Wot no florist?

Afternoon gals n pals

We really are into the final stretch now. A couple of weeks ago I had my first dress fitting since I bought the frock last summer and the wedding rings have also been purchased.

Yesterday I took a drive down to Eastbourne to sort out my bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, not forgetting the buttonholes.  There are a million and one florists listed in Eastbourne so I thought I'd take a leisurely stroll around town until I found one.  I didn't pass one whilst walking through the town centre so checked the GPS for some directions. I couldn't get a signal so that didn't help. I didn't let that worry me too much and headed down to the seafront instead as it was such a lovely sunny day

I hope the weather is as lovely as this next month. It looked so pretty and peaceful in the sunshine.

After a little rest I headed back into town with still no sign of a florist.  I went to the Tourist Information Office who seemed to send me on a wild goose chase.  I then popped into a quirky looking tea shop to ask if any florists did indeed exist in Eastbourne! She told me that a new one had opened a few streets away. My feet were starting to hurt but with renewed gusto I trundled off to find it.

When I reached the street I soon found the florist, but my heart sank when I saw the shop was empty with a "To Let" sign displayed. I did actually mutter "you must be fucking joking" under my breath, bit not quietly enough as an old lady tutted as she sauntered past me,  I was just about to give it up as a bad job, when just a few doors down there was another florist. I felt like Mr Ben when he finds the dressing up shop!

So in I went, and said "Am I glad I've found you!" She saw the funny side and laughed. She asked to see a photo of my wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses and her eyes lit up. I explained how the floral arrangements for the tables were going to look and said I wanted something similar for my bouquet. She recommended some awesome ideas to make it unique to me and I knew I'd struck gold. She explained that she used to date a double bass player in a rockabilly band and she was the singer.  It sounds silly but it felt like I was meant to find her. She said a guy who can master that instrument and is covered in tattoos is her ideal partner.  So half an hour later my mission was accomplished.  With sore feet, I headed back to the tea shop to thank the lady for her help, and obviously stopped for a well earned brew.

My next stop is my hen-party in 2 weeks time. The lady who organised it for me is also called Nicola. Guess what my florist is called....

Hurray Hurray, It's Hollow Holloway

Greetings gals n pals.

This is my first post of the year, so again, my humble apologies for the delay. There's just so much going on at the moment.

With just under 2 months until the big day, everything now seems to be happening at once. We've had our taster session with the caterers to sample the food. I say sample, what I mean is that I ate the whole lot! So a massive thumbs up from me!

 We've also received all the day and evening RSVPs and out of 102 guests only 2 couldn't make it so we are both extremely chuffed with that.

This weekend was operation bridesmaid dresses. I've always known that I wanted to get the frocks from Vivien of Holloway, so I booked a fitting appointment all the way back in November. Oh my, the day rolled around so quickly. My two sisters and my best friend will be supporting me on the day so it was lovely to all meet up for a girlie afternoon. My mum tagged along for the ride too.

Once everyone had been measured we spent a couple of hours trying on lots of figure hugging wiggle dresses and gorgeous circles dresses. Everything from polka dots, plain and all things floral. There were a few other bridal parties in there and their complimentary"ooh and aahs" reinforced I'd made th right choice.   It's the usual story of buying the first thing that is tried on but it was all good fun! It was made even better by receiving a hefty discount. Thanks ladies!

A good day at the office

To celebrate we got the bus to Muswell Hill and had a hefty Italian meal. Pasta galore, so those dresses probably don't fit anymore!

I'm also having a bespoke dress made for Viva La Vegas. Afterall it is my honeymoon so it will be nice to rock a one off piece. I designed it myself and the mockup has been made.  It will feel fabulous to slip into something that has been made to my specific measurements. Here's a sneak peak of the
mock up. The real deal will be revealed in Vegas.

Work in progress

This weekend is the biggie though as it's my first dress fitting at furcoatnoknickers.co.uk I chose my dress back in July and I've forgotten some of the finer details, so it will feel good to see it again and even more special to try it on. Their premises have relocated to the London Bridge area so it's a far easier commute for an East Sussex girl.  Andy is going to wait in a pub then we will indulge in pie n mash afterwards at Manzie's on the Tower Bridge Road. When are bellies are full we will head off to thegreatfroglondon.com to look for wedding rings. It's all go, go, go!!

I'll report back soon(ish) with more news.

TTFN

80schickx

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