Is public debate dead?

Hello everyone, I apologise in advance (once again) for this rather lengthy and specific rant I may be about to embark on however I feel a few of you will probably have experienced something similar to this in the past or perhaps you deal with things like this on a daily basis (dear lord I hope not!) but I'd like to share something that made me really angry, disheartened me a little bit and generally ticked me off surrounding a local issue and public debate (which after this encounter I can assure you is well and truly dead!) Don't worry I'm not going to go into excruciating detail about this particular encounter but it really did get me thinking about the way in which we, as a public, interact with one another when we come up against conflicting ideas, opinions and general newsy type information that is flung our way on a day to day basis.

For me this revelation really started with Scotland's independence campaign, living in Scotland the divide between the Yes and No camps was far more obvious than people outwith the country but my issue really began with the campaign strategies. I think and I just found the way in which Yes and No debates were hosted and managed was a disgrace, inside the political parties and outwith. Now, no, I am no politician, but in my opinion the way in which our current politicians do conduct themselves is a bit crazy, normalizing name calling on television, dirty fighting in campaigns and debates only creates the impression that yes, this is how professional debate is supposed to go - how is this any different from 'plebgate'?

My own experience of course was quite small, I commented on an article online for one of the local newspapers and was swiftly bombarded with abuse, vile comments and general rudeness, which needless to say I was flabbergasted at. Is this democratic public debate? I don't think so. How can we be expected for our views to be heard and our opinions to be taken seriously, if we can't even have a mature discussion about important issues within our community. Just to put this into a bit of perspective I demonstrated my support for a local build and stated it would give people a place to go as opposed to loitering in the streets, the response from one woman was to call me a German stereotype dating back to WWII.... yes I'm afraid that is the extent of public debate I have witnessed.

Needless to say this entire experience has put me off of getting involved in 'public debate' and specifically local 'public debate' for a good long while at least until there are some sort of guidelines, screening process or at least something put in place to ensure a real debate, specific to genuine, valid opinions about the topic at hand without cyber bullying, name calling and rudeness can take place, do you see that happening any time soon? Nope nor do I.

Has something like this ever happened to you that sparked a political revelation? I would love to hear your thoughts, comments and experiences (keep it clean!) be sure to share them in the comments below, come share them with me on Twitter or of course if you'd like to keep up with the latest Granite City Girl posts you can follow me on Bloglovin.

Until next time folks, having a clean and rational debate with myself.

H.Elizabeth x 

MAC Lipstick | Craving a Cosmo

Well ladies and gents it's that time of the month again, perhaps I should say week rather, where like a magnet I am drawn ever so slowly into the MAC store to look at all of the pretty lovelies they so often have in store and once again I am pleased (my bank balance not so) to report that I have added not one, but two new sultry shades to my ever growing MAC lipstick collection. So to make myself feel a bit better at spending an eye watering £31.00 on two shades at once I thought I would share my purchases with you and attempt to rationalize such reckless spending.

This time, and as per usual, I was drawn towards their lipsticks. After falling head over heels for Bourjois Rouge Edition matte gloss in 'Nudeist' I decided I needed something a bit more hydrating and with greater wear ability in a similar shade - because lipstick all over a Starbucks cup is just not appealing! And like many of us self confessed make up addicts I found myself in MAC. Recently I have been finding it increasingly difficult to get into MAC, mostly because I go at peak times and nobody seems to actually want to go in to buy a lipstick, instead what they'll do is crowd around the lipsticks going through each and every stick for swatches then gushing over the shades which is just fine, if they would let the actual buyers in to get a look at least. After spending about 10 minutes battling my way to the front I finally had my moment and by god did I seize it! (victory is mine)

 

So instead of just being good and making an informed decision I found myself panicking at the prospect of potentially never getting to see the MAC counter ever again (a slight exaggeration on the part of my inner monologue) and ended up coming away with not one but two brand new creme sheen sticks - I regret nothing! Admittedly the shades are quite similar but they're right up my street so I thought 'why not?' Not only are they similar in shades but names too (as you can see from my oh so clever title) they are called 'Craving' and 'Cosmo'

First of all, Craving is described as a  'burst of plum' and I can completely see why, it is subtle enough that you can wear it day to day while also looking striking on paler skin tones such as my own, I would say it's a good tester lipstick for when you're trying to be a bit more adventurous. As ever the lipstick just glides on - never found a smoother application than with MAC, I have yet to find a liner for this one (or Cosmo for that matter) but if you can think of one to recommend I'm all ears! Cosmo on the other hand is far more of a nudey pink than a plumy pink, described as a 'pink coco' which as per usual, MAC, you have hit the nail on the head and of course it reminds me of a pink coco truffle. Through the grapevine I have heard nobody ever looks bad in Cosmo and I can quite believe it, being a striking shade on paler skin and I imagine even so on darker tones it's a beautiful colour with a gorgeous creme sheen finish similar to Craving.

I can't wait to debut these in the summer and I'm pretty sure these will be getting packed for Paris in May (a mere 8 whole weeks away!) but as I of course said I'm still on the hunt for perfect liners to compliment these so if you have any suggestions be sure to share them with me in the comments below, Tweet them at me, or as usual and of course if you'd just like to see more from me be sure to follow me on Bloglovin.

Until next time folks I'm craving more cosmos (and MAC)

 

 

H.Elizabeth x

Aberdeen Events | Aberdeen Art Gallery Extreme Makeover

 

 

 

Hello everyone, I'm back today with a special Aberdeen post about an event that I will be attending in the Granite City tomorrow evening that I'm pretty excited about and that is the 'Extreme Makeover' of Aberdeen Art Gallery. As some of you may already know the Aberdeen Art Gallery is due to formally close down for 2 and a half years in order to undergo a major redevelopment and giant makeover as part of some revamps taking part in Aberdeen City in the next few years (all of which are very exciting and I'm happy to be part of) so to celebrate the Art Gallery are having one last hoorah and shebang to celebrate art and culture in the Granite City and of course these exciting new developments.

 

The event itself takes place tomorrow evening (27th March, 6pm) and is a free non ticketed event (but is set to be extremely busy) There are a whole host of activites due to take place throughout the evening including a dress up masquerade competition, a tour with a twist, which I'm super excited for, sketch classes, construction activites and the opportunitiy to make you mark on the gallery, literally! For a full list of what will be going on be sure to check out this link.

 

Throughout my life I have paid numerous visits to the Art Gallery and witnessed the weird and wonderful, for example I remember a couple of years ago one of the exhibitions featured solely on David Beckhams sleeping face, one that I really really enjoyed was the Annie Lenox exhbition and most recently I attended an after hours event surrounding the world wars. So in all honesty I am both sad and excited to see these new developments as it has played such a role in Aberdeen's culture but I am of course looking forward to giving the current design the proper hoorah and send off it deserves!

 

I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures (if allowed) and I will of course keep you filled in and updated on the evenings activites, or better yet if you're in Aberdeen be sure to come along on the evening and say hello if you see us skulking around. As always I welcome any and all comments or Tweets and of course if you just want to keep up to date with the latests be sure to follow me on Bloglovin.

 

Until next time folks, giving the gallery one last hoorah.

 

H.Elizabeth x

Nose Piercing | Process, Pain and Aftercare

In case any of you haven't noticed, I have a nose piercing it is relatively new I've had it for about 7 months so I wouldn't blame you if you hadn't seen it but today I wanted to chat to you a little bit about it for those of you who are perhaps thinking about getting a nose piercing and you're not sure what to expect or perhaps you're just a little bit nosy (ha!) and want to know a bit about 'how much it hurt' or 'how can I blow my nose' or silly little things like that which I find a bit funny (but are in fact serious considerations!)

When I decided to get my nose pierced I went back and forth a great deal, I asked my family what they thought, of course they thought it was silly to put another hole in my nose, I asked my husband who as ever was so forward with his opinions and said, 'whatever you think' or 'do what you like you'll look fine either way' In fact when I was thinking about it I got outside the piercing studio about 2 or 3 times then decided against it. I googled and pinterested and instagrammed pictures of people with nose piercings to get an idea of how it would look but I didn't actually see anything that was particularly informative about aftercare or pain or anything really - which I was disheartened and a bit scared about, so I thought I would be a good little pioneer and give a full overview today. Step one I would say is to think about it long and hard - it's a bit like getting a pet I suppose - are you responsible, will you clean and look after it as you know you should and will you be patient enough for it to adjust to your face?

Choosing a piercer

Choosing a piercer for me was very easy, when I was 16 I had my lip pierced by what then was Retro Rebels (a Gothic clothing store and piercing studio on Aberdeen's George Street) then had a micro-dermal on my chest a couple of years ago (which was painful and fell out due to no fault of the piercer) and given they have been made over into Rebel Ink and in recent years have become one of the most reputable piercers and tattoo studios in the Granite City, I was confident they were the way to go. But when you are choosing a piercer yourself there is nothing better than word of mouth, speak to others who have been there, look at reviews online and of course go in and have a chat to the actual piercer to answer any and all questions you may have, and if they're not very nice or appear to brush you off, don't go there, they obviously aren't interested in the well being of their customers.

Getting your nose pierced

I still remember the day I went to get the deed done, I wasn't nervous as I am quite good with pain and I have been to the studio a few times to have tattoos done so I had already spoken to the piercer a few times previously and he is super friendly. All of the equipment used should be sterile and having been there before I had no worries (plus is just smells so clean which I love!) Unfortunately the day I went they didn't have the colour or style of stud I was going for but I was advised by my piercer which would look best (listen to yours, they are almost always right and I still have my red stud!)

The way in which the piercing is done is your piercer will draw a dot on your nostril where they think the best position for the piercing is which you will then have a look at to see if you are comfortable. They will then put a thin, hollow metal tube inside your nose to get the position of the needle on the dot and this is where it will go through.The pain itself only lasts a few seconds but I'm not going to lie, it does hurt, I would say more than a lip piercing but less than a tattoo but of course they are two very different types of pain and everybody is different but this is just my experience. There was a little bit of blood, but of course you have just had a needle go through your skin of course there is going to be a bit of blood. Needless to say I was chuffed with my new piercing and if anybody is interested it cost me £15 (for which I had a birthday voucher)

Nose Piercing Aftercare

Upon leaving the studio I was given a pamphlet about general piercing aftercare and the thing I love about a nose piercing is that it is a pretty low maintenance piercing to care for (a bit like a cat) but of course with anything you do need to be vigilant about looking after it otherwise it could become infected. Straight after having it done it did feel strange and I got worried for a while I would never be able to blow my nose in a satisfying way again, but this passes and as the swelling goes down it just feels like a part of your face and in fact I don't even notice that it is there most of the time!

I used good quality cotton pads and a saline solution every day for the first couple of weeks to keep mine clean but I did run into a couple of problems, for example sometimes you can develop something called a keloid - which is a small bump right next to the piercing and if it isn't give the proper attention can become a permanent part of your face. Thankfully mine was relatively small and with continuous cleaning it disappeared within a week but I would advise keeping make up and heavy products away from this area while it is healing (something I didn't really do!)

Today I have no issues or cleaning problems with my piercing and continue to love it just as much as when I first had it done, I can blow my nose, wash my face and do everything a regular person without a piercing can the only difference? I have some lovely bling on my face! This post has been much more long winded than I thought it would be, but honestly I just wanted to be as helpful and informative as possible when it comes to this kind of thing because it is important and I don't feel as if I could have left anything out in explaining the process and aftercare. Be sure to leave me a comment below if you have any questions, if perhaps you are thinking of getting a piercing or maybe you already have one and just wanted to add something, post it below, come share it with me on Twitter or of course if you'd like to keep up with the latest Granite City Girl posts be sure to follow me on Bloglovin'

Until next time folks, blowing my nose like a regular person.

H.Elizabeth x

Pure Gym | What to expect from your first Kettlebell Class

It has been 24 hours since my first ever kettlebell class as I type this, my muscles are sore... very sore and walking to work today was not a piece of cake as it usually is (perhaps that was an inappropriate comparison) my legs are stiff, my shoulders are stiff, in fact today I am sore in places I didn't think could possibly be sore, and I have my new Kettlebell class to thank, but you know I don't regret a minute of it! So today I thought I would share my experience of my first ever Kettlebell class at my local Pure Gym just for those of you who might be curious, fancy giving it a go or have been a bit scared at the prospect of attending class alone.

If you are a member of Pure Gym you will already be aware of the benefits. Use of quality work out equipment on a budget, convenient city centre locations and not to mention a plethora of classes you can take part in for free, which is something I have only just been brave enough to try out. One thing I will say is that if you are going to book in for a class you are going to need to download the app, these classes fill up like nothing on Earth and if you're not fast (you can book classes up to 8 days in advance) then they'll be gone before you know it and at my gym, kettlebell classes are the first to be snapped up so be fast!

Honestly I was quite nervous about starting this class and now that it's over I'm not altogether sure why, I think it was partly down to feeling like 'the new kid' in class and thinking everyone would be watching how weak I was - not the case whatsoever. The class accepts all ability levels so you don't need to worry about being able to lift something that is realistically far too heavy, for example I started off on an 8kg kettlebell (you can get a 4kg one though so no worries) and you will never feel like the new kid in the class because there will always be somebody who is just joining that week too.

There will be sweat, my gosh there will be sweat, the classes are run as a kind of circuit and you take part in one minute of really going for it and 30 seconds of active rest. My class began with standard weighted squats (you will be sick of squats by the end of this trust me) and progressed to jumping squats. From the outside looking in, as I often did before I started classes, it looked like a piece of cake (these inappropriate cake references are probably trying to tell me something) especially when you add in the swinging of your kettlebell up to head height and above your head, but after a few minutes of doing this you are going to want to throw your kettlebell away! After the class I seriously thought I would never go back again but alas and lo and behold I have already booked in for the same class again next week (the feeling and results are just that good!)

What I found really great about this class is, not only are you getting a fantastic all over body workout but the instructor helps you out with your breathing techniques (which is something I tend to overthink or get panicky about) and you really are getting the full package. Going to this class has given me the confidence when I go to the gym outwith classes to be able to pick up a kettlebell and know what I can do with it to get the greatest all over body benefits that I can.

If you are considering booking in for a weighted Pure Gym class I would really recommend this one for a beginner, you're able to pick the size of weights you feel comfortable with (get there quick for the good 'uns) and as opposed to simply working out your arms or your legs you're 'engaging your core' and getting an all over workout. Please share your own experiences of Pure Gym classes or kettlebell classes in the comments below, or come share them with me on Twitter, I would love to hear how you get on! As always if you'd like to see more from Granite City Girl be sure to follow me on Bloglovin.

Until next time folks, I'm pumping iron (sort of)

H.Elizabeth x

Being Female | Getting Measured For A Bra

Ah the joys of being a woman, not only do we get to deal with the misogynistic realities of the working world (and world in general) get paid a joyful visit from aunt flow every month and feel compelled to wage war on our weight, faces and general appearances day to day but now we have to worry about the migrating state of our 'nunga nungas'. Not that this is exactly news to the female population it's just the sad state of affairs that come hand in hand with womanhood, but a recent bra fitting in my good old local British Home Stores has given me (and my boobs) 'the fear' and today I would like to share why.

Recently I noticed a gap, more specifically, quite a large gap between my actual chest and my bra (a size which has suited me just fine since I was 18 years old) and I got a shock. Given that I have been working my bottom off in the gym I suppose I should have expected this, but being the curvy lady I am never expected to lose all of my weight from my chest first. For the first time in 4 years I was clueless (and bra-less) and after seeing a sign in BHS for a bra fitting service, something I have never ever had done before, I leapt at the opportunity for a bra revamp!

The girl who measured me was so helpful and informative and because some of you, like me, may not know how a bra is measured I'll just go over that quickly. First you are measured under your bust to get the circumference which helps workout the banded part of your bra for example I was shown to be between 36 and 38 (typical!) Then you will be measured at the fullest part of your bust to get the cup size (I believe that your band measurement is subtracted from your bust measurement and that gives the cup size) The results revealed to me that I was wearing a bra that was miles too big for me, and I mean by something like 3 or 4 sizes too big, which in turn got me thinking of the repercussions of wearing the wrong size of bra and what it really means for my general health, well-being and my 'nunga nungas'  

Wearing the wrong size of bra doesn't just effect how they look or the way in which your clothes hang (poorly if anyone was wondering) as I found there are a multitude of problems that can occur from wearing the wrong size of bra and the world has to know:

• Stretched boobs; wearing the wrong size can cause your tissue and skin to stretch resulting in, you guessed it, saggy boobs!
• Back pain; a bra that is too big doesn't offer you the support you need and you'll find yourself more hunched over with poor posture resulting in back pain.
• Back fat; yes the dreaded back fat which I thought was just a disgusting thing I had and therefore had to live with - nope bra is too tight!
• Bra gap; if you have a gap your boobs will just straight up fall out of there - thigh gap - yes please, bra gap - no thank you!
• Indigestion; strange one but I have heard that if your band is too tight it will dig into your ribs and upper stomach and can cause indigestion.

So really what began as a simple days shopping turned into a real learning experience for me and I'll be damned if I wear the wrong sized bra ever again. I feel much better in myself knowing I won't have any of the above problems (for a good while at least) and that I'm doing something small to actively benefit my own health as well as of course reaping the benefits of my clothes hanging better and generally feeling more comfortable day to day, ladies you never know the true joy of a well fitted bra until you have been measured properly, so I urge, if you do one thing in these next couple of weeks take 10 minutes to go and get yourself professionally fitted!

I hope you have enjoyed this rather school teachery, PSE esque post and at least come away knowing something you perhaps didn't know before. As always I appreciate any and all comments so be sure to leave yours below, come share your thoughts with me on Twitter, or if you'd like to stick around and see more Granite City Girl posts you can follow me on Bloglovin.

Until next time folks, holding up my 'nunga nungas'

H.Elizabeth x

Aberdeen Art and Culture | Albyn Gallery

It isn't often that I am let out of my cage enough to sample the local culture (it is a habit I am trying to break out of believe me) so when I was contacted by the PR for a local up and coming gallery in Aberdeen's West End with a unique twist to come along I practically leapt at the opportunity.
 

The Albyn Gallery, as I was to learn, plays host to over 100 pieces of unique, mostly modern, art pieces and has everything from Pino's romanticism, Disney Illustrations by Allison Lefcort (which yes is as exciting as it sounds for Disney lovers) and a plethora of works by Bill Mack, who is famed for painting classic film stars from the 1920s to the 1970s on pieces of the original Hollywood sign. The gallery is owned by the Douglas family who began collecting art a few years ago and are keen to share their love and passion for art with the public, Keith Douglas, the owner of the gallery has said, “As a family, we love art and have amassed a fantastic collection. I believe that art collections should move and evolve and, aside from some particularly sentimental pieces, I look forward to sharing my collection with others and continuing to develop what we enjoy in our home.”

But before you brush Albyn off as ' just another art gallery' let me just shed some light on how unique this collection and experience at the gallery truly is. First of all the Douglas family's passion for their collection is unrivaled, which you can tell from the way in which Keith imparts his knowledge of art, their collection and the art world in general (something I'm sure you are aware you cannot get at your run of the mill gallery) Secondly I just want to take a moment to mention some of the more unique pieces of art that really drew me in for example the Hollywood works by Bill Mack with some interesting surprises, the unique use of media by Martiros Manoukian and the wonderfully upbeat works of Dorit Levi. But for those who aren't very into art or are perhaps amateurs (like myself), don't worry the history of each piece will  be enough to satisfy your culture buds, so there really is something for everyone.

In short I thoroughly enjoyed my evening at the gallery and to be shown around by someone as passionate about art as Keith was nothing short of a delight. When you visit Albyn you'll be given nothing short of a truly unique experience that you simply don't get at your run of the mill gallery and you'll definitely come away with more nuggets of information than you'll know what to do with, and let's face it for those of us in Aberdeen such places are few and far between and we ought to grab these opportunities when we can!

 

I hope you've enjoyed this little glimpse into Aberdeen and Granite City Culture, it was lovely to be shown around the Douglas family's art gallery and I do hope you get the opportunity to book in a visit, be sure to head over to their website for a taste of what they have on offer. As always I love to hear from you so be sure to leave a comment below and if you do get a chance to go along to Albyn Art Gallery I'd love to hear about your experiences on here or on Twitter. Of course if you'd just like to see more from me and the Granite City be sure to follow me on Bloglovin.
 

Until next time folks, I'm feeling cultured and artsy.

 

H.Elizabeth x