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What I Wore Wednesday: Debenhams A/W 13 Preview

September 3, 2013, 4:02 pm
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So last week was so insane I never managed to get a post up. Oops! On Wednesday itself though I was invited to the Scottish preview of Debenhams Autumn/Winter collections. This season they upped the ante by not only having beauty, women's wear, menswear  and accessories on display but there was a fashion show, too! I really enjoyed the Spring/Summer preview and A/W was just taken to the next level with a fashion show at the gorgeous Blytheswood Square Hotel.

One of my favourite upcoming trends, as I've mentioned before, is tartan. It immediately makes me think of going back to high school sophomore year, post Clueless, in a mini kilt, crop top, knee high socks, black patent Mary Janes and a tiny backpack. Debenhams didn't disappoint my inner Cher Horowitz: there were mini kilts, tartan slippers, tartan backpacks and my favourite these amazing Call it Spring Ankle Boots..
Tartan Heel Boots
Knits are one of my favourite things about A/W (especially when you live in Scotland!) and this year there are lots of funky and fun patterns from hearts and stars to pirate bears. 



My favourite was this adorable Polka Dog sweater from H! by Henry Holland.  It's sweet without being overly cutesy and the cute Frenchie faces make me think of my sister!
Black Polka Dot Dog Face Sweater Jumper Henry Holland
If you are looking for glitz and glam Debenhams have that covered too! There were so many amazing dresses but favourite had a subtle hint of sparkle. Depending on how you style it I think this Marios Schwab Fit and Flare Crystal Belt dress could work for the office or a night out!


There were so many amazing looks during the fashion show but it's not easy to capture them sitting in the front row and armed only with your iPhone! I did manage to get a fairly good video of the models on their closing walk. It was such a great evening and I'm so honoured to have been asked to attend.




I had been feeling pretty upset that summer has already been and gone but with such cute stuff for fall I'm feeling a bit better about it now. Sure I'd much rather warmer weather but you can't wear heritage knits and leather bomber jackets in summer! 

What fall fashion trend are you most looking forward to rocking out this year?




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What I Wore Wednesday: Meet Mostly Yummy Mummy

September 17, 2013, 4:00 pm
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This week the very lovely and very stylish Mostly Yummy Mummy is stepping in and taking over the What I Wore Wednesday helm on my behalf. Unfortunately I've had to fly home to Ohio as my grandfather has passed away. I appreciate Sarah jumping in at the last minute and I hope y'all show her lots of love for helping me out! If you'd like to feature next week for me drop me an email x




(Leila dress - Joules, magenta tights - Marks and Spencer, glitter ankle boots - Primark, pearl bracelet and necklace - Eyre, watch - Michael Kors) 

It's safe to say that Autumn has well and truly arrived in Yorkshire and after a huge wardrobe sort out last week, I'm well and truly ready for it! I think autumn might actually be my favourite time of year and after having what felt like a real summer here this year, I'm ready to say goodbye to my sandals and hello to my boots. Especially when they happen to be glittery ankle boots like these! 

I picked up this dress from Joules earlier in the year in the sale and I love it. In fact, I love it so much that I have it in red too! I like the empire line as it makes it a really easy to wear every day dress and I love the bright floral pattern. Nobody does floral patterns quite as well as Joules. And just in case the dress wasn't bright enough, I've put it with bright magenta pink tights. My teenagers hate me wearing coloured tights but hey, what do they know? Ha! 

So that was me, what are you wearing this week? Are you happy to embrace autumn like me?

 
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What I Wore Wednesday: Meet Mummy's Got Style

October 2, 2013, 4:07 am
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I'd fully intended to jump back into What I Wore Wednesday with both nude pumps this week as everything I wore to a wedding was brand-spanking new but what I didn't intend was to come down with bronchitis. So the multi-talented Vicki has very kindly stepped up to the plate in my place this week! Vicki hosts #Fashionfriday over on her blog mummysgotstyle.com every Friday so please do link up your outfits or any of your Friday fashion finds over there too if you like!


Hi, it's a real honour to step into Transatlantic Blonde's high heel shoes this week, or perhaps that's woolly slippers right now as she battles bronchitis. Get well soon lady!

So, today I'm wrapping up in a my slightly warmer clothes as we go through the transitional phase of summer to autumn with sunny yet windy weather here in Yorkshire.

I do love Autumn/Winter style though and have loved lugging out my winter wardrobe from the spare room; big coats, my collection of hats, floral print scarves, knee high boots, brogues and *whispers Uggs!
dogtooth fedora monochrome hat
©Peter Broadbent.
So here I am wearing my new monochrome dogtooth print Marks and Spencer fedora (picked up in charity shop Oxfam in Harrogate (never been worn) for just £8-what a find). My faithful midi length black skirt is Topshop, black long vest, HM and pretty vintage style cardigan is by Darling, all puffed shoulders, pretty pearl buttons and crotchet embroidered collar. It might just be my prettiest cardigan for A/W and I plan to live in it!

heart print cardigan pearl buttons vintage
©Peter Broadbent.

Of course I've had to toughen it up a little with my leather style Topshop jacket and Clarks leather studded biker boots to give the look some edge. 60 denier tights are also Marks and Spencer.
black leather biker jacket
©Peter Broadbent.
Do you like the look? What are you excited to break out as the cooler weather comes?





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What I Wore Wednesday: Meet Mama and More

October 8, 2013, 3:00 pm
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The sub-heading for this post should be "bronchitis is a bitch." I honestly thought I'd be feeling tons better after my anti-biotics but I'm still just feeling really run down. Luckily the fab Zaz from Mama and More has come along so I can wallow in self pity instead of blogging! She always manages to look edgy and hip while doing the most mundane mommy duties--something I've never managed myself!

When my daughter was just two years old, she had already clocked one of the classic feminine tricks - compliments.  I remember being in a restaurant with her, and she leaned over to an "older" girl next to us (about 8), to stroke her leather jacket, saying "hi, I like your jacket,", and then a few minutes later, "I like your skirt too".  Sure enough, the compliments worked, and soon enough they were fluttering eyelashes at each other.  Basically, we girls like to bond over clothes!  So when I was asked if I would like to guest post here on Transatlantic Blonde's wonderful outfit-gawping linky, What I Wore Wednesday, I jumped in with both stilettos without a moment's thought; after all, I've been linking here from my blog, Mama and More for ages now!

It's just now getting cool enough that most of us are resisting turning on the central heating or wearing full on opaques, mainly to prove a point, and also because the weather is still a bit schizophrenic - chilly mornings giving way to muggy afternoons, and then cooler evenings by the time it's time to go home.  So while I'm still showing a little skin while I can, 'tis definitely the season to break out some leather again, to add a little warmth when needed, and I love a leather skirt!

scotch and soda leather skirt

Lurex seater from Scotch and Soda
 Leather panelled skirt from Twenty8Twelve
 Peep toe shoots from LK Bennett

I love the idea of dressing a leather skirt up and down, for work or for an evening out, adding some sparkle or shots of bright accessories.  I'm a massive lover of wearing brights as the days get colder and nights come in earlier, and definitely think this length is age-appropriate, fun and stylish too.  And how about adding a few pops of colour too?

sign language tee


Love it!  Do you have a leather skirt? How do you wear yours???




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What I Wore Wednesday: Kate Spade Wrap Dress

October 15, 2013, 3:00 pm
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Wow. It's been six weeks since I last wrote a blog post. That's got to be a record. Things have been crazy around here. I'm super grateful to Sara, Vick and Zaz for helping me out with guest posts and to all of you for sticking around and still joining in What I Wore Wednesday.

Since I had to fly home to Ohio unexpectedly it meant I had to shop for a dress for my German sister Nadine's wedding while I was home. Nadine was an exchange student who lived with us for a year while I was in the 7th grade and then I went and lived with her for a month right before I turned 15. We've both been back and forth visiting and I think of her as my older sister.

I didn't have tons of time to shop while I was home. Luckily I totally struck gold at Nordstrom Rack. When I was growing up in Cincinnati we didn't have a Nordstrom let alone a Nordstrom Rack but oh my gosh do they have amazing deals. For those of you in the UK Nordstrom is a higher end department store like Harvey Nicks or House of Fraser; Nordstrom Rack is their outlet store. 

I bounced from rack to rack and was pretty excited when I found a Kate Spade dress that was originally $398 reduced to $60! I don't normally wear yellow but after a sad week the dress just screamed happiness to me. When I tried it on it was a little too low cut but I bought it anyway and had the straps shortened when I was back in Glasgow.





Yellow Floral Wrap Dress-Kate Spade
Purple Shrug- HM
Gold Bangles-HM
Gold Chandelier Earrings- New Look
Nude Patent Pointed Court Shoes- New Look

In my head it didn't make sense to wear silver with a yellow dress and I don't own any gold jewellery so I grabbed some cheap and cheerful earrings and bangles to accessorize. Nothing wrong with mixing high street and designer right? If I'm honest I was super self conscious about the um deep cleavage on display so I kept my shrug buttoned up most of the time to cover it up. I finished it all off with a blue gel manicure and I was pretty happy with the look.

The wedding was gorgeous but we ended up leaving after dinner because I was feeling so crappy. We didn't know then but that was probably the start of bronchitis starting to take hold. I'm still glad we were able to go to Germany and be there for her big day. I'm glad I went for the Kate Spade dress but I honestly don't think I'll ever wear it again and will probably try and sell it.


Do you mix and match designer and high street? Do you wear dresses from special occasions more than once or do you sell them? 

Anyone want to buy a Kate Spade wrap dress? ;)





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What I Wore Wednesday: Black and Gold

October 22, 2013, 3:00 pm
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So I have this really bad habit. I buy clothes on sale and then leave them in the bags and don't wear them. Part of it is I think I might return it and the other that they won't look right or will fit funny and then I'll be late for work because I have to find something else to wear so I might as well wear something I've already worn. It makes absolutely no sense because I've tried everything on before I bought it. I'm trying to break this habit and force myself to wear all the dresses I have because honestly I'm past the 28 day return period on them all!

The weather is definitely starting to get colder in Glasgow. This past week we've had torrential rain every day, all day and I'm getting to the point where I'm going to need to suck it up and buy a new winter coat. However since I bought a super cute new mid-weight coat when I was home in Ohio I want to make it last as long as I can. 

I originally took my semi-traditional bathroom selfie for this post but umm it was a hot mess. I looked back and there is an air-freshener hanging off the wall, paper towels tumbling out of the dispenser and it just looked tragic. Luckily my colleague Steph, who is 1/3 of a new blog we're about to launch (watch this space!), stepped up and snapped a photo for me as we walked back from grabbing lunch.




Black and Gold Skater Dress- Cynthia Rowley, TK Maxx
Black Hoops- Target
Black and Blonde Glasses- Vivienne Westwood, Costco
Black Layering Leggings, Marks and Spencer
Black Studded Pumps- New Look

I don't normally wear a lot of patterned dresses but there was something about this dress I really liked. I really don't have anything else like it so I think that helps. I'm absolutely in love with my asymmetrical zip jacket; I found it on sale at the Target by my Dad's house but not in my size so I drove to the next Target to find it. I might need to layer a cardigan under it to make it last longer in this colder weather. I went for simple black hoops and gold nails since the pattern was fairly loud on its own and I wear the same flats every day at work--boring but comfy!

Do you ever buy things and let them waste away in the bag before you break them out or do you have to wear new outfits right away?





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Eurocamp Le Brasilia Camping Holiday in France

November 4, 2013, 2:24 am
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Last year we weren't sure what we were getting ourselves in to going on a camping holiday in France with Eurocamp. This year we knew we were going to have a great trip but we really didn't know just how amazing Le Brasilia was going to be! I promise you it is not hyperbole when I say it is absolutely the perfect place to go on a self-catering holiday with a preschooler!

When we were picking a parc for our holiday we focused on the Premier Parcs which offer a holiday experience that’s exceptional, even by Eurocamp's already high standards. I wanted to go somewhere that was still warm in early September and NotBlondeHusband wanted to go to France since we'd already been to Spain in June. We'd been to the south east of France before and knew how easy it was to fly into Barcelona and drive up so Le Brasilia at Canet Plage seemed like a great location. Plus it had heated pools and waterslides which are always a must for our little pool rat. To make it even better there was direct access to the beach from the site. We were sold.

The parc sounded brilliant on paper but honestly I wasn't prepared for how great it was in person. The parc has a butchers, bakers, green grocers, wine shop and mini grocery store all on site--you literally don't have to leave the parc if you don't want to. It was great to walk up with Blondie Boy in the morning and have him visit the boulangerie and ask "baguette s'il vous plaît!" There was also a restaurant with an ice cream parlour but we much preferred to eat in our accommodation.


There was plenty of room to eat inside our Eclipse but we ate every meal (except the day it rained) on our deck. For a family with a young child that deck is the absolute best. Blondie Boy would play on the deck but also once he was asleep at night NBH and I would sit outside and listen to music, play cards and enjoy the night but still hear him if he woke up. On the day that it did rain (and omg did it storm) we borrowed the game Guess Who from our couriers (there are lots of games, beach toys, etc you can take on loan) and had fun in doors while we waited out the storm.



We spent every day at the pool and every evening at the Mini Show.  Blondie Boy loved all the different water slides and went from going down on one of our laps to going down the biggest slides on his own in no time flat. He is such a pool rat and would get off the slide and immediately go back up to go down again. I think NBH was giving me the side-eye when I insisted on a parc with water slides but I'm so glad I did! There was also aqua-zumba class that was really more for fun than fitness that Blondie Boy loved, too! It combined his love of swimming and dancing.



Before or after hitting the pool we'd head down to the beach; being able to walk directly out onto the beach was amazing. Normally you have to think about packing lunches, parking, a change of clothes---nope none of it. If we got to the beach and Blondie Boy was only up for 30 minutes of beach time that was okay because we could just walk back. If it was too hot or he got hungry, no big deal. The ocean was really shallow along the beach so perfect for children to play in and the beach itself was soft white sand. I'm not a fan of pebble or shell beaches so it was perfect. We built sand creatures, jumped over waves and collected stones and shells--it was perfect. I love the beach and I've definitely passed that on to BB.





The part of our holiday he probably loved the most though was the Mini Show. Every night the kid's club staff would lead kids in singing and dancing at the amphitheatre. I'm fairly sure it was NotBlondeHusband's own version of hell but Blondie Boy LOVED it. In fact I'm not sure love is a strong enough word. Nearly two months later and he is still singing the songs and doing the dance moves just about every day. 




I can't tell you enough how amazing our Eurocamp Le Brasilia experience was. They really aren't kidding when they call it a Premier Parc there are so many extras. You get free tickets to ride the little train that runs from the parc into the town as well as free tickets to take a boat across the port into town, too. Blondie Boy had never been on a boat before so to be able to take him on the short 5 minute journey was so much fun for him. I could go on and on but I've already bombarded you with so many photos and videos I will let them just reiterate my point for me. Le Brasilia is the perfect family holiday with a preschooler--just listen to Blondie Boy!


Eurocamp, the self-catering holiday specialist, offers the widest selection of outdoor family holidays in fantastic locations throughout Europe, with a range of stylish accommodation, pool complexes, unrivalled facilities and kids’ club activities.

After uniting with its sister company Keycamp to offer customers a bigger, better choice, from 2014 there are over 160 parcs to choose from across France, Spain and Italy, as well as unique accommodation on offer including stylish mobile homes, lodges, bungalows, Safari Tents and brand new Tree and Lake House accommodation.

Seven nights from 24 April 2014 for a family of two adults and up to four children staying in a 2 bed Espirit mobile home with decking and air conditioning at Le Brasilia will cost from £355 including return Dover to Calais ferry crossings. Fly-drive and alternative ferry packages can be arranged though Eurocamp at a supplement.

For further information on Eurocamp, please call 0844 406 0552 or visit www.eurocamp.co.uk

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Transatlantic Blonde's accommodation was provided for the purpose of this review but all travel and other costs on holiday were met by ourselves. All opinions are our own--do you think I could get a preschooler to lie?
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What I Wore Wednesday: Homemade Robot Costume

November 5, 2013, 3:00 pm
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Things have been so busy between work, launching Lassies Who Lunch and getting ready for Halloween that I totally spaced on What I Wore Wednesday last week---oops! I did get a post up about our amazing trip to France, including vlogs from the cutest little vlogger ever--Blondie Boy! I love Halloween and this was the first time in two years we were home in Scotland and not in the USA.

I'm not a fan of the Pinterest inspired competition to be the best Mom ever but personally I think that birthday cakes and Halloween costumes should always be home made. Nothing I make is ever going to look professional but I don't care. Unless there are circumstances beyond my control Blondie Boy is always getting a home made costume

This year he decided he wanted to be a dancing robot. So I bought some chrome effect spray paint, diamanté, buttons, sparkly leggings and flexible silver ducting and went to town. We already had some rain boots that a friend had given us as hand-me-downs so those got spray-painted, too. I finished it off with some white hairspray (couldn't find silver) and some loose silver make-up glitter and CR3 The Dancing Robot was born!


Robot Costume

He also requested robot fingernails so who am I to say no when I own holographic silver polish already :) I think his costume came out really cute and he definitely stood out from the other kids. All of my costumes growing up were home made so I'm glad to carry on the tradition.

For work that day I had on cat ears and some drawn on whiskers (only my team dressed up at work and there were no full-on costumes) but I wanted something a bit more fun for trick or treating with Blondie Boy. Normally I try to match my costume to his but after getting him ready I only had ten minutes to sort myself. So I decided to take a risk and made myself a Dia de Los Muertos sugar skull type look.
Sugar Skull Makeup

The gems were a bit big and it wasn't as elaborate or colourful as I would have liked but not bad for ten minutes! It kind of makes me want to go to the tanning bed though as I definitely don't suit being super pale. We had a fun time visiting houses but it definitely is not the same as being home in Ohio.

I much prefer specified trick or treating times and knowing that if a light is on you know that it is okay to knock. Here I was hesitant to take BB up to a door unless they had a pumpkin out or I'd seen bigger kids go up already. That being said Halloween is much bigger than it was when I first moved here. Hopefully next year though we can be back in Ohio!

Did you dress up for Halloween?




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What I Wore Wednesday: Drag Super Star

November 13, 2013, 6:35 am
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So here's the thing. I love drag queens. LOVE drag queens. I actually wish I could be a drag queen (anyone out there want to be drag mama to a faux queen?) ala the movie Connie and Carla minus the whole running away from murders bit and a bit more fierce. That being said I've never been to a drag show in Glasgow; I'm not sure how I saw that Raja, the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 3, was coming to Glasgow but oh honey the second I found out I KNEW I was going and somehow I luckily convinced Steph to go with me.

We decided to go ALL out and splashed out on the VIP tickets so we would also get to meet Raja and get our photo taken with her plus a champagne reception. I say splash out but seriously y'all it was less than a single concert ticket costs these days so it was actually a bargain!

I'd never been to the club the show was in before but friends told me it was an anything goes, OTT type place so in my mind that meant glitter and sequins needed to be on the agenda. I also took it as an excuse to break out all my make-up and hair styling tools that I don't normally have occasion to use.







Black Asymmetric Shoulder Stud Top-River Island
Spike Cluster Earrings-New Look
Spike Cluster Ring-New Look
Leopard Heels-Dune
Booty Up Bootcut Trousers-Hold Your Haunches
Studded Bag-Versace for HM

You know I had to break out the cat ears Liz got me again; I honestly need more events in my life where I can wear headpieces! I didn't realize until afterwards but I wore the same outfit I wore when I went out for Julie's 30th earlier this year!

I bought hair chalk last year in Ohio and this is the fist time I've gone out with it. I'm kinda in love with my candy-coloured my little pony hair. As much as I love skulls and spikes I also love pink and purple so it was such fun to have a trial with dip-dye hair. Now I have to decide if I could take the plunge to have it full time.

Raja's performance was just amazing and it was so great to see her and get the chance to briefly meet her. It was also just fun to get out and do something I've not done in a long time, too. Could I come home at 4am every weekend? Oh hell no but once in a while for a special event I think I can handle it.

What's your favourite OTT fashion trend?






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What I Wore Wednesday: Polarn O. Pyret Children's Clothing

November 19, 2013, 3:04 pm
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Winter is officially here in Glasgow. It is cold freezing. Luckily just because it's freezing doesn't mean Blondie Boy has to become an abominable snowman with no style waddling around with just his eyes peering out from some massive snowsuit. Y'all know how much we love Polarn O. Pyret's gender neutral and sturdy but stylish children's clothing and their winter collection does not disappoint.





Polarn O. Pyret Padded Winter Child Coat
Polarn O. Pyret Hooded Child Jacket
Polarn O. Pyret Mid Blue Regular Fit Jeans
Clarks Diggy Ray Inf Boots

It's hard to tell from the photos but the winter coat has little thumb holes on the cuff to help keep wrists warm but I just think they look all emo and cool too! I love the detailing on the hoodie; I love a good hoodie and the pockets and buttons really dress this hoodie up and make it really cool. I love that PO.P clothes look amazing but I don't have to worry about Blondie Boy ruining them. They hold up through all his crazy dance moves, crashing out and wash wonderfully.

Right now Polarn O. Pyret are giving you the chance to win a trip to Sweden for a family of four! To enter the PO.P prize draw just take a moment to become a PO.P+ Member (for free!) on their website--good luck!



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What I Wore Wednesday: Kenneth Cole Reaction Purple Coat

November 26, 2013, 3:00 pm
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At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it's cold in Glasgow. I almost feel bad saying that because I know there is snow back home in Ohio and I didn't even have to scrape my windshield this morning but comparatively it is cold. I can't get away with just a jacket and while most of my 2009 Zara coat has held up well (I lost a button do to pregnancy boobage) it isn't particularly warm enough for shivering at the bus stop.

So after much heckling from my co-workers to put on something warm I decided to get a new winter coat. I'd give you three guesses where I went to look for a new coat but really you'll only need one. Blondie Boy and I headed to TK Maxx who have tons of coats and jackets in store right now. I wasn't entirely sure what style I was going for and had tons to choose from so lucky me when my boy pulled out a coat for me that I loved! That kid has great fashion sense:)


George Square Glasgow Christmas 2013

Blonde Furry Hood


Purple Puffy Coat with Fur Hood-Kenneth Cole Reaction via TK Maxx
Old Navy Turquoise Boatneck Sweater with Button Detail on Shoulder
Old Navy Sweetheart Jeans
Black Studded Pumps- New Look


I love purple and the coat is SO warm. There are sweater cuffs inside the arms so your wrists don't get cold and it is super fluffy and feather-filled. The inside is super soft minky and then of course there is the fabulous detachable faux-fur hood. To top it off there are toggles at the waist so you can cinch it in so you aren't a giant puff ball! 

It is absolutely the perfect winter coat for me and I'm glad Blondie Boy grabbed it and told me to try it on! Normally he'd get in trouble for grabbing stuff off the rails but not this time! To top it all off the coat was reduced/on sale, too!

Also do you see all those lights? My new office is right on the main square in Glasgow so we look out directly onto all the Christmas lights and attractions! It makes going to work and leaving work in the dark a little bit easier to deal with!

Have you gotten a new coat this winter or have you dug out an old favourite?



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What I Wore Wednesday: Nail Art

December 3, 2013, 3:00 pm
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One of the things I've gotten back into fashion-wise since starting back in an office is painting my nails. I'm not sure why but plain nails just bum me out and I've convinced myself manicured nails are more professional some how. Sometimes I just go for a plain manicure but I've been getting more and more adventurous with trying out nail art.

I'm nowhere near good enough to try anything too crazy but I have been mixing it up and stepping out of my statement nail or glitter top coat comfort zone.  To be fair there is still a lot of glitter and a plethora of statement nails but I'm trying a few different things, too!


Black French manicure

I went to HM to buy something and saw a black nail art pen in that "impulse buy" bin while I was waiting to pay---you know what I mean where everything is just cheap enough that you HAVE to have it? It took three of us probably about 10x each before we figured out how to open up the stupid pen but I was pretty happy at my first attempt at a funky French manicure.


Silver Glitter Nail Stripe

I really wanted to try using masking tape to do some nail art but I'm lazy so I only did it on one nail. I'm actually pretty pleased with how this turned out even if it is a statement nail, nail art hybrid. Masking tape isn't really ideal for nail art though so I'll need to find something else that works better.


Gold Caviar Manicure

Finally I did a caviar manicure statement nail. Again I'm lazy and one nail alone on each hand was hassle enough. I like the idea of a caviar manicure but like I mentioned it wasn't easy and the beads chipped off the edge of my nail overnight and by 3pm the next day I'd picked the rest off. I'm also just not really sure about this colour either.

Have you ever tried nail art? What is your favourite colour or design to wear?

What I Wore Wednesday


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What I Wore Wednesday: Work Christmas Party

December 11, 2013, 3:27 am
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I've been working since I was 15 years old but in all those years (you decide how many) I've been to exactly 3 work Christmas parties.  I know it doesn't seem fair to me either; one in 2001 when I worked for night club/concert venue in DC (oh the stories I could tell...), one in 2008 when I worked for an alcohol education charity and my third last Friday for my current contract.

We went to Brown's on George Square in Glasgow where the regular Christmas meal suspects were present: turkey, crackers with crowns and games and lots of wine.  I really love the people I work with so it was a great night to just hang out and relax with them.  I wasn't sure what I was going to wear but then when my fellow Lassies mentioned buying new dresses I went into a panic.

I hit up pretty much every stores at Glasgow Fort on the Wednesday night before our night out: HM, New Look, River Island, Next, TopShop, Wallis, Oasis....I even ventured into Quiz. NOTHING. Thursday day I spy a super cute sequin skirt in Marie Claire from Primark so I go and buy it in two colours to coordinate with tops at home. Get home and my super cute skirt looks really frumpy on me. So I raided my closet and after only one possibly viable option decided to take a last ditch trip to my lover: TK Maxx.  I should have known just to go there from the start!


Velvet Hair Bow Headband- ASDA
Black and Red Keyhole Dress- TK Maxx
Black Ankle Boots-New Look

So I had a rotten time trying to get photos but the dress is black on top and deep red with a sort of damask pattern on the bottom. I've never work a keyhole dress before as I wasn't sure if it would suit me. The dress was great standing up but sitting down it was probably a bit more boob-a-rific than anticipated. Luckily the top part of the keyhole meant I didn't look too pornographic--at least I hope that is what it did!

I really wanted a big glittery Crown and Glory hair-bow ala the always fabulously accessorized Miss West End Girl but I couldn't find one in Glasgow to save my life. So I settled for this massive velvet bow headband from the little girl's section at ASDA-- keeping it classy as always.



I'm convinced I look like a demented Lady Gaga in a Christmas crown--what do you think? Does your work have a Christmas party?





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Christmas Bacardi Cocktails

December 12, 2013, 2:14 pm
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Christmas is right around the corner. So much of what I associate with Christmas and the holidays revolves around smell and taste: roast turkey, cranberry sauce, mint, cinnamon and spice. So given that there's so much of the feeling of Christmas associated with taste, you'd think it's be easy to make Christmassy cocktails: and you'd be right! However, I wouldn't advise a turkey flavoured one.

I took a trip to our local Morrisons, which was looking suitably festive, with the aim of making two cocktails: a warm one for the cold winter nights and a cold one that could be served with Christmas dinner.


Christmas Decorations

 The first thing I picked up, to be used in both cocktails, was the Bacardi!


Bacardi Rum on Sale

So many of the smells and tastes associated with Christmas come from spices, so I headed to the spice aisle next and picked up some cinnamon sticks and some mulled wine spices. If you were feeling particularly adventurous you could try and make your own blend with cloves, cinnamon and dried fruit but if you're like me you'll have no time for that at this time of year and these sachets are just as good and twice as easy.


Cinnamon Sticks


Mulled Wine Spices

Some sugar: brown goes best with the hot drink.


Brown Sugar on Shelf

Some fruit juices: cranberry and cloudy apple. Sweet and Christmassy.


Cranberry Juice


Cloudy Apple Juice

 And since Christmas is all about being decadent and indulging yourself, some whipped cream.


Whipped Cream

Since it was a cold night I came straight home and started making the hot cocktail!

Hot Mulled Apple Bacardi (makes 4 servings)





For this I heated up 1 litre of the cloudy apple juice in a pan and, once it started to boil, added one mulled wine sachet, which is pretty much a Christmassy teabag! We like cinammon in this house, so I threw in two cinammon sticks too and the juice and zest of half an orange.



I let the apple juice simmer for a few minutes to infuse and craftily put 50ml of Bacardi into a mug.


Once the sachet and sticks had been in the simmering apple juice for 5 minutes I poured 1/4 of the liquid (roughly 250ml) on top of my Bacardi and gave it a stir.


As I said we like things cinammonny in this house, so as a festive garnish I served with a cinnamon stick in the drink and topped with whipped cream.


Straight away the drink is so warming; firstly it's obviously hot but the warmth you get from the spices could heat you up by itself.

For the cold cocktail I went for a sweet and minty martini: The Candy Cane!

Stick a generous handful of ice in a cocktail shaker (and some in a martini glass to chill it)

Frost the rim of the martini glass by wetting it and turning upside down into a saucer of white sugar.

Add 50ml cranberry juice, 37.5ml Bacardi and 25ml Creme de Menthe Blanc* to the shaker and shake for 7 seconds. (Top trick to shaking cocktails, if you can't be bothered counting you can judge by feeling the side of the shaker, once it's fully mixed the side will get colder as the ice deteriorates.)

Strain into frosted martini glass and serve. It tastes like a candy cane, sweet and pepperminty!


*Creme de menthe blanc isn't necessarily the easiest spirit to find but there are alternatives. Normal creme de menthe would work but the green colouring kind of spoils the look. You could substitute for peppermint vodka. How do you make that?

Pack of these:



In a bottle of this:



Leave over night then strain!

The cocktails are really different but still both Christmassy. I can see the hot mulled apple cocktail being something we could enjoy on cold nights throughout the whole of December and I'm looking forward to trying the Candy Cane on my family at Christmas dinner.

What is your favourite Christmas cocktail?

 
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TK Maxx Christmas Challenge

December 16, 2013, 12:52 am
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Can you believe it is December already? This year has seemed to fly! I don't know about y'all but when it comes to Christmas shopping I am not the type of person who has it all done months in advance. I tend to leave it all until the last minute and then freak out and scramble to find everything I need.  Luckily for me my favourite store TK Maxx has you sorted this Christmas season with unique gifts for everyone on your list at up to 60% off!

TK Maxx challenged me again to shop for five people on my list for under £200 and I was more than up to the challenge. To be fair the biggest challenge of all was not buying lots of stuff for myself while I was there!

First I went looking for ideas for my Lassies Who Lunch girlies. These amazingly soft blankets screamed out Lorz to me as she is always going on about how she loves soft  stuff:



 RRP: £49.99 TK Maxx Price: £16.99!

Steph has really been getting into baking lately and is always bringing in cakes for us to try at the office. This cake caddy would be perfect to help her carry around her latest confection creation:


RRP: £14.99 TK Maxx Price: £7.99!

I've said it before and I'll say it again--NotBlondeHusband is notoriously hard to buy for. Luckily for me this amazing designer corduroy blazer with elbow patches caught my eye straight away: 


RRP: £275 TK Maxx Price: £43!

My Sister-in-Law recently came up to visit from London and was complaining that her purse was falling apart so that made her super easy to shop for this year! I loved the ruffle detail on this designer bag and knew the cream colour would match her winter coat:


RRP: £85 TK Maxx Price: £29.99!

Since retiring my Mother-in-Law has told me she doesn't really have any shoes other than high-heeled work shoes or gym shoes. These super cozy sheepskin boots would fill the gap in her wardrobe perfectly especially as it gets colder day by day in Scotland:


RRP: £80 TK Maxx Price: £34.99!

I should have paid £504.98-my total spend was £132.96--
74% off the RRP!

Not bad for 5 presents for 5 different people! I couldn't help myself (I love TK Maxx!) so if any little elves are reading this I found some amazing gift ideas for myself, too!

I've been experimenting with different ways to style my hair so I'd love this Volume and Shine Airstyler or these Sleep in Rollers!


RRP: £49.99 TK Maxx Price: £19.99!


RRP: £24.99 TK Maxx Price: £14.99!

Nearly £75 worth of styling goodies for under £35! That's not too much to ask for right?

TK Maxx really is the place to shop to get something for all your friends and family. Stock is refreshed daily so you’ll always find something new every time you visit; stores receive an average of 10,000 new products a week!
These are my top tips for shopping TK Maxx this Christmas:


·      Have an open mind. Your treasure hunt begins here; have ideas of what types of presents you'd like to find rather than specific items. There is something for everyone.

·      Get organised. Grab a trolley or basket and prepare to load up.
·      Make light work of the rails and follow this formula:
 Department (eg. womenswear).  Category (dresses) and size.

·      Deliveries arrive every day (sometimes more) and no two stores 
are the same, so be prepared to have a new look every time.

·      What you see is what they have. There are no stock rooms, everything comes 
straight from the delivery to the shop floor. 
Remember, when it's gone at TK Maxx, it really is gone. 
Be decisive and sharpen your elbows!

TK Maxx has over 277 stores in the UK and Ireland, you can find your nearest here or shop online!


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This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own. Y'all know well enough by now I freaking love TK Maxx, right?
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LeapPad Ultra: The Perfect Christmas Gift

December 17, 2013, 6:21 am
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Blondie Boy has been a fan of Leapfrog toys since he was a tiny wee thing at 6 months old so when we got the chance to check out the LeapPad Ultra we jumped (or hopped!) at the chance. BB is a big fan of playing on our iPad so I was curious to see how he would like the LeapPad Ultra.

My first impressions on taking the LeapPad Ultra out were how bright and sturdy it is. It's taken a few drops already- inevitable in the hands of a four year old-  and it's looking none the worse. When it's turned on the screen is bright and really clear.


LeapPad Ultra


The set up was really easy, five minutes of setting up an account and connecting to wifi and it was ready to be handed over to BB. The pre-loaded software is great. There is a drawing program, and the built in stylus seems like it will really help his pencil control. He's already having fun recording his voice as well as taking selfies with the front and rear cameras. He also has a pet avatar (currently a purple drangon called Super Monster) which he can play games with and use to play against other friends who have LeapPad Ultra. We haven't tried this feature yet.

We had a look on the app store pretty much straight away and naturally BB noticed the Cars 2 game straight away! The apps vary in price from about £20 for newer ones featuring Disney characters down to £3 for smaller apps. Once set up is complete BB got to pick a free app and he chose Scaredy Cat in the Spooky Woods. This is one of the simpler games but he's probably played it as much as the more expensive ones. In it he has to plan a route home for a cartoon cat, once again the stylus use will hopefully help with his pencil skills. We did cave and let him get some others, the Cars 2 interactive storybook is quite impressive. BB can read along with the story, or if he's feeling particularly lazy, have it read to him while playing fun games at various points. There are over five hundred apps and they are all are educator approved, so while they're fun and entertaining for him they're also helping his development. You can buy and download online from the app store or buy cartridges in shops featuring the same games.

We've been considering getting BB a tablet for a while but there are obviously some issues around having full internet and YouTube access at four years old. LeapPad Ultra solves this issue with Zui, the kid friendly web browser. BB can still look at videos but there's no possibility of him finding something inappropriate.

The parental tools in general are great. To get into the parent's area requires a four digit code: and although smarty pants might figure that out shortly (he has on our iPhones!) there is a password required for him to spend any money on the app store. In fact, we can access an account on the laptop that would let us send apps straight to his LeapPad, should we see one we think he'd like, whether his LeapPad is in the room or not.

We have tried a couple of other kids tablets and haven't been impressed, in fact we've had to return one because it flat out didn't work. At £119 RRP the LeapPad Ultra is not one of the cheaper options but it does seem to be a case of you get what you pay for. It's streets ahead of the others we tried in reliability (in that it actually works!), it feels sturdier and better built and the screen is brighter and better defined. There are fewer apps available than on a tablet which connects to Google Play but we know that the apps available are age appropriate and educational, which can't be said for everything on those with an "open" app store.

BB has loved the LeapPad so far, the games are well made and fun and he loves drawing and taking pictures with it. However the big advantage for me so far is the peace of mind it offers me as a parent. I know that everything on there is age appropriate and that he isn't looking at anything I wouldn't want him exposed to. I also know that while he's having fun playing the games, he's also learning and improving skills, so really the LeapPad Ultra is a hit for both of us. It really would make the perfect gift for a pre-schooler. Don't just take my word for it though here is Blondie Boy's review!



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We were provided the LeapPad Ultra for review but all opinions are my own. 
Do you really think I could make a 4 year old lie?
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What I Wore Wednesday: Christmas Onesie

December 18, 2013, 3:56 am
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So last week was my work Christmas party, this week it is the turn of the Scottish Blogger Christmas party! My fellow lassie Steph and I headed off the the newly relaunched October on the top of Princes Square for some festive fun organized by Paula and Scott.

The theme of the evening was festive family fun so instead of going for Christmas sweaters Stephie and I decided that we need to go big--and big we went with Christmas onesies. 


Reindeer onesie

Reindeer onesie

Christmas Onesie-Primark
Sheepskin Boots- Uggs
Jingle Bell Antlers- Poundland

I've never worn a onesie in my life (okay maybe as a baby) and never in public! We got a lot of double takes walking down Buchanan Street but it was so much fun. I will say that onesies are not exactly flattering and because we are both on the shorter side we had the massive pouch of fupa fabric leftover that was umm not very attractive!
The night was so much fun with goodie bags filled to the brim with treats from the likes of Blanx, Lush, Metcalfe Skinny and more!

Image by Pretty Polly's Blog.
There were lots of cocktails (ours had glowsticks in them!), a charity raffle, secret santa and just a great time catching up with bloggy friends. It is always great to meet people you chat with on twitter and put a face to the avatar!

Reindeer Cocktail

I think I'll be retiring my onesie for now though; what do you think about onesies? Fashion favourite or fashion faux-pas?


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What I Wore Wednesday: Rainbow Room Radiant Orchid Dip Dye

January 28, 2014, 3:00 pm
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So I've not blogged in 40 days--sorry about that! Things have been hectic and crazy around these parts. First I won a radio contest and my Dad was in Scotland for Christmas and Blondie Boy's birthday which was amazing. With holidays, birthdays and visitors I just barely even cracked the laptop open. Then unfortunately the week after my Dad left my Grandma Jane passed away and I flew home to Ohio for her funeral.  I hope y'all understand why I've neglected my blog so much and hopefully I use this as an opportunity to come back and blog more in general!

I'll admit it. I let my hair get out of control. I went six months without a cut or highlights and it went from unintentional ombre to just straight up grown out mess. Luckily Courtney and the team at Rainbow Room International George Square came to my rescue and got me ready for the new year with new hair.

First off I have to say that Courtney was amazing. You know when you find that perfect stylist who knows exactly what you mean and can see what you envision in your head? That was totally her. I immediately trusted her after talking to her and even before I saw my hair I knew I'd found my new stylist!

Obviously I needed a trim and shape and my highlights sorted out but I also decided it was time to mix things up a little bit and have some fun! I went blonder than I've been for awhile and without knowing it made my hair bang on trend for 2014.


BEFORE


AFTER

Purple Pink Hair

Radiant Orchid Dip Dye

I ended up losing several inches and got a purple and pink dip dye to go with my brighter blond locks. I've not had funky hair since my pink under layer two years ago and it is so nice to have a bit of colour back. I love how it looks curly and it's super cute straight, too. A few days after I got it done Pantone announced that its colour of the year for 2014 was Radiant Orchid. Who knew I was such a trendsetter? 

Pantone Radiant Orchid 2014

Even Pantone themselves thought Courtney nailed Radiant Orchid! I'm loving my new hair and am so happy to have found someone who I can whole heartedly trust to do my hair.  I can not recommend Rainbow Room International George Square enough if you want something stylish and modern but that is also you. They don't try to force a style on you that you can't handle but they are ready to push the envelope as well. 

Are you doing anything new with your hair or style for the new year? 








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Transatlantic Blonde was provided a cut and colour free of charge for the purpose of this review but all opinions are my own. I am so picky about my hair and if I didn't like it you would know--I only speak the truth!
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What I Wore Wednesday: Meet Bex

February 4, 2014, 2:23 pm
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I'm really lucky that there are so many friendly and helpful bloggers in Glasgow! I've met Bex from Olive Dragonfly at a few different events and she's just as sweet as she comes across on her blog.  You'll recognize her as a regular What I Wore Wednesday linker and a lover of accessories!

I had just been thinking how I had a lot of outfits pictures from the last month ready to write up for my blog (Olive Dragonfly) when I noticed on Twitter that the lovely Transatlantic Blonde was looking for someone to guest post for What I Wore Wednesday so I volunteered.  :)  (It's also doubling up as this week's Pin It Do It on my blog, featuring Michelle Obama!)

I had a great night out at Grill on the Corner recently with some fellow Glasgow bloggers and I wore what turned out to be a selection of sale garments!


www.bexphoto.com 
My bright pink cheerful jumper was just £7 from the GAP sale a couple of years ago, the black statement necklace is from Argento a couple of weeks ago.  The leopard print shoes were from Nine West in the Debenhams' summer sale and I've been waiting for warmer weather to wear them but in the end couldn't wait and settled for dry weather!  Even my scarf and belt were from the Accessorize sale and the Jasper Conran coat was bought during one of Debenhams' 25% off designers offers.

Only my bag and brooch were full price and both still bargains :)  The bag was £14.99 from HM and the pewter dragonfly brooch was £16 from Lady Crow Silks at a Christmas Fayre.


www.bexphoto.com

I had a brilliant night with the girls and really enjoyed my steak with blue cheese sauce!


www.bexphoto.com 

As you can probably tell, I'm a bit obsessed with accessories, especially big, statement ones!  Are any of you partial to a statement necklace or jewelled belt?



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What I Wore Wednesday: Tiger Sleeves

February 11, 2014, 6:56 am
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I've gotten into a pattern of wearing the same thing, or a variation of the same thing, most weeks. It's cold, I'm lazy and leggings and a t-shirt dress with a scarf suits my needs.  I've got a pile of things from HM that I've never worn. I've bought them on sale with the best intentions and then they languish away never to see the light of What I Wore Wednesday. So today I dove into that exiled pile of loneliness head first and ended up with an outfit far from my norm.


Tiger Sweatshirt

Tiger Sweatshirt-HM
Jeggings-New Look
Slouchy Sweater Boots-Pineapple
Black Glasses-Vivienne Westwood

When I bought this sweatshirt it was totally because I'm a Cincinnati girl and huge Bengals fan and thought I could wear it to watch games. I sent pictures to some of my friends and cousins in Cincinnati who all were totally opposed to it but I kinda love it. Photo animal prints are super on trend right now in the UK but maybe just not so much in the US?  

There is a photo of a tiger on each arm and it is super comfy. I think it's supposed to be 3/4 sleeves but on me it's just about full length. You can't tell but it is longer in the back so cover my butt which makes the jeggings slightly more acceptable.

Since I'm a shorty and curvy skinny jeans don't always really work on me but jeggings do. These ones have pockets so they aren't totally disgusting (I hope) and work really well when mid-calf boots.  Like I said it is cold so I wear boots almost every day and these ones were a total bargain at TK Maxx.

Are you loving animal photo prints right now or loathing them?


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