Other July Memories

Family walks in Gargunnock

I always love spending time with my family no matter how little we get up to, having such lovely weather and nice surroundings to spend our time in is just an added bonus.

TITP 2014 - day tickets

This was my third time at TITP and I think the novelty is well and truly wearing off. I loved the first year the most but I think it was because it was all still new and exciting. We just decided to get day tickets this year around and I did prefer it. The weather was amazing.

Day trip to Burnt Island

Graeme and were given sat nav by my Grandpa as he hardly ever used it in his own car, that and the fact that Graeme had a major fuck up with his car and had to go a long drive to test the waters was the reasons we decided to head up towards Burnt Island. Apparently 'Scotland's best day out!'. It was quite back dated and disappointing but we found a cute little restaurant for dinner on the way home and that made up for the lack of entertainment. I had the lasagne and Graeme had the steak pie.

Dinner and catch up with Colette  

Colette and I were due a catch up so we decided to head out for dinner, we went to Nandos in Falkirk and since we were in the area we took a trip to visit the Kelpies.

Camping up Lochearnhead

I find that because I'm working all the time just now when I get two days off I like to make the most of them and plan something nice with G/freinds/the family. I really value having time to spend being productive/memories when I work full time because even though I finish at 4-5 every day I start at 6am so when I finish I want to do as little as possible and I feel myself clock watching to make sure I am in bed for 9-10 or I can't work well the next day. I don't think getting up at 5 will ever get any easier. Anyway, on this particular weekend off I thought Graeme and I could tick something off on our summer to do list that was actually on last years list - since we have a car now, we can just pack it with bare essentials, hop in, pick a destination and camp for a night. 

Graeme was more excited at my proposal than I imagined he would be, buzzing around collecting various camping bits and bobs from family and friends - camping chairs, air beds, a stove, wood to burn, Bluetooth speakers, coolers.. The works. I was beginning to think he was going to more trouble than  it was worth seen as we were only going up for one night and I didn't even think I would be finished work until 5. The car was packed FULL of camping things and Graeme had organized everything while I was at work (G never organizes anything)! A friend of his had suggested Lochearnhead at this time of year for camping so that was our chosen destination. I finished work at 1.45 on this Saturday as luck was on my side and things were running smoothly. I jumped in the shower, got ready and we got in the car. Our first stop was the petrol garage and the rain was beating down on the windscreen much to our disappointment, we continued anyway. Typical - hottest week of the year and the one night we wanted to spend it outdoors the rain was forecasted for 90% rain.

When we arrived it looked like we were the last people as every nook and cranny of every area was taken, we kept driving along the narrow, windy road next to the loch before we came to the signs that read 'No Camping!' I was just going to give up and camp there anyway but Graeme was more reluctant and wanted to ask some passers by. They said they were in the same predicament and were parked in a No Camping site also, but they had asked a ranger who said it would be ok for tonight. We didn't take much persuasion and pitched up our home for the night with great haste. We had a lovely area all to ourself with a tree shelter if it did rain and a lovely view.

With the rain battering down on our tent the mood was a little dampened to begin with but after about 30 minutes it dried up and the skies cleared, we poured ourself a drink and sat out on the water side. Graeme built a fire and we were so glad we had decided to stick out the decision and come here as everything was coming together. It was nice to not depend on technology (other than music) and just appreciate the outdoors and each others company.

Ofcourse there would have to be some hiccups, after packing a stove and plenty of food, plates, cutlery and tomato sauce - we realized there was no frying pan or anything we could use to cook the food. Luckily we were only going for the night and had crisps. I wasn't actually hungry anyway, I was just happy with the scenery and a drink. The sky at night made our efforts worth it, and our view.

I'm really glad we went camping and I think we will do it for a few nights the next time we go, It's just nice to get out of Stirling and see different things. Especially without spending an arm and a leg. 

With warning from a local that police would be out in the morning, so we should make a sharp exit we got up bright and early to pack up and tidy. We were on the way home for 9 and went straight to my grandpas to spend the day and have breakfast.

Bits & Bobs

Last week I went into town with the obligation to buy one outfit for an upcoming 21st, I may have left with a few more filled shopping bags than planned. As always Primark was my number one culprit, but I didn't stop there. I felt it necessary to pick up a few other useless bits and bobs I'm sure I'll forget I have next month... 

I picked up this little bag in Primark for T In The Park to carry my important things in, but it's super handy for any occasion that I don't plan on carrying lots of things around. I always seem to buy brown bags as they just go with everything. Whilst in Primark for a bag I thought it was necessary to buy some pumps (only £3 a pair) bargain and you can throw them on with anything, underwear, socks... And a cute little night gown.

With intentions of only spending a couple of pounds on a hand-bag I left Primark £60 lighter with underwear... and that's about it.

From Primark to Superdrug, where the only thing on my to buy list was mascara.. I found mascara and maybe a few other things along the way (oops). I thought these makeup bags were handy as they were waterproof and wouldn't get covered in foundation stains, also because they are see through it means you can find what you are looking for easier. 

I then picked up some impulse simply because it was on offer and you can never have enough smelly stuff. I particularly like the pink one. I'm on the hunt for a new perfume as I am getting bored of my current one D&G number 3 - I love anything sweet and floral.

I picked up the Maybeline Falsies Volume Express mascara and It's really good. I also picked up the Rimmel Scandal Eyes liquid eyeliner that's just like a felt tip pen - it's great for precision it's just a shame it doesn't last as long as my Collection fast stroke eyeliner that I have used for years. I also grabbed a Maybeline Brow Drama sculpting mascara - it's good in the sense that it's not too heavy and just highlights the hairs and shape of the brow you naturally have. I never really bother doing anything to my eyebrows anymore in fear of resembling my younger caterpillar eyebrowed self. (Horrendous) I also picked up a lipstick as I never wear any colour on my lips either - i'm really plane jane and stuck in a routine with makeup and I want to change that. I think a trip to Glasgow may be in order soon.  Finally I grabbed Maybeline dream lumi touch highlighting concealer - it's exactly the same as my foundation and you can't see any difference in me wearing it or not. Disappointment. Maybe I should have just stuck to buying the mascara I went in for in the first place. I blame Graeme for spending more than 3 minutes contemplating what razor heads he should buy and giving me the chance to get bored. (Any excuse)

At least it looks pretty in my new makeup bags...

From Superdrug to Lush I went in hope to find a new smelly bath bomb as I love, love, love baths. The women in Lush are so helpful and before I knew it I was asking if they had any recommendations for hair treatments/dryhair. I was so close to just buying whatever was on the shelf before they kindly offered me a free sample and a very generous one at that, I didn't realize they did samples in lush and I'm yet to try the products but if they are good as I was told I'll be straight back to buy the larger bottle.

Finally the main thing I had went into town for in the first place - an outfit for my friends 21st! Annoying the town was in sale mode, I actually hate when all the clothes stores are on sale as it's usually the most unorganized pile of mumbojumbo with the smallest or largest sizes and it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. Reluctantly I browsed New Look with no high hopes but was pleasantly surprised when I walked past this little pink body con for only £9 and I had to have it. I also picked up this green, black and white patterned dress for £12 for the next occasion I find myself in need of a dress and the dress in the middle was from Primark and I love it just to wear casually with black tights.

Organized House, Organized Mind

Nothing makes me feel better than putting on loud music, putting my hair up in a bun and shoving comfy clothes on to clean and organize the flat. I find it therapeutic and if there isn’t three bin bags full of crap by the end then the job hasn’t been done right. I’m obsessed with chucking things out that we no longer need, Graeme on the other hand is a little harder to persuade and is insistent that  “I’ll wear it to work one day.” Or “It will come in handy at some point.” I totally get that throwing things away is wasteful, but keeping things on the basis that you “might” use them “one day” knowing fine well they will still be in the same drawer gathering dust in a months time just really grates on me. That being said I am the absolute WORST for buying bits and bobs that I “think” I like in the spur of the moment, usually trying them on, then getting home and thinking oh? Why did I buy you - (Awkward) *hangs in wardrobe*

I think I have accepted that this will always be in my character because I am just a sucker for pretty things. One thing I have improved, or maybe I should say Graeme has improved is my budgeting. I used to be the girl that was paid on the Friday and had my months wage gone in one week on clothes and rubbish, then live like a pauper for the rest of the month. This just isn’t practical at all and when I first met Graeme I still remember the look of disgust in his eyes as I handed over my bankcard without knowing the total/price tag of the assorted pile of random clothing I had picked up in Top Shop. Now I’m like a new woman, I buy the same amount of rubbish but always on a budget – getting far more for my money and spending a quarter of what I previously did. Yeah, the quality is less but I still get the thrill of bringing it home and arranging it the way I like It in our new cute little flat. Who needs Laura Ashley and Stons when you can have Primark and Tesco Home right? (Me, Me, Me) As I get older I am beginning to realize that material things aren’t as important as society pressurizes us into thinking they are. Of course it’s nice to have nice things, but it isn’t the be all and end all. Savings are important too, rent, bills, quality of life, outings, food. Don’t break the bank for something you won't even be interested in a couple of months later.

Example of before:

Anyhow - I started my monthly task at 2.30 and I always tell myself "It won't take that long" but once I start I can't stop... Copious amounts of bleach, polishing, dusting, bin bags, bruises and sweat later and I was finished at 10.30pm. Nothing beats sitting on the couch knowing that everything is done and the feeling of accomplishment. I think I am sad... Typing this I'm thinking surely I can't be the only one that enjoys these kind of activities?

After:

                                   Vanilla candles and plug in air fresheners are the best thing ever.

I love night time, I like the lighting especially, maybe not so much in the Summer as it's still daylight at 9/10.

I could ramble on all day about spending habits, but this post was originally about how important and therapeutic I find GUTTING the place once a month. The stuff you find is unreal. Four little weeks and your drawers and cupboards seem to be bursting at the seems. Quite literally in this case…  My wardrobe was looking like a hot mess. I’m the kind of cleaner that makes the biggest mess and drags EVERYTHING out to re-rearrange it and put it back in again all clean and shiny. To the blind eye it doesn’t look like I’ve changed that much, but believe me, 8 hours of slavery have went into unpacking every nook and cranny in every room and putting it all back in.