My month in pictures…

September turned out to be a busy month. Between birthdays, photo shoots & kidney infections I have been kept on my toes. So, rather than bore you with all the millions of details I present a month in pictures. 

First up, let’s do the birthdays. Young & old it’s all going off in sept. My midwife bff assures me September is always the busiest month birth wise; must be down to all that seasonal goodwill. 


There were bath bombs & vegan chocolate cake. Dinners with friends & face paints with little friends. I’m doing something big for my birthday next month, so the actual day was low key, but lovely. Not featured is the birthday of my darling big bro, mostly because him & his family popped off on holiday. Not that I’m jealous. 

Now, I bet you’re all wondering what I’ve been munching this past month, well I’ll tell you. A lot of sushi, mint tea, avocados & vegan treats. There might have been few tipples in there too. Well, it was my birthday.


I’ll pause now for some lovely/amusing things I’ve snapped. 


Ok, back to definable categories. September saw my involvement in my first ever photo shoots. I was a jack of all trades whilst overseeing the shoots for my body positive project. I got through it with the help of many talented people & topped it off by posing in my pants. Who knew, right?


Style wise my nails & I were making the transition to A/W. Autumn is my favourite season, so I’m tickled to be breaking out boots & scarfs. The weather is as unpredictable as ever, so it’s impossible to determine when these cosier items may actually be needed.


One of my new weekend activities is wedding shopping with a certain someone. The pursuit of the prettiest things has had me trekking all over, but it’s all quite peachy.


Time for a selfie break.

& some random bits & pieces to finish on. 


I hope you all had a dreamy 9th month & fingers crossed you can rock October.

Bein’ green….

I have been lacking in energy lately and so have been very careful about where I use my spoons. However when the words ‘free sushi’ were uttered I was out that door. 

I donned my latest bargainous find, which unfortunately is a bit big. Thus it looks less cute than I had expected. I do love this ensemble, though. I’m hoping the skirt can be taken in to fit well. 


Top – H&M

Cardi – Monsoon

Skirt – Lindy Bop

Now, here’s the weird thing about this get up. The items I’m wearing range from a size 16 to size 22. Which just goes to show that if you take a fancy to something, you should always try it on. 

My outfit wasn’t a complete hit, but my eyeliner was super tip top. 

I’m glad all over…

On Saturday night I hit the town with my mum for some fashion fun. We had snapped up tickets for the coolest sartorial event; the Glad Rags Fashion Show.

The event showcases both what amazing stock they have a Glad Rags & how versatile thrift items can be. This year’s event had an emphasis on body positivity & embracing our differences. The models gracing the catwalk were all Glad Rags volunteers & each embodied beauty in their own way. 

The show itself was split into four sections. The first half focused on the store’s best donations. With a variety of designer names & vintage finds. My favourite was an amazing black velvet dress adorned with a sumptuous golf fan. If there was any chance of me fitting in it I would have snapped it up. 


The latter part of the evening included bespoke items upcylced by Glad Rags. This group included an amazing red body con dress which had been given new life with details cut from a vintage 70’s piece. Since I am useless I failed completely in the task of photographing it. Therefore  you will just have to take my word that it was joyous. 

The final section was actually my favourite. Titled, Androgyny the outfits played with combining traditionally male & female pieces on all of the models. Vintage tuxedo trousers belted of corsets were to die for. A floaty Victorian dream of dress was also my bag. 


Lots of the items shown were up for grabs in a silent auction (I managed to win something amazing for a certain sister of mine), but you can still find truly gorgeous bargains in store. I also treated myself to a wee delight from the mini pop up & I can’t wait to get it on. 


I am lover of vintage & 2nd hand and Glad Rags is honestly one of my favourite spots. From badges to ballgowns they always have something wonderful. In addition they have the most amazing ethos; recycling, inclusivity & supporting small  projects. If that wasn’t enough they’re a non profit go co- operative, so not fat cats here.Seriously, just go & fall in love for yourself.
* the delicious orchard cider may have impaired by photographic skills. 
Glad Rags & Glad Cafe can be found at 1006 Pollokshaws rd in Glasgow. 

The mirror has two faces…

Yesterday I performed a fairly miraculous transformation. I was so impressed with myself that I felt the need to share my handy work. 

I posted the above on Facebook with the caption, left to right & out the door in 40 mins. All of which is true, but there’s so much more I didn’t say. 

What I didn’t mention was how I felt. My head was wobbly yesterday. I am titrating Pregabalin slowly up to recommended dose. This is an issue because every time I up the doseage the side effects come back. Hence, my brain was not that sharp. Along with that my anxiety was troubling me. The thought of going out alone was frightening. I was of course sore; my back & feet are a constant source of pain at the moment. So, basically what I’m saying is the first picture is an accurate representation of how I felt as well as how I looked. 

I worried and procastinated for so long that I only had 40 mins to get ready. I forced myself out the door with the aid of diazepam, earphones & big sunglasses. I still felt exposed. I dreaded anyone talking to me or even getting standing too close. I got lucky with an almost entirely empty bus, but my heart was still pounding as loud as the music in my ears for the entire journey. At every stop I had to force myself not to get off & go home. Every bump in road sent a shudder of pain up my back. I persisted because I’d really like to have a real life. 


I met a dear friend who I feel completely safe with. We had a drinks & I managed to relax to level where I could enjoy myself. The weather was lovely, the company excellent & I passed for an attractive human being. 

I’m smiling in this picture because I was having a lovely time. I was still in pain. I’m always in pain. I say that not for pity, but as a fact. For my one evening’s entertainment I’ll probably require two days of rest. Today I am suffering. 


My point is that invisible illnesses are often attacked as not genuine & the weapon used can be anything sufferers manage to do. 

You can’t be that ill if you can work.

You can’t be so ill if you can go out.

You can’t be in pain if you excerise.

You can’t be depressed if you can put make up on.

And on & on & on.

I’m offering myself as an example. Some days are good, but I never feel ‘normal’. There is always pain & anxiety. There are nightmares & flashbacks & urges to butcher my flesh. There are days when I can’t get out of bed & nights of no sleep at all. It’s shit to have to push & push to accomplish everything. We (spoonies) have no alternative, if we want to build a fulfilling life, we have to fight. Wether we’re fighting to wash some dishes or to have some fun with friends we don’t need judgmental bullshit to add to our burden. 
Your reward for reading me venting my frustrations is the cutest cat in the world.

My week in pictures….

It’s been a busy week. There’s been Xmas prep, nights out & some special birthdays. My perfect niece was 6yrs old on Sunday, which is hard to believe. Why do the little ones need to grow do fast? My little muffin will be leaving school & driving cars before I know. Also celebrating their big day was my bestest friend Pamela. I’ll not mention which birthday, but it was older 6. 

So, in lieu of a more in depth post I  thought I’d give you a wee look st my week in pictures. There have been cocktails, silly selfies, sparkly shoes, an ewok dog, sushi & other pretty things I snapped along the way. 

  

  
  
  
  

  

Swing when you’re winning…

I had a little thing on Monday evening. I did my hair all pretty, but then made the foolish mistake of going out in the wind & rain. I returned home with hair that looked like a hedge. I did a last minute rethink & pimped my bun with some fresh flowers. Let me tell, flowers in your hair make you feel awesome. 

  
I stuck with the floral theme & wore my swing dress. It was a gift from someone lovely & I felt lovely wearing it. I have sort of stumbled into the 50’s look by accident. I must say I have zero regrets. I’m too fickle to devote myself to one style full time, but I’ll certainly be exploring this more.   

 
  
Dress – Lindy Bop

Leggings – Forever21

  

Oh & this spring roll was delicious.

Such a perfect day…

I love a wedding. I love them even more when I adore the couple getting hitched. So, I was pretty excited about my big brother’s big day. I really wanted to go all out & look fantastic, I think I might just have pulled it off. 

I went retro. I found a beautiful swing dress that is absolutely perfect on my curves. I then enrolled a professional to give my hair & face an amazing 50’s makeover. I felt wonderful. 

  
It was a perfect day. The sun shone, the champagne flowed & love was in the air. Having our niece & oldest brother home from Australia made the day even more special. My cheeky little muffin could not resist popping into my blog shoot.

  
  
Dress – Lindy Bop

Shoes – Irregular Choice

Shrug – Monsoon

Hair & Make Up – Bombshell Betty’s (@BBsGlasgow)

No wedding post would be complete with the happy couple. So, here they are, the handsome brother & his stunning bride.

  
  

You’re gonna hear me roar…..

On Tuesday I decided to be a lady who lunches & of course shops a little too. I enrolled my wonderful best friend in the scheme & off we popped. We both managed to pick up cheery bits, including some glorious Mac newbies. I opted for their new eyeliner pencil in a vibrant green, with which I can’t wait to experiment (& review). 



Purse – Dorothy Perkins ( currently on sale)

Necklace – Dorothy Perkins

Eyeliner – Mac

Since it has been snowing again this week I plumped for cute & cosy with a skater dress, maxi cardi combi. I decided to break some more of those darn fashion rules by mixing animal prints. I usually adore this leaping tiger dress, but I feel I look really out of proportion in these pictures. As you know, I’ve lost weight, but my boobs remain unchanged. The result is they look a bit if of control. I’m hoping styling the dress differently will return it to something I feel awesome in.



Dress – Asos Curve

Cardigan – H&M

Shoes – Just Fab



My week in pictures….

Excuse my absence, last week was packed with ALL the things. I headed to edinburgh on Tuesday to deliver some presentations. These were critical, possibly game changing lectures & I don’t mind admitting my stress levels wee soaring. After a tough first session the reception warmed up & I was a hit.

I had to present over three days, which necessitated finding somewhere to stay. Luckily I found an amazing rental flat on rose st. The location was perfect & the flat itself was lovely. Highlight was absolutely the massive shower, so good for unwinding after a hard day’s work.

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All work & no fun does, as they say make for a dull ly. With that in mind I took advantage of being in my favourite man’s city. We had a glass bottle or two of wine & delighted in each others company. I also managed to squeeze in catch up with my friend & kindred spirit, Aidan.
It was a highly successful trip.

As always, edinburgh was looking spiffing. I snapped a few of shots of vistas that took my fancy.

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The rest of the week was taken up with my fur babies. I nipped through to Mum’s to look after my poodle family. Coco & her son D’artagnan are gorgeous if a little hyper, but were little darlings for me.

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On Saturday I was wowed by the most amazing sunset. I really do love these vibrant natural displays. There was more wow on Sunday when I was reunited with my beautiful Bronan.

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I’ll conclude with some random pictures of things that pleased through out the week.

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* apartment – http://www.destinyscotland.com

In the year of the cat…

Another Thursday brought another night out with my wee sis. This week we were headed to see The grand Budapest hotel, but had some time to spare. So, we had a little impromptu photo shoot by the river Clyde. It was a lot colder than either of us had expected, hence the ‘modelling’ was brief. Luckily my sister managed to get a couple of pictures I was reasonably happy with.

 
I very rarely like myself in photographs. I don’t enjoy having them taken & for many years avoided being in any snaps. It’s a shame really as there are a lot of special occasions that I have no record of. In particular I regret not having more pictures taken with my niece. I am trying to rectify that now, by photographing almost every minute I manage to spend with her. I think my reluctance to be captured on camera is one of my the few remaining body image hang ups. This blog is helping me address that as I am forced both pose for & share pictures of me. None of which I am ever completely happy with. My personal body positive revolution continues…

Instead of my usual, slightly haphazard wear whatever takes my fancy approach, I actually planned this outfit. I decided on a little bit of a feline theme. I don’t usually do cutesy. In fact adults in overly cute clothes are one of my pet hates. Disney princesses are for children, ladies. However, I did instantly fall in love with this beaded cat vest. I’ve never seen another one like it nor have I ever seen anyone else wearing it, which makes this a perfect piece for me.

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Vest – Primark

Shoes – Primark

This skirt is one my amazing ASOS bargains. I snapped it up in the sale last summer for a fiver. I love the harlequin twist on monochrome. Plus it is an ideal length. As much as I love pencil skirts, they usually cut me off at the worst point on my legs. This skirt is just that little bit shorter, which works so much better for me. I know a bit part of the fat acceptance movement is the ‘fuck flattering ‘train of thought. I am all for this if you it makes you feel good, but for me, there is some styles that I just don’t like my body in.

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Skirt – ASOS Curve

Cardigan – John Lewis

I added a little bit of colour with the waterfall cardigan & a little tummy help my trusty support leggings. I have about a million pairs of these & really wish they’d do them in a range of colours.

Oh & I continued my kitty theme with this bangle. Another atypical choice for me, but the heart wants what it wants.

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Anna Lou London

Last, but not least, I tried out some more eye transfers. As promised I was much more adventurous. I think these could be really fabulous with some dramatic eye make up for a bight night out.

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The film was awesome. You just can’t beat a Wes Anderson movie. My only minor complaint, I wanted way more Bill Murray. Go see it!

The year of the cat Al Stewart