Life Lately #150

Hi lovelies!

I'm officially back from my 'blogging break'. I really hate saying that, as I'm not actually sure what qualifies for a break anymore.. but I think this has been the longest time period where I haven't blogged & I've missed it. I thought I better start with an update post (number 150!) from this past month as I feel like so much has happened..

As this weather has been so beautiful recently, I've been spending more & more time in our garden. My plants however are not loving it so much.. my strawberry plant in particular! But I have been loving growing my own vegetables & fruit in our garden this Summer. Our onions are currently flourishing & the lettuces we grew were so successful. I've got another post on the sidelines about falling in love with my garden this summer which should hopefully be published in the next few weeks.

James' brother Alex celebrated his 22nd birthday at the beginning of July. Our present to him was a day out to Brighton to do an Escape Room. I completed my first escape room at the beginning of June with the girls & loved it so much, I thought it would be the perfect present for Alex. We completed the room in 58 minutes just in time & then headed to Nandos for lunch. England were playing in the world cup at 3pm, so we rushed home in time for the match!

That evening we headed to Valerie & Barrie's for a Murder Mystery night. I'd never done one before so wasn't sure how it all worked, but it was really good fun. We each got sent our characters a week or so before, so we knew a bit about them & how to dress & act at dinner. The game also comes with a tape & you follow a script to find out who committed the crime. I was Lady Shippe, the widow of Lord Shippe & James was the local vicar who was into drinking & gambling! We thought we would find out the murderer quite early on, but it kept us guessing right till the end. I'd highly recommend taking part in one if you haven't before!

Oh & I held my annual Summer BBQ, which was amazing as ever! It always feels like the day goes so quick, what with all the planning & preparation, but it's always so much fun. I love getting everyone together & playing games as the sun sets. We had the most amazing weather as well.

James & I headed up to Bristol for Matt & Alice's wedding. James was an usher for Matt, so we attended the rehearsal on the Friday evening before the big event on Saturday. It was so much fun meeting all their friends & family & getting to celebrate the day with them.

& finally, at the end of July, we went to Quimper in France for a week with James' family. It was a week full of exploring, socialising & relaxation. The accommodation came with a private pool, which was so nice, as the weather was just as hot as England at the time.

So I think that's about it! I'm currently working my second to last shift before 9 days off from work & I couldn't be more excited. I'm planning on doing a Summer / Autumn clean (is that a thing?) in our house & organising a few days out with my girls but otherwise, I haven't got much on, just going to make the most of the last of the Summer if the weather co-operates!

I'd love to hear if you've been anywhere nice this year? Or still have any holidays coming up? : )

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May & June Favourites

Lilac Nail Polish
I mean, can you get anymore Summery than a lilac nail varnish? I've found I've been reaching for my favourite pastel nail polishes lately & Utopia by Models Own has to be one of my ultimate favs. I've had it in my collection for years (I should really get another one because I'll be heartbroken when it's finished!) I'm also loving glitter polishes, who said they just have to be used at Christmas time?

Sweet Sheen Lipstick

I can't resist a lipstick that is easy to apply, keeps my lips in great condition & provides a healthy colour in the Summer. Well, all year round to be honest! This one is a complete bargain, only £2 in Superdrug. MUA have some of the most affordable products on the highstreet in my opinion & could be sold for a lot more.

Frazzled

I'm really enjoying dipping in & out of this book, especially now its warmer & I can enjoy it in the garden. It's perfect for giving you that little bit of reassurance that everything's going to be ok. I'd highly recommend it.

Sandals 

These have been my shoe of the Summer so far. For £4, they are an absolute steal & so so so comfy. They are perfect for work & evenings out when I can't be dealing with heels!

Garnier Summer Body Lotion

Every Summer, this lotion becomes my life saver. This year I was tempted by the darker shade & seeing as it was half price in Boots, I couldn't resist! I absolutely love how it makes my skin look beautifully tanned after just two applications, you just need to remember to keep applying it regularly otherwise it does become quite patchy.

TV

Love Island

I just have no words to express how in love with this program I am. It's fully taken over my life yet again! Who is your favourite couple in there at the moment? I absolutely love Marcel & Gabby!

Events 

On 21st May, James & I travelled up to London to see The Sidemen play in their second charity football match. We had such a wonderful day exploring along the Thames in the sunshine, followed by the game. 

James finally got to use his birthday present from me & drive 2 super cars around a race track last month! It was so much fun watching him, vlog coming soon!

We also got the chance to go away on a mini break to Wales at the end of May, which was so lovely. I'd only ever been to Wales when I was little. It's such a beautiful place. You can read about our full adventure here if you like.

Finally, Allan & Maria's wedding. Guys, how can I say this? It was basically one of the best days ever. I've written a full post about the day which you can have a read of it you like, but everything was just so perfect. I can't wait for another wedding! Mils & Craig.. : ' )

What have you been loving in May / June? : )

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Allan & Maria's Wedding!

Hello lovelies,

I wanted to share with you a few hundred pictures from Allan & Maria's wedding, on 3rd June with you. Allan is James' dad & Maria is now his official step mum! They have been dating for 17 years.. so it came as a complete shock to us when Allan proposed February of last year! I was so excited, it really does feel like I was waiting for that day forever!

The wedding & reception were held at Ramster Hall. Allan, James, Alex, Charl & I all arrived early to help set up the venue. James & Alex were ushers, so they had various tasks throughout the day, which Charl & I helped out with too. The reception area looked so beautiful, with fairy lights coming down from the beams & 'just married' bunting hanging from the fire place.

We were so lucky with the weather as well. It was beautiful sunshine, perfect for the guests to mingle while Allan & Maria went off for some private photos after the ceremony. We all headed back into the reception room for dinner around 5.

Then we moved on to the most emotional part of the day! Miriam, Allan & Gus both made excellent speeches & we toasted the happy couple at the end!

& finally, before everyone could head onto the dance floor & drink the night away, they cut the cake. Such a perfect theme for them, as they love nothing more than travelling!

Have you been to any weddings recently or get any planned this Summer? I did vlog the whole day so keep an eye out for that going up soon! : )

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Life Lately #130

Hey lovelies,

Cathy & I went to see Ruby Wax live on stage on her Frazzled tour in May & she was so funny. We didn't really know what to expect but it was a show made up of humour, mindfulness & her life stories, told by Ruby herself, in a comfy armchair, in the middle of the stage. We got to meet her during the interval & had my copy of her book signed. It's definitely one I'll be taking on holiday with me.

James & I booked to see The Sidemen play their second charity football match at the beginning of the year & it soon came round at the end of May. We travelled up to London for the day, had a bite to eat at Pizza Express, had a walk along the Thames & headed to Charlton to watch them play. As always, they were brilliant, despite the fans absolutely ruining the end of the match by invading the pitch again..

For James' birthday, I bought him a driving experience at a local race course. He got to drive two super cars & have a passenger lap in a Ariel Atom. He chose to drive the Audi R8 Spyder & a Lamborghini. It was such an awesome day, I took a few videos, so a vlog will be going up soon!

The girls & I went to Ikea at the beginning of the month to stock up on the final bits for the flat. We managed to get the most adorable coffee table, a plant (named Greg) & some candles amongst other essentials for the kitchen. Oh & of course, the kids section was our favourite part.. BRAIN HEAD : ' )

James & I went to visit our friend Tom in Wales 2 weeks ago. We stayed in a beautiful apartment, which made it a lovely trip. I'm going to write a full post about our adventures next week, so keep an eye out for that.

Ok, so how long have I been waiting for this day!? On 3rd June, James' dad Allan & partner Maria got married! They have been together for 17 years, so to be honest, it was about time guys! ; ) I'm so honoured to be apart of their special day. Again, a full post will be going up soon, so I'll go into more detail then.

Finally, the girls & I went to the South Of England show last Saturday. It was so hot, we all burnt (even those wearing factor 50!) but it was such a fun day, filled with stroking lots of animals & eating lots of cheese.

How has your month been so far lovelies?

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Maria's Hen Do

Sorry for the lack of posts this week lovelies, everything has just caught up with me! Working 6 days a week + attending multiple flat viewings with James, I've had no time to blog!

I wanted to share with you a few pictures from Saturday. James' dad is getting married to his fiancé Maria in June & it was her hen do last Saturday. We went out for dinner & danced the night away to a Michael Buble tribute. It was so much fun! I also got to meet some lovely ladies at the do & Auntie Jules also came down for the occasion. Throw in a few cocktails & bottles of wine, it was the perfect night!

I also wanted to show you my outfit, which was a culotte jumpsuit from BooHoo. It was in the sale for £8 & I can't explain how much I adore it! It's the comfiest, sexiest piece in my wardrobe right now & allows breathing space for food babies. Always a win in my book.

Oh & how cute is my choker? £1.50 from Primark.. yes. Amazing.

Normal posting will resume this week, I promise! Can't wait to share with you my exciting news..

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Life Lately #106

Hello lovelies!

Last week, I met up with my girl Ricka & we went for a walk & had a catch up at our local garden centre. It's the perfect location, a short walk from her house, takes us through the fields, across to the café. They do the most delicious cookies as well as proper lunch time meals. It's always so relaxed in there & despite them always being busy, there's plenty of seating, indoor & outdoor.

Ok, so the main update & highlight of this month was last Saturday when two of my best friend's tied the knot! It was the most perfect day, despite the occasional shower of rain. (May weather, so unpredictable..) They got married in the local church & held the reception just down the road. I can't stress how proud I am of both of them, it was such an emotional day. Vlog will be coming soon!

Sunday I was also lucky enough to not have to work, so James & I made the most of the sunshine & went for a long walk with the dogs. Honey gets extremely hot in this weather with her long coat, but she did amazingly well with her little short legs! We also visited James' dad & Maria for Sunday dinner. Was so lovely as we hadn't seen them for over a month & a half.

On Wednesday, my friend Sarah drove to mine for a walk with her year old dog Vinny who is such a crazy character! We took Harvey with us & they both seemed to get on really well.

Thursday I met up with Lorna & we went for tea in our local town. I always love meeting up with her, she has such amazing stories to tell!

& finally, last night the girls & I; Mils, Cathy, Kym & Catherine went to see Busted in London. Oh my god. My teenage self was extremely happy. I have loved James Bourne since I first saw him in the What I Go To School For video! I'd highly recommend going to see them live if you get the chance, they all have so much energy!

How has your week been lovelies? : )

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Life Lately #90

 

Hello lovelies,

 

A few weeks back I had my hair cut & highlighted. I had one of those nightmare trips to the hairdresser, where I came out & really didn't like the way the stylist had dyed my hair. I asked for balayage but I actually came out with a dip-dye with a few pieces of hair which were blonde towards my roots. My own fault I know for not saying at the time, but I came home & styled it myself & after a few tears & comforting from the girls, I realised it wasn't too bad, but still not what I'd asked for. Have you ever had a disappointing hair cut? It's the most gutting thing ever!

 

Shortly after Honey's birthday, I decided to have her spayed. She'd recently turned 6 & I never wanted to dismiss the idea of her having puppies, but it was the right time to get it done as she's 'middle-aged' now in doggy years. It was heart-breaking leaving her at the vets in the morning as she doesn't like strangers & gets very nervous about new surroundings, but all went well & she was back home later that day, wearing the cone of shame. (Up reference there!) After lots of cuddles & a good snooze, she was back to her normal happy self.

 

It was my mum's birthday on 22nd October & we had planned an afternoon tea at our local garden centre, but as Honey had had her operation the day before, neither of us wanted to leave her, so we stayed in & had breakfast together, which was equally as nice.

 

On the following Saturday, myself & James attended Rosie & Gareth's wedding in Gloucester. The ceremony was held at the local church, followed by the reception in the village hall, which was decorated with bunting & adorable glass jars with candles on the tables. It was such a lovely day & we can't thank Rosie & Gareth enough for letting us share their special day with them.

 

My girl Char was back from uni at the end of October, so we celebrated in the best way we could, with lots of food! I've mentioned the Giggling Squid many times on my blog, but it really is one of my favourite restaurants in our local town.

 

Ah Halloween! One of my favourite times of year! James was back for the week of half term, so we both traditionally carved our pumpkins on 30th. Can you guess which one is mine?

 

Also we were allowed to dress up for work the following day. I did James' & my own makeup & we found it great fun chatting (& scaring) all the customers. Of course, we had to have an opera & a ballet on that day so it was extremely busy!

 

That evening we went to see the local fireworks with Bo & Kieran. I absolutely love firework displays & although they are so expensive, it is tradition to go every year for us. This year, the display was to music which we thoroughly enjoyed. When we left the cricket grounds, it was so foggy, it seemed to happen while the display was going on. Perfect for Halloween night, as we had to walk back through a grave yard to get to the car park!

 

& I wanted to include these two new purchases that we bought for our dogs recently. Harvey got a new collar which was woodland themed & Honey has a new jumper for Christmas with Little Pudding written on it. She looks so cute wearing it round the house!

 

& finally yesterday I met up with my girl Ricka for pancakes at Bills restaurant. We had a lovely catch up & I was able to give her her birthday presents from the weekend.

 

How was October for you? Did you celebrate Halloween this year? : )

 

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Life Lately #87

 

Hello lovelies,

 

Weekend before last, we introduced Prudence into our home for her first bath. She went to the local chicken show on the Saturday & won first prize! So proud of her.

 

After watching Zoe's August favourites last month, I decided to pick up "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying" by Marie Kondo as she totally raved about it! I'm hopeless when it comes to tidying, don't get me wrong, I love being tidy & neat but to everyone else my "tidy piles" make it still seem messy. This book makes you become clutter free & helps you let go of all the stuff that you will "need one day". I can't wait to read it.

 

Sunday before last I met the girls for a late brunch before work. Was so lovely to catch up with them. We went to Cote, who do the most delicious full English breakfasts.

 

On 21st September, it was my parents' 30th wedding anniversary. We had a family meal the previous Saturday night with my grandparents & they had a lovely day celebrating together. I just love this photo from their wedding, they look so happy.

 

Last Wednesday, I met Gemma & Cathy for a catch up & a Nandos in town. Was so nice to see Gem & catch up on all her news after the wedding & of course her honeymoon!

 

& finally, myself & the family have just got back from a long weekend break to Exmoor. We had such a lovely time, I'm going to do a full post on our adventures soon, so keep a look out for that in the next week or so. : )

 

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Life Lately #85

 

Hello lovelies,

 

I mentioned in my last update post that it was Gemma's hen party on 14th August & we were planning a spa day before heading out for dinner & cocktails in the evening. It was the most lovely but tiring day! We met at 9am & headed to the spa for 9.30. We were greeted with champagne & breakfast, complete with the softest dressing gowns ever. We had full use of the spa all day, which included the pool, steam room & jacuzzi. Lunch followed at 1.30pm & after another swim in the afternoon, we left at 5.30 & headed back to Gemma's to get ready for the night ahead. It was absolutely pouring all day, so we literally threw on our black dresses & painted our faces before heading to Bill's for the evening meal. Myself & the other two bridesmaids arrived early to prepare the table for Gemma's arrival. It all was so civilized till the wine & champagne started to flow again.. & we ended up with pink feather boas & fluffy whistles wrapped around our necks! Good thing the wedding was the following Saturday & we had a week to recover..

 

Last Monday, myself & the girls went to Guildford for the day. We shopped till we dropped & ended up in The Tea Terrace, one of my favourite cafes. I've written a full post on this gorgeous little tea room here if you'd like a read.

 

Last week I managed to catch up with my girl Ricka over breakfast. We went to Cote, which is a lovely French restaurant in our local town. We both had a full English breakfast, complete with Earl Grey teas. Delicious.

 

James surprised me with these beautiful flowers last week, just look at those roses. I'm a very lucky girl. : )

 

Last Friday, myself & the girls went to get our nails done (day before Gemma's wedding) We all had French Manicures & went for lunch at a local café. The rehearsal began at 5.30pm at the church & we all headed back to Gemma's parents' for a BBQ. We were so lucky with the weather, it was absolutely beautiful.

 

& finally yesterday was the big day. It was one of the hottest days we've had in the UK this year, so you can imagine how warm we all were in our wedding attire! Gemma is the first one in our friendship group to walk down the aisle & say I do, so it was a very emotional day for us all! I can't thank Gemma & Ollie enough for asking me to be bridesmaid & making me apart of their big day.

 

How has your weekend been lovelies?

 

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Life Lately #84

 

Hello lovelies,

 

Myself & the girls managed to squeeze in a cheeky Nandos last week! I haven't been for ages. We only recently got a Nandos in our local town, so we try to make the most of it when we can!

 

August is full of birthdays, (7 in fact!) in our friendship group, so it's a very manic time. Throw in a hen do & a wedding & you've got one of the busiest months of the year! It was Cathy's birthday last Thursday & we celebrated with a BBQ & quiz at her house, complete with the world's biggest chocolate cake. Gail's was also last week, but we are celebrating this Saturday at a joint Taylor Swift themed BBQ. I've almost got my costume sorted now! Pictures to follow..

 

Hasn't the weather been weird this week? Sunday was full of sunshine (of course I was working all day..) & since then it's been rain & thunder storms, but it has made the sunsets so beautiful. Just look at that sky!

 

Last Friday James & I went to Brighton for the day. The sunshine was out the whole time & we managed to visit The Lanes & have a walk on the pier. I love Brighton & even though I live just over half an hours drive from it, it's such a gem to visit & really feels like I'm on holiday when I'm there.

 

Just look at that poser. Harry has been very keen to show off his feathers before Autumn hits & they all fall out. He's been lucky enough to find a wife this year, so hopefully we should have some chicks next Spring! Very exciting.

 

& finally yesterday, Elisa, Cathy & I went for lunch at a local café. They serve the most delicious lunches & we couldn't resist a cake for afters! We managed to finish off the hen do preparations for tomorrow (eeeek!) We are planning a day at a local spa, complete with treatments, pool, jacuzzi, breakfast, lunch & a few drinks before heading out for a meal & cocktails in the evening. I can't believe how quick Gem's wedding has come around, it's a week on Saturday till the big day!

 

How has your week been so far lovelies? : )

 

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Life At The Moment #72

 

Hello lovelies,

 

Last week was so busy! Last Friday was my beautiful Nan's birthday. You can see her opening her pressies with the help of Harvey, who was convinced that bottle of wine was made of chocolate.. it was also my Dad's birthday the following day, but being a very reserved person & us working complete opposite shifts that day, I was unable to take a picture!

 

Don't you just love it when surprise packages turn up in the post for you? I got this gorgeous pug cushion case sent to me from James & it arrived at work on Saturday morning! He knows me so well.

 

I mentioned in a previous update post that Gemma was getting married this year & I received my invite on Friday! How exciting!

 

I also received some belated birthday pressies! So excited to try my MAC lipstick & the unicorn horn from Lush's Valentines range.

 

I mentioned that myself & James went to Ikea a few weeks back & I've finally managed to put up my mirror! When I say 'I', I mean my dad. I'm hopeless at stuff like that!

 

I've been getting back into walking recently. I started the year by saying I'm going to do regular work outs, blah blah & I've mostly failed at that, but I have been getting back into going on long walks, much to my two doggies excitement. The first image of the corn fields is right outside my house & the following image is from today, when myself & mum took a trip to Walton-On-Thames with Harv & Honey. The sun was beautiful but so so so cold.

 

& finally, our first little chicks were born yesterday! I don't have any pictures yet as they're still in the incubator, but as soon as they're strong enough to come out, I'll have my camera ready! Oh & nearly a month till Easter! How quick is this year going?! Crazy.

 

How has your week been? : )

 

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Dave & Debbie's Wedding

 

Hello lovelies,

 

Just wanted to do a quick post to update you on a few things before I head to Gloucester for the weekend.

 

If you read my previous post, you would have known I was chief bridesmaid to my Uncle & his new wife, Debbie, the weekend before last. I was totally honoured & privileged to have been apart of their wedding, it was simply beautiful. They got married in a old-fashioned church, followed by their reception in our local country pub. I love how weddings bring families together & I've managed to contact some of my cousins I didn't even recognise! (slightly embarrassing smiling at them not knowing who they were till I was introduced.. or should I say re-introduced..) & before we move on from the wedding.. how adorable does James look?! I managed to get his tie on Ebay for £1.99 & it matched my dress perfectly. Total bargain. ; )

 

Last week was half term & I survived. Yes, I'm one of the lucky ones. Working in the cinema has it's negatives.. half term is one of them..

 

Oh & Valentines! I managed to get all my gifts around to my girls (except one.. Boop yours is still in my fridge!) & myself & James went to Pizza Express for the most filling, delicious 3 course meal you can imagine. How did you celebrate?

 

I'm about to rush around now & pack my bag tonight as I'm off to Gloucester tomorrow straight from work! Hope you're all well lovelies & I hope you have a fabulous weekend. : )

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Valentine's Day Preparation

Hello lovelies, how are you all?

 

Now I know some of you will hate Valentines Day. I personally love it. You're probably thinking "Yes Cat, because you're in a relationship". And yes. I admit, Valentines Day is a lot better when you're with someone, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate it.

 

Every year I try to make all my girls feel special, this year is no exception..

 

I'm in the process of wrapping their gifts & they'll be delivered this week. It's only something small, but I think everybody should know they're loved on Valentines.

 

If you're like me, you will have probably;

 

- planned your outfit (for day time & evening)

- planned day & evening activities 

- painted your nails with a valentines theme

- & finally bought & wrapped your valentines presents.

 

Am I a little obsessed? Maybe..

 

However, this year is slightly different for me (& more exciting!) I'm going to be chief bridesmaid at my Uncle's wedding this Saturday, so Valentine's Day will be spent at the rehearsal at the church, followed by blowing up 150 balloons for the reception. However, myself & James have managed to squeeze in a romantic dinner at Pizza Express before hand!

 

How are you all celebrating?

 

Lots of love

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