Early bird gift guide…

November 1, 2017November 12, 2017 ~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 1 Comment

I know I am getting into the Xmas chat a bit early & I apologise. I only do it because it takes me ages to get organised. I have loads of Dec birthdays & far off loved ones to send to on top of regular Xmas. The added complications of spoonie life means I’m usually already quietly Xmas shopping in October. I am certain there are others just like me out there, thus I thought some early gift guides might be useful.

I’m staring with this fairly random guide as I think most folk are a bit eclectic in their tastes. I find all those really specific guides a bit annoying because very few people fit in just one box. So, i have collated this bunch of cool, but varied gifts. I’m calling it, traditional eclectic, all the standard crimbo fare with some twists.

I may have mentioned before that christmas without velvet is just not on. Velvet clothes feel divine, so imagine how amazing this most tactile of fabrics would feel right next to your skin. Yup, velvet lingerie is definitely a sexy festive gift. Of course along with something to slink about in, something to slob in is also required at Xmas. Never underestimate the power of good jammies.

All good book shops, New Look, Plus size lingerie lounge, New Look, All good book shops,The literary gift company.

Hand in hand with nightwear go a really good book & this delightful cushion to lounge upon. I have become a bit of a cushion fanatic, but I think most book lovers would be pleased with this couch addition.

Everyone likes a bit fancy at Xmas time. Wether that be twinkling on your eyelids or quirky touches around the house.

eBay, Asda Home, Urban Decay (Heavy Metal).

Barry M, I want one of those, Pyro Pet, Ciate (Glitter Flip).

The rise of the christmas jumper in recent years has tickled my fancy. The sheer variety of festive knitwear means there is something to suit all tastes. Chocolate & jewellery are also Xmas staples. Again, if you look hard enough you can find some to please everyone.

Vegan Town, Marks & Spencer’s, Bonnie Bling.

As a kid I always had a holy advent calendar, so the idea of a vegan choc one really appeals to me. Making a statement with my accessories is so up my street, but sometimes I just want my baubles to look pretty. There’s a bit of each here.

Rebel Circis, Marks & Spencer’s, Fuck the Tories.

If my haste upsets you, I get it. If however you have a massive Xmas list that you need to get ahead of, have at it.

There’s nobody else here, no one like me…

December 22, 2016December 22, 2016 ~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 5 Comments

I’m about to get a bit happy clappy, so if that gets your goat (I hear you), skip this one.

I know it’s been disaster movie of a year. There are truly despicable things happening all over the globe. So, I feel quite guilty about this, but 2016 has been my personal best for a very long time. Selfish or not I want to acknowledge my successes. Queue the happy bit.

This year I have been comparatively sane. I’m not cured and of course there are bad times, but I have felt psychologically healthier & happier than I’ve been in several years. I’m pretty confident that I’m finally taking the right medication. Meds aren’t magic beans, but the right combination has given me much more solid ground to build on. I’ve been able to push myself, expanding my social & professional lives in the process.

Now, here comes the big one, I have not purposely hurt myself in well over a year. Again, I’m not recovered, I suspect the urge will always be with me. The difference for me has been releasing there are things I want more than blood. I’m not going to bullshit anyone, it’s a grind; it’s a battle I decide to fight every day. This is a war that’s been raging for 17 years, but I’m stating to believe I will emerge the conquerer.

Next up; gettting all proud of myself & shamelessly blowing my own trumpet. 2016 has been a professional triumph. My writing has featured in publications I have long admired. My blog hits have soared & more importantly I produced more work of value than ever before. I am proud to be writing about issues that need to be talked about & creating work that readers really connect with.

This year I also took a leap of faith & extended my wee empire to include oPeration BoPo. I wanted a thing that didn’t exist locally & so, I just went ahead & made it happen. My first event was an amazing success. I believe there is a need for accessible body positive projects & I am determined to meet it. I have some exciting things in the work for 2017. Get ready to join the self love revolution.

This year I have gained a confidence that I feared was gone for good. I took charge. I had some big scale health issues & disappointing discoveries, but I kept rolling. I let go of yearning to be the girl I was before life got fucked & embraced the woman I am because & inspite of it all.

This has been a year of seizing what control I can & trying to accept that it will never be the unbridled authority I desire. My body & mind will continue to usurp me. I’ll just have to wrestle them into the best submission I can manage.

I’ll be honest my life can be brutal. You know what? I can be too. I’m heading into the new year with a 5 year plan, a growing business, my first nude photo shoot under my belt, ovaries that are really trying & the very best people supporting me. 2017, I’m ready for you.

I hope there were some bright spots for all of you too & that next year brings you all you’re hoping for.

All I want for Christmas is….

December 10, 2016April 5, 2019 ~ 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.

How lovely are your branches…

December 6, 2016December 6, 2016 ~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 5 Comments

I love Christmas. I love spending time with loved ones, eating all the food & drinking all the drinks. I love choosing gifts that I know people will love. I am sucker for the lot. However, this year I struggled to get in the festive mood. So, last weekend I decided I had to jump start my merry motor & I’m so glad I did.

I had the pleasure of having my darling friends, Kay & Frankie visiting last week, which offered the perfect opportunity to take in some twinkly Xmas spirit. We hit the market in St Enoch square, took some selfies in the super sparkly Frasers & wandered under a blanket of lights in Royal Exchange Sq before finishing up in the beautifully bedecked George Sq. My guests were in awe of the architecture, people & especially how friendly Vegan friendly Glasgow is. It’s amazing how easily we Glaswegians forget how lucky we are. Through their eyes I found new pride in both my city & it’s Xmas splendour.

The obvious next step was to start the Christmas shopping & get my decorations up. I managed the tree in an evening & it jollied me right up. I prefer a simple scheme when it comes to my tree; this year I stuck with gold & creams tones, but did invest a some new baubles to add to my old favourites. It is amazing the difference some glitter & lights make to my mood. The presents I fear will take a little longer as some of my people are very particular. It’ll be worth it when I find the perfect items.

My festive visuals have been given a lift this year by the introduction of a gorgeous scent from Isle of Skye Candle co. I absolutely adore their Scot’s pine candle. As a child I had a huge pine tree in my garden and the aroma of pines needles has always conjoured happy memories. The candle is rich with that very smell, but also had undertones of mint, giving it the perfect fresh cold morning feel. I usually opt for heady cinnamon or frankincense type candles during this period. I’m loving the change the change this year.

My final get into Xmas project is more altruistic; it is after all ‘a time for giving’. I have been putting together a hamper for my local food bank & I encourage you to do the same. I’ve included items from the list of required items supplied by the food bank. I also wanted to add some treats as everyone deserves some Christmas cheer. You can find festive chocolate, biscuits etc really cheaply in supermarkets and a few pounds on such thing could give someone a little to smile about. In the same vein I picked up some small inexpensive toys because no child should be without a present on Christmas morning. Likewise no parent should have to explain why Santa hasn’t come. Lastly, I hit the pound shop for toiletries, tampons & cleaning products. So many of us are fortunate enough to be able to indulge at this time of year, I urge you to consider making Christmas a little easier for those not so lucky.

My plan worked. I am now fully festively onboard. Ho, ho, ho, darlings.

* Candle was gifted, but all opinions are my own.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

December 22, 2015 ~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 2 Comments

When is comes to Christmas manicures, more is more. I can’t get enough of bejewelled festive nails. This time I went for a poinsetta type design. I’m rather chuffed with the results.

Nails aside I am now fully Xmas ready. My house is spotless & festooned with pretty things. My fridge is full & presents are wrapped. I am going to rock the whole shebang.

This week I have been mostly…

December 20, 2015 ~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 1 Comment

Feeling jolly. Yup, I’ve been rocking the Christmas tunes. In my continued quest for a joyuex noel I’ve been playing all the xmassy songs that give me the good feels.

Ok, let’s get cheesy. Mariah is so not my style, but who doesn’t love her festive offering? I have been singing along & thinking about someone dreamy since my school days. Some of those objects of my affection make me blush to remember. The song, however, remains untarnished.

You know, I’m not even entirely sure that Mull of Kintyre is a Christmas song, but I always play it at this time of year. Now, maybe it’s because I’m Scottish or perhaps it’s my soft spot for Paul, but it swells my heart. It’s a song that makes me think of home & family & love. I suppose that’s what Christmas means for me.

John Lennon’s Christmas isn’t your standard merry track. It does, however have that ‘make you think’ quality. I think this tune was probably easier to love in my youth when accomplishments stacked up with ease. These days when I think about what I’ve done in the preceding 12 months I often worry I’ve come up wanting. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be Xmas with John & sadly his message remains salient.

I have saved the best for last. Not the most original choice, but one that is dear to my heart. The Pogues & Kirsty McColl’s bittersweet tale of love in the big apple hits my spot. That chorus fills me with seasonal warmth & those lyrics, oh the lyrics.

‘ you took my dreams from me

when I first found you.

I kept them with me babe

I put them with my own

can’t make it all alone

I’ve built my dreams around you.’

They’re almost enough to make me consider kissing Shane McGowan.

Snow is falling…

December 19, 2015December 19, 2015 ~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 2 Comments

I’m diving into the festive spirit this year. Love & sparkle & food & presents are exactly what I need. I’d like to finish this dodgy year on a high point & so, I am immersing myself in all things joyous.

First up, my nails. I don’t mind telling you my normally pretty talons have been looking a tad shabby of late. Not anymore; they are now shiny & bejewelled. How can my joy quota not be upped when I have diamontes shimmering on my fingers.

Unfortunately doing your nails whilst incredibly sleep deprived can sometimes make your snowflakes go a wee bit spider webby. It matters not, they’re still cute & I am one step closer to Santa.

It’s coming on Christmas….

November 18, 2015November 18, 2015 ~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 1 Comment

I’m beginning to feel quite festive. Being the superwoman that I am, I finished buying gifts weeks ago. So, now it’s time to turn my attention on myself. Beware, I’m about to get all wanty.

When buying presents this year I wanted to select really personal items & I think I’ve done well. I thought I’d use the same theory on my self & sought out some quirky trinkets.

Klimt bangle – TimeMachineJewelry (Etsy)

Scarf – River Island

Gimme Brow – Benefit

Sampler – YesStitchYes (Etsy)

Jumper – Dorothy Perkins

Number 11 by Jonathon Coe

Intergalactic Bath Bomb – Lush

Pendant – HomeStudio (Etsy)

Clutch – Forever21

Notebook – JournalLandCompany (Etsy)

Flower Crown – Asos

Candle – The Skye Candle Company

They’re Real – Benefit

Trapper Hat – Forever21

Chocolates – Not on the high street.
I’ve gone for a number of things inspired by creatives who make my heart sing. Flung in some winter warmers with a little glamour. Added a pinch of operation pretty tools & garnished with something to make me chuckle.

What will you be asking Santa for?

Simply having a wonderful Christmas time….

December 27, 2014December 27, 2014 ~ somethinginthewayshemoves

Merry Christmas!
I hope you all had a wonderful time. It’s been a bumper yultide for me & mine, loads of food, fizz, family & friends. I love the festive season & the opportunities it provides to let those you love know how much they mean to you. By the wonder of facetime I even got to watch my niece open her presents in brisbane, nothing can beat the look on her face as she discovers she’s been given all the things she’s been hoping for.

Talking of presents, I have also been a very lucky girl. My family & friends proved once again how well they know me by buying me the perfect gifts. There are a lot of ticks on my wish list & I am one happy lady.

First from my wish list was an early xmas treat from the lovely people at Bonmarche. As you know I desperately wanted something gorgeous & velvet to adorn myself in, this dress was exactly right. The midnight blue colour is so perfect, the fabric so soft & the fit oh so flattering. I felt amazing in this dress.

I have actually never shopped at Bonmarche before, but had heard good things, about their plus size dresses in particular. After perusing their website I suspect that some of their ranges are aimed at a slighter more mature woman. Having said that I saw several dresses that I would rock and some faux fur jackets that are to die for. Considering I not only looked super sexy in this dress, but it was also as comfortable as my birthday suit, I will definitely be adding the Bonmarche website to my bookmarks.

Bonmarche also sent me some pretty accessories, which will be featuring in another excellent post incredibly soon.

Another slightly early xmas present arrived in a suspiciously shoe box shaped package. Sure enough when I tore it open nestled inside were the most beautiful shoes ever created. Someone clearly read this blog & liked the idea of having me at their beck and call. I am madly in love with these beauties. Should they ever change the law, I may well marry them.

Irregular Choice

Last, but not least my darling sister got me this shiny & sleek clutch that she spied on my wish list. Lauren also cooked us all a delicious Christmas dinner, including the cutest dessert ever amp; clearly my little sis has been hiding her culinary skills. Now that her secret’s out she can expect me over for dinner much more often.

Asos

All of my people gave me marvellous pressies & I appreciate every single one. However, the finest thing in my life is undoubtedly belonging to my warm, loyal & hilarious family. The fact that I’ve been able to add to that family with my magnificent friends probably makes me more fortunate than I deserve to be. So, I’ll leave you with some snaps of our Christmas because I believe this is what it’s all about.

* disclaimer – all the fizz impaired my ability to take photographs in focus, which some special folks don’t appear. I love you all, people!*

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

December 11, 2014December 11, 2014 ~ somethinginthewayshemoves

I have been so on top of organising Christmas this year that there hasn’t been much call for going into town or rushing around shops. Consequently I have missed all the seasonal sparkle & Christmas tunes. In the past week I have rectified that & now feel thoroughly festive.
Having seen the delights of both Glasgow & Edinburgh’s city centre I set to work on creating my own little joyeux noël. With the tree up, presents wrapped, lights festooned & glitter candles in abundance there was only one thing left to do, Christmas manicure!

This is the first of many festive nail
designs. I’m rather pleased with these, I hope you like them too.