Celebrating 2013 Edinburgh Style

Hey Everyone! Now that my family and I are back in Canada I'm playing a bit of catch up. During our last week in Scotland we had very little wifi connection, resulting in a delay of my blogging. 

Bare with me for the next few blogs as I loop you in with what went down in Scotland.

For our 2013 New Years celebrations we travelled to Edinburgh to experience what is said through magazines, books and news programs to be one of the best Hogmanay Events in the world. We also went because my brother in law, Craig and his better half Carole lived there at the time. They have since (in the last few days) packed up and moved to London, England to pursue their dreams. Craig as a singer/songwriter musician and Carole as a dancer!!

To start off our Hogmanay (New Years Eve) day, us girls (Veronica, Carole and I) went shopping. This was my first shopping experience since having Iyla. Despite being very active post baby, clothes don't sit on my body the same way. My body today is much different than what it was before Iyla. I am forever grateful to my body for it cared, provided, and created our bundle of joy. I appreciate where it is at now and love that I had the opportunity on New Years Day to take the time and find new pieces that highlight it's features.

We started at 'Top Shop' where I had a personal shopper. This was what made it my all time TOP SHOPping experience. We got to all have special treats, water and a massive dressing room was awaiting my name full of outfits (including shoes & accessories), all in my size. This eliminated the looking around for my size, carrying clothes around with my coat and purse, waiting for a room, and trying clothes on in a tiny change room. This experience opened my eyes to colours, and styles I wouldn't necessarily have tried on but loved. The stylist/personal shopper knew her stuff and had great suggestions. I walked out with some core must haves (chelsea boots) and fun new elements (tartan tights) that make me feel even more confident in my new skin. The checkout was super fast, line free at the personal shopping till. I highly recommend to all you YUMMYMUMMIES out there to book a personal shopper (ps. they're free, at least at top shop) and make a 'YOU day' out of it. Just put those hubbies on baby duty. I have to say a big thank-you to the boys (Kevin, Bruce and the Craig's), thanks for watching miss Iyla, and to the Souters and Carole for this incredibly thoughtful, generous Christmas gift. 

Veronica, Carole and I starting the day off at Top Shop

Yummy treats for our delight

About to head into the fitting room yay!

The room

Many, many outfits to try on

Next stop, Missoni Hotel for an afternoon tea! The walk to the Hotel was 'hopping' as the city was preparing for it's fireworks, and many MANY people were already out enjoying the music in the park.

Our walk past the garden to an afternoon tea

Our afternoon tea included all the scrumptious items below and a tea of choice. We were given an order to eat them in for the best taste bud experience. My favourite was the top tier, where the dessert stood. After tea we had our first drink of the night.  

Afternoon tea at the Missoni Hotel

Drinks after tea

Back at the flat we got Iyla done up in her special New Years dress before heading to bed. 

Gorgeous Iyla finishing her celebration at 7pm, she did wake briefly for the fireworks

Carole, Craig McGill, Kev and I

Check out my new tartan leggins!

Street party

Some of the thousands of people from around the world

Tasty cider that we waited in a long line for

Celebrating with my best friend, with the castle not too far away

2013 my husband and I experienced the greatest and most wonderful change in our lives by welcoming Miss Iyla Skye. 2014 has it's own milestones within it (turning 30...OUCH). I look forward to what's ahead of me with running, triathlons, family, some more Iyla 'firsts', and watching Kaiser and Iyla's bond grow.

I'll keep you updated! HAPPY NEW YEAR