My baby in 3D

After our babymoon, our next big milestone before baby's arrival was a 3D/4D scan.

We didn't know many people who had gone for this but after googling some 3D pics and given that this is our first baby and we are just mega excited, we thought we would book in for it.

We decided to use a local 3D scanning company based in Glasgow called Baby Scanning.  They are based in Ingram House on Ingram Street and to my surprise it was a relatively small set up, with just a small reception/waiting area and another little room where the scans take place.  Not at all the clinical set up I had imagined.  

They recommend you see them from 24 weeks onwards if you are looking to get a good look at baby as it's just the right size and stage of development.  We took advantage of a deal on their website which included 6 A4 3D pictures of our baby, a 4D DVD of our baby and at least half an hour scanning time.  In the end we got a little more than that.

I was asked to arrive with a full bladder, which is actually quite hard to do when you already constantly feel like you want to run pee every 15 minutes.  I knew as long as no one made me laugh, cry, cough, or generally pee myself, i'd be fine!  Anyway, once settled in the room, we were seen to by 2 lovely girls who ran the scanning session.

So on our first go on the scanning table - yes, I had more than one attempt at this - the baby was not in the correct position to see properly, although at this stage we did get a glimpse of baby, the cord covered most of baby's face.  Even at such short glance of seeing my baby, it was quite overwhelming.  At this point, I was asked to empty my bladder (praise be!) so they could try again.... but still the baby was being a little awkward and wasn't in an ideal position.  I was advised to go away, have some hot chocolate and cake before coming back a second time (you don't have to tell me twice when it comes to cake!).

On our second attempt, baby was in an even worse position!! They had me doing jumping jacks and shaking my hips about like Shakira but baby still wouldn't play ball.  At this point they offered me to either go for a walk and come back a third time or to make another appointment - I chose to go for a walk.

After a bit of shopping - i'm sure that excited baby, if he/she is anything like mum and dad - we returned for a third time and thankfully, baby was in a better position to see.  It was still not ideal as the cord did get in the way from time to time and if baby didn't have hands over his/her face, it was feet covering the face! Seriously, baby ... camera shy, much?

Baby Read

Baby Read

After 3 lengthy attempts, we were able to leave with our DVD and photos of our future baby.  All we have done since is analyse the pics to figure out who baby might look like but of course it really is still pretty hard to tell although I can totally see my husband's resemblance :)  The lovely girls at the baby scanning centre actually gave us a further discount because of all the hassle trying to see the baby, which was really lovely considering it wasn't their fault.

Baby Scanning have centres based in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Fife and Dundee.

Pram-a-rama

One of the most overwhelming, dauntless tasks as a parent to be is choosing the right pram for you and your lifestyle.

I had a list of requirements for my pram and before I went shopping I had an idea in my head what I wanted already.

* I knew the famous Bugaboo was out for me, as an attractive a pram as it is, it's just too low for my bad back, so height was important.
* A cupholder was a must.  Sounds ridiculous but ever since I had to forego a cupholder in my car, it has been an ultimate pet hate for me.
* It had to have an option of front and rear facing.
* Had to be lightweight enough for me to humph in and out of my car boot.
* Suitable for summer walks and days out with my newborn

It became clear it was a travel system I was looking for, rather than just a pram or buggy, so the search began.

The best tip I got from other parents was to go and see, touch, feel and road test (within reason) as many prams as you can.  So off, husband and I went to the Pram Centre in Glasgow which stocks pretty much every pram brand you can imagine and then some so we could have a proper informative pram testing session.  The staff at the Pram Centre really know their stuff, so getting a demonstration of each pram before we tried for ourselves was essential and very helpful.  After our visit, we had narrowed it down to 3 prams/travel systems:

UPPA BABY VISTA

Why I liked the Uppa Baby Vista:
* Forward and Rear facing options
* Sturdy build I felt confident in
* Good manoeuvrability
* Good basket space underneath
* Nice high seat/bassinet height so no bad backs lifting baby in and out
* It's an attractive pram

Why I didn't like the Uppa Baby Vista:
* There was something about the material that I didn't like.  Personal preference but it reminded me of a school bag although I am sure it is super durable
* No cupholder!
* Felt a little heavy to push around
* Looked similar to other prams (stupid reason)

STOKKE XPLORY

Why I liked the Stokke Xplory:
* Height! I loved how close I would be to my baby if I were to choose this pram, it would also save my chiropractor visits! (this was the pram I had decided on in my head before I even started my search)
* I loved the quirky design while still remaining sleek
* Forward and rear facing seat
* Good size change bag attachment
* Adjustable handle bar

Why I didn't like the Stokke Xplory:
* No cupholder!! This came as an extra at a ridiculously expensive price
* It was pretty expensive, not just the initial outlay but every accessory you would want to go with the pram was so overpriced
* I didn't like the handle bar so much, felt difficult to manoeuvre in store
* Was lightweight but almost felt so light that it may blow over in a gale
* The dismantle procedure didn't seem as easy as others

ORBIT BABY G2

Why I liked the Orbit Baby G2:
* It has a cupholder - YAY!
* Forward, rear and side facing seat positions.  Basically this is one of the only prams where the seat rotates 360, especially good for if you are living the cafe/lunch lifestyle as a new mum :)
* Fabric was beautiful and all organic and eco friendly, as well as nice and gentle for baby
* Adjustable handle height
* Seat height was high enough for my needs
* Bassinet also comes with a rocker that can be used at home
* Transfer of toddler seat, car seat and bassinet is super easy
* One hand fold down
* Lightweight
* Compatible with maxi cosi car seat (although I think most prams may be nowadays)

Why I didn't like the Orbit Baby G2:
* It's not the most attractive pram although the design is very unusual/moon buggyish
* No undercarriage basket (although there is one now available but yet to come to the UK)
* Small changing bag attachment

So, can you guess which one I went for??

Well, judging by pro's against cons, you have probably guessed it was the Orbit Baby G2.  We managed to get a great deal from Peppermint Nursery which included a car seat and some extras.  I do occasionally sway on my decision and wish I had gone for the Stokke or Uppa Baby but ultimately, Orbit Baby was ticking the majority of my boxes, so we will soon find out if it lives up to expectation when baby arrives.  As a side note, the Orbit Baby G2  has now been superseded by an updated model, the G3.

Anyway, my tips to you when buying a pram/travel system?

* Road test even if it is only in store.  This means having a good push about with it - up and down stairs if possible.  Try folding down and back up again, lifting it for weight etc
* Check the prices of any added accessories you may need to purchase.  Buying a pram is expensive as it is and you really don't want to be shelling out a lot of money for beneficial extras further down the line
* Think about your lifestyle, do you have the luxury of a car or will you have to lift your pram on and off public transport?  Do you live in an urban or country setting? These factors make such a difference to choosing a pram.

In a few months time, hopefully I can update you on my Orbit Baby experience and let you know if I actually did make the right decision!

TriBeCa - Glasgow South

I am lucky in that I live pretty close to the recently opened TriBeCa Glasgow South, sister to the West End's original Glasgow TriBeCa.

On the opening weekend, we decided to do brunch with my sister and brother in law to check out our new local.

Previously Leo's, the place has been given a massive makeover, looking a lot fresher, a little bit bigger and heaps cooler.  The atmosphere was also much brighter and relaxed from it's previous get up as Leo's.  From walking past most days since opening, I could see it was pretty busy all of the time but luckily for us my brother in law had managed to grab us a table before we got there so not waiting for these pregnant cankles :)

On offer were delights such as pancakes, french toast, burgers and bagels - all too delicious for words but stupidly I was the one from our party who decided to go with a non descriptive, boring option.  Don't get me wrong, there was nothing wrong with my tuna panini and fries but it just wasn't the choc chip and berries pancake my brother in law ordered or the french toast and maple syrup my husband was tucking into!

Despite my own dud order, I got to sample everyone else's delights.  Perk of being pregnant, people like to feed you.  The pancakes and french toast were amazing and even more to my surprise, the vanilla milkshake was scrumdiddly... I am not normally a milkshake fan.  I am also assured the burgers are to die for, although I didn't sample myself.

Needless to say, I enjoyed it so much and was left craving pancakes for the rest of the week, that Ann from Girl in the City Glasgow and I arranged a little rendez vous the following week.  My second visit wasn't quite as great with my water being missed from my order, no chocolate chip for my pancakes so had to make do with nutella (god forbid), a lack of berries in my berry portion and no glitter or silver balls on my milkshake (these things matter).

Not to mention Ann's order arriving sans bacon initially and had to be sent back.  So, a little disappointing on the second visit which has me wonder was the effort only put in for the opening wow factor and they are already tiring of the crowds?

It certainly doesn't make me want to hurry back but with my maternity leave just around the corner as is TriBeCa to my house, I might find myself hanging out there more often as long as the same little hitches don't continue to occur.

Hey Boy, Hey Girl, DJ MASH.... HERE WE GO!

Martyn Henderson, otherwise known as MASH not only has an impressive history as a DJ, producer, broadcaster and music journalist but he is also a pal of mine.

MASH is a well known name in Glasgow and for over a decade has held residencies at The Sub Club as well as playing festivals such as RockNess, Homelands, T and Lovebox.  He has been broadcasting for over 15 years on radio, featuring some of dance music's biggest stars such as Underworld, Moby, Depeche Mode, Andrew Weatherall, Groove Armada, Beardy Man, Josh Wink and Tiga.

To add to his already successful portfolio, MASH has written for magazines such as Clash, Tilllate, The List and is now House Editor of Mixmag.

All that talent and he is still one of the nicest, most down to earth, awesome guys I know.  I can't think of anyone who deserves recognition for his musical talents more than him.  I always know I am in for a good night when MASH is on the decks!

Tomorrow night (Friday), Mash takes to the 6 Mix decks for BBC 6 Music from 10pm until midnight.  You will be entertained with a selection of electronic gems from past present and future, including tunes from Hot Chip, Silicon Soul and Disclosure.

I can't wait for everyone to get the chance to listen to some MASH magic.  Whether you are having a night in with your mates or getting ready for a big night out, let MASH set the tone for your evening, so make sure you tune in at 10pm!

Anyone who loves their house music, tune in, you will not regret it!

TUNE IN! 

Vintage Tea Party Hen Night at Hidden-Lane Tea Rooms

Not long back, I had an exciting opportunity to work with Kirsty at her gorgeous tea rooms in the West End of Glasgow.  The Hidden-Lane Tea Rooms regularly plays host to exclusive vintage tea party hen dos and I was asked if I would be interested in creating some vintage make up looks for the gaggle of hens.

It sounded like a fun evening so I signed up straight away.  On the evening around 15-20 girls turned up and were treated to a tea party of cakes and scones and tea cups filled with their poison of choice, probably not tea.  While 2 hair sylists tended to the locks of the hen party, it was up to me to give the girls vintage makeovers.  It was impossible to get round everyone in a short space of time but I was able to makeover most of the hen party and a few touch ups for the other girls.  Most of the girls wanted a vintage pin up look with red lips and big lashes.

Louise Bichan, a fabulous photographer based in Glasgow was on hand to document the evening in her unique style.  Here are some of the images she sent me this week.

If you would like to find out more about Vintage Tea Party hen nights, contact Kirsty at the Hidden-Lane Tea Rooms on 0141 433 1240.


x

Pure Spa ... A Shopping Sanctuary

Shopping and pampering don’t always go hand in hand for me. As much as I love a bit of retail therapy, it stresses me out – a mixture of impulse buys and a race to the last size 4 leopard loafers has me breaking out into a cold sweat, not to mention my measly looking bank balance at the end of it.


It had never occurred to me to visit a spa at a shopping centre before and in all honesty before my experience with one, I would have questioned the quality. Location, location, location …. But maybe Pure Spa have hit the nail on the proverbial head with their shopping centre based salons.

I was invited along to try out Pure Spa at Silverburn Shopping Centre, just outside Glasgow. I was well aware of it’s whereabouts on the 2nd Floor of the centre as my 2 sisters-in-law visit regularly but I was still a bit of a cynic. Surely, it was hard to leave the noise and buzz of the crowds below, even in the confines of a spa…

I was wrong. The minute I entered the salon, I was met with friendly staff who made me feel comfortable and the sense of calm and tranquillity in the salon was immediately noticeable. The salon looks deceivably small and I wondered where I would having my facial with only some nail stations and pedicure thrones in my visibility. However, what seemed like secret rooms lie beyond the reception of the salon and it’s behind these doors that the pamper journey begins.

Behind the doors are ample changing rooms and a snoozy chill out room for some extra downtime between treatments. The treatment rooms were dotted around the chill out room so you could literally roll off the bed and onto a comfy lounger to relax a little longer after your pamper session. I was booked in for a facial and I was delighted to see Pure Spa use Elemis products. It has been a long time since I have used Elemis but it has always been one of my favourite brands for skincare products and everything smells divine! I was given a quick foot massage (which I squirmed the whole way through as I am so tickly) before going through a skin consultation with my therapist and settling on the Visible Brilliance Anti-Ageing Facial.

The next 40 minutes were sheer bliss. My skin was cleansed, massaged, oiled up and completely re-hydrated while I lay snoozing and hoping beyond all hope I wasn’t snoring!! My skin felt completely refreshed at the end with the oils left on to absorb throughout the rest of my evening.

Unlike my initial opinion, it didn’t feel weird at all being in a spa in the middle of a shopping centre, instead feeling like a sanctuary from the madness of spending too many pennies and stressing about the next party outfit to be had. The quality of the salon and the therapists were also certainly not scrimped on like my pre-conceived notion of a shoddy get up for ‘on the run’ females looking for a quick nail fix or a half leg wax. In fact, I look forward to when I can visit again with a friend for a day of what we love most, shopping and pampering!!

You can find Pure Spa's at Silverburn Glasgow, Ocean Terminal Edinburgh, Union Square Aberdeen and Lothian Road Edinburgh.  They have lots of great packages available for Christmas which may act as a saviour after some hectic Christmas Shopping!

Nails Inc Magnetic Range

A couple of weeks ago I told you about my Nails Inc gel nails and harped on about my love and amazement of their new magnetic range.

A few nights ago while treating Ann from Girlinthecityg to her belated birthday treat by popping her Yo Sushi! cherry, we also got the chance to go into Nails Inc, right next door at House of Fraser.  We were treated to some lovely manicures and naturally I went straight for the metallic range. 

Magnetic nails guarantee the wow factor and since sporting them, everyone has been asking for a closer look and asking how exactly do they do it.  Let me tell you ... 

The polish formula has been specially developed with metallic particles which create a patter on the nails used magnetic forces.  The magnet, housed in the lid of the polish is held over your nail after applying the shade and that's when the magic happens.  The iron powder in the formulation gravitates toward the magnet forming a design to create a unique finish.  The magnet can also be held in different directions to create slightly different looks.

There are 3 shades in the range, Houses of Parliament (a gorgeous heather purple - my fave), Trafalgar Square (silver) and Big Ben (a beautiful gold shade but the magnet doesn't really do much for it unfortunately and I have also noticed seems to be removed from the website!).

As I said, Houses of Parliament is my favourite of the 3 available shades so that's what I went for.  I absolutely love it and everyone wants a closer look at my nails.  The only downside however is that they seem to have chipped quite a bit since Thursday but not enough to merit a re-paint as yet.

Each polish is priced at £13 and a half hour heavenly hand manicure using magnetic polish is priced at £38.  I honestly think they are a fab Christmas gift for manicure junkies out there.

What's your take on magnetic nails?

x

ITCOW Highlights (picture heavy)

I thought I would show you some photos from the recent In The Company of Wolves (ITCOW) event I mentioned I would be attending on Wednesday.

You can hear more about it from Claire who along with her friend Ally is the genius behind ITCOW.

A 70's B Movie horrorfest inspired evening of fashion, music and art did not fail to impress.  It packed a real punch in it's overall aesthetic, mental stobe lighting not to mention music by Dirty Larry that nearly had us all raving by the side of the catwalk!  I also have to make a special mention to Kaeleigh Wallace who was the make-up sensation of the evening, a super talented artist, the girls diva like make up looked amazing!

Highlights for me where Isolated Heroes (psychadelic navajo-esque with a show stopping sequinned skeleton dress), Sweet Danger (printed floaty maxi's), Fair Feathered Friend (Bespoke feather headwear - right up my street), Jeniveve Berlin Millinery (more bespoke headwear) and not to forget Athif Dean's horsehair dress and the delights from Bonnie Bling.

In summary, the whole show was a veritable feast for the senses.

Venue: Sub Club, Glasgow

Sweet Danger

LilyLoveLock

Jeniveve Berlin Millinery

Jeniveve Berlin Millinery

Athif Dean

Athif Dean

Isolated Heroes

Isolated Heroes

Fair Feathered Friend

Fair Feathered Friend

Fair Feathered Friend

Fair Feathered Friend

Fair Feathered Friend

Bonnie Bling

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IN THE COMPANY OF WOLVES

Showcasing the best of Scottish talent in Fashion, Music and Art, the award winning multimedia event buffs, In the Company of Wolves are set to present yet another remarkable event this evening at their 'spiritual home' and my dancefloor of choice, Sub Club in Glasgow.

The evening is inspired by the creepiest of 70's B movie horrors, with a nod to Dario Argento, Will Castle, John Carpenter and Cannibal Girls.  With visuals from Florence To, art from Claudia Nova & Rachel Sharpe, music by Dirty Larry not to mention the plethora of exclusive never seen before collections from some of the freshest talent, tonights event is set to be a unique blend of fashion, art and music in only a way ITCOW know how!

If you are looking for something to do tonight and you haven't already heard about what's going down at the subbie, why don't you tumble on down.  It's £10 a ticket (all profits raised will be donated to Rape Crisis Scotland) and it all kicks off at 8pm.

x

ROX hosts an evening with Shaun Leane

Last week I had a great time at an evening with the ever so talented designer Shaun Leane at Glasgow's most prestigious and glamorous of fine jewellery boutiques, ROX.

With bubbles and bling surrounding us, we were treated to displays of Shaun's work along with the main man there himself being interviewed by Michelle Haswell from the amazing Kingdom of Style.

We learned how Shaun worked closely with Alexander McQueen throughout his career and how he continues to influence a lot of his work.  We also got to ogle at some of his bespoke designs including this brooch for Sarah Jessica Parker and Shaun also talked of one of his latest collaborations with Daphne Guinness - the Diamond Glove.  It's stunning!

From his collection available online and at ROX, there are a few things I have pending on the 'ole Chrimbo list.

Gold Vermeil & Ivory Resin Bangle

Silver Blackthorn Ring with Black Pearls

A girl can wish can't she?  Let's hope someone (wink, wink) takes the hint ... :)

There were a number of other bloggers also at the event, too many to name all of them here but it was brilliant to catch up with them all and hope to see them again soon!  Obviously in true 'schleb' style, ROX were papping everyone as we entered the soiree ... here's Amanda and I doing our best awkward posing (we really need to get some practise in ;p)!

Has anyone else been admiring Shaun Leane and his incredible designs?

If you haven't, I urge you to check out his work here.  You won't be disappointed!

x

The Beauty Store - 10% Discount off treatments

The Beauty Store situated in the nooks and crannies of Glasgow's Royal Exchange Square is a tranquil haven in the middle of the city centre that has almost become Glasgow's best kept beauty secret until now.

I first visited the salon over 5 years ago and since then it has gone through an extensive and rather plus revamp.  Decorated in shades of white and peaceful greys, it's  a picture of elegant glamour. 

They offer an extensive list of treatments from tanning to waxing to manicures.  Last night I was invited to the salon to try out their Shellac. 

I am becoming slightly obsessed with a gel nail these days.  I went for a retro inspired deep red to match my go to Autumn/Winter lip colour - berry red! 

For the month of October, The Beauty Store are offering all you guys and gals who read Saskia the Style Fairy to come along and receive  your first treatment with a 10% discount code. 

     
A friend who is a regular client at The Beauty Store has informed me they do the best and most pain-free (is this possible) bikini waxing so I have already booked up for that using my discount voucher :)

Enjoy, and do let me know what treatement you go for! I'd love to know what kind of pampering you all love!

x