Monday 30 November 2009

Book Store Bargains

You may or may not know that Borders the book store went into administration last week and have since been selling off their stock for up to 50% off.

I managed to snag us a couple more travel guides for our honeymoon.

I know it's a little old fashioned but we love to have a travel guide for the places we visit.  It's a fab way to read up on a place before you get there, you can even do it on the plane to get you really excited!  I love it too because they act as a little travel trail of places you've been.



San Francisco

Ever since Has realised how close San Francisco was to Oakland (home of  his NFL team) San Francisco has been a permanent fixture to the honeymoon schedule.

I have been to San Francisco before but Has hasn't.  I was only there for a short stay but I really thought it was an amazing place.  I just hope the Oakland Raiders are playing the night we plan to be there!



New Orleans

We're still not 100% whether we'll visit New Orleans on our honeymoon, but we do intend to visit at some point in the future.

I'm sure this guide will come in handy at some point,  it may even help us make our decision as to whether or not we keep it in the schedule.








Boston

Boston is somewhere Has and I have been meaning to visit for a while.  We're so close every time we visit New York and have often spoke about taking a day trip up there.  Our current honeymoon schedule has us arriving in Boston as our first stop.  This is only a tiny travel guide as we only intend to stay a day and a half, it was recommended for people who are only intending on a short visit.  So perfect for us!

More cupcakes

I've found another company today who make cupcakes.  Blue Door Bakery.

I have emailed Sarah and asked her about prices and whether we can go round for a tasting session (Yummy!)

Look away now if you're on a diet!



Engagement - Caught on camera!




Shannen Natasha, caught this gorgeous proposal on camera.  Read the full story here.
I love how she jumps on him when she realises what's happening!  Cute!

Sunday 29 November 2009

Sneak Peak

For the last few years I have made our Christmas cards.  I used to make cards for all ocassions and have a cupboard full of crafty goodies, but over the last few months I haven't really had the time to make any.

I decided I would make time and do our own Christmas cards.  I put together a few ideas using Illustrator and Photoshop and printed them off on fancy card.  To finish off the cards I've been adding some Christmas sparkle and roped Has into helping me this morning.



I don't want to post a picture of the cards until I've given them out to people.  But I'm rather pleased with them!
I've actually had a rather crafty day today... stay tuned for another Christmas project I'm working on!

Friday 27 November 2009

Christmas Films

Has and I love films, no surprise as Has studied Video Production at University but there is nothing we love more than snuggling in bed watching a good (and sometimes bad) film.

So at the end of every November we make our "Must Watch Christmas Films" list.  It's rare we get through all the films we want to watch (which is why I like to start early despite Has claiming "It's too early!")

We have obvious favourites which are watched every year, but we like to add in a few new ones too.

One point I should make about Has is, yes he's a film buff but more specifically he's a horror film buff!  So in his favourite Christmas films list are titles such as Silent Night, Deadly Night and Black Christmas However these are not my idea of a Christmas film!  We will no doubt end up watching them, but for the purpose of this I shall be leaving them out of my Top Christmas Films (In no particular order as I can't decide on a favourite!)

Home Alone - Love it, Love it, Love it!
Home Alone 2 - Lost In New York - "Credit Card, You got it!"
Scrooged - Bill Murray is a legend!
Father Christmas - "Bloomin Marvellous!"
It's A Wonderful Life - Can you believe I only saw this classic for the first time last year?  Such an amazing feel good Christmas film.  One of the best!
The Muppet Christmas Carol - "We're Marley and Marley.. woooaooooh!"
Elf - I love Will Ferrell, I love Christmas.  Perfect!
The Grinch - Jim Carrey is one of my favourite actors, he's so silly and definitely appeals to my sense of humour.
Miracle On 34th Street - This one gives me goosepimples!  Especially the scene where everyone states their belief in Father Christmas!  I believe!
Santa Claus - The Movie - I remember watching this film as a little girl.  It's still one I like to watch now.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - Fabulous!  National Lampoon's films are hilarious anyway, but I think this one is the best!
The Nightmare Before Christmas - I adore Tim Burton's work, however I can never tell whether to watch this film at Halloween or Christmas!

What films do you have to watch at Christmas?



What should I ask a dressmaker?



I need to start asking a few dressmakers a few questions!

I have no idea how long it takes to make a dress or what's involved.  Mom is off work today so she has kindly offered to speak to a few local dressmakers and ask them when we should start making appointments.

I have a list of questions I want to ask them when I do meet with them:

• How long will it take to make 4 bridesmaids dress (3 adults, 1 Child) in a simple long strapless design.
• Ideally when should we make our first appointment to see you.
• Do all bridesmaids need to attend the first appointment.
• Do you have any examples of prices?
• Do you supply material or do we source this ourselves. (Mention the different shades of purple in the same material)
• What sort of materials can you work in/suggest?
• How many fittings will the bridesmaids need to attend.
• Do you have examples of your work.
• What deposit is required.
• Are there additional charges for alterations and are fittings included in the cost?


Do I need to ask anything else?

I'm worried because one of my bridesmaids Suzie will be other wise engaged with her own wedding and honeymoon for the next few months, so I need to make sure we leave plenty of time for designing, measuring, making and fitting!


Also, I have only had one recommendation for a dressmaker and the other 2 I found just by searching.  Obviously if you go with a shop bought dress you have the added security that you know (and hope) it will look ok, I don't want to end up with fraying seams or wonky hem lines!  Mine field!

Friday's Photo

Tomorrow I shall be helping out Has' mom at a Victorian Craft Fair in Stafford.  We go every year to sell handmade clay bears she makes called "Worry Bears"  All the sellers at the craft fair have to dress up in Victorian costumes... so yes come Saturday I shall be donning my velvet skirt, shawl, bonnet and muff!

So I thought Friday's Photo should take on a Victorian theme.


Ebony and Andrew's Victorian inspired wedding from Snippet and Ink

Thursday 26 November 2009

Ruined!

I really hope it isn't true but Simon Cowell has reportedly chosen Journey's, Don't Stop Believing for the X Factors winners song.

This.is.terrible!

I don't watch X Factor because it annoys me but I did hear one of the contestants MURDER this song.  If they do sing it, then it'll be ruined forever!

I'm annoyed because it's a special song for us and I hate the idea that it's going to be overplayed on pop radios and music channels, I don't want to end up being sick of the song.

"The show boss's second choice is said to be 'The Climb' from the 'Hannah Montana: The Movie', which is reportedly favoured should Stacey Solomon be in line to win the competition."

Go Stacey!



How could I not...?

As you probably well know by now, I love Christmas and as sad as it sounds one of my favourite Christmas things to do is look at the departments stores' Christmas offerings.  John Lewis is my favourite but Debenhams comes a close second.

I noticed that Debenhams had started to put their Christmas decorations out way back in September but didn't get chance to have a mooch until today.
I was bad...

I saw these

Purple + 3 for 2 + 20% off = how could I not buy them!

Not exactly sure where I'll use them in the wedding, if at all!  I seem to be a little obsessed with purple at the moment!

I Won!

I entered a competition over at Peacock Feathers and Diamond Rings to win a beautiful Dorma Belvoir Cream Collection Cushion and won!  Yippee!


Gorgeous isn't it!

I've just sent Rachel my details so hopefully the cushion will be with me soon!

Thanks Rachel!

Lights, Camera, Action!

We have decided not to pay someone to video our wedding.  This is a subject which frustrates Has, he studied Video Production at University and doesn't feel right paying someone to do a job he could do himself. Obviously he's not going to be able to stand at the alter with a video camera, but we're going to set up a few cameras and leave them running to capture certain parts of the day, like our wedding vows.

We're going to ask a few close family members to bring along their video cameras and ask them to record their version of the day.  Then once we've come back down to earth from the wedding and honeymoon Has can start editing the videos and create the Has and Laura Movie!

I came across this video today which would be perfect for us to do.  The couple set up a video recorder and let it run for the duration of the evening.  The play back is sped up so you get this lovely 2 minute video of the evening celebrations.
Something like this would be incredibly easy for Has to set up and leave and it would be so much fun watching it back!

Melanie & Sky's Timelapse Wedding from Michael Antonia on Vimeo.


Love it!

Update: Look after yourself

When I wrote this post, Look after yourself I was suffering with a terrible cold.  I took my own advice and started having a hot honey and lemon drink every morning with my breakfast.  By the end of that week my cold had pretty much disappeared.

I'm still drinking a hot honey and lemon every morning and whilst everyone around me is coming down with colds I haven't had a sniffle since!

Good 'ol honey and lemon!



Wedding Weight Loss



Lost 1/2.

Slowly does it!

I'd like to lose a bit more before Christmas, I don't want to deny myself any treats and I don't want to feel like I'm on a diet.  Obviously I won't go crazy, but it would be nice to lose a bit more so if I do put weight on it doesn't seem so bad!

Seeing my success the girls in the office have all asked me about the diet.  I'm not getting asked how many syns are in certain food and what counts as healthy extras!  It's nice because I feel like I have support at work now.  Everyone is doing really well!

Wednesday 25 November 2009

They're In!

Suzie's bridesmaid dresses, the one I'll be wearing in 87 days!

We went and got fitted a few months ago, the less I say about that the better but why do bridesmaids and wedding dresses come up smaller?!  I was not happy about ordering a size 16 dress when I'm normally a 12!  I just hope it has to be taken in a hell of a lot!!  (Sorry Suzie!  I know it's more money but I think alterations are unavoidable!)

So here is the dress I'll be wearing, it's number 6537 by Alfred Angelo in Blue Frost



Tuesday 24 November 2009

Sparkly!

I want photos like these...

from here



from here

Save the Date

This weekend with Hayley's help I managed to complete the Save the Dates.



We started by cutting out all the invites and the A4 pearlescent purple card into quarters.  Hayley then embossed a heart on the back of the card, whilst I stuck down the invites.
We put the magnets in little envelopes and wrote "Remember, Remember the Fifth of November..." on the front.  It only took us a few hours once we go into the swing of it.

And here they are all ready to be sent out!



Monday 23 November 2009

Wedding Perfume

Sounds a little crazy doesn't it?  A perfume you buy especially for your wedding day...?  The idea is in years to come you'll wear the same perfume and the smell will remind you of your wonderful day.  Also photographing the perfume bottle on the morning of the wedding is now almost always a given!


1, 2, 3


I like the idea, but I don't necessarily think I need to go in search of the perfect perfume if I already have one I love.

Earlier this year I found Love by Nina Ricci.  I absolutely adore this perfume and applied it liberally every day, that was until I found out it was a limited edition scent and has now disappeared from the shelves!  The problem being I was fully intending to wear this on our wedding day.  Even Has commented on how much he liked it!

I'm now down to my last few squirts with no way of buying a new bottle... trust me Suzie and I have looked!  Suzie is even dreaming out it!

"I was on a mission to find you a bottle of the nina perfume you wanted and I'd been everywhere...I flew to NY and still couldn't find it so I was about to give up and come home when I went into Boots (?!) and happened to ask there and they said "hummm... we don't have any of the normal saleable bottles left but we have a sample - you could have it if you like?" So I was like ohhhhh yes yes yes!!! They went into the back and brought out this cola bottle size VAT of perfume!! It was in a horrible huge glass bottle but it was the nina perfume you wanted and I was like great! this will last her FOREVER!!"


I had my hair done this weekend and got onto the conversation of perfumes with my hairdresser Jo, she told me Nina Ricci has brought out a new perfume... "I can't remember what it's called" she said "But it's in a purple bottle"

Perfect!  It still a limited edition, and I haven't smelt it.... but did you hear what I said!  It's purple!!



Introducing Nina Precious Swarovski Edition by Nina Ricci.  Isn't she pretty!

Surprise!

Can you imagine turning up to an engagement party only to find out it was actually the wedding!?

That's exactly what happened to these guests!


I love this story of Marisa + John who surprised their family and friends.  They managed to arrange everything  in 6 days!!  Read their story here.

Mismatched and Marvellous!

As my last few posts would suggest I've been thinking a lot about what the Bridesmaids will look like.  I'm not keen on the matchy samey look and have been looking into ways to get round this.

Something that seems to becoming more and more popular is Bridesmaids wearing similar dresses in different colours or same colours different styles.

I have thought about getting the girls' dresses made.  If this were the case I could choose the same style dress in slightly different shades of purple and berry.


1, 2, 3

4, 5

Maybe something like this?




Sunday 22 November 2009

You're now entering the Twilight Zone

Friday night me, Hayley, Suzie and Mom queued up with hoards of screaming teenage girls to watch the new Twilight film, New Moon.




We're all a little bit obsessed with the Twilight Saga.  We've read the books, got the T shirt (and calendars, bags and hoodies) and declared ourselves "Team Edward" (although after seeing the film I'm on the fence!)

We knew it would be chaotic but I don't think any of us could have predicted the scene at the cinema!


The queues of girls waiting to see New Moon


We had to queue for about 40 minutes with hyper hormone charged teenage girls.  Girls wearing T shirts declaring which team they were on (Edward or Jacob) some had either taken to writing it all over their faces?!  As the showing before us ended girls spilled out stating that New Moon was "Sssssooo Ammmmazing!" (Seriously they exaggerated their "S's" and "M's")
Once they allowed us to go in, elbows at the ready we swarmed in with the other screaming girls.  As the lights went down, they screamed.  When the words "New Moon" appeared on the screen, they screamed.  When we first saw Edward, they screamed.  When Jacob took off his shirt, they - well actually, I think I screamed a little bit then too!

I really enjoyed the film and I'd love to go see it again when the hype has died down.  One things is for sure I will NOT being seeing Eclipse on the day it opens next June unless I can hire out the entire cinema for just me and my other obsessed friends!

Friday 20 November 2009

Friday's Photo

A little bit different this week, but I realised that I haven't really said enough about our photographer.  So for this week's Friday's Photo I'm showcasing the amazing work of Deborah Stott







Happy Weekend x

All photos are property of Deborah Stott

Thursday 19 November 2009

It's all about Avianna



As If By Magic...!

After posting about shoes yesterday a topic close to Hayley's heart, she set about trying to find purple heels.

Being unsuccessful she said... "Why can't someone make gorgeous purple shoes, that don't hurt or leave me crippled after an hour for a reasonable price?!"

Well as if by magic Hayley pops up on chat this afternoon with a link to bespokebigday.co.uk.  A site where you can choose your style, shape, colour and even heel size (and whether you want them glittery!)  The prices aren't too bad either!










I'm now seriously considering getting Mae in a lilac!

Wedding Weight Loss


Maintained... phew!

Since getting my stone award last week I've eaten like a pig!  Bread and butter pudding, a krispy kreme, Oreo double stuff chocolate creme cookies, McDonalds, KFC and loads of other naughty things like super noodles and chips!  Oops!

I really need to start being good again, my luck can only last so long before I eat one too many cookies and it's a gain!

Wednesday 18 November 2009

Beautiful Vows


from here

Weird...


 from here

...and so true!

My Bridesmaids Need Amazing Shoes

I keep seeing photos of amazing shoes.


from here


from here

And the shoes from the wedding I posted about yesterday.


They all look so amazing!  I really need to figure out in my head what I want my bridesmaids to look like.

The more I think about it the more I think I want to steer away from traditional dresses and the uniformed look.  My bridesmaids are all very different people with different styles.

I think different funky shoes could definitely allow for some personality to shine through.

What to do!!

Table Sparklers!

Sparklers on the inside!



From The White Company.  Not entirely sure where we can place them but they would be so cool!

Tuesday 17 November 2009

Look what came in the post today...


Our invitation to Suzie and Rob's wedding!

It's getting so close now, once Christmas is out of the way, full bridesmaid duties will be in swing and before we know it I'll be all glammed up following Suzie down the aisle on her big day!  Exciting!

Monday 16 November 2009

Flowers "Check!"

Just called Jennie and we're all set!  I was a little nervous about my decision as she'd made a few mistakes in her quote, but as soon as she started speaking she was apologising about them.  She also reaffirmed by decision when she said she would let me know as soon as she had a purple rose in so I could pop round to see it, either that or she'd post it to me!

So I'll be writing out a cheque to pop in the post to her asap!  Another thing crossed of the list!

Blue Moon Rose

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