Hello,

Welcome!

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. I suppose you could call it the 'Bridget Jones' Diary' (for the wedding industry); I've created it really as a way for me to vent about my upcoming nuptials without boring my nearest and dearest about things that, well, just aren't that important to them but are all I seem to think about now I'm a fully fledged member of the Engagement Club.



Sunday 2 December 2012

Four months to go! Update...

So with just over four months to go to the big day, I've kick started again with all things wedding related so thought I'd give a little update on my progress.

My bridesmaids dresses arrived from Priddi.  They are lush, worth the money and both girls love them - result!  

Saturday 27 October 2012

Bespoke Bridal - A Fantastic Alternative Experience

I'm super excited to introduce a truly fabulous post written by one of the most fashionable people I know.  So it only seems fitting that this piece is all about a bespoke designer.  Everyone, please welcome Phillipa....

Saturday 6 October 2012

Important Announcement!

A couple of months ago, I was talking to a family member whose wedding day was before ours when she said "oh it's soon going to be time for me to actually do something about the wedding!"  After giving what I can only presume was a confused and panic-stricken face on my part, she confessed that she wasn't the type of bride that liked to get stuck into "the whole wedding planning activities" and now it was coming up to less than 6 months to their big day, she wasn't looking forward to the finer details still left to organise.  Now, I know that there are two types of bride; the bride that like the said member of my family, aren't keen on the whole idea of researching, planning, haggling, securing a booking, time lines, schedules, tick lists and all other factors involved, and then there are brides like me.  The obsessive organisers, the research fanatics, the Pintrest board lovers whose boards mostly revolve around colours, themes and favour ideas; those of us who have a two year plus back catalogue of Wedding Ideas Magazine.  Us that feel a wave of pleasure when we can tick something off our list.  (It makes me happy just thinking about striking a line through things).

Friday 21 September 2012

Long time no speak! On a serious note...

Hello, long time no speak!

I felt compelled to write a little post just now to clarify a little something that has been playing on my mind and that I'd like to stress.

Just recently, I noted somebody having a bit of a rant about bloggers "not keeping themselves up to date".  By this, I assumed that they meant that they were unimpressed with the amount of posts that that particular blogger actually blogged.  Pretty much like me I suppose.  However, I want to clarify the difference which is that I'm not a blogger that has created (if you will) a virtual style diary, to promote myself, any products or services and I certainly don't benefit from financial gain from advertisers.  The sole purpose I started this blog was to give myself a place that as a very excitable bride to be, I could rant, argue, put my points across, praise and be excited without boring to death my friends and family who understandably tend not to be as eager to talk about weddings 20 out of the 24 hours in a day.  A diary.  My diary.  I only want people to read it if they want to and not for any other reason.
 
It's a Hard Life Being Loved is all about me and my transition of being a newly engaged bride to be to that moment when I become a Mrs.  So when I don't write for a month, it's purely because I've not had much exciting happening in that month or even if something has happened, you lot probably won't want to read about it.  Can you imagine me tweeting to my followers to read my new post beginning;

"Hi there, I thought I'd tell you about how I got in touch with my vicar today and I'm waiting for him to get back to me now".

It'd be pretty boring reading.  Much like my ramblings are becoming now....

Anyway, now that I've got that all over with.  A quick update; I've managed to find and order my bridesmaids' dresses.  It has been a challenge to try and find a dress that both girls like but we eventually settled on one from Priddi.  It does take 12 weeks for them to be made but I'm looking forward to giving them to both the girls.   We've also now nearly paid everything off with just a few bits here and there so I'm super-pleased with how ahead of schedule we are.



In other news, I've actually been preoccupied with getting my health seen to.  I'm currently resting from an operation I had at the beginning of the week.  

I noticed a few weeks ago I had a mark on the inside of my bra.  Over the next couple of weeks I monitored it and it certainly wasn't clearing up so I left the house one morning and headed for my doctor's surgery.  

Image courtesy of feelyourboobies.com
Now, I am a regular self-checker due to my family history of breast cancer and the amount of advertisement and promotion that survivors and the NHS and various others have done to raise awareness.  However, I couldn't feel anything different and neither could my GP so she asked me to have some blood tests done.  

A hospital visit and phone call to check on the results later and it was confirmed that my blood tests were normal.  What I found worrying was the persistence on my part to my GP to see what we should do next due to my symptoms still being very much present.  It took maybe just over a week of phone calls to my GP to chase it up and then me having to "leave it with her as she wasn't sure what she should do next" before I got referred to The Pink Rose Suite at Grimsby, Diana Princess of Wales hospital.  

After seeing the consultant (6 days after I was referred no less), he also confirmed that he couldn't feel anything abnormal and for the majority of girls my age it was perfectly normal but that he would do some ultrasound scans because I was in the "moderate risk" category (due to my family history).  So I made my way back into the waiting room, weight lifted and sent a text to Mr S explaining everything was fine.

I laid down on the bed in the ultrasound room and was having a chat with the nurse who was explaining what everything was on the screen.  I sometimes think I'm too nosey for my own good but I strongly maintain that I'm just on a quest to enrich my brainbox.  Anyway, I digress.  As I carried on looking, I noticed a dark circular shape appear on screen and I knew something wasn't quite right.  The next thing I know, the ultrasound nurse had come back along with 3 other nurses and the consultant all suiting up ready to take a biopsy.  

I had gone on my own to this appointment.  I wish I had taken somebody with me instead of trying to be brave but shocked and with tear stained cheeks I drove back to work, then instantly got sent home.

I was due to attend the hospital a week later to obtain the results of the biopsy.  Now, here, I must explain that I'm such a person who doesn't think about bad things or scary things or nerve-racking things until the very minute I come up against it.  Especially in this instance, when absolutely everyone, including the consultant said the words "you're only 26, you'll be fine".  So, true to form, I thought "yeah, I will be, no doubt about it" and completely, utterly and wholly convinced myself that I would be, doing my typical nothing-bad-will-happen-if-you-don't-think-about-it routine.

So when I found myself sat opposite the consultant with him saying something along the lines of, "we've found a lump.  It's non cancerous but because of your family history we need to remove it just in case.  How'd you feel about that?", I couldn't quite decide.  Of course I was mortified but at the same time I had to remember and remind myself that the news could have been a whole lot worse.

I've just had my operation and I'm in quite a bit of pain.  My legs still feel weak and I've got headache and feel sick and dizzy every so often and my bruising is starting to come out.  The doctor permitted me to take my dressing off today and I won't lie, it's worse than I thought and yes, I cried.  

But after all is said and done, I am wholeheartedly grateful and lucky that the lump was caught before it could have turned into something more serious and that it's all been dealt with in the space of around 7 weeks.  Those 7 weeks have been very emotional and I can sympathise with those women (and men) who go through worse than what I've experienced.  Women like my two aunties and colleagues I used to and work with now.  How very brave and courageous these women are and continue to be.  

I want to say a huge thank you to all the team in the Pink Rose Suite and the B1 team at Grimsby, Diana Princess of Wales Hospital.

If you have any questions about breast cancer, self checking or worries please visit Breast Cancer Care and if you have any sort of worry please follow it up with your GP and if you feel unsatisfied with with any part of the diagnosis, don't be afraid to be persistent or ask for another opinion.  


Sunday 5 August 2012

Mother of The Bride; Dressing For The Occasion


Mother of the Bride; Dressing for the Occasion

Colours, fit and season are all major considerations when dressing for the wedding of your daughter. Is it a traditional, formal wedding, or has your daughter opted for an inclusive beach ceremony? Will you need to err on the side of caution in case of rain, or are you jetting off to warmer climes?

Saturday 28 July 2012

Astley Clarke Wedding Jewellery


Astley Clarke are a British company who offer a luxurious jewellery range for all occasions, including weddings, and even have a celebrity fan base.  Offering high quality wedding jewellery without the high quality price tag!

Wedding Rings



Saturday 21 July 2012

Honeymoon

We've decided on our honeymoon!

We're going to see the Northern Lights in Jeris, Finland.  We're planning on husky dog sledding, snowmobiling, eating sausages cooked over an open fire whilst in the middle of nowhere and soaking in the picturesque sights from the sauna (in our log cabin) and jacuzzi which is down by the lake.  

Image courtesy of Winter Wedding Company
Northern Lights


We're booking through the Winter Wedding Company who are tailor making our package which enables us to decide which activities we'd like to do while we're there which is ideal as we're asking guests who would like to buy us a gift, to contribute to the activities.  Basically, the more contributions we're lucky enough to receive, the more activities and memories will be able to be made!

Saturday 14 July 2012

Congratulations Sam & Nichole!

Just a quick congratulations to our friends Sam and Nichole who very recently got engaged outside Olivanders Wand Shop (Harry Potter for those of you that aren't familiar) in Universal, Florida.  


Image courtesy of harrypotter.wikia.com
It's such a relief that I don't have to watch what I'm saying around her now.  I've been panicking for months that I'd slip up but I've managed to keep quiet and now we can talk weddings! 


I'm looking forward to the engagement party as we chose not to have one.  We decided to save the money we'd have spent on the party and just put it towards the wedding.  Any chance for me to sport a nice frock and I'm there!

Saturday 7 July 2012

DIY: Confetti Cones

Look what I've done! I know this DIY idea isn't very technical, the most time consuming or even an attention drawing feature but they do say that it is the finer details that matter.  And I love the thought of seeing something I've worked on in my baskets in the entrance to our church when I make my way to greet Mr S. 

Sunday 1 July 2012

Dear Blog, I Haven't Abandoned You, Please Understand...

Gosh it's been a hard past few months.  That's why I haven't been able to find the time to actually blog for a little while so I sincerely apologise!  Firstly, and as you'll know if you read my post on redundancy (here) I was made redundant from my job which I'd been doing for 7 years.  Admittedly, I did have a year and a half gap where I trained, qualified and worked as a travel agent, was a local charity fundraising assistant and did a brief stint in telesales (bleugh!), but still, 7 years I put into my last job.

Next I had to deal with my Uncle Phil's death (which you can read here) and then my younger cousin was found dead in his house, and which, to today's date, we're still unclear as to the details.  It's just so sad.

Sunday 6 May 2012

Take a Pew...

The Reverend Boadicea Geraldine Granger
*The Vicar of Dibley will not be marrying
us unfortunately!
Mr S and I went to visit our vicar who will be marrying us for an 'informal discussion'.  We had been corresponding by phone and email much to my delight, as I am so very impatient and an email sometimes is quicker to respond to.  I feel that I must stress here that I was indeed very proper in the first instant when I hand wrote a letter to the Reverend Emm but in return I received a telephone call asking for emails in future.  Who doesn't love a good, old fashioned letter?  Well I do so insist today's society grasp this tradition once again and get writing.  Not only that but I am yet to hear of somebody who doesn't get that pang of excitement when a handwritten envelope gets posted through their letterbox.  Just me?  Come on!  Especially in a world where post is mostly bills, junk, more bills, political garbage and more junk.

Saturday 21 April 2012

Redundancy - On The Lookout

Image courtesy of citizensadvice.co.uk
I'm having a bit of a tantrum today (what's new?).  Some of you who follow me on Twitter may already be aware that I have just recently been made redundant from my 9-5 job.  I've gone through the motions of shock, anger, sheer panic and have come out the other end with the notion of acceptance.  

Saturday 7 April 2012

Surprise Bookings

Not that I'm going to go into too much detail because some of my guests may well be reading this but I'm so excited at the fact that we have booked 2 surprises for our wedding!  The first one is for the guests' enjoyment as much as ours but the second one is something just for me and Mr S.  


As most couples will no doubt be familiar with the situation of wanting to book a certain venue/entertainment/cake for example, and because of the quote given, its been above budget and so you've had to thank the supplier for their quote but unfortunately it can't be justified in your budget.  

Saturday 31 March 2012

One for the Grooms

This is a short little post for my groom audience.


I have not been shy in telling people that Mr S has said I can basically have full reign of the wedding, i.e. I can choose everything (apart from the honeymoon which he'd like a say on) and then tell him what money is due for him to pay off and when.


I thought this would be an ideal scenario.  Let me tell you, it's not all its cracked up to be.  

Sunday 25 March 2012

Invitation Drama

As I'm trying my hardest to stick to our budget for the wedding, I sourced my own invite making materials online.  So far, it's cost me approximately £50 to buy all the materials for 40 day invites (with 3 inserts each) and 40 evening invites.  I found Wedding Crafter to be a good quality and reasonably priced and have had no problems.  


You'd think I'd be over the moon at spending so little on wedding invitations when you can, in this industry, spend in excess of £150 for somebody else to do it for you.  That's all well and good if you have budgeted for that expense, or equally don't have the time nor patience or artistic flair to do them yourselves.

Monday 5 March 2012

Prudence Gowns - Wedding Show





Plymouth Based bridal boutique Prudence Gowns are holding the first Plus Size Designer Preview Wedding Show at the Future Inns, Cabot Circus in Bristol on the 25th March 2012 between 
11.30am and 17.30pm.

The Plus Size Designer Preview Wedding Show will include a catwalk production featuring the latest collections of beautiful bridal gowns in sizes 16 to 30 from top designers including Maggie Sottero, Sottero & Midgley, Justin Alexander, Sincerity, Ellis and Blue by Enzoani.

Sonya McKay, owner of Prudence Gowns said: 

"For the larger size bride, finding ‘the dress’ can sometimes seem daunting, but with the average size of a UK bride now being a 14 we wanted to organise a show with a difference. At Prudence Gowns we what every bride buying their wedding dress to enjoy the experience and that’s what makes The Plus Size Designer Preview Show different."

The Plus Size Designer Preview Show offers brides of all sizes a variety of designer bridal gowns that will both flatter their shape and compliment their figure no matter what size. The show will have a large selection of designs with sizes starting at size 6 with an emphasis on the plus size bride ranging from size 16 to size 30. 

Tickets are available for The Plus Size Designer Preview Show at £10 each with VIP tickets also available for £25 each. VIP tickets include a goody bag, a glass of champagne, a private consultation with Prudence Gowns and a private dressing area if required. As an extra incentive, Prudence Gowns are also offering brides who find their dream dress at the show a discount when they place an order on the day.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.theweddingsalon.co.uk and for information on Prudence Gowns visit www.prudencegowns.com


Prudence Gowns are based at 2 Saltash Road, Keyham, Plymouth and include a large selection of Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Mother of the Bride / Groom outfits, Evening wear, Ladies Boutique and Menswear Formal Hire.

Saturday 25 February 2012

Hello again

No I've not disappeared, the most important thing is that I've finally found a little bit of time to blog! What with attending wedding fairs and making wedding related decisions not to mention working full time, redecorating or kitting out most of the house, welcoming a new nephew (congratulations to my sister-in-law and her husband on the birth of baby Walter, and well done for bringing all 10lb 6.5oz of him into the world Emma!) and looking after my teething puppy Dudley -  Who knew either frozen carrots or an old slipper stuffed with a few old t-shirts would work actual wonders!
Dudley

Saturday 28 January 2012

Ways to Save on Wedding Costs

Budget savvy brides, check out this post I found via Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses (.com)


It gives some clever and simple ideas on how to cut costs from the ceremony through to the cake and your Big Day outfit!

Click here to visit their site.  You'll thank me, honest!

Monday 23 January 2012

Lobster Love - Valentine's Collection

Romantic Detail

Introducing the romantic swarovski Valentine's collection from Lobster Love. These beautiful bracelets are made from sterling silver chain in the shape of little linked hearts are innovative in design as they can be fastened at any point along the chain to suit the wearer. This leaves the swarovski heart dangling and catching the light and removes the problem of bracelets not fitting properly.

Sunday 22 January 2012

GC Couture Cakes

Introducing GC Couture, a brand new division of Genuine Cakes (www.gccouture.co.uk)

Catherine
Genuine Cakes, the team behind Cheryl Cole’s birthday cake, has launched a specialist division for luxury wedding cakes - GC Couture.

Marie Sinclair, founder of GC Couture, said: “The GC Couture 2012 Collection has been individually and creatively designed around the style and genre of the Princesses of our time.

“Each cake will attract brides looking for something different; whether art deco, classic or vintage, our collection has something to catch every bride’s eye.”

Saturday 21 January 2012

Bride Book

I've been asked by the lovely Alison to guest write on Bride Book.  A great new website and blog created especially for us brides!

It's always an honour to be asked to guest post for somebody else's blog.

Click here to go check it out!

Saturday 7 January 2012

To Update You & a Bonus - A Cheap, Easy DIY Wedding Decoration Idea!

I know it's been over a month since my last post but it has been such a hectic time so please forgive my absence.  Firstly, and as my last post explains, I had to see to my poorly dog Barney (who is now in doggy heaven) as well as try and train up our new puppy Dudley.  He's such an obedient and clever dog but he has a problem with nipping our hands which I'm really trying to get him out of the habit of doing.  Secondly, it's been Christmas and with me having such a big family, it's been a busy period of parties, cooking, get-togethers and socialising.  

So I hope whoever is reading this had a lovely Christmas and I'm sending wealth, health and happiness for the New Year.

My beautiful engagement ring which
Mr S picked out all by himself!
In the midst of indulging in the seasonal festivities, Mr S and I took a trip into our local jewellers and chose our wedding rings.  I did toy with the idea of having a traditional plain white gold band but in the end I decided it didn't compliment my engagement ring so have chosen something a bit more special.   I'll not show it just yet as I'd hate to jinx anything but the most important thing is that I love it and can't wait to wear it!  Mr S really surprised me with his choice but, to be honest, it is very 'him' and it's lovely.