daddy's Zoo Adventure'. Definitely worth a look! (Whilst you're there you  might also spot the fab range of personalised posters - I love them!!)

I also love these 'Daddy and Me' aprons by Sparks Clothing at Not On The High Street. Very clever!

{image source}

Sticking with the cooking theme, how about a subscription for a Monthly Spicebox from The Spicery? A fantastic concept it has to be said. Have a peek here for more info.

I may have mentioned these books before on the blog, but I love the concept of the 'Dear Dad' book and I've already gifted one to my own dad. I'm looking forward to reading his story.

Dear Dad - From You to Me Book {image source}

Lastly, if you're in Glasgow's South Side and need to grab a last minute gift, then Man's World in Giffnock have Harris Tweed men's toiletries bags which are lovely and cK boxers too as well as a good selection of shirts, ties etc. I spotted these whilst on the Indie Easter Egg hunt with the kids the other month!

P.S. You can check out my previous ideas for Father's Day here and here. 

P.P.S. Tonight is your final opportunity to enter my ***GIVEAWAY*** for Ideal Home Show Tickets. Find out more here.

{Fit for a Princess}

The littlest is very girlie... and at the moment she's obsessed with all things princesses!

I had a quick search on Pinterest for some princess themed crafts that we could do together on our afternoons whilst her big brother is at nursery. Here's what I came up with...

Make a Pipe Cleaner Princess Crown {image source}

Making a Princess Bed for her dolls using a cardboard box {image source}

Every Fairy Princess needs a Wand! {image source}

Make a glitzy goblet for juice using some glue, gems and a plastic cup! {image source}

Paint a Princess Castle using a hand print {image source}

Make a Princess Hat for dressing up {image source}

Lastly, bake some Princess Cookies. We love a good sprinkle of pink edible glittery sugar on our biscuits and cupcakes! {image source}

{Sundays}

{image source}

R has been on holiday for 2 weeks and he arrived back this morning at 6am-ish (I've scheduled this post in advance in case you're wondering!).

Truth is, I missed him... a lot!

Hence why I have been keeping myself busy with DIY, decorating, sewing, gardening etc!

The kids are with their dad this weekend and hopefully if my Saturday went to plan then I will have a clean house, a well stocked fridge and no piles of laundry to contend with.

Today will be spent catching up with my man. I literally cannot wait.

P.S. don't forget to enter my competition for Ideal Home Show Scotland tickets. I have 4 pairs up for grabs. Enter here :-)

{My Garden: Herbs in Containers}

I have a number of containers of plants in my garden. The main reason for this was that in my old house I bought some colourful plants to liven the space up a bit, and instead of planting them in the ground I put them in pots so that I could take them with me when I moved! (Although not many of them have survived as I'm still a learner gardener!!)

So with the warmer weather approaching, I thought it was a good time to purchase a few more herbs to replace the ones that had dried up and died!

In a bid to keep my newly potted rosemary and mint alive, I've been doing a spot of reading on how to look after herbs in containers.

Here's what I've discovered:

1. Mint and rosemary should be able to survive outside all year once they're established but apparently mint isn't the happiest in a pot. I've got a large trough of it, so hopefully this is better than a small pot. But the advice is to replant into fresh compost when it starts to look straggly. Note duly taken!

2. The other tip is to pick your herbs regularly from the tips of the plants. This will encourage new growth. (Next stop will be google to search recipes that use rosemary... I've been enjoying Fresh Mint Tea with all the mint!)

Fresh Mint Tea :-)

3. Final advice is to water regularly and add a liquid feed once a week during growing season.

Do come back here to see how we get on!

Also, did you see the beautiful herb garden that I bought from Dobbies as a house warming gift for a friend - it was lovely and well received :-)

I'm linking up with Mammasaurus' How Does Your Garden Grow this week for the first time. Not sure if there are any rules or suchlike, so someone please keep me right!