It’s coming on Christmas…

I’m feeling the need to immerse myself in the festive spirit this year. The tree is up, the presents are wrapped, but I want a more. Thus, I have concocted a not at all cunning plan, but I think it will be effective.

Step 1 – Up the daily merriment with lots of Christmas nail art. I always keep my nails adorned anyway, so I might as well up the glitter quotient & get my crimbo on. First up was this simple swishy tree. Rouge Noir is never not perfect.

ly h Kerr Xmas nail art

Step 2 – Spread the goodwill. As Cliff said, it’s a time for giving and there are hell of a lot of people in need. I have decided to commit to one bigish charitable act each week of December and as many small gestures as I can muster along the way. First up is the reverse advent calendar. Basically, you get a box and put a foodbank donation in it every day of advent. Individual foodbanks list what they most need at any given time, so check their websites. At this time of year I like to add some treats along with the basics. If a person can’t afford food they are unlikely to have money for Christmas present and extras. No one should have explain to their child that is Santa isn’t coming. I am by no means rolling in it, but with a little planning it’s possible to pick inexpensive items that will make a huge difference to a little one. Even chocolate Santas/coins can really help a family struggling at Xmas. We are living in difficult times, the continued roll out of Universal Credit in particular is leaving many people in financial hardship. Those of us with enough should & can give a little (or a lot) to the people our society is currently failing. Plus, it makes you feel really warm inside. It’s a win/win you feel like a lovely person, people in need feel a wee bit less bleak.

If you’re local to me here are some links to Glasgow Foodbanks & other food services. Otherwise you can search via postcode here. Sadly, Foodbanks are springing up everywhere, there will be one in your area.

Crookston Community Group & Foodbank

Storehouse Foodbank

Glasgow City Mission

Wayside Club Centre

Splish, splash…

Recently I have been spending my Sunday mornings watching my nephew’s swimming classes. He’s 11mths old, so there is more splashing than anything else, but he’s fun to watch. Afterwards I get a little cuddle time, which is even nicer.

Last time I took the opportunity to get some outfit pictures. You might remember this dress from my wish list. I really loved it’s cut out back & I can never have too many skater dresses. It was actually in the sale, so I went ahead & bought it in red too.


The weather was lovely when I left the house. Alas, by the time we’d made it to river for photos, it was blowing a gale. The wind was ice cold & my discomfort is written all over my face. I’m not miserable just really cold.



Dress – Asos Curve

Scarf – Gift

I highly recommend the dress (the red is equally nice), wearing it by the freezing Clyde perhaps not the best location though.

Oh & this little monkey loves Auntie ly’s style.

It’s coming on Christmas….

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?

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