Coffee with a friend, reliving our youth and a trip to Edinburgh

I'm going to try and update my blog more regularly - It was never my intention to cramb a whole month into one post then edit it all when I've forgotten the majority of detail. On Wednesday after college I had a lunch date with Colette who I've not seen since her birthday, so we went into town to try and find somewhere nice for a catch up. We settled for the new coffee shop in the town centre called Bean Scene - I had the sweet potato soup with brown crusty bread and a white chocolate cappuccino. After a looooong gossip we had a look around the shops but I couldn't think of anything I actually needed, except perfume as I've abused my last one. I went to pick up another bottle because I love it so much and thought I would give another one a try. I was giving up hope when the word vanilla caught my eyes - I love anything vanilla and this perfume was no different. It's my new favourite and I still can't believe it's only £12.99 for their perfumes when they smell so good. 

Little did Graeme know that I wanted to drag him to the "shows" that evening - they were in Stirling until the 12th. I'm a big kid with things like this and heard from a friend that they were next to the Vue so I knew we had to go. It was smaller than I had envisioned in my over excited mindset, but there were still a good few rides to go on and the majority were for older people, In fact not many were really child friendly at all. We went straight for the ride G and I went on at Burnt Island that he had hated... he hated it again.

Secondly the crazy frog, which is always fun. Then thirdly and stupidly, the waltzers. For two people who get motion sick regularly on small journeys, I have no idea why we thought it would be a good idea. This turned my evening for the worse. Between the spinning that goes on for what seems like hours, the horrible smoke they blast at you regularly and the strobe lights, I was desperately needing some fresh air and a seat afterwards.

Trying to nurse myself back to better health for the rest of the rides I was sure I was beaten. Graeme convinced me I would be fine and I said ok, if we go on the bomber can we go home afterwards? I joined the que faithful that all was well again, I actually love this ride usually. Graeme on the other hand looked and sounded terrified throughout the experience, when the ride was over I thought I was fine untill they stopped us at the very top to let off the people at the bottom and Graeme said "I don't feel sick surprisingly" and I replied "I do". That was it, as soon as I opened my mouth I knew it was coming and I was suspended in mid air - it was a long 5 minute wait to the bottom, and an even longer wait for the barriers to free me. As soon as I could I ran to the nearest exit with my hands covering my mouth untill I was in privacy and projectiled whilst running. Not one of my finest moments. For what it was worth I felt SO much better afterwards. I don't know why I was sick, I'm usually great with theme parks etc. All I knew is that I wanted to go home.

It wasn't a complete fail of a night though, I did enjoy the first two rides and the fresh air. Highlight - since Facebook blew up with waffle pics on Tuesday night  we were totally craving waffles and since it was on the way home and the smell was amazing, we decided to get some to share. Everyone probably knows what Urban Bubble is now - a shop next to subway that sells ice cream, bubble tea and now waffles. For £4 we ordered waffles with crunchy ice cream and hot nutella sauce. It was worth the hype completely but I couldn't eat a whole one myself, not a chance. I just don't have that big a sweet tooth. 

Secondly this week was a date day/evening out of Stirling, seeing as I had the weekend off for a change. I'd heard of a place called Camera Obscura in Edinburgh that a friend had recommended so on Saturday that was the plan. Somehow no matter how much of a plan the two of us have, we are always running about like headless chickens and late. We had wanted to be through there for 2.00 at the latest, we didn't get on the train until 2.37 and at Camera Obscura until 4.00pm (?!!) with a dinner reservation for 6.00. Usual, from the usuals. Standard behaviour from us.

We went to Marks and Spencers on the way to the station (totally not on the way but however you want to look at it) for some train essentials - lunch and gin. This makes for a very happy train journey.

We got off at Waverly station and typed our desired destination into Google maps. We use that app for going everywhere, it's so reliable. I don't know how people survived getting from A to B before it was invented, seriously. It was only a ten minute walk up the royal mile and right next to Edinburgh Castle. I forgot how pretty Edinburgh was compared to Glasgow, every little nook and cranny has something beautiful in it.

It was £12.50 for a student and £13.50 for an adult so it wasn't too pricey. I'm undecided if this was good value for money or if I'm just really hard to please. I have a lack of attention and not a lot of patience for things that don't wow me. Like literally I will turn off a movie within 20 minutes if it's not going to change my views on life, make me piss myself laughing or break my heart crying. I don't have time for "yeah it was alright..."

What I will say though is that the first floor was the most impressive. It was the most trippy with a mirror maze that you have to find your way out of and a tunnel that makes you feel like your spinning round and round when your not. A little sickening but I was to fascinated to care. 

There are six floors of optical illusions, some more impressive than others. We where rushing it however as the show at the top was for 5 and we had dinner reservations for 6 ten minutes away.

We managed to get around the place and see everything in an hour but it could defiantly take two if you do it all properly.

The show at the top did disappoint me a little but defiantly worth seeing and the views from the top of the tower are spectacular. One of the floors actually had cameras that looked out onto the royal mile at unsuspecting passers by, where unbeknownst to them we could zoom right in on what their doing. Quite creepy really but funny all the same. 

After the show we went for dinner, that morning I had checked the 'find near me' app to see what restaurants looked nice for a change and one Mexican place caught my eye. I looked it up online and the reservations where easy to make by computer so the decision was made. The last time we'd had Mexican was at Smiling Jacks in Stirling and it disappointed us both - quite bland for 'spicy' Mexican food. 

We found our way to Chiquitos easily and were surprised at how small it looked from the outside. It was deceiving though as it was actually a busy and large place indoors. We were seated promptly and given a menu with lots of choice and we ordered our drinks. I went for quesadillas with a side of fries and Graeme had chicken and pulled pork tex mex. The drinks and food came at the same time and there was popcorn on the table for nibbling while waiting. A gesture Graeme appreciated as he scoffed the lot.

Both of our dinners where so good. Not overcooked or under seasoned and we both ate everything as it was too good to waste. I'd recommend this place to anyone. Not only is the food great but the staff where so lovely and the service was fast. Both full and sleepy we went for the train home at about 8.30 and headed home for the evening. 

New Restaurants And More...Shopping

I love that Stirling is small, quaint, beautiful and just the right amount of busy for me. I admire people that can move around the world and live in busy atmospheres with completely new and different people. I’ve never left Scotland…other than to Alton Towers in England(multiple times). I’m a home bird, a very boring home bird that likes routine, coziness and familiar loving faces.  The prospect of moving or living in even a city as near and busy as Glasgow or Edinburgh intimidates me SO much. I think because I have never travelled, I live in my own little head in Stirling and it’s very easy for me to forget the things in life I may be missing out on, experiences, memories, and culture. What spurred on this more than averagely deep introduction was the fact that I got rather excited about…A new restaurant/café in stirling.

When you live in a small city new places to do anything excites you more than usual. This is how I felt when we noticed a new food place had opened in The Old Arcade called Monterey Jacks. (Ok it’s sad I know) But it was really nice food and I would recommend it to anyone. More so than the food was the location, the old arcade is just beautiful, the high ceilings and old-fashioned décor – It’s just a lovely vibe. The prices are good value especially if you’re with someone who fancies the same thing as you, with two burgers for £10 or two pizzas for £15. The portions are generous and you have to buy your sides separately but the chips were so good you really can’t complain. I had the meat feast pizza which was lovely, thin based – and very filling so I took some home for Graeme. Gillian and Kevin had beef burgers, I can’t remember the names of them now but one had bacon and onion rings with maple syrup (not my cup of tea!) and the other had bacon, onion rings and jalapenos. Afterwards we had milkshakes and they were nice as well, served in cute little milk bottle style glasses.

 Of course this month I went shopping crazy as usual and this is only a few of the things I've picked up. I needed an outfit for one of my best friends 21st's as we were heading out into town and I thought I loved this two peace but when I tried it on I thought it was a little frumpy and I didn't even end up wearing it out. I do love these heels though and for that reason it seems I have kept the outfit I was set on returning. I could always wear them separately I suppose? (Excuses, Excuses)

Secondly I got this cozy little grey jumper dress for college and tartan scarf thats actually reversible to black and white pattern. The blazer below had shorts to match and I was really keen on them but they didn't have any in my size so I just left with the one peace. I thought these things would do me nicely for college as I'm lacking in the smart/warm attire section in my wardrobe. Thank you Primark.

My next stop - Waterstones was a bit random for me as I don't really read a lot and I don't know if you can call Kelly Brooks autobiography 'reading' but it was a really good read and it showed me how into a book I can get when enjoying it. I used to love reading when I was younger and would disappear into the boiler room with all my gran and grandpa's books for hours on end as a child. I read this book in two nights and couldn't put it down. It's made me want to get back into reading, so thats what I'm going to do...

You can't go into town without heading into boots/superdrug to waste more money on things you don't really need but this time I did happen to have a list to check off.. 1) Skin Care Regime Products!
I'm honestly so bad with opting for the lazy baby wipe method when removing my make up and decided enough is enough. It can't be good for your pores not removing the dirt properly so I picked up some cleaner and eye make up remover and so far I love it. I've always been really lucky with my skin no matter what my routine but if nothing else it will help improve with moisture.

Number 2) Good toothpaste - I got crest 3D teeth whitening strips (Finally) to see what all the fuss is about and thought it would only make sense to have good whitening toothpaste to match. I thought the strips were great and I did notice a difference by day 5 of 10, however If you have sensitive teeth then I wouldn't recommend leaving them on for longer than the 30 minutes instructed as I tried it over night and I regretted it the minute I woke up. Ouch. I would also recommend using sensodyne toothpaste prior and during uses as well as the whitening toothpastes just to help prevent any toothache.

 Lastly 3) New makeup brushes... as I've done away with bare mineral make up I thought It only made sense to get rid of the old brushes and treat myself to some new ones. These were three for two in boots and they really do feel much nicer than the bare mineral brushes.

I started reading this book and I'm only a couple of chapters in but I love it already.

Taking Robbie a walk along Doune Castle last weekend because It was a nice night.

Graeme got his papers at work and has been kept on to be a mechanic at Volvo so I got him a little surprise and made dinner. It's been another lovely month. Now for October...

It's September

It's actually crazy how fast this year is flying in, it seems like only yesterday we were bringing in the bells for 2014 and it's soon to be Christmas.  I don't know if I have a favorite season per say, to be perfectly honest, I like lots of things about every season.

I'm starting to get frustrated with myself because the main reason I began this blog was for my own reflection and for a personal diary to look back on. I carry my camera in my bag everywhere I go but still fail to remember to photograph my memories. I'm like that with all social media to be honest. I suppose it isn't a bad thing to admit that rather than sitting with my face in a camera/phone, which don't get me wrong I can be guilty of too. I'm usually more consumed in the moment and the company to remember to 'check in' 'tweet' and take photos. I always get home and think..."shit I didn't take any photos". The only thing I remember to blog is shopping; it's handy for remembering what I’ve liked in the past and what I didn't. I do something everyday that is worth capturing for my memory bank and my goal from now on is to take at least five photo's every day. 

Last Thursday I went for catch up drinks with my college friends at Wetherspoons, which is always lovely and also went shopping. (Again) I'm really enjoying spoiling myself just now; I haven't done it for so long.

 I'm trying to buy at least one, maybe two, new outfits a week to build my wardrobe back up, I'm so sick of the same old clothes catching my eye when browsing for a quick throw-together outfit. It's funny how your taste changes so quickly. I picked up this knitted jumper from Zara along with these super comfy zip up fitted leggings. I know Stirling shopping center doesn't offer a lot but when you have a Zara, what else do you really need... 

I also picked up a couple of outfits from H&M which I still think is great right now, I'm loving these proper knitted and wooly cozy winter jumpers, the only problem is that it's still WARM. I know I should be grateful but my shopping crave is on and I don't want to settle for skimpy tops etc. I'm investing for the cold. I did manage to find a light thow-over jumper. I got the same pair of skinnies in grey and black because you can't really go wrong with a good pair of skinny jeans. 

 Other than clothes I spent a good chunk of my "budget" on makeup. I am so fed up of the same old regime if you can call it that. The more YouTube clips I watch of vloggers that have umpteen different looks, the more I'm inspired to broaden my very much samesy routine in day-to-day life. Beginning with my over plucked eyebrows. I want volume... NOW. How do HD brows work and where do I get them? I think that’s going to be my next conquest. I'm not talking about reverting to my caterpillar eyebrows everyone had in high school. (I had them a lot longer than everyone else. *shame*). Just a good defined natural brow shape. I purchased this because an angled brush and some powder with gel to set seems to be the way forward instead of getting pencil happy after a few glasses of wine. 

My next choice was a tough one, I've used bare minerals mineral vale and ordinary powder for three years now and I thought.. For £20 each a pot was it really that special? I opted for a YouTubers recommendation and bought this for £3 and I'm really happy with it... or maybe I'm just happy with the left over money for clothes. It works, and it keeps your makeup put. I have oily skin and this lasts all day. Win Win.

I stopped using bronzer years ago in the fear of looking orange, but I thought I would try again for the sake of my cheek bones shape and contouring..  This one has a highlighter built in which I love. It also smells amazing. 

I didn't need a new foundation but while I was in the shop I thought I would try a new one that's apparently great. It is amazing but very heavy so you don't need a lot, the lack of pump can be a nuisance. It does a great job of evening skin tone out and lasts all day.   

  

Lastly this week although I have done SO much more and forgotten to take pictures we spent the weekend with family at a wedding. Graeme and I only attended the reception and I had every intention of taking pictures but yet again, I was to busy getting drunk and enjoying everyone’s company. I could kick myself. It was a beautiful evening and we had lots of fun. The following day we stayed in Gargunnock as usual and had dinner.