prairie girl musings

Month: September 2018

Let’s Go To Glasgow

Are you ready for another city guide? Let’s explore Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest and most boisterous city.

Historically a working class city, Glasgow’s population grew rapidly during the 19th century. As a result, there’s a mix of 19th century Victorian architecture, early 20th century ‘Glasgow Style’ Mackintosh-designed buildings in addition to modern edifices. This impressive combination makes the city a magnet for architecture aficionados.

While Edinburgh is quite touristy, I found Glasgow to be far less so. And Glaswegians are some of the friendliest, most hospitable people I’ve ever met. Travelling alone, I’d often spend my time getting caught up in conversations with shop and café owners throughout the day. Speaking of which, here are my top picks for restaurants, cafés, shops and sights in Glasgow:

Stay:
I checked into CitizenM, which is a modern chain of boutique hotels throughout Europe, North America and Asia. The Glasgow branch is centrally located and has all the amenities you could ever require. The 24-hour canteen is the perfect spot to get some work done alongside a handcrafted cocktail and a sandwich. The rooms are small, but the beds are big (and ridiculously comfy). I was impressed by the personal greeting on my TV, the stuffed toy (how cute!) and bath products.

Sightseeing:
As I mentioned above, Glasgow is home to some incredible architecture. I didn’t have the time to take it all in, but I loved what I saw. My favourite spot for design and architecture was The Lighthouse. The first public commission of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, The Lighthouse dates back to 1895. It’s now Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture, but has a history as the former home of The Glasgow Herald. The spiralling staircase has some of the best views of Glasgow.

Another gallery worth visiting is GoMA, the modern art museum located in the city’s Royal Exchange Square. The extensive gallery displays work by local and international artists, most of which addresses contemporary social issues.

The People’s Palace is set in the historic Glasgow Green (be sure to check out the gorgeous Winter Gardens). Home to a collection of objects, photographs, prints and film, the palace gives insight into how Glaswegians lived in years gone by.

Another highlight for me was walking to the top of Queen’s Park (unfortunately, it was pouring rain during my entire stay) for the best view of the city!

Eat:
Oh, where to begin with Glasgow’s restaurant and café scene… I had a long list of places I wanted to try and also received some recommendations, so there was a lot to cover in two days.

Potluck: Just trust me and order the seasonal hotcakes at this tiny café in Glasgow’s Southside. Piled high with different toppings (I had the plum, yum!) this dish is almost too pretty to eat. But definitely eat it, it’s the most scrumptious meal I ate in Glasgow and the coffee was also my favourite in Scotland (big call I know!)

Market Coffee: Surely you’ve seen Market, in all its pastel pink glory, gracing your Instagram feed? If not, let me fill you in. Opened by Glaswegian blogger, Kate Spiers (Kate La Vie) and her husband Jordan Spiers, Market can be found in the city’s Southside. Designed by Kate herself, the interior is carefully considered (and super ‘grammable, obviously). Not only that, the coffee’s excellent and there are plenty of delicious cakes and cookies on offer. Kate and Jordan were away when I visited, but I had some great chats with her brother, Matt. It’s the friendliest (and prettiest) place for a rose petal latte.

Café Strange Brew: This bustling café is home to some of the best coffee and breakfast in the city. I ordered the Turkish baked eggs and a cortado and they didn’t disappoint. I recommend grabbing a window seat for some serious people watching.

Ox and Finch: My top pick for dinner and drinks is Ox and Finch. The meat-focused restaurant serves inventive dishes alongside beautiful cocktails. That said, the vegetarian dishes are equally delicious. Need I say more?

Topolabamba: Quality Mexican fare in Scotland? You’d better believe it. Topolabamba has a range of delicious (and spicy) Mexican dishes and the best margaritas in town. I opted for the fish tacos (pictured below) and they were super tasty.

Shop:
Glasgow has plenty of high street shops and well-known UK retailers. That said, I personally prefer hitting up one-off boutiques and unique spaces that offer something a little bit different. My nails also needed some TLC while I was in Glasgow, so I booked an appointed at NAF Salon. The space itself is gorgeous, all pink and neon and my nails are still looking amazing two weeks later.

For a carefully curated selection of prints, books and non-tacky souvenirs, head to Stephen O’Neil Art in the Southside. I basically wanted to take everything home with me.

Another local shop that I popped into was Pampas, a charming independent boutique selling several covetable items. Located in the West End, the shop carries labels like Pinko and J Brand.

Have you ever been to Glasgow? Let me know what you got up to!

September 29, 2018
Skye High: Exploring the Highlands with Haggis

The Scottish Highlands have been high on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. When the opportunity to visit the Isle of Skye arose, I couldn’t believe my luck. Following a few days in Edinburgh (see my city guide here) I was set to embark on a three-day excursion with Haggis Tours.

To be completely honest, I’m not usually a tour kinda gal. When I travel, I’m armed with a laundry list of sights, shops and restaurants I want to visit. That said, the best (and only) way I was going to make it to the Highlands was on a tour. And you know what? I’m so glad I decided to book in with Haggis. The experience was enriching in every way imaginable. It was informative and entertaining, and I left with a handful of new friends from all corners of the globe.

We began our adventure in Edinburgh, on the Royal Mile before setting off for the Highlands. Our first stop was the Wallace Monument in Stirling (if you’ve seen Braveheart, you’ll know all about Sir. William Wallace and his contribution to Scotland). We then carried on towards Glencoe and even encountered a family of highland cows (or hairy coos). The ever changing landscape was suitably moody throughout the three day excursion and the Highlands were more gorgeous than I could’ve ever imagined. After Glencoe, we stopped by the Eileen Donan Castle, which has featured in several movies like James Bond 007: Skyfall.

The second day of our tour was the highlight for me. After leaving our accommodation in Kyle of Lochalsh, we explored the Isle of Skye beginning with a two hour hike up to the Old Man of Storr. Windy, rainy and muddy, the views were remarkable! After the climb, we had lunch in Portree, a quaint seaside village. Personally, I loved all the brightly coloured (pink!) houses. Later on, we ventured to our second accommodation at the southern end of the Loch Ness in Fort Augustus. As you probably know, the large loch is famous for hiding the infamous sea monster, Nessie. Unfortunately we didn’t spot her during our stay, but we did encounter some amazing local pubs, gorgeous cathedrals and castles.

The final day was spent travelling back to Edinburgh, stopping in quaint villages along the way and for a whisky tasting at Tomatin Distillery. We also spent some time at the Culloden Battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite rising came to a tragic end. The harrowing mass war grave is an incredibly powerful and sombre experience. We then ventured on towards Inverness and Dunkeld, where we stopped for our final lunch. I had the best coffee and sandwich of the trip!

Our guide, Gillian was hilarious and full of energy. She spent the three days cracking jokes (often of the ginger persuasion) and telling us legends about every monument or sight we saw. I’ve never had such an entertaining tour guide in all my travels.

Not only is Haggis the most affordable tour available, they cater to individuals travelling alone. Our group of thirty or so was incredibly diverse and we all got along so well. Skye High takes you to all the Highland highlights. In fact, we packed in so many sights and activities, that I left feeling as though I’d embarked on a five or six day tour.

Photography by Cooper Morrison-Smith

This post is in partnership with Haggis Tours, but all words and opinions are my own.

September 23, 2018
The Edinburgh Edit

Edinburgh is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited. With its cobblestoned streets and perfectly intact medieval architecture, it’s worth a visit based on looks alone. On my recent trip, I spent a lot of time looking up, mesmerized by the buildings and the views from every angle. A trip to Edinburgh offers the best of both worlds, it’s also brimming with culture, art and superb restaurants, It’s a place that will stay with you for awhile.

Where to stay
While there are plenty of hotels in the city centre, I opted for an Airbnb in Stockbridge. Reasonably priced and beautifully decorated, the bathroom and shower were both teeny tiny. The bedroom was cosy, but the lounge was my favourite part. Stockbridge itself has a village feel to it, it’s much quieter and more local than central Edinburgh. It’s also home to many delightful food and drink options. That said, it’s only a short walk (about 10-15 minutes) to the city centre.

If you’re looking for something closer to the action, G&V Royal Mile Hotel (formerly the Hotel Missoni) or The Witchery are both located on the Royal Mile (the main tourist drag of Edinburgh).

Where to eat
Edinburgh is known for its world-class culinary scene and regardless of whether you’re after a quintessential Scottish feed or something international, it will not disappoint. My absolute favourites are below:

Smith & Gertrude is a lovely Stockbridge institution for wine, cheese and small bites. I was dining alone and the service was impeccable. They even sent me on my way with a loooong list of must-visits.

For the love of cake, make sure you go to Lovecrumbs. They have two locations, one in the city centre and the second in Stockbridge. I ordered the vanilla and rosewater cake with a long black and it was divine!

Everyone told me to try Cowan & Sons, but unfortunately they had a kitchen malfunction when I visited. The menu looks delicious and the space is gorgeous, so make sure you check it out and let me know how it is if you’re in Edinburgh!

I popped into Hyde & Son on my first morning in Edinburgh when the city was still asleep. It gets top points for being open at 7am, for its flakey croissants and delicious cortados.

For one of the best coffees in Edinburgh, you can’t miss Artisan Roast. Again, they have more than one location, but all are perfect places to settle in with a cuppa.

If you love ice cream and cute interiors, be sure to check out Mary’s Milk Bar. It overlooks the Edinburgh Castle, which is an added bonus!

Timberyard has incredible cocktails (like fermented rhubarb and mead), artistic dishes and an industrial interior that appealed to me on all levels.

If you’re after a Michelin-starred meal, you’ll want to visit The Kitchin, one of Edinburgh’s most talked about restaurants by Tom Kitchin. Cuisine here is served on earthy tableware and the menu focuses on seasonal Scottish produce.

Favourite sights
There’s so much to see and do in Edinburgh, and I’d highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes. I averaged about 15km per day and the cobblestone streets are best tackled wearing sneakers.

Edinburgh Castle – While some say it’s slightly overrated and expensive, you can’t miss out on the castle if it’s your first time in Edinburgh. The city views are unbeatable and I was mesmerized by the collection of family jewels on display.

Calton Hill – with its grassy slopes and panoramic views, Calton Hill is one of the most peaceful spots in Edinburgh (despite the steep hike up…) Next to the Nelson Monument, you’ll see the acropolis-style structure designed., which was modelled on the Parthenon in Athens and dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Napoleonic Wars.

Fruitmarket Gallery – right across from Waverley Station (where you may be catching your next train) is a contemporary art space, which occupies a former fruit and vegetable market. It began its life as a gallery in 1974 and has a ‘floating’ roof, allowing natural light to fill the first floor.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery – Refurbished in 2011, the SNPG consists of three floors of portrait and photography collections and a painting of famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. Be sure to visit the top floor, which features a suite of exhibition rooms.

Favourite shops
Life Story – for a curated selection of furniture, homewares, stationery, prints and jewelry, Life Story is a must! Sourced from around the world, there’s a distinct emphasis on Scandinavian designers.

Epitome – for understated pieces from a variety of Scottish and international designers, Epitome is the place to go. I was eyeing up a pair of Common Projects on my recent visit.

Dick’s – This local shop is full of practical and stylish items, including Shetland jumpers and gorgeous homewares. Had I a bit more space in my luggage, I would’ve surely returned home with one of their copper baskets.

Edinburgh surprised me and surpassed my expectations in every way possible. While I expected to experience a stunning city steeped in history, I was blown away by its sharp, witty personality and appreciation for the arts. Have you been before? I’d love to hear about your favourite spots.

September 20, 2018
11 Ways To Make Long Haul Travel Bearable

If you love travelling or simply live in a far-flung country (like New Zealand) long haul flights are inevitable. I’ve been travelling back and forth between Canada and New Zealand (and everywhere in between) for the past ten years and it doesn’t get any easier. That said, I have picked up a few tips along the way and have learned how make the journey more bearable…

Choose your seat ahead of time
For flights longer than two hours; I always opt for the aisle seat. It could be that I’m particularly restless, but I need to get up every hour or so to walk around. I also drink plenty of water and prefer not disturbing fellow passengers when I need to go to the bathroom.

Pack the perfect carry-on
I now give more attention to my carry-on than my checked luggage, ensuring I’ve got a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, a face towel and plenty of moisturiser (face and body). Lately I’ve been packing sheet masks as well because they are such a simple luxury when you have nowhere to be. I probably wouldn’t bust one out on a busy flight, but recently, on a flight to Shanghai, I had a whole row to myself and indulged in a moisturising mask that didn’t need to be washed off. Rather than leaving the plane feeling like a shrivelled up raisin, I left feeling rejuvenated and fresh.

Travel off-peak
In previous years, I’d always try to go home for Christmas. However, in the past few years, I’ve been travelling off-peak and reaping the rewards. This year I’m heading home for Canadian Thanksgiving, which can be a busy time to travel domestically, but it’s super quiet internationally (it’s on a different day than American Thanksgiving). Whenever I travel during the off-season, the plane is empty and I often have an entire row to myself or in the very least, an extra seat.

Make the most of airline loyalty
I used to religiously fly Air Canada or basically any airline on the Star Alliance network, which proved extremely beneficial. I’d often get upgraded to business premiere when flying internationally. I haven’t had any upgrades in awhile (hint, hint Air Canada), but since changing to an Air New Zealand credit card, Nick was upgraded on a recent flight from Los Angeles and managed to get an entire night’s rest. Lucky! We also always get free lounge passes (neither of us are Koru Club members). If you can opt for an Airpoints credit card, do it because it makes travel so much better.

Break it up
I don’t book two back-to-back long haul flights if I can avoid it. Flying for nearly 24 hours straight isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time and the recovery time gets longer as you get older. If you’re flying from say England to New Zealand, try to see if you can fit in a one to two night stopover to break it up. Not only will you get to see a whole new place, you’ll look forward to the second leg of your journey a whole lot more!

Exercise before you fly
This is a tip I picked up from my dad, but I always try to go for a run or do a quick workout before I fly. Not only does it tire me out, it’s a nice way to get outside before being cooped up on a plane for several hours. It also makes me feel better about the lack of exercise I’ll be getting over the next day or so.

Pack a comfy change of clothes
Someone once told me that those who are dressed nicely (ie. those who look like business travellers) are more likely to get upgraded. I don’t know whether or not that’s true, but I usually try to look somewhat presentable when I’m boarding an international flight. I’ll always pack a change of clothes that are comfier than what I’m wearing, so I can get cosy during the flight.

Download your favourite podcasts and movies
Never have I do I ever get so into podcasts as when I travel. Lately, I’ve been listening to Jenna Kutcher’s Goaldigger Podcast and have picked up so many tips for my business and my blog.

Train your brain
Long-haul flying is a bit of a mind game. If you’re in the right headspace, you can trick yourself into enjoying it. I always look forward to reading the books I’ve packed and listening to new podcasts. Sometimes the entertainment available is so good, I manage to fit in two movies that I would have easily paid to see in cinemas.

Uninterrupted thinking
One of the best things about long-haul flights is the quiet thinking time you have to work through whatever it is you’re dealing with. I often come up with business ideas and plans while in the air away from the distractions of every day life.

Sleep and meditate
We all know that staying hydrated and avoiding too much caffeine and wine is key before, during and after flying. But maintaining your sanity whilst in the air requires a decent amount of sleep and likely a bit of mindfulness, If you’re an uneasy flyer, I encourage you to download meditation and mindfulness apps like Calm or Headspace. It’ll help pass the time and remind you of the exciting things ahead.

Well, there you have my top tips for more enjoyable long haul travel. If you’re still struggling, remind yourself how fortunate you are to be on a plane heading somewhere new and exciting (or maybe heading home to see your loved ones). It’s a cliché for a reason, but the journey is as important as the destination!

Photos by Carmen Huter

September 12, 2018
The Rainy Day Edit

Christchurch isn’t a particularly rainy city. Sure, there are weeks where we barely see the sun, but generally it’s pretty nice. That said, there’s something a bit exciting about having a few wardrobe items you look forward to pulling out on those less than ideal days. Further to that, I love having activities up my sleeve for dreary days that get me out of the house (though days spent curled up reading a book are nice, too.)

Rains raincoats were made for melancholic New Zealand days. I don’t know how anyone could be sad whilst wearing this shade of pink. It’s light, breathable and fits like a dream. I’m not going to lie, there are sunny days where I’d like to put this on…

Catching a flick at Alice Cinema has to be my ultimate rainy day activity. The intimate cinema always has a range of art films on rotation and I love the idea of staying within the central city to see a film. This week, I’m looking forward to seeing On Chesil Beach, which is based on a novella. The shorts look as bleak as the weather forecast (I’m a sucker for sad movies…)

Another favourite rainy day activity of mine is going out to eat. I find it so satisfying to tuck into a pub meal or linger over coffee when the weather’s less than ideal. My ultimate neighbourhood spots for a rainy day include Pomeroy’s (their burger is my favourite in town), Kadett for a flat white and cake (their kimchi toastie is out of this world!) and The Corner Store (home to Smokey T’s BBQ, yum!)

How do you spend rainy days? Do you stay indoors and take a nap or brave the storm?

Photography by Carmen Huter

September 4, 2018
NZFW 2018 Diary

Although I was planning on taking it easy this year at New Zealand Fashion Week, that’s not exactly how things played out…

I’ve attended the past three NZFWs, as well as a few overseas in Sydney and Toronto. But this was the first year I’ve been self-employed and haven’t had to take time off work! Despite my best intentions to only take in a few shows (to save myself from burning out), I managed to pack in four pretty full days and a lot of my other work fell by the wayside. Since I saw most of the shows, I thought I’d share a round-up of the week and my favourite moments with photos by my friend, Robyn at Anywhere I Roam.

Most impressive show…
Trelise Cooper‘s fashion week shows are always incredible, but this year really blew me out of the water. Full of colour and sass, the collection featured 70s and 80s style dresses, brocade and lots of sequin party-wear and even an electric blue pantsuit. Set to the tunes of flamboyant musical entertainers, I couldn’t resist dancing along in my seat. My favourite look was the mermaid pleated skirt that shimmered as the model walked down the catwalk. I attended this show with my bestie, Annie and we seriously had the best night out!

Coolest atmosphere…
Stolen Girlfriends Club always put on amazing shows. This year’s was held at the Red Bull HQ in Ponsonby and the atmosphere was just as cool as you’d imagine. With an open bar and cocktails flowing, attendees socialised and sipped on Stolen-themed drinks and Asahi beer before the 9PM show kicked off. The collection itself was a bit badass with plenty of leather, my personal favourite was the lilac leather coat. The finale featured models dragging glow-in-the-dark rubbish bins, commentary on the wastefulness of fast fashion, perhaps?

Most inventive showcase…
I knew I’d love Hej Hej‘s show even before the invites rolled in. New on the scene, Hej Hej is quickly becoming known for light-weight linens and comfy knits that pair so perfectly together for New Zealand’s haphazard weather. Their show was on a yacht, gin cocktails were flowing and the sun was out just in time for the 4PM start. Their latest collection, Cruise Control is full of pared back, loose fitting linen staples that you’ll reach for all summer long.

Overall favourite show…
The Twenty Seven Names show kicked off with the Auckland Girls Grammar choir singing Rihanna’s Diamonds, setting the tone for an amazing show. This Wellington brand can do no wrong in my eyes, their clothes use wearable (often recycled) materials in the most fun prints and cuts. This collection was particularly colourful, with canary yellow coats, pink shift dresses and emerald green blazers. Taking place at Showroom 22’s light-filled studio, the show was intimate and the music was incredible — favourite 90s tunes in all their glory.

What I wore…
I decided to opt for comfort this year because I knew I’d be running around like crazy, catching Ubers, meeting with clients, and tapping away on my laptop between shows. I borrowed quite a few outfits from my favourite brands Leo + Be and RUBY to name a few and packed my favourite pieces from Kiwi designers like Twenty Seven Names and Hej Hej. I handpicked a Witchery blazer from my friends at Undertow Media and next thing I know, I’m seeing the same shade at the three next shows… I’m pretty thrilled to see colour come back in.

Where I stayed…
The Grand Mercure in Auckland is perfectly situated for a week of fashion-filled festivities. I checked in on Monday and never wanted to leave. The amenities include a virtual fitness room, a pillow menu, delicious room service, and TV by the bath — if only I’d had time to fully enjoy it all. The level of service is incredible and I’ll definitely be booking another night’s stay here very soon!

Check out my vlog to see a hotel room tour.

Final words…
For me, NZFW is about so much more than just clothing. It’s a chance to catch up with friends (I’m looking at you, Robyn), meet new faces and get inspired. The creativity of New Zealand designers never ceases to amaze me and I love seeing how they embrace the ever-changing industry. Fashion needs to be more sustainable and considered and many Kiwi designers are taking a step back, creating smaller capsule collections that will stand the test of time. I always leave feeling excited (and exhausted) and ready to create new content.

All photography by Robyn Joan Wilson of Anywhere I Roam

September 2, 2018