Lately...

•  Officially been doing Paleo for 4 weeks (with cheat days because I'm not mental). I thought it would drive me mad not eating rice or white potatoes but it hasn't bothered me. If I want chips I have sweet potato chips (better in my opinion), if I want crisps I have those veg crisps which also taste better in my opinion and if I want bacon I can have AS MUCH AS I WANT OF IT. What's not to love? Also I am making much healthier choices. Last night was one of those nights where I just wanted to binge. A few weeks ago that would have meant raiding Ava's sweetie tin or maybe even some hot white buttered toast (the work of the actual devil but so good). Instead I had a small bowl of yogurt raisins, a handful of mixed nuts and an apple smeared in cashew butter. That was my binge. 
• Thanks to Paleo I have also discovered how frigging amazing these coconut yogurts are. Bit pricey though innit?
•  I checked out The Rum Shack and let me tell you that the food in there is good. We're talking some yummy saltfish, amazing jerk chicken and a seriously good rum cocktail for this apparently non-rum liking, non-rum drinking now a rum convert girl.
• However I also finally made my way to Hyde in the west end and was a bit disappointed if I am honest. Everything was just so bland and under-seasoned. Even my Bloody Mary. And you know how I feel about them. Make me a bad one and we are finished forever my friend.
• Ava's discovered the art of 'skiddling'. The idea was passed onto me by a good friend and all it takes is a few empty cups and jars, a couple of jugs of water and a lot of newspaper. Prepare to get wet.
•  I got up at 5am and went to the gym the other morning. I don't know what came over me. I think I thought I would spend the rest of the day flouncing about all energised. I nearly fell asleep at my desk.
• Also there is nothing scarier than being in a closed gym on your own at 5.30am and the fire exit door opening on it's own accord. Took me a good 15 minutes to pluck up the courage to go and close it let me tell you.
• In other news I have been making an effort to try and be a bit more grown up by wearing matching underwear (most of the time). Makes me feel all empowered and sassy. What even is that?
• I am still turning out more pots of broth than a soup kitchen. Thai Butternut Squash and Broccoli and Cheddar being my two most recent faves. The less said about the disaster that was my cauliflower and bacon chowder the better. 
• Latest book - Little Women. Progress: two chapters a night and then Marie Claire. I am who I am.
• Looking forward to a couple of nights away somewhere near Oban this coming weekend. A lodge in the middle of nowhere, Paula & Emma for company (plus their better halves) and a hella lot alcohol. I sense trouble....
• Latest obsession - Epsom salt baths. Because after a long run they make my aching muscles feel better and because apparently they make you skinny. Well not exactly but after one I always feel tighter and a little less bloated than usual. It's probably in my head but let's just go with it anyway.
• Finally am I the only one who wears their pyjama tops to the gym? Don't say yes. 

Lately...

• I went bowling for the first time in years. And at 31 I'm as bad as I was when I was 11. Actually scrap that. I'm worse. Ava beat me.
• We cooked an entirely veggie 3 course Sunday roast for some good friends. I say 'we' but Ava's input consisted of stealing chocolate buttons and dancing around to Taylor Swift. My nut roast could have done with being a little firmer but the soup I made to start was ohmygodamazing. This soup had beer, brie and apples in it and a sort of pecan and oat crumble thing on top. Life changing.
• Someone surprised me with a coffee machine (something I have been lusting after for ages) and I have been making all kinds of mess in the kitchen trying to perfect my coffee making skills. I'm pretty used to using one of those stove top espresso makers and to be honest it's taking some practice to get the hang of it but I'm getting there. In the meantime I am inhaling that instant hazelnut stuff. How did I only just discover that?
• I'm kind of loving little rituals these days. Like the way we always pick up a Starbucks at the start of our little road trips up north. Or the little rhyme Ava and I repeat to each other every night about loving each other like jelly tots before she goes to sleep. These little habits are kind of special and I adore them.
• I'm doing the Paleo diet. Although I tried it a couple of years ago and had a hellish time, I've really enjoyed this past week and how good it feels to be putting so many wholesome, natural foods into my body. And goodbye constant bloated feeling. I would be lying if I said I didn't go a bit mental on Sunday which I have decided is my Paleo 'off day'. We're talking Pringles, chocolate, toast and the biggest burger you ever saw. Totally earned it though.
• After spending ages anticipating the new Catch fish and chip shop in Giffnock opening we STILL haven't been. But are hitting that place up soon because all of your amazing Instagram photos are way too hard to take. Can't wait to taste their scallops and sweet potato fries.
• I majorly cocked up my first paella. I mean that stuff was mush. Somehow my guests still managed to eat it. Not sure if that was due to politeness or alcohol intoxication. It still kinda hurts to talk about it.
• Last but not least - chocolate beer. Why did no-one tell me?

Lately...

• I think my Pinterest addiction may be fading. That is a total lie. I have managed to somehow wean myself off it and have restricted my use to weekends only. I'm way too neurotic to keep adding to my 'lists' without actually cooking any of the recipes or trying any of the hairstyles. And these lists were running away with themselves. So I was addicted to Pinterest. But I fought it on my own. Kind of.
• After abandoning the gym completely during the month of December I am back at it a few times a week. I've even worked out the perfect 6k route around where I live. I'd like to point out that I still don't have Alba's abs though.
• Two words: Taylor Swift. We all know how much I love that gal. And that album has never been off my CD player since my big sister gave me it at Christmas. Do we think I might need to talk to someone about how much I love her?
• And I'm still obsessed with listening to Uptown Funk. Judge. At. Will.
• The kid and I are looking at getting a new car pretty soon. Having been running about in a seriously old Fiat Punto for quite some time now, the bloody thing has probably cost me 4 times in parts what I actually paid for the vehicle. So given that I am a full time worker again (and I don't really fancy the prospect of being stuck on the hard shoulder with a 3 year old), we have decided to upgrade to something a bit shinier. Might actually wash this one occasionally...
• Looking forward to hitting up our old capital Edinburgh this Friday for some eats and maybe a cocktail or two. I don't go back to my old stomping ground nearly enough these days. Stay tuned for a review of The Magnum coming soon on the blog.
• There might have been a day last week when I ate a Dominos for lunch and then had Indian take out for dinner. I said might...(was).
• We've also been enjoying some really good eats Southside including an amazing tagine at Loks Bar & Kitchen and some pretty special steak tartare and lobster at The McMillan. But also - can we talk about the fact that I have yet to find a better Espresso Martini than the ones they do at The Bungo?
• Oh and health freaks? Frozen grapes do not taste like sweets, frozen bananas do not taste like ice-cream and dates dipped in almond butter are not an exceptional substitute when all you want to do is dip Jammy Dodgers in Haagen Daz. Just saying.
• In other news, I got a fringe cut back in again and it's already annoying me. To the point that my boyfriend was forced to actually talk our waitress into giving me her kirby grib when we were out for dinner the other night. Shout out to the waitress. And to the boyfriend.
• Obviously I have made all the New Year's resolutions. I'm going to drop a dress size, start saving money, not eat two take-aways in the one day.... It's going well.
• I think we can all agree that the return of Broadchurch  is the most exciting thing to happen this decade. Obviously having Ava is up there, but you know, BROADCHURCH.
• Finally I managed to get through Christmas and New Year without actually putting on any weight. I don't know either.

Lately....

• We've been snuggling down under the cosiest new winter duvet at night. I swear that damn thing weighs more than Ava. And I'm surprised those little arms are able to lift it up high enough to get herself under when she does her traditional crawl in beside her Mama at 3am every night.
• Someone has been going to nursery in the mornings dressed in full on Princess gear. We're talking ball gown, tiara, wand, the lot. And someone is too tired to argue.
• Still thinking about the beef carpaccio I ate at Jamie's in Covent Garden back in the Autumn. That carpaccio is worth a trip back to London alone.
• We've been getting seriously excited for Christmas by decorating this little place of ours with twinkling lights and Christmas candles. And we've been reading The Night Before Christmas before bed religiously every night.
• This little household also got hit with the stomach bug from hell. Last weekend was spent taking turns to spend the evening throwing up. Ava took the Friday. I took the Saturday. And thank goodness that's over.
• I am drinking all the lattes and can't seem to stop. I swear I am addicted to coffee now. Like a full blown - can't go a day without it- type addiction. I've been making my own lattes by using my food processor instead of a milk frother. Kinda out there. Kinda works.
• Speaking of coffee I have been on a one woman quest to find the best flat white in the south side. Absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I just like being all cosy in warm little deli's with the latest copy of Red and someone else to bring me breakfast.
• I remembered that Wagamama's is the perfect hangover cure. Just keep bringing me that Chilli Chicken Ramen. With extra chilli flakes. And chilli oil.
• I've been reading The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and  I can't believe I left it this long. The way she tells a story is so relatable. And funny. Gutted there isn't more of her work to get my teeth into when I finish.
• Stocking up on all the little extra Christmas things I need every time I visit the supermarket (seen as it's still a little early to get the perishable stuff). I now have a cupboard dedicated to Christmas chutney, mulled wine mix and Christmas tree shaped Cheeselets.
• I made Jamie Oliver's griddle pan waffles the other morning (lotta love for Jamie in today's post) and they rocked my world. I served mine with extra crispy bacon, poached eggs and a drizzle of maple syrup. Who needs a waffle iron? P.S. - If you're reading this Santa - then me.

Lately....

• We have been loving the colder weather and all the yummy food that goes with it. Soups to date include a massive pot of lentil that seemed to go on forever, pea & pesto that tasted out of this world with a swirl of creme fraiche through it and my very first attempt at leek & potato. I roasted a chicken for the latter then used the bones to make the stock. Then I couldn't resist shredding some of the leftover chicken through the finished soup. So. Damn. Good.
• I've been feeling pretty lucky to have been able to go on so many fun trips over the past couple of months. A trip down to Blackpool with my two favourite girls in the world (Mum & Ava), two seriously exciting trips down to London and a night at Loch Fyne for my birthday. Let me tell you this - there is nothing that warms this girls heart more than massive tickling sessions in hotel bedrooms with my Mum and that little girl of mine. Best fun ever.
• As a result of these trips I have been eating some of the best food of my life of late. Including braised ox cheek and some amazing tasting duck at the highest restaurant in the UK, oysters and langoustines at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and the best Lancashire Hotpot I ever put in my mouth in Blackpool. And FYI potted shrimps might be the best thing that ever happened to me. How did I miss these?
• No matter how loyal I am to my Lush baths, they are just not the same in the summer. So now that the dark nights are here to stay I have been lighting all the candles and going for as many Lush baths as I can. I have also been enjoying the best baths with that little terror of mine. PJ days and afternoon baths spent drawing on the tiles with bath crayons and blowing bubbles on each others faces might be my new favourite thing.
• Getting window seats. Everywhere. Planes. Trains. I just keep getting put next to that window. Love it.
• Trying to remember how to be a part of a couple again. You get so wrapped up in the mushy stuff at the beginning (and so used to months of watching whatever you want on the telly) that you kind of forget that getting yourself back into a serious relationship can be tough as well as amazing. You guys know what I mean right? As much fun as honeymoon periods are, when you have been single for rather a while, it can come as a bit of a shock to the old system. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't loving this new little situation of mine right now and feeling more than a little loved up. Gag.
• I've been getting into exercise for the first time since I had Ava. For a few weeks now I have been getting some personal training sessions and hitting that gym as well as going for the odd run. It's made me realise that while I am never going to be the kinda gal who actually enjoys exercise, if I'm going to be the kinda girl who loves her grub as much as I do, then it's kind of a necessary evil. And seeing the peals of laughter on about 3 guys faces when I announced (in complete shock) at work the other day that I thought I might be getting muscles was pretty funny.
• Earl Grey. Usually around 3pm. One big massive steaming mug with lots of milk. I am a creature of habit. And not nearly as exciting a one as I would like to have you believe.
• Getting to grips with some big changes over in our little household. Like a mama that will soon be working 35 hours a week (while still trying to cram in blogging and those odd writing jobs that I want so much more of) and a 3 year old who starts back at nursery 5 days a week starting from this morning. It's a huge change to the two weekly work days/two weekly nursery days little life Ava and I have built up over the last three years. And I guess I am a little nervous for the both of us. But I just know that we will be fine.
• Looking forward to going to see Hozier and Kasabian soon. For moi going to gigs is a bit like baking - something I always say I will do yet never quite get around to. Thankfully someone else seems to have a complete concert ticket buying habit which is making me pretty happy.
• Onesies. It's time now isn't it? You know it makes sense.

Lately....

• I seem to be eating all the burgers. I checked out the new branch of  Burger in Edinburgh (full review coming soon), finally made a trip to Bread Meats Bread, am headed back to Cocktail & Burger on Sunday and from the above photo it's fair to say that the kid likes a good burger too. Apple, tree, etc, etc.
• And after eating said burgers last Saturday, I met up with the gorgeous Kate from Miss Smidge and her hubby for a fun afternoon. A couple of beers in The Red Squirrel, may have led to some cocktails in Panda & Sons, which may have led to one too many Brambles in Bramble. Not only did my little afternoon east side remind me how much I miss living in Edinburgh but I may have discovered my new favourite drinking spot in Panda & Sons. Any bar that masquerades as a barbers shop and involves sneaking down a staircase and through a doorway pretending to be a bookcase to get into it gets my vote.
• I got really excited when I got out of the car to drop Ava at nursery this morning and felt the crunching of the leaves under my feet. I can't wait to get my hands on my first pumpkin spiced latte of the year. We all know how much I bloody love Autumn. As perfectly showcased in this post from last year.
• Some other notable moments recently include pulling out of appearing on the TV show Dinner Date (I just couldn't do it), drinking pints of wine in the Glasgow Film Theatre (I'm looking at you Charlene) and winning an amazing Thornton's hamper full of gourmet chocolate and prosecco from a competition Michelle was running over on her own blog. 
• Thanks to a child who is insistent during every supermarket trip that she wants bananas only to then refuse to eat them once we get home, we have been baking banana bread until it is coming out of our ears. And then enjoying it slathered with blackcurrant jam or nutella. Convinced Ava is pretending to like bananas so that she is kept in a steady stream of baked goods.
• This Hozier song is my current can't stop playing song of choice. Although I'm convinced that Prayer in C will end up being my song of the year. Is anyone else just really affected by lyrics? I mean they don't even have to be smooshy love songs, I'm just such a lyrics girl at heart.
• I've been trying to make my fussy little eater less fussy. So I am trying a number of tactics including no more eating lunch in front of cBeebies. Instead we are setting the table, eating together and talking about everything I missed that Ava got up to when she was at her Dads. I'm also getting the little one a lot more involved in cooking and she has been helping me whip up dinner most nights. She's still insistent that she only eats food that is beige. But give me time....
• The girl who never gets ill (and puts it down to drinking so much fresh ginger tea),  finally had to eat her own words. After smugly proclaiming to all and sundry that I hadn't been sick since 'September 2010', I got hit with the worst stomach bug ever that saw me call into work sick and pull an all-nighter because I couldn't sleep for the ab cramps. Worst 3 days ever.
• With the slight turn in the weather I've been enjoying clean PJ's, fresh sheets, lighting some scented candles and taking myself to bed at granny o'clock to read for hours. Typically late to every party (I hate a bandwagon), I have only just started reading The Fault in our Stars. I feel like if I don't sob through the last third of it then there will be something fundamentally wrong with me.
• And before it gets too cold, Ava and I have been getting out and about including a trip to the Glasgow Necropolis and a wander round Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery. Where we nearly blew all our money in the gift shop. I swear that kid is not a good influence on me.

Lately....

• I tried to go on a diet. I lasted about 3 hours on said diet. I hate diets. After deciding to screw the diet I lost like 3lbs. Go figure.
• I made a Jamie Oliver recipe and it actually worked. Jamie & I don't get on very well. We never seem to see eye to eye and every attempt at one of his recipes usually ends with a slightly inebriated and frustrated me phoning for take out. But this one was delicious. And I will be making it again. Check out this Chicken Satay with Fiery Rice Noodle Salad recipe and make it soon. You won't regret it.
• Ava and I are booked up to go see In The Night Garden over at Queens Park at the beginning of September. This is my life now. Watching life sized cBeebies characters run around a stage making strange noises and then trying not to have nightmares afterwards.
• I'm all about the Sunday roasts at the minute and my freezer is bursting with joints of meat that I can't wait to get roasting for friends. After cooking up a roast pork last Sunday , I have all the plans for some slow cooker beef brisket French dip sandwiches, an 8 hour lamb shoulder with Israeli couscous and a Cuban roasted chicken recipe. 
• I'm really feeling that I might be done with watching Frozen now. I mean I think 1254 times is enough yeah? You agree? Could someone tell my 2 year old that?
• I discovered this song and then died. I think I'm probably done pretending not to be a romantic now. But how much better is this than the usual cheese? 
• Speaking of cheese, pre-diet revelations I may have melted an entire Camembert in the oven and then spent an evening dipping French baguette into it. Best thing that ever damn happened to me.
• Ava has been getting very into her picnic dinners and on the days she gets a proper meal for lunch at nursery (and Mummy has been at work all day), we've been enjoying early evening sofa picnics in our pyjamas. Our Thursday evening picnics have become the highlight of my week.
• And we have been enjoying some pre-sleep bedtime girly chats as well. Laying down in my big bed with the lights out and our noses practically touching we have been discussing all the plans for her impending 3rd birthday party in September. Apparently she is having 'all the sweets' at said party. Every single kind. And she will be wearing a princess dress complete with tiara and magic wand throughout. I love these little sleepy bedtime chats of ours and while I know I need to get cracking on getting that girl sleeping properly in her own bed soon, I am revelling every single sweet second of our nocturnal chats until that happens.
• Life has been a bit busy of late resulting in me cooking less and ordering waaaay too many take-aways. You can see how this whole diet thing came about huh? It's totally acceptable to polish off left over take out for breakfast right? Please tell me I am not the only one who does this....
• I have a problem with the West End of Glasgow.  Despite knowing there a few little gems of places to eat and drink in, I find the people a bit too 'hipster' for my liking. And I generally find the service to be lacking down to the fact that the staff are too busy trying to be cool than to actually pay the customers proper attention. However Bloody Mary's and a delicious Nasi Goreng in Stravaigin followed by an afternoon spent in some of the drinking establishments of Finnieston may have just swung this ardent Southsider a little more in the direction of the west
• I am getting excited for Autumn. As much as I like the sun, I am a winter girl at heart. I adore the dark nights, scented candles and slow cooked comfort food. So roll on September.
• I just realised that I have mentioned food about 3216521 times in this post.

Lately....

• I'm all about the coffee these days. All about the coffee. In fact it saddens me that I am such a rubbish sleeper and have to limit myself to two cups every day otherwise I could quite happily drink that stuff all the day long. Especially since we are having such a good summer and home-made iced lattes have become a thing again. 
• Ava had her first blogger event when we hit up the West End of Glasgow for a day with iSwapsy. I don't bang on about affiliating myself with brands too much on this blog (or at least I try not to) but I am super behind this company and what they are about. Check them out if you are a fellow parent with a ridiculous amount of unworn kiddies clothing gathering dust in your cupboards. 
• I've been eating all the quinoa in the world right now. I don't know if it's because I have a ridiculous amount of quinoa recipes saved on my Pinterest, if it's because it's such a summery food or if it's because I'm trying to keep my greedy appetite away  from pasta but damn that stuff tastes good. Check out this Spring Quinoa Salad recipe. On a hot day this plus a glass of really cold Sauvignon Blanc is the best. Believe me.
• I watched the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony through my fingers. I mean I get it. I think if you were there then you would be TOTALLY into it - but jeez - that opening sequence with John Barrowman? Please tell me I wasn't the only one cringing a little bit here. Thankfully it ended a lot better. Although I know I am not as patriotic as I really should be I am enjoying the buzz it's generating around this city of ours. And I have lots of fun filled plans to take Ava down to some of the events at BBC at the Quay and for a wander around the Glasgow Green Live Zone
• My friend had a terrible experience in a rather well known Glasgow pub which got a lot of attention all over Twitter a few days ago. You can read about it properly here. I always find it super disappointing when things like this happen. Particularly because I eat out with this person at least a couple of times a month and she is the one of the most polite and well-mannered people I know. 
• I attended the launch night of The Tron Theatre's Home Nations Festival recently and what a great night it was. Apart from getting to schmooze with some of my most favourite Glasgow lovelies, we were also treated to a special performance of Dylan Thomas' Under Milk Wood which made this girl very happy followed by a lively drinks reception in The Vic Bar. I even managed to be home before midnight. Who am I?
• Stay tuned for a new food series type post starting on the blog soon. I have managed to rope in some other Glasgow girls to tell me all about what is in their fridges at home and to tell me about their food heaven and food hell situations. Boring for some maybe. Me? I lap that shit up. If anyone is interested in joining in then just give me a little email using the contact form in the sidebar
• Finally this ditzy brunette managed to leave her car keys sitting in the ignition of her unlocked car in the car park at Braehead shopping centre. So while you probably won't actually read this - I want to give a big shout out to the kind soul who spotted it, locked my car and handed them into customer services. You have got that karma shit down bud. I, on the other hand, need to lay off the coffee and get more sleep.

Lately....

• The terrible two's are still upon us. Fully upon us. Seriously - where did she get this attitude? Ok, I probably know the answer to that. But I cannot wait for her 3rd birthday in September. Because it stops straight away after that, right? Right?
• Listening to this song pretty much when I do anything right now. In the car, cooking dinner, making the bed. Can't stop listening. The video is pretty cool as well.
• Speaking of music I am getting super excited for T in the Park this weekend. Being way too old and girly to camp these days, we just went for Sunday day tickets. Because Arctic Monkeys, Jake Bugg, Bastille, London Grammar & Sam Smith.... I've ordered this top which I'm planning on teaming with denim cut-offs should the sun come out and skinnies should it not. Currently praying it arrives on time.
• I'm not really a steak girl. I mean I like it but it's not something I usually order when I am eating out. Then I went to Alston Bar & Beef and had the best damn steak of my life. A big, fat, juicy piece of rump (I usually go for fillet), my knife practically slid through the meat and it literally melted in the mouth. Can you tell I still get excited when I talk about it? Their scallop starter and amazing Gin list is pretty impressive as well. If you are looking for somewhere to go in Glasgow then this place would make an excellent date venue.
• I had my gorgeous mate through from Edinburgh for the whole weekend and we had the best time including a proper night in on the Friday to do some serious catching up and then prosecco, massages, burgers and cocktails on the Saturday. For once I was glad that little rug rat was with her Dad all weekend and I could spend my Sunday dying in peace. Speaking of Sunday, it was spent on the sofa watching Celebrity Masterchef and eating crisps and it was glorious.
• Speaking of Celebrity Masterchef - this is why I pay my TV license people. Addicted.
• I finally got around to trying this beer can chicken recipe and it was everything I had hoped for and more. I was dubious about cooking a chicken without any foil on it for the first hour or so but let me tell you that this was the moistest, juiciest chicken I have ever cooked and from now on I point blank refuse to cook a chicken without sticking a beer can up it's bum first. For realz.
• I've missed a couple of events recently because truthfully this bad blogger just wants to be at home with Ava. The bigger that girl grows and the more talkative she gets the harder I am finding it when she goes off to stay with her Dad. The other night it literally felt like someone had removed a limb. So when I do get her back the absolute last thing I feel like doing is getting a sitter and socialising. Peppa Pig books and bath crayons are most definitely where it's at these days.
• I tried Reiki. And to be honest I found the whole thing a very weird affair. Genuinely sceptical that it wouldn't really do anything, I spent the two days after my treatment feeling very odd. Incredibly shattered yet unable to sleep and pretty emotional if I am honest. It's left me a bit bewildered yet very intrigued and I am definitely going to look into going back.
• Finally, Ava and I had the best picnic ever recently in Queens Park with her Aunty Debs and Uncle Mark. Having had a proper, posh picnic basket in the cupboard for ages that hadn't ever been used (with crockery, napkins and a wine cooler - get us), we finally dusted it off, stocked up on wine and cheese and headed for the park. The sun shone all day, our wine stayed cold and we situated ourselves right next to a play park which kept the wee one (and us) happy. Perfect day.
• Also - is the football over yet?

Lately....

• I've been turning my hand to DIY. Basically I have just been using superglue to fix all the odd jobs that need doing round my flat. I feel like this is going to blow up in my face at some point.
• I went completely gaga over my good friend's beautiful brand new baby boy. There was lots of cuddling, sighing and clucking. Three back to back episodes of One Born Every Minute soon knocked that out of me.
• I've been reading Wuthering Heights and have surprised myself with how much I'm enjoying it. Those sort of classics have never really been my thing but I am loving how dark the characters are and have been finding myself looking forward to going to bed at night to see what happens next.
• And we've been celebrating over here the fact that the kid seems to have got this potty training malarkey down. Feeling a lot more Kirstie Allsopp than Kerry Katona in the parenting stakes right about now. If I could just get her to eat a piece of fruit then I reckon I would have this shizz down.
• I'm still strongly considering giving this YouTube channel thing a bash. Problem is 1) oh my god does the camera really add 10lbs and 2) the idea of being filmed brings me out in a nervous rash. However, if everyone else around me has to listen to an annoying Scottish accent bang on about wine and Made in Chelsea then why shouldn't you?
• Obsessed with chocolate flavoured coconut water. Helps a hangover and tastes like milkshake. What's not to love?
• I'm aware I talk about cheese a lot. I'm trying to get help. But a girls night round at mine coupled with the fact that people keep GIVING ME NICE CHEESE means that I currently have 11 different types of cheese in my fridge right now. True story. Fondue party anyone?
• Speaking of said girls night, I had all the ladies over last Saturday night for antipasti and cocktails. We made some homemade Gin Thyme Fizz cocktails, some Espresso Martinis and more Prosecco Bellini's than I care to remember. We stayed up far too late and then ate sausages in the morning. Natch.
• Bit obsessed with Foxes right now. And Haim. And Chvrches. And basically Amazon has all my money. 

Lately...

 

• I finally got round to having coffee in Little Botanica in the Southside (despite my friend telling me how awesome it was for ages) and I can confirm that it is indeed a little gem. The coffee is great, the cakes look to die for (I was behaving) and the setting (it's also a florists) is just lovely. And also we need to talk about the fact that there's a Cheesecake Cafe right next door and that not one person thought to mention this to me.
• We went a little tortilla mad round at Casa Young thanks to there being about 10 in a packet (single girl problems). Recipes included these Korean Fried Chicken Tacos, Brussel Sprout Tacos with Caramalised Shallot Salsa and some Baja Fish Tacos. It was quite a week for tacos.
• I got invited along to the launch night of the brand new NY American Grill in Princes Square where my little sister accompanied me as my plus one. We were treated to some amazing cocktails, lots of prosecco and some really yummy tasters from the seriously good looking menu. If you haven't been yet, I suggest  you get yourselves down there. The night may have ended with a drink being spilled and some tights being taken off under the table. Yes, we were too hot. No, you can't take us anywhere.
• Every single darn thing in the world keeps breaking right now to the point where I'm starting to think maybe I accidentally swallowed some magnets. It started with a defrosted freezer (although that might have been my fault). Then my CD player just mysteriously stopped working, the car had to go back into the garage and my laptop suddenly went on the blink. Then the shower broke and after that the boiler. Still smiling. My bank balance however, is not.
• As Ava was away for the Bank Holiday Weekend, I celebrated in the best way I know how which included cocktails & tapas at Las Iguanas, a vegan lunch at Stereo Cafe Bar, pizza in Soho Miller Street, some world beers in the Republic Bier Halle and then some Bank Holiday Burgers on the Monday. Currently drinking soya milk in my coffee and googling ab exercises.
• Not that I have watched much TV recently as I have been far too busy pretending I'm a teenager but how good is Made In Chelsea? Being cheated on seems to seriously agree with Binky as I am currently coveting everything she wears right now and the fact that Mark-Francis has never heard of Nando's has only endeared me to him even more.
• Every so often I eat so much bread that I end up spending most days in total agony and living in baggy jumpers. When this happens I usually go wheat-free for a while in order to get it back under control. But not before we were treated to a full 3 course meal at the new Glasgow Fort Pizza Express where we stuffed ourselves with bruschetta, amazing thin crust pizzas and massive ice-cream sundaes. I may have had to undo my button on the way home. Full review coming soon. I am now off the wheat until I can get my skinny jeans on without crying.
• I bought some new shoes cause I was having a shit day and that's what I do. Currently wearing some cracking brown brogues with all the tea dresses I own and super-excited to get to wear my new nude heels soon. Because apparently nude heels make your legs look longer and I will believe anything you tell me if it is about making my legs look longer.
• As Ava's Dad is working lots of hours right now, I haven't had a chance to get back to the yoga. Instead I have been doing every single butt, ab and thigh exercise I can find on Pinterest. However, I am counteracting that with excessive amounts of cheese. So I'm not sure how all this is going to work out to be honest.

Lately....

• My fresh flower addiction seems to be getting worse. Not content with having them in the hallway and the living-room, I've decided that the bedroom must always have fresh flowers as well. Expensive little habit this is getting.
• I have all the plans in the world for gin. Thanks to Pinterest I am particularly excited about doing a bit of a twist on the old classic with a mint, cucumber and lime G&T and creating some homemade lemonade & thyme gin cocktails for my friends now that the sun seems to be making an appearance. If it decides to stick around that is.
• I re-watched one of my favourite movies of all time. What is it about Alan Rickman? I know I'm not alone here girls. Is it the voice? The sexy yet weird charisma? I dunno but OMG swoon. Also: did I really just say 'OMG swoon?'
• I'm taking a break from the yoga to go on holiday for a bit. While I have loved doing Kundalini yoga and think it was a perfect way of easing myself into it, I am ready for something a  bit more hardcore when I get back and am excited about starting Bikram at the brand new Bikram Yoga Southside which is opening next month. Gonna have to work off all those mimosa's and all that mezze somehow.
• Oh and the big news of 2014? Turns out we've all been washing our hair wrong. I've been giving this reverse shampooing shizz a bash and am now loving the results.
• My intimate flat warming ended up being not too wild an affair thankfully. If you don't count my staying up till about four in the morning. Most of my evening was drunkenly spent putting on this song (don't ask) and the next morning was mainly spent eating biscuits and watching Frozen in bed 
• I succumbed to Domino's pizza the next day and once again was horribly disappointed. What is it I'm missing? Too much overly sweetened tomato sauce, not enough cheese, rubbish base......gross. Papa John's only for this girl. Anchovies, tuna and red onion all the way. And a pepperoni and pineapple if we're doing Two For Tuesday ;)
• I've been missing my girl like crazy. Ava went off to stay at her grandparents for a few days and then her Dad took her on holiday for a bit. 10 whole days apart. It's the longest we've ever been separated. But I've been enjoying getting some time to myself, seeing my girls for masses of cocktails, celebrating one of my closest friend's 30th birthdays and basically just getting some me time.
• Speaking of said birthday celebrations - I might have done my karaoke song. And I wasn't even that drunk. Being the type of girl who 'doesn't do karaoke', I sucked it up and exercised those vocal chords. Luckily I don't think I made TOO much of an idiot of myself. Jury may still be out on that one though. And don't ask what my song is. Because I will never tell. And hopefully you will never see.
• By the time you read this, the kid and I should be on our way to the sunny island of Cyprus. I will be drinking lots of fizz and topping up my tan while she'll be on the Fruit Shoots and endless bowls of chips. We are both looking forward to some serious fam time with my Mum and step dad. Well, Ava is - I will be by the pool drinking back to back Bloody Mary's. This year has been quite the whirlwind so far, and while I'm not complaining for a second, it will be nice to chill out for a bit, take stock of the past few months and start to get excited for what might be in store over the next few...

Lately...

 

•  On a whim the other day I decided to spring clean the flat. I mean SPRING CLEAN the flat. 5 hours later I was up to my elbows in bleach and shoes and old toys and everything you can imagine I have held onto that I don't need. On the plus side I managed to find my favourite shirt & a brand new, never been used satchel bag. Both of which I thought I lost when I moved last year. So every cloud. That shirt is going to be getting a lot of wearing this spring, let me tell you.
• I cooked this little gem for Meat Free Monday last night and it was so good that I am already thinking about all the different variations I can create with it. Game. Changer.
• I should tell you something. There's a little running joke between my friends and I that I am only allowed to drink out of a plastic cup. Because glass and I just don't go. I break everything. And my nickname when I was younger was 'splash' on account of my not being able to move from one side of the room to the other without spilling something. When I lived in Melbourne I was forced to drink out of a kids cup and previous boyfriends always pretty much resigned themselves to monthly trips to Ikea to restock. However I have treated myself to some very posh, expensive crystal wine glasses because those kind of treats make this kind of girl happy. We will see how long they last.
• I'm pretty much only about this song right now. Obsessed doesn't even come close. I have actually woken up to it playing 3 times in the space of a week. Amazing.
• I attended an awesome cookery class last Friday night with some awesome Glasgow foodie friends in the Merchant City. It was the best fun however a 6am start the following morning meant I beat a hasty retreat home to bed afterwards and left them supping champagne in Boudoir. I've changed.
• I finally tried Skinny's burger joint in the West End of Glasgow. And although their alcoholic shakes rocked my world, the actual burger left a lot to be desired. So less said about that the better.
•  Currently obsessed with this series of the BBC's Shetland with Dougie Henshall. Apart from completely fan girling over how good an actor he is, I just have a thing about dark, eerie Scottish dramas. The Crow Road is one of my favourite books and I re-watch the BBC adaptation every single year without fail. These programmes make me long for the Scottish wilderness, rippling lochs and single malts next to roaring fires. Booking a night away this week. It's happening.
• On a more serious note a Smartie dropped off my biscuit into my tea the other day and I didn't actually realise until I took that final gulp of warm, milky Earl Grey. I think it might be the best thing that ever happened to me.
• It's that time again. The time when I finally get to that longed for stage of being able to tuck my grown out fringe behind my ears. Only to start freaking out all over the place cause: 'Do I look better with a fringe?', 'Should I get it cut back in?' and 'Oh my god JUST BE HONEST?'. And then I just get it cut in again. Before starting the entire cycle again. Hair appointment booked for next week. It's hard being me.
• Finally got all my photos up in this little flat of ours. Only taken me about 6 months. The windowsill is now littered with photos of my little penguin and I love it. 
• Finally arranged a quiet and belated flat warming. Quiet. Intimate. Oh God please let it be quiet and intimate.
• Oh and did I mention I am now a Pinterest addict? So that's good.

Lately.....

• I started yoga. After buying Groupon vouchers last October (I know, I know), I finally got off my ass and got it booked. And I love it. I'm doing a style that is as much about meditation as it is about the positions and I honestly think this is something I will stick with. It's given me the kick up the butt I needed to get back into meditation (something I had been neglecting of late) plus I am doing positions already that I didn't realise this tired little body of mine was capable of. For the record - said positions are about as dignified as childbirth. You can check out Bliss Light Yoga if you are in the Glasgow area and fancy trying it yourself.
• I am absolutely hands down obsessed with this song right here. I listen to it constantly and I blast it in the car - much to the disapproving looks of the oldies. And thanks to Radio One I don't appear to be able to finish a sentence without saying 'uh huh honey' at the end.
• March was a crazy little month over at Casa Young as I had not only the mothership over from Cyprus for two whole delicious weeks but then one of my oldest and bestest friends up from down south for a couple of nights. As you can imagine much eating out, staying up late and cocktail drinking ensued. I am now officially back on the straight and narrow though. Early nights, home-cooked meals and moderate amounts of red wine. This girl is back on the health wagon. For now anyway.
• I went to see a psychic. A very well known Glasgow lady by the name of Margaret Solis. I had been saying I was going to go back for a while and when a cancellation came up for last Friday (she is fully booked weeks in advance), I jumped at the chance. I obviously asked all the important questions - will I be rich, will I get married, will I have this metabolism forever, etc, etc. But in all seriousness, it was a great experience. I know there are a lot of cynics out there (hiya little sister), and the rational part of me will never be 100% sure, but she did tell me a few things that she couldn't have known any other way and that I couldn't have led her into. And ya know, everybody's gotta believe in something.
• I found out that you have never experienced real fear until a spider lands on your hand while you are doing 70mph down the motorway. I handled it like a boss. Obviously.
• I wrote a slightly cheeky Mother's Day Gift Guide for kid's clothing brand Half Pint Chic and did a food review on Central Market in the Merchant City if you fancy a nosy.
• I am trying to commit myself more to my writing. Instead of pottering about on Twitter and wasting half the day I am being more disciplined. That means that when Ava is with her Dad or at nursery and I am not at work then I am up early. I will make a latte, read a bit of the paper, shower and then it's just me and the laptop for the rest of the day. It's amazing how much I am getting done when I try and be more focused. And even more amazing how quickly the time flies. I also make it a rule to shower, dress and put my make up on before I even open the laptop. I might spend the odd entire day indoors but I can at least look half decent when I am doing it. Psychology and all that.
• I'm a bit obsessed with Gogglebox. Despite it taking me long enough to discover it. It really is pure brilliance isn't it? I'm slightly concerned that no one has thought to enter the older couple who run the B&B into some sort of rehabilitation programme but the young County Durham girl with remarks such as 'I'd be scared to ask someone the time in London in case they thought I was a terrorist' makes this pure unmissable telly.
• It's also been brought to my attention that the best thing about drinking in old mans boozers is that no one looks at me like the complete and utter philistine I am when I ask for ice in my white wine. So that's good.
• Finally, I am still embracing meat free Monday in all it's healthy, veggie glory. Last night was an amazing spinach and feta rice gratin and I have lots of yummy recipes coming up on the blog for anyone who fancies giving it a try themselves.