{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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{35 at 35 - talk to somebody famous, check!}

Regular readers will know already about my 35 at 35 list, but for my new followers (hi there *waves*) let me fill you in... When I turned 30 back in January 2012 I set myself a target... 35 items for me to complete by the time I turn 35. The other week when the littlest and I met Myleene Klass at the Mothercare St Enoch Centre launch I was able to check off another item, number 19 "talk to somebody famous".

On the subway on our way into town

Taking a selfie on the subway!!

Myleene was so friendly and absolutely beautiful - as you can see from the pics. She's stunning!

Despite the fact that things were running a little later than schedule (her little helper Jessica decided pulling silly faces was better than smiling for the camera!), Myleene and I chatted for a good while about single parenting, achieving a good work/life balance and Myleene's BabyK range that's now in its 12th season in store at Mothercare.

I asked Myleene what would be her advice to any new mums, and her response was concise:

"mama knows best"

We shared experiences about having the confidence to trust your own instinct and Myleene explained that all grown-ups are different and want different things, which is also applicable for children - it can't be expected for any two to behave/want the same. Makes perfect sense to me!  

Myleene said for her the key to a good work/life balance is prioritisation and being organised, and I couldn't agree more. What I didn't realise was that Myleene did the nursery/school run for her two daughters herself - it's reassuring to hear that a hugely successful single working parent can manage it all.

Myleene complimented the littlest's impeccable behaviour - proud mummy moment for me!

And here we are... let's get the 35 at 35 list updated. What to tick off next??

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{A Day at the races}

I'm all for trying new things, so when I was offered the chance to go to Hamilton Park Racecourse for their Ginger Grouse Festival of Food & Drink Raceday I jumped at the chance. I've never been to a racecourse before. Plus James Martin was demonstrating at various slots throughout the day... of course I was in!!

I had zero clue what to wear... the weather wasn't looking all that brilliant and so I decided on my M&S denim skater dress teamed with brown leather knee high boots, and my North Face Parka just in case.

I jumped in the car and hit the road... my new car doesn't have sat nav but I roughly knew which direction to go in thankfully. The Racecourse was really easy to find though with plenty signposts from the major routes and the parking was well organised too. I've found in the past that events like this can sometimes be a bit stressful in that respect. Just as I walked up to the gate, Laura from Life as an Hourglass also arrived who I had invited to join me. Perfect timing!

Putting green for the kids

Luckily I was wearing my warm jacket as it started to rain :-(

I didn't have the kids, so it was a chance to relax & enjoy the afternoon; plus it was an excuse to take a break from all the painting I had been doing!! After a quick wander to suss out what was what and a quick peek at James who was busy with his first demo, we had a delicious hog roast roll with apple sauce & crackling. Mmmmm!! Was very good indeed!!

I also bought some Oreo cookie fudge from the Inverness Fudge stand - yum!

There was a champagne tasting in the Parade Ring Marquee which we of course didn't want to miss, so after soaking up some of the atmosphere at the track we headed back for some fizz!

This was followed swiftly by James. He was highly amusing & I thoroughly enjoyed his demo, plus we had front row seats! We didn't get to taste anything though which was a bit disappointing - the lamb he prepared looked amazing as did the beer battered fish and tartare sauce. We did get a chance for a quick pic though!

There weren't as many kids kicking about as I had imagined, as the event had been advertised as a family fun day. There seemed to be plenty to keep children occupied for a few hours. Inside one of the tents we spotted face painting. There were also a few swings, a bucking bronco, crazy golf & a bouncy castle, plus an intriguing inflatable maze of some sort. I think that my kids, aged 3 and 4.5 years, might have been a bit more difficult to keep entertained as they're a bit young/too small for some of the attractions - one for older kids I reckon. I also doubt they'd have sat through the James Martin demo... just as well I was on my own!

The inflatable maze

With it being my first time at the races I didn't know what to expect, but the atmosphere was great. It was certainly something different to do of a weekend. Although I think it probably would have been more exciting if we'd had the slightest clue about what was going on and if we'd risked placing a bet! I was more interested in James and the food!!

There are quite a few upcoming events at Hamilton Park Racecourse over the summer months including Ladies Night on Saturday 2nd August that's worth checking out. Have a peek at their website for more.

Laura and I received complimentary tickets for the event in exchange for an honest review. Opinions, as always, are my own.