The Royal Wedding: Proud to be British

I couldn't let such a big occasion pass by without recording it on my blog, and yes of course you've guessed it... The Royal Wedding. I am so very proud to be British.

Firstly I didn't get chance to watch it, which pained me all day. I had my very own wedding dress fitting at 9:30am, which meant I was able to watch a bit before we set off. 

After my dress fitting (which looks perfect by the way) we headed to my parents, where we sat and watched the guests arrive. Did anyone else think that David Beckham looked a bit like Ricky Gervais???

  

As you can guess I'm not a huge fan. 

I was gutted that I had to set of for work 10 minutes before the wedding began, so I missed how absolutely stunning Kate Middleton looked. But my Mum was on the phone to me all the way to work filling me in on all the details. I just didn't want to go to work. I do believe that everywhere should have been closed, at least for the morning anyway. 

Once I got to work, I received a phone call... from my Mum, who talked me all the way through the details of Kate walking down the aisle, up to meeting Prince William at the alter. I cried just imagining how beautiful the whole thing was, and how much they truly love each other. I also could picture myself walking up the aisle to meet Michael, which filled me with tears of joy. 

As soon as I got on my break I had my phone out checking out blogger. haha. And no-one failed to disappoint me. I managed to see the much awaited images of the dress. 

Everything about this dress was just beautiful, and I couldn't have imagined anything more gorgeous. And her sister looked equally as beautiful in such a stunning dress. 

I am yet to watch the actual wedding, but it is on my Sky + waiting to be watched, I just need to get the tissues really first, as I can guarantee tears. But who cannot say that this is one of the most perfect couples? They look so much in love, and I don't know anyone who would disagree. 

Who needs Prince William when in two weeks today I will marry my very own Prince? It makes it all too real of how close our big day is, but I can definitely say I am officially looking forward to the 14th May 2011.

Lots of Love,

Katie

x

All images were taken from google images.

XBOX: What an adventure!

Oh yes, you guessed it. Another XBOX post. Who'd have thought? haha. Well to be fair we did only get it yesterday, so we're still in the 'oooh it's so shiny and new stage.' We've had so much fun with it. Last night we laughed so much I could have peed a little. 

In the KINECT bundle we got the Kinect Adventures, which I must say is blooming brilliant, and that's an understatement. When they say experience the thrill of 'full-body' gaming, they mean it. It's like a workout. I remember when the Wii first came out I thought it was revolutionary. I thought, 'wow, this is just what we need, a fun console that has the added bonus of getting you fit.' Well Kinect takes this to another level. This morning when I woke up my muscles ached, and as the day progressed my legs became stiff. I for one love that feeling, or should I say I love to hate it? And the best thing, it was so fun I wanted to play more and more and more! 

There are a few game play options when you start. We chose the free play first so we could try out the games and basically have a laugh. These games are hilarious. The Kinect randomly takes pictures of your during the game play, and you should see the look of determination and concentration on both of our faces. At the end of each game we also ended up giving each other a high five. haha. But one warning... 

When they say move the furniture, do it! We thought we'd created enough room, until I booted the coffee table. I must admit that it was less painful than funny, but I'm surprised that there isn't a dint. 

I'm so impressed with this game. The Adventure option on the main menu is the actual game, which is just as good as the free play if not better. It's so easy to set up 2 player as well... you simply step in front of the TV, and that's it. You also unlock living trophies, which you then bring to life, by dancing and singing and talking. The first one you unlock is a hamster and I even laughed in the car on my drive to work this morning just thinking about what we made these two do. Nothing rude, but lets say Mike and I keep singing the song we created to each other. haha. 

I would recommend this game to anyone. It has brightened our life even more. How sad! Ahh well you've got to have laughter in your life, not that we needed anymore, but who would refuse an extra giggle? Though if you're a serious sole, I don't know if I would suggest this game. Both Mike and I are rather immature when it comes to games, etc, we're like a pair of big kids. For example last week we, well I,  decided to attempt handstands in the park while walking Millie, and if we've gone at the right time (when the teenagers don't rule the playground) we play on the swings. Especially when it snows...

And without further a-du my XBOX KINECT workout gear...

PJ bottoms and one of Mike's t-shirst. What else did you expect? 

Speak Soon, 

Katie 

x

The Royal Wedding: Excited

♥ I've never really been very patriotic, (what a way to start this post.haha.) but recently the Royal Wedding has excited me. I think it's partly to do with our upcoming wedding, and that weddings in general excite me, and partly do with Kate Middleton. I really like her. I don't know why as I don't know her, and I have probably only heard her speak once, but I must admit I have a soft spot for that woman. I can relate with a faction of the nerves she must be feeling right now. I say a fraction, because no bride on this planet could be as nervous as how she must be feeling. In regards to my big day I'm terrified about walking down the aisle with close family and friends watching me, I think I would be in bits if it was the whole world. 

♥ So with the sudden burst of love for the Royal Family, I thought I'd do the only thing worth while, and paint my nails ready for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. How else would we show our respect for their big day? 

Try to look past the poop shot and look only at the nails

♥ It really is a pity that I'm at work tomorrow as I'll miss all the action, but Mike has promised to sky + all the best bits. I'm not sure if sky + -ing the Royal Wedding could be classed as disrespectful. haha.

♥ Also walking round Asda last night we came across a tin of biscuits and a box of fudge with Kate & Will's face plastered all over them, so of course I had to have them. I know deep down Mike must be having second thoughts about our wedding in relation to my recent obsession with the Royal Family, but really he should only start to worry once we have children. Haha. Nahh, I'm only joking there won't be any little Williams and Kate's from us any time soon. 

Trying out the Gangster look with Kate and Wills

♥ I'll have to leave you all now, we've got to rescue a Royal Biscuit from Mike's tea. They keep thinking they are blooming scuba divers. 

Speak Soon

Katie 

x

Listening -  Louis Armstrong - When You're Smiling

Drinking -  Tea

Thursday's Treasures

I've been thinking lately about making my blog slightly more scheduled. Here are my thoughts behind it:

♥ My lovely readers will be more aware of what to expect from my blog on any given day

♥ I can become slightly more organised

♥ Rather than spending hours and hours obsessing over my blog, I can prioritise my time more effectively, leaving me with more time to do the other things I love.

♥ Change is good

Now I have not yet planned all the scheduled posts I would like to do, but the one that is set in stone is 'Thursday's Treasures.'

So what are 'Thursday's Treasures' I hear you ask? 

You may have noticed on tons of other fabulous blogs, either a blog love page, or a select few favourite blogs nicely positioned at the end of each post. I love this idea, but if I really love a blog I want everyone to know about it. So for me this means having a dedicated post each week for my current favourite blogs. And so Thursday's Treasures is born...

Now I've not officially been blogging for very long, but I have been a blog follower for a very long time. I love the blogging community and have found some absolutely fantastic blogs out there, some very popular, and some almost undiscovered. Each and every one of the blogs I mention here are the blogs that I adore, with amazing, beautiful people who write them.

♥ The first blog I'm going to mention is one that I only found this week. Within hours of discovering this blog I had read through every single post this blogger had ever written, and more than likely terrified the poor writer with the sheer amount of comments I left... oops.

Sunshine Sam

I hope you don't mind me using your blog header on this post

She's currently doing the 365 Challenge, so expect to see a new post by her every single day. And believe me once you've started following this woman you will love her.

♥ The second blog I want to mention is written by such a lovely person. Her outfit posts are to die for, and her pictures make me very jealous. She writes such fantastic posts, my favourite of which are here Sunday Slob posts. 

Emily Charlotte

I've been following her blog for a couple of months now and I love it. It's nice to know that as soon as I notice one of her posts on my dashboard I'm going to love it. No questions asked. 

♥ And finally the last blog I feel the need to rave about is written by the loveliest person yet. Haha. (I am rather imaginative with my descriptions today.) She always leaves the sweetest comments on my blog which make my day. I feel like I almost know this person even though I've never met her. 

Christina Maria Says..

Her posts consist of make-up reviews, hauls, fashion and if we're lucky insights into her life. I love reading her blog, and her reviews are always fantastic. I recommend you go check this blog out now. 

I hope you enjoyed this post, an I'm excited to announce that it will become a weekly feature on this blog (obviously.) There are so many wonderful blogs out there that this series could go on forever. But for now I leave you these three, as we all know... three is the magic number.

Speak Soon,

Katie 

P.S If I mention your blog here and you wish for me to remove it, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will accommodate. 

Goodbye PS3... Hello XBOX 360

Poop picture, but it does the trick

As I'm sure all of you girls out there, who have partners or brothers, or even you yourself, will know about the recent situation with the PlayStation network. If you don't know, the playstation network is what enables PS3 users to play online, and it's been down for a week. I unfortunately found out as soon as it happened... thank you Michael. He has been a nightmare for the past week, constantly checking online and watching youtube videos to try to find out more information. I've never seen anyone more obsessed. Haha. 

Today we hit that point where we/I had had enough. Once we found out that even personal account details had been hacked we decided it was time to say goodbye to the PS3 and welcome the XBOX 360 into our lives. 

Years ago we had an XBOX which we loved. We then upgraded to the 360 which was equally loved, until we got the dreaded red lights... twice! Now three years on we're back with the new an improved system. We even decided to get KINECT. Now none of this cost us a penny as we traded in the PS3 along with many games to get this. Good job really, as with our wedding fast approaching, we have little funds to go and blow on a games console. 

Mike is currently setting up the system as I type this, and I'm getting rather excited. Bless him, the lovely sweetheart that he is bought me Zumba, and soon I'm going to Zumba my butt off. Giddy. I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe I'll lose a few pounds for the big day. Maybe not. Haha. 

Boys and their Toys

 I hope he hurries up and gets it set up soon. 

Though I'm not sure when or if I'll get a go.

Anyone notice the Peter Griffin reference? Haha.

Anyone have an XBOX? 

If so can you recommend me some good girl friendly games?

Speak Soon, 

Katie

x

P.S I'm slightly scared of the KINECT. It keeps looking at me, and moves on it's own. I won't be sleeping downstairs any time soon.

Homemade: Just Married Garland

I've been after a 'Just Married' garland/sign ever since I came across the one I posted here. This one was far too expensive for what it was, and I was determined to create my own. And last night I finally finished it.

It's probably well known from my previous posts that we are planning our wedding on a shoe string budget, so a lot of homemade decorations are a must. Though I should admit that even if money was no object I probably would have still have made a lot myself. I just think weddings are more personal and fun that way.

I have so many more fun little creations to add here, so expect to see more, seen as our wedding is less than three weeks away. All day today I have had sudden and unexpected waves of butterflies that shudder all the way through my body from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. It's such a strange sensation, but I guess it means I'm finally getting nervous when I think of our Big Day... there they go again. 

Speak Soon,

Katie

x

My Online Shopping List

For the past few weeks or so I've been meaning to pick up a few of my essentials. Every time I even go anywhere near Boots my mind goes absolutely blank and I cannot remember anything I need to buy, instead my brain is filled with a 'want cloud'. I always leave empty handed or with pretty things but lack the essential items I need to use along side them. So I came up with my online shopping list. 

My theory was that if I take the time to gather all the items I need, take a picture of them, edit the said picture, then post about them in their own blog post, then surely this would trigger my memory in a much greater way than trying to remember them all by myself. So here goes...

My Online Shopping List

These are all the products I have repurchased over and over again. My essentials.

Garnier Pure Toner, Garnier Fresh Essentials eye makeup remover, Boots Cotton Double Faced Oval Pads, BaBylliss Kirby grips.

♥ I have had a soft spot for Garnier facial products for many years now. This Garnier Fresh Essentials eye make-up remover was probably the first eye make-up remover I ever bought. And no matter which new product I'm recommended, without fail I always return to this one. It's also amazing for when I'm suffering with my allergies, and my eyes are the main culprit. To apply cotton pads soaked in this is the most soothing and refreshing treat for my eyes I could ever wish for. 

♥ This Garnier Pure Toner is also a new favourite. It''s only the second bottle I've ever bought, but believe me it's the best. It really does help with my spots, and best of all it doesn't break me out. It's probably not for everyone, but for me my face only ever feels really clean if it's slightly tight. I guess that's what you want when you live with oily skin. 

♥ These Boots Cotton Ovals are my absolute favourite. I must buy at least 3 packs at a time and usually they are on some sort of offer. I love that they do (or don't as the case my be) what they say on the tin - they really don't shead. 

♥ Babylliss Kirby Grips are my all time favourite. I always struggle when it comes to these. I go through so many as I seem to sprain them all the time. But these are very strong, sturdy, and stay in you hair. Pretty much exactly what you want from a hair grip. They also come in a handy container.

Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Leave-in-Conditioner, Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush

♥ I use this leave in conditioner by Aussie every time I get out of the shower. I love it. It makes brushing long hair an absolute doddle, and smells divine. 

♥ And Finally Batiste Dry Shampoo. This product needs no introduction. So many people rave about this product, and I am amongst them. Blush is by far my favourite scent though. 

Fingers crossed this little trick works. 

What are your essential items? I'd love to know! 

Speak Soon, 

Katie

x

An Introduction: Millie

Here's Millie. She's ours, and she is amazing. 

She's a cross between a Dalmatian and a Border Collie. They call her breed a Dollie. She almost 3 now with the energy of 10 dogs. Her tail drives us mad, with the amount of things that she can send flying, but at the same time we don't really mind as we know she's happy. She's currently sat chilling on the sofa  worn out after her football session in the garden with Michael. 

We love her so much, and though at times she can be so naughty (like trying to eat my salt dough decorations) we wouldn't/couldn't change her for the world. 

Obviously I couldn't resist a chance to photograph Michael. He's getting much more used to having a camera shoved into his face at every giving opportunity. Good job really. 

Yes he was in trouble for swearing at the camera, or me. I could have censored it, but then thought 'why would I censor life?' Though I did make him pose for a 'proper' shot.

On another note... 

look what we had for tea. It was incredible. Though I must admit that my favourite food is of course bacon (sorry to all the vegetarians out there.) Yum yum. You can't resist a fry up. 

I'm not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow. I know a lot of you are excited as it's only a three day week, but it's not for those of us who work in retail or healthcare or even both. And I'm sure all of you that do have the day off work will insist on shopping, only to inform us of how glorious the weather is. I know you enjoy making small talk, but it's not nice. I'm going to put away the green eyed monster now so don't worry. 

I hope you all have a fantastic week. 

Speak Soon, 

Katie 

x

Day In The Life: Easter Sunday

On an Easter Monday what better way to spend the day than remembering Easter Sunday? 

♥ This year we had a very different start to the day than usual, as we went to Church with my Nanna. We are getting married in three weeks and we wanted to hear our Bans being read for the third and final time. Now I wouldn't say that I am the most religious person, but I also would not say that I don't believe. I just haven't fully made my mind up yet. It was a very emotional start to the day as it made me happy to see people drawn together by their faith, but it also made me sad to see such a small congregation. Half of me expected to see the Church packed, and that we would have to go early to make sure that we got a seat. I was wrong. Most people were old, and the thought that the faith was dying out scared me. I wish that I had taken photos as we attended the Church where we will be married... which gave both Michael and I butterflies. It was also nice for once to celebrate Easter in the way it was meant and how it originated. I for one believe that the true sense of Easter has been almost forgotten with Easter eggs, and the Easter Bunny. I think from now on I will celebrate both ways, and pass this onto our future children.

Easter Bonnets and Rice Crispies made by Nanna, and the Nicer Dicer from my Mum... I wanted this for so long.

♥  We then all went round to my parents house for Easter Sunday Lunch. We do this every year. We like to celebrate special occasions like Christmas, New Year, Easter, in the same way, with family, food and laughter. The food was divine as usual. My Mum truly is the best cook on this planet, and her roast potatoes are to die for. 

And this was BEFORE dinner. Haha.

I love watching these two wait for dinner, I just wish our Millie could have shared in with the smell.

Of course the puppies need their own Easter Meal.

My love these dogs has been shared many times before

♥ For years we used to play cards when we had the family over, but through unforeseen circumstances we have not done this for quite some time. I think you forget how much you enjoy something, until you do it again... and a game (or games) reminds you of how much fun it really is. 

Jaspa brought his Doggie Beer as my  Dad tormented my Nanna. I love our family.

♥ We called it a night at close to 10pm, as we all could have swallowed the room with each yawn. We dropped my Nanna off at home, then Mike and I only stayed up for another hour then had to go to bed. 

Obviously we need the last pictures of the day... Que. PJ shot

♥ All in all it was a fantastic day. The following points made it even more special and also brought a tear to my eyes:
               ♥ Hearing our Bans being read, and realising how close our wedding day really is
               ♥ Sharing the day with such wonderful people
               ♥ After dinner my Dad ending a phone call and telling us that he has arranged us a honeymoon. We don't have much money, and could not afford a honeymoon. He has now arranged for us to spend the weekend in Skegness, in a caravan. I cannot wait. 
               ♥ Coming home to our Millie and Jake, and knowing I have Monday off from work. 

I hope you all had a fantastic Easter.

Speak Soon, 

Katie 

x

Happy Easter 2011

I wanted to say 

Happy Easter 

before the day officially ended. 

I have a lovely day in the life post to write tomorrow, with so many happy photos, but I'm so tired after such a wonderful day that I'm going to wait until tomorrow to edit all the pictures. It's has been a special and memorable day that I want to share on this blog so I can look back in years to come and be reminded on how much family fun we had. For now I'll leave you (and me) with a little taster. 

I hope you all had a lovely Easter, 

Whether you celebrate religiously or chocolate-ly or even both, I hope your day was still special.

I love you all.

Speak Soon, 

Katie

x

Homemade: Wedding Invitations

As I sit/lay here making good friends with my hot water bottle, I thought that I'd post my wedding invites. I still have more to make, which have all been baked and just need sanding and painting.

I've been pretty determined to make our wedding 'us.' At first when we started planning, the details I chose were the standard items, which were not necessarily me, but more of the norm. 


For example, the first invites I made were pretty traditional. They were nice, but I became frustrated with them because I didn't actually like them. It them took me a good few months to come up with the idea of using salt dough. It was like a light bulb moment, and from that point there was no going back. They are relatively easy to make, just be warned that they can be rather temperamental, and can rise unexpectedly. The way I found to help with this was to turn the heat down and bake for longer. And to mask the awful baking smell... I used a Yankee Candle which worked a treat.


Heres how to make them. Of course you don't have to make wedding invites, they can make supper pretty decorations. I have made them in a few sizes for wedding decorations, so be creative, and you never know what you might come up with.

Salt Dough

2 cups plain flour

1 cup of salt

1 cup of water

2 tablespoons of oil

This was the first time I had worked with cups for measurements rather than weight, and it turned out to be so easy. I bought simple red ones from Asda a while back, so it was also nice to finally put them to use. I'm still on the look out for some heart shaped ones though. 

Step one - Preheat oven to roughly 120°C then mix all the ingredients together. 

Start by mixing the salt and plain flour. Once mixed add the oil, then gradually add the water until you have a clay like consistency. Don't be afraid you get your hands dirty... it's actually more fun that way.

Step two - Next you want to roll out your dough. If you don't have a rolling pin, a wine bottle or a hairspray can works just as well. Just use your imagination. You want to make your hearts roughly 5mm thick, though trial and error, these worked out to be the best size. (always make sure to add flour to the counter to prevent the dough from sticking - this can turn into a nightmare without it)

Step three - Cut out your hearts. 

Step four - Place your hearts onto a floured baking tray ready to bake. Don't forget to make your holes before baking, so you can hang them later. You then want to bake them for at least an hour, or until these dough is hard with no soft spots. Mine took two hours in the oven each time. 

Step five - Once ready take them out of the oven and let them cool.

Step six - Sand all the edges, and top if necessary depending on how you want your hearts to look.

Preferably outside in the sun while listening to you favourite music

The top part of one of my batches did rise, so to save them I cut off all the bubbled parts, and sanded away to create a smooth finish. Now they just look like it was my desired effect. 

Now you are ready to paint.

Step seven - Paint and add text.

I chose white, but this may change as I've noticed that the paint has started to crack slightly (I'm a perfectionist when it comes to things like this.) I did make a batch for other decorations which I painted gold, and these have turned out perfectly. 

Step eight - Add a coat of varnish to keep your work looking amazing and fresh for years to come. 

Ignore the messy table - I like to keep things natural

Mine look slightly blurred in parts, but that's only where I've edited out our wedding reception venue. This is because ours is being held at my parents house, so it's not really fare to share their address with the world. 

Finally add a ribbon or some string to hang your decoration... and you're done. 

I also chose to add each guests name on the back of each invitation, and I will also add a little poem to each heart tied with a bow for that personal effect.

I can't wait to show you my other salt dough creations, so watch out for those.

Hope you enjoyed this post.

Speak Soon,

Katie 

x