Reiss Alma Bag

The dreaded maternity clothes shopping has started and I have to say it absolutely sucks.

There is so little out there that is actually stylish or fashionable in any way for pregnant ladies.  Topshop give it a good bash but it can be a little overpriced, although their jeans are the best I have found.  H&M is only good for leggings and longer length t-shirts in my opinion but who wants to be stuck in leggings for months on end?  New Look, well everything I have found there just looks so mumsy! I know there is a bit of irony in that statement.  Isabella Oliver has some beautiful things but the prices are just ridiculous unless it's for an occasion.

Anyway, I am trying to counteract frumpy maternity clothing through clever use of accessories and that is where the Reiss Alma bag comes in.  I first saw this gorgeous, feisty looking bag on fellow Scottish make up artist' Kirstin's instagram.  She commented that it was the colour of MAC Lady Danger ... and as one of my favourite lip pies ...  I was sold!

This bag is still quite pricey so I had to make sure it was still practical enough for motherhood.  It has a long strap so can be worn over my shoulder or over my arm for a more sophisticated look.  Being able to change it up is great for juggling all that comes with looking after a baby.

 It is made from a lovely soft leather and the gold detailing is so very chic.  There are also adequate pockets inside for phone storage and some extra lippies.   It will also look fabulous while I am on the tourist trail in Paris!

The Alma bag is on sale at the moment in Reiss so grab it while you can!

Babymoon booked!

We like our holidays and we especially love out city breaks.  With a baby on the way, we are ready for our world to be turned upside down and that will probably mean we won't be able to travel as much as we'd like.

With the third trimester just around the corner, my husband and I decided to book a baby moon :)

photo sourced from weheartit

Coincidentally falling on valentine's weekend, we have booked to go to Paris.  We have never been before and it really is a city I would prefer to visit as a couple before baby arrives.

I have always wanted to go and especially can't wait to hit up some French pharmacies for stocking up on skincare! I also hope to pick up some inspiration for our baby nursery which is already taking on a slight French vibe.

For those who have already visited this gorgeous city, I would love it if you could give me your recommendations for must sees, places to go.  I already have the usual site seeing on the list but I am sure you all have some hidden gems I should know about!

Baby's getting big!

I am now 22 weeks pregnant, over half way there!  That means I have quite a bit to catch up on blogging wise, whether it be my plans for dealing with labour or choosing a new pram.  Why don't I start with the exciting part for any expectant mum?  Baby scans :)

In the UK, most women have their first scan at 12 weeks, just as they are coming to the end of the first trimester.  I ended up with a scan at 8 weeks.

Shortly after I found out I was pregnant, I flew to Ireland to visit my friend and her family for the weekend.  What should have been a great weekend turned out to be filled with a bit of panic and anxiety.  On my first night, I started bleeding.  Although, I had no pain or other symptoms that might determine a miscarriage, I naturally worried for the rest of the weekend.  As soon as I got home, I booked an appointment at my doctors who referred me for an ultrasound immediately.

Thankfully, all was well and the bleeding I had is actually quite normal for mums around 7-8 weeks.  It is know as implantation bleeding.  Implantation is the attachment of the fertilised egg to the uterine lining.  It can cause slight bleeding and isn't anything to worry about but as far as my doctor was concerned it is always something to have checked just to be on the safe side.   Anyway, my scan went well and resulted in this little blob on the screen ... who at the time was still around the size of a sesame seed!

8 week scan 

The next scan happened at 12 weeks, which is standard scan to ensure all is going well in the initial stages.  At this point you get to really see your baby for the first time, although he/she may still look a little bit alien like.  My baby was moving around like a mini raver, clearly taking after his/her father! It was surreal to watch your baby move on screen yet still not feel it inside of you.

12 week scan 

At 20 weeks, I had my anomaly scan.  I found myself quite anxious through this scan despite how fascinating it is.  I couldn't relax until all measurements had taken place and the nurse was able to say everything is progressing as expected.  The best bit of this scan is not just getting to see the increased size and shape of your baby, but the detail of things like the heart and it's chambers and valves.  Such intricate detail is shown on the screen, it does leave you in awe of modern day medical technology!  This scan didn't photograph as well as the baby was moving about so much and kept holding his/her hands over it's face.  Rascal.

20 week scan

With that being the last of my scans, we have decided to also book a private 3D/4D scan as it really is so exciting to get a glimpse of your unborn baby.  We didn't think we could last another 4 months or so without getting to see him/her again so we are scheduled in for the beginning of March :)

Can't wait!

She's back!!

It has been over a year since I have even dared look at this blog never mind written a post.

Thanks to a busy home life trying to juggle a social life, decorate my new home and balance an often stressful work life, I lost all motivation to write.  I also stopped taking time for myself, so there was no products to show off and tell you about, no new make up looks and I became much more at home in my jammies than dressing up in heels.

If you follow me on instagram, you will have been able to follow loosely what I have been up to and you will know it is nothing worth blogging about.

I did play about with a new blog name for a while but the truth is I missed Saskia.  She was my blogging buddy and I liked having an alter ego to express myself through.

So, she's back .... But not quite as you will remember her.

On Thursday 26 September, my period was 2 days late and urged on by a friend, I drove to my local supermarket and picked up some cheap pregnancy tests not really believing anything would come of it.

I don't remember much in between other than within seconds of taking the test - 2 lines appeared and my husband and I tried to get to grips with the news in between fits of laughter! Did anyone else do that?  Must be nervous excitement/disbelief/shock!   Although, we had been discussing having a baby and planning for it, we really hadn't expected things to progress so soon but we were nonetheless delighted!

So that's where my journey begins.  When I found out I was pregnant, apparently my teensy weensy baby was only the size of a sesame seed.  Quite miraculous that now at 20 weeks pregnant, half way through my pregnancy, I am sporting quite a bump!  As well as posting about the good old stuff, make up, clothes, interiors, I hope to document my pregnancy and experience of life as a mum when the time arrives.

I can't remember a lot of the old tricks of blogging, like resizing pics for instance but please bear with me ... i'll get there! Baby brain or not! ;)

Charmed by Ortak

A few weeks ago I was invited along to view the new 'Charming range' from Ortak but unfortunately due to a busy work schedule I had to miss out. Instead I was left to indulge myself on the Ortak website. 

By definition, Ortak's Charming:- A varied selection of dainty wristlets and necklets crafted in sterling silver, with a choice of delicate symbols.

For those of you who obsessed over the sideways cross bracelet or the dainty bow necklets or even the 'love' rings, then this range will be right up your street.  You can view the full range here.

I very kindly received my favourite of the range as a Christmas gift, the LOVE charm necklet.  It's based on the LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana which I just ... LOVE! ;)  It sits perfectly around my neck, not too long and not too short and has received many compliments so far.  

Each piece is priced at £35 but you save £10 when buying 2 pieces together and another £20 when you purchase 3 pieces from the range. 

I am now hoping to add to my own collection of charms with the Unity necklet and the Hope anchor bracelet which is a nod to the industry I work in.  They are just too pretty! 

Scottish Ballet: The Nutcracker

Having not been brought up with a very 'festive' upbringing, Christmas-sy things are still a bit new to me including Scottish Ballet's winter season offering of The Nutcracker.

Of course I knew The Nutcracker's wonderful score was by Tchaikovsky and that the story entailed a toy soldier, the famous sugar plum fairy, scary mice and a magical dolls house but for me the Christmas connection and the actual storyline didn't mean very much to me... until now.

What better way to get to know this enchanted tale (and get in the Christmas spirit) through the beauty of music and dance?!

'An enchanted dolls' house, an evil governess, and a nutcracker who may just be a handsome prince in disguise ... '

Scottish Ballet has certainly helped me enter a magical new world with their production of The Nutcracker, based on ETA Hoffmann's original story 'Nutcracker and the King of Mice'.

As always, Scottish Ballet presented a vivid retelling of the Christmas story with colourful and stunning sets and costumes that even included a representation of Tchaikovsky himself on stage.  It was a truly magical performance from start to finish and I can't believe I have missed out on this fantastical tale for such a long time.

Since discovering the beauty and joy of the art through Scottish Ballet's influence, I have actually become acquainted with many new interests and The Nutcracker is just one of them.  It is such a wonderful (and slightly mad) story that I will be making sure that elements of it is factored into my annual celebrations.  In fact, I had to make sure I had candy canes for my tree after it and a rather beautiful emerald Nutcracker prince was purchased!

Christmas might be over but there is still time to catch a performance near you and reignite the magic of Christmas:

Glasgow 
Theatre Royal 8-29 December 2012

Edinburgh
Festival Theatre 8-12 January 2013

Aberdeen
His Majesty's Theatre 16-19 January 2013

Inverness
Eden Court Theatre 23-26 January 2013

Belfast

Grand Opera House 30 January-2 February 2013

Newcastle

Theatre Royal 6-9 February 2013

I'd love to hear if you have been to see it or if you are planning on going! 

Fab(ulous)

I am still constantly scouring online for the perfect pieces for my home.  I have truly swapped fashion for furniture as I strive to finish off my home, creating a palace fit for me and Mr Read.

One online shop, however, was way off my radar - Fab.com.   It was only brought to my attention this week but so far I am finding a whole host of treats, not only interiors inspired but also gadgets, clothes, jewellery and some fantastic gift ideas!

Fab say they are on a mission to help people better their lives with design by providing great products at reasonable prices and introducing exciting designers to it's clientele.  Products are only available for a limited time so new stock is refreshed regularly which makes this an exciting site to keep coming back to again and again. 

As you can imagine, I already have a lust list the length of my arm and have definitely spotted a few gifts that I won't be sharing on here to save any spoiled surprises!

Fab is one of the very few shopping sites I have signed up to as I know updates will be a treat of potential purchases.  You can sign up to the website here or follow Fab on facebook for updates on what new designers are on offer.

In the meantime, here is the start of my very long list of wants! 

Jambox Hex Speaker £148.  This is a brilliant little gadget, I know this as I already own one but I really love the black and gold colourway.  This speaker hooks up to your iPhone via bluetooth so you can use it to listen to iTunes, digital radio or even use as a loudspeaker when taking calls.  The sound quality is amazing for the size of the speaker, I can vouch for that!  

'Dear' Antlers by Heartelier £60.  I love taxidermy, I love neon, do I need to say anymore?

Devine Cutlery Bronze by Pandora Design £32.  I have a thing for interesting cutlery despite my own cutlery drawer remaining very plain and boring.  These are on my hit list. 

Pearl Bangle by Tiklari £35.  This is so pretty and delicate.

Thomas Cufflinks by Alice Made This £160.  Perhaps a gift for the Mister in your life?  I love the simplistic but stunning design paired with gorgeous 24 carat gold.