My Google Reader is swamped with amazingly cute, funny & stylish girls, that unfortunately I don’t dedicate as much time to as I’d like. So I thought it was about time I publicly shared the love with some of these delicious blogs & their owners! You’ve probably heard of all of these ladies— & in fact, so had I, but for months I just didn’t click on the link to their blogs, for reasons unbeknown to me. So if you’ve been procrastinating too, then stop & have a look at these sparkly gems— otherwise you’re missing out!
 The Fish Tank
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 Elevator Musik
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 Gem Fatale
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 Lauren’s Dressing Room
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Filed under: WWW |
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While perusing some of my fav daily blogs today, I came across a post from Gala that caught my eye, under one of her regular features, ‘Curious Tuesday’, where she and her readers attempt to find out more about one another. Her latest subject — & typically a frequent part of my conversations recently — is marriage. Is it good? Bad? Happy? Sad? What do you think? Have a look at my answers and then please feel free to share your own!
Photo by David McNeil
How do you feel about marriage as a concept? Realistic? Romantic? A pipe-dream?
Well, considering I’m engaged to be married next year, it’s a reality for me and my beau! I think it’s also something very romantic — the day, the idea, everything — and romance is also a very real thing too. I completely realise it’s not for everyone, but I’ve been lucky enough to come from a loving home that hasn’t been destroyed by divorce or separation, so I’m not pessimistic about the reality of spending my life loving one man, or romance in general. Even if I had been involved in a family with a loveless marriage, I’d like to think I wouldn’t tar myself with the same brush & instead realise that what I have with my fiance, is a life, love & laughter like no other, & not all marriages end in disaster! I have every faith & trust in us as a couple, & a wedding day is like the butter-icing on top of the perfect cake that is our relationship, & while we have nothing to prove to anyone after 5 years together, it’ll be nice to celebrate with friends & family and have an amazing party, that says, “This is us and we’re serious!”
Do you think you’ll ever want to get married?
Yes. (Clearly!) I think throughout my life I’ve assumed that I’d get married one day. I’ve never been one to have a clear idea of what things will make my day perfect, but since Ashley proposed, I have got a bit Monica about it all, with my wedding folder!
If you did get married, would you want a big blow-out celebration or would you keep it low-key?
I think our day is going to be somewhere in the middle — it’s in quite a grand venue and we’re having a fairly massive after-party, but we’re only having 60 people to the day and everything’s going to be quite ‘DIY’. I don’t want an expensive, polished (boring) Martha Stewart wedding! We’re definitely putting a stamp on it, and throwing out some traditions.
If you are married now, how has that changed your relationship?
N/A! Although for the record, I’d like to say things will only get better — marriage is the next stage in our relationship before having babies.
If you’re married, how did you celebrate it? Knowing what you know now, would you have done it differently?
N/A! But it’s going to be completely fun, chaotic and memorable — not just for us, but our guests too!
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Filed under: Life and Love, Weddings |
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Hello, gang!
My little world has been so full of wonderful little moments recently, that I’ve struggled to find the time to share them with you all. Here’s a sneak peek at our friends amazing wedding and my niece’s second birthday. How time flies!
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Filed under: Life Through The Lens, Life and Love, Photography, Weddings |
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Today is the first day that I’ve turned my computer on in at least a week! Life has been even more chaotic than usual, as I had to sit my Department Manager panel— which is like an assessment— at work and there was so much training I had to do. Thankfully, I passed so a new store with my very own department, plus a nice pay rise is coming my way! Finally the 12hr days are beginning to pay off (& I’m sure there’s plenty more to come!)
When I’ve not been cracking on with retail jargon, I’ve been photographing a friends wedding and spending some quality time with my own bridesmaids. Apart from that, I’ve been exhausted. Truly, exhausted. I’ve lost my focus with blogging a bit, but it’s not something I intend to give up! I just need to muster the energy to tidy my flat (I can’t work in messy conditions!) and find the time— hopefully being at my new store will help— to blog, because I have so much to share. I’m still reading all your lovely blogs and comments!
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Filed under: Admin, Life and Love, Work |
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The lovely little village I live in had their annual fete today, complete with bunting, maypole dancing, barbecue’s, bric-a-brac, old books & antiques, cupcakes, locally produced cider & preserves, ice-cream, a dog show and lots of other charming stalls, all by local people. It was lovely to see something so quaint, where it seemed the whole community and it’s schools had got involved. It was certainly a lovely day for it!
I took my lovely little addition to my camera family along with me for the ride— it has all the manual controls I love about my DSLR, without the heavy bulk! I’d definitely recommend it, for something you can just pop in your bag.
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Filed under: Life Through The Lens, Life and Love, Photography, Travel |
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Oh, yes. Goodbye 22, hello 23!
My birthday has completely crept up on me this year, what with work and wedding planning. I don’t feel old as such but older— I’ve never really been a clubbing girl, but even last years fancy dress shenanigans didn’t appeal this year (perhaps partly because I’ve had no time to plan anything!) Instead, I’m spending time with my family today, getting my nails done and then going to a fish and grill restaurant with Ashley this evening, having my girls over for a slumber party (with movies, cocktails, cupcakes, pizza and gossip!) at the weekend, and visiting a South African – Indian restaurant on Sunday with my family, with a friends hen ‘do somewhere in between! Life is jam-packed this weekend and I love it.
Me on my 22nd birthday last year, with Ashley
It’s been quite a big year for me, with a lot of independance— myself & Ashley moved out together, we got engaged and have started to plan our wedding (and I picked up some gorgeous cupcake samples today!), and I have gone from a supervisor to a Department Manager (which has been a challenge and as much as I love and loathe it at the same time, it has made me a stronger person!) I’ve crossed lots of tasks off of my 101 in 1001 list, and met lots of lovely blogging ladies and I’ve developed my personal style.
A friend at work didn’t realise it was my birthday today, but I told her I wasn’t too excited as it was an unimportant one (i.e. not 18, 21, 30 etc), to which she exclaimed, “Every birthday is important! It’s another year that you’re alive, happy and healthy!” And she’s right. There is SO much more to come for me (and you!) So if you weren’t going to celebrate your birthday this year, please, please do!
I don’t usually believe in horoscopes / astrology, but I found this on astrology.com.au to be quite apt:
Your personal ruling planets are Moon and Uranus.
You have a strong sense of your own individuality and pride yourself on the fact that you are different. Not just in your personality but your tastes are also eccentric and the way you communicate your ideas and opinions may be just as unusual and unorthodox. In a traditional environment this approach may not always work for you and may only serve to label you a “fruitcake”. Try toning down some of these unconventional traits and you may be surprised to find that people will in fact not only accept but come to love them.
You are just as likely to attract unusual partners and may even prefer the bizarre – again, learn to balance the extremes in your nature for a fulfilling life.
Your lucky colours are electric blue, electric white and multi-colours.
Your lucky gems are Hessonite garnet and agate.
Your lucky days of the week Sunday and Tuesday.
Your lucky numbers and years of important change are 4, 13, 22, 31, 40, 49, 58, 67, 76.
Famous people born on your birthday include Julian Sorell Huxley, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gower Champion, Meryl Streep, Tracy Pollan, Nicholas Lea, Chow Sing Chi, Carson Daly, Steve Irwin and Heather Donahue.
Me? Fruitcake?! Never…
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Filed under: Life and Love |
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1, 2, 3. It’s been so long since I wrote anything for this series, that I think I’ve probably repeated myself. Oops!
61. I’m getting married in May 2011 to my partner of 6 years and it’s going to be the best day ever (not to mention the most amazing party!)
62. I hate everything that N-Dubz stand for, but love their music at the moment! Such a guilty pleasure.
63. I can’t remember the last time I went to the cinema. Literally.
64. I’m really good at 10-pin bowling, for some reason. I have no technique, but I’ve won every game I’ve played in the last year or so! I’m shit hot at bowling on the Wii too. And to think, my teacher once said I had no ball skills— that’ll show you…!
65. I suck at gymnastics. I can’t cartwheel or do a handstand or anything. I’m not even sure I could do a forward roll these days without fear of breaking my neck! Teddy bear rolls are as about as good as it gets.
66. My favourite font is either Helvetica or Verdana. I hate Comic Sans and don’t understand why it is still readily available, unless you’re a primary school teacher!
67. I can guess how many beers my fiance has had just by the way he smells(!) He might have had just one, 5hrs previously, but I always know. I think I must have been a police dog in a previous life!
68. I can’t burp. Not because I don’t want to, but the noise just won’t come out. Zilch. It can be quite uncomfortable sometimes!
69. The thought of being involved in a natural disaster terrifies me. My parents house flooding due to torrential rain, while I was home alone & they were in another country, was bad enough thankyouverymuch!
70. Ashley makes me laugh every single day, without fail. Love.
71. I lovelovelove my beauty sleep. I’m currently workings 12hours a day, 5 days a week and it slowly but surely killing me.
72. Sometimes I think I might have OCD— but then I realise I’m messy 80% of the time! That 20% of time that I tidy up though, I tidy up good & hate it if someone doesn’t put something back in the correct place. Until I mess it up again that is.
73. I’m not allergic to anything, except pollen. And possibly something in Banana Boat Sun Oil that makes me feel like my back is being stung by a thousand bees!
74. Chocolate is the best when it’s been chilled for a while, to it’s hard and crunchy. Yum.
75. I love the Welsh accent! Gavin and Stacey is even better because of this fact.
76. I loved being a redhead, but it’s so hard to keep up— the dye stained my shower more than it did my hair!
77. I really dislike black and white photography. What is the point? Colour, all the way.
78. I was (apparently) scared of grass when I was a baby— I’d scream my head off if you put me down on it, but I’d be as right a rain when my dad picked me up again. Actually, thinking about it, I’m not exactly at one with nature now!
79. My dad’s side of the family are South African. My nan used to make the BEST South African pumpkin fritters— I found her recipe and tried to make them, but they were rank. Very disappointed!
80. I’ve been driving for three years, but haven’t driven on the motorway (yet.)
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Filed under: 101 in 1001 |
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Image by Helgasms!
Life has been absolutely hectic, and not in a good way either! A typical day involves waking up at 4am to get ready for work and be there at 6am, ask to go home at around 5pm (yeah, asking to go home when I’ve already been there 11hrs with just a 30 minute break, thankyouverymuch!), get home at around 6pm and make dinner and tidy up a little for when my fiance comes home at around 7:30pm, eat and then fall asleep on the sofa at around 9pm, before mustering the energy to climb into bed shortly after. There’s simply been no time for blogging, seeing friends or family, housework, photography, reading, or anything fun! This does not a happy Aimee make. 6pm isn’t exactly late to be getting home, but it is when you’ve been up for 14hrs, and have to get up in another 10! This job is killing me, both physically and mentally. I’ve applied for exactly 34 jobs since 6th May and I’ve heard zilch, and I’m starting to lose the will to live.
In happier news, our wedding plans are going swimmingly! The thought of it has been keeping me going, when sometimes I’ve been so tired, bored and irritated (at work) that I just want to cry. I’ve been talking dresses, cupcakes and colour schemes to any ear that will listen. I love it. I think I might be turning into one of those mothers with newborn babies that can’t talk about anything else but their offspring. This wedding is like my little sprog! We’ve got so many great, unique ideas! I just want to plan it all now— and while that’s a GREAT idea— some of it is just not feasible to be doing this far ahead. We have been designing our Save The Date cards though, and they’re going to be awesome.
I’ve also been working on my 101 in 1001 list, which I haven’t even managed to finish writing yet!
Do you have a 101 in 1001 list? What’s on it? I need some inspiration! What do you want to accomplish in life?
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Filed under: 101 in 1001, Weddings, Work |
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Sometimes, I find myself sitting in my work uniform when I get home and it never feels like the day has actually ended. I veg out in front of the TV and then I realise if I did this every night, life would pass me by quicker than you can say ‘procrastination’! I’m not saying I want to come home and work, work, work, but it’s important to do something with your spare time, isn’t it? If there’s one thing better than finishing work for the day, it’s coming home from work AND pampering yourself into complete relaxation and tranquility, with a few little, simple treats and feeling like you’ve accomplished something too (no matter how small.) Bliss! So, put your feet up and let the unwinding begin…
Image by Pink Sherbet Photography
Get organised. Work, unfortunately, doesn’t always end at your front door. If you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to fully de-stress if you know there’s a pile of washing up waiting to sparkle, or the floor needs vacuuming, or something equally tedious. It’s tempting to kick off your shoes and just relax straight away, but spend just 10 minutes doing something, whether it’s sorting out your finances, putting a load of washing on, or putting your clothes away. A little weight will be lifted off your shoulders instantly!
Shower. Wash the day away! You will feel so much better.
Feet. If you haven’t got one already, invest in a foot spa. They’re lush. You can always make do with your own DIY attempt though— fill an old washing up bowl up with bubbles and hot water, and feel the tension rushing out of your body! Finish up with a foot scrub and massage a scrumptious body butter into your toots! Yum. Make sure you pay extra attention to your aching muscles and dry skin.
Nails. There’s no better quick pick-me-up than a mani-pedi! File your nails and paint them your fav refreshing shade. Don’t forget your (now lovely and soft) toes either! It might be miserable weather (in England at least), but who knows when you might have to crack out the sandals next!
Music. Put on some soothing music and lay down for a while. Alternatively, put on the heaviest tunes you can find and rock-the-fuck-out! Whatever floats your boat.
Books. Reading is really important, but something I rarely find the time to indulge in. Now is the perfect time to kick back and relax with a trashy book. Whatever genre, it has to be exciting— it doesn’t count as fun if you’re reading something related to your job or studies!
Hobbies. Do whatever it is you enjoy— photography; baking; blogging; composing music; riding your bike; craft; knitting; hacking up old clothes into new; whatever it is, get stuck in.
Friends. Contact that friend that you’ve been meaning to speak to for ages, whether it’s face-to-face, over the phone or via email. Catch-up!
What do you do to unwind after a long day?
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Filed under: Articles, Hints, Tips and Advice, Inspiration, Life and Love, Work |
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I’ve had the best break from the tedious and monotonous horror of my day job. It’s been two weeks full of seeing my niece (who loves having her photo taken!), family meals, poker nights, a week of sunshine & relaxation in Crete, wedding planning, 80s fancy dress parties & generally lots of quality time with my husband-to-be & tranquility. Bliss. I wish I could be a lady of leisure more often! But now, I’m back. Healthy eating (to lose that holiday baggage!), serious job-hunting & — you’ll be glad to hear! — lots more blogging!
What have you been doing recently?
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Filed under: Life Through The Lens, Photography |
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