tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72635511090011689052024-02-20T18:14:53.681-08:00I'm Getting Married In The Morning...of 6th May 2012 (actually, technically at 3pm)Finally the date for my nupitals has been set - Sunday 6th May 2012. The countdown can now begin to what is going to be the most fabulous day of my life as yet. I've been engaged to my best friend since June 2008, and ever since have been thinking about nothing but weddings. I hope my chit-chat about all things 'I do' entertains and possibly inspires all you bride-to-be's, and thanks for taking a look xxCarlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-44967478699917564992011-10-02T14:16:00.000-07:002011-10-02T14:18:38.519-07:00Our Engagement Shoot In Edinburgh<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">We both had a great time on our Engagement shoot which was taken whilst we were up in Edinburgh this weekend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">Our photographer Derek made us feel completely at ease despite the fact that we were being photographed right bang in the middle of the Royal Mile!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">Here is a link to the pictures taken... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.derekchristiephotography.com/blog/2011/09/30/carlyn-bens-pre-wedding-shoot-in-edinburgh/">http://www.derekchristiephotography.com/blog/2011/09/30/carlyn-bens-pre-wedding-shoot-in-edinburgh/</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">Let me know what you think!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">I can't wait to have the pictures taken on the day now : )</span>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-31448013251112345852011-07-07T04:48:00.000-07:002011-07-07T04:48:15.690-07:00Our 'Forget Us Not' Save The Dates<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our Save the Dates have finally been sent!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When we were deciding what to go for, we had lots of ideas. I didn't want to just send a card as I thought people may put them at the back of a drawer and forget about them, so started to think about more practical options.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I liked the idea of fridge magnets and tea towels but then came across personalised seed packets from Mooks Design. Neither Ben and I are big on gardening (yet - this is mostly due to us living in a flat) but I thought it would be a nice idea to have everyone plant them in June and watch them grow in the countdown to the wedding.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The packets are full of little forget-me-not-seeds, which are a gorgeous flower : )</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Here are our proofs:</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQJ3oW71embhJnmY21iSmZtMSgNO1C-BerPL0JT_b1fzjJAgbL5XDqtp0MijjWzhL65Y_RnvQZ3HRmLHfAxFJIfmuAxPuuv7F5ZM7YjwwHjrv4spNUMcKfR7PLmAXfr8SsN14kCPN2q5r/s1600/seed2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQJ3oW71embhJnmY21iSmZtMSgNO1C-BerPL0JT_b1fzjJAgbL5XDqtp0MijjWzhL65Y_RnvQZ3HRmLHfAxFJIfmuAxPuuv7F5ZM7YjwwHjrv4spNUMcKfR7PLmAXfr8SsN14kCPN2q5r/s320/seed2.JPG" width="211" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">You can find details about purchasing the seed packets yourselves on the Mooks webiste at </span><a href="http://www.mooksdesign.co.uk/Forget_me_nots.html">http://www.mooksdesign.co.uk/Forget_me_nots.html</a>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-22785749537995158982011-06-05T12:22:00.000-07:002011-06-05T12:22:53.686-07:00Shoes, Glorious Shoes!<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">Last week I managed to tick another item off my every-growing wedding list: the purchase of my wedding shoes.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">I have to admit, this purchase had started to drive me insane.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">I didn’t really know what I wanted – ivory, a colour, open-toe, court shoe, lace, vintage or none of these?</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">After much research online, I came across some beautiful Rachel Simpson shoes: </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk/range.php?range=2&name_id=25&style_id=157"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">http://rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk/range.php?range=2&name_id=25&style_id=157</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvcvxUvXZQ1_nVAkUb7akadmiTKhRzUzhxq9Crxsgtlj2QYRC96gL4kmTcLOAaQQYEX0IF9izBCKheqpLvUDMqL6zJVY_P61P9m3RYgs_bBF_6j-7U6-Rt7gDL7VVxiluXpQ1g43KFbVM/s1600/lola_vintage_wedding_shoes_rachel_simpson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvcvxUvXZQ1_nVAkUb7akadmiTKhRzUzhxq9Crxsgtlj2QYRC96gL4kmTcLOAaQQYEX0IF9izBCKheqpLvUDMqL6zJVY_P61P9m3RYgs_bBF_6j-7U6-Rt7gDL7VVxiluXpQ1g43KFbVM/s320/lola_vintage_wedding_shoes_rachel_simpson.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">These are simply stunning, but I just couldn’t justify the price (RRP £150). I’m not stingy, but my logic is telling me that no one is really going to see the shoes anyway and I always had a budget of £50 in mind.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">I was then back to searching for the perfect pair on the high street, and wasn’t having much joy. No matter where I went, I just couldn’t find the right pair.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">So last Saturday when I was visiting my local popular high street discount store, my eyes were drawn to a pair of shoes that looked comfortable and I knew they would go brilliantly with my dress. I tried them on and that was it – I had to have them! When I turned them over to look at the price I almost did a double take as they were only £10, reduced from £45! I examined them to make sure they were in good condition and they are perfect! And at that, I bought them : )</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">I’m really chuffed. As a budget-savvy bride, I think I’ve outdone myself on the shoes and my advice to other brides is that you really can get some bargains – you just have to look for them!</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "Times New Roman", serif;">So what are the shoes? I don’t want to give them away by posting a picture but they’re ivory, are not peep-toe and have an average 10cm heel, so I won’t be toppling over on the big day. At least not until I’ve had a few drinks : )</span></span></div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-11744826029868676872011-04-01T01:17:00.000-07:002011-04-01T01:17:37.919-07:00Motherly Love<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">With Mother’s Day this Sunday, this week I thought I would write a blog about Mother of the Brides and how my lovely Mum has been getting involved in my big day.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Upon researching the web as to the role of the Mother of the Bride, I came across some things that I hadn’t heard of!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Apparently the traditional role played in the past by the MoB included:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">setting up the guest list</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">ordering stationery</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">sending out invitations</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">helping the bride choose her dress</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">arrange and book the Reception</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">hire the cars</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">book the photographer</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">draw up the seating plan</span></span></li>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now I’m sorry, but that to me sounds like it’s the MoB’s day rather than your own!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ben and I will be doing all of the above ourselves pretty much : )</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I also wasn’t aware that apparently the MoB should always be the last to be seated at the ceremony.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you continue to stick with tradition, the MoB should stand first in line to greet the guests as well as dance with the groom’s father after the first dance!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All these things to consider!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My lovely Mum has been nothing but helpful throughout the wedding planning process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As her first-born, she has been really excited about the whole thing and has come up with some great ideas along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She isn’t afraid to give her opinion about things and although we may not always agree, it’s great to have someone to bounce ideas off of.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When Ben and I first got engaged, I took her with us to 4 wedding venues to get her valued opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was with me when I chose my wedding dress and has been with me to a couple of wedding fairs, braving the Bridezillas : )</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The next thing I’ve involved her in is the guest list and we’ve just about finished that now! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The biggest challenge for her will come on the big day itself though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the absence of my beloved Dad, Mum will be walking me down the aisle and I know that emotions will be running high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side on our special day.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQbdS7zUgay2g6PoSvi0w4pMOppE1FNMDqVWgYGSgBShyphenhyphenHBAT-q3AfJ4ukPFWfqy0Jo_Cv0aNs7G4BAi_R75rsTaLGHa_tJytpOeGVZx06MOyYIrvRmMi5XklUiL1_W_E0fbu7lFrDOgW/s1600/1295715838F5V1kH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQbdS7zUgay2g6PoSvi0w4pMOppE1FNMDqVWgYGSgBShyphenhyphenHBAT-q3AfJ4ukPFWfqy0Jo_Cv0aNs7G4BAi_R75rsTaLGHa_tJytpOeGVZx06MOyYIrvRmMi5XklUiL1_W_E0fbu7lFrDOgW/s320/1295715838F5V1kH.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-51092686079098265282011-03-17T05:34:00.000-07:002011-03-17T05:34:25.044-07:00Cannae Wait For Some Ceilidh Dancing!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Although we are still searching for a band to play at our wedding, we have decided that we would definitely like them to include a short half an hour Ceilidh dancing set.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A Ceilidh is a traditional Gaelic social gathering which usually involves playing music and dancing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It actually originated in <country-region w:st="on">Ireland</country-region> but is now common in <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">Scotland</country-region></place> as well.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblGRY1JFMjOU1JslolEoDS8kjVulsVqkCbQ9qJZmtuEjOCBny4aLg5o8emBheL0gVIpSwGU3YXAOWbYQdFWhip3l78LeUCqXbVOYUly8VCH1ixJK4NRv6MWPI1r_h3Ludl60g33gThVVL/s1600/DancersB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblGRY1JFMjOU1JslolEoDS8kjVulsVqkCbQ9qJZmtuEjOCBny4aLg5o8emBheL0gVIpSwGU3YXAOWbYQdFWhip3l78LeUCqXbVOYUly8VCH1ixJK4NRv6MWPI1r_h3Ludl60g33gThVVL/s320/DancersB2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ceilidh music is usually provided by an assortment of fiddle, flute, tin whistle and accordion and also the drums and electric guitar. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music is cheerful and lively and the steps should be fairly easy to learn (here’s hoping so, because we are both left-footed!)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The dances can be performed in circles or lines with couples facing each other and should be a great chance for our guests who haven’t met before to become better acquainted!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0nJN3T5eRtyS2TLzlDYdhLWjuoK5DTo-80uImVZEucO51FzzQmZrO-SSfMn__er_9Pkx4nEjCR2G-PbRyuvCAMjxGKsnLpR4TnzRM9TVfmltiAD24Nie9PdYqPHIR5V8jWsHtWbI2pEJ/s1600/548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0nJN3T5eRtyS2TLzlDYdhLWjuoK5DTo-80uImVZEucO51FzzQmZrO-SSfMn__er_9Pkx4nEjCR2G-PbRyuvCAMjxGKsnLpR4TnzRM9TVfmltiAD24Nie9PdYqPHIR5V8jWsHtWbI2pEJ/s320/548.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Popular Ceilidh dances include:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Britannia Twostep, The Gay Gordons, The Flying Scotsman, The Dashing White Sergeant and The Eightsome Reel.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We are going to spend the next few months searching Youtube for these dances and deciding which ones to go for.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If anyone has any recommendations as to which dances are best, please let me know!</span></span></div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-88873000044048017582011-02-24T04:56:00.000-08:002011-02-24T04:57:47.257-08:00The History Of The Hub<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This week I thought I would explore the history of our chosen wedding venue, The Hub in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Edinburgh</city></place>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Although from the outside it looks like a church, The Hub is actually the home of the Edinburgh International Festival, and a central source of information on all of the Edinburgh Festivals.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EMQRUSCvIht4VEL4JNkr6NVyA2ZH5AG4xUB9A2fISblatwNlM7vAVWa-5GSouhZlJeo-YWzlKbnTJ_aC-Omh1WgVRJmnEqh4jKSm0WKEYhFqr_lAeVjwy3_wT33UuvbbMx77ISgsAj2m/s1600/Hub4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EMQRUSCvIht4VEL4JNkr6NVyA2ZH5AG4xUB9A2fISblatwNlM7vAVWa-5GSouhZlJeo-YWzlKbnTJ_aC-Omh1WgVRJmnEqh4jKSm0WKEYhFqr_lAeVjwy3_wT33UuvbbMx77ISgsAj2m/s320/Hub4.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Its gothic spire is the highest point in central Edinburgh and towers over the surrounding buildings, including the adjacent Castle.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoZo1lY_cmqE3jJwKADjHJGU8feRqA0jyZAAe89D3FuhoQHZxximPJtqvZ6KFhTkYqMo1mODUO-cUi4uYSrdVr7Xpfl_4PK_8am28tRNBmxgVn4-Dj1lP5r7kYgJd8vF4SV-zAMRs90a5/s1600/Hub3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoZo1lY_cmqE3jJwKADjHJGU8feRqA0jyZAAe89D3FuhoQHZxximPJtqvZ6KFhTkYqMo1mODUO-cUi4uYSrdVr7Xpfl_4PK_8am28tRNBmxgVn4-Dj1lP5r7kYgJd8vF4SV-zAMRs90a5/s320/Hub3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The amazing spire</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The building was constructed between 1842 and 1845 and was designed in collaboration with <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Edinburgh</city></place> architect J Gillespie Graham and Augustus Pugin.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Hub was built for the Church of Scotland both as a parish church and as a purpose-built General Assembly Hall (originally known as the Victoria Hall).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland last met here in 1929. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3-xQPRGZ4JXzmsFNMQoJeo4W7bsW6MBPYzsA8UchGGX_ggL14qPYztjTwzl3y6-oTWFOKXIpsvg5fq9iDzekz3Fy21jSZb_sK_rUvlbsDKO-JIExwNLCkPMBrv3osg0czH7PideLvHTE/s1600/Hub1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3-xQPRGZ4JXzmsFNMQoJeo4W7bsW6MBPYzsA8UchGGX_ggL14qPYztjTwzl3y6-oTWFOKXIpsvg5fq9iDzekz3Fy21jSZb_sK_rUvlbsDKO-JIExwNLCkPMBrv3osg0czH7PideLvHTE/s320/Hub1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The venue is simply stunning and I just can’t wait to get married there!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ud7Hs8QRfEkxF7LAKLO7bnORsNHDebTtYkk3Z6mh-Pnk2c0DhJKYuAbBSAQP_9cL_oTsUZLGnOM634Rh42hRCXWJkim9_b9IG0WpwulEFccjB_tDR2L6-4VEZH_PuHPoaswwkXb37cf0/s1600/Hub2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ud7Hs8QRfEkxF7LAKLO7bnORsNHDebTtYkk3Z6mh-Pnk2c0DhJKYuAbBSAQP_9cL_oTsUZLGnOM634Rh42hRCXWJkim9_b9IG0WpwulEFccjB_tDR2L6-4VEZH_PuHPoaswwkXb37cf0/s320/Hub2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 'moody' looking Hub!</td></tr>
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</div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-60949188096980089552011-02-17T05:16:00.000-08:002011-02-17T05:16:14.881-08:00We’ve Got The Whole World…In Our hands!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I literally cannot stop dreaming about our Honeymoon of late.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The World is literally our oyster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can go wherever we please, and I love that feeling of freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep looking at a world map which is pinned up by my desk and imagining what it would be like to visit each continent.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZC8ZYpxHyfPaZ2nBBi1RGKoMWKA_JmmO82Q96rFTrE4hWKn3sKYV0usIhU0FUDr3K911OKPwcyh4ukHxTeVAVdE20tT6b-DEJTIMlrt9FF7y2Zz5N4SxeTg-0V3c8aJlO3xSf6nmz3Ks/s1600/political_world_map3000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZC8ZYpxHyfPaZ2nBBi1RGKoMWKA_JmmO82Q96rFTrE4hWKn3sKYV0usIhU0FUDr3K911OKPwcyh4ukHxTeVAVdE20tT6b-DEJTIMlrt9FF7y2Zz5N4SxeTg-0V3c8aJlO3xSf6nmz3Ks/s320/political_world_map3000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One regret I do have is going travelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never went to university, but I did have the opportunity to head off to <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Indonesia</place></country-region> for 6 months when I was 19 and turned it down as my sensible head said no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe my ‘you only live once’ head should have won the battle!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Having spoken about our various honeymoon options over the last few months, I think we have narrowed it down to two and they are each very different!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1) <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state> and the Keys</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am a massive Disney fan (always have been, always will) and have ALWAYS wanted to go to <place w:st="on"><state w:st="on">Florida</state></place> to the theme parks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would be like a child in a sweet shop (especially now they have built Harry Potter World – just don’t get me started!), most likely driving Ben completely insane, but still!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s been lucky enough to have holidayed there a few times already, and loved it each time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the plan is to have 2 weeks discovering the parks and then jetting down to the Keys for a week of relaxation to unwind at the end of it all.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIOhmhZMMUUOYXy0Q28y0m4-depRK8BD-QsP-U-fkvyA9UOH6aEOrMYwQsv0wJHJ109V_WXkp5j8N82MOlsQ69Y-MZJI3lj1vnghCHpBoHgLnycE-kQRdTAHmRcPyaAEhAGbRK_MwtBbb/s1600/ap_potter_world_070601_ssh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIOhmhZMMUUOYXy0Q28y0m4-depRK8BD-QsP-U-fkvyA9UOH6aEOrMYwQsv0wJHJ109V_WXkp5j8N82MOlsQ69Y-MZJI3lj1vnghCHpBoHgLnycE-kQRdTAHmRcPyaAEhAGbRK_MwtBbb/s320/ap_potter_world_070601_ssh.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Potter World!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The only problem I can forsee with this option is that it isn’t exactly a ‘relaxing’ break for the first two weeks and after all the stress of the wedding we may just want to do absolutely NOTHING but lie horizontally in the sun, sipping cocktails and chillax.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2) <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Thailand</place></country-region></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As a couple we’ve always fancied jetting off to the Far East, particularly <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Thailand</place></country-region>, but have yet to get round to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ben’s parents go for a month every March and always wow us with their stories and photos of white sands and gorgeous crystal waters when they get back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are also huge fans of Thai food so this seems to fit the bill in that respect too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just looks like total paradise and a mixture of <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Bangkok</place></city> and 2 beach locations would be ideal.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEYbzd985G-P0WBJ_VTP9FrTqspMHjDuNEZbrGk4fpEcCQljfqzPMQQo9AU-MQ0nNniuUP-_KQmL_fxOjq4FTGFsd779PLJkYK4cXcn9nrkOh2hlrCft-QHNxy0RunfRruraX7bjOqjpp/s1600/photo_lg_bangkok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEYbzd985G-P0WBJ_VTP9FrTqspMHjDuNEZbrGk4fpEcCQljfqzPMQQo9AU-MQ0nNniuUP-_KQmL_fxOjq4FTGFsd779PLJkYK4cXcn9nrkOh2hlrCft-QHNxy0RunfRruraX7bjOqjpp/s320/photo_lg_bangkok.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bangkok</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUMNhwwInM1qdMst3w5TkJFNC9uat2hwEVpLhK6le8PNMVyH4HC3yCJOOL52wTHy8wvDaGXKw0mqkhATkvGAxsyb61NdJjZaKbidAOobLUDq_hBjBWAbDdjoMDW_bmWE4m6xuV3nQ_08u/s1600/thailand11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUMNhwwInM1qdMst3w5TkJFNC9uat2hwEVpLhK6le8PNMVyH4HC3yCJOOL52wTHy8wvDaGXKw0mqkhATkvGAxsyb61NdJjZaKbidAOobLUDq_hBjBWAbDdjoMDW_bmWE4m6xuV3nQ_08u/s320/thailand11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Thailand : )</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One thing getting in the way is the weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we were to go in May it’s going into their hurricane season and I certainly don’t want to swept away on our Honeymoon : )<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently the best time to go is January to March, and this would mean waiting until 2013 to go and I don’t think I can be that patient!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But we have decided to be really greedy and in fact have two honeymoons!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going to have a ‘mini-moon’ straight after the wedding and plan on staying in a secluded log cabin in either the Lake District or <place w:st="on">Loch Lomond</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes sense as we’ll be in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Edinburgh</city></place> anyway.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We figure, why not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My ‘you only live once’ head is certainly on this time!</span></span></div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-22155514629303233422011-02-08T04:53:00.000-08:002011-02-08T04:53:30.194-08:00I Go Potty…Over Teapots!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This week I thought I would share with you one of my strange obsessions – tea pots and tea sets!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My fancy for all things vintage crockery started when we visited Marrakech on a weekend break. Whilst searching the Souks for a bargain or two, I became mesmerised by the dozens of silver vintage teapots that were on sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up until that point I had never really been a big tea fan – I had the odd cup at work, but that was mainly for the purpose of dipping a Rich Tea biscuit in rather than drinking! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5YcH38Aq_j30HYLwfcS7UE8e6CsPW8GxqlU4FtSyJy6bLPCyNFgS4_8aQE8DN7W55n6EhCaZXkgIs9Q5rRWaSu0mWl5nKjnKrrszV4kiUT4-hSiYy-V5KX-Quml4PM5vCAl2CTzQK5M0/s1600/teapot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5YcH38Aq_j30HYLwfcS7UE8e6CsPW8GxqlU4FtSyJy6bLPCyNFgS4_8aQE8DN7W55n6EhCaZXkgIs9Q5rRWaSu0mWl5nKjnKrrszV4kiUT4-hSiYy-V5KX-Quml4PM5vCAl2CTzQK5M0/s320/teapot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is similar to the teapot we purchased in Marrakech</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So ever since that trip, I have seemed to acquire this desire to own lots of pretty, delicate, old-fashioned tea sets and tea pots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any colour, any style, you name it, I love it!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last Summer I was a nightmare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time Ben and I went out and there was a charity shop in sight, I’d be straight in there rummaging through the old bric-a-brac section with one thing on my mind: “I. Must. Have. Teapots!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the course of three months I think I bought five or so tea sets, and a couple of extra teapots - just because I could!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I got some brilliant bargains including a cute Chinese tea set for £4 and a lovely white polka dot tea set from a charity shop in Horsham for under a fiver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ben’s Mum has also given me a vintage blue and white tea set that belonged to Ben’s nan : ) </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It did get to a point though where Ben told me that I could buy no more, as we really won’t have the room to display it all in our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alas, I haven’t bought any in a while, but I can’t resist the urge to look no matter where we are!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I’m now thinking of bringing my love of vintage crockery into the wedding plans, and am looking into options of using tea cups in the flower arrangements or as favours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow they will feature, I’ll make sure of it!!!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvijOagtNUW6qqbpJnqW4n95RB4KwO13gLhFPnehh_MeFxIdAYFDU5aelY8vAV2Bm1ZvHgOctvAgrdsIk8IUtjAY2UWvgVpUWpGzA1E54IcaPrT652aoDBWav6qkBEQAJUPwYzVV1hQ9fw/s1600/28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvijOagtNUW6qqbpJnqW4n95RB4KwO13gLhFPnehh_MeFxIdAYFDU5aelY8vAV2Bm1ZvHgOctvAgrdsIk8IUtjAY2UWvgVpUWpGzA1E54IcaPrT652aoDBWav6qkBEQAJUPwYzVV1hQ9fw/s320/28.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous flowers in a teacup</td></tr>
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</div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-53318276311624834302011-01-31T05:03:00.000-08:002011-01-31T05:04:00.992-08:00Our Engagement Do At Ruby Blue!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This week I thought I’d reminisce about our engagement party, which took place at the end of June 2008.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were talking about what a good night it was over the weekend, so I thought I’d share it with you all!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once Ben had proposed on 2<sup>nd</sup> June, I could hardly wait to show my gorgeous ring off to all of our nearest and dearest!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knew that we wanted to get everyone together in a party atmosphere, but for ages we couldn’t decide where to hold the bash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end we settled on Ruby Blue, a nightclub bang in the middle of Leicester Square.</span></span><br />
</street></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I booked a booth area (named the Fur Booth, which I loved!), ordered some nibbles and drinks and away we went inviting everyone along.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And what a good night it was!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our closest friends and family all made it there to celebrate with us, including my oldest friend Karen who came all the way down from <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">York</place></city>, bless her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great opportunity for our families to meet too, because although we’d already been together for almost 3 years at this point, they hadn’t really met that much.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So the party really went off with a bang – there was tons of booze, oodles of cheesy shape-shifting on the dance floor, and of course the cake!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My Mum had ordered the cake from a local bakery, and we’d made sure the green matched my dress!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the more drunk I got, the more protective of the cake I became for some reason!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much so that once everyone had left and only the hard-core remained (me, Ben, my sister Natalie, her boyfriend Nick and our friend Greg), I made us all carry the cake all the way home from <place w:st="on">Central London</place> to Sutton via foot and night bus!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was no easy task, I tell you, but we did it!!!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifxr1YiocJQVPbNUrtO2HqB543mxYPnSDysm9xgr3QIGFz677OIFP6MMitjMUoMaNvGoZkAAtDC-m5U-FrtV9vnot5Isp-xcu-bQBZuSv6v6lMVttxRmu18Q7Secbk2oz0CbbO8Vadn6T/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifxr1YiocJQVPbNUrtO2HqB543mxYPnSDysm9xgr3QIGFz677OIFP6MMitjMUoMaNvGoZkAAtDC-m5U-FrtV9vnot5Isp-xcu-bQBZuSv6v6lMVttxRmu18Q7Secbk2oz0CbbO8Vadn6T/s320/cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cake!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thanks again to all the lovelies who came – we hope you party as hard at the wedding reception as you did that night!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're engaged :-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5L9-L_Krt8rGZieIPYBHgsT8DzdhoIUwo5G9z0VuuPEui1umfacnXsfvhYY00kpiz74I-x54FAONkO8VKPO0hWcyz1MaCkR0mU_kYQGASxA8SA4hOto5j_qxVIBbTvY2AHnIJ-1BY-8J/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5L9-L_Krt8rGZieIPYBHgsT8DzdhoIUwo5G9z0VuuPEui1umfacnXsfvhYY00kpiz74I-x54FAONkO8VKPO0hWcyz1MaCkR0mU_kYQGASxA8SA4hOto5j_qxVIBbTvY2AHnIJ-1BY-8J/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our nearest and dearest</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0IqowAInPAvYi81QnOQwrXQUlEBBnjYTFuHix4Gb84CZ48BIEsxHljkOlvolZxYaOVOfZ7m5v50aFiOwNV9oRKpnmYWdMxAFtPSgLL2Dyj7B_1zYEiCgGOqb1ekrJjBnyrucAydf_Cqs/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0IqowAInPAvYi81QnOQwrXQUlEBBnjYTFuHix4Gb84CZ48BIEsxHljkOlvolZxYaOVOfZ7m5v50aFiOwNV9oRKpnmYWdMxAFtPSgLL2Dyj7B_1zYEiCgGOqb1ekrJjBnyrucAydf_Cqs/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maid of Honour and Chief Bridesmaid </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrg2BumPP_sqF82fLMx68uVd9fB-vxoDBCL6XmOcTY7y7YBz2OEnSlWmS24zgmweGgmwsdad-qHE-uZTojUmHBY6l5EgFXQardNObOZLxVvaz_zzCKRTu9AmUO3m2xvQHWqiJuNe8TSFK/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrg2BumPP_sqF82fLMx68uVd9fB-vxoDBCL6XmOcTY7y7YBz2OEnSlWmS24zgmweGgmwsdad-qHE-uZTojUmHBY6l5EgFXQardNObOZLxVvaz_zzCKRTu9AmUO3m2xvQHWqiJuNe8TSFK/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No idea what was so funny!</td></tr>
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</div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-10091202317182873002011-01-24T04:52:00.000-08:002011-01-24T04:55:06.822-08:00My Wedding Dress Quest<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I know quite a few brides-to-be find their search for the perfect wedding dress a bit of a nightmare, but for me this wasn’t the case!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I actually found mine on the second visit to a wedding dress shop!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My first experience of looking at dresses came with my good friend Natasha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went ‘All That Glitters’ in <place w:st="on">South Croydon</place> where her older sister had purchased her dress a few years before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have to admit, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was looking for, and I tried on a complete array of dresses – from a massive Hollywood Dreams creation to modern classic to a flowing Grecian style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think in total I modelled 7 or 8!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although some of the dresses were gorgeous, they didn’t suit me at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried this one on:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31Cvox5i89zakFtOA7gYpCTE7NTFOEf-A0yxjQs5G5wxS6o57U1jSgUvNzFUimmx9KNymuvxDK0EMAG07fK-6buvHkcLRJVw7JGWxc0vWKN5RmInrz-RGZug59tfIaTdFxabUApRTdQrP/s1600/Maggie-Sottero-wedding-dresses-photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31Cvox5i89zakFtOA7gYpCTE7NTFOEf-A0yxjQs5G5wxS6o57U1jSgUvNzFUimmx9KNymuvxDK0EMAG07fK-6buvHkcLRJVw7JGWxc0vWKN5RmInrz-RGZug59tfIaTdFxabUApRTdQrP/s1600/Maggie-Sottero-wedding-dresses-photo-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the first dresses I tried on</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We left the shop but I had decided on a few things I DIDN’T want – white, halterneck or big!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s funny how my tastes did a complete u-turn, because ever since I became engaged I had always seen myself in a big meringue-style dress with a long train.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And somehow I have gone for almost the complete opposite!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So outing number two took place last September.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really didn’t step into ‘The Bridal Way’ in Warlingham with the intention of making a purchase that day – I just thought it would be another browsing session!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The boutique is really lovely, and the staff can’t do more than enough for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If any brides-to-be in the area are looking for their dress, I can’t recommend them enough! You can find more details at </span><a href="http://www.thebridalway.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.thebridalway.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIZMQmM75j3w6JwA60pC6RpBpLb_KTl8olkw6T3MOdY5D9XDSqdmV2F5blJHROCB29CdsF91Qvblm-9uL6tz2-cyZNzonfQycVVVJvEZSG9mbN0-AClEm3D72ANVkXkl8Kx7km7o_VbVP/s1600/DSC_1553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIZMQmM75j3w6JwA60pC6RpBpLb_KTl8olkw6T3MOdY5D9XDSqdmV2F5blJHROCB29CdsF91Qvblm-9uL6tz2-cyZNzonfQycVVVJvEZSG9mbN0-AClEm3D72ANVkXkl8Kx7km7o_VbVP/s320/DSC_1553.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Bridal Way boutique</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I’d seen a few dresses that I liked in magazines by Sottero & Midgeley and Mori Lee and so tried those on – but they just weren’t right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember feeling quite deflated as I’d really set my heart on the below Maggie Sottero gown, and when it did nothing for me I wondered if I would ever find anything that suited!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wdoj83ucqOZlXuMAylHyS58wtVLVxKB6Q45qp6pQRmbmPoiXTFgug61cbbNeIU_volbILpdI3aH_MEYhOCiREeUG4Ovnu0CF03nBz29Rxgt2AhAFA7i1ihXgH9UrHFjg1SD3ytVJqglu/s1600/ADORAEb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wdoj83ucqOZlXuMAylHyS58wtVLVxKB6Q45qp6pQRmbmPoiXTFgug61cbbNeIU_volbILpdI3aH_MEYhOCiREeUG4Ovnu0CF03nBz29Rxgt2AhAFA7i1ihXgH9UrHFjg1SD3ytVJqglu/s320/ADORAEb.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought this would be 'my dress'! But it wasn't to be...</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was then that the store owner brought a gown over to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was completely different to anything I’d tried on before, and I thought ‘why not, let’s give it a go’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put it on and came out to the front of the shop where my Mum and Maid of Honour were sitting and we just all knew that it was the one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt a lump in my throat as I looked in the mirror, imagining walking down to the aisle to meet Ben.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dress really did make me feel like a princess!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t give anything away on here as Ben reads my blog, but it’s by San Patrick and is very ‘me’.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once I’d gotten over my giddiness, they then informed me that the dress was actually in the sale – even better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of this, if I wanted to buy it, I had to pay and take the dress away that same day!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So twenty minutes or so later, I left the shop having purchased my dress and with it sitting in the back of my car : )<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I need to do now is go back 8 weeks before the wedding and get it altered!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Needless to say, after all the drama and excitement, we went across the road to the pub to celebrate!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My lovely dress is now hanging up at my mother-in-law-to-be’s house safe and sound, and I get to have a sneak peak at it every so often when I visit them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m ever so excited to wear it!!!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The only downside to having bought my dress so early on is that I can’t try any more on!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep having a browse through the bridal magazines at the new collections, but nothing I see comes close to my dress, so I’ve definitely made the right decision! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy hunting to all you brides-to-be : )</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-25714911795870791932011-01-18T12:49:00.000-08:002011-01-18T12:52:16.477-08:00Sisterly Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_k3PnisB34UuMZEEW0dmSjHiylcHPtodBOwarvmFh_ejXMk575LbBIGvSaCoCFqM-1eHO7BWbut_ZFRy1m6QjrSRDhoQ3SfsIELL4_nUTlq82lvhaPrbJa-Nt8FGEhtlwkGldYqbS9dNu/s1600/menat55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_k3PnisB34UuMZEEW0dmSjHiylcHPtodBOwarvmFh_ejXMk575LbBIGvSaCoCFqM-1eHO7BWbut_ZFRy1m6QjrSRDhoQ3SfsIELL4_nUTlq82lvhaPrbJa-Nt8FGEhtlwkGldYqbS9dNu/s320/menat55.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>“Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters”</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">I have to admit, 10 years ago I never would have considered linking that sentence about my sister, Natalie, and myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">When we were younger we fought like cat and dog. The main problem was the ‘borrowing’ of clothes. It got so bad at one stage that I had a lock on my wardrobe door!!! The three year age gap back then seemed like a mountain that was wedged between us. But now I forget the gap – she’s just Nat!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">Over the years though we’ve shared so many things – bedrooms, men (not at the same time, I must add!), some great nights out and hundreds of happy (and sad) memories. Natalie is always the life and soul of the party and usually the last one standing. She’s great to go out and have a good time with, but she’s also a great listener.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">I think we got closer when she headed off to Uni in Liverpool five years ago. Mum and I dropped her off at her halls of residence and spent the night there before leaving her to enter the big wide world for herself. Needless to say we were both in tears for most of the journey home! She looked so helpless standing there as we drove away, but of course she had the best 4 year adventure of her life!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">When she came back from Uni, we had to share a bedroom again. I was absolutely dreading it – the lack of privacy and space certainly weren’t appealing but it actually worked out quite well and it was almost like we were getting to know each other all over again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">So when she announced she was leaving British soil in October last year to travel 5,000 miles away, I was not a happy bunny! After dropping her at Heathrow I was devastated – this time she wasn’t just a few hundred miles away, she was halfway around the world in China! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">I guess the saying ‘you don’t realise what you have until it’s gone’ really is true. I’m missing her loads but thanks to the world of email and Skype, we’re in regular contact and I’m so proud of her teaching English out there to classes of 50 children. I certainly couldn’t do it!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful sis the teacher : )</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">So roll on her coming home – which will be sometime between April and August this year. When she’s back we’ll be able to sort out the bridesmaids dresses and of course the hen do, which I have left in her ‘Chief Bridesmaid’ hands. Who knows where we’ll end up for that though! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us at mine and Ben's engagement do</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-44613322426301186602011-01-13T05:57:00.001-08:002011-01-13T06:06:10.876-08:00The Story Of How Ben And Carlyn Met And Became An Item<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was 2004.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>November to be exact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At approximately 6pm the door to HJP Independent Financial Advisers in Dorking opened and a petite brunette opened the door, oblivious to the fact that the entire company was holding a meeting.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">“Hi, I’m Carlyn,” she quietly announced.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Richard Phillips, the HJP’s Director, welcomed her and asked her to sit down. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the next half an our or so Carlyn sat in the office trying to take in what everyone was saying with an eager expression on her face as she was due to start working at the company the following week. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was her ‘initiation’.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After the meeting quite a few members of staff headed over to the local pub for a drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was here that Ben, who had been working at the company for a few years, introduced himself to Carlyn and they began chatting away.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">At this point neither or them fancied each other – Ben had just come out of a relationship and Carlyn was still in one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did however get on really well and Carlyn went home thinking that there were a bunch of nice people working at HJP.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So the next few months rolled on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carlyn found her feet at HJP and enjoyed working there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The company moved offices in April and it just so happened that the new seating arrangements meant that Ben and Carlyn were now sitting opposite each other, with only a photocopier for company. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The pair began to talk more and more, and Ben was there to listen to Carlyn venting when she split up from her boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Newly single and although certainly not on the rebound, Carlyn asked Ben if he fancied going to the cinema one night to see ‘War Of The Worlds’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The date was finally set for 21<sup>st</sup> July 2005.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ben picked Carlyn up after work and they drove to Epsom cinema, although en-route, Ben asked if Carlyn fancied a drink beforehand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never one to turn down an alcoholic bevvie, Carlyn accepted and they ended up in Jim Thompson’s pub in Cheam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After a vodka or two (this was the tipple back then), the pair revealed that they couldn’t really be bothered with going to the cinema after all and why not carry on drinking back at Ben’s place? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(on a school night as well – shocking!)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They bought a litre of vodka from the nearest off-licence and consumed half of it back in the comfort of Autumn Drive, Sutton! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the vodka flowed, the pair grew some ‘wings’ and admitted that they secretly fancied each other and…in the words of the Mamma Mia musical…dot dot dot!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The following day at work was rather awkward as both Ben and Carlyn were extremely hungover. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carlyn was actually so bad that she had to leave work at 11am to go home, not before being sick in the car first!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once they had gotten over this though, they started dating properly and haven’t looked back since!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Look out for the next instalment: ‘Ben And Carlyn : The Early Years’</span></span></div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-960899911181710452011-01-06T04:49:00.000-08:002011-01-06T04:49:47.105-08:00Going Back To Bonny Scotland To Get Married<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the last few days I’ve been thinking about our wedding venue and what it means to me to get married back ‘home’ in Scotland.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was born in <place w:st="on">Dundee</place> along with the rest of my family, and although we moved away when I was 5, I will always consider myself Scottish and am proud of my heritage.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My dad, who sadly passed away in 1996, was extremely patriotic and I know that he would have wanted me to get married nowhere else other than <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">Scotland</country-region></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><place w:st="on"><city w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Edinburgh</span></city></place><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> has always held a fond place in my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember going there when I was younger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d go and visit family in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Edinburgh</city></place> but would often stop through the capital on the way there or back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some photos of me aged 3 or 4 having a whale of a time at Edinburgh Zoo, and I also have fond memories of walking around the memorial gardens, visiting the castle and the Royal Britannia yacht, which is where Prince Charles and Lady Diana spent their honeymoon.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For anyone that hasn’t been to <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Edinburgh</city></place>, you must!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With streets steeped in history and a thriving cultural scene, the city offers the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s the same with our chosen wedding venue, The Hub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Located in the heart of the city’s old town on the Royal Mile, it boasts a steep history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Step inside and the interior is breathtakingly modern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a peek at the photos below to see what I mean!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMoctAtfysGUwZ_jMI_JKZXbLWUThGsGAEtdbzmeTX_xRw7EAHaGwh5rngjmbBrclD3RTwvTas-jzv89n5kv0aQZmRM-UD8x-WAnuHVXXSthFYRtrWUwbGGqbnIQnIpmfYqOqycDekOU_/s1600/Hub+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMoctAtfysGUwZ_jMI_JKZXbLWUThGsGAEtdbzmeTX_xRw7EAHaGwh5rngjmbBrclD3RTwvTas-jzv89n5kv0aQZmRM-UD8x-WAnuHVXXSthFYRtrWUwbGGqbnIQnIpmfYqOqycDekOU_/s320/Hub+1.jpg" width="175" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><city w:st="on"><place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Edinburgh</span></place></city><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> is also surrounded by stunning scenery and coastlines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t realise that there actually some beaches near the city centre, as we are hoping to travel to one on our wedding day to have some scenic photos taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I simply can’t wait to get married in such a beautiful and iconic building, in one of my favourite cities in the world, surrounded by our family and friends.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16 months today – bring it on!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIz72lYoGEa7v7kwEt_SB3KN3M6wTXTT26CLe-P5tXPivkMJ3AY6zMTAQ2gH8k8PkG9-sDdH0ddFvIkUlwgf6KUi87WBse6ywNXw6owXASB76bwJDK_-hyHVBjJc4le45qSEVZxK4zS11/s1600/Edinburgh+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIz72lYoGEa7v7kwEt_SB3KN3M6wTXTT26CLe-P5tXPivkMJ3AY6zMTAQ2gH8k8PkG9-sDdH0ddFvIkUlwgf6KUi87WBse6ywNXw6owXASB76bwJDK_-hyHVBjJc4le45qSEVZxK4zS11/s320/Edinburgh+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-7201127573557406162011-01-03T12:03:00.000-08:002011-01-03T12:15:09.557-08:002011 Is The Year To Get Fit!<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today I can finally say that I am</span> getting married NEXT YEAR!<br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is most exciting news, although the wedding does still feel quite far away. There is simply so much to do, but bring it on!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I've also decided that this year I will up my fitness levels. I want to tone up for a friend's wedding in Cyprus in May as well as ensure that I can fit into my lovely dress : ) The plan of action to do this is to increase the number of gym sessions I do before classes when possible, cut out alcohol for 12 weeks (this starts on Saturday, wish me luck!) and run at least two mornings a week before work around the local park. Hopefully if I put all these ingredients together, a new fit me will emerge!!! Maybe I'll even have a flat tummy like this...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFmtJRb3BlvhLzYQfAFJtqVk2uEnnv13ChGPTiRtMB7KiTsRdsuvzmR2UmGVoWylC0DgSQOgN0tMkEQutcGAUgldeWFnqzfMwvSTHwLbUiVw-eUrZFnlZ4qNn7WH-h8AeGaqvAGYj8XGA/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFmtJRb3BlvhLzYQfAFJtqVk2uEnnv13ChGPTiRtMB7KiTsRdsuvzmR2UmGVoWylC0DgSQOgN0tMkEQutcGAUgldeWFnqzfMwvSTHwLbUiVw-eUrZFnlZ4qNn7WH-h8AeGaqvAGYj8XGA/s1600/11.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The whole assessment of my fitness has also made me think again about becoming a qualified Les Mills instructor. I'd love to teach Body Combat and Body Attack classes in the evenings or at the weekends, as what could possibly be better than getting paid to do something I love? I now need to seriously look into the cost of the course as well as the demand for teachers in the Surrey / Sussex area. I'll keep you posted on my progress!<br />
</span>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-64056389318238486112010-12-23T06:04:00.000-08:002011-01-03T12:13:05.115-08:00Farewell to 2010…<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It’s that time of year when everyone is in a reflective mood. On that note I thought I would just ponder over the happenings wedding-wise in 2010.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">At the start of the year we decided that we would really get the ball rolling with regards to actually setting a date and booking a venue. Having been engaged since June 2008, time was certainly ticking on and my feet were getting so itchy that I really needed to scratch them.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">First of all we really did think we would get married locally, and went and saw about five venues, ranging from hotels to converted barns. We fell in love with Coltsford Mill </span><a href="http://www.coltsfordmill-weddings.co.uk/"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">http://www.coltsfordmill-weddings.co.uk/</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> which is a beautiful purpose-built mill venue located 10 miles away from where we live. Having visited the venue, we really did think it was the ‘one’ at it seemed perfect in every way.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But once we sat down and really discussed things, it became clear that deep down I really wanted to go ‘home’ to <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Scotland</place></country-region> to get married. And so a search for a Scottish venue began, in September. We began to consider all sorts of ideas, from a wedding on Loch Lomond to a ‘quickie’ at <place w:st="on">Gretna Green</place>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After a few more weeks of discussions, we made appointments to see three venues – a castle near the England and Scotland border, a country hotel near Edinburgh and then The Hub on the Royal Mile, and drove the 8 hour journey up there with our fingers crossed that we would find ‘the one’. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We loved all venues for different reasons, but when we stepped into The Hub we just knew that it was the venue for us. With its striking colour schemes and grandeur, as well as being located in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, it really is amazing. <a href="http://www.thehub-edinburgh.com/">http://www.thehub-edinburgh.com/</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So we’ve sorted the venue. Happy days! Whilst there we also met with a photographer and booked him for the day. I’m really excited to work with him and know he will take some amazing pictures.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Just before we set off on our wedding road trip, I bought my dress! I didn’t actually set out that day with the intention of buying it! It was my third visit to a wedding dress shop. When I started my quest to find the dress of my dreams I imagined myself in something quite big, and almost definitely strapless. The dress that I have chosen is completely different and I am super chuffed with it. It’s definitely ‘me’ and myself, my Mum, sister and maid of honour have all shed a little tear once I’ve tried it on. Surely this can only be a good thing?!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2010 has been a busy year for us, and 2011 is going to be even busier. Not only have we got flowers, favours, cake, entertainment and more to decide upon, we are also undertaking supposedly the most stressful task of all – buying a house! Eek. It’s all very daunting but I love nothing more than a challenge so all I can say is BRING IT ON!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-31443704833468066172010-11-30T05:57:00.002-08:002010-11-30T05:57:48.577-08:00All Hail To Hobbycraft!<div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A couple of years ago I discovered one of the best shops ever – Hobbycraft!<span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you who have never been inside one of these superstores, you must visit one and see for yourself the treasures that lay inside the four walls!<span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hobbycraft stocks everything you’ll ever need in the world of crafts – from coloured paper to baking products. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class=""><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As well as all of the above, they have a huge selection of wedding bits ‘n’ bobs, from everything you need to make your own invitations to favours.<span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luckily for me (or perhaps not for my bank account!) there is a store located 2 minutes away from the office, so I often take a wander over there to have a browse.<span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s almost like visiting Santa’s Grotto – you want to buy everything in sight!<span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can get quite carried away in there though and need to take a step back and think ‘although it would be really cool to make this, have I really got the time?’.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ve never really been a crafty person, and still to this day cannot sew a button on!<span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I think I may have an experiment or two over the next few months to see if there’s anything I can make for the wedding.<span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watch this space!... </span></div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-86078109812032116682010-11-30T05:57:00.000-08:002010-11-30T05:57:03.521-08:00All the fun of the wedding fair<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last month I got my first taste of a proper wedding fair. Although I'd been to some smaller events with my Mum beforehand, the National Wedding Fair at Olympia was on a much larger scale than anything I'd ever seen!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Advertised on the its website as 'the show for you; a unique and glamorous wedding shopping experience with thousands of ideas to plan your perfect day', I excitedly booked tickets for myself, my Mum, Chief Bridesmaid, Maid of Honour and good friend Natasha.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not knowing what to expect, once we arrived I was first of all surprised at just how many exhibitors there were under one roof - over 300 in fact. The second thing I noticed was the thousands of crazed Bridezillas milling about - there was a definite bridal buzz in the air. Upon further scrutiny you could see the few dozen grooms that had been dragged along for the day, dragging their heels and looking as though they'd rather be anywhere else, bless them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We settled down to watch the 'How to look good' show, hosted by Caryn Franklin, a supposed TV makeover expert. I have to admit that I'd not seen any of her TV work, and after 15 minutes or so watching her attempt to transform an enthusiastic but plain bride-to-be into something that resembled Cruella de Ville, we hastily moved on to negotiate the busy aisles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was so much to take in at the show, from photographers, cakes (with lots of yummy tastings available), dresses and favours. I did find that because we're holding our wedding in Scotland, not all supplier</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">s deliver nationally, which was slightly disappointing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One area that I did enjoy getting ideas on was the hen do. At the back of the hall was a huge pink party bus, hosted by Blush Hospitality. I was drawn to its pulsing pink colour and house music, and once we went on board all 5 of us enjoyed checking out the pole dancing facilities : ) This is a definite contender, so watch this space girls...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other stand that I think grabbed the attention of all the girlies was that hosted by Dreamboys. Dreamboys offer a hen do to remember, by inviting you to enjoy dinner at one of their shows in London, which involves a dozen or so oiled up Chippendale-wannabes girating around the stage for a few hours. Some audience participation is expected, and although I wouldn't mind watching the show (who in reality wouldn't?), the thought of being stuck in a venue with hundreds of other hen do's doesn't strike me as a good one. I'd much rather just do my own thing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all, I did enjoy the afternoon at the fair with the girls, but I don't think I'd hurry back to another one. For your £12 entry fee all you get is a goodie bag filled up with chocolates and toothpaste (are they trying to make you put on weight before your big day?!). Champagne is available but at £7 a glass we gave it a wide berth! I enjoyed the catwalk fashion shows but being 5 foot 3, I couldn't really see much and my poor Mum could see even less...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For any brides-to-be thinking of going, I wish you well and remember these two tips: stay focused and wear flat shoes! You'll only regret the heels, although they may come in handy for stepping on the toes of the Bridezillas pushing past you to try and lay their hands on the oiled up Dreamboys lol.</span>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-90557153159698512232010-11-30T05:55:00.001-08:002010-11-30T05:55:46.026-08:00Don’t Tell The Bride comes to an end<div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was slightly sad when the final episode in this series of ‘Don’t Tell The Bride’ was aired on BBC3 last month.<span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9pm every Tuesday is a time I look forward to every week as my Mum and I watch the show and spend the hour usually cringing at the bad decisions made by the grooms, more often than not related to the dress!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week’s show saw 29 year old Hywel organise a Glastonbury themed wedding for his bride to be Beca, also 29. <span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As usual, they both had completely different ideas on how their big day should be, with Beca preferring a sophisticated cocktail party and Hywel just wanting music to lead the way. <span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He even made a personal pop ‘Wonderwall’ video in tribute to his bride and favourite band, Oasis.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the end, as usual, the day was a big success, with the sun shining down on the couple as they took their vows in an outdoor garden and held their reception in a marquee.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class=""><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do wonder though how brides-to-be put the trust of their big day with their grooms. <span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The £12,000 provided by the show would certainly come in handy, but I just don’t know whether Ben would make all the right decisions for the biggest day of our lives, bless him. <span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d probably have me wear a really tight dress and I know he’d try his hardest to get Andy C to do a DJ set in the evening! <span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So farewell to the trashy but likeable show for now…until next season! <span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess there’s always ‘Wedding House’ on Channel 4 to watch. <span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Car crash TV at its best!</span></div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-74193109183763854922010-11-30T05:54:00.001-08:002011-01-03T12:10:36.330-08:00Veil or no veil – that is the question…<div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lately I have been thinking about whether to wear a veil or not on the big day. <span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t give too much away about my dress on here but personally don’t think I need one as the dress is beautiful on its own.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">These thoughts led me to do a bit of research on the tradition of the veil, and I have to admit I don’t like what I found out!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">According to tradition, the veil symbolised a wife’s submission to her husband and signified that she was under protection of the groom.<span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lifting of the veil at the end of the ceremony symbolised male dominance.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now I’m not exactly an active feminist, but surely these old traditions are implying that the husband ‘owns’ the wife and I find that quite distasteful.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On the other hand, veils are beautiful and I’m sure many brides to be are choosing to wear one because it’s pretty.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I’m torn at the moment, and I guess until I try one on with my dress, I won’t quite know. <span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps some fresh flowers in my hair will work just as well as an old net curtain?! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2unTO7aEw-F0ZPfb-p6cYZ-szgx2qqvfkeNIKvMdSVt5J5QGSnO0JYDR1sxcH1IAktz9wRksxlqbFMD08bR5Y_nb1Io5CmJv2kPpCiQlyXZb8tUgJThfZ0mO3P_nukrCHTy6GdborUFM/s1600/Veil-Wedding-Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2unTO7aEw-F0ZPfb-p6cYZ-szgx2qqvfkeNIKvMdSVt5J5QGSnO0JYDR1sxcH1IAktz9wRksxlqbFMD08bR5Y_nb1Io5CmJv2kPpCiQlyXZb8tUgJThfZ0mO3P_nukrCHTy6GdborUFM/s320/Veil-Wedding-Dress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-57029985905402346232010-11-30T05:53:00.001-08:002010-11-30T05:53:45.144-08:00We’ve Snapped Up Our Photographer!<div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another item of the list has been crossed off – our photographer. <span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent a good few hours trailing the internet trying to get a shortlist together and came across Derek Christie, a modern and contemporary photographer based in Edinburgh.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The three of us met up for an informal chat over a bevvie in the Deacon Brodies Tavern pub on the Royal Mile where Derek showed us some of his recent work which Ben and I were super impressed with – he takes some really unusual and beautiful shots, and certainly thinks outside of the box. <span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But most importantly we were impressed with Derek – he’s a genuinely passionate, friendly guy and we’re looking forward to working with him on our big day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class=""><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Visit Derek's website at </span><a href="http://derekchristiephotography.com/" mce_href="http://derekchristiephotography.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://derekchristiephotography.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-252152075238391652010-11-30T05:28:00.000-08:002011-01-03T12:11:29.508-08:00Getting Into A Pickle About The Piper<div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The search for our piper has now come to an end.<span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who knew that there would be so many different wedding bagpipers to choose from?!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the end our decision to book John, a.k.a ‘The Pickled Piper’ came down to how he looks in comparison to others.<span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The old famous saying of “never judge a book by its cover” is being put to the test and we are hoping his piping is as good as his attire!<span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John wears full Scottish bagpiping traditional dress to weddings and will really look the part on the day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The next challenge is deciding which songs he will pipe during his set.<span mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anyone has any ideas, please share them with us!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREJZwpz4RJPC-1jWIyLtZUHhfDzSre1G-_vGa5eUsWwhW4nZ7k_CMRZkWbwDOKQIgSL0mDnp1l3NPyX7BkU7JDhQEX4vcSb6igRCnCyVR-u5dEwKq058EaRHn9160MEek1fJU5Tziazot/s1600/bagpiper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREJZwpz4RJPC-1jWIyLtZUHhfDzSre1G-_vGa5eUsWwhW4nZ7k_CMRZkWbwDOKQIgSL0mDnp1l3NPyX7BkU7JDhQEX4vcSb6igRCnCyVR-u5dEwKq058EaRHn9160MEek1fJU5Tziazot/s320/bagpiper.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" mce_style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7263551109001168905.post-59390032418638310422010-11-30T05:26:00.001-08:002010-11-30T05:26:45.123-08:00Contracts Received!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After waiting a couple of weeks, the final contracts have been received. This means we're finally in business! All we have to do now is pay a deposit, sign on the dotted line and away we go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a huge relief having spent the best part of four months searching for our ideal Scottish venue and choosing a date that suited : )</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let the rest of the planning begin!</span>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00768321545233354539noreply@blogger.com0