Saturdays, shopping and sushi.

I’m currently sitting on the couch with a cuppa, writing this and waiting on our Alien marathon to begin. Me and John are going to see Prometheus, and I have ashamedly never seen any of the other films before, we are going to try and cram all 4 in for me before 9.30pm tomorrow night! I went to hot yoga with Louise for the first time tonight and it was amazing. Really enjoyed it, can’t wait to go back on thursday night. It is quite expensive, but I felt amazing after it and so relaxed this evening. I’ve not done any exercise since I pulled a muscle in my lower back, and I think the hot yoga is the perfect way to work me back into things. I would really like to keep it up! I’m also trying pilates on saturday – have you done either of these? Which did you prefer?

A wee break from working at the moment, and I probably won’t be doing any other contracts until after my birthday (a week today, how the hell is this year flying in so quickly?) So I have been a lady of leisure recently. First up, Topshops first ever scottish blogger event…

Held at the Silverburn shopping centre Topshop during their Fashion Festival weekend, we were greeted at the store with some nibbles and drinks, and given an introduction to their three current trends. Calypso, Belief, and Pretty Military. I’ll admit that I am absolutely hopeless when it comes to ‘on trend’ fashion. I normally find I’m stuck in the same old rut, and when shopping head for my safe options over and over again. So it was nice to see some fresh inspiration from the girls at Topshop, who were super helpful and told us all about the personal shopping service they have to offer. Which is available for anyone, at any time! I sort of knew this existed before, but they are really pushing the service and wanting customers to know they are there to help. I will certainly be keeping this in mind, especially when I’m under the pressure of finding something to wear for a special occassion. You know that thing when as soon as you have money to spend, you can never find ANYTHING? Bane of my life.

The dress above is something I had my eye on which I think would be nice for my birthday outfit. I don’t even have a night out planned yet, but everyone needs a new dress on their birthday right?

Wanting to treat myself and cashing in on the whole studded trend, I bought myself a pair of these fine shorts!

Another little corner of the shop that I was loving, with the dip dye leggings, grey jumper and cream knit jumper. I ended up buying the knitted one (more studs, hello!)

(photo stolen from the gorgeous Paula!)

Topshop is a store that gradually over the years has overwhelmed me when I’ve walked in. I’m intimidated when it comes to fashion, and can never justify spending money on something that I’m not sure will suit me, or is too ‘trendy’ for me to feel totally comfortable in. But all in all, after finding out how helpful the staff at Topshop can be with the services they provide, I’d much rather invest in one good pair of jeans, one good jumper, etc rather than stocking up on multiple Primark numbers (that end up breaking or washing terribly) I’m not saying this is always the case, but good quality garments and brilliant customer service is few and far between these days, and I’d much rather spend my hard earned cash somewhere that is going to offer both.

I completely gutted out my wardrobe last week, so I really want to start a fresh with my clothes and not be scared to branch out into new styles and whatnot. After we had a look around the store, tried on some of our faves from the new trends, we had some fun in the photobooth with Claire and checked out our awesome goodie bags while munching on a yummy lunch at Yo Sushi. I wish every shopping experience I had was like this, I’m normally running around frantically half an hour before the store closes with moths flying out my purse. Thank you so much to Silverburn and Topshop for having us. Most of the bloggy action seems to be going on down south so it was an absolute pleasure to be invited to an event like this happening in Scotland. Any scottish bloggers reading this, say hello! I can direct any PR lovelies to the comment section of this post, we need to let them know we exist! 🙂

And as if a saturday of shopping and sushi couldn’t have been topped off any more perfectly…

My wee ragdoll bubs Dexter got to come home! 🙂 Yes we finally settled for the name (and I’d say he is more of a cartoon genius rather than a serial killer) He has been an absolute sweetheart so far. I spent most of the weekend playing and napping with him – I was finding it hard to keep up! I apologise in advance, I’m a bit of a proud parent at the moment so I’m probably gonna bombard y’all with photos of him over the next few posts.

I took a break from kitty fun on sunday morning as I ran (well, walked) the Race For Life, with my flat mate (and one of my best friends) Katrina. Our team was the Ugly Betty’s, so we dressed up in geek attire for the occassion. It was an emotional morning, but a beautiful day and we managed to raise over £300 for Cancer Research on our Just Giving page. Have you ever done this race or something similar? The atmosphere was amazing, I’d do it again next year in a heart beat.

If you look closely in the Topshop pictures, you can see my lovely little Dexter inspired locket which was sent to me this week from Cheap Frills. As well as the earrings, and something special in the black box for you guys (absolutely in love with their personal seal) Even the breeder commented on it when I went to pick Dex up on saturday, I think she will be wanting one for herself! Cheap Frills do the exact kind of jewellery which I adore, so as a wee thank you to you all for being here (all 1400, what madness) they are holding a wee giveaway for the Little Blog Of Horrors readers. I wish I could gift you all with something to say thank you for giving me a reason to document my life in this sort of online diary, so apart from sending virtual hugs to all of you, here is what is up for grabs:

Much in line with the jubilee celebrations this weekend, we have a keep calm and carry on for one lucky winner! I will also throw in a few bits and bobs from myself as a thank you. To enter, all you have to do is the following:

1. Be a reader of the Little Blog Of Horrors via Google Friend Connect
2. Follow @hellorogue (myself) and @_cheapfrills on twitter
3. Leave a comment on this post with your email address if you want to enter
(note, you can also leave a comment on this post without entering!)

4. And if you want to give me a giggle, hit me with your own best version of a keep calm and carry on phrase (this is optional! But go oooon)

There is also a special discount code for you guys if you enter HORRORS20 at the checkout you will receive 20% off your entire order. This expires on 31st August 2012, and their stuff is so cute, be sure to let me know if you get anything.

A big update of sorts, but that’s all for now. You have until 12pm GMT this thursday 7th june and I will announce the winner that evening. Good luck! I’m away to scare myself with Alien…

Ayden x