Our Festive Season

So, another Christmas has come and gone! It was my 27th one on this planet, and mine and my man's fifth one together! How time flies!

We started the celebrations early and went to a pantomime of Sleeping Beauty on Tuesday 23rd December and boo'ed and hissed our way through it! Oh yes we did! [sorry!] 

We decided to have a relaxing Christmas Eve - he wrapped the last of his presents he'd been hiding and I gorged on the extra soaps on the TV! 

The magical day itself... We spent it with our immediate families. It's the first year I've eaten Christmas dinner somewhere other than where I'm living. Last year we visited family then went home around 4pm and my fiancé (at the time was his title!) cooked us a gorgeous, HUGE roast beef dinner with all the trimmings!

All the years before that, I've been living at my parents so have eaten there. My mum and my husband are the best at cooking! They've taught me everything I know between them!

Last year's Christmas dinner, courtesy of my then-fiancé 

This year, our first year as a married couple, we were invited to my mum in law's for dinner. Christmas would not be Christmas without seeing my little toddler niece and family. So, we had a busy day of visiting! We woke up at our house together. Well, I say we woke up... I rolled over and my husband (who usually sleeps til midday easily on his day off) was practically bouncing on the bed! At 7am! As soon as I half opened one eye, he jumped up, grabbed my slippers and was putting them on me whilst I was still horizontal! Well, never before in the four and a half years we've been together have I been woken by him! It tends to be the other way round!

We went downstairs, and SANTA HAD BEEN! He'd delivered a lot of the presents to the wrong house (we put that down to old age!) but I had some lovely, really thoughtful gifts from my husband and I think he liked his too!

Christmas morning under our tree

We quickly got ready and drove to my parent's, taking our gifts to their rightful recipients. Well, Santa's sack had exploded in my parent's living room - it was amazing the amount of presents and goodies in that one room! My niece seemed to love it!

After a mammoth present-opening session, the nibbles came out! I ate my weights-worth of crisps, cookies and chicken bites then remember my mum in law does her dinner early at 3pm. Oh well, Christmas calories and bloat don't count do they?!

I loved every second with my family it was truly magical. Then it was off to my mum in law's house for a delicious turkey roast. My first ever Turkey Christmas dinner! It was as nice as all the chicken and beef ones... I've always wondered if turkey would be as good! I needn't have worried! It was delicious!

Christmas turkey dinner

It was so nice having a drink and a chill into the evening at their house, chatting and watching Christmas Day TV. When we decided to go home, laden down with gifts, we watched the infamous Eastenders back at home on our reclining sofa. Lovely.

Basically, to put a long story shorter - we had a blissful, perfect Christmas Day surrounded by people we love who love us right back!

Once Christmas Day was over, it was back to normality! We went sale shopping and purchased a double oven, a fridge-freezer and a dress! [will blog seperately - and the dress is for me incase there was any insurety!]

We got take away pizza for Boxing Day dinner then did our ordinary weekly shop over the weekend... Normality had well and truly returned and we wouldn't have it any other way!

We also completely emptied the kitchen over the weekend to make room for the DIY that was to be done in there. So although no work for us the week of the 29th it's been alarm on, full of dust sheets, drills and cables! Will blog that progress too!

We were supposed to go to a wedding reception on 27th of someone who has become quite close to me recently. Alas, the weather did not want this to happen and sent snow and frost! My husband's car and slippery roads don't get on well at all so we had to stay at home which I was very upset about. But I'm sure she had a fantastic day and evening. 

So, our festive season has been busy, fun and us together even through the building work... Just the way we like it! 

Hope you all had a good one too!

Work Christmas Party attire

On Thursday, we had our works Christmas meal, drinks and disco.

My husband was very kindly my taxi there and back (he's the best!)

I was worried I'd look over-dressed but decided to go with a proper party outfit. What other time of the year can you really get dolled up?! I have a few Chi Chi clothing dresses - two of which I'm saving for NYE and a wedding next week.

I wore this gorgeous berry coloured frock with lace detail in September bare-legged with my favourite blue courts (previous post The Girl In The Blue Shoes) to my birthday meal at a spa hotel, courtesy of my husband.

This dress is too stunning to wear only once... 

It's so comfortable - it has a ruched elasticated back so very forgiving after a 3 course meal! It isn't too short (mind you, I'm not exactly tall!) the colour is perfect for autumn right into winter and you feel like a lil princess where it flares - especially if you twirl!

I got so many compliments when I was wearing it.

I wore it, this time, with tights and my new Wallis T-bar Mary Janes (will blog these another time)

Chi Chi clothing (online) Avery dress

Back in September - dress' first outting

How things change!

Who remembers being 21 and 22?! I know it feels like a distant memory! 

I came across a picture of myself at a New Years Eve event in London in 2009 and it got me thinking how different life was back then. 

I hadn't even met my now-husband then! I was in a mostly unhappy relationship. I was working in care full time and had only recently come out of a salon hairdressing full time. A year earlier I'd had a surprise 21st birthday party and also been to New York! 

Back then, going out was the be-all and end-all! When you did go out (at least 5 nights a week) you not only went with a couple of people - you'd bump into 57 other different acquaintances to have a drink with! And when a Bank holiday was coming up, you HAD to be out - no matter what! 

Back then, it didn't matter what time your alarm was set to go off in the morning, you stayed out til the lights came on in the club!

Back then, you slipped and slid through snow and ice in Mary Janes, a vest, tutu and not much else!

Back then, vodka & cranberry and decent wines were just a waste of money! Alcopops (bottled liquid sugar!) were the way forward!

Back then, it really mattered who fancied who, how many 'followers' (or whatever it was) on Facebook you had. You were 'friends' with 500 people - 478 of which you would actually walk past without so much as a nod, let alone conversation!

These days, it is quality over quantity. I can count my friends on one hand. The 'clubbing buddies' I had are filed in my mind's memory box - something I take pleasure in looking through every now and again fondly.

Now, a Bank holiday means no alarm setting, a nice cosy day doing nothing/something homely/ seeing family...

Now, the mere suggestion of staying up for Jonathon Ross on a Saturday night makes me tired! 

Now, it's a tights, blouse (long-sleeve of course!) boots and thick coat kinda thing whenever you have to face leaving your house!

These days, again, it's quality not quantity. Not just on the friend front, on the drinks as well! Not that I won't always appreciate a deal on a White Zinfandel! 

Now, it's about who is there. Really there through the good, the bad and the spectacularly good and bad times!

These days, it's been about 3 years since I deleted Facebook and I've never looked back!

These days, a lovely dinner, at home or out, a social drink and a catch up are all things I enjoy immensely. I love spending time with my family, husband and friends. I love getting into my PJs as soon as I close the front door behind me for the night. I love reclining on our sofa in our lil home, together. I love visiting the supermarket together and choosing what to eat for the week. I love writing blogs. I love cooking with my husband, and enjoying his dishes he so often wows me with! I love planning the odd night out - to dance, to laugh, to drink!

I love looking back on my early 20s and fondly remembering all these great experiences... When my 'friend' (now husband!) and I stayed up til 4:30am then having to get up for work at 7am! I come across so many photos I have saved over the years... With so many amazing memories.

Things change. I loved how it was, when it was. I love how it is, now it is. Those memories will stay with me - and if any begin to fade, I have my trusty photos to give them a helping hand!

NYE 2009 

Colour me married!

I got my wedding tattoo last week!

And, gosh did it hurt!

I'm fine with the actual constant needle pierces but the next day... OUCH!!

That was my eighth ink addition. I've been the same with most of them - all chilled out laying/ sitting having it done - the sensation just a mere irritation, and strangly addictive for most! Then whilst it's still partially an open wound the next 24 hours - I curse myself and my big ideas!!

I got this to mark our wedding. 

By Matt Adamson @ Jayne Doe, Essex

The pocket watch shows the date and time we said our wedding vows. My original design was that of a clock in the head of a key but the sizing just wasn't working. So we decided upon this new design. I still wanted an ornate key in there. The orange gerbera daisy is to represent my main flower in my bouquet - and my favourite flower in general.

I have another tattoo on the other side of a rose, which was coincidentally the other flower in my beautiful wedding bouquet. This ink is over two years old now.

I've always picked tattoo ideas based on personal meanings to myself. I have reasons behind each of mine and I have ideas for one or two more!

I've had many people over the years say "no more please" or asking me why I do it, or just plain telling me they don't agree with my decision. As if I made these decisions based on what they think or want - it's my body, after all!

None of my tattoos, I don't feel, have ever been offensive to anyone. Just many people out there don't like tattoos. That's fine, we're all entitled to our opinions. I don't like cheese but I am not about to start being judgmental of anyone who chooses to eat cheese! 

I've had so many judgmental people that out of exasperation, my reply now, when anyone voices their judgment, I turn it back round "why have you not got any tattoos?!" If you feel you can open judge me for having them - I will openly reply wondering how you can go through life without wanting to mark parts of this wonderful one-off journey on your body?!

I found the quote below and thought this sums it up so well! I've never come across anyone (apart from now I've started doing it!) who questions the decision to not get inked. And I must point out I have only ever said it to individuals who have been very judgmental towards my own or people I know's tattoos. I don't walk down the street approaching randoms and questioning their decision to ink or not to ink!

I am aware there is still a stigma around tattooed people and I'm hoping over the years this kinda just dissipates.

The Most Important Dress Shop You'll Ever Do

I don't understand how people choose, commit to and pay for their wedding dress 12 months before their big day, or sometimes even longer.

The shops suggest 6-9 months before your wedding to start shopping because if it isn't a sample sale buying off the peg, to make a wedding dress takes around 3-4 months or so.

I know some people go trying on and even commit to purchasing one a year or more before their wedding day. I'm really curious if they feel comfortable as they're doing this because I certainly wouldn't.

Your tastes and opinions can change quite drastically over time, especially in clothing preferences. Also, don't styles change quite a bit over the seasons?! If you're totally sold on something then in 6 months time another drop-dead gorgeous, PERFECT dress comes out, how hard would you kick yourself?!

Another reason I wouldn't feel comfortable is anything could happen in that time! You might become pregnant, or ill, or put on weight, or lose it. All the seamstresses I originally contacted once my dress was ordered told me they won't make dresses bigger at all and they can only take in by a size or 2 also.

Don't get me wrong - I did the same thing as most. I was so excited at the prospect of my very own wedding day, I booked to try on dresses less than a month after our engagement! I fell in love on my second trying-on session and put a deposit down on the spot. I was ecstatic! A lil niggling thought "was it too soon?!" did cross my mind but I loved it so it must be right! This was a year ago this month. Last November we still had 9 months until our big day when I purchased my gown.

Then, I shared a picture of me trying it on with my so-called best friend. Her response: she cried for 10 hours and refused to come to my wedding because I'd chosen a similar style to her! Needless to say, we're not in touch anymore! I wasn't to know what hers was going to be like!

She was getting married early summer 2015 and had bought her dress in summer 2013. Absolute madness, so much time will pass from buying to wearing - she could end up hating it by the year she gets married!

Pronovias released their 2014 collection just one month after I'd bought mine and was eagerly awaiting it's creation and arrival in England. I must admit, I felt a little like I was missing out - the new designs were amazing and I felt like mine would look old and out of style by the summer!

I know this won't count for everyone, as most brides put my organisation to shame. But I didn't do any research into wedding dress styles or designers. I visited two local shops and picked every single one I liked off the rails and got busy trying on. My mind was totally open and totally clueless! Had I done any research, I'd have searched out a couple of designers stockists as I've since found some really exquisite gowns and stunning designs.

Anyway, this is from where I stand, how I see it! Would love to hear from any real-life brides how they got on finding a dress and how long before their wedding day they chose it? As I well know, what works for one won't necessarily be right for another.

Pronovias 'Jackie' 

Is black the new black?!

I wore black last night! Yes, actual all black! (Apart from the cardi and coat!) 

I know for some people, that's their norm. Not for me - I very rarely wear all black. I think I can remember when I stopped wearing a lot of black. It was years ago, I was out shopping with my then-boyfriend and asked if he liked an item of clothing. He said to me that it was the same as everything else I owned: dark. So I picked up the same item in a different colour (grey) and he informed me that all I ever wear is black or grey. Yes I know, I do admit he was a bit of an idiot. On so many levels... But that's a different blog post maybe for a different time.

Looking back, when I went on nights out I didn't always wear black/ grey. For work, our uniform rule was you could wear any colour as long as it's black. So it makes sense why I was always buying black clothes. I remember my favourite out out dress was a bright baby pink spaghetti strap mini dress. And boy, that was one gorgeous dress! I currently can't fit more than one thigh in it though, so it's in the wardrobe archives!

Anyway, I think his comment affected my decisions more than I imagined it would.

Since then, I've made a conscience effort to not just wear black. My usual non-work attire consists of patterns... Ooo I love a pattern... And some block colours. Sometimes these can be hard to work together, whereas the merits of black are that black goes with pretty much everything (except for brown and dark navy blue - please don't do it!) 

I still enjoy wearing colour even if it isn't always easy and takes some brain power to collaborate your items at times!

My usual attire: Patterns

Love living a colourful life

I was looking through my Instagram feed a few weeks ago and saw an outfit and just thought *emoji face with hearts for eyes* wow! A sheer, loose black dress of varying lengths around the hem paired with those achingly-in-fashion-this-season over the knee boots. It all just worked - so effortlessly but so chic and 'on point' at the same time. The person had captioned her photo: All Saints. Now, being a supporter of all things bright and wonderful, I usually avoid that shop. I went with my sister when she wanted to choose a dress to wear for my wedding. Nothing particularly caught my eye, not for me. I adored what my sister wore, but when it comes to colour versus black clothes - we're opposite ends of the spectrum!

After seeing this Instagram photo, I thought I'd make a casual trip to All Saints for myself and see what all the fuss is about.

A lot of the clothing in there is black or grey. They are also quite expensive. I found a dress I liked and tried it on. I'll be honest, I wasn't immediately sold. The hem finishes longer and straight across at the back (about mid-low calf) and the front is ruched up at the right hip, with two splits up to the thighs on each side.

I felt the back finished at an odd length. I stepped out of the fitting room and my husband was so complimentary. The dress is soooo comfortable. It is soft, and quite loose but not shapeless. I wanted to keep it on forever, despite my lil niggling doubts. We used his discount card and boom! It was suddenly in a crisp paper All Saints bag on it's way home!

And we haven't looked back!

Last night: all black from All Saints

Cardigan is old Dorothy Perkins

Happy ever after...

A wedding day is, typically, just that - only one day.

But, is it really?! It resounds in your memory for far longer than that!

I was inspired to write this by seeing someone post on a social media site that they were using one of their wedding presents for the first time.

A wedding day doesn't just stop at midnight of that day (ok, not in that way! Keep it clean!!) and for months, maybe even years after, a song, a scent or a face may bring it all flooding back - that jaw-aching joy of your wedding day.

Whenever I see a picture of an orange gerbera, a Pronovias gown or a pair of dainty, ivory heels, a birdcage veil and a tiered cake... I'm taken right back to that day in August.

I met up with a friend of mine the other week and we have the kinda friendship where you can be quite honest with one another. She told me that in September, she had attended "the best wedding I've ever been to" then apologised. I didn't need a sorry - I didn't get married to dazzle people. My mum feels our wedding was much more 'over-the-top' than she'd ever dream of having, or would recommend doing. 

We did it on quite a tight budget - we've worked out the entire wedding was around £7,000. That is a lot of money. How ever much money you have - I think you'll still acknowledge seven thousand pounds is a large amount of money. Some people spend more on their wedding day. I don't personally believe in spending any more than that - I had wanted to spend much less but my husband really wanted the kind of wedding we had. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy it.

Ultimately, I would never spend any more than that amount of my own money on 'just one day'... But that's not to say I'd judge others - they're not asking me to pay for their's so what's it my business what others spend?! 

I truly think people don't understand this. That I don't value a wedding day the same way I value, say, a holiday or a house. In the same conversation with my friend, she told me all about the details that had wow'ed her at the wedding in September. I asked if she would do the same if her and her partner ever choose to get married in the future. She said "well yea, it depends on the money we have" I replied that I didn't think money mattered that much to me - even if I'd had thousands of pounds, I wouldn't have spent it on that 'one day'. I just don't believe it's that important or necessary, for me. She said "well, anyone would if they had the money" I reiterated my point again, but, no, for her it really was a matter of if you have the money - you would splash it on a castle, netted dress and a cake. Nope, not over here! 

Clearly, that showed in our wedding. We didn't include loads of details. Our big day wasn't revolved around the big day, as such, but for our love - for each other, our family, lost loved ones and friends.

Having said that, when I see the glorious remnants of people's special days on social media and in person... It all seems that, whatever you chose to spend... It's worth it.

Idiots Abroad!

All summer and through winter too, people go on holiday. How do I know they've gone on holiday? They post it on social media for the world to see.

I used to do this, when I lived at home with my family. So when I boarded that plane to paradise, the rest of my family were all at home still. The house wasn't left empty. My now-husband did too... He even had a daily (to hourly) countdown for a 2010 holiday, back in the days of having Facebook!

We choose not to post now until we get back from any trip... Because we've since moved out.

It may sound like common sense but I see so many people who live alone posting on all social media that they're away. Some even use their own full name on their accounts, so the ability for any unsavoury characters to find out their address is even easier. (I always use a pseudo name on social media - it makes me feel a lil detached and a lil more secure). I still don't post that I'm away.

I see mountains of pictures of 'hotdog legs' and ancient ruins, with interesting captions. 

Don't get me wrong, I love your holiday photos. I just feel it'd be safer to post them once you're back, and you're not advertising to the world that your place is empty. 

Just my view on something I feel I have to protect - our home, our processions. I do post loads of ours on my social media, I enjoy sharing our time away with my cyber friends. When we are back home.

Photo credit: Google Images

Dear Diary... Date night

I love going on dates. I enjoy getting dressed up in something that will impress my date, and myself, when I look in the mirror! (If you don't love yourself, how can you expect others to?!) I love choosing what to wear, what shade lipstick to put on, how to make up my eyes, what shoes, coat and bag will finish the outfit off perfectly.

I love choosing where to go on a date, what I'm going to eat, the opportunity for intimate one to one communication. 

It's even better when you're dating someone you know inside out, you care about more than words can express, yet the thought of being in this person's presence still makes your butterflies flutter and your pulse pulsate.

Photo credit: found on Twitter

Tonight, I went on a date with my husband. He really fancied an Indian meal and we haven't had one in a while.

We were driving to our usual one, which is round the corner to our parents' houses and about a 40 minute drive away from our house. As we got to the first roundabout - there's a restaurant at one of the exits, called Voujon, Orsett.

We have been eyeing this Indian restaurant up since we moved in a year ago. It was pouring with rain and we were both hungry. My husband sailed straight past the turn-off we take to go to my parent's town, and pulled into the restaurant car park. I love people who can make a decisive decision - I am definitely not one of these people!

We have been trying to not have too many take-aways or nights out, to save a little for our honeymoon (when we get round to booking one!) but a friend had mentioned she fancied an Indian, and it put the idea in our heads!

They accommodated us immediately, despite being busy and us not having booked a table and the service was spot-on. The food was delicious and piled high! I could not manage to finish it. The staff were so attentive. It was such an upbeat, bustling atmosphere but with a real air of sophistication. 

I chose to have a bit of everything and went for a mixed Tandoori - with flavoured chicken and lamb. I couldn't finish it! My husband helped me out a little, and managed to polish off all of his food! It was well worth the money it cost. It won't be a weekly occurrence, but what a perfect treat for a rainy late Autumn Saturday evening.

What I wore

Ready!

How to avoid Post-Wedding Blues

Photo credit: etsy.com

I know you're going to feel strange, no matter what, after your wedding. Most people spend a lot of time and money on their wedding. I think the people who do the half an hour ceremony in a Registry Office then off home are probably on to something!

I have been thinking how I managed not to suffer too badly from the dreaded post-wedding blues.

First of all, I was prepared for them. I was ready and waiting for them! They didn't really ever come! 

I did suffer physically after our wedding - we got married on the 29th August and on my first day back to work on 1st September, I woke up with a red, itchy rash on my neck and flu-like symptoms. I now still have a few itchy, dry patches I've never had before on my neck and under my eyes. Then on 10th September that rash I referred to in my blog post Shine Bright Like A (modest, affordable) Diamond joined my finger and hasn't gone! That has got me down, but as for actual post wedding blues... What is there to be sad about - you've got your lovely husband (hopefully) and made some amazing memories! Plus you get your spare time back!

I found planning a wedding and all the DIY aspects of it a chore. You have to put your evenings, weekends, time off aside to do this.

Here are a few things I think can help to minimise or even eradicate those ever-feared post-wedding blues.

Plan things to look forward to. A party, a day out, a night out, a meal... As a couple, as a family... Whatever pleases you. I was lucky my birthday was 5 weeks from our wedding date. I had planned a party at our house and told everyone back in July, it gave me something to focus on after the wedding - we sent invites out the week after the wedding!

Which leads me nicely on to...

Don't go on honeymoon straight away... I have heard many people on cloud 9 in the lead up to their wedding then packing and posing on beaches with tan skin in absolute bliss. Then they get back on the plane, 7, or 14 days later and that's it! Wedding over. Fun over. Laughter over. That shouldn't be the case - you didn't get married just to go on an exotic, fancy holiday (I hope!) And, as above, it gives you something in the future to look forward to.

One of our generous family member wedding guests gifted us a night in a lovely hotel the night of the wedding. My husband had booked a total secret for the day after the wedding. He took me up to London to stay in The May Fair Hotel, W1J 8LT and a few more surprises that day and evening! Plus they upgraded us when we got there to a 2-floored suite within the hotel. I am so glad we did this - it prolonged the perfect weekend, but was glad I didn't stay for longer than a night - I could get used to that kinda place all too easily!

We are planning on going on honeymoon next year sometime once I've changed my name on my passport. We did ask, for anyone wishing to give us a gift on our wedding day, if we could have a donation for our honeymoon fund!

It gives us something to look forward to!

I strongly believe you shouldn't spend too long, too many weekends and evenings planning your wedding. We started planning ours as soon as he proposed, and we got married 10 months after. He has always told me he wanted a short engagement and all of 2013 he said "we're getting married next year" - I did think we'd just go and get married without the proposal at one point! I've heard so many people say "what am I going to do now?!" Erm, enjoy your life? With your brand new built-in best mate... Your husband. I think the longer you plan it, the more you miss it once you've got nothing to plan. I imagine it becomes a way of life, rather than a short episode in your life. 

And, most important tip of all...

Be sure before you marry that you're marrying the right person and for the right reasons - a marriage isn't all about the wedding day. There's the tiny matter of the rest of your lives to spend together!

As ever, my opinions, not facts. Do whatever feels right for you and your partner and you can't go wrong!

Made up with my makeup!

As promised...

The make up I wore for our wedding day just over 2 months ago. How time flies when you're a newlywed living in happily married bliss!

You might be wondering why there's no mascara in the picture...

I had false lashes (last 6-8 weeks) glued on and I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy! As I was having them done, my eyelids constantly flutter and won't stay shut. This makes it very difficult to apply the lashes, as your eyes need to stay closed for the duration of having them put on. 

After 2 days of a bloodshot and streaming eye, I phoned the lady who had done them (the night before the wedding) and she came to see what the problem was, the glue had stuck to my eyelid rather than my eyelash and was scratching my eyeball whenever I blinked. Ouch! is an understatement! She had to pull them all off with tweezers as the glue remover hadn't budged them - I lost 8 of my real ones and had a gap at the end of the row. She offered to rectify this but I was so sore I couldn't bare anything more being done to my poor eye! Thank Goodness for glasses and a fringe! Not one person noticed the gap!

I got them done because I thought I was going to cry. Even though my husband was crying (happy tears, apparently!) as I approached him to the beautiful sounds of At Last - Etta James, well, I didn't shed one single tear until my grandad left at 10:30pm! And even that wasn't enough to have even ruined a good mascara! My advice: go for the Eylure lashes (can get from Boots) I used to use these every weekend and they're a lot cheaper and less painful than the glued semi-permanent. Or, use a waterproof mascara.

I bought the MAC powder on a trip across the water from good ole Essex to the Garden of England... Kent. A friend and I visited Bluewater shopping centre at the beginning of August and a lady who works at MAC did my make up for me. She never showed me what it was she was using. I agreed I looked flawless, although it did feel very 'heavy' on my face - I understand it's full coverage, and bought what she'd used. When I got them home to show my then-fiancé I got the foundation out the bag (I'd paid extra for a pump also) and it was the Studio Fix liquid with SPF in it! I had said I didn't want one with an SPF cos of the ghostly pale it looks in photographs if the camera has a flash. I tried it out nonetheless, and, yes, there was a white sheen over my face and the rest of my body looked normal colour! This would only be a problem in the dark - it's only really noticeable when a camera's flash goes off to capture the photo.

I couldn't wear that! I looked on the reviews and loads of people had written the same. 

Anyway, I'd also purchased the Prep + Prime finishing powder from MAC. I was told to use this to make my foundation stay on longer. I apply this with a Clinique powder brush.

I still needed a foundation that will stay all afternoon and evening, cover my pesky red patches (see previous post: My face's journey to the wedding) and not contain an SPF.

Just when I'd convinced myself using my everyday one would be fine, the Wednesday 27th August (we got married the 29th) my husband took me to our local shopping mall - Lakeside, Essex.

He insisted I try his favourite brand Clinique (he won't buy anything from anyone else!) 

I explained what I wanted to the lady at the counter and she used this miracle foundation - had no SPF, felt light and airy but still fully covered oh so well! She also advised that to counteract red tones in skin, a soft peach works best. So I purchased Clinique's Blushing Blush in Innocent Peach.

My miracle foundation

The lady did say she recommends using a foundation with SPF on normal days, as it protects from the sun's harmful rays, but she understood why I didn't want one for my wedding evening, when the dark would prompt camera flashes to be used. 

The Superbalanced Foundation doesn't have a pump, you have to pour it.

I apply it by tipping it sideways and placing my brush at the edge, as I find pouring it on your hand increases wastage (personal preference).

I started my makeup at 1:30pm as our photographer was due to arrive at 2:30, my mum was drying my hair around 2pm, and I was to get into my dress by 3:15pm.

I used my trusty SkinDrink Facial Moisturiser from Lush Cosmetics as a base, it is quite rich and creamy but very smooth. It acts as a primer as well, so I only used a touch of Benefit POREfessional Primer (it's run out now, hence not in the photo above) on top of the moisturiser to ensure it stayed on as long as I needed it to.

I then applied my lovely Clinique Superbalanced foundation. I applied my normal amount, then thought, "I NEED this to last, there will be hugging, kissing, possibly crying, for about 9 hours!" So I applied just as much again - I did NOT want those red patches to be making an appearance by wedding breakfast time!

The MAC Prep + Prime finishing powder was brushed on all over next - to seal the deal!

I put a little of the Blushing Blush on my cheeks, a sweep of Benefit World Famous Neutrals 'Most Glamorous Nudes Ever' eyeshadow, and my gorgeous Ruby Woo MAC lipstick (which I only had to apply once more, in the evening) then Ta-Daa!! Ready to walk down that aisle 💋

My face's journey to the wedding

When we first got engaged and booked our wedding a year ago, I assumed I would have a make-up artist.

I have a horrible red pigment patch on my left cheek, and a very slight one on the other cheek. These are the bain of my life - I hate them. I think they make me look awful. So I wanted to cover them.

I've been to doctors and to beauticians before and they just call it Rosacea... Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. All I know is I need it covered! It's the first thing I see when I look at my face in a mirror.

I started researching makeup artists. I understand you get what you pay for but my argument is my face is the same as it is every other day - why is it over twice as much to get it made up on your wedding day?!

The first lady I came across I looked through her photos and thought they were good. I looked up her prices... £35 for full make-up. Ok, we can afford that. Then scroll down her 'menu' bride's make-up from £200. £200?! With a deposit of £70, and then more for the trial. Are you joking?! On the 28th August it would cost me £35, on 29th August it was going to cost me £200?!

Ok. On with the search. I found a lovely lady who came to my attention through her work on Halloween fancy dress makeup. But this lady can do glam, natural, dramatic - your wish is her command! 

The photo that caught my attention (with Mario & Charlie - TOWIE) 2013 courtesy of @ashleyep83  Twitter page.

Sam Faiers - make up by Ashley (source: Twitter  @ashleyep83)

A recent photo of Ashley's courtesy of her Twitter page.

I got in touch with Ashley and she was lovely. I explained how obsessed with her work I was! It turns out she is located up in Manchester - but does travel, depending on circumstances. Ashley suggested, for her to do the journey from Manchester down to Essex, I could have my wedding makeup, mother of the bride's and up to 4 girls (bridesmaids) aswell for a decent price.

My mum did not want her make up done - she only wears eye makeup and I didn't have any bridesmaids nor really close friends at the time who could step in and have their makeup done! I've got closer to 3 girl friends now whom I regularly see, but, remember, I'm talking about a year ago.

Anyway, going slightly off track there. I couldn't afford the bill for just myself and I didn't want to put it upon Ashley to do that journey just for one person. Every time I've spoken with Ashley I find her to be professional, friendly and a pleasure to have been in contact with. If I ever get married again (!!) I'll have to try to do it in Manchester!

After all that, I never found anyone whose work impressed me as much as Ashley's. Another thing I kept thinking was - I just want my red patch covered! I don't really need dramatic eyes, I'm probably going to cry anyway! (I didn't until 10:30pm!).

I had a few discussions with my then-fiancé who said he was happy to help me to pay for whatever I said I needed, but in his honest opinion - you shouldn't break the bank over something you're going to wash off after 8 hours. He took me to many places to try makeup - MAC, Benefit, Bare Minerals (who had cancelled my appointment without phoning me due to staff sickness - needless to say I didn't bother there again!) Finally, 2 days before the wedding, we went to the place my husband will only buy all of his toiletries from - Clinique. 

He said he would rather me get something I can wear again and again rather than pay more for the make up for just one day.

So, that was my journey of what to do with my face for my wedding... I will feature my choice of makeup in a future blog.

If you are interested in having quality makeup done by a friendly, talented professional - Ashley's website is makeupbyashley.co.uk and no Ashley has not asked me to write this - I merely speak as I find and give credit where credit is due.

Wedding details: Memories... To lost loved ones

I came up with the idea of having photographs of family members who are no longer with us. This meant they would be remembered and there on a day that represents love and togetherness.

It was an easy decision to come to, as during the wedding planning, my nan passed away in January after suffering for a long time with dementia. Then, another family member - my Nan's sister who we all call 'aunty' - passed away unexpectedly exactly 7 days later on my niece's first birthday.

What an awful month.

Both had been on our original guest list, although I was prepared my nan may not be well enough to make the journey. As my aunty's death was out of the blue, I could never bring myself to look at that list. I still haven't to this day. It didn't feel right crossing through her name,  'replacing' her with another guest. So I wrote the whole list out again from memory and invited two family members we previously didn't have room for.

This spurred me on to create a loose 'theme' of memories. I even have Memories tattooed on my wrist, which I've had for around 8 years now.

So, memories it is! 

A few people did get emotional when they saw their loved ones' pictures on our tables and I did hear conversations about the people who couldn't be there but were there in so many ways. A few people walked around to take a better look, and this struck up conversations. Our best man toasted "to lost loved ones" during his speech.

We created the centre pieces by scanning our chosen photographs, printing, then using photo frames from The Range shop.

We named the tables after our loved ones in the photos. This took a bit of thought and creativity - I kept coming up with ideas then going off the name and back to the drawing board!

A couple were easy and unwavering - my husband's dad was a keen golfer and we were having the photo of him on the top table. So Top Golf seemed like the obvious choice! As we had an odd amount of tables - we had one that had a mix of my husband's family and mine. So we called this one Dolly's Mixture as my dad's late mum was called Dorothy!

The other names didn't come as easily and I was constantly playing around with different ideas! My mum's late mum, whom we lost this year, was very talented at knitting - she made the bride and groom below so her table was My Knitting Nan. The others, my aunt who we also lost this January, was a dance star in her youth and ran a dancing school. So her table was Queen of Dance, my uncle's was Blue-Eyed Brian due to his piercing eyes in the vintage photo we found. Another of my uncles who, we assume, died in unknown circumstances, we used his name for this table.

My knitting nan created these

It was just a small way to show we think of those everyday, and they are there included in every aspect of our lives.

For, those no longer with us, will forever be in our hearts.

Table plan: photo frame and card from The Range

Table name: card from The Range. Stand borrowed from Leave It To Us Caterers

Wedding details: The Bouquet

Bridal Bouquet

I decided what I wanted almost as soon as I got the offer to have a bouquet.

We wanted to save as much money as we could - the aim was to not break the bank over one day.

So, not being very passionate about flowers, I wasn't too fussed about a bouquet. I always think flowers are very pretty, some smell delicious, but they die after a couple of weeks! We decided not to pay out for a bouquet of flowers.

I never did any research how much a florist charges, but having read online articles and real-life wedding experiences, I think they charge a lot. For something that's going to die soon and only be paraded around for one afternoon!

That was all decided until a friend asked me what I was doing for a bouquet. I replied with something along the lines of what I've written above. She said "ooo you've got to have a bouquet! Let me do you one as a gift!" It turns out, one of her family members is a florist! 

I immediately thought of my favourite flower - the gerbera. It's like a huge, colourful daisy and they come in such gorgeous, vibrant colours.

I chose orange because it's my favourite and it's very summery. 

According to eHow.co.uk "Brightly-coloured orange gerbera daisies represent feelings of warmth and creativity. Giving orange gerbera daisies to someone will convey a message of friendship and kindness. Because of the bold colour, orange gerbera daises also represent sunshine and happiness."

I also love roses as they're my dad's preferred choice of bloom. My friend suggested ivory roses as they would be classic against the bright gerberas. I also wanted one blue gerbera as my 'something blue' but it didn't look right.

According to origamidelight online 

"Ivory roses are the symbol of fidelity. Ivory roses are used to express the sincerity of ones love and a long lasting promise of commitment."

My friend also said we should have button holes. They came out large and couldn't fit in the lapel! So my husband wore his tucked into his pocket. 

My friend had intended an orange gerbera as the button hole but had some roses left over once the bouquet was made - so we had 2 of each!

My mum carried the orange gerbera and my mother in law attached hers to her dress. The ivory rose buttonhole went perfectly with the blue and ivory striped ties my groom and our best man had.

I'm glad I got to have such a beautiful bouquet.

Groom

Photo credit: Our future brother-in-law Steven

Dear Diary... Tourist Tuesday!

Dear Diary...

My husband and I have a few days off work together. I have wanted to see the ceramic poppies at the Tower of London for a while. We decided to head up to London on one of our days off. As we'd been up to Coventry (blog post Dear Diary... An extra hour well spent) on Sunday, we decided to have a chilled out day on Monday (Dear Diary... Monday Meze).

So, we went to London on Tuesday. What a brilliant day to choose to go... The sky was blue and the sun was shining. Who would have thought we would be eating lunch and dinner and drinking cocktails al fresco at the end of October in England?!

We don't live too far from London if we drive, as we live so close to the main road into London. We do try to avoid public transport usually as it's not easy to get anywhere from where we're living.

We were going to drive to my husband's mum's house and walk to her nearest station as it's more central.

My husband did a bit of research online and worked out a route for us to be able to travel from ours.

First stop: to see the poppies! It was soooo busy! They were a beautiful sight and it's very touching. 

888,246 poppies, each one represents one military death in World War One.

We then took a walk to St Katherine's Dock and had a really nice lunch outside in the sunshine near all the pretty boats

My delicious lunch

The husband's lunch

St. Katherine's Dock

To walk off our food, we went over Tower Bridge. We walked until we got to London Bridge station then we were on our way to the next part of our day... 

Tower Bridge

We visited the Natural History Museum at South Kensington, where we had fun reading all the facts and playing on the interactive games!

We made our way to where the lights are bright for dinner... Leicester Square!

Again, it was so busy everywhere - there were crowds and queues every way you turned.

We had dinner by candlelight

Cocktails

Halloumi Skewer

Taco starter

Mexican mains

Total tourists... Trip to M & M World

Happy Hallowe'en

M & M World

What an absolutely perfect, fun-filled day out with my built-in best friend AKA my husband. His iPhone informed us we'd done 17,162 steps (my poor feet!) all in my new Kurt Geiger boots! (Previous blog Rule of Shopping).