Wedding Weekend

It was our dear friends R & R’s wedding this weekend.
We travelled up early on the Friday as we wanted to get there with plenty of time to spare and you just never know what the traffic is going to be on a Friday...
Anyway, the wedding was in Lancashire, not far from Lancaster, so it was about a four hour drive. Funnily enough, it’s a drive we’ve done several times, as some of B's family live up there.

R and R had kindly invited us to the rehearsal dinner on the Friday evening so we were lucky enough to have a first look at their venue.
They had chosen the Midland hotel in Morecambe, and it was a stunning venue! The Midland is a fully restored Art Deco hotel, with an absolutely amazing spiral staircase, beautifully situated right on the seafront.
Rachel’s father mentioned Poirot as an inspiration for the wedding, and I really did feel like I had been magically transported to that era!
The food was just gorgeous! Just absolutely delicious - one of the best meals I’ve had for a while, and the drink and company equally enjoyable!

They (R and R) went through the schedule for the following day, talking through the timings of things and who was doing what etc…
I think personally that this is a brilliant idea. We could really see the advantage of having everything in place, and this way everyone knows exactly what they’re doing and when. I guess you look at it as a show or any event, the same amount of planning to into a show and with the same precision!
You avoid confusion and you can be certain that (hopefully!) everyone is on the ball.

The actual wedding was beautiful and she looked like a film star – just absolutely stunning!
I loved all the little details; especially the through running theme of their logo on all stationery, the penguin books and the vintage high tea theme which is a personal favourite of mine! It’s all in the details really and more so if you’re going for a particular theme. (Theirs being Art Deco of course.) They had done an amazing job, and the venue looked amazing!
The ceremony was emotional and jolly at the same time. It felt relaxed and joyous – what a brilliant mix!
R & R had asked me to sing and the nerves kicked in with full strength the moment I grabbed the microphone. I think it went well though and I was very honoured to have been a part of their ceremony. It felt very special!

After the ceremony there was a drinks and canapé reception which got massive thumbs up from us! We loved the classical cocktail hour (you could chose from a Cosmo or Long Island!) and the canapés where very tasty!

I also liked the unusual wedding cake – it suited them and it was very classy. I also loved the Lindy hop lesson, very different and fun for all.

Many congratulations to the happy couple – May this next chapter in your lives be a long and happy one!

Some pics from the day...

Celebrating Life

I hate funerals.

Even if I wasn't even that close to the person who has passed I cry buckets. It's the whole concept of it all, the coffin, the somber men carrying the coffin, the family and friends grieving, the beautiful flowers, the prayers, the anecdotes from his/her childhood, the music....

I somehow feel silly to be crying if I didn't know the person that well... Like I'm not allowed to shed tears... I don't know... Maybe I'm just a sensitive person. Or maybe it's just a Swedish/English polite thing.

But they are often also beautiful.

The flowers, the prayers, the anecdotes, the poems, music... Although sad, it's very beautiful.
It's also about the people in their life; their parents, children, lovers and friends.
It's a celebration of Life and the legacy they leave behind.
It's about Love and compassion. Friendship.

It does make you think. Life is so, so precious... It's the people in your life that matters - all the other worldy things really don't matter at the end of the day.

Your job, car, tax returns, public transport... We spend so many hours of the day worrying about all these silly things. Such a waste.

A young person recently passed. She was only 32 so she was taken away much too soon...
Her funeral was so beautiful, however sad. I cried buckets.
There were no flowers, no black clothes, no somber music but rather people were wearing bright colours and we listened to Take That.
She had so many family and friends there to pay their respects/say their final goodbyes. The whole place was packed, people were even standing at the far end of the room and around the sides.
She was clearly a person who cared for her friends and someone who was much liked. An outgoing, bright and loving person.

Take care of yourselves and your loved ones.
And live Life to the fullest, you never know when it may be your turn to go.

Worth thinking about

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the
'Peanuts' comic strip.
You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them.
Just read it straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.

4 Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and
actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.


The point is, none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday.

These are no second-rate achievers.

They are the best in their fields.

But the applause dies..

Awards tarnish.

Achievements are forgotten.

Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another few. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and
special!!

5 Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the
most credentials....the most money...or the most awards.
They simply are the ones who care the most.

'Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already
tomorrow in Australia…

''Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Taken!"

Centreparcs

I had heard of Centreparcs before but somehow I have never really cared about looking into it. I just assumed that I wouldn't like it.
How wrong I was.

Centreparcs rocks!! I absolutely loved it! It has everything you would like, and if you like to be out in the nature, doing "sporty" (but not too sporty) things, then this is the place for you!
Also - it's perfect for children. I mean, they really do cater for children families and the facilities are fantastic.

http://www.centerparcs.co.uk/

We drove down on the Monday and after a short stop we got there for about 3pm. The cabin/house in itself, (we shared the accommodation with B's mum and stepdad) was okay. It's quite dated but perfectly clean and had everything you'd need. (Part from wifi!!) Lovely little kitchen, bathroom, two toilets and big rooms. Outside there were a table and chairs overlooking a little lake with cute little ducks swimming happily around. So cute! We had a deer and a squirrel visit us a few times - you certainly don't get that in London! The trees surrounding the cabin where massive, so impressive! They seemed to go on forever! I felt like I was in the States or Canada somewhere... You know when you watch films and they are in those woods, with the massive trees? Can't for the life of me remember the name...

Anyway, we had brought our bikes and truth be told – I was a bit rusty. I have ridden my bike once in about three years. Shocking I know. But it’s not like in Sweden where you have separate bike lanes and it’s all safe. Here you feel like you’ll die as soon as you touch the tarmac! But hey, once you've learned to ride the bike right?
Centreparcs is very bike friendly with lanes and specific bike parking etc. Just amazing! There was also a land train going around the whole resort, should you be too tired of riding the bike/walking. (Though we didn't try it out, too busy speeding on our bikes!)
We had booked a table at Strada at the Plaza and so set off at about 5.30pm. Jackson had his own seat and he love riding behind dad on the bike.
It’s the first time he’s been on B’s bike and I wasn’t sure if he was going to like it or not but he LOVED it!

The next following days we spent riding our bikes around the resort and the beautiful lakes, shopping, feeding the ducks (who kept trying to get into the house!!). B and I played Badminton in Jardin de Sports (why it was French I do not know), which was this massive sports complex in the middle of the resort. Loved it though I can still feel it in my legs! And I lost. Bad times.
But there was SO much to chose from – Archery, Tennis, Golf, Horse riding, Climbing etc, etc…
On the Tuesday we went to the Spa which was just glorious. Three hours of pure relaxation – what more can you ask for really?! I really recommend booking in for a Spa day at Longleat if you're planning a holiday.
There is a Swimming Dome and this was probably my favourite. We all went on the slides and Jackson was so brave! He seemed terrified at the beginning, looking down at me standing there with my arms out, but then his little face just lit up to this amazing smile as he swooshed down the slide. I was so proud of him!
I particularly liked the Rapids – a slide that goes around the whole Dome, on the outside. How cool is that!? There were hot Jacuzzi style pools, paddling pools, mud and sand pits, slides for adults, teens and tots, food and a shop… Just brilliant!!

We where very lucky with the weather actually. Being England, I was surprised that it only rained once and then we had glorious sunshine for the rest of the week!

I’m most definitely going back to Longleat. Who’s coming with?

Rachel's Hen Do in Somerset

Right, we’re down to the final numbers now. Save the Dates are going out next week and B and I are just about to decide on the layout! So exciting!

Speaking of weddings - I was away for Rachel’s hen do last weekend which made it so much more real. I still have a long way to go, I know, but I can’t get over how much fun this has been so far! (With a few minor hitches!).
We had an amazing time! We went to the Yurt Retreat in Somerset - http://www.theyurtretreat.co.uk/. I can really, really recommend it! I loved the whole experience, sitting around the fire singing, cooking and eating together inside the logcabin, chilling inside with a glass of wine with the girls, dancing to Beyonce... My kind of holiday! I would definintely come back here for a proper holiday with the family actually!
We drove down on the Friday. There were quite a few of us in Rachel's tiny car, but we didn't mind really - who doesn't love a ROADTRIP!? We got to Somerset for about 5pm - ish and had lovely food and drinks. The weather was nice so we lit the fire and had games, singing and laughing around the fire outside.
We made jewellery on the Saturday. Rachel' sister Sarah makes jewellery for a living and i LOVE her style. It's rather vintage looking and I absolutely loved the lesson. I made two rings and a rather pretty neclace! We also made saucy pants, seeing the girls (and boy) trying them on was hilarious!!

On Saturday night we went out for drinks and a gorgeous meal. I can safely say that I've gained about a stone during this weekend away. But man was is worth it! So so so much gorgeous food!

Sunday we spent chilling and roaming around Crewkerne before heading back to London.

I had a great time but I was absolutely knackared on the Monday and the plan was to go on a family holiday - back to where I just had been! Hilarious!! In hindsight, I should have stayed in Somerset and then just met up with the family in Longleat!

Inspiration

Here a few things I'm looking at for wedding inspiration

Centre pieces...

Wedding Cakes...

Bridemaid Dresses...

and Shoes to go with the dresses...

Flower girl hair garland

More vintage wedding stuff...

Style Icons...

Grace Kelly

Marilyn Monroe

Cinderella

Jackie Kenney

Change of Plans

Set a Date. Tick.
Book Venue. Tick.
Book Church. Tick
Sort Bridesmaid dresses. Tick
Buy The Dress. Tick.

To say the least, we had a few busy weeks deciding, planning, um-ing and ah-ing. We’ve made some significant changes, but I’m very pleased by the outcome!
So, we’ve decided to have two weddings! Why have one when you can have two? (And I get to plan TWO parties – nothing beats that!)
We’ll have a small ceremony with our closest family and friends in Sweden and then a blessing and party in the U.K.
I’m so excited about our new wedding plans! Things are definitely looking up.
We saw the perfect bridesmaid dresses the other day. The colour is perfect and I think the cut is really flattering too. It’ll suit all of the girls.
We’ve booked a venue in Sweden and are on the hunt just now for something suitable in Hertfordshire.

We’re sending out our Save the Dates next week. Just had a look at some designs we like. Just have to pin the hubby-to-be down to approve them!

So.excited.com!!

Yes, things are definitely looking up… Well, I say that and then our car broke down this morning! B was due to film in London and so it couldn’t have happened at a more inconvenient time. London Transport is fantastic when it works. But it seldom does, particularly on weekends.
I don’t get it, London – the largest city in the United Kingdom, a rich, multi cultural melting pot, with all its technical advances and still they can’t seem to sort of the transport system? I think secretly we just love to hate it too much!

So why is it then when something goes wrong, everything seems to go wrong? So the window broke in car the day before yesterday, then today it won’t start… What’s next?

I’ve been applying for a lot of jobs lately. I’m hoping that something good will come through. Heavens knows we could do with the money right now! One thing is certain; weddings are NOT a cheap business!
There are a few marketing jobs out there, some of which sound really interesting and it would be amazing to get on that ladder.

As we’ve moved the wedding date B will be able to do Edinburgh next year, if he can/wants to. I think it’s a good decision. He really missed it this year and it’s important to be up there if you want to do comedy. Again, it depends on what sort of jobs he can get this year in order to save money… Fingers crossed. (Hopefully that means Jackson and I can go up and visit too – I LOVE Edinburgh!).

Right, off to search for some wedding venues for the UK wedding party!

Brighton and my birthday

My wonderful fiance treated me to a trip to Brighton for a few days for my birthday. (I know, he's a keeper!).

We had a wonderful time and it was so nice to relax and be by the sea. As I grew up by the sea, I do miss it in London and the concrete jungle. (Mind you, Hertfordshire is rather green and surburbian..).

We stayed in a really nice hotel in Worthing, right by the seafront. It was only about a 20 minute drive into Brighton and we managed to do a lot of shopping and sightseeing. We've been to Brighton before many times, as Brooks and I love it so much, and it was nice for Jackson to come back too. (We went last year in the spring).

We went down the Pier, down The Lanes and the Sea Life centre. We also ate a lot of nice food. I must have put on half a stone!
The boys in particular loved the Sea Life centre. It was so cool! I loved seeing the turtles being fed and there was this tunnel where you could see the sharks, sting rays and turtles swim around and over! It was so amazing!

I do think it's important to get away sometimes. It's like taking a nice, big breath in before continuing you life, isn't it?

Aaaaaaaand exhale.

Cater or not to cater?

I sort of see the advantages with having less time to organise a wedding. What I mean is, when you have over a year to think about things, one tends to change ones mind. A lot.

We have been looking at other venue options, trying to figure out what we really want. We're keen to find something that really represents us, (within our price budget), and we're finding it difficult. I'm not worried though, I know we'll find something fantastic! We could either stick with the Sarratt Hall, (which is a great venue), but that does require us to find/hire caterers, linens, napkins and chair covers etc, or we go for something completely different that already have everything included in the price. A tricky one!

We have been meeting with caterers though and have found one that is fantastic! Very accommodating and he seemed very passionate about food and providing a great service. He's been a chef himself for many years and had some great ideas when it came to bring some "Swedish style" food to the menu.

As we're off to Sweden soon I'm also planning to go and search for my dress next week. So far I have seen a lot that I like, but not yet "The One". To be honest, I'm quite enjoying the search in itself!

New Year, Lots of New Changes.

Every year, I make New Year Resolutions. Well, there tend to be a few, and they tend to be the same. Generally they go, in no particular order:

Loose a couple of stones.
Make/Win/Steal lots of money - pay off mortgage.
Get+Stay Healhty.

This year, however, I didn't have to. (well, on the first one anyway).

B and I met ten years ago, at drama school, and have been great friends ever since. We fell in love during some mad Midsummer Night Rehearsal, during our last year at Drama School six years ago and moved in together shorthly after.
In 2009 our beautiful baby boy was born and now, in July next year, we're getting married!

To say that I was happy at the proposal is an understatement.
To say that I was darn pleased to see the amazing ring is also an understatement.

I always thought, in a sort of movie romantic kind-of-way, that I would be a sobbing wreck as my man got down on one knee to propose. That I would quietly whisper a yes to him and then sob some more. That didn't happen.

I did cry, but much later when my friends joined us and I could tell (scream in their faces) the happy news!

It was a perfect moment, of course. It's New Years Eve and fireworks are going off everwhere, we're standing next to each other on the balcony, looking at the sky when he gets down on one knee. He didn't even have time to finish his speech before I yell YES! YES! YES! and start jumping up and down. I did a lot of screaming. A lot.

It was definitely one of the highlights of my life so far.

So now: dress shopping, cake picking, mood boards, flower arrangements, card designs and lots and lots of glorius spreadsheets!

In February they finally removed my sodding gallbladder. It's been a long process but it's over now and I feel so much better.
Removing my gallbladder meant changing my diet which then also resulted in me loosing a stone half! (See - still going back to the NYE resolution?)

I can't stress this enough - if you keep having stomach pains/feeling bloated and they tell you that it's IBS and you still feel something isn't right - Please, please have it checked out. Demand to have an ultrasound right then and there!

2011 is definintely a good year.