Beauty

All I want for Christmas is….

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 8 Comments

I am feeling a teenie bit clever this evening. In the space of a few hours I have completed all of my Christmas shopping without stepping a foot outside my front door. I’ve even managed to find the perfect treats for the trickiest of my beloveds. Worry not, if you’re still searching for out of box gift ideas, I have sourced some of the coolest wee trinkets around. Even better they’re all from Scottish independent traders. 

My incredibly trendy little sister turned me on to Chouchou hoods. The creator of these beautiful hoods, Silvia Pellegrino, actually hails from Italy, but her line was born in Glasgow. With luxurious fabrics & limited runs on designs these hoods are worth paying a little extra for. My current favourite is the Hollywood Superstar. The bright orange faux fur is ideal for those who like to stand out in a crowd. 


Hollywood Superstar, Chouchou Couture £200.

If you were hoping to go down the handmade route with breaking the bank,Twa Burds is the way to go. This Glasgow based vegan friendly artisan soap company’s products smell devine. I am a tiny bit obsessed with their Turkish delight bath salts & cannot wait to get my hands on their parma violet creation. Cruelty free & oh so pretty; any indie connessiouer will love unwrapping these smellies.


Parma Voilets glycerine soap, Twa Burds £3.50

Joe McNichol paints vibrant images of Glasgow & Scotland that totally capture the spirit of his chosen landscape. Being a Glasgow girl I particularly love his scenes of my city. This print depicting The House for an Art Lover & it’s surrounding greenery ticks all my boxes.

House for an Art Lover Print, Joe McNichol Art £20

His Etsy shop has an array of beautiful prints of his original paintings with something to suit all tastes. With prices from twenty quid you can’t go wrong. 
Bonnie Bling has been one of my favourites forever. Their Scottish flavoured jewellery & accessories are both pretty and amusing. As regular readers will be aware I have a big squidgy spot for highland cattle, which puts their big cow necklace at the very top of my wish list. With interpretations of everything from scot’s slang to scot’s confections, Bonnie Bling is a must for the Caledonian cool kid in your life. 

Bonnie Bling, Big Cow Necklace £35

Christmas isn’t complete without chocolate & Glasgow brand Vegan Burd ensures your animal loving friends aren’t left out. Their range of vegan versions of popular choc bars are available in selected Glasgow shops & can also be bought on Etsy. The clever names & total yum factor will a bring a smile to the faces of your compassionate compadres. 


Yer Bound Tae, Vegan Burd £2.

Last, but not least is a new discovery; Flying Cheese Toastie. This quirky named outfit make stunning glass scultpures & accessories. The intricate detail on their pieces has captured my heart. This clever abbey rd sculpture is a fresh take on Beatles art.


Glass Sculpture,Flying Cheese Toastie £50

Each of their designs are swoon worthy and they also take custom orders for something more personal. 

Even the fussiest of folk will be enchanted with these original Christmas gift ideas. Even better, you get to support local businesses. Two festive birds with one handcrafted stone. 

Fear of the cold…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 2 Comments

I’ve been having a sickie few weeks thanks to a new medication. So, when I woke up on Saturday morning with a calm stomach I put some bright pink lippie on & hit the town. 


I say town, I actually mean I had a bit of lunch & saw a film with my sister. Baby steps, right?

I opted for layers as it’s sooo cold outside. I adore this lace maxi & teamed with a velvet mini it could withstand November in Glasgow. 




Lace Maxi – Forever21

Velvet Mini – Asos Curve

I tried out Zizza’s vegan menu & was impressed. Unfortunately, my stomach wasn’t really ready for all the yum & I’m back on the soup. I’ll definitely return  when my body & I are on more friendly terms. 

I see your true colours….

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 10 Comments

I am one tired, but very happy bunny. oPeration BoPo went off with a bang last week. Our event at Glad Rags was a big success. I am so thrilled with how fantastic the photographs turned out and how many came along to the event. I am even more excited about how positive the feedback was from those involved & those seeing the project for the first time. I really feel that I am succeeding in spreading the self love revolution.

So, without I further ado I present to you my modelling debut.

All of our models looked stunning in the final images. It gives me great pleasure that the project has helped its participants on their body positive journey by increasing both their confidence & belief that they are magnificent. It was wonderful to discuss the project with people who came to view the show. Their thoughts confirmed my theory that accessible events of this nature are wanted & needed.



Since I was stripped bare in my photograph I thought I would go glam for the event. This is only the second time I’ve worn this dress & I can’t think why; it’s beautiful.

Dress – ASOS Curve.

Cardi – Glad Rags.

Brogues – Primark.

Belt – ASOS Curve.
From Lush massages to rum punch, goodie bags to thrifty finds a good time was had by all. Stay tuned for more.

If you would like more information you can find all the details here.

 

 

 

My month in pictures…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 2 Comments

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.

Operation BoPo is Go…..

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 7 Comments

I have been distracted lately. I have my taken my attention off the blogging ball, but for good reason. Much of my time has been devoted to launching what I hope will be an amazing organisation. oPeration BoPo is a body positive project designed to empower people to love the skin they’re in. 

The body positive community has changed my life. Discovering plus size bloggers & proponents of self love has allowed to enjoy my body instead of hating it. I really wanted to share that with other people. I looked for a body positive group/project locally and couldn’t found anything that fitted. So, I took a leap of faith and set up my own. oPeration BoPo’s first outing is an art event. The aim is to photograph bodies of all types & use the images for an art exhibit. The hope being that both participants & viewers will find beauty in all the photographs. 

I am a complete novice at all of this, but I have been surprised by own skills & the generosity of so many people. Our photo shoots took place last week with the help of amazing hair, make up & photographers. I have also been stunned & inspired by the models who have volunteered to take part in the project. 



It was incredible to see our models step in front of the camera & really feel themselves. You could actually see how powerful the experience was for some; confidence pouring into their stance. I have had amazing feedback from participants. It is truly beautiful to see my dream of spreading body positivity actually happening. 


Our first exhibit will be at Glad Rags, an amazing non profit thrift store. Our ethos happily met. The lovely managers, Bee & Ashley have not only styled some models with their fabulous stock, but have also modelled. The body positive art event opens on Oct 20th at 7.30pm. There will be gift bags, cakes & even some punch. All are welcome. 


My hope is to continue with oPeration BoPo. I want to create more projects that allow people to see their bodies in a positive light. I’d also really like to reach diverse groups especially those who would particularly benefit from the self love message. If you are local (I’m based in Glasgow) and would like to get involved please get in touch! 

Now for the money bit. Although professionals have very kindly donated their time there are still many costs. oPeration BoPo is not for profit and there is no cost to anyone who participates. If you would like to help me grow the body positive revolution, you can donate here:

GoFundMe – oPeration BoPo
Stay tuned because oPeration BoPo is go!

Bein’ green….

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 4 Comments

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…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 9 Comments

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…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 5 Comments

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 (ish) in pictures…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 4 Comments

When I reviewed my recent pics it seemed that I have been mostly taking selfies, so get ready to see a lot of me. I have also been galavanting to the beach, petting poodles & admiring my city. There have been rough days & some sparkly days. 

Project Post it is still going strong. I have even had some feedback from folks who’ve found them, which is amazing. My patents are getting into the selfie game, I am both amused & proud. I had an incredibly constructive appointment at the Homeopathic Hospital; spoonies if you have access to alternative medicine go for it. 



Aidan got some longed for bawbags. We will be checking out the Merchant City Festival tomorrow. Watch out for that post. We got Bilbob out in the sun & believe me that is no easy feat. Bronan & I watched some Netflix docs in bed and I have been trying to wear more of my plethora of costume jewellery.


Finding the yumiest vegan snacks is my latest quest. My fav so far is Cleo’s peanut butter cups. Finally, my highlight, plenty of gorgeous nibbling time. Athena has now lost all her front teeth & continuous to be hilarious. Baby Kevin is thriving. He is my beautiful Superbaby. 

‘Cos it’s raining….

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 1 Comment

I’ve been waiting to do my summer Wishlist for a while. I kept hoping summer would come back.  As it’s now July, i’ve resigned myself to the fact that the sun has left me for good. 

For my Scottish summer picks I’m going for light fabrics that can be easily layered. So, lots of dresses, soft shirts & the occasional piece to fancy things up. I have also slipt in some items that I want for my next Australia trip. Brisbane never lets me down on the heat factor. 


Asos Curve, Club L Lounge.


Club L Lounge, Yours.

Yes, that is a dress with a hood; come to Mama. This season I seem to attracted to neutral & bright tones in equal measures. Fabric wise the concensus is tactile & super soft. 


Forever21, Lindy Bop, Simply Be.


Club L Lounge, Asos Curve, Simply Be. 

I’m loving splits & dip hems. Leggings are of course an essential when it might be really nippy outside. As always I will be playing with retro & contemporay styles. I have been desperately seeking a pretty bralet that can handle my boobs & I’m hoping this is the one. I’m thinking in Brisbane I can rock this on it’s own & here layer under a sheer shirt. 


Monsoon, Forever21, New Look. 


Irregular Choice, Asos Curve, Asos Curve. 

Florals & hippy chick lace spell out summer to me. I really can’t wait to get to Oz to float around with my Muffin in these. 


M&S, Alice & You. 


Simply Be, Forever21. 


Asos Curve, Club L Lounge.


New Look, Asos Curve, Converse.

Yellow converse will add a pop to any outfit. As will the caged bra lingerie. I love the bondage light look, it’s always fun when your underwear can double as outerwear!

There you have it. My most desired items for this summer. Now it’s time to get buying. Look out for which pieces make it into my body. 

Oh & I have a new pink lipstick & a pretty rose gold nose ring. Aren’t I a lucky girl?