The Lawn restaurant is in the Marine hotel in North Berwick. The Marine is part of a series of historic hotels that have recently been renovated, including the Rusacks hotel in St Andrews, and the Marine hotel in Troon. The Marine in North Berwick is tucked away from the village next to the famed golf course, and enjoys uninterrupted views of the Firth of Forth beyond the links. Upon approaching the hotel, you are immediately impressed with its stately nature. The traditional style has certainly been preserved and improved upon throughout renovations. Still, the feeling of importance permeates its walls. This is the kind of hotel that knows it’s own reputation, and will make you feel important by association.
*I was recently invited as a content creator to try their Sunday lunch menu. However, there was no obligation to review the lunch. All opinions remain my own.
It is my fourth August spent living in Edinburgh. The first, I worked as a tour guide on the Royal Mile and, I cannot stress this enough, despised the Fringe. Talk about sensory overload. The second, was emerging from lockdown. I didn’t spend much time outside of Gorgie. The third, I enjoyed a pseudo-Fringe festival, attending only one show. Logs. Apparently, no follow up show this year. Finally, this, the fourth: and the first time I will both enjoy the last dregs of an Edinburgh summer and the festival. This year, I’ve already booked in for an Edinburgh International Festival show and a Fringe show. And, I’ve got more than one fun thing planned to make the most of the end of summer near the sea!
This blog post contains paid content for the Kalm Koala Bedding Set, all opinions and reviews remain my own.
I bought my very first mattress this past year, and due to a measuring error, I accidentally bought a king size. For the past 8 months I’ve been frantically washing the same set of sheets first thing in the morning on sunny days so that they’ll be dry by the time we go to bed. Enter: the Kalm Koala bedding set!
I couldn’t commit to buying another cheap cotton set of king size sheets. But, I also couldn’t commit to a nice set without knowing whether it was worth the extra money. Then, Kalm Koala got in touch and sent me their bamboo sheets – thank the heavens.
The Kalm Koala bamboo sheet set are made with a blend of cotton and bamboo. The mix make up 100% of the materials – so there’s no other material sneaking it’s way in! As someone with a lot of allergies, it’s really important for me to know exactly what’s in my clothes. Otherwise, I’m hive central! Luckily, Kalm Koala are transparent and their bedding is super soft!
Also – I know bamboo is a big material being used for new sustainable products like this. However, I didn’t know that bamboo as a material is also great for changes in temperature. It really helps me sleep better, so if you’ve got a similar sleep issue you should seriously look at these sheets!
Kalm Koala Bedding Set – They’re Made With Bamboo!
They’re such a game changer for sleep because, quite like wool, it keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, so it’s perfect for sleeping on. Especially because it’s wayyyyyy softer than wool! I’m someone who goes from pipping hot to freezing cold throughout the night, so any temperature controlling materials are welcome in my bed. I usually sleep with my lambswool blanket in the summer because I have such extreme temperature changes when I sleep. But, I would always still wake up with a sticky back from my cotton sheets. The bamboo blend is a game changer!
The sheets are also advertised as feeling ‘just like silk’ which I found hard to believe – until they came in the mail! They really are silky smooth, and look like silk too. I had a much beloved silk (satin) pillow case for years as a teenager. It was immaculate. I left it back in Canada when I moved but I always wanted to replace it because they’re really good for protecting your hair! I’m so excited to now have the silky Kalm Koala pillowcases. They, of course, come with the bedding set!
I don’t mind a wrinkle or two!
Because of the silky nature of the sheets, they are quite wrinkly. This could easily be sorted out with a quick steam, but I’m just not that kind of gal! I don’t mind wrinkly sheets as long as they’re super comfy, and these are. And they’ve got Betty’s seal of approval too!
If you’re trying to replace your homewares with more sustainable options, or if you’re someone who needs a temperature regulating sheet option, you’ve got to check out these sheets! Plus, Kalm Koala offer 15% off your first offer, so go check out their website and products now!
Have you ever used bamboo-blend pillows or sheets before? I had no idea they were such a good option! Leave your thoughts below.
This blog post contains paid content, all opinions and reviews remain my own.
My poor, poor feet have been suffering in the hot summer. I broke my only good pair of sandals two years ago, and have been basically rotating through sneakers on a hot day to make sure I don’t get too many blisters in one spot. Enter: the kudd.ly kloud slides.
The slides are for indoor or outdoor use, so loads of people use them as slippers. Even better, as those shoes you can wear inside and outside for quick trips like when you need to take the bins out – what else are slides for? Well, for me, they’re for blister days and travelling. When I know my feet are going to be hot or hurting, I wear the kudd.ly kloud slides.
Without sounding corny, they really do feel like walking on clouds! They’re so soft and cushy, it’s such a nice feeling taking off sweaty sneakers and switching into these. Literally like giving your feet a breath of fresh air!
I’m off to London to celebrate my birthday at the end of July and I’ll definitely be packing my kudd.ly kloud slides. They’re so light and airy so they’re easy to pack away. I know it’s going to be super hot when I’m there too, and I *need* to pack a pair of shoes that my feet can wear for hours without getting blisters (or to wear *after* the blisters of the birthday heels have set in!).
What are your comfiest pair of shoes for the summer?!
The last year has made me a bit of a pro at entertaining myself at home when the weather outside is not going to plan. After awhile sitting down to a puzzle or cosying up with a rom-com just didn’t cut it anymore. So, here are some of my favourite rainy day activities to do at home. Warning: many arts and crafts incoming.
Three months into 2021 and I’ve already started doing some of the things off my ‘Manifestations for 2021‘ post. (Like knitting an Icelandic jumper!) I am so impressed at how writing down those goals and manifestations actually motivated me to get up and do it. So, here I am again with some shorter term, every day lifestyle changes I want to make this month. Calling it my “March Goals” but it could easily be called “improvements” because that’s really all I’m hoping for.
Every week, I share a newsletter called “The Watched Pot”. It’s a weekly email to share a little bit of light and love, and shed some optimism on life and the week ahead. I write a short personal essay in email style about the things I’ve been doing, the things I’ve been loving, or the ways I’ve tried to make my life and the people in it a bit happier. This month, the month of love, I wanted to bring that self-love onto the blog. So, here are some things to love this February.
Disclaimer: not material things. Consider this the anti-gift guide.
Small pets that do things that they shouldn’t do but they don’t know they shouldn’t do it.
I love that they’re so innocent even when they’re bad! Example: This morning my kitten Betty got spooked when I walked into the kitchen 2 hours earlier than I normally do. And, I mean spooked. She did that cat thing where they run with their back arched high and their tail goes all bushy, terrifying predator. She, in her scramble to scare me off, knocked over two of my plants and spread wet dirt all over the kitchen.
I’d gotten up early to do yoga, and instead I spent my early hour sweeping up dirt. I didn’t love that but my god I love the teeny tiny kitten who was so afraid. It was my penance for making her so scared! She wasn’t trying to punish me. Sometimes I forget she’s just a little scaredy cat and needs me to be the gentlest version of myself.
Waking up early
It was still dark when I woke up this morning and I did not. Want. To. Get. Up. But I did. Only because I had a meeting, but still! Once I was up, and after Betty had calmed down, I was able to enjoy that blue-morning light that only exists in the hour before the sun comes up. It’s nice. Being up early is like having a harmless little secret that only you know. Everything is quiet. Everything is still. Your consciousness is something that you share only with you.
A really good hot chocolate
I had a really good hot chocolate a few days ago from Konj Cafe in Edinburgh. The owner was just the nicest person, the hot chocolate was decadent and delicious like all hot chocolate should be and I got a nice cookie. There are few small moments better than these.
Staying hydrated with a pretty jug
Water bottles are out – jugs are in. You heard it here first.
Ok. Story time: I don’t have a water bottle that doesn’t leak. I also received a gift certificate for a fancy Nordic Design shop for my wedding, and I bought a pretty Hay jug. So, when I set up my desk, I thought “instead of my grimy Primark water bottle, I’ll just use the jug today as a treat to myself” and oh what a treat it was! The water stays SO cold! And I don’t judge myself based on how much is left in the jug, I just pour and drink a glass and enjoy it and then pour some more when I want it! Zero shame! Just cold water and a very lovely jug! Do you need a jug? Yes is the only right answer.
Putting new things on the wall
Maybe it’s because I’m home all the time, but I really love to look at something new on the wall. It gives me more satisfaction than it should. I’m constantly moving things around on my walls, changing prints in picture frames and adding new pictures because I love the little surprise I get when I walk into a room and see something that makes me happy. And, I love that I’ve learned that I like pictures, picture frames, and prints that have a lot of bright colours like pink, yellow, blue and purple. And anything that looks vintage – even better if it’s not in a frame! I have an old plate from my Nonna’s house – it has a clown on it and I love seeing it on my wall. Now, I’m considering hanging some of my favourite hats.
Sending (and receiving) mail
Of all the things to love this February, this is number one. I have been alllllll about the mail-surprises lately. Gift-giving via surprise mail is my very specific love language. The sheer joy I get from putting together a little box of things I know the person will love and writing a little note full of my love for them personally, my goodness. Not to mention the slow-burn of the postal system in a pandemic. When will they get it?! Who knows! Hopefully on a day they really need it.
What do you think of my things to love this February? Have any things you’re loving you’d like. toshare? Please, leave a comment! Comments should also be in my list of things to love because I really, truly do! They remind me of a simpler time of internet blogging. Alas.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
