Blythswood Square Glasgow Little Darlings Afternoon Tea

Imagine a six year old at end of the school February break. Throw in some snow, rain and the obligatory icy Glasgow temperatures. Then ask yourself what you could do together that would entertain the child and let you enjoy a touch of luxury. The answer I have found is the Blythswood Square Little Darlings afternoon tea in Glasgow.

We visited Blythswood Square, a five star hotel in Glasgow city centre, several times previously but always in the company of adults and to be truthful I wondered how the quiet ambience would suit a six year old. There was no need to worry. From the moment we arrived the staff were pleasant and helpful and made him feel like a very welcome and special guest.

Afternoon tea is served in the colonnaded salon overlooking the square itself, a beautiful room with elegant furnishings.

The waiter explained the menu to us and asked if there were any particular dietary requirements. Of course Blondie Boy was quick to mention his egg allergy but this didn't present a problem.

It was his first experience of afternoon tea and he loved being presented with his own three tier cake stand. As well as sandwiches which he had chosen from the Little Darlings menu, there were scones with cream and jam, cake and a candy floss cone filled with raspberry mousse which he loved. There were also fresh strawberries and he wolfed those down before even attempting cake. 

The staff were attentive without being intrusive and we enjoyed the unhurried atmosphere. It was such a special end to the school holiday for us both and one we will definitely repeat. I'm sure some people might be doubtful about a five star hotel as a venue for a children's outing, but it was truly an exciting and memorable occasion and one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Afternoon tea is such a British institution so I'm so glad it was an experience we got to have together.

The cost of the Blythswood Square Little Darlings afternoon tea is £12.95 which is more than reasonable for the surroundings and spread! 




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What I Wore Wednesday: Debenhams SS 2014

I always look forward to attending Debenhams Press Shows and the SS14 Fashion and Beauty Show did not disappoint. Spring weather, let alone summer, hasn't arrived in Glasgow yet but SS fashion trends definitely have. I was lucky enough to have the fabulous Steph join me so I actually have decent photos for once, too!

The show was once again at the gorgeous Blytheswood Square Spa Hotel one of my favourite places in Glasgow. After grabbing some yummy cocktails we got to check out some of the upcoming season's finest on display before we headed upstairs for the main event.

How gorgeous is this Reger by Janet Reger lingerie?

I'm always a sucker for H! by Henry Holland's fresh take on fashion. 

How cute is that heart print playsuit and I have got to add that dark pink striped skater dress to my collection.

Steph totally fell in love with this pastel yellow cut out satchel by Red Herring and the matching Principles by Ben de Lisi yellow patent bow slingback pumps. I'm pretty sure where Steph is headed on pay day! 

After I pried Steph away from those shoes we headed upstairs to check out beauty.

All of your favourite brand from Debenhams beauty hall were there including Benefit, Bare Minerals, Fake Bake, Essie and more. I managed to get a manicure from the fab Tammy of DIY Nails in Essie's new Naughty Nautical, a turquoise polish with just the tiniest bit of glitter.

One of my favourite things I found out about on the night is Crystal Clear Lift Away The Years a clinically proven innovative anti-ageing applicator that is designed to create a skin that appears firmer and more toned. The wand uses sonic technology to instantly lift the skin while dispensing a serum to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles and enhance elasticity. I honestly was very sceptical before I tried it out but I had a cheek bone magically appear in less than 5 minutes and I'm a believer! 

After we were spoiled by the best in beauty we headed over for the finale of the evening, and my favourite part, the fashion show of Spring/Summer 2014 trends.

Biker chic is still in this season but it pastel pinks and corals like this this Preen/Edition pink biker jacket and black tapered trousers. I love the side zip and the bright colour makes it perfect for Spring.

Y'all know I'm a sucker for sequins so it should come as no surprise I loved this Butterfly by Matthew Williamson navy chino trousers, neon sequin vest and print kimono jacket combo. Kimonos are so on trend this season and I'm determined to dig my unworn one out of the closet for Spring (if I type it, it will be done!). 

I think you can tell what Steph's favourite colour for spring is based on her favourite outfit! She fell in love with this Butterfly by Matthew Williamson lime embellished crepe jacket that was paired with a kaftan top and blue shorts. I could 100% see her rocking this outfit!

Finally we both loved this Star by Julien Macdonald monochrome bodycon dress. The angled stripes made it so flattering on the model and again I could totally see Steph rocking this dress.

It was a great evening and I'm so excited for better weather to come so I can start to wear some of SS14's must have trends. Brights, florals, pastels, retro, tribal, new nudes---what trend are you most excited about?

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What I Wore Wednesday: London Calling

I left to go down south for work on Thursday and didn't get back home until Sunday night and then Monday was my birthday. It was all a bit of a whirlwind but I had such a great weekend. The lovely Lizzie from Mummy in Manolos took me out for birthday dinner and drinks in Marlow Thursday night and look at this AMAZING drawing she did of me for my birthday!

I LOVE it! Check how I'm taking a photo of myself with my iPhone and of course I'm wearing pink-- when I'm back from holiday I suspect there will be a new WIWW button!

We had such a great time chatting away and having the most amazing dinner at La Cantina Del Vino which so authentically Italian most of the waiters didn't really speak English!  My lobster linguine was to die for and I have no idea what wine we ordered but it was delicious :)

The next morning I grabbed the train to Paddington station, grabbed a Krispy Kreme and took the tube into London. I stayed at my favourite hotel, The Andaz Liverpool Street, which is smack dab in the centre of EC1 and feels absolutely luxurious but won't  cost you more than any other hotel in the area.

That afternoon I had a lunch, cocktails with my girls Siân and Claire and an awards ceremony in the evening. I wanted something that could translate across all the events so I went with a floaty dress and a blazer with my favourite leopard heels.

HM Swallow Print Dress

HM Cropped Blazer

Dune Leopard Heels

Black Hoop Earrings

Monica Vinader Fiji Friendship Bracelet

Saturday was a conference so again I wanted to look nice but I also wanted to be comfortable since I knew it would be a long day. Luckily I struck gold, again, with another Cynthia Rowley dress from TK Maxx. The dress fits me perfectly and shows off my best best while masking my not so great bits. I paired it with my wedding shoes, yes I had purple wedding shoes, but threw flip-flops in my bag for the end of the day when I knew my feet would have had enough. 

Purple and Blue Skater Dress- Cynthia Rowley (TK Maxx)

Purple Peep Toe Heels- Barretts

Black Hoop Earrings

Monica Vinader Fiji Friendship Bracelet

Don't Siân and Claire look super cute, too? We spent a lot of time chilling in the TK Maxx style lounge where you could try on clothes, relax on super comfy Home Sense chairs and chaises or get style advice on what clothes suit your body shape best. We also took a liking to Visit Orlando and Acer UK's photobooths but I can't say the booths liked us. Siân and I had one shut down and power off when we were in it and then the three of us almost knocked over another.  Needless to say we had a lot of fun in them!

The three of us talk on Skype all the time but it is rare we are actually in the same place together so it was great to hang out in person.  They also got me some AMAZING Doc Marten Darcie boots and a kick ass new skull scarf for my birthday that I am sure will feature in a future What I Wore Wednesday.

On my actual birthday NotBlondeHusband spoiled me rotten by taking me out to an overly indulgent dinner at Blytheswood Square Hotel in Glasgow and since I loved it so much I wore my Blue and Purple Cynthia Rowley dress again. It was actually sunny on my birthday so we got to have cocktails outside in the sunshine before devouring a truly amazing meal. If you are looking for the best steak in Glasgow the Blytheswood is the place to go!

I'm so lucky to have such amazing friends and family! Tomorrow NBH, Blondie Boy and I are off on holiday to France courtesy of Eurocamp and I can't wait to tell y'all about it when we get back! I will try my best to get a French WIWW edition up next week but I hope you'll forgive me if it is a wee bit delayed. Fingers crossed we have nice weather and this sneezing fit I'm having is just allergies and not a cold!

Our accommodation while on holiday is provided by Eurocamp but all travel and other expenses we will and have paid ourselves. All opinions on our holiday are our own and will be expressed as such.