charity shops

This week’s celebrated woman is someone I have the pleasure of knowing. She is a bopo goddess, a thrifting maven, accomplished public speaker & possibly the bubbliest person I’ve ever met. Ladies & Gentlemen, I give you Hayley Angell.

I met Hayley at a blogger event in Glasgow & was instantly impressed by her vintage look. I was also a little intimated by her polished confidence. I don’t find these events very easy. I have a lot of anxiety around new people & situations. I have even more anxiety about hiding my discomfort. The moment I spoke to Hayley I felt more at ease. Her sincere warmth allowed me to collect myself & have a good time.

Taking Shape blogger event, Glasgow

I obviously immediately commenced following her on social media and have done so since. Hayley’s accounts are bursting with life affirming energy. Her honesty about her body positive journey; discarding control garments, trying new activities & generally enjoying her body is inspiring. She recently discussed her experiences as a plus size women taking burlesque classes. Despite outward proclamations of inclusivity she still felt it was assumed that fat women would be less assured. She got the sense that fatter folk were quietly ushered into the background. It takes guts to be open about this stuff. Even more to be honest about how often we convince ourselves that we belong at the back of class. Thus, she used her Instagram account to launch #stepforward a reminder to all plus size people that we are worthy of taking up space & being seen.

The Body Positive community has given me so much. I always want to say thank you to those who inspire me. I also want to spread their work because I know it can bring others happiness. Hayley is one of those fabulous women who can help you change how you see yourself. She is an insta must follow.

Hayley Angell

Bopo aside Hayley is, as I mentioned, a thrifting magician. Her Instagram is worth following for her second hand style alone. If you need tips on trawling the charity shops for fashion gold, Hayley is your woman. If you simply enjoy seeing a person enjoy themselves & clothes, she is still your gal.

I’ve only met Hayley in person once, but I would not be without her online presence in my life. For a shot of genuine self love, go press those follow buttons.

* Photo credit : Hayley Angell

I have written for a while. I blame this on the stupid virus that is making me feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. Unfortunately my compromised immune system is making it very difficult to shake off said virus. I have however managed to get out & have a little fun, so I thought I would do quick compilation post.
The month started with the wedding of my wonderful friends Lisa & Gordon. I met Lisa whilst we were both working in a tedious a role. Lisa’s arrival transformed my days from dull to a giggle fest. That was 10 years ago & we have been giggle buddies ever since. Obviously over that time I have gotten to know Gordon and have discovered that he too is a truly excellent person. They have now completed their family with James, their perfect little man. The only thing left to do was tie the knot. They wed in style at a romantic Scottish castle. I was delighted to be part of their special day. My date couldn’t get the time off work, so my darling best friend, Pamela, stepped in. We took full advantage of the chance to be luxury bitches for a couple days.

Carberry Tower.

Lisa & I

Adorable little James.

Beautiful Bride.

My perfect Pam.

The one nippled statue I was caught feeling up.

A little hung over the next day with my new man.

My boy was very pleased to see me on my return.

Next up was a wee sojourn at my mother’s for some relaxation & quality time with my poodle babies. My darling little canine sister, coco, was seriously ill last month, but has made a remarkable recovery. She is now back to her old self including bossing her boy about. Despite D’artagnan being quite a bit bigger that his mum now, he is still very much the junior partner. Mum lives in a pretty little village, so walking the dogs there is always a pleasure.

Sleeping babies. All that chasing each other up hills wore them out.

Bronan was again very pleased to have his Mummy home.

Glasgow pride was my next excursion. The event was displaced this year due to us hosting the commonwealth games. The new venue wasn’t really up to scratch, but Bil & I still had a fun day. There were lots of freebies (naughty, tasty & practical) plus the usual buoyant pride atmosphere. Unfortunately the Glasgow weather chased Bil & I inside to escape the down pour. We withdrew to Delmonica’s for a chat & to review our swag.

A small sample of Pride freebies.

Sporting some gender equality face paint.

Billy’s extensive freebie collection.

The only correct attire for Pride, rainbow!

The arrival of commonwealth games in Glasgow created a fabulous buzz in the city. I made a concerted to effort to experience some of the excitement. I am really not a sports fan; however I have loved the vibe in my city throughout the games. The spirit of Glaswegians infused perfectly with the influx of tourists ensuring that everyone enjoyed themselves. Glasgow has really shone. I nipped into town once or twice to sample the games fever. I took advantage of being out to do a little charity shop/vintage shopping. I also met up with friend up from London and had a great gab in the sunshine.

Tourists posing with cones on their heads & a gold cone to celebrate the games.

I found this gorgeous tea set in Marie Curie shop.

& this fab shirt dress in Glad Rags.

I love this street art.

Last, but not least I took advantage of the soaring temperatures by having a family BBQ. Lots of food, some frozen cocktails & my homemade cheesecake that pleased all in attendance. We had such a good time that we neglected to take many photographs. The only picture I snapped that night was my adorable boys waiting patiently for their burger. No family event is ever complete with some of our furries.