2013 in words and pictures

Another year bites the dust and hasn't it gone by in a flash? It always seems to fly by the older I get.  I thought I'd review my year, good and bad.  It's something to look back on if anything else.

January

I decided to take a beginners sewing course as it would be lovely to make my own clothes. It was harder than I thought it would be, as I'm the least creative person I know. During the 3 hour course I managed to take up the hem of a dressage and these funky slacks from Primark.

I also had the first of four tattoos done and it's one of my favourites.

 

The tv documentary I made for Channel 4 was aired which was uncomfortable viewing for an hour.
It was a great experience though, although I wouldn't do it again.

February

Spent a weekend in Brighton for their tattoo convention. It was much bigger and better than the year
before as the venue had changed from the race-course to the Hilton Hotel. Lucy-Lou from Angelic
Hell was working there so it was hard to resist getting inked by her.

Work in progress

March

This was the biggest month of the year.   Two
massive changes occurred.  I'd been unhappy in my

job for a while to the point it was making me ill. So on the day before I flew out to Viva I handed my notice in, knowing I had a new job to start once I got back from my trip. It was a lovely feeling I can tell
you. I'll never be unhappy at work
again. I'd rather be happy and earn less (I took a huuuge pay cut) than earn the big bucks and stress
over it.

I've not regretted it for a moment even though I've had to cut back on a few things.  Then the biggest life changing event happened to me when Andy, my boyfriend of 18 months proposed on Facebook.
I always have a tear in my eye when I think about that day.  He proposed the day before Viva started so it really kick started the fun times ahead.


My sister also celebrated her 40th birthday. Spent a
lovely but cold day on a River Thames River Cruise
with her, my other sister and mum.  It's rare these days that we are all together so it was a moment to savour.  A few weeks later we had a right royal knees up at her birthday party.  Seeing Andy do "Gangam Style" with my mum has to be a 2013 highlight!

April
I started my new job . Not regretted it for a moment.

May
A fairly quiet month. A blessing after a roller-coaster of a year so far.

June
My best friend's birthday. We went out for dinner then spent the morning freezing down The Mall watching the Trooping the Colour rehearsal.  It was also the Rockabilly Rave. I can't remember much about it which is a sign I had a good time!

July
The mercury was rising and I sweltered in the summer sun. Celebrated my birthday and went camping at the HotRod Hayride. Again another fun filled weekend and I think this photo captures this!  In all seriousness it was a bloody good laugh!

August

I spent a few days in the south of France visiting my dad. Was wonderful to eat lovely food, drink fabulous (and cheap) wine and laze around their pool. Aaaah bliss. I went with my best mate and my sister and her brood we're also visiting so it certainly wasn't quiet!

September

Another quiet month

October

Booked a 3 day break to Majorca as needed some late autumn sun. The day before I went I was struck down by the noro-virus. I'm still baffled as to how I made it there.  On the rare moments that I wasn't delirious with sickness, I did enjoy it. Also had a wardrobe clear out and sold most of it at the 1st Classic Car Boot Sale on the Southbank. 

November 

A quiet month. Having no money helps

December

Decided a night out was long overdue, and after getting a bargain deal on a hotel, I went to the Brighton Rumble.  Was good to have a good booze up mad hook up with friends, I also managed to get some wonderful injuries. Falling out of a pub will do that.

Apologies for lack of photographs towards the end of this blog, but the photo upload started to play up. Just my luck!

See you in 2014 xx

3.5 Months To Go...eek!

Greetings gals n pals

Christmas seems like a blur already, it feels like it didn't really happen.  Alas the weight gain is all too real and with just over 3.5 months to go I have an (albeit) small mountain to climb to transform from Henry Kelly into Grace Kelly!

The wedding invitations have been sent and the replies are starting to land on our doormat. Thanks to you all for the wonderful feedback. We spent a long time choosing the right design for us so we are pleased that you all approve.

A few weeks ago I hooked up with Vicky Leggett in the sumptuous surroundings of McDonald's on the A41 to discuss all things flowers.  Andy has given me free reign on this front so he stayed at home entertaining his daughters or watching Grandstand!  We looked at my Pinterest board and Vicky's knowledge on what flowers will be in season next April was a massive help.  I was cock-a-hoop when she offered to help me.  She's left me with the task to look at the chosen flowers in a florists just to get an idea of size and smell. We only spent about 10 minutes discussing this which meant more time for stuffing our faces and talking about her own marriage proposal!

The near year will start with as visit to Littlehampton to have a tasting session with our caterers along with a visit to the wedding venue.  It will be nice to have another look around the pier again as I've not seen it since April and I'm starting to forget what it looks and feels like inside.

 I've also decided on a hen day. You'll be pleased to know that I haven't opted for a week in Benidorm but an afternoon in Brighton learning how to mix cocktails, then drinking them naturally, followed by  vintage hairstyling for  those that want it. Sounds right up my alley.  I've gone for the Rock n Roller package with http://www.teaandtrim.com I only ask that I'm not forced to wear L plates! I may consider carrying around an inflatable willy though!

This is my last post of the year.  2013 has certainly been a year to remember, not just for me but for a lot of my friends who have got engaged this year. A special congratulations go to Jet, Kim, Karen King and Vicky from the UK and my US buddies Kenny, Adam and Annie and not forgetting Nicole in Australia.

I'm sure next year will go by in a flash and I want to savour every moment. If I do forget some of the finer details I'll always have this.....

 

The Proposal

Have a wonderful new year, whether it's peaceful or boisterous!

80schickx
 

Elizabeth Taylor and I

Greetings readers

Yet again, a million apologies for the lack of blogging. I just can't get to grips with it. This is my 3rd attempt to write this blog this evening and how I haven't thrown the iPad across the room I'll never know! I guess I should practice more!

So the wedding preparations are in full swing ands a lot of preparation has been done. The final phase of operation  honeymoon has been completed.  We have booked a night on the Queen Mary which is docked at Long Beach, so a good excuse for full on glamour. Elizabeth Taylor and Nicky Hilton spent their honeymoon there (hubby number 1) - fingers crossed our nuptials last longer than theirs! A feeling in my waters tells me we'll be ok.  Anyway, all blogs need photos so here is the happy couple (at the time) on the Queen Mary.

In September we finally chose our wedding invitation design and after 8 long weeks they finally arrived from the good ole U S of A. We wanted to bring a little touch of Vegas to the design and I think we've captured that without being over the top.  I spent a Sunday afternoon writing them in my neatest handwriting and the backache I endured was totally worth it. I wouldn't let Andy near them as his handwriting is  appalling! I left him watching movies instead so I'm sure he didn't mind too much!

Most of them have been sent out and I must say, the feedback we've received has been wonderful. The evening invitations have also been issued, which are an A4 dance poster design. Again I'm blown away by the quality.

Day invitations 

I've also made an appointment for our bridesmaids to try on some gorgeous frocks at www.vivienofholloway.com  later on in the new year. I might just have to try on some too. Well, what's a girl to do?

On Saturday I'm hooking up with the lovely Vicky Leggett (@Vix_Vintage) to talk about all things flowers, so it will be lovely to hook up again. Plus I can have a gawp at her engagement ring!

Well I think that's all my news for now. I guess my next blog will be in the new year, when I can let you know how my hair and makeup trial with www.lipstickandcurls.net went. Andy and I also have a meeting at the venue in early January to run through the order of the day. It will certainly feel very real then! I can't wait to tell them what music I've chosen to walk down the aisle to. Just one clue. It's from 1983. I'll say no more about that!

Anyway I must be heading off now.  It just leaves me to wish you all a naughty and drunken Christmas and a boisterous new year.

Much love

80schickx

That's the wonder... The wonder of...Twitter!

Howdy gals n pals

Again, my sincere apologies for the lack of blogging. It's almost like a full time job, and when you've been sat facing a PC (computer, not a police constable!) for 8 hours a day, I feel I need a break from it when I get back home. Anyway, enough of my excuses!

Since I last blogged Andy and I had an engagement shoot.  The power of Twitter had led us to the lovely Becky Ryan, who has just branched out into the world of photography and was looking to build up her portfolio. We are also on a budget so I thought we could help each other out!  After a few emails, FaceBook messages and tweets we finally settled on a day which was mutually convenient.  Becky lives near Derby, so to make it work and for us all to feel relaxed, we decided to have a BBQ (food always helps dontcha think?) and perhaps a few cheeky cocktails ( after the photos, naturally! Well the weather had been behaving itself so we thought it rude not to. Plus we had a load of burgers and chicken that needed eating!  As Andy went to pick Becky up from the station, I suddenly thought "we haven't asked if she's a vegetarian"

When they both arrived back at the house, we all had a brew and exchanged pleasantries. I could tell straight away that she would be great to work with. "By the way" I said. "We are having a BBQ later, hope that's ok with you". "Do you have anything meat free? I'm a veggie".... Whoops (sorry Becky)

As our house was going to feature heavily in the shots, we gave her the grand tour. As I went off to get changed, Becky went around the house again by herself, getting a feel for the light etc.She took a few snaps of our knick-knackery just to get started then it was time for "lights, camera, action!"

We started off having pictures taken in the "multi media lounge". Well there is a tv, record player and  a sound system in there. Very casual shots of us looking through records and messing about! After a while we forgot Becky was there as she just seemed to blend in. That's a compliment by the way! We had explained that we didn't want to pose for photos and she was on board with this.

After that we had some shots taken in the bedroom and some poses in the dining room for something special. Can't reveal that just yet!

More pics were taking in our tiki bar, the vintage car and the garden. Couldn't believe that a few hours had gone by! The time just flew.  We'd definitely earned our food after that, so ended up having  a Chinese. The weather had got too cold for eating al fresco anyway!

All in all it was a fabulous experience. For those who are also getting married, I would encourage an engagement shoot. Most photographers include this in their packages and it certainly helps to meet the person beforehand who will be capturing the moments of your special day. The ice has well and truly been broken. My other tip would be to create a Pinterest board so your photographer has a visual idea of what you're after.

In conclusion it was a fun day and I'd recommend Becky for a shoot. She has become a friend, not just someone to work with.

Andy, little old me and Becky

If you want a peek of how the pics came out, click on this link.
http://www.beckyryanphotography.co.uk/nicola-and-andy.html


I'll try and blog more regularly in future - I promise

Until next time

80schickx

Forgive me Father....

....for I have sinned. It's been nearly two months since my last blog. Unacceptable!

I have however been a busy bee, and the big news to report is that I've chosen and bought THE dress. All done and dusted in little under 45 minutes. On a blisteringly hot day in July I took a train from sleepy Crowborough into the hustle and bustle of central London. I'd arranged to meet my mum and my youngest sister outside Top Shop at 1115 and I was glad to see that they had got there before me. There is always the temptation to nip into the store and purchase something I don't really need

Waiting for the train at Crowborough

From Oxford Street we took a slow amble to Carnaby Street for a drink as we were all flagging in the heat. Mum proceeded to spill a whole pot of tea down her so she was mortified she'd have a big stain on her trousers when we went dress shopping. This was not an unexpected event as something always happens like this in our family! Once we'd been fed and watered we headed off to Kingly Court for my appointment at Fur Coat No Knickers.  A lot of people had recommended this boutique and after perusing their website http://www.furcoatnoknickers.co.uk/ for hours on end I knew I'd be in safe hands.

We were 15 minutes early for my appointment. (The thought of being late for anything makes me panic) so we were offered a glass of champagne whilst we waited. Don't mind if I do.  At 1230 on the dot the lovely Laura appeared to take me through the black velvet curtain to the rear of the shop. There were 7 stunning dresses hung up waiting to be tried on by ME! Two being original 1950s and   one from the 1960s, the rest being reproductions.

I'd already provided my measurements and the styles I was interested in so there was no faffing about.  Mum and my sister sat down and continued to drink champagne whilst Laura and I went behind a screen to try on gown one.  When I emerged my mum put her hand to her mouth - was she going to be sick or did she approve? She promptly reassured me it was the latter!  Without giving too much away, dress one had a plain fabric and short sleeves.  To show how it would look in another style a swathe of lace was added on top and sleeves of different lengths to create at least 4 different styles in the space of 30 seconds. Impressive stuff.

I slipped out of dress one into dress two. I was hoping at least one would have the wow factor like you see in the movies and this one did not disappoint. I didn't want to try on dresses three to seven but Laura had gone to great lengths to choose me something special so I gladly obliged. Once all had been tried on I went back to number two just to be certain and I knew my decision had been made.  I wasn't interested in going to other boutiques and besides, my tummy was rumbling! She whispered the price tag in my ear and when I came to, I decided to make a purchase. I definitely made my credit card bleed that afternoon! Laura whooped for joy exclaiming "we've got ourselves another FCNK bride and she's bought the XXXXX dress! I could hear clapping from the other side of the curtain.  I will need to go for a least 4 fittings from February onwards where the neckline, sleeve choice and any other modifications will be sorted.

To celebrate (it was my birthday the following day) we went to a diner on Carnaby Street and had burger, chips and beer. I really will have to knock this fast food on the head if I'm to shoehorn myself into this frock!

Afterwards we then walked to a park behind Picadilly Circus to watch the world go by before heading our separate ways. A truly magical day.

Separate blogs to follow shortly about the cake and our engagement shoot!

TTFN

80schickx

A Little Fawlty

Morning gals n pals

Well what has been occurring in our glamorous lives since I last blogged?  I previously mentioned that we had to see the registrar to formally announce our wedding. It was a beautiful sunny day in Sussex so we pootled down there in Mini with the roof down and the 50s tunes blaring.

Eastbourne town hall is a grand building and Andy was salivating at the architecture. That, or he just needed his mouth wiping! To be honest I found it fairly intimidating which will explain my actions later.

 Waiting in reception were numerous couples,  mainly there to register their new-born's birth. Some of the tiniest babies I've ever seen. (Not broody, honest!). A lovely lady, Jane, popped out of her office and ushered us in. She explained the process, basically a quick run through of the ceremony and then she needed to take our details separately. I guess it was an official version of Mr and Mrs, so I imagined that Andy was sitting in reception, wearing headphones and listening to some instrumental music.  I confess to being slightly nervous as was unsure what she was going to ask me. Was this to check that we are a genuine couple? The first question was easy. "What is your partner's full name?" Even I couldn't get that one wrong.  The second one was also straightforward "what is his occupation?"  I casually answered "hotel manager" before moving onto the next question. I was just about to answer question 3 when I realised I'd got question 2 wrong! A hotel manager??? Now Basil Fawlty does spring to mind but a hotel manager he ain't!!! I felt a right idiot telling her I'd got a question wrong. Luckily she saw the funny side.  (He's a hospital manager btw)




She also asked for my fathers details which I duly gave.  However it wasn't until I'd got home that evening that I thought I'd given the wrong details for that too.  You see, my biological father hasn't been on the scene since I was 5 and we've never stayed in touch, My stepdad has brought me up from age 6 and really I've known no different. However for legal reasons I thought I'd given the wrong information. I rang the registrar and she said the details were fine but she would have to put "step" in brackets.  I can live with that. Rather that than some dude's who, quite frankly, means nothing.

So, the legal stuff, for now, is done and dusted. Details of our wedding are now displayed in the town hall as we speak. We celebrated by having fish and chips. Well I did, Andy had liver.

In other news I have booked my hair and makeup. It's no secret that I'm useless at styling my hair and  every bride wants to feel glamorous on their big day. So I've enlisted the services of the wonderful Lipstick and Curls (www.lipstickandcurls.net) They specialise in the vintage look so I should be well looked after.





Anyway I think that's all my news for now.  Not much in the way of planning will be done now for a few weeks as we've got the Rockabilly Rave this weekend (yippee),  Andy also has the Camber Sands Scooter Rally and a milestone birthday coming up, so feel free to buy him a drink or 3 for OSS coming to the Rave.

Hope to see a lot of you this weekend.

Bye for now
80schickx

Honeymoon is booked!

Evening gals n pals.

Well the wedding planning is motoring along nicely. The big news is that we've decided on our honeymoon location.  I'm sure you all know that Viva Vegas is the first part and we're hoping that a lot of you will be partying with us out there.  From there, we will hire a car and drive from Vegas, along part of the Pacific highway to Malibu. We are renting a beachside apartment for some R&R after the buzz of Vegas. We will spend one day in LA where will be look at the Hollywood sign, and of course, Hollywood Boulevard to see all those stars of stage and screen immortalised in concrete.  Andy knows of some vintage shops out that way that his LA friends have told us about so I will be able to rummage through all that wonderful thrift!

After 3 nights in Malibu we will head over to Long Beach for a night before heading back to Downtown Vegas for 3 nights in the Golden Nugget. The have a fab pool which surrounds a shark tank so that should be fun. Plus a tiny bit of gambling. It's good for the soul.

The other big news is that we are going to sunny Eastbourne (yes it will be) on Friday to see the registrar. I guess she needs to see we are real and aren't a pair of weirdos! We probably have to cross her palm with silver and show her our passports to prove who we are. Certainly no backing out now!

Apologies it's a short blog - to compensate, I'm sharing a few pics of our Malibu hideaway


Speak soon,
80schickx

I Vow To Thee

Greetings gals n pals

What a glorious bank holiday and for once the weather was kind.  On the Saturday we trundled off to Royal Tunbridge Wells to have a mooch around the shops. By the time we arrived in our summer finery, the heavens had opened.  We took shelter in the wonderful Jeremy's Home Store which sells everything your kitch lifestyle desires.  We had a good look around and was astounded by the amount of goodies that would work wonders at our nuptials.  Our heads were buzzing with excitement when we left and once our decisions have been made we will definitely be back to raid the place.  Check them out here.. Just save some stuff for us!

http://www.jeremyshomestore.co.uk/

We also went into every charity shop in town looking of other odds n sods but we couldn't find what we'd got our hearts set on. I did manage to buy a Charles and Di mug (can't have too many - I've got 3 now), a dress and a wicker handbag. All for £4.50 so I came home happy.

On the Sunday we went to Brighton to continue looking for bargains and we found exactly what we were after in Snoopers Paradise. It's hard not to get lost in there, but yet again, it sells everything imaginable.  It even has a wonderful vintage photo booth in there which we went in last summer.  Check out this YouTube clip of this amazing place.

http://youtu.be/GFP3JC8gv2E

We then went into Jump The Gun where Andy found a wonderful suit. He will only wear a one or three buttoned suit and he found a stunning three buttoned number.  It's a Mod thing apparently but it's stunning. Can't give too much away at this stage as his suit should get the same exclusivity as the dress dontcha think?

Talking of dresses I've made an appointment to go to Fur Coat and No Knickers (sums me up a treat) based in Carnaby Street.  Should be fun to try dresses on and have a lovely girly day out with my mum. I'll ask my best mate if she wants to come along for the ride too.

Last but my no means least we are going to have a stab at writing our own vows.  The registrar stipulates we can't add anything religious which suits me as I'd prefer something more personal to us. I was thinking of something like this:

Take it away Dawn and Pete Sutcliffe...

http://youtu.be/IcvyV5iM0IA

Well that's it for this blog so I'll bid you farewell. If I don't go away, I can't come back.

80schickx

Food, fairs and fotos

Greetings gals n pals




It’s been another busy week on the organising front. Considering the wedding seems so far away, there is a huge amount of preparation to do done. All extremely enjoyable I must admit.



Next on our hit list was to hire a photographer. Both Andy and I have looked at a lot of websites and it’s a minefield out there. Do you go by recommendation, someone you know or just take pot luck ? The search could of gone on forever, but sometimes things just fall into your lap. Call it fate.



One day last week, someone had retweeted a request for couples toget in touch if they were still looking for a wedding photographer. I didn’t think it would hurt to reply so I quickly sent a reply saying I would be interested. The lovely Becky responded (@bec1989) who told me she was looking to build up her portfolio and would love to work with us as she liked our “style”. After checking out her website, we both agreed that we’d love to work with her and quickly booked her services. Her wonderful photos can be viewed here.



www.beckryanphotography.co.uk



In other news, I went to a vintage wedding fair run by Belles Events. This was held in Brighton, and there was an array of stalls displaying accessories, flower arrangements, and my personal favourite, the champagne flavoured candy floss. Obviously I didn’t turn down the opportunity to try a sample, but I forgot how messy it was to eat – cue sticky fingers and a dirty face. If only my mum was on hand to spit on a hankie and wipe my face! They hold a number of vintage events in Sussex – check our their website www.bellesevents.co.uk



Andy has been hard at work discussing our wedding menu with the caterers. He’s so much more persuasive than me and as a result has got us a cracking menu for both the wedding breakfast (why is it called that?) and the evening “do” We don’t want to give away too much information at present but you will be in for a treat and there will be no need to take a doggy bag home as I can’t imagine there will be any leftovers. He’s also designed our evening invitations – again all will be revealed but it does incorporate all the things that we enjoy. I’m waiting for my inspired moment but it’s yet to happen. So far I’ve decided what should be placed on each table but that’s as far as I’ve managed. I do think Andy would make a fabulous wedding planner darlings!



I have been “umming and ahhing” about whether to be given away. As an older bride (a-hem) and it being a civil ceremony I was worried I’d look a bit stupid. However part of me also wanted a bit of tradition so I did ask my dad to do the deed. The response I got was “I’ve been trying to give you away for years.”



Another conundrum is flowers. Yes or No? Again something that is still to be deliberated over. I’ll chew the fat with @vix_vintatge about that. She told me the other week that she’s a qualified florist and has displayed at Chelsea Flower show. Funny the things you learn over Twitter!



Well that’s all for now. I’ll be off now, as if I don’t go away, I can’t come back.



80schickx

Sunshine Indoors - Everything Under One Roof

Greetings gals n pals

Well it's been a busy week since I last posted. I've left my job in the city and started a new one closer to home today. My work/life balance is now on an even keel.

Better than that though, the wheels have firmly been in motion this weekend and some major parts of the wedding have been booked.  The first one ticked off the list was the venue. We pootled topless (roof down on the car, smut fans) to sunny Eastbourne. This is a place close to Andy's heart as he was  born there. We had one venue on our hit list so it was shit or bust. Luckily the date we wanted was available so we nabbed it with both hands.  The date you need to know is Saturday 12 April 2014.    
(Or in other words the weekend before Viva!)

 It's on Eastbourne pier in the Ocean Suite. It's situated to the rear of the pier (ooh that rhymes) and looks out, obviously to sea. It's decked out all in white which makes it look rather spacious. It's also licensed to carry out the ceremony so everything can be done under one roof.

Hope you agree it all looks rather lovely and even if the sun doesn't shine for us, it will still be a dramatic view

Luckily they had our date available so our seaside nuptials are on! We've also booked our wedding night accommodation (they do a deal with the pier so cheap rates!).  Once we've finalised the guest list we will let you know where it is so you can also book a cheap room.

We've also decided that the meal will be pie, mash and liquor and in the evening there will be chip, bacon and fishfinger butties. Who needs frills?

I've also decided that I need a bit of glamour bridesmaid wise so I've asked my best friend Jackie (@shoegirl1968) and my 2 younger sisters.  I've known Jackie since 1986 when we first were pen-pals and we've never looked back. Here is a picture of us on the day we met, taken in a photo booth. It's only apt that we will be having a photo booth at the wedding!

That's all for now.  Will soon be time to think about a dress, makeup, photographer to name but a few. I will check out a vintage wedding fayre in Brighton this weekend.

http://www.bellesevents.co.uk/belles-bridal-bazaar/

However if you can recommend anyone or even yourself please send me links to your site.

Ta-ta for now

80schickx

He Liked It So He Put A Ring On It

Hello one and all.

First of all, I request your patience.  It's taken me all evening to set this up and for a girl who has worked in IT since decimalisation was introduced is frankly, embarrassing!

Anyway, now I've calmed down and taken a few deep breaths, I can begin.  I haven't written anything of any note since my English O Level in 1986 so I apologise if this post rambles on.

So, where to begin? I guess with my wonderful 21st century proposal.  My other half (still getting used to calling him my "fiancé" popped the question via Facebook. The pic below says it all and although I've read it many times I still get goosebumps

I was sitting in the cafe at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas when a Facebook friend request popped up on my phone.  Once I accepted it, I read the above message in disbelief . It took a few reads for it to sink in and I burst into tears. I was too caught up in the moment to bring attention to myself and I'm proud that even in a crowded area, only us 2 were aware what was going on.  However, as I read the message I didn't realise that many friends were reading it at the same time as me, which thinking about it, is quite surreal.

The proposal was due to take place the day before on the New York New York roller coaster. New York and Vegas are 2 of my favourite places so it was the perfect setting. However, I've been told that as we reached the summit, he looked across at me to ask that all important question, and I had my eyes shut and was in floods. I hated that bloody roller coaster! I prefer the Facebook proposal for sure.  No ring was given so I wore my Great Frog skull ring in the interim. The following day, we decided to look for a ring at the Car Show. It had to be anything that fitted because I have the worlds smallest fingers. (My ring finger is a size "F".) Amazingly a ring was found quickly for the grand sum of $5. Eventually we will go shopping for the proper ring, but the longer I wear my thrift ring, the more I love it and I'm happy to stick with what I've got. Afterall, it's what the ring represents and not the cost.  Here it is and I'm so glad I'd recently had a manicure!

So , now I'm home and the dust is starting to settle, a wedding needs to be planned. Vintage style naturally. I've bought a wedding planner and a recently published vintage wedding book. We've also contacted a couple of venues and are shocked at their Saturday wedding charges. Maybe a Vegas drive-in wedding wasn't such a bad idea afterall.......

Stay tuned for the next round of events... There will be a few twists and turns in the planning that's for sure.

80schickx