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