The Tea Set

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Earlier this year I was invited* along to Zen, which is one of my favourite places in Edinburgh. Zen recently won Best Salon of the year at the Professioanl Beauty awards so I was chuffed to be going back! I was off to try “The Tea Set” which is either a 40 minuet massage or a 40 minuet manicure and then afternoon tea round the corner at the wonderful Hotel Du Vin, but more about that soon.

I arrived at the salon and met Emma my therapist for the day. She asked me what kind of massage I’d like (Back and shoulder please) and what scent of oil, I was just for Elemis Musclease, which didn’t have much of a scent, in a good way.

My massage was amazing, it as painful in a good way, I could feel her working on my knots which was just what I needed to de-stress. My back felt so good after, I have a bad horrid nurses back already, so this was amazing… a nightshift later however I wanted another one!

One thing I love about zen is the bed. Its so cosy and so comfy that I could really spend all day and night in there. I think that is one of the things that makes it super luxurious compared to other spa’s I’ve tried.

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After my massage I headed round the corner to Hotel Du Vin, where I cosied up in The Whiskey room, being 2 o'clock on a Wednesday afternoon meant I was alone in here , which was such a treat. I don’t usually drink or like tea but I picked the Darjeeling to have with my afternoon tea, and it was actually really nice. The menu said it was the champagne of teas.. I do have expensive taste.

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The Whiskey Room

When my afternoon tea arrived, I felt really bad because I forgot to say that I can’t eat cheese and don’t like salmon, so I could only eat the ham sarnies, which were delish! I tucked into my scones though and they were really really nice and inspired me to try and make my own, which I did later in the week. Also on my afternoon tea tray was a mini crème brulee, brownies, and mini éclairs. It was delish and felt a bit ridiculous to be sitting on my own pigging out, but also rather nice! I forgot my camera so I'm afraid its phone snaps only!

I had the nicest day and I’d just like to say a big thank you to Zen and Hotel Du Vin for having me along!

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To book call 0131 226 6677

The National Museum of Scotland

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So I have been going to the National Museum on Chamber street for as long as I remember, from when I was tiny to a teen as a place to wander round for free away from the rain. I was sad to see it close for refurbishment, for what has felt like forever, but it reopened on Friday and I loved being back – I felt at home!

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I was really impressed with the way they have reworked the collections, made the gorgeous building more visitor friendly but keeping it very much like the orignal, there are lots of interactive features (which are actually interesting, unlike some museums American Natural History Museum Im looking at you!) The great thing about the National Museum is that its got such a mix of collections, theres something for everyone, but my favourite part will always be animal kingdom!

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I love the views from the roof terrace, one of my favourite places on a sunny day in Edinburgh!

The National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street , Edinburgh

The Scottish Ballet

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Last night I was lucky enough to go and see The Scottish Ballet’s A Street Car Named Desire. Now as I say, I’m no ballerina (in my dreams yes) and I’m not a dance critic. I'm Joe Bloggs (see what I did there) and I loved it.

Scottish Ballet continue to push the boundaries of modern dance and of theatre itself. Not only was I blown away by the dancers, as per, but the sets were so simply yet so amazing. I don’t want to tell you what happens with the set, because I want you so desperately to go and see this but its magical .

A Streetcar named Desire was a very provocative play, so no wonder the ballet is the same, but really I think the ballet is even more moving than the play. I actually think words can really describe it. But Scottish Ballet have stepped up to the mark yet again!

GLASGOW
11– 14 April 2012

EDINBURGH
18-21 April 2012

LONDON
26-28 April 2012

ABERDEEN
2-5 May 2012

INVERNESS
9–12 May 2012

BELFAST
16–19 May 2012

Tickets start at £9.25 so Book here!

The Bonham and Chamomile Spa

When I was invited to have lunch at The Bonham and to visit The Chamomile Sanctuary Spa in Edinburgh as part of the Champaign pamper package, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed.

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The Chamomile Sanctuary is tucked away in the heart of the west end, in an unassuming building, it would be so easy to just walk straight by. I need to tell you about this massage. I have a bad back. I have a nurses back at 22 and usually find it really sore to lie on my back Fiona (I’m sure that was her name, I forgot to write it down) has honestly changed me! I can lie on my back and I’m no where near as creaky and ouchy.

A manicure at Chamomile Sanctuary are just as special, what better way to revive tired hands than a bright pink polish? Not your thing? There are plenty more colours to choose from.

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After our treatments, as part of the package we were whisked round to the The Bonham another hidden gem where we were treated to a 3 course meal. This boutique hotel is as every bit gorgeous inside, it looks over the dean village and dean bridge for those of you who know Edinburgh. Now, I have a secret to let you in on, people say I'm a really fussy eater, I don’t think I am, I can’t eat much dairy or fish but that rules out quite a lot when your eating out!

We arrived and had drinks in the new bar The Consulting Room and had a look at the Market menu, which changes everyday. We started with Cauliflower soup, which I'm not usually a big fan of, but was surprisingly delicious and a massive bowl, we couldn’t actually finish it knowing we had to more courses to come! Next up was Duck, which ask my friends I usually screw my nose up at, but I am a convert! It was truly scrumptious especially with the red cabbage. For dessert we were treated to iced nougat, which as a chocolate lover was something a bit different for me!

We both thoroughly enjoyed our meal, in gorgeous surroundings and were very well looked after. The market menu is £22.50 for a 3 course meal and I’d say its worth every penny especially if you treating someone.

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For bookings contact The Bonham0131 226 6050 ; The Chamomile Sanctuary 0131 220 1000