It's a nice day for a white wedding

Hello beauties,

Many apologies for yet another delay in my posting.  We've had more illness around these parts.  This time M has had shingles.  Nasty nasty nasty virus, I'll say nasty again so you understand the severity.  He's been contorting and writhing in pain for about two weeks now. 

We didn't realise what it was at first because he was describing the pain as a chemical burn on his skin - and as neither of us work with chemicals it was a puzzling time.  Then, like a magic unwanted surprise, a rash appeared in a band around his back and stomach. 

Now I have been reduced to providing any assistance I can, day or night, dabbing chamomile lotion into his skin (or he gets the hose again), always being on hand with panadol (or other chosen variants of pain killers) and trying not to get annoyed with the constant tossing and turning in bed.  I hope he's better soon, it's a right pain in the backside chest and back for me him.

Anyway, back to the original reason for this post.  I know I haven't said anything about our trip to Poland so I wanted to show you some pictures. 

We caught the ferry from Dover to Calais, no fuss, does exactly what it says on the tin.  Then we proceeded to drive a LONG way to just past Berlin where we stayed on the first night.  The hotel was nice enough, we didn't really care by that point because it was about 8pm and we just wanted to sleep. 

I suppose our 'road trip' wasn't really that - it was getting from A to B in the quickest time possible on the fastest roads so we didn't really see much in the way of scenery. 

It was a cool experience and one I'm glad we did.  It made us realise that just about anywhere in the car is possible.  Parts of this country, especially bits of Scotland that seem miles away are actually very reachable.

As we got over the border of Poland there were many strange occurrences.  Most of the traffic on the roads were trucks and as such, we kept seeing signs by the side of the road for 'drivers clubs' and 'trucker night clubs'.  We wondered what these 'clubs' might be.  Then we saw this:-

I couldn't capture it very well because it was on the wrong side for me but it's basically a giant 'lap dancing lady' with her knockers out.  How rude we thought.  Perhaps a welcome treat for the tired truckers.

A bit further down the road and there were loads of stalls/shops at the side of the main roads selling strange garden ornaments.  You've got a gnome, you've got a bird table.  You've thought about adding something else to the mix, something with a bit more of a wow factor.  How about:-

An actual elephant!  Or a triceratops?  How about a camel?  Come on, what's not to like?!  For the next few hours we pondered how we might fit one onto the car roof to bring home.  Unfortunately we couldn't come up with anything better than adding a trailer which wasn't possible.  Shame though,  I think they could have looked great in our garden.

Then further down the very same road we saw a couple of ladies.  They were waiting for a bus I think but they weren't wearing many clothes and their stockings were showing.  Maybe that's how they dress in those parts? *shrug*

That afternoon we arrived in Warsaw to rain which wasn't part of our requested weather plan.  However, I'm pleased to say it stopped the next day.  We relaxed with the family the first night and then we were early to bed because I got up at 5.30am to go with my step-sisters and my dad to the flower market to get the flowers for the table decorations. 

We then set up a factory line in the house consisting of my sisters and I.  It was actually a really therapeutic past-time, I can see why people love to flower arrange.

Sorry about the quality of this shot, it's a camera phone special.  We spent most of the day doing it, in between a manicure at the beauticians underneath my dad's apartment (how very convenient) but it was worth it, they looked great.

So, onto the day of the wedding.  It was all very relaxed really.  Because the wedding was at 4pm it took away some of the morning rushing and worrying about time limits.  Obviously there was still an element of that but the bride took it all in her stride.  Another thing that was really lovely was that in Poland the tradition is for the groom's family to go to the bride's house to pick her up.  The bride and groom meet for the first time in front of their families and then walk down the isle together.  So lovely!

The ceremony itself seemed really nice (I say seemed as I couldn't understand most of it) but the church was beautiful and they had some amazing singers.

The venue was gorgeous, really simple but stunning.  Exactly how I would describe the beautiful bride.  The evening was full of dancing and lovely boozy times.  Unfortunately M took his instruction to 'be like a local' a little too seriously and ended up drinking rather too much vodka.  However he had a little break outside and recovered himself.  We didn't leave till about 5am.  Some others in our 'group' didn't finish partying until about 8am.  Hoorah!  A good time was had by all.

We're planning to get back over there for Christmas so that M can see some more of Warsaw.  I hope it will be all snowy and wintery by then. 

Some shots (I've edited some to give them more of a vintage feel, just because that was kind of the theme):-

The amazing car.

The gorgeous bride, groom and my other sister (who made a stunning bridesmaidzilla).

Outside the church.  Everyone lines up to give their presents to the happy couple, another nice touch.

The stunning venue.

The inside.  They decorated it all themselves.

Arriving at the venue.  The outside was decorated with candles and lights, it was really magical.

Lovely outside tables.

Inside around the sides of the room - actual grass!

My place at our table.

Chocolate fountain omnomnomnomnom.

One of the last pictures that M took on our camera.  

Not sure what happened after this. Messy times.

So that's pretty much it.  We took loads more snaps but I think I've given you a suitable taster.  

I'm doing loads of exciting writing things at the moment.  I'm working with the lovely owner and chief from Hannah Zakari to create a fabulous new blog so expect posts about this soon.  I'm also working on something for a local guide, again will report more soon.  For now, I'd better get back to my patient.  Hope everyone is well. 

Lipstick powder and paint

It's official.  I have a 'severe' ear infection according to my doctor.  Feel free to steep sympathy on me in any form possible.    Those pesky germs really did give my ear a battering.  I got antibiotics this morning and co-codamol so I'm walking around a little like a spaced out monkey.

I have to say though, going to the doctors at 8am is definitely the way forward.  The waiting room was completely empty, the doc was early and I was out of there by 8.10am and not even late for work!

I was going through some old folders on my PC earlier and stumbled across one titled 'makeup'.  I realised that when I bought my current makeup storage vessel  at the beginning of the year, I did a big sort out and took pictures of the draws.  I'd say they were probably twice as full now but I did mention ages ago I'd give you a sneak peak - please, don't get too excited.

Starting at the top:-

my draw of brushes and other such utensils including my trusty body shop sharpener.

The 'lip' draw.  

I also have about 10 lip products in my handbag at any one time; for lip emergencies you understand.

  Having that natural 'ghost' complexion I am a *massive* fan of blusher.  

That would be my answer to the 'what's the one product you couldn't live without'.

One of the eye draws.  (you there, at the back, WAKE UP)!

  My palette draw.  

That's three palettes deep but you can't really take a picture of all of them.

More shadows and mascaras.  

My much treasured Urban Decay palette.  They really are the best around.

So there you have it.  A bit of a filler until I can summon up the energy to get the snaps from our Polish adventure on here.  Europe driving totally WINS all over England any day by the way.  

Oh, before I go - Paloma has released my favourite song Smoke and Mirrors from her album.  She's wearing my green bordello shoes! Legend.

Jewellery, Jewellery

Hey lovely friends.

Sorry I haven't updated for some time. We did the road trip (more on this later) and it was super ace but very tiring.

My body also decided to go to battle with a pesky cold/flu virus last week. The final throws of said battle appear to be taking place on the fields of my ear. I'm hoping they finish up soon, it's very inconveinent and I'm not sure how much more my little soldiers can take before cracking out the blue 'braveheart' war paint.

Anyway, the reason for this post is that I wanted to do a little tribute to some of the wonderful jewellery emporiums I have found over the last few months.

Mostly things spring up on twitter, which are a godsend for last minute presents and gift ideas, or I spot things in magazines or through friends. The Mr never even checks the doormat if he hears the thud of a little package, he knows it's treasure for me. Ha!

Some delightfulness I have sampled recently:-

♥Elsie Belle ♥

Bug and insects are hot for AW10 darhhling and as soon as I spotted this gorgeous Honey-Honey bee necklace I had to have it.

I have literally not taken it off since I got it - it's even been admired in Poland.  The best value piece of jewellery I have purchased in a long time.  Plus you can choose between four different chain lengths (from 16" to 24") depending on how you like to wear yours.

♥ Chain of Daisies ♥


I was looking for something special for my sister's birthday recently and the lovely Caroline from Chain of Daisies suggested I had a look at her wares. 

I've visited her site many times before to swoon over various things, however this time I wanted something a bit more of a one off. 

We talked through a few ideas and ended up with a swallow necklace and bracelet to match.  But that's not all of it - from the morning of the day I started looking to the afternoon of the same day Caroline had completely re-worked on of her designs and posted it recorded delivery, completely with a birthday card! 

I was so very impressed with all of it.  The style, the gorgeousness of the jewellery and the fact that my sister now has something that was made especially for her - and all in a day.  Mega service or what. 

♥ Twinklyspangle ♥

Finally, and by no means least.  These earrings of loveliness from TwinklySpangle.  Katie was saying that she only had one pair of these stunners left and obviously I needed them in my life being the magpie I am. 

A few days later they came and were as beautiful in the flesh.  Aparently parts of the earrings were florist supplies from a now closed florist which makes them even prettier in my eyes. 

In conclusion, I'm so glad there are the little independents online jewellery shops with such nice people behind them.  It really does rock.  I haven't bought anything from the highstreet in a while, and why would I when I have access to such greatness.

Now, my enabling is over for today.