Under The Boardwalk.

Well, I have yet ANOTHER telly series to add to my collection of favourites... Shock horror I know. How does a busy wee bee like myself fit in all the television watching. Well... I manage thank you very much.

As the winter months are creeping upon us I need to keep indoors to keep myself warm, not spend money (I have lots of pennies that I need to spend on my nearest & dearest this chrimble) & not to wander the streets aimlessly (as it's.. well... dangerous) Yet again, my wonderful Father has introduced me to a exceedingly good show that is Boardwalk Empire.

This show has everything I love about a good good GOOD tv series. Drama, violence, sex, scandal, corruption & alcohol. Its a delight for all the senses. Based right in the middle of the World Wars, its set on the boardwalk of Atlantic City, set around our main character Nucky Thompson. Ruler, known politician & gangster who is the centre of a moonshine bootlegger business all across the state. Corruption being the centre focus of our story it truly looks into how to pay your way out of any tricky situation.

The cast is absolutely amazing, also featuring the super scottish actress Kelly Macdonald who plays opposite Steve Buscemi. Her character really speaks out of the troubles of equality that woman faced during that time in America, alongside being an Irish immigrant.

If you have not seen this yet YOU SIMPLY MUST. Buy the boxset, get the kettle boiled, be surrounded by a tonne of biscuits & chocolates & just let Boardwalk Empire wash over you. EPIC TELEVISION.

Features all these pretty ladies toozer.

Wee Paisley Pattern.

Well, I know I always seem to say this but.. It has been a while since I last blogged. So here goes. All is good doon here in Granton. Settled in beautifully, discovered that this flat is gorgeous both on rainy & sunny days. Been using the patio (when I can) & DVD afternoons are most enjoyable. I'd like to introduced you to the newest addition to my little hub. This wee beauty is Paisley, my 5month old kitty. She was adopted from my dear friend Nicola, who's brother & sister-in-law had to rehome due to their boysterish wee boy Nathen. So big thank you to Katie & Jamie. She's settled in as well as I have & we are happy enjoying each others company. She can be a little nuts at times, but can't we all. Right, something just went crash there in the background & it's no doubt something to do with a little miss. Til later chaps.

New Space, New Home.

Well, the latest news this month (the month of May.. I cannot quite believe it myself) is that I no longer reside in Stenhouse in this wonderful city of ours. I now bide by Granton in a loverly new one bedroom flat with, yes you heard it right it's very own patio. Yet for summertime huh?
I am lucky enough to have a wonderful sister who unfortunately doesn't like to live alone so I've had this opportunity to live here by myself & obviously jumped at the chance. It's my own space for all my nic-nacs. Very happy lady here. Closer to work, brand new, big bathroom & delightful kitchen with a gas oven for all my cooking skills. Fabby. Photos to follow with what I've done with the space. Ciao, ciao from Granton.

Design Eye. Design Cap.

That's us well into the month of April (can you believe it?) Mentals how fast this year is going.

Well, all has been good with me. Work life has been kept busy, I've currently got newbies to train which is always good. Makes life a little be different in old Bucks.

Creatively, my butt has well & truly had a kick up it that was very much needed. The knitting is continuing as always. Just doing odds & sods when watching telly or finding myself bored & listening to music. Tis very therapeutic. Print/drawing wise, I am slowly but surely getting back on track. Go a couple of exciting wee projects in the pipelines that is keeping me going. All very happy, nice to be using all of my skills again. Yey. Tis the proper shizz.

Those Crazy Mad Men.

And so on to another series of Mad Men. Yey.

To have Don Draper, Peggy Olson, Roger Sterling, Pete Campbell & last but not least Joan Harris (phwoar!) back in my life is so excitable. Unfortunately I do not have Sky Atlantic, therefore I cannot witness this series wonder as it happens. HOWEVER, my fabulous parents have Sky & my loverly Dad is going to record the series on DVD for me. Yey, my life is complete once again.

Cannot wait to see what twist & turns this series takes, who's sleeping with who & what utter scandal is generally going down. Super!

Wee, Sleekit, Cowrin....

...Timorous Beastie.

Yes, the wonderful Glasgae based company that is Timorous Beasties has had a re-vamp on their website & for someone who has had the delightful opportunity to work for this company, it was nice to see it getting exciting new features, commissions & such.

Give it a gander peepsickles. Tis totally worth it.

One In A Million.

So sad to hear that one of my absolute heros (genuinely, she was) has passed. Such a shame that such a talent had spiralled into a lifestyle were drink & drugs have brought her demise, like many others. Whitney's version of 'I Will Always Love You' will always be one of my favourites & will still try my hardest to sing just like this legend.

R.I.P. Whitney Houston.

Blow By Blow.

I was a lucky enough girl that for Christmas I got a Kindle from my Mum & Dad. Best thing I have ever got as it is simple, easy & can go with me anywhere & everywhere.

The first book that I read on it was 'Blow By Blow: The Story Of Isabella Blow' by her husband Detmar Blow & Tom Sykes. It was such a wonderful read & I would highly recommend it to any real fashion fans.

It depicts the life of this wonderful but tragic character who had an absolute love & eye for fashion creative. She is famously known for her kickstarting the careers of Alexander McQueen & Philip Treacy. It is a truly fascinating story with an unforgettable end. Go. Read. Now.

Welcome 2012 With Open Arms.

Well, another year over & a new one just began as the good old song goes.

I have to say, feels like the first time ever in my life that I have been ready to finish a year and start fresh with a new. Many-a-things happen in 2011 that I would like to just look back on and think 'not to repeat'. Sounds all bad but not really. We all go through trails and tribulations.

So... The BIG plans for 2012 (not know as 'New Year Resolutions' to me.. They never work and I never stick to them. Who does to be honest?). The next step forward for me is to save, save, SAVE. This is to help fund the artwork, be able to buy up lots of materials and really kickstart my production of work. Hopefully be able to afford a studio space of my own. Shall have to make do with my bedroom in the meantime.

I think I would ultimately like to start-up my own coffee-shop/gallery-hub in the near future. I have an extensive passion for both & don't think I would be able to cope on a day-to-day basis without either art or coffee. Strange huh? Must be my addiction.

I am currently on Day 2 of my first week of holidays 2012. Been productive so far. Went home to cat-sit for the Parentals (they are away on holiday), did a spot of knitting. I've come up with an idea of knitting Kindle covers/socks. Probably already been done, but a wee project for me non the less.

My dear friend Katie is coming across for a couple days visit tomorrow. So excited to see her & enjoy her company. She has been quite the success back in Belfast, with getting some of her scarf designs on sale in some boutiques. Can't wait to pick her brain of how she's got on doing that. Anywho, best be off and finish tidying for her arrival. Unfortunately, someones gotta do it.

A Little Bit Of Reminiscing.

That's us hit the month of November. Can't quite believe it. Where on earth has this year gone?

Been reflecting on where I would like my work to go. On thinking on this, I have been looking all the way back to the year 2009. Seems

like donkeys ago. I forgot how much work I did that year (& how many routes I wished to have taken that were untouched... To venture down I think).

Here's a few wee bits & bobs that I like & would like to work

back onto. Let me know your thoughts peeps.

Tweet. Tweet. Tweet.

I am fully going to admit it, I'm slowly but surely getting addicted to Twitter. I think the more you seem to write the more your willing to share. Is that a good or bad thing? I'm unsure.

I also had my first couple of tweet reply. The most exciting one being my future husband, Professor Green. HAAAAA. I just happened to message him saying 'SUPER excited to see you @Picturehouse in The Burgh on 29th Nov. Great venue & thank you for remembering your East Coast fans. HE then replied to me, tweeting, '@Greero_A @Picturehouse most welcome. Scotland is bonkers, it's the least I could do :)' Such. A. Gentleman.

I'm so hoping that on the 29th November, he'll see me in the crowd (obvs recognise me in the crowd from my piccie on twits), ask to come back round to his dressing-room after & gee me a big old snog. Could happen, you never know.

Autumn Adventure & Discoveries.

BBBBRRRRRRRRRR. The tempeture here in Edinburgh aint half dropped. As I keep on repeating to customers, it's bitter outside. Starting to soundmore & more like my Granny every day. Super cool.

Had such a major productive day yesterday. Was very chuffed with myself though as I EVEN had work in the afternoon. Was out & about in town by 10am in the chilly air, on my many missions of the day.

First off, hit oor old trusty chain store chemist/beauty/all-round superstore that is Boots to get my eyes tested. It free to get done there & you can normally get them tested on the day you pop in for a visit. Alas was not the case for me yesterday (sod's law) however, I'm booked in for Friday after work. Had a good spy at the frames they have on offer & it is more than likely that I'm going to spend a small fortune on two pairs of glasses. Meh, think of the advantage points.

I then ventured along Princes St. up Cockburn St. to a wee shoppy (to which they have two stores in The Burgh) called Swish. A cool, funky t-shirt place, which you can get your

own print/design produced & printed onto t-shirts/hoodies. A VERY exciting place for a Printed Textile Design Graduate, as you can imagine. This was to discuss, size up & cost of the GENIUS idea I have had for my Dad's Christmas present. After this visit (in which I think the guy who I spoke to could tell I was dead happy with myself for this idea) I have discovered that I'm gonna deck my Dad out in a super-fly American Apparel t-shirt & even treat myself to an AA. hoodie in which I'm gonna pimp out w

ith one of my own designs. I. Was. In. Heaven.

After picking this poor dudes brain, I popped into treat myself to my new seasonal drink, London Fog. A combination of Earl Grey tea, vanilla syrup & hot steamed milk. Num. Num. Whilst consuming this delish drinks, I wondered round to Ripping Records to purchase myself & my dear friend Miss Leslie tickets for Professor Green. I'm not gonna lie, he is my new ab-fab fave. I could go on for absolute DAYS at how much I like him. He just comes across as such a lovely guy, who is passionate about music. Let's face it, I. Am. In. Love. Who knows? Maybe there will be a spark between the two of us while he's on stage & I'm in the crowd. A girl can dream.

My day wasn't finished yet (granted it was only about 11.45am by this time) This visit was followed by me strutting along down the Cowgate towards the Grassmarket. One of my favourite parts of The Burgh, no this isn't just because of the amount of pubs that area has to offer. It happens to be very pretty looking, which helps. I was popping into this new exciting little boutique that opened this August & has had quite some success. A friend of mines who graduated the same year as me, Hannah Livingston has created this wonderful little cove named 'Black Box Boutique'. So lovely with so many unique, one-off treasures & trinkets. I walked in & would have loved to have been able to afford ALL it had to offer. WELL DONE HANNAH. Unfortunately I had just missed her as she is a very busy lady, but I shall return & left her a wee note of well wishes.

After ALL of this, I was very hungry, in dire need of a cuppa & a sit down. Remember, I'm getting old now. The ripe old age of 24. So returned home, made myself a craicin' baked tattie & had a well deserved rest before nipping out to work at 4pm. Good productive day eh?!

Running 'Round Everywhere.

On this what can only be described as a GLORIOUS Sunday, I find myself contemplating how one might spend her bonus from work. I worked darn hard to get it, so feel like I deserve to treat my self with perhaps a couple of super-cool-yet-practical buys.

First up I need, need, NEED new headphones. A colleague at work (who has a degree in Sound Engineering) told me that you should never used headphones which are inserted into your actual ear. It's not good for your eardrum & obviously the tissue in your ear is quite sensitive. Your not even suppose to use cotton buds in your ears, so why on earth would you put something that pumps music at any volume in there. Shocking really. So I've asked for his expertise on whats the best on the current market for no more than £30. Sennheiser 202 HD from HMV for £29.99 are what he came up with. Think its a pretty good shout. There are however very good looking ones in Urban Outfitters. Maybe too posey-look-at-me? No? Yes?

Second of all (& probs best be the last for the now... Christmas is just round the corner mind) I would like.. No LOVE to purchase a pair of absolute jammin' space-jam trainers. Now, when I say space-jam trainers, I mean like hi-top Nike trainers. The type that Marty McFly would wear. An absolute sick pair. A cool pair that would go with a lot of my wee dresses.

Tea dresses, skirts & shirts, leggings with baggy tops & most of all, espesh my gorge long-sleeved, black, all-rounder Warehouse maxi dress. Best buy of my life. £14.00 in the sale. Bosh.

Music & Fashion. Fashion & Music

Been a while since I've been on the blogging scene. Flippin' shocking.

So, what's new with me I hear you ask. Well. 2011 has been one heckle of a busy year. Still working away still at the olde 'Bucks. Go through the motions really, one minute really enjoying it and making the most of it and the

n the next feeling like a robot and going in, doing the same day in day out. I'm enjoying it currently though, which is the main thing.

This year for music has been quite exciting. Lady Gaga has been doing her thing, absolutely lovsing her new song, 'You & I'. It has quite a country/rock feel to it, you can't fault her vocals. Rekindled my love for a childhood love which happens to be

Charlie Simpson (you know.. the lead from Busted). He has gone solo since his stint with Fightstar, He has now gone solo and brought out the album titled, 'Young Pilgrim' which I still need to purchase but have enjoyed a few of the tracks off of it, especially 'Parachutes'.

Fashion 2011 has also been a fore-runner. To be honest, I think

I'm one of the

only people who enjoys the fact that winter is chapping at our door once more. I am a ginger, we do not tan in the sun and have sensitive skin, I have learned to deal with it. Plus I adore layering up. Winter boots- Check. Thick socks- Check. Woolie tights- Check. Cozy jumper- Check. Turning into an old lady- Absolute CHECK.

I have started knitting again which is good, totes loving it. Been a lot more experimental with my technique. Probably not

doing anything that has not been done before but I'm enjoying myself doing it which is the main thing.... So there.

Oh well, best be off and start the day. Toodles.

And So We Are 2011.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!

OK... I know, I know, I'm a little late. But better late than ever.

The Christmas period was a pretty hectic but enjoyable time (someone's got to make the coffee to keep Santa

going!)

I am currently sitting trying to find myself some new tunes, as it has been sometime since the old iPod received some new delights. A few at which I've come across are James Blake, Clare Maguire and Gypsy and the Cat. I think I'm really going to enjoy this creative musical journey :)

These Boots Are Made For Walking.

Yesterday, on my day off, I treated myself to a little walk up to Corstorphine (I know, get me... treating myself with a walk... I'm so good to me!) Thought I'd have a wee wonder round the charity shops, an absolute FAVE past-time.

As per usual, fell in complete love with a pair of boots in the first shop I stepped into. Ended up leaving them at first and not trying them on as there are about a gazillion wee shops in the area and didn't want to put all my eggs in one basket ken. So ventured round the rest and even went for a wee coffee and cake before I returned.

I'd totally set myself up for a fall just incase someone else as gone in a scooped up them thar boots.... Thankfully they were still there and my size... IT WAS MEANT TO BE. They are a little similar to the image above, however they are not Kurt Geiger but still as gorge.

Fringe Fever.

My FAVOURITE time of year has sadly come to an end. Here's a little selection of some of the delights that I have been privileged to see...

Julien Cottereau- A delightful and wonderful show brought to the fringe by this french mime artist/clown. Imagine-Toi takes the audience on a magical adventure through imagination, of

scary mons

ters and princesses with tenderness and emotion with humour

and grace. An excellent show for all ages. One I would gladly go see again and would be en-captivated by. MUST. GO. SEE.

Circus Trick Tease- A trio act whose circus act of tricks, flips, lifts and swing-dancing which is utterly hilarious for all the family (with some rather raunchy bits!) Such fun from beginning to end.

Kevin Bridges- The young (he's the same age as myself) Glaswegian comedian who is climbing up the fame ladder. My first time seeing him live and he did not disappoint! Talking on working in TK Maxx, Easter holidays not 'spring-break' and having an 'empty' house party. Had both my sister and I in stitches. GENIUS!

Alan Cumming- My parents and I were lucky enough to get tickets to see this magnificent show titled 'I Bought A Blue Car Today'. He only did 4 shows at the festival! Based on his perso

nal journey moving from Scotland to New York, featuring music from the likes of Sondheim, Bacharach and Kander and Ebb, with stories and anecdotes weaved through. TRULY SMASHING!

What a great festival it has been this year! Swear I say that every year...

Dame Of Dames.

As this year both my parents have celebrated their 50th, it has been very special. Dad was given lots of football/film/comedy memorabilia as presents, whereas my Mum received lots of artwork and JEWELS!!!!

Sadly, I no longer live at home so cannot 'borrow' some of these beautiful jewellery she has recently become an owner. One piece of late (which is my current fave) is her Vivienne Westwood necklace. Tis a gorgeous silver tarnished necklace with the famous VW emblem with violet crystals. It. Is. So. Pretty. She got it from her dear cousin Sarah who lives in York and went on to tell Mum of how beautiful the VW shop is there.

I have now bec

ome obsessed with this jewellery line and pictured are some that are now added to my wish list. I wish to be draped in jewels :)

The Queen Bee.

I am sad that it has come to the end of the latest series of 'Mary: Queen of Shops'. I. Flippin. Love. Her.

Mary Portas is so amazing and speak so much sense (I'm a viewer who gets mad when the people seeking her advice question/disagree with her... What do they know!?)

Really liked the episode of the vintage boutique in London. Genius. I do hope they make another series.

Postcard From The Penguin.

On a cheeky wee visit back to me hometown of North Berwick, I popped into a new shop which has appeared called Tippencanoe. This little shop on the top of the high street caters to a delights of home-furnishings, cards, trinkets and books.

On having a right good gander I came across a little box (at first glance I thought it was a book) which holds one-hundred postcards of the iconic Penguin book covers.

They are absolutely delightful and now some feature framed on my bedroom wall, I have plenty left over to play with.

I feel an inspired collection may be brewing... WATCH. THIS. SPACE.