Om Yoga Show, Glasgow 2017

This is the second year I've attended Om Yoga Show in Glasgow. Both times I've had the company of Rachael from Panda Yoga Edinburgh, who has been gracious enough to offer a lift to the SECC. Saving me from schlepping it across on public transport.

Last year we'd each booked workshops but we weren't as organised this year and decided to just join free classes that took our fancy once we arrived.

We attended 'Functional Fascial Approaches for Movement Therapists with Ruth Duncan' which we both struggled with as we each have restrictions of movement due to injury. It's always difficult when there is a big group involved for hands on therapy workshops.

 

There was a lack of eating options which was a shame. There wasn't a lot last year and seemed even less this year.

After a wander around and a quick break for lunch we attended 'Freedom for Feet! With Mark Russell' which we both really enjoyed as we both like a good foot workout; Rachael especially!

 

We noticed there were fewer Glasgow Yoga Studios (almost none!) at the show this year and a lot more people offering Teacher Training programmes and yoga retreats.

Both of us have been curious about the blow up Hotpod Yoga hot yoga dome but without somewhere to shower and change, having to spend at least an hour in sweaty kit to get back to Edinburgh isn't so appealing.

Kitty treats for Rachael for driving. She loves Pandas & Kitty in equal measure...

We'd planned to pick up Yogi Tea on our way out to save us having to carry it around but they were pretty much sold out by the time we made our way back around, so word to the wise, buy Yogi Tea on arrival if you want to make the most of their show deal!

The show felt much more busy last year when we went on the Saturday than Sunday when we went this year.

There were a few monthly subscription boxes on offer as well, some containing trinkets and some containing vegan or veggie snacks.

This year seemed to have more massage options as well, most of whom were offering 15 minutes for around £10.

We loved visiting all the chocolate stalls for tasters and picked up a few treats along the way. We also each got a henna tattoo from the Henna Den.

Neither of us have picked up any clothing, though there were plenty of stalls to choose from. Lululemon were there, although with no discounts or show prices, it seemed pointless to buy something in Glasgow that we could get from the store in Edinburgh. I got some grippy toe sox to try at the show last year and picked up a few more pairs this year as I love them.

I'd love to check out the show in Mancheter or London as comparison, as I feel the show in Glasgow is just a little lacklustre. Other yogi friends who went along all felt similar, it's a show you'd spend a morning or afternoon at rather than attend for an entire day. Which is just that little added effort if you're travelling an hour to get there.

I was a guest of the Yoga Show this year and they were also kind enough to give me tickets to give away! Thanks Om Yoga Show!

Solid Liquids Juniper Cruise

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know a few weeks ago on an insanely sunny Sunday I was drinking gin on a canal boat.

That's because I'd been invited as a guest on a Juniper Cruise by Solid Liquids.

They're the people behind Edinburgh's Juniper Festival if you need reassurance of their qualifications!

It was a great opportunity to find out about some new gins!

Really enjoyed the Martin Miller and Rock Rose is already a firm favourite. Nice to taste Crossbill Gin with the new Walter Gregor tonic and ginger was a nice twist.

First time tasting the lo-cal Minus 33, not a very robust gin on its own, but certainly good in a cocktail. Sometimes even if the gin is familiar, the tonic gets to be the new kid and this was the case with Daffy's paired with Fentiman's 19:05 Herbal Tonic.

 Lovely Day for a cruise. My first trip this far down the canal!

There's a small pitstop after they turn the boat around and a chance for a quick walk to stretch the legs or for a cheeky smoke break.

Solid Liquids are great hosts and really know their stuff when it comes to gins.

The menu will change so even if you're thinking, well I've tried all those gins before, you might get something different on another cruise!

Cheers!!

No complaints about drinking gin on a canal boat on a sunny day!

They run the cruises regularly, so check their website for details and get booked on soon!!

Sustainable Restaurant Association's - Ingredients for Success

Earlier this month, I was lucky enough to attend the SRA's event held at The Scottish Cafe. Many thanks to Mrs Monkfish from Mymonkfish for taking me as her guest. It was very much appreciated!

Guy Grieve, Ethical Shellfish Co.

The keynote speakers were Richard Lochhead MSP, James Withers, Carina Contini and Guy Grieve. The most memorable thing to take away was Guy's speech regarding sustainable fishing practices and needing to protect our oceans and seabeds. A point which really rang true for me was that people often don't realise the damage which is done by trawling as the bottom of the ocean is not somewhere which is visible to most people. As a recreational diver I'm lucky enough to have seen how gorgeous the bottom of the sea can be and to have a little understanding of the impact of some fishing practices.

IQ Chocolate, Heritage Potato, Summer Harvest Rapeseed Oil, Peelham Farms & Cuddybridge Apple Juice. 

It was great to get a chance to meet some local sustainable suppliers as well as sample some of their amazing product. Who knew there are so many different types of potatoes!!??!! Seabuckthorn is officially something I'm in love with as well... It's just so.damn.TASTY!

Top left: Peelham Farm slow cooked mutton stew with Phantassie cavolo nero, organic prune creme fraiche and rosti potato from Carroll’s Heritage Potatoes

 Top right : Doves Farm organic spelt risotto with Phantassie Squash, crispy Jerusalem artichokes and Scottish Kitchen Garden sage

Bottom left : Pan seared grouse breast from Ochil foods with honeyed Phantassie celeriac puree and red cabbage pickled in Summer Harvest bramble vinegar

 Bottom right : IQ chocolate pots with Speyside 12 YO Glenlivet Whisky with Innis & Gunn and organic oatmeal biscuits and Phantassie spiced quince jam 

The Scottish Cafe did a great job showcasing the ingredients in canapés and small bowls throughout the evening and Liberty Wines brought along some delightful wines as well. With their wines travelling by sea and rail to reduce their carbon footprint!

Thanks very much to The SRA and The Scottish Cafe for hosting such a great event and again to Mrs Monkfish for taking me along.