Category: Uncategorized

Wedding talk: part five- the dress.

by Charlie-Jane, posted in Uncategorized

Dress shopping was going to be difficult for me as I hate attention being on me. I wear something and feel uncomfortable in it even if I loved it when I brought it. Your wedding day is the one day EVERYONE looks at you and easily awaits to see the dress. Looking online I had ideas of what I wanted and so I set a date to go dress shopping.

I went just before January, 4 months before my wedding. I knew I would be getting married in such a short time and it panicked me. I wanted to look earlier but we kept forgetting to book a day. The first dress I tried on was the style of what I’d seen online. I wanted sleethes and basically my whole body hidden. It was absolutely hidious when I tried it on and it put me right of sleethes straight away. I scanned the rack and wasn’t having much luck. I was still big from having Elijah and trying to loose weight so I was looking for the size I was then. The shop owner then went to looking and brought in a dress it looked so boring and plain as she walked it up to me and said I know it’s the size down which in wedding dress sizes is two sizes down but you could always get a seamstress to let some out and if you’re planning to let some out then it might just fit. At first I didn’t want to try it on because I thought 1 I wouldn’t like the dress and 2 get upset as it didn’t fit me. I was helped into the dress by the dress fitter and I walked out. The dress was heavy but it felt oddly light. I picked the dress up and stood in front of the mirror. Instantly my mum and I burst into tears this was THE DRESS I couldn’t believe the second dress was the dress. It didn’t fit as she had no more but she said it could be let out a size or two and I said I’d loose the weight to fit in this. I asked the lady to reserve it and I’d be back within a hour if I still wanted the dress. We had another shop to look in. I went in and nothing was right I hated every single last dress and nothing compared so we went back and I asked to try it on again. I put the dress back on and I felt like a princess I know cliche! The trail was beautiful and the little embroidering of lace gave it a elegant feel and wasn’t too much. I never wanted a open shoulder but it made my body look right. It hid my tummy and hugged my hips. We brought it then and there. I couldn’t believe my luck that the second dress I tried on was the right one and nothing else jumped out at me or us even now after my wedding nothing has grabbed any of my attention. I was so glad that I’d found my dress and the one of the sale rack, which was so much cheeper we’d saved about 2k on a dress aswell as it being beautiful.

Top tips for dress shopping.

  • Clear your head. Looking online to get a idea helps but don’t pick a select dress or you’ll never find the dress.
  • Dresses are expensive you can’t go in expecting to only pay a few hundred.
  • You can pay for a veil somewhere else, the lady wanted 85 for a veil, I found one online for
  • You also have to pay for a seamstress to fit it exactly to you which is costly also.
  • Dresses sizes can be changed about one up and two down sometimes more.
  • Let others help you.
  • Take someone with you to try the dresses on and get opinions.
  • Wear light natural make up. Putting the dresses on you don’t want to get foundation on dress and have to pay for it to be cleaned.
  • Wear a strapless bra and good underwear the seamstress will probably see you in your underwear.
  • If you feel the dress is the one it probably is and don’t buy second best.
  • Only your opinion matters nobody else’s. Someone may not like your dress but if you like it that’s what matters. They’re not wearing it.
  • Enjoy it.

Using a Seamstress. I went over the road to this beautiful seamstress shop which was painted red and knocked with my wedding dress she said she would book me for fittings and I could see how weight loss was going and plan. She was very good and I came back two months after. Two months before wedding was my first fitting and another two weeks before to check all right and anymore adjustments. The first appointment I was very nervous about it and I lost sleep worrying I wouldn’t fit in my dress. I had been dieting so hard I’d gone down a dress size although I was proud it wasn’t enough. I went in on the morning and stood up. They ask you to bring your wedding heals and I told them I’d be going in pumps so stood barefoot in my socks and dress. They help you into your dress and do it up. I wore no bra as my dress had a bra sort of fitted inside and the last thing I wanted on my wedding day was to be uncomfortable I’d brought a bra incase but was comfortable without it. I was suprised when it did up half way and was proud I’d lost so much weight although I worried nothing could be done. I told them I wanted to loose more so they said they’d start the work on the length and making a loop so I could tie the train up for first dance. They got on floor using lots of pins to pick up each of the many layers to mark what needed to be done I stood for about ten minuites chatting to my friend who had come. I then got changed and left. I tried really hard the next few months to loose the weight and when it came to my last fitting the dress bloody did up! I was so happy I had done it I had gotten into the dress and it fit perfectly the dress was all the more beautiful now. They said they would let my hips out a bit as I have wide hips but other than that regardless it fit and I could walk. I was so excited. They finished the work in a few days and I picked it up and left with my mother in law at her house so Elijah wouldn’t get a hold of it. Seamstresses aren’t cheep and you need to put away some extra money this lovely lady charged me 250 but could of charged more.

The day of the wedding the girls helped me into the dress and it didn’t move atall all day. It was long and a bit of a pain to walk about in but I didn’t care it was so beautiful at the reception I tied it up and didn’t care who I made have to jump out of my way. I danced all night in it and absolutely adored it. I only needed the toilet once all day and took three of us to go lifting up my dress but we managed it was to be expected.

I don’t have many photos and forgot to take a photo of dress other than one in seamstress office which isn’t the greatest but here’s some pictures of it on!

My view on plastic surgery

by Charlie-Jane, posted in Uncategorized

One thing I’m always seeing online these days is the kardashians/ Jenner’s being ripped apart for the work they’ve had done. Obviously they have ALL had work done but why does this get people so angry.

I mean for me I don’t care if someone has plastic surgery to make them self feel good. If you can afford it and you know you’re gonna feel more comfortable with your appearance go for it. I honestly if I had the money would get my fat sucked from my stomach and sculpted into the best ass anyone ever did see. But I’m not saying people should change how they look because they don’t like what they see. I mean we’re all becoming conditioned to look a certain way but we have to see our own beauty sometimes.

Sometimes we have to think I know it could be better but I love it anyway. The thing I have a issue with particularly with the kardashians is they don’t admit they have had work done. I don’t agree with this atall as it makes people think this is how they should look when none of its real. If they admitted the surgery they had done then maybe children and adults would stop aiming to be like this and realise everyone has insecurities. I mean I can’t judge someone for changing their appararence when I do the same when I style my hair and do my make up to make me look different so I can’t judge someone for having some Botox put in.

I don’t agree with people who have plastic surgery to get publicity and look silly on purpose I.e the human kendoll and the cat guy. I completely understand they may be happy as they are or unhappy but to damage yourself over and over with irreversible damage for some money and publicity isn’t exactly great or putting out a great message. But who am I to judge! What’s your opinion on plastic surgery? Comment below!!

How going from being a working mum to a stay at home mum has affected me.

by Charlie-Jane, posted in Uncategorized

I never thought in a million years I’d give up work. I’ve always been a driven woman wanting to do my bit for the community but also get paid and have a ok living from it. That was until I had a child and even then I wanted to work. I wanted to be a good roll model I wanted to show I could do it, I could work and be a mum but it became impossible.

Childcare was difficult I had to rely on nursery two days a week as childcare and if Elijah was unwell I still had to pay the bill and take unpaid leave from work. It seemed he was always getting ill and with no alternative childcare I had to take unpaid or it was lucky I was on annual leave while he was ill. I had to keep taking leave as I had no flexibility to rearrange childcare to work different days so. In the end the pay wasn’t worth it. It wasn’t worth the stress of the job and the guilt of working for so little. I left mainly because of the stress and how it effected my mental health and I have to say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.

I’m not saying run out there and quit your job because that would be silly. If it’s something you want to think about and discuss with your partner then do so but it’s not a decision to make lightly. We had always said one day I would stop working and it just came at a good time really.

James is self employed so he can go out and earn more money. As I left work James was in the process of taking on a lot of work and because I stopped working that meant James could start and finish earlier getting more jobs and more money. He was no longer doing the nursery run and was also visibly less stressed from not having to sit a car for a hour and half a day. We are financially better off. James has full flexibility now as I’m home to watch Elijah and it’s made such a big impact.

My mental health is miles better. I’m no longer on the edge waiting for something to push me off. I still have down days but they’re nothing like they used to be. I don’t stress about made up situations and scenarios in my head about work. I don’t worry about money. I don’t worry I’ll get fired if I or my son feels ill and can be there for my family when they are ill. I don’t have too much to worry about.

My relationships are better. I have more time to see my friends and too talk and I also communicate through texts more. My friendships are stronger than ever and I’ve even made more friends. My conversations are no longer me staring off into distance as I’m stressed wanting to leave because I’m exhausted and don’t have the mental strength to maintain or care about anything said to me. I’m able to fully input into a conversation and have some positive things to add into a situation. My family ties are stronger as I’m not so stressed, I’m not uptight as much and enjoy being in my family’s presence and making more time for it.

My family life is better. I feel like a mother. Not a part time care giver. I spend everyday with him now and have gone from sometimes not seeing him for 24 hours to not missing a thing. I’m not exhausted from work anymore so I have the energy to chase Elijah around, to play and teach him. I take him out more and it’s positive for both of us. It’s now we bond and learn together having fun every step of the way. Me and James’s relationship grows stronger everyday. For some reason I’ve found James is less stressed with me home. I thought it would be the opposite but he tells me it’s better and he doesn’t want me to work as he likes it. The house is tidy when he comes home now or little bits need doing so we have more us time. When Elijah goes to bed at 7 we have all night so we have more time to relax. We will watch a movie or tv series and cuddle on sofa, play a game or James will do work stuff at the table and I’ll read my kindle talking every now and then. Where was before we’d normally zone out and do our own stuff as I’d get home at 8 sometimes earlier and have to still do the clean up and cook and shower. I’d be exhausted and just flop onto the sofa with my phone and spend my perhaps hour of rest before bed ignoring life. We had breakfast together which used to be nice but it turned into a hulk it down so I could get ready for work while James got Elijah ready. Now we have time to be a family and sit down together it’s rare we don’t eat together now. James gets to come home and relax and we relax together. He still helps here and there but I try to get most of the work done and if we’re both exhausted I’ll offer to wash up the next day. The nicest thing is we talk more and on his days off have family time where we are all present in the moment not exhausted and thinking of other things.

The households more maintained. I have time to keep the house tidy and not just clean. I have time and energy to do decorating with James when we want to. The thought before of using my crucial time of to paint a wall made me feel physically sick. I cook more nutritious meals from scratch. I plan ahead and I’m now organised. We enjoy our home more than we used too. We also go out more too and have more guests over as I’m not embarrassed by my house.

My health is improved as I look after myself more. I don’t binge eat at work on lunch breaks from the chippy or Chinese with a dessert of chocolate every time I’ve had a shit day. I take time to look after myself. I have time to exercise. To take my tablets on time, to eat right and to be able to have time to relax and have a self care/ skin care regime too.

I do however miss my work. I miss colleagues and having a laugh with the girls. I miss having a career. I miss having somewhat a important role. I miss learning and adapting to change. I miss having me time on the way home from work and my lunch breaks. I miss being Charlie when everyone didn’t just ask about Elijah, they asked about me. I miss feeling proud to be a mum making her own money.

I don’t like asking for money. Christmas is going to be hard for me as I don’t want to ask for money to buy James his own presents. I feel degraded and I don’t think I’ll ever get over it. James doesn’t mind but I hate relying on someone else and it gets me quite uptight. I also get defensive if I’m told no because I can’t just get it with my own money now. Rarely I’m told no btw and I’m not a gold digger so calm down If that’s what you where thinking.

My tired is a different tired. I’m exhausted from a child that takes every inch of my energy. He’s demanding as hell and although I love the time we spend together he can’t half be a pain in the ass.

I get lonely. If I don’t have plans for a few days in a row I get lonely. Even with Elijah I feel alone and like I have no friends even though I know I do. I also get bored easily and want to do something different all the time.

I hate the stigma that comes with being a stay at home mum. It’s like all the years of working have been for nothing. It’s like your worthless because you’ve decided to stay at home and look after your family. People don’t respect you. They think your lazy and have life easy. Having done both, working and staying at home I can say working was easier sometimes and work stops motherhood doesn’t. There’s no home Time when things get tough or calling in sick because you’re having a bad mental health day or chucking your guts up. There’s no lunch break and nobody to help.

Overall I am lucky to be given the opportunity to stay at home and to have such a loving, hard working husband to provide this life for us all. Sometimes I miss working, sometimes I don’t but for now it’s been the best decision we’ve made.

Mental health since becoming a mama.

by Charlie-Jane, posted in Uncategorized

Something I’m not ashamed to say is my mental health has changed so much since having a baby. Some ways in the better and some ways not so good. It’s impossible not to change after having a child and I find that nobody talks about the positives it has on your mindset.

First of all I’m going to start with your expectations of yourself. When you have a baby all you do is compare yourself to other parents, your parents, people you’ve never even met onlines parenting abilities and it’s exhausting. Sometimes you may feel you’ve got to do better at being a parent and do things others are doing. E.g seeing mothers sending their kids to clubs and going on holidays. You think am I being a good mum not sending him to all these groups he wouldn’t even probably like? Am I stopping him learning about culture because I’m too hervous to board a plane with a child that insists on screaming on the floor if he doesn’t get what he wants. You think do I want to be like this parent and be like a child’s friend or be like another and more strict so he appreciates you more. You wonder if you’re doing well enough or if you could do better. It makes you anxious and worried. You spend time worrying that your child will fail and it’ll be your fault because of your failures and although they won’t as you know deep down your a good mum you can’t help but doubt yourself.

A positive is I’ve found I don’t really take anyone’s crap now. When someone expect my life to revolve around them or they’re being nasty now I don’t take it. I don’t want negativity and my negative thoughts around my child so I will just cut out people’s crap. I’m direct and tell people how I’m feeling and surprisingly I feel a stronger happier person when I do. I feel a weight lifted of my shoulders.

Your self image will change. Your body will naturally go through changes growing a baby so you’ll no doubt hate your body. Your skin and hair will look difffrent too. You’ll be self conscious where you weren’t before loving baby clothes instead of dressing to feel good about yourself. And this is probably the most common and saddest thing to happen to most mums. To go from this confident body loving queen to a shell of a woman who’s tenants left the body and took that bit of them with them.

I’m sleepy all the time which causes me to be stressed. I get upset when elijahs been a pain although I don’t show him, sometimes I have to have a good unwinding session before bed. Tantrums are very hard to deal with and the eyes of the public judging you while you struggle hard enough. Sometimes other people’s eyes make you angry and you want to snap but can’t. You have to find the energy to teach your child right and wrong. You need to teach them to deal with their emotions when you can’t even deal with yours. The responsibility is some next level stress.

You’ll probably socialise with people more. You’ll probably make some mum friends and you’ll get out more. You’ll feel happier to express yourself and confide in your friends. You’ll feel more positive having people you can relax and be yourself with. You’ll keep yourself busy and stop your mind wondering.

You’ll feel proud of your child and look at that smiling face. You’ll see you can do anything if you believe in it because your child believes in you. You’ll believe you can be loved. You can see your hard work pay off and feel a love and happiness like no other.

I’ve only touched on some of the ways having a child has affected me and their are so many other ways. I know I sound like I am complaining about being a mother, I am not. I love my child and being a mother more than anything it’s everything I’ve always wanted. But you have to realise that you do have emotions and they are going to change and it’s ok to talk about them rather then bottle them up inside and struggle alone. If you ever need help my inbox is always open.

Feeling guilty for having me time.

by Charlie-Jane, posted in Uncategorized

Something I’d never thought I’d have is guilt for is having me time. As Elijah gets older his grandparents want him for the day more and it also gives me a little bit of a break to recharge. Although I need the time to destress, breath and normally clean the house there is always a element of guilt. I’m unsure why I feel guilty he’s having fun with family and he’s always asking do go to his nanny’s and grandads houses.

I think mainly it comes from other mothers complaining they don’t get a break ever. I feel bad for those mothers who never get a break as it can be quite healthy to have some me time and your child be it’s own person elsewhere too. It’s different then when you work and child has to be looked after but if I’m just sitting there having a cup of tea or catching up with friends I feel guilty. I also feel guilty because I feel like a bad mum, I feel like I’m abandoning him.

The days leading up till him going elsewhere I’m like bon voyage! See you soon! Especially when he’s on the floor rolling around because I won’t share a kit kat with him. But on the day he’s gone when I’ve woken and he has gone with his dad to his nanny’s I feel quite empty and out of place. I wonder if I’m a bad mum for sending him away does he think I don’t love him? Then I remember it’s silly to think these things and he is perfectly okay and always comes back trying to tell me what he’s done today! I think there’s a bit of stigma too to expect a child to be secured to your hip 24/7 when you can never be your own person anymore. You’re expected to give up every minute of your life having a child. It’s good to have time off because it allows you to be yourself again outside of a mum capacity even if you’re slobbed out on sofa with a cup of tea watching friends.

Let’s talk Insomnia.

by Charlie-Jane, posted in Uncategorized

For years now I’ve struggled to sleep when I have a bout of anxiety. I sit watching the clock tick by and wonder how what it feels like to sleep. Ten minutes will last I’ll think and look at the clock and it will be two hours.

I’ve tried not drinking all night so I don’t need the toilet, no cafffiene, no late night snacks. I’ve read to relax. I’ve left my phone down stairs. I’ve made my room both cold and hot. I’ve sprayed so much sleep spray I smell like it till I shower. I’ve tried over the counter tablets and I’m exhausted.

Going to sleep at 4 am every night just can’t do. I’m basically living of three hours of sleep every night before my toddler wakes up. I then have to give him my undivided attention. I have to look after him and clean the house. I have to push him in his buggy around and chase him when he runs off. I have to drink copious amounts of coffee now to try wake myself up which never works. In reality I have no idea why I can’t sleep. Maybe it’s because I worry I’ll die in my sleep or something else I’ve buried deep in my self consciousness. I suppose it’s easier now I don’t work as I didn’t sleep atall some nights and had to do a ten hour shift and two hours travelling absolutely exhausted. Some times I’d nod of on the bus to work and have to use everything in me to wake myself up and get tot work on time.

Does anyone have any recommendations to help this sleepy anxious mess out? It would be much appreciated and I’m ready to try anything. I can’t go on much longer not sleeping and there’s so many negative side effects to it and i would like to wake up refreshed in the morning. I imagine some spots would go, I’d have more energy, feel better in myself and may be able to loose weight easier. Any suggestions atall please comment or hit my mail box! Thanks guys!

Keeping organised.

by Charlie-Jane, posted in Uncategorized

Being a mum there’s nothing more stressful than trying to retain things like what day it is and your availability of the top of your head. I’ve found since having a kid I’m a bit more organised and able to structure my life a bit better without planning to see someone and forgetting. I owe it all down to my new organisation.

My favourite thing is my diary. Until a few months ago I was rechecking texts to remember when I was seeing people and getting mixed up stressing myself out in the process. I brought myself a lovely diary which has lots of space. I have a big part for each day and then 4 small boxes on the next page to write things I could be doing or have planned also. What I do is write my day and evening plans and then in a box sometimes cleaning jobs I need to do and then in a box meal prep and what’s for dinner. My diary also has a convenient reminders check list at the side of each week so I can write what I need to do each week and tick it off. Very handy when needing to call doctors, run an Errand or a reminder to pick something up in town. The diary also comes with a month overview so I can write clearly where I am so I don’t have to look through weeks to find the dates which I think is so handy. My diary makes me feel safe. It shows me I’m actually quite busy and have friends and am loved. It shows me I do a lot around the house when I think I’ve done none.

I also have a large quantity of notebooks. My favourites are magnetic ones I keep on fridge for writing shopping lists and quick reminders. I love my menu planner which I think is really good for reminding me what meat to get out, what to buy for shopping and have a routine that is not the same grub every night .

Having a family Callander can be good too. If one of us want to do something we write on diary that way if one of us want to go out with friends childcare’s left with the other person so no arguements. However James forgets to read and has several times booked to do things on days I’ve got a paid for show or reunion to attend that’s been planned for months.

I really find that keeping organised has really helped me and my life to stay on track recently and gives me a lot of comfort when organising. I feel on top of myself and writing to do lists can really help my mind and make me stop being anxious and focus on a task. I get satisfaction crossing things I’ve done out and adding new things to my diary and note books makes me feel as though I have a life when sometimes I feel I don’t.

Wedding talk: part four- Bridesmaids.

by Charlie-Jane, posted in Uncategorized

Picking your bridesmaids can be hard work but I chose 4 of my nearest and dearest friends to be mine. People who I knew if I ever needed them they’d be there. So how did I choose? Basically I didn’t think about it I just basically knew and I think if you don’t know they shouldn’t be a big part of special day.I didn’t make the girls think they’d be bridesmaids, I told them I was asking other people and I think it made them think they weren’t going to be asked. I asked them by sending them a confetti popper filled with dried flowers and the question would you be my bridesmaid in. I didn’t ask in person so they all loved the surprise and got back to me immediately. For my flower girl I sent a bracelet with “Will you be my flower girl?” on and it said on it she’d get a wish and when it broke it would come true. Also sent through post as surprise.

Before the hen do I thought the girls should meet so it wouldn’t be awkward. I created a group chat where we talked all wedding things. I arranged a meal and to go shopping for wedding makeup for the girls as they wanted to do their own. They all brought the same lipstick which matched and decided on what look to go for. They all got on very well like a house on fire and started planning hen night.

For the hen night I didn’t want to do much. I’m quite an anxious person and the thought of people looking at me and doing something to make me look like a tit made me feel quite sick. I said I’d be happy with getting wasted and having a nice meal. We where going to go bowling but I decided I needed a few more cocktails in me. The girls surprised me with lovely decorations and sashes and it was lovely. There are some pretty atrocious photos of me after a few drinks so I won’t be posting the before and after photos they got of me! We all (those of us that could) got very drunk and had lots of fun. It was a great night and it was lovely the amount of people who say congratulations to you all night. The night ended with a kebab of course in my tiara after almost starting a drunken fight with some guy who kept trying to touch me! Classy as always.

The night before the wedding Taryn my unofficial maid of honour stayed over if it wasn’t for her I don’t know how I’d of got through the night or morning. I don’t show it but I was excited and frightened as I hate spotlight being on me. On the day of the wedding the girls all arrived at around 8 am and we all got ready together taking in turns to get our hair done by the hairdresser. I did all the girls eye make up for them (the same again) and they all looked amazing. We all shared make up and bits and while I had a make up artist do my make up it was lovely to help with theirs. My mum arrived mid morning with a feast and we all ate carefully to avoid getting food on our Prestine make up. Getting into the dresses made it all real and I got nervous because everyone was looking at me in my dress and the thought of doing it in front of others made me want to pass out but I knew I was going to be married soon and got through it. The bridesmaids went in one car and my best friend Taryn came with me and my dad In wedding car. Once we got there my worry got more and more but the girls calmed me down and stopped me killing my photographer for trying to take photos of me while I was stressed out. They all looked absolutely beautiful and did brilliantly all day I couldn’t of chose better people if I’d tried.

I really enjoyed my day with these girls and dancing all night even if I was a bit anxious all day they continued to keep me calm and carried on without me when I left the photos as I’d had enough and just wanted to see my husband.

I hate this photo of me but I love it because it’s with my best friend and she’s like a proud mum in it !

This photo was taken before I got separated from my bridesmaids and Taryn stopped me from having a mini breakdown, while my dad stood there like Christ Bridezilla has entered the room.

Just so you know these dresses cost me like 30 quid each by the way.I know right bargain! just goes to show you don’t have to spend a fortune to let someone’s beauty shine through. I originally asked the girls what they liked and looked online we where going to look in shops but same things where online. All the girls loved what I’d selected and it was lucky I got dresses that fit all them without needing a seamstress. When I ordered the dresses one of the bridesmaids was 15 weeks pregnant and would be 30 at the wedding so I ordered her the size up and it fit perfectly! It’s not all about money at a wedding it’s about you, your commitment and your friendships and family relationships all coming together to fill each other with love for that special day.

You need your bride squad and your best pals and I’m so incredibly greatful to Bryony, Taryn, Sammie and Zoey for their friendship and their help on my special day.

Hello October!

by Charlie-Jane, posted in Uncategorized

It’s finally feeling like autumn. The rainy weather and chunky knit jumpers have come back with a bang and I am totally here for it. This month we’ve got lots of exciting plans with friends and family! We’ve got a dinosaur day at the zoo, our yearly pumpkin picking session, Halloween party and lots of days out and meals planned! I for one totally love this spooky season and wrapping up warm. The darker evenings mean I can enjoy my fairy lights longer, make a hot chocolate and slip into my pjs sipping on said hot chocolate. The time of year a hot bath actually relaxes you as you don’t feel uncomfortably hot.

This is the month I normally start buying Christmas presents and finish off Elijahs birthday presents. I cannot believe he will be 2 next month!! Our little nipper will of graduated fully to terrible twos and I don’t know whether to celebrate it or cry in a corner that these tantrums are gonna get worse. I’m excited to start putting pumpkin spice in everything and start the seasonal baking. We may have already made some Halloween shape biscuits but doesn’t count if you where just testing your cookie cutters.

Very excited for this month and to spend time with everyone and very excited to start to put on scarfs and Beany hats and not sweat pushing around a buggy. I’ve started my diet so I’m planning to exercise more around the house and make use of my exercise bike in the summer house taking my audible books out with me. Slightly warmer than it would be to carry on my long walk /run at 7 after Elijah goes to bed. Time to really enjoy Elijah being young. Time to enjoy jumping in muddy puddles, collecting leaves, doing arts and crafts and exploring the season together. I’m super excited and can’t wait to write more posts about things I get up too! But for now I’m off to cook some comfort food the best bit about a english autumn is a nice home cooked cottage pie!

Wedding talk: Part three – Entertainment.

by Charlie-Jane, posted in Uncategorized

Entertainment is something really important for a wedding. When you’re having a reception you don’t want you guests stood around staring at the walls bored out of their mind so this is something I focused on quite a lot. Having children coming it was essential they wouldn’t get bored and have things to do and play with at all times.

First of all you want a dj. A good one, you want them to be able to take over your entire disco. I looked around at reviews I didn’t care about prices I just wanted a good one and then met with them. I didn’t tell them what to play I just said give me a good mix and shove in some Kanye, iggy azalea and queen. What’s a wedding without queen. Other than my first dance I didn’t request any specifics I said no black lace (party tunes)and under no circumstances would baby shark be played or their dj set would be thrown out the nearest window. The only thing I didn’t want is to feel like I was at a kids party, it was me and James wedding day and we love anything we can sing too and dance and said let the guests request it’s a party! I even got little dj requests made on Etsy and shipped to me for the wedding. I feel the dj really made a difference and EVERYONE got up and danced at some point even if the dance floor wasn’t huge and to my surprise I basically danced all night. And i may or may not of been dropping to floor and rapping like a mad woman but i was killing it!

Secondly we wanted a photo booth. We looked at lots of places on line and when we went to pick dj had a look on their website and they just so happened to do a photo booth too. I looked through the photos they had and the props and loved them. I booked straight away. Photo booths are a bit expensive but I don’t care everyone absolutely loved the entertainment and even the quiet ones went in. The package came with photos put online only I could access, a usb with them all, photos for all the guests (as many as they wanted) and a photo book the staff would print a extra of each photo and put them in and make guests write a comment next to it like a guest book. I’m so glad they did as the guests forgot to write in my guest book and I had like three pages! It was full to the brim and was such a precious memory keep sake and makes me chuckle watching how people get more drunk and the naughty drawings and words appeared. The props where amazing and they had two massive boxes filled with hats, masks, accessories, signs, wigs you name it they had them! The guests could also choose how many photos to take in one and choose everything down to the background. Perhaps the funniest was cousin completely wasted doing some sort of gangster pose with spider man in the background writing in the book “cogratumilations wagwan”. Everyone loved it and it was nice to see couples and family’s taking photos and when I go to my family and friends houses now and see them hanging on the wall it just fills me with joy. It also meant we had some immediate wedding photos which I loved. When we went home we took them back to the hotel and that night went through laughing.

Activities for the older guests. As previously mentioned I got some dj requests made to start conversations and let my guests choose what they had playing to dance too. I also put out some little activity sheets which came back absolutely halerious especially when people got drunk and filled them with fake people such as the rock and some other guy from fast and furious. Apparently I have very famous friends. I got adult games of giant naughts and crosses, lido and snakes and ladders which I donated to a primary school after the big day. Adults like to eat too so I got a doughnut wall filled with doughnuts and I got pick n mix which guests could help them self’s to which also entertained them. Also the bar defiantly helped entertain everyone!

Children where quite hard as he’s a lot of baby’s and toddlers, but I got children all colouring books (big ones to take home) , crayons, bubbles and some activity sheets from Poundland. When kids got bored of them it entertained the adults. I also brought toys from Elijahs home like cars, figures and my friend brought some too. These went down a big hit with the younger children and they where entertained for so long! They also loved the pick n mix. When the music came on they loved having a boogy on the dance floor and chasing the lights. The kids clearly enjoyed the photo booth too as there’s lots of photos of them with different hats and masks on and they walked around all night wearing different things!

Other than normal entertainment big things like first dance and speeches where put closely together before the dj started so that everyone could have cake and eat and do what they wanted and so that children could go when tired or bored!

Overall I think I entertained everyone pretty well and there’s things I could of done to entertain people a bit more but you do what you can! But it was a fantastic day!