The Best Blow Out in the West End – Cheynes Hairdressing*

hairdressing-1516345_1920

When it comes to getting my hair done, I am probably the most boring person in existence. I just want my hair to look as shiny and thick as possible, so it’s always ‘straight, glossy with a bit of volume please.’ I can positively feel the creative juices of hairdressers dying when I stroll in.

hairdressing-1516352_1920

So, when I popped into the West End branch of Edinburgh hairdressing icon Cheynes, I was blown away with how lovely the whole staff were. I was taken through to the back of the salon to have my hair washed, and enjoy a head massage. Then, once my ends had been suitably pampered, it was through to the front, where I got one of the best bouncy, glossy blow outs in the city! All the staff were exceptionally polite, chatty and upbeat, and it was exactly the thing I needed to enjoy my evening out!

Blow Outs at Cheynes start at £29 and you can find out more about Edinburgh West End

www.edinburgh-westend.co.uk/

The Restoration Yard Dalkeith

DSC_0465

When I first heard about the Restoration Yard late last year, I fell in love. Hard. It’s a place which feels unique in Scotland. A haven to escape to just outside Edinburgh, it’s one of those places I end up in whenever I need a little pick-me-up, or if I’m looking for a little treat.

DSC_0419

Nestled in the heart of Dalkeith Country Park, The Restoration Yard has been developed over the past few years to be an absolute haven. A children’s paradise in the form of Fort Douglas (perhaps the world’s most incredible tree house and fort) sits beside the most fabulously curated store in the country.

DSC_0388

Not only this, but there is also the most fabulous restaurant which serves an ever-changing seasonal menu. I popped in just before Christmas (you can read my review here) and I still dream about the venison ragu I enjoyed!

DSC_0457

Whether you’re looking for a gift, or just a treat though, I guarantee you won’t be leaving empty-handed. There is a mind boggling selection of goodies in there, and they have all been specifically chosen for Restoration Yard. There is a real spirit of positivity behind each and every piece of stock.

DSC_0382

I’ve found pieces by covetable like Ban.do, Rifle Paper Co and Bruket, and honestly, every time I pop in, my wish list just grows and grows!

DSC_0413

It’s not just beauty and accessories which are stocked. There is a fabulous selection of both men and women’s clothing, and the children’s pieces are absolutely dreamy!

DSC_0460

There is a whole food hall in there too – complete with another cafe perfect for a casual snack. There is also a whole range of classes to choose from if you’re into yoga and pilates – you can even book in for massage treatments soon!

DSC_0427

The Restoration Yard is located in Dalkeith Country Park, which is only a 15 minute drive from Edinburgh. You can find out more here.

Sparkle Ombre Shellac Manicure at Zen Lifestyle, Edinburgh*

fullsizeoutput_c77

When it comes to getting ready for the Christmas party season, I don’t think anything can make as big an impact as having your nails all done. Over the past six months or so, I’ve taken a major shine to shellac manicures. For someone who chips polishes as easily as I do, having a manicure which lasts two to three weeks is a bit of a dream!

fullsizeoutput_c74

So, when Zen Lifestyle got in touch to see if I wanted to try their new ombre shellac, I couldn’t resist! So, I popped in to their stunning Hanover Street spa to give the treatment a whirl.

fullsizeoutput_c75

Since we’re only a week or so out from Christmas, the whole salon is decked out in the most glorious of decorations. It’s an absolute haven from the hustle and bustle of outside, and you would never know that there are throngs of shoppers charging up and down George Street. Instead, the spa is peaceful and quiet – the perfect spot to recover a little!

Even though it was late-sh on a Wednesday evening, there was still a steady flow of ladies wanting to get primped and preened, and the nail bar is the perfect spot for a little people watching. After sitting down with a glass of cucumber-mint water, it was time for the hard part – deciding on what colours to choose. Thanfully, Zen have a whole ring of examples to choose from, with every colour and glitter you can imagine. There are so many I ideas, I think I’ve planned my manicures well into 2017!

Then it was time to sit at the nail bar and be filed and buffed into sparkly perfection. My therapist was so lovely, and so through, making sure that every nail and cuticle was perfect, while I got to sit back and relax. There is enough room for four or five people to get their nails done at the same time, so it would be the perfect spot to catch up with a couple of friends for some pampering.

As you can see, I opted for the navy and blue shimmer, which I am just obsessed with. It looks amazing with jeans, and I love that it’s pretty subtle until the light shines on it. Then it turns all shimmery and sparkly which feels absolutely perfect for this time of year! I’m already plotting my New Year nails!

Zen Lifestyle’s shellac manicure plus is priced at £48 and you can buy vouchers here

Laing Jeweller, Edinburgh

fullsizeoutput_acf

When it comes to jewellery, I can be a touch fussy. I can’t wear costume jewellery as it makes me itch, and the real stuff I love is a tad out my price range.  So, I’m left with something of a capsule collection of daily favourites and an ever growing wish list of pieces to save up for. So, when I got the opportunity to visit Laing Edinburgh, the swishiest jeweller in Edinburgh, I absolutely jumped at the opportunity.

fullsizeoutput_ad1

Not only was I invited to have a look around the new George Street store, but I also got the chance to learn all about diamonds from Richard Laing himself – the sixth generation jeweller who runs the place, and who is pretty much the authority on all things diamond!

fullsizeoutput_ad2

The new Laing store is an absolute joy to explore – there are cabinets upon cabinets filled with real treasures – Mikimoto pearls nestle beside diamonds, and I won’t even start on the watches (yet!). My afternoon started with a masterclass in all things diamond, and I couldn’t be in better hands than Richard’s. Not only is he the sixth (!) generation of his family to run the place, but along with his father, Richard is responsible for buying almost every diamond in the place!

fullsizeoutput_adb

Looking at a loose stone, we talked all about those famous ‘c’s – cut, colour,carat and clarity. Obviously, we all want the clearest, sparkliest stone, but what I hadn’t realized is that colour and clarity are most important. A smaller, better stone looks far better than a big cloudy one! Getting the chance to handle an uncut diamond was such a thrill. It looks pretty ordinary to the untrained eye, but knowing the brilliance inside is so special! Once the stone on the right is properly cut, it will be about two carats (the size of the stone on the left), and I was even shown a secret test to test how well a diamond has been cut. All you do is slip the stone into a special viewer and look down. If it’s been perfectly cut, the facets all line up, creating hundreds of perfect hearts. Honestly, it’s the most magical kaleidoscope you can imagine!

fullsizeoutput_ad7

Then, once I knew what I was talking about, it was time to view the jewellery on offer in the store. Honestly, stunning is an understatement when it comes to Laing’s pieces. They are designed and made exclusively for and by artisans working exclusively for the jeweller, and the result is a whole array of pieces which are beautifully elegant and absolutely stunning!

fullsizeoutput_ada

What Laing have also done is introduce the idea of a jewellery collection. When someone opts for a particular style of jewellery, for example an engagement ring, there is an entire set to collect. It means that birthday and Christmas gifts are more than sorted, because you can choose from tennis bracelets, necklaces and earrings all with matching settings.

fullsizeoutput_adc

What is also absolutely adorable, is that Laing’s settings are all inspired by seven women in the family. Depending on the personalities of the muses, there are flourishes to the pieces to reflect hobbies and loves. It’s such a special nod to the heritage of the jeweller, which I think is just so important!

fullsizeoutput_add

the-175

There are real heritage pieces in the store too! I was lucky enough to handle the absolutely jaw dropping 175 Necklace, designed to commemorate the 175th birthday of Laing. Again, the piece has been inspired by the seven ‘Ladies of Laing’ and contains nods to all of their styles. The sheer scale and attention to detail in the piece was so wonderful to see, and honestly, it is as much an art piece as it is jewellery!

fullsizeoutput_ade

I think what affected me most was the sheer clarity of the stones Laing use. Honestly, the twinkling and sparkling of the diamonds was just incredible, and getting to handle the pieces and learn from Richard was just so much fun!

fullsizeoutput_adf

Then, as if I wasn’t having enough fun, I was shown upstairs to the exclusive watch salon. It’s an absolutely beautiful, light-filled space, filled with concessions for the world’s very finest watches. Turning from Rolex, to Cartier to Jaeger-LeCoultre I was absolutely spoiled for choice. Without even saying anything to him, Richard whipped out a selection of the most perfect watches, including some of my real must-haves. The first was the Men’s all-gold Rolex Datejust which I’ve been in love with since I was about 15, and the second was a new favourite. A Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso with Alligator strap. I’d never had the chance to play with one before, and now I’m obsessed! Originally designed for polo players, it’s a discreet, almost cocktail-esque watch which has two faces! One is a subtler, more day appropriate side, whilst the other is a bit flashier, glinting with diamonds.

To say I enjoyed my afternoon is an understatement! A huge thank you to both Richard and to Laing the Jeweller for having me!

 

Where to meet Santa in Edinburgh*

shutterstock_11453947

I think winter is my favourite time of year in Edinburgh. There’s something about strolling down George Street when it’s all twinkling and fairy lit which just feels so magical. Especially this year, when the entire West end block of the street is dedicated to the street of light.

Edinburgh’s Christmas 2016, Edinburgh – Unlike some Christmas events, which are confined to a specific location, the entire city of Edinburgh comes alive when the winter rolls in. From an enormous Christmas Market to a funfair, ice wall, ice skating, Christmas tree maze and more, you’ll find something for everyone when you’re welcoming in the festivities. Running from the 19th of November until the 7th of January, it’s an event that consumes virtually all of the city’s main shopping streets, so can’t be missed!

Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a visit to St Nick! Thankfully, the capital has you covered!

Santa Land, Edinburgh — tell any child they’re going to Santa Land and their excitement levels will likely go through the roof! Santa has pitched his grotto in Santa Land this year, near the Christmas Tree Maze and Santa Train, and will be there between 19th November and Christmas Eve. He will be of course dishing out gifts too!

Opening times:

* 10.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday

* 10.30am to 8pm Saturday & Sunday

* 10.30am to 7.30pm Christmas Eve

*Many thanks to Stagecoach for sponsoring this post – you can find easy transport options at www.stagecoachbus.com

Close Me
Looking for Something?
Search:
Post Categories: