Category Archives: Shoes

An Interview With Dubs Universe

Footwear this week! šŸ˜ My guest is Stuart Davis, co-founder of Dubs Universe – a sustainable childrenā€™s trainer brand. These trainers are inspired by children and designed by parents. They feature iconic sugarcane soles – as well as being made from recycled plastic bottles – how cool is that? šŸ˜Ž To tell us more, letā€™s welcome Stuart onto the blogā€¦

Hello!Ā 

Iā€™m Stuart, co-founder of Dubs!

Prior to founding Dubs, I was Ā in the advertising industry as a creative producer.Ā 

I have an awesome sister, Samantha – who throughout my life, has been the person who inspires me the most. She is heavily disabled; became very ill when she was 3 (I was 4). Despite what she has been through, she is constantly smiling. She keeps me grounded and real.

Iā€™m married to Kirsty, Ā an awesome, smart and funny lady. Ā Sheā€™s the best.

And my daughterā€¦ my bonkers, supercharged little girl Leila who is now 7 (7!). Sheā€™s my best friend.

What inspired the launch of Dubs Universe?

Dubs was inspired by my bonkers, supercharged little girl and her crazy fast-growing feet and the fact that I lost my job during the first lockdown.

As a new-ish Dad at the time, I was gutted when Leilaā€™s feet were too big for her brand-new shoesā€¦thatā€¦sheā€™d only worn twice and were now destined for the bin. I actually turned them into flower pots – anything to keep her entertained.

My co-founder and good friend Gary, a graphic designer, and I used to catch up on Zoom weekly for some sanity. During these chats, I would often moan about my day, especially how Leila had outgrown another pair of perfectly good shoes that she had worn only twice. Gary understood this frustration all too well. He recognised that comfort, aesthetics, and sustainability had to go hand-in-hand, but the amount of waste generated by children’s shoes was alarming.

We discovered that 2 million shoes are thrown into landfills every week in the UK alone, with children’s shoes contributing significantly to this problem. This revelation led us to set an ambitious goal: “How do we make the Immortal Sneaker?”

Taking advantage of Leila’s naptime, I dedicated those 37 minutes each day to research, learn, and connect with anyone knowledgeable about shoemaking and sustainability. These efforts eventually culminated in the creation of The Dubs Universe, where we began to address our ambitious challenge and bring our vision to life.

Have you always had an interest in fashion/footwear designing or did you have other career plans whilst growing up?Ā 

Iā€™ve always had a love for sneakers. As in, I have favourite styles and brands that I love. But job wise, I spent most of my career in the advertising industry as a creative producer, most recently at M&C Saatchi where I held the position of Creative Operations Director. Ironically, my first job out of Uni was a dustman, at a recycling plant.

As a creative producer, I worked with brands such as Adidas, Coke, Airbnb, producing all types of content from TV adverts, press adverts to those annoying advert banners that appear on websites.

Towards the latter stages of my career, I oversaw production departments and helped agencies and brands navigate the complex world of creative production from an operations POV.

Iā€™m interested in your brand name – Dubs Universe – why did you specifically pick that name? Were there any other contenders?

Oooh great question.

The name “Dubs Universe” comes from two main ideas. First, when kids are just starting to talk, they tend to use the front of their mouths and say words that are simple and easy to say, like “Peppa Pig” or “Postman Pat.” I wanted to pick a word that felt playful and was easy for kids to pronounce, which is how “Dubs” came about.

Second, I wanted the brand name to become synonymous with shoes, like how google and hoover are brands, yet people say: “Google it” or “Hoover the floor.” It’s exciting to hear kids and parents say, “Go get your Dubs on” or “Where are my Dubs?”ā€”itā€™s a sign the name is becoming part of their daily language, which is really cool.

We did originally start with the name “Bumpers,” but an old shoe brand in Italy raised concerns, so we pivoted to Dubs Universeā€”and I think it turned out even better!

I love your ideas of using eco-friendly materials to make your trainers – recycled plastic bottles, sugarcane, chrome free leather and recycled foam. Ā Iā€™m struck by the fact you use sugarcane – what exactly is a sugarcane sole and its benefits?Ā 

So sugarcane soles are made from a material derived from the sugarcane plant. This material is created by using the sugarcane’s natural sugar content to produce a more eco-friendly version of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), which is commonly used in footwear for its lightweight and cushioning properties. Our sugarcane is called ā€˜Braskem I’m greenā€™. It’s Ā a renewable resource, meaning it can be grown and harvested annually without depleting natural resources and it has a much Reduced Carbon Footprint. And what was super important for us, after many, many tests (!) Sugarcane soles offer excellent cushioning and flexibility, providing comfort for little feet during all their adventures.

What is currently the most popular colour & style ?Ā 

The Flex, our debut shoe, is still the most popular. And itā€™s a close call between the All Black, which is great as a school shoe and the Midnight Blue, which is loved by Boys and Girls

As you are based in the UK, are your items available to purchase overseas?

We are! But shipping costs often put customers off from overseas.Ā 

On your website, you talk about a scheme to sell outgrown Dubs for cash. What does that entail?

Weā€™ve just launched our pre-loved site, where parents can sell outgrown Dubs for cash (think Vinted, but just for Dubs) or exchange the cash for Dubs store credit, which can be used to get money off their next pair. Itā€™s a fantastic way to keep our shoes on kids’ feet for longer and help parents effortlessly declutter.

Have you got any new trainer styles in the pipeline for 2025?

We have two styles ready to go!Ā 

The Dubs Stomp – which is another velcro shoe – but has a big chunky strap.

And my favourite is the Dubs Bounce – which is more of a high-top! We always wanted to design kids shoes that we would wear ourselves. I can’t wait to get these guys in stock!

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

Well, if itā€™s just chilling, on the school run or popping to the shops – Iā€™m almost always in Nike AIr Max. They are so comfy! But if I need to be a little smarter, then I have smarter sneaks, brogues or smart boots.

Do you have any favorite shops or online sites?

I always try to shop British independent brands where I can.

For kids shoes, I love Zig and StarĀ https://zigandstar.com/

For me, I recently discovered &sons who Iā€™m really into at the mo https://andsons.co.uk/

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

I love the outdoors and camping – and I really need to upgrade my winter jacket! I hate being cold.

Boots or Shoes?

Boots. Theyā€™re more versatile. You can make boots look super smart when required, but can’t walk through the woods in the winter, to a cozy pub in shoes!

For Pinning later

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can find out more about Dubs Universe.

https://dubsuniverse.com

https://www.instagram.com/thedubsuniverse

Thanks for the chat, Stuart ! Fabulous designs, fabulous eco friendly materials- and cool to boot too! šŸ˜Š

Linda x

All photographs have been published with kind permission of Dubs Universe

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An Interview With Laura See London

This week shoe designer Laura See is under the blog spotlight. Laura has loved shoes from a young age and with her brand, she has focused on injecting colour and art into the shoes she has designed. Her footwear is not only stylish but her brand had an ā€œHonourable Mentionā€ in the 2021 Global Footwear Awards for Sustainability. Thatā€™s something definitely to be proud of šŸ˜Š Welcome to the blog, Laura ā€¦.

Hello. I am Laura See and the Founder of a womenā€™s luxury, unique shoe brand, Laura See London. Although I am based in London our shoes are hand made in Italy. Our shoes are made for fun, fearless and positive women who appreciate fun designs matched with incredible quality and comfort. Ā All Laura See shoes feature a splash of my own artwork which gets printed onto the leather and a pretty gold Hummingbird – the brand’s motif – on the sole.

Who inspired you to become a shoe designer?

I have always had a passion and love for shoes, fashion and art and I had reached a stage in my construction career where I was not really creatively fulfilled. So I decided to apply for a short course in Italy, studying shoe design. I wanted to create something with my art that could be unique.

Have you always had an interest in fashion/shoe design or did you have other career plans whilst growing up?

Yes! Initially I wanted to be a fashion journalist, but then found a love for interiors and started working for a design and build construction company. My role was not overly creative – so something was always missing – but it did teach me about working with people, how to communicate and how to work well under pressure, to tight deadlines. But my interest in fashion has always been there.

I love the Hillstar10 design -especially in khaki and teal (love both colours!) ! What designs/colours are most popular at the moment? Have you got a favourite design?

People are going for colours that transcend across the seasons – so my Stellula 85 inĀ steely grey patent is one of the most popular designs as they can be worn day or night throughout the seasons. They are so beautiful and can be dressed up and down plus really support the foot for those not so confident in heels- as they have a double ankle strap and blocketto heel. They are one of my favourites – as well as the ESMERALDA 105 in gold!

So, when you are designing shoes and colours to add to your collection, do you go for popular trends, customer requests, personal favourites or a mixture of all 3?

It is a mixture although a lot of the time it depends on the artwork as that often dictates which colours will make the artwork pop. But I also choose colours based on seasonless collections and what I think will look striking on most women. Gold always features in my collectionsā€¦.

The Hummingbird is the emblem of your brand,Ā your shoes are named after themĀ andĀ theyĀ feature on the sole of every shoe. Ā Why did you choose the Hummingbird as your brand emblem? Ā 

Because it represents beauty, freedom and determination. The smallest of all birds yet mighty and the only one that can fly backwards ā€“ so, also unique. It sitsĀ lookingĀ pretty on every sole and is visible when walking.

As you are based in the UK, are your items available to purchase overseas?

I am based in the UK and the shoes are available to buy online via the website, Laura See London. We do ship overseas. UK delivery is within 2 days butĀ itĀ takes longer forĀ deliveryĀ anywhere outside the UK.

Congratulations on your ā€œHonourable mentionā€ in the 2021 Global Footwear Awards for Sustainability. You also have a zero plastics policy. How does your brand strive to ensure sustainability?

WeĀ never real exotic skins, only amazing imitations. I always try to choose leather that already exists in stock so as to not produce more leather.Ā We only create small quantities to reduce our manufacturing impact.Ā Also our shoes areĀ made to last,Ā investment piecesĀ so wonā€™tĀ end up in landfill. The packaging we use is eco-friendly and supplied from a company that supports the Noissue “plant a tree programme”.

Hypothetically speaking, if you could pick any woman (dead or alive) to represent the ā€œFaceā€ of your brand, who would you pick and why?

I would pick Emma Stone. She is very cool, versatile and genuine. I could see her in a sharp suit with some gorgeously coloured Laura See London shoes.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing

Stellula, Esmeralda and Rufous. They suit most occasions and outfits and come in gorgeous colours.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites? (Apart from your own)

I love REISS AND ALL SAINTS but I also love Kat Maconie and Aquazzura

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

I want to create a collection focused on texture and blurring the lines with masculine and feminine dressing.

Boots or Shoes?

This depends, I do love boots but IĀ alsoĀ like shoes that can be worn with chunky socks/tights and jeansĀ and canĀ dress up or down any look.

Photography: www.themakers.co.uk For Pinning Later

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can find out more about Laura See London

Website : Ā www.lauraseelondon.com

Instagram:Ā @lauraseelondon

Thank you Laura for introducing your delightful shoes to us!

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Laura See.

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How To Take Photos Of Shoes To Sell

This week I have a guest post from the lovely Susannah Davda, The Shoe Consultant. How many of us try to sell shoes on Ebay and other selling sites? The secret is to photograph your shoes in a way that would make your shoes stand out to a buyer. So, along with photographer Rhian Cox, Susannah has given us simple steps to try. Over to you Susannahā€¦

Do you ever open your wardrobe and look sadly at all the shoes you havenā€™t worn in years? Particularly those heels you feel are just too high? You have three options for dealing with your shoe stash:

1. Leave them where they are, unworn and unloved, collecting more dust.

2. Give them all away to friends, relatives or the charity shop

3. Sell them 

If you have never sold shoes online, the third option may seem daunting. Luckily, sites like eBay, Depop and Vinted make the process easy. The only part of selling shoes that takes a little more thought is photographing them.

Taking good photos of shoes may not be as simple as pointing and clicking with your phone, but the bar is set low on resale sites. You will find thousands of badly shot photos of shoes when you browse eBay and the other apps and websites. Making your shoe photos better than average will help your listings stand out so you sell your shoes more quickly.

These are my three tips for photographing your preloved shoes:

1. Shoot shoes on a table

It is really difficult to get a good shot while trying to take a picture of shoes on the ground. It can be difficult to get your phone or camera low enough, even if you are lying on the floor. 

To improve your results, place your shoes on a table. You can easily use Canva Pro or another programme to take out the background from your shoe photo if you don’t like the way your table looks. This will leave the shoe on a clean, professional-looking white background.

The two situations in which the floor rule does not apply are when you are taking an overhead shot of a shoe’s top or when you are taking flat lay photos of various objects or props. 

2. Donā€™t use one light

If you have attempted to take pictures of shoes using only one light source, you may have noticed unwanted shadows in your shots. Additionally, you may have found that certain details of the shoe were clearly visible while others were not. Ring lights are suitable for capturing photos and videos of faces, but they are not ideal for photographing shoes.

To prevent the loss of detail and eliminate shadows, it is recommended to use two lights to illuminate the shoe. These lights should ideally have the same brightness. They can be professional photography lights or even two bedside lamps if that is what you have available.

Position the lights slightly in front of the shoe, one on each side, pointing diagonally towards the shoe. Ensure that the lights are equidistant from the shoe, and measure if necessary. You will be surprised by how each light cancels out the shadow created by the other.

3. Phone works fine

Phone cameras have significantly improved, making them suitable for shoe photography. Try the tips and guides in my complete How to Photograph Shoes to Sell online course before buying more advanced equipment. Later on when you want more control over your shoe images, consider investing in a digital camera like a DSLR for adjustable settings and lens options.

BUYING SHOES ONLINE

If instead of selling your own shoes, you would like to know what to look for when buying preloved shoes online, here are my three top tips:

1. Look closely at photos of the sole or bottom of the shoes. This will show the level of wear. Check to see whether one side of the soles and heels has been worn away more than the other. If this is the case, you will need to replace the soles which may not be possible or cost effective.

2. Avoid shoes with deep creases. These are usually across the front of the shoes where the base of the toes flex. Creasing may not look great, and it can also be uncomfortable, especially if your toes flex at a slightly different point than the original wearerā€™s.

3. Leather is better. Leather uppers of preloved shoes can often be cleaned and polished to look new or nearly new. This is far harder to achieve with textile or synthetic faux leather shoes. 

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Who Are Susannah Davda and Rhian Cox?

Rhian Cox has been a professional photographer since 2006. The first shoe brand she photographed in 2015 was a luxury label requiring a high level of precision. Since then, she has photographed footwear for at least 10 other brands.

Susannah Davda has been working in the shoe industry since 1998, and helping people to start shoe brands since 2015.  Susannah believes that good shoe photography is the most important element of selling shoes online.

www.shoeconsultant.com                        

A big thank you to Susannah for some valuable tips! All photographs have been published with kind permission of Rhian Cox (apart from the Pinterest photo which was taken by me! )

Linda x

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All About The Espadrille

The Espadrille. The ultimate summer shoe – unisex, flat, wedge, with or without ties. The espadrille first ā€œemergedā€ in the Basque & Catalan regions of Northern Spain/Southern France. In 14th century Spain, espadrilles were not fashion items but workwear worn by soldiers and peasants alike because they were cheap and practical. The Basque & Catalan rebel fighters habitually wore espadrilles because they were cheaper than leather army boots, easy to replace and forgiving on hot terrain. Espadrilles became the a symbol of the Spanish Civil War (1936 – 1939) when pictures emerged of Catalan rebels marching nagainst General Francoā€™s armies wearing espadrilles on their feet.

Whilst the Spanish Civil War was going on, over the Spanish border in the French Catalan region, the village of St Laurent de Cerdans embraced the Catalan espadrille and developed the traditional craft into a flourishing industry which has given families in the entire valley a livelihood for 100 years. In the 1960s production went into decline – caused mainly by cheaper, foreign imports. From 15 factories in the 1930s , there is only 1 factory today – ā€œCreation Catalaneā€. Creation Catalane was created in February 2008 in a former espadrille factory, producing hand made espadrilles in a traditional way – with the French flag on the back to differentiate the espadrilles from those being made over the border in Spain.

By the end of the Spanish Civil War, the humble espadrille was getting international attention. Artist Salvador Dali played up his Catalan roots by wearing laced up espadrilles with red socks and a skull cap. Hollywood movie goddesses wore them: Rita Hayworth in ā€œThe Lady From Shanghaiā€ in 1947 and Lauren Bacall in ā€œKey Largoā€ in 1948. In the 1970s, Yves Saint Laurent happened to meet traditional Spanish espadrille maker, Castaer, at a trade fair and asked him if he would consider making an espadrille in a different shape ā€¦ and the wedge heeled espadrille was born.

In Spain, like in St Laurent de Cerdans, traditional espadrille makers are few – the most famous are Castaer and Naguisa, based in Barcelona. In Spain, a store that sells traditionally handmade espadrilles is called ā€œAlpargateriaā€ . Today, the majority of the worldā€™s espadrilles are now mass-produced in Bangladesh.

The word ā€œespadrilleā€ derives from ā€œespartoā€, the Mediterranean grass traditionally used to make the braided sole. Each part of the espadrille was traditionally made by a different artisan:

  • Flax Uppers ( now cotton canvas – each Catalan region has its own fabric pattern)
  • Wearing and pressing on the rope soles
  • Assembly the shoe with decorative stitches
  • Sealing soles with pitch (replaced nowadays with rubber)
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Espadrilles are ideal as summer footwear. Recommended to be worn without socks – the espadrille is made with natural fibres that absorb humidity and allow the foot to breathe. If you do happen to get the shoes wet, leave them to thoroughly dry out for 5 – 7 days until the rope is thoroughly dry and then they will be good to go. You can wash your espadrilles, preferably by hand using a soft brush and natural soap. If you do want to machine wash them, a cold wash is preferable but whatever method you use, let the shoes dry naturally- donā€™t tumble dry. When you first get your espadrilles, they should be a tight fit as they naturally mould to your foot. Thatā€™s what I love about espadrilles – having a narrow foot I find that they keep moulded to my foot shape and donā€™t slip off! My pink espadrilles below have been washed in the sea numerous times and are almost 10 years old ā€¦. and they still maintain their shape.

If you would like to check out traditional Catalan espadrilles – there is an English version :

www.espadrille-catalane.com

Linda x

All photographs are by Linda Hobden.

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Spotlight On Feet

Do you know the importance of correct posture? Do you know the impact that slippers can make on our joints and muscles? Have you been wearing the right kind of footwear when working from home? Are your feet causing you pain? My guest, Christophe Champs, knows everything there is to know about feet and footwear. He is a consultant in biomechanics as well as founder of the PODO clinic in London. His expertise has taken him around the world from Paris to Toronto, Dubai to The Maldives, Monaco to London. Hi Christophe and welcomeā€¦

My name is Christophe Champs and my ā€˜thingā€™ is to make peopleā€™s bodies work better. I shaped my professional career following a poor medical experience that made me dream about a clinic / workshop like PODO. Since the opening of the place in central London in April 2021, I have been living the dream!

You work with clients to help correct their postural & bio mechanical issues that are causing them pain or putting them at risk of injury. So what is the importance of correcting your posture?

Posture is everything and, I believe, today back and neck pain are everywhere. Having a strong foundation with an upright posture is an easy way to improve our quality of life. 

At PODO we discuss your three postures; standing, sitting and even your sleeping one, as we consider orthotics to be only one piece of the puzzle. Patients are often surprised to discover how beneficial custom orthotics can be for back and neck pain.

Some people walk around the house barefooted, others prefer wearing slippers. What is best for your feet? 

The answer will depend on 2 factors:

ā€¢ Your physical attributes, such as your flexibility, fat pad atrophyā€¦

ā€¢ What you do barefoot or in slippers and how much time you spend in those.

Health is about balance. Balance well the time when you need shoes and support with the time you need to be barefoot to let your foot muscles work and your skin and nails breath.

Slippers are practical but have no positive effect for your health and well-being. 

If you spend 10 hours a day with shoes on at work and donā€™t have any body-pain when you are barefoot, then spend your evening barefoot. 

I do it myself every evening and wear orthotics all day long.

Your clinic, PODO, provides customised orthotics – what is the procedure and what materials do you use?

At PODO I use a step-by-step procedure. The clinic has been designed to take the patient ona journey and spend 90 minutes on his or her body.

We start with an interview to identify the goal of the visit. Then we move onto the Podobaroscop, where I look at the entire body through some static tests, then the examination table for multiple, hands-on checks on the patient. Finally comes the gait analysis to look at the dynamics – or how the body moves and compensates.

Following the consultation, the patient journey continues in the workshop area. As every body is asymmetrical, both feet are treated independently. 

We use two footprints on our Podograph for me to prepare all the material needed. Then we create two different foot moulds thanks to our Podolab.

Each layer of the orthotics is warmed up to become mouldable and placed on each foot mould with the patient foot on topā€¦ Because the best template of your foot really is yourfoot! I do not to use any foot casts or send anything away to factories for anyone else to make my patients orthotics. The moulding stage is actually the patientā€™s favourite part. Which makes sense. After all, who doesnā€™t like to have warm feet? 

Following the moulding of every layer, I glue them all together and trim the orthotics in front of the patient. I find having the patient involved in the process very beneficial to the treatment plan. On one hand it allows me to craft orthotics which are very snug and accurate and, on the other, it gives more time for the patients to share and learn more about their condition.

Who are the typical candidates that you would recommend for PODO orthotics?

Iā€™d say that if you have pain which increases when you stand for long periods or when you increase your level of activity (exercise), then you must have someone looking at how your body works and what is causing the pain or discomfort. I am ensuring that PODO doesnā€™t become too specialised, in order to keep a diversity in patientsā€™ stories. All patients are interesting and challenging when it comes to Biomechanics and I am delighted to see every age, discipline and level throughout the course of each week. 

You offer 2 types of orthotics length – short & long.  What are differences between the two?

The size! Just kidding of course. 

A short set of orthotics allows the patient to wear them in dressy shoes with not much volume available. Actually, it often happens with a short set of orthotics that patients go down a shoe size when adding the orthotics into their shoes! This is simply because the forefoot stops spreading and patients realise that they have been wearing shoes that are too big because of their foot type, rather than the actual size of their foot.

Full length orthotics will replace the existing insole of the shoes. Itā€™s straightforward when you can replace them in all your shoes. They are also covered with a soft padding, which the patients appreciate.

There is not one set better than the other. When going for a spare set I would alwaysrecommend having one of each. You do not need it for the treatment to work but it is practical and always a pleasure to have the choice.

Ā You have been a consultant in biomechanics for many years and your experience & expertise has taken you around the world from Paris to Toronto, Dubai, The Maldives, Monaco and sinceĀ 2016, LondonĀ – have you always wanted to work with feet or did your career aspirations lie elsewhere?

Orthotics changed my life at the age of 14. I literally planned every career move and work experience abroad around my purpose. I could have keep playing rugby, but I quickly understood that having a purpose at such a young age was a blessing. No time wasted, more time to travel and learn, getting better and better without ever settling into any comfort zone. Working with different cultures is really something Iā€™d recommend to any young professional, as it makes our future choice wiser.

What are the biggest mistakes people make when buying footwear? What are your recommendations?

Not trying both shoes on ā€“ and buying online. 

A number doesnā€™t fit your foot and you wonā€™t always be the same shoe size. There are so many reasons to require a different shoe size from one purchase to another. Take your time to try your shoes with the socks you intend to wear and towards the end of the day. 

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

I am not a shoe collector but then I donā€™t wear dressy shoes. I like my Nike Zoom Vomeroand lots of blue navy casual trainers with white soles and no logo. Many brands make thatkind of shoe and I change brand regularly so as not to get bored and to check them out too.But never change the colour. I like blue, itā€™s my feel-good colour and I always have some blue on me. Quite ridiculous to be honest!

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites ?

I wish I had but I struggle as much as my patients in front of those good-looking new trends that donā€™t tick my boxes – and with the absence of consistency in shoe making with most big brands. There are still some stores I recommend a lot such as ECCO, TODS and RM WILLIAMS, depending on your budget and the type of shoes you want.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

A pair of customised RM Williams – navy blue of course!

Boots or Shoes?

Donā€™t choose, take both! 

Laced up boots are good for your ankle when you wear them. However, over time as the muscles surrounding your ankle will work less, their reactivity on uneven terrain is reduced and they become less protective against ankle sprain. Fashion-wise, I find boots great to look casual and feel relaxed!

For Pinning Later

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

Web: www.podo.london

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podo.london/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podo.london/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodoLondon

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCss43g6-7mcNBwrRnf1zKlw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophe-champs-podo/

Thank you for joining me on the blog Christoph – I really love the fact that you have a ā€feel goodā€ colour! I love navy blue too but red is my colour I think šŸ˜Š

Linda x

All photographs have been published with kind permission of Christophe Champs (PODO Clinic) apart from the Header & Pinterest pic which are by Linda Hobden.

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An Interview With Glezant

Iā€™m investigating unusual and fun gadgets for the home this week with my guest Antonina Glezer of Glezant, an analytical chemist turned designer. Antonina has always had a passion for interior design and her products are fun yet practical. I caught up with Antonina recently to find out more..Hi Antonina!

Hello, Iā€™m Antonina. I was born and educated in Moscow.Ā I studied at Moscow Institute of Fine Chemical Technology and later I worked at various Moscow research institutes.Ā I changed my professional activity from lip-gloss development to chromatography at the Institute of Organic Chemistry. Then IĀ flew on an airplane – lab over different regions researching air pollution.

Since 1991 I`ve lived in Israel.Ā For over 25 years I worked as an analytical chemist for a university and for a pharmaceutical company.Ā When my children have grown older and I got tired of chemistry I have decided to go ahead and start studying something which was a passion of mine all along.Ā First I have completed courses of interior design, then project management and, finally, I have graduated from the Holon Institute of Technology majoring in design of industrial products.Ā Now I can afford myself to work at what always has been a hobby of mine – design.

I specialize in the creation of products from industrialĀ leftovers. I use natural materials and also recycle them.

I could not calmly watch how the veneer of valuable wood species was thrown away. Using my knowledge of chemistry, I created a new veneer-based material. Later I used it to create fun wall stickers for my design items. I create unusual and fun gadgets for home decor and storage. In my work, I use a combination of handicraft and high-tech technologies such as laser cutting.

I have been selling since 2012. During this time I’ve made over 2,500 sales across stores like Dawanda, A Little Market, GLEZANTdesign on Etsy and AntGl on Etsy.

What inspired you to launch Glezant?

My disappointment with the new policy on the Etsy marketplace and a heightened sense of justice, desire for even greater freedom and independence.

You have designed a range of home items, accessories and utensils – what are your most popular products?

Oddly enough, my very first product that I made as soon as I finished my studies as an industrial product designer. This is Shelf-Sheep for wall decoration and toilet paper storage. My blog has this story and you can take it in whole or in part.

Have you got a favourite product out of everything you have designed?

This is the Sheep and her relatives again. It is also popular among those who use other people’s ideas. Long ago there were Sheep made of metal, standing on the floor and hanging on the wall, as well as all sorts of other animals and birds. I also love my Owl. It appeared much later, but it`s way to the market was more difficult. At some point, I even had to take her off the market until I found a more suitable material for her head. A lot of imitations of it also appeared.

When designing products to add to your collection, do you consider current trends, product usefulness, customer requests, your own ideas or bits of all those?Ā 

You know, I tried to ask my acquaintances about their needs for household goods. But nothing interesting came out of this. I am rather inspired by the interesting source of material I find, the desire to give it a new life. After all, if I see in it an opportunity for a new life, then it is very difficult to accept that it will be thrown away. It could even be a new product made by a bad designer out of a good material. So I made a dress and a handbag out of a sweater too overloaded with details. Unfortunately, my sizes quickly went beyond the dress and I did not use it, but I still hope that this set will find it`s mistress among thin girls. Maybe someone will fall in love with it and this kit will start a new life..

Have you any other new products in the pipeline to add to your range for 2021/2022?

Yes of course. But I don’t have enough time to finish it to the final stage. And prematurely showing the model is leading to plagiarism.

Have you always been interested in designing gadgets or did your career aspirations lie elsewhere?Ā 

As far as I remember, I always sewed and altered something for myself. In my student years (and I studied to be a synthetic chemist) I made an original hat from my mother’s unnecessary wide woolen scarf with a fashionable at this time round bolster around the face and a “ponytail” with a knot on the crown. Or made fashionable beads from rattles for babies (rattles made of good plastic were already available, and there were no beads made of large bright balls yet). But to create a new veneer-based material, then develop a product, and also figure out how to package it for mailing – this is only after studying at the College of Technology.

As you are based in Israel, are your products available to purchase worldwide?Ā 

Thanks to the internet, of course. My customers are mainly from Europe from Poland to Portugal, Scandinavia and English-speaking countries and continents. The Israelis also buy sometimes, even the Russians buy, but less often than the Japanese. And it’s not just the cost of goods, but different ideas about beauty. My products feel like a stranger amid the predominance of Byzantine taste.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

I understand that my answer most likely will not find understanding among your readers, but the truth is more important to me. I rarely buy in brand stores. I mainly buy from second hand stores. And, as a rule, I compose something of my own on the basis of these things. Then for a long time I can not part with the item that I fell in love with, I redo, modernize. I reassure myself with lines from Akhmatova: “If only you knew from what rubbish poetry grows without knowing shame.”

Ā Do you have any favourite shops or online sites? (

I am a bad customer, I do not like to waste time shopping even on the Internet. Except when I am abroad, there is a hope to see something unusual. I love boho clothes, but in the past as a chemist I couldn’t afford to be a black sheep. Now I am a pensioner, but again restrictions – I move around my town on a bicycle, and skirts and dresses are bored in the closet and hope for something else.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

It is not a problem to find clothes. Rather a way of life Ā that makes it possible to wear things which express your nature and embellish you.

Boots or Shoes?

Neither one nor the other, but sandals, we mostly have hot weather.

For Pinning Later

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can find out more about Glezant

https://www.pinterest.com/anglexclusive/pins/

glezant.com

I love your attitude around clothes, Antonina! Thank you so for chatting to me about your fun products, your work history and your motivations!

Linda x

All photographs have been published with kind permission of Glezant (Antonina Glezer)

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An Interview With Maggio

Heels, oh wonderful heels ā€¦ itā€™s been a while but this week Iā€™m featuring footwear in the form of Italian stiletto brand, MAGGIO. Inspired by Greece, made in Italy, worn by women worldwide with a passion for high heels. I caught up with founder and designer Marianna to find out more about her stiletto passion ā€¦. Hi Marianna!


Hello! Iā€™m Marianna.

Age 36

I will wear high heels everywhere and always. I canā€™t concentrate and be feminine in flatsšŸ˜Š

My favourite colour is Fuchsia and the blue of Greece.

I only drink something bubbly!

Married to Bobby Gogios and mother of baby girl born September 2020.

Moved from Athens to Denmark at a young age.

What inspired the setting up of  your luxury heel brand ā€œMaggioā€?      

I studied commerce management specializing in sales and sales management and went on to work in the travel industry in sales and marketing. This was followed by working as a Team Leader in the sales team at a software company and in 2019 I realized my dream of becoming a shoe designer and Maggio was born. 

I have always dreamt of having my own fashion brand, particularly a stiletto brand. I was so fascinated by the craftmanship involved that I used to run around at my parentā€™s friendā€™s shoe-factory fascinated and curious. I was always looking at all the shoes and dreaming that one day I would create my own shoe brand for women that want to stand out and feel empowered enough to show their inner goddess. Maggio is affordable luxury inspired by Greece handmade in Italy.

For me when a pair of heels are made it’s amazing to see all the personal touches and passion that goes into the shoes. Itā€™s fascinating to see all the pieces that are put together to become a special pair of beautiful heels.

Iā€™m interested in the origins of brand names – so how did you come up with ā€œMaggioā€?  Were there other names you considered?

Well, I was at a lovely beach on a Greek Island with my little notebook writing names down and sort of play with the combination of letters of my first name and family name. Suddenly I came up with Maggio and thought it sounded good. It was short and easy to remember. Yes I considered writing my full name but itā€™s so long and hard to spell šŸ˜Š

I also considerer BYMK but that was too close to another brand.

Your aim is to have every woman feel feminine and powerful as soon as they wear heels by Maggio. What style/colour heels are most popular amongst your customers?

Itā€™s actually a good but difficult question because in general they have difficult choosing the colours but I would say that the pink Astraea, Green Hemera and Blue Eudora are popular at the moment

Out of all your collection, do you have any favourites?

I love them all but my favourite at the moment is the new Astrea in Pink.

As you are based in Denmark, are your products available to purchase overseas? 

Yes we ship worldwide

When designing heels to add to your collection, do you take into account your own tastes, your customer base, requests, traditional styles, current trends or bits of all those?

In general, Iā€™m mainly focused on my vision of each shoe. Everything else comes second. However, I do have a vision board where I pin different fabrics, accessories and clipping from fashion magazines to see the trends in Europe. I get my inspiration from Greece, especially the colours that are so unique and that is something you remember.

How long on average to make a pair of heels from scratch?

It takes 30 different components to produce a high heel. That is why it takes time and is very complex to design and produce a high heeled shoe. It takes around 3 months for Maggio shoes to be made passing through a lot of people and collaborators.

A couple of hypothetical questions now!  Firstly, if you could go anywhere in the world for inspiration to create a new collection, where would you go and why?

I would go to Greece to sit by the sea (my favourite place) The colours and its beauty is something unique and something you will not find anywhere in the world.

Secondly, which famous lady would you pick to be the ā€œFaceā€ Of Maggio and why?

I would pick Gal Gadot- she is feminine, has natural beauty and is a true power woman.

She participated at Miss Universe, studied law and was in the army and has both beauty and brains. I just love her in Wonder Woman.

Growing up, did you always want to be a shoe designer or did your career aspirations lie elsewhere?

Yes, I was so fascinated with the craftsmanship and to see the transformation on have women feel and look when the wear the right pair of heels. But it took me some time to gather the courage to follow my dream.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

Iā€™m all about colour and it is important for me that the look is feminine and preferably glamorous. I love dresses and slim fit pants. Always with a pair of high heels, of course.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites? (Apart from your own!)

I really like yoox.com as my favourite shop online. There are a variety of brands that gives inspiration and the service is great.


What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

On my wish list next when it comes to clothes, I want colorful summer dress both casual and party to dress up (hopefully in Greece) with my Maggio stilettos.

Boots or Shoes?

High heels always. I think itā€™s so feminine that the ankles and the lower legs are showing. It gives a sexy look and your leg looks taller – especially when wearing a skirt or a dress.

For Pinning Later


Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can find out more about Maggio 

https://bymaggio.com/

https://www.facebook.com/maggioshoes

IG : @bymaggio 

Thank you for joining me on the blog Marianna and showcasing your delectable heels! Love the bold striking colours and the glam look!

Linda x

All photographs have been published with kind permission of MAGGIO.

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An Interview With gtGDollwear

As a young girl I loved playing with my Barbies and Sindy Dolls – my father made suitcases for a living and had made me a vanity case which I filled with dolls clothes. I was never interested in the bigger baby dolls. Maybe it was the fashions that attracted me, I donā€™t know. My love of dolls hasnā€™t faded – and it was with great excitement that I was able to interview the delightful Dasha who, in my eyes has a dream job, as a fashion designer designing luxury doll clothing. Hi Dasha!

Hi, I am Dasha. And I think I have a dream job ā€“ I am a fashion designer and a founder of luxury doll clothing brand gtGdollwear ā€“ so effectively I spend all my time living my childhood dream – playing with the dolls šŸ˜Š

What inspired the setting up of your luxury brand ā€œgtGdollwearā€?

I have been working in the City for a number of years, but I always felt I was missing something. At some point I started to feel that I needed to find my true calling. It was a long journeyā€¦.

Through hours of Bible reading, repentance and spending time with God, I knew I would be able to discover my true calling, my talents ā€“ my ā€œwellsā€ in the desert of life, which would give me freedom, wealth and independence. 

I was particularly touched by the story of Abraham in Genesis: the wells he dug in the desert were a real blessing for him, but they were filled with earth by Philistines and his son Isaac had to work hard to clear them. This is a perfect analogy with our human life: we are born with talents, but sin made us bury our talents. We are afraid to acknowledge that there is a perfect plan for our life in Jesus. Instead we are giving the devil the ground that belongs to us.

One day I took my seven-year-old son to a birthday party for one of my friendā€™s daughters. There were Barbie dolls everywhere! The minute I saw a big box of barbies, I realised my prayers were answered as I remembered how much I enjoyed making dresses for dolls.

Iā€™m interested in the origins of brand names – so what does GTG stand for?

Can you guess now? It means Glory to God. I am ever so grateful to Him for saving me!

As a young girl I had many Barbie/Sindy dolls and cases full of dolls clothes and accessories – my love of dolls hasnā€™t wained , I realised that fact whilst looking at the range of doll clothing on your website.  I love every set in your collection and the miniature bags are just adorable. What sets are most popular amongst your customers?

Thank you! You might be surprised to know that my customers are adult doll collectors. And they love everything! They love to see new things coming in my online store. I recently launched a sleepwear ā€“ tiny cute satin and lace pyjamas and nighties, with eye masks and gowns and those were sold out so quickly. I have none left in pink! I guess in lockdown loads of doll collectors are living their life through dolls and pyjamas are a big hit!

Out of all your collection, do you have any favourites?

My favourite is Chanel inspired suit made of boucle fabric which is very challenging to work with as it frays into ribbons when cut. But the finished outfit was fabulous. As a general rule of thumb ā€“ the harder it is ā€“ the more satisfaction I get from the final result. The details that go into creating my outfits are insane, everything is so miniature!


As you are based in London, are your products available to purchase overseas? 

Yes, I am based in South London, but gtGdollwear is an online destination that serves clients worldwide. I love to look at the map to track the geography of my clients ā€“ Hawaii, Australia, Japan, Europe. Itā€™s mind blowing to realise that there are so many places I have never visited but my designs made their way to those destinations.

When designing dolls wear  to add to your collections, do you take into account your own tastes, your customer base, requests, traditional styles, current trends, runway items or bits of all those?

Itā€™s a bit of all those but most of all is what I would wear myself. So, I am not surprise when 90% of my clients keep saying to me: ā€œIā€™d wear that!ā€. And of course I am very tuned into my customers feedback, I just want to solve their doll wardrobe dilemmas!

How long on average does it take to make a set from scratch?

ItĀ dependsĀ on a number of items in the set, but on average about a week as I do like to take my time. In my previous job in the City I used to work to very tight deadlines, so I just feel so blessed being able to set my paceĀ now. My moto is ā€œluxury in every stitchā€ and I take time to deliver that to my customers.

Do you take on bespoke requests?  If so, what was the most unusual or extravagant request? 

No, you see I am not a seamstress, so I would be unable to work on a request basis. When I design I rarely know what would be the final result, I make decisions along the way ā€“ my friends call me ā€œa raw talentā€ šŸ˜€ So my customers are only those who love my creations!

If you could go anywhere in the world for inspiration to create a new collection, where would you go and why?

Iā€™d go back to Paris to see my family but this time I would just sit in the cafĆ© in the street and watch Parisians walking by (preferably without their face masks).

Growing up, did you always want to be a fashion designer or did your career aspirations lie elsewhere?

When I was a little girl, my friends played with their dolls ā€“ but I much preferred making clothes for my dolls. However, for some reason I thought that you need to be an artist to be able to draw your designs on paper ā€“ a huge misconception! My parents encouraged me to find a career that was more practical. I have two degrees, one Master of Arts but I somehow managed to work in finance for the majority of my career, which was a great experience that helps me with my business now.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

Ha ha ā€“ now when we are restricted by lockdown it is mostly UGG slippers šŸ˜ŠI am a jeans and trainers girl ā€“ a comfy pair of skinny GAP jeans and my favourite Armani trainers is all I need to get me out of the house!

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites? (Apart from your own!) 

Yeah, I wish someone could make a human size of gtGdollwear

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

Oh, I have accumulated so much that my next thing on the to do list is actually to get rid of some stuff!

Boots or Shoes? 

 Trainers!

For Pinning Later



Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can find out more about gtGdollwear

Instagram and facebook @gtGdollwear

Website: http://www.gtGdollwear.com

Are not the mini fashions simply gorgeous? Thank you Dasha for letting me see a glimpse of your dream job !

Linda x

All photographs have been published with kind permission of gtGdollwear.

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An Interview With Author Neill McKee

Iā€™m really excited to be able to interview author Neill McKee as part of his ā€œGuns + Gods Book Tourā€. Many people are fascinated with their family trees and their ancestral routes – and author Neill McKee is no different apart from the fact that he has made his ancestral research into a fascinating 15,000 mile road adventure! I found his memoir ā€œGuns And Gods In My Genesā€ entertaining and I really looked forward to chatting to Neill further. But, before that, here is the official resumĆ© of the book:

Book Summary

Neill McKee, author of the award-winning travel memoir Finding Myself in Borneo, takes the reader through 400 years and 15,000 miles of an on-the-road adventure, discovering stories of his Scots-Irish ancestors in Canada, while uncovering their attitudes towards religion and guns. 

His adventure turns south and west as he follows the trail of his maternal grandfather, a Canadian preacher who married an American woman in Wisconsin, and braved the American Wild West from 1904 to 1907, finding a two-story brothel across from one of his churches and a sheriff who owned a saloon and dance hall, while carrying a gun with 20 notches, one for each man he had killed. 

Much to his surprise, McKee finds his American ancestors were involved in every major conflict on North American soil: the Civil War, the American Revolution, and the French and Indian War. In the last chapters, McKee discovers and documents his Pilgrim ancestors who arrived on the Mayflower, landing at Plymouth in 1620, and their Puritan descendants who fought in the early Indian Wars of New England. 

With the help of professional genealogical research, he tracks down and tells the stories of the heroes, villains, rascals, as well as, the godly and ordinary folk in his genes, discovering many facts and exposing myths. He also lets readers in on a personal struggle: whether to apply for Canadian-United States dual citizenship or remain only a Canadian.

Print Length: 352 Pages

Genre: Historical Travel Memoir

ISBN-13: 9781732945739

THE INTERVIEW

Hi Neill and a warm welcome onto my blog!

Hello, I am Neill, a creative nonfiction writer based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree, from the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada and a Master’s Degree in Communication from Florida State University. I worked internationally for 45 years, becoming an expert in the field of communication for social change. I directed and produced a number of award-winning documentary films/videos and multimedia initiatives, such as the Meena Communication Initiative for the empowerment of young girls in South Asia, that I started when I was with UNICEF in Bangladesh, and the Sara Communication Initiative for the adolescent girl in Africa, that I launched while with UNICEF in Eastern and Southern Africa. You can see some of these entertaining story-based creations on my YouTube account: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk3WKK72kYsUNAJSZJmm7sA/videos?view=0&sort=p&flow=grid

In total, I worked and lived in Malaysia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Uganda, and Russia for 18 years and traveled from Canada and the US to over 80 countries on short-term assignments. In 2015, I settled in New Mexico, using my varied experiences, memories, and imagination in creative writing.

Who or what inspired you to write ā€œGuns and Gods in My Genesā€? 

At the end of 2012, when I retired from my 45-year career, I knew I didnā€™t want to do consulting in my field, as many of my former colleagues have done after retirement. During my career, I had always lacked the time to properly write the stories of my adventures in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and more recently Russia. I began by writing Finding Myself in Borneo https://www.neillmckeeauthor.com/finding-myself-in-borneo, the story of my first job after university. It has won three awards and gained over 25 five-star reviews.

During 2013-15, I visited my aging mother in Ontario, Canada, traveling from our homeat the time in Maryland, USA. I began research on my ancestors then, going through some of the files my late father had gathered. He came from a farm-based oral story tradition and was always interested in family history, but he never had the time nor the skills to do much research or writing. I discovered the beginnings of some interesting stories in his old files and began to reach out to cousins, one living uncle, and three remaining aunts. I found many leads on both sides of the family and began to interview family members in person, picking up more stories, photos, and records. Thatā€™s when I knew I had another book to write. Also, by getting my DNA tested on ancestry.com, I matched some distant cousins who had done the same, and who had additional stories, records, and photos. But I engaged professional genealogists to verify all the main ancestral links.

I really enjoyed reading your memoir, ā€œGuns and Gods in My Genesā€.  I loved reading about the lives of your ancestors! My ā€œfavouriteā€ ancestor of yours whose story made me smile and I could really envisage the scene, was your Canadian preacher maternal grandfather who braves the American Wild West, who had a 2 storey brothel opposite his church and his sheriff was someone who also owned a saloon and dance hall, whilst carrying around a gun with 20 notches, one for each man he killed.  Your grandfather must have been horrified! Were there any family ancestors/descendants that you particularly endeared yourself to?

Yes, indeed. My maternal grandma (Haskins) Neill married my grandfather, the guy you are talking about, in Cadott, Wisconsin in 1895. In the book I describe returning to the very church in which they were married, and meeting a very conservative preacher who I donā€™t think my grandfather would have agreed with ā€“ speculation on my part. Well, after braving the Wild West as far as Wyoming, in 1907 my grandfather, Rev. John Addison Neill, took his family back to the more peaceful Ontario, Canada, where he came from, and where gun control and law and order followed more of the original British model. After Grandpaā€™s death, Grandma Neill spent her last decade in our house, living with her youngest daughter, my mother, and our large family. Grandma Neill was a peaceful soul and very strong in her faith. She never passed judgment on anyone or interfered with our family life. She didnā€™t like guns and wouldnā€™t watch anything violent on TV, but didnā€™t prevent me from watching those old western movies. Thereā€™s more on her in another memoir on my childhood and youth coming later this year, probably titled Kid on the Go! My Life Before Borneo. I didnā€™t know until I started to investigate that she would connect me to so many people who lived, farmed, fought, prayed, and struggled through the history of America, going as far back as passengers on the Mayflower, who left Plymouth, England, and landed in what they named ā€œPlimothā€ on the coast of New England, in December 1620 ā€“ 400 years ago.

Looking up the family tree and background is an interest of mine also – my maternal grandad always told me that his side of the family were of Portuguese descent but my uncle, who has been looking up the family tree in some detail, discovered connections with Italy instead! During your 15,000 mile on-the-road adventure, did you uncover any myths? 

I found many stories on both my fatherā€™s side, the McKees, and my motherā€™s side, the Neills. I had choose those that were related to the theme I chose: guns and gods (i.e. religiosity.) However, if I just stuck with the lives of my male ancestry lineage, I donā€™t think I would have had much of a book. Tackling the more difficult job of researching female lineage led me to many great discoveries. Itā€™s not that I found any popular heroines, but by following the families who married into the Neill line, I discovered ancestors who fought in the Civil War, the American Revolution, the French and Indian War (the Seven Yearā€™s War in North America), and the first bloody conflicts between the Puritan settlers and Native Americans in New England. I also found some admirable ancestors who fought the growing fanaticism of the Puritans, and in the book I debunk many myths on the English Puritans who settled in New England. Few of them wore those black and white clothes we see in paintings, and they did not land on a rock. They were pretty militant and few of the original settlers were in favor of full separation from the Church of England. The first Thanksgiving was more like a three-day rowdy English country harvest festival with many games, beer drinking, and eating of venison, fish, and cornā€”most of it contributed by the Wampanoag Indians who outnumbered the English. The old paintings of the first Thanksgiving we are used to, with the English seated at a table, and Indians standing in the background, while all giving thanks to God, is inaccurate.  

Have you made up your mind about applying for dual citizenship yet? What made you feel that you needed to have a dual citizenship? 

Having both Canadian and American citizenship gives you the right to vote in both countries. I discovered through my 15,000-mile four-century search that I descend from some of the original American settlers, but not the Native Americans, whose land my ancestors stole. The pro-con debate about becoming an American citizen is a kind of tension with me as I undertake the discovery journey in my book. There is a decision in the last chapter, but I would rather not say. That would be classified as a ā€œspoilerā€ to those who have not read the book.

Growing up, did you envisage yourself as a writer or did you have other career aspirations?

Not at all. In fact, I was only average in reading and writing and read very few books, besides comics. It wasnā€™t until near the end of secondary school that I became interested in literature and writing. I was inspired by a great English teacher but didnā€™t know what I wanted to do while I was in university, so after graduating, I headed to Sabah, Malaysia (formerly British North Borneo) as a volunteer teacher. Thatā€™s where I made my first documentary film. I started writing more technical books and articles on development communication midway through my career, but never began writing creative nonfiction until I retired at the end of 2012. Iā€™m still in touch with my old English teacher who inspired me over 55 years ago and he gives me great reviews. 

Is ā€œGuns and Gods In My Genesā€ available to purchase worldwide?

Yes. Here is a link: https://www.neillmckeeauthor.com/buy-the-book-2

You have also lived and worked in Malaysia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Uganda and Russia. Plus you have travelled to over 80 countries on short term assignments. If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go and why?

Iā€™d like to say that I would return to Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia where I ā€œfound myself,ā€ but I finished that book. I am writing another memoir now on my international career as a filmmaker and multimedia producer and it would be good to travel to some of the places where I lived and worked. More realistically, given the Covid-19 restrictions right now, I will have to rely on old letters, trip reports, and hopefully get to a collection of about 45,000 photos I took, which are housed in a library in Ottawa. That should jog my memory enough, rather than jogging the old body more than required! 

You have now settled in New Mexico – what do you enjoy most about living in New Mexico? 

I find the sun, mountains, desert landscapes, and ethnic mix of people in New Mexico so interesting. In the last chapter of my book, I mention that itā€™s something I want to write about, as well. I think about that when I am walking one morning. Here are two paragraphs from that chapter: 

As I trudge along, I think of the historic land Iā€™ve moved to and long-ago conflicts among the original inhabitants: the many tribes and linguistic groups of the Pueblo, probably the oldest surviving human culture in North America; the Navajo and the Apacheā€”Athabaskans who migrated from the north about 1,300 years ago. Then, in the mid-1500s, Spanish settlers arriving after the explorer, Francisco VĆ”squez de Coronado, with muskets, cannons, and Catholic priests; followed by Latinos, a few French-Canadians, English-speaking white Americansā€”so-called ā€œAnglosā€ā€”some African-Americans, and more recently immigrants from just about everywhere. 

Iā€™m presently reading about all this: How the Anglos, who brought New Mexico a plethora of protestant churches, fought the Navajo and Apache in devasting wars. In the late 1800s, they also created or attracted many characters of Americaā€™s gunslinging pastā€”Billy the Kid, Pat Garret, Doc Holliday, Kit Carson, Jesse James, Bob Ford, Wyatt Earp, the Durango Kid, and Wild Bill Hickokā€”even Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane. These outlaws, killers, frontiersmen, freelance lawmen, sharp shooters, and bounty hunters, who sparked my childhood fascination with guns in the many movies and television shows I watched, had all been here. When I drive through the deserts, grasslands, and scrub forests of my new homeland, I can easily imagine them riding the range beside me. 

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Links you would like to shareĀ e.g.Ā website/facebookĀ etc

Authorā€™s website: www.neillmckeeauthor.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/neill-mckee-b9971b65/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/McKeeNeill/

Twitter: twitter.com/MckeeNeill

NBFS: www.northborneofrodotolkien.org J.R.R. Tolkien joined my society! (Another story in Finding Myself in Borneo.)

Thank you so much for the chat and the copy of your book ā€œGuns And Gods In My Genesā€ to review. I was so impressed with your memoir that I have already downloaded your first memoir, ā€œFinding Myself In Borneoā€!

Linda x

All photographs have been published with kind permission of Neill McKee.

March 15th @ My Writer Blog

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Review: Rydale Boots

DISCLAIMER ALERT: The boots have been supplied by Rydale for the purpose of this review however all opinions expressed are 100% mine.

September! The start of my favourite season of the year – Autumn. Living in the south east of England, I love the warm, sunny days and the cooler nights; I love the changing colours of the countryside; but I think my favourite reason of all is that it heralds the start of ā€œbootā€ season! I love my boots but I never feel comfortable wearing boots in summer – I do have an open toe heeled pair of boots but it isnā€™t the same. I like to wear my thick tights or socks with a pair of comfortable boots. So, I was so excited to receive a pair of uber cool suede chelsea style boots to review from outdoor country clothing and footwear company, Rydale.

Ladies Kirby II Heeled Suede Chelsea Boots in Brown/Plum

Rydale is a family company established in 1954 by John Nichols and now it is in the 3rd generation, still based in the heart of Yorkshire. John Nichols was inspired by a true passion for the country lifestyle and today Rydaleā€™s ranges of outdoor country clothing, footwear and accessories for men, women and children are truly impressive. Their website features traditional wax jackets, tweed coats, flat caps, jodhpurs, riding boots alongside skinny jeans and, my favourite, the Chelsea Boot. Rydale has invested heavily into waste management and recycling. To offset their small carbon footprint, Rydale have created a woodland and have so far planted over 10,000 trees. All Rydaleā€™s products are inspired and designed in Yorkshire – with an emphasis on quality, reliability and style…. so did the Chelsea Boots live up to the hype??

What a silly question! They were all that I hoped and more! Letā€™s look more closely at Rydaleā€™s claims…

  1. Quality. These boots are made of the finest soft suede leather fabric and the comfortable faux leather padded interior gave the boots an almost slipper feel. I took the boots for a day and night continuous ā€œroad testā€ – walking around villages and fields during the day and a restaurant meal in the evening. As the heel is only low, it came as no surprise that my feet didnā€™t ache. What really impressed me was that they felt like slippers and werenā€™t clunky or cumbersome; they didnā€™t rub my heel nor squashed my toes; and the boot has a slightly narrow fit which suits me as I have narrow feet and am forever slipping and sliding in standard/wider footwear. 10/10

2. Reliability. Obviously they are suede boots so not suitable for wearing in wet or snowy conditions. Rydale recommend cleaning with a suede protector spray. The boots have a rubber sole – I can only presume that they will be ok on an icy surface – but temperatures here are hovering around 25Ā°C at the moment it was hard to road test the slipability factor.

3. Style. These boots definitely have the style X factor! These boots are an updated version of the original Kirby boots – which are also pretty stylish – and the colourways on offer are pretty scrumptious. My pair are in brown/plum; the other colours in the Kirby II style are Dark Green/Plum and Navy/Plum. I do so love the contrasting elasticated panel – the Plum colour is so on trend this year. 10/10

WEAR WITH…..

I like to wear mine with skinny jeans – in denim of all colours. Rydale do a range of skinny jeans – ā€œPortiaā€ – in a variety of colours from navy denim to berry. I particularly liked the Chelsea boots with Rydaleā€™s dark brown jodhpurs – made a refreshing change from wearing them with traditional riding boots. Donā€™t be scared of pairing these boots with thick tights and a short tweed skirt; or embrace the current boho trend and wear with a long flowing 1970s style dress …. the possibilities are endless.

Like the boots?

Check out Rydaleā€™s website and feast your eyes on some lovely footwear and clothing. https://www.rydale.com

Delivery of items are quick and postage costs are pretty reasonable too – I especially appreciate the fast delivery option of 1-2 working days – I get impatient waiting for goods!! The good news for my international friends is that Rydale ship to a wide range of destinations in Europe, America and beyond.

For pinning later

Thank you Rydale for introducing me to your gorgeous footwear range! Iā€™m in love!!

Linda x

All photographs are by Linda Hobden.

Photos and Article copyright Ā© LindaHobden.

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