santa

The Greatest Gift…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

December is here, which means it’s time to get festive. I love Christmas time. It’s cosy and pretty and so much fun for the littles. It is also the time for giving.

I always feel very grateful at this time of year. I have a loving circle of friends and family to celebrate with. I will exchange gifts & decorate my warm home. I’ll indulge in yummy festive treats and watch the kids in my life enjoy the seasonal magic. I am incredibly lucky to be in such a safe & comfortable position. I’m not wealthy, but I have a little to spare and I will be sharing that extra.

Refuge provide support from women and children experiencing domestic abuse. Often those fleeing abuse must leave everything behind. You can fund a variety of parcels ranging from essentials to gift that will bring a little Xmas joy.

Willow Animal Santuary run a ‘cat hotel’ that specialises in homing cats that have been unable to find a safe home elsewhere. Cats who are not house trained, have psychological issues or are feral. Often cats like this are abandoned or euthanised. Willow allows them to live their lives in safety and comfort. Willow also provides sanctuary for farm animals. They have a strict no kill policy and cultivate the most loving environment for animals who may have led difficult lives. If you can, please help the animals in their care continue to thrive.

Glasgow’s Spirit of Christmas is an excellent resource for donating to local charities. They host tonnes of Glasgow based organisations and details what each needs. You can select the kind of gift and recipient you would like to donate to. There are lots of groups facilitating present buying for kids who might otherwise receive nothing. The idea of a child being excluded for the joy of discovering that ‘Santa has been’ breaks my heart. Charities like this allow us to be a tiny part of the Christmas magic. That feels like an enormous privilege.

Renew Roots are providers of direct aid in Gaza. They are currently supporting 137 families. Their aim is feed, educate, offer support to families who have lost everything. Despite the ‘ceasefire’ attacks and blockades are ongoing. Please give whatever you can.

But for now, Merry Christmas…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

The big day is almost here. The tree is up, presents are wrapped and the festive tunes are playing. There’s only one thing left to do; share the joy.

There are so many people in desperate situations this Christmas. If you can, please consider giving a little.

Glasgow Spirit of Christmas aim to ensure that children don’t miss out on the magic of Christmas time. They provide Xmas gifts to children who otherwise would not receive one. I chose this organisation as it is local, but there are similar schemes everywhere.

Living conditions are Gaza are getting worse. There are no places of safety, access to medical treatment, clean water, shelter and food are incredibly limited. There is no end in sight. I have been sharing & supporting Haitham and his family all year. They are still in desperate need of our help to reach safety.

Refuweegee do wonderful work with refugees here in Glasgow. This year in support of Palestine they dropped complicit corporate partners, resulting in a loss of £40,000. More than ever they need our support.

These are just some places I have chosen to give to this month. There are innumerable organisations doing fantastic work with vulnerable people. If you are in a position to do so, please share your good fortune this Christmas.

Oh Christmas tree…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

We’ve hit December and it’s officially Christmas season. It is time to get festive. Most of us are lucky enough to have people to share food & love & gifts with. It’s incumbent upon us to think of those less fortunate whilst we enjoy our jollies.

With that in mind I’m going to suggest more than one charity this month. Pick your favourite, donate to all or just do whatever you can. First up, Giving Tree. It’s organised by Kids Out, a charity who aim to give disadvantaged children (many in refuge to escape domestic violence) positive experiences. At Xmas they do giving tree to give children who may not otherwise receive presents a gift that they would like. I saw this one at Braehead in Glasgow, but there are tonnes of similar schemes all over. You take a tag from the tree & buy the requested present.

Christmas tree with gift tags

Instructions for giving tree

I absolutely love this idea, but reading the tags broke my heart. All of the requests are so modest. I couldn’t help but think of how often I buy my little ones treats for no reason special reason at all. Every child child should be showered with love & blanketed in safety. Beyond that they shouldn’t ever have to wake up to disappoint on Christmas morning. Nor should any parent have to face the task of explaining why Santa isn’t coming.

Gift tags with present requests

I couldn’t resist picking up two tags. The thought of this baby still waiting for their first book was too sad. There are still lots of gift tags awaiting a kind soul. It’s so easy to make life a little brighter for these wee ones. Please help Santa reach them if you can.

Giving tree gift tag

Merry & Bright…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 2 Comments

Merry Christmas, Darlings. However you celebrate I hope it was Merry & Bright (or at the very least safe).

I spent Christmas Day with the Toyboy’s family and all the days round about with mine. We had two little ones enjoying their very first Xmas and four bigger kiddies getting all hyped up about Santa. It’s a cliche, but Christmas really is better with children around.

I received lots of pretty presents & indulged in many delicious vegan treats (thank TB’s Mum & Sis). Of course I got spruced up for Mr Claus. I always got a fancy Christmas Day outfit when I was a kid & I’ve kept the tradition going in adulthood. This year I went for full on Sexy Fat Ballerina.

ly h Kerr, sexy fat ballerina

Bodysuit – Boohoo

Skirt – Ella

A plus size full length tutu is not actually that easy to come by. I ordered one on a whim and then fell for the idea of being a fat arsed prima ballerina. Unfortunately the first one never arrived. The second took much hunting down, but all that internet searching was worth it. This is a LOOK.

My clever sister somehow managed to predict my Xmas colour scheme and gave me the perfect accessories as part of my gift.

Next stacking rings ly h Kerr

Earrings & rings – Next

We’re now in that no man’s land between Xmas & Hogmanay. I intend to sleep lots, eat a tonne and cuddle little ones. I hope you have the opportunity to do the same.

Oh & Bronan loves his present. So much so that he barely moves off it. It’s a cat nip scratcher btw and god help anyone who even thinks of touching it.

Bronan Kerr

It’s coming on Christmas…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 4 Comments

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

Merry Christmas, Baby…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 5 Comments

Welcome to crimbo limbo. It’s that time of year when it is totally acceptable to wear your jammies all day long & ignore all the usual food (& drink conventions). Do you want champagne for breakfast? Have it, just bung a little fruit juice in. Fancy a piece & potato? Knock yourself out, carb on carb is GOOD. It’s anything goes & I love it.

I have had the loveliest Xmas, but there was was a lot of running around & really late nights followed by early mornings. So, I’m enjoying a little down time. Before I turn off entirely I thought I would share a little of my Christmas. 

Happy plus size woman in velvet dress
Dress – SimplyBe

Xmas #ootd was one of my gifts from my lovely Mum. She hit it out of the park with this one. It’s so sumptious. I am in love. 

I did Xmas eve in the pub with the toyboy & his friends, but retired to mum’s house early. Jim jams & old movies is the way to welcome Xmas day. 


We got a tiny bit festive for Xmas eve drinks.

Mum & I rocked Xmas day together. Seven brides for seven brothers, delicious vegan dinner & a lot of my new highlighter made for a good day. I spent the evening at the TB’s parents. Christmas bauble cocktails, even more pressies, a freestyle Mary & Joseph rap and multiple Santa suits completed my day. 

Necklace – Kracken Jewellery

I also got to watch both my niece & nephew open their presents via FaceTime. Their happy wee faces were definitely my festive favourites.

I am lucky girl with wonderful friends & family. Oh & I got the most excellent gifts too! I hope you all had an equally fabulous festive period. 

And of course it wouldn’t be Xmas without a festive manicure. So, here’s all of my December nail art efforts. 



I now intend to do a whole lot of resting in preparation for kicking 2018’s arse. See you in the new year.

It’s coming on Christmas….

~ 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?